By Bernard E. Anderson, Ph.D.
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Professor Emeritus, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and Senior Economic Advisor, National Urban League

December’s job growth of 256,000 jobs – 231,000 of them in the private sector, showed a strong labor market driven by stable, modest consumer spending.  It’s steady as you go on the path of stable, balanced growth.

Given the reduced rate of inflation, the number of new jobs suggests that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates only once, not two times in the next two quarters.  Rate cuts increase borrowing which stimulates spending and boosts inflation. 

While the overall unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, the Black rate remained unchanged at 6.1% and the Black/white unemployment ratio was 1.69. 

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

The Ohio Department of Development announced $20.5 million in grants to help Ohioans experiencing homelessness find temporary, emergency shelter and permanent housing. 

“Homelessness is a challenge that can only be overcome when we come together,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “This funding not only provides shelter to Ohioans facing difficult times; it gives them hope for a better future, and the opportunity for a fresh start.”

The state approved $20.5 through the Homeless Crisis Response program to assist 47 nonprofit and local government agencies with homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing and emergency shelter services.

The funds will assist 34 agencies operating emergency shelters and support 13 housing stability programs. Overall, it’s expected to benefit 64,676 Ohioans experiencing homelessness.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Pennsylvania American Water, announced  that the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) has received a $20,000 commitment as part of a larger Foundation Corporate Strategic grant. Funding will enhance workforce development initiatives that help close the equality gap for African Americans and other historically underserved groups throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Wednesday (January 1st) was the first day of a potential clean slate for up to 500,000 Minnesotans with minor and nonviolent criminal records, easing barriers to jobs, housing and education.

Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act, which took effect Jan. 1, begins the process of automatically expunging eligible arrest and conviction records of people who have remained crime-free for two to five years, depending on the offense.

As the Urban League of Greater Hartford (Hartford, CT) continues to rebound from a financial downturn five years ago, the organization has received a boost from one of its biggest supporters.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded the urban league a $600,000, two-year, flexible funding grant with no direct programming requirements. The grant is among the largest the organization, which turned 60 this year, has ever received.