The surprising way some states are trying to boost their economies: Paying people to move there

For years, cities and states have competed for businesses with tax breaks and incentives. but a growing number are now trying something different: paying people to move there.

These “relocation incentives” aren’t just for remote workers anymore. Several states and even individual cities are offering cash, student loan repayment assistance, or other benefits to attract new residents, hoping to revitalize their economies and address population decline.

Why the shift?

The pandemic accelerated remote work, allowing people to live anywhere with a good internet connection. This sparked a realization: attracting residents can be just as impactful as attracting businesses. new residents bring spending power,contribute to the tax base,and fill labor gaps.

“We realized that people are the economic drivers,” says Sarah Reynolds, director of economic development for Tulsa, Oklahoma, which launched a high-profile relocation program in 2021. “if you can attract talent,the businesses will follow.”

Who’s offering what?

* west Virginia: The “Ascend WV” program offers $12,000 and free outdoor recreation opportunities to remote workers who move to select communities.
* Tulsa, Oklahoma: Tulsa Remote provides $10,000 grants, along with co-working space and community events, to remote workers.
* Northwest Arkansas: The “Life Works Here” initiative offers $10,000 and a bike to attract remote workers.
* Vermont: the New Relocation Grant program provides up to $10,000 to cover relocation expenses for remote workers.
* Maine: Offers student loan repayment assistance and other incentives through its Prospect Maine program.

Does it work?

Early results suggest these programs can be effective. Tulsa, such as, has seen a meaningful influx of new residents and a boost in its tech sector. West Virginia reports that Ascend WV participants have contributed millions to the state’s economy.

However, there are challenges. Some programs have struggled to attract a diverse pool of applicants,and concerns have been raised about whether the incentives are sustainable in the long run. There’s also the question of whether people will stay once the incentives run out.

Despite these challenges, the trend of paying people to move is likely to continue as states and cities seek innovative ways to boost their economies in a rapidly changing world. It represents a fundamental shift in economic development strategy – one that recognizes the value of investing in people, not just businesses.

## CDC Advisers to Re-examine Childhood Vaccination Schedule, Sparking Controversy

A child gets immunized at a Florida pediatrician’s office in September.
Joe Raedle/getty Images

Powerful federal advisers this week are expected to make a controversial change to how babies are immunized against hepatitis B, and to question how pediatricians inoculate children against more than a dozen other infectious diseases, including measles, mumps, whooping cough and polio.

The centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is convening Thursday and Friday for a closely watched meeting to rethink fundamental elements of the childhood vaccination schedule, which has protected children from hazardous diseases for decades.

The potential changes are welcomed by allies of health and Human services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,who has long questioned the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.”We’re now starting to see truth telling about vaccines, and it goes without saying, pharma, medicine, academia, mainstream media are not happy,” Mary Holland of Children’s Health Defense said in a video posted to the group’s social media page.The nonprofit advocates against vaccines and was co-founded by Kennedy.

The meeting underscores grave concerns among many public health experts, who fear it will further erode childhood vaccinations, leading to a resurgence of preventable infectious diseases.

“We now seem to have

CDC Faces growing Distrust as Independent groups Step In on Vaccine Guidance

Confidence in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is waning,leading to a surge in independent medical groups offering their own vaccine recommendations. This shift comes amid concerns over the agency’s handling of vaccine guidance and a perceived lack of transparency.

The CDC’s credibility took a hit following the departure of key officials during the COVID-19 pandemic and accusations of political interference. More recently, confidence was further eroded last month when the agency changed its stance on whether vaccines may cause autism, a theory championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other anti-vaccine activists but long debunked by a large body of high-quality research.

in response, many independent medical groups, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and a newly formed effort at the University of Minnesota called the Vaccine integrity Project, have begun issuing independent recommendations, which some states have begun following instead.

The vaccine committee is expected to hear the first report by a new working group tasked with scrutinizing the childhood vaccine schedule. The schedule is the finely calibrated timetable pediatricians use to administer the sequence of more than 30 doses to protect against more than a dozen diseases.

Kennedy Jr. Appointee to Review Hepatitis B vaccine Suggestion for newborns

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory panel, appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,is set to discuss and vote on the long-standing recommendation for a hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth. The two-day meeting, beginning December 4th, coudl potentially lead to restricted access to the vaccine for newborns.

The hepatitis B vaccine has been routinely recommended for all infants since 1991, aiming to prevent the spread of the virus which can cause serious liver damage and cancer. However, the review comes amidst growing scrutiny from vaccine skeptics, and with Kennedy Jr.- a vocal opponent of vaccines – now heading the HHS department.

The panel’s decision could considerably impact public health policy regarding infant vaccinations,and is being closely watched by both medical professionals and advocacy groups. The outcome of the vote will determine whether the current recommendation remains in place, is modified, or is removed altogether.

Kennedy Jr.’s Vaccine Panel Faces Backlash Over hepatitis B Recommendation

2025/12/04 02:51:55

A federal vaccine advisory group, recently appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is facing significant criticism for considering a recommendation to not universally vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B. The panel’s discussion has ignited concerns among medical professionals who emphasize the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

The debate centers around the advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP),tasked with advising the CDC on vaccine recommendations. while the committee hasn’t made a final decision, the consideration of altering the long-standing practice of global newborn hepatitis B vaccination has raised alarms.

Dr. Paul Offit,a leading vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,expressed strong disapproval. “This is a terrible idea,” he stated. “The hepatitis B vaccine is incredibly safe and effective. To even consider not giving it to all newborns is a step backward for public health.”

The current recommendation, in place for decades, is to administer the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. This practice aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus and protect infants from developing chronic liver disease and liver cancer.

Critics argue that the discussion reflects Kennedy Jr.’s long-held skepticism towards vaccines. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly questioned vaccine safety, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting their benefits.

Dr. Sean O’Leary, a member of the ACIP, defended the vaccine’s track record. “The hepatitis B vaccine has one of the most well-established safety records of any vaccine,and it’s one of our best,” he said. “We’ve been using it for a long time. It’s one of our best tools to protect babies from chronic illness and liver cancer. This is a situation where one missed case is to many.”

He also addressed concerns about parental choice, stating, “You probably will also hear a lot from individuals in this meeting who claim parents don’t get a say in their children’s immunizations. I want to be very clear when I say that’s completely false. … We want to make sure we’re protecting children from harmful diseases while also respecting parental involvement.”

The ACIP’s deliberations are ongoing,and a final recommendation is expected in the coming months. The outcome will likely have significant implications for infant vaccination policies and public health efforts to combat hepatitis B.