COVID-19 vaccine is just one of many tools available to protect workers
Fifty-seven million essential workers and workers in nonessential industries, many of whom must work in close proximity to others, will not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until production increases. Researchers at the Urban Institute detailed three steps communities and states can take now to protect these workers and reduce the disparate burden of COVID-19 on Black, Native American, and Hispanic and Latinx workers.
New P4A grantees will investigate inequities in housing policy
Policies for Action is proud to announce the funding of 12 new research teams that will work to build the evidence base exploring equity-promoting housing policies. With topics including fair share housing programs, community preference policies, and rent stabilization, these projects will address key policy questions with real and immediate implications, particularly as the country faces the coronavirus pandemic and persistent racial and economic inequity.
The effects of state preemption on infant mortality
Research
shows increasing the minimum wage has positive effects on health and well-being. But some state legislatures have preempted local government attempts to increase the limit in their jurisdictions. Researchers at Syracuse University investigated the impacts of state preemption on infant mortality and found, when considering all large metropolitan counties in preemption states, as many as 605 infant deaths could be attributed to preemption of minimum wage increases.
How does access to small food stores effect dietary behaviors?
People living in food deserts have reduced access to affordable, nutritious food, which can increase negative health outcomes. And small neighborhood food stores are increasingly being seen as opportunities to improve access to healthy foods in these communities. P4A researchers examined associations between accessibility of small food stores, shopping patterns, and dietary behaviors and found that people who lived close to these stores shopped there frequently and were more likely to have purchased fruits or vegetables yet had low skin carotenoids, an indicator of fruit and vegetable intake.
Does the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit help create healthy affordable housing?
Health and housing are inherently linked; people’s homes and neighborhoods can greatly affect physical and mental health and can potentially exacerbate existing health problems or cause new ones. Policies for Action researchers investigated how the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) can contribute to shaping a healthier affordable housing stock and found that although some states incentivize healthy housing criteria, it is rarely required to receive a LIHTC allocation.
