The LuLac Edition #4, 775, July 28th, 2022

 

JOHN FEAL: PAT TOOMEY IS A PIECE OF SHIT

Puny Pat from Pa.

Activist John Feal who has been fighting for the medical cre of 911 first responders and veterans who were in close proximity to burn pits let puny Pat from Pa. have it today. Feal said that Toomey was a coward and that his opposition was disgusting to veterans. He summed it up nicely by saying that “Republicans love soldiers but they hate veterans”.

Meanwhile John Stewart came after puny Pat from Pa. "I'm used to the lies, I'm used to the hypocrisy, I'm used to the cowardice, I'm used to all of it, but I am not used to the cruelty," Stewart told reporters outside the Senate during a news conference called by the bill's advocates.  Military veterans, erupted in anger on Thursday after U.S. Senate Republicans blocked a bill to provide healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits while serving abroad.

Republicans "haven't met a war they won't sign up for and they haven't met a veteran they won't screw over," Stewart said.

The military burn pits bill, which initially passed the 100-member Senate with the support of 34 Republicans and all 50 Democrats, would expand access to health services and disability benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic smoke from the U.S. military's use of burn pits to dispose of waste on foreign bases until the mid-2010s.

A technical correction held up the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, then Republican Pat Toomey blocked a quick procedural passage in the Senate, citing concerns with how money was appropriated in the bill.

Republicans like puny Pat from Pa. take photos with the  military and say they are the cream of the crop in America. But then they crap all over them the first chance they get.

 

HEY DAD, WHAT THE FUCK????

Glenn Thompson, hypocrite. (Photo: AP)

Pa. State representative Glen Thompson really showed what a scum bag father and legislator he is. The Pennsylvania representative attended the same-sex wedding of his son three days after voting against legislation to protect the recognition of same-sex marriages. Thompson, a Republican who represents a large swath of conservative northern Pennsylvania, voted against the bill brought by Democrats to the floor of the U.S. House.

The vote came amid concerns that the Supreme Court ruling overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision on abortion access could jeopardize other rights aside from access to abortion, including 2015’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which established the rights of same-sex couples to marry nationwide.

This guy is father of the year or faker of the year? I’ll stick with scum bag hypocrite. 

 

TRUMPANZEE ATTEMPT TO GET RID OF ELECTION DROP BOXES

The Luzerne County Council’s Steve Urban Junior has been trying to get rid of ballot drop boxes. Both he and Republican board members Alyssa Fusaro are against the use of the drop boxes unless they are codified in state law.

The Times Leader reported that the five drop box locations are at the county-owned Penn Place Building in Wilkes-Barre, the Pittston Memorial Library in Pittston, Hazleton City Hall, the Wright Township Volunteer Fire Department in Mountain Top and Misericordia University in the Back Mountain.

In June, when 10 county council members were seated, all nine Republican council members supported Councilman Brian Thornton’s resolution urging the state to eliminate no-excuse mail ballot voting and mail ballot drop boxes.

Typical of a thug like Thornton who has pretty much poisoned the County Council  with his childish pouting (Lying Brian wanted to be the Chair, snuff, sniff and was rebuffed) to join forces in making it harder for people to vote. The drop boxes are a convenience and there is no evidence that any voter fraud took place in their use. Some people mistakenly tried to put their spouse’s ballot in the box but education efforts were put in place to stop that practice.

  The bottom line here is these boxes are gotten rid of in Luzerne County, the Republican majority will pay at the polls. The drop box, like it or not has become a convenience people like. If they gut that, this majority proved they might be able to win an election ONCE, but by showing that they can’t govern, won’t win again.

 

TRUMPANZEE SNOWFLAKES HOUND LONG SERVING COUNCIL WOMAN

Councilwoman of Harvey’s Lake Michelle Boice has served that community for years with her stellar leadership. But it appears she annoyed a few of her citizens who took offense to a Facebook post she made on former President Trump. Boice said this: In the post, Boice said, “Just a thought…..wouldn’t it do our country a lot of good if the Leader of the Trump Cult (Donald) would mix up a batch of Rev. Jim Jones’ kool-aid and gather his multitudes together to said kool-aid party? They’d surely all follow him, straight to Hell!”

Residents go their itty bitty feelings hurt because she..wait for it, expressed an opinion.  Her words were twisted by people who believe the big lie. Now that’s not likedrinking Jim Jones’ Kool Aid but pretty damn close.

See Trumpers, especially locally have no problem yelling “Lock her up” regarding e mails (HRC in ’16) which was total bullshit, but have no problem attacking a long standing public servant because she refused to bow down to their lord and savior Diaper (always lying and full of crap) Don.

I wonder how many of the “concerned citizens” think the Insurrection was just a skirmish. 

 

THE LU NEEDS ANOTHER NEW ELECTION DIRECTOR

Luzerne County lost another election director. The new guy, Susek quit after 8 months. Apparently he couldn’t take the heat in the kitchen. I saw this guy in action at the annual meeting of The League of Women Voters in May and he meandered through a speech that was not that impressive.

Randy Robertson the out o town jasper who I don’t think owns a tie says not to worry. He’s on it and will get us a new Election Director before November. Yeah Randy, right.

In the meantime it’s a good thing he hired Beth McBrde of Wilkes-Barre as the Assistant Director who has been around politics since she was in high school. 

Here's  thought. Let's just save a lot of time and effort and bring back Lenny Piazza. 

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES $180,000 FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

GRANT AIMED AFFORDABLE HOUSING, REVITALIZING AND SUSTAINING NEIGHBORHOODS, AND CREATING JOBS

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that NeighborWorks NEPA will receive $180,000 to support their work developing and preserving affordable housing, revitalizing and sustaining neighborhoods, and creating jobs. The grant is part of FY2022 funding from NeighborWorks America.

“Every American deserves a comfortable, affordable home in a safe neighborhood, and NeighborWorks NEPA is striving to make that a reality for all Northeastern Pennsylvanians,” said Rep. Cartwright. “I am proud to support funding that invests in our communities, and I am grateful to Jesse Ergott and his entire team for the work they do to revitalize our neighborhoods and counsel first time homebuyers, so they can feel confident in their purchase.”

“We truly appreciate the Congressman’s support for this critical investment in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s neighborhoods and residents,” said Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania President & CEO. “We believe that having safe and stable places to live is foundational to a thriving community, and this funding will allow us to continue our important work to offer a helping hand to more of our neighbors.”

This year, NeighborWorks America is distributing more than $78 million across the 247 nonprofits that make up its network in all 50 states, the District of Colombia and Puerto Rico. Funded by the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, these grants will support that national network of organizations in the work they do provide financial counseling, promote community engagement, and increase accessibility of  affordable housing.

SENATE ADVANCES HISTORIC BILL TO BOOST AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND COMPETITIVENESS

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

LEGISLATION WILL HELP UNITED STATES COMPETE BY INVESTING IN DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING AND BOLSTERING NATIONAL SECURITY

CHIPS ARE MANUFACTURED AND RESEARCHED IN PENNSYLVANIA SEMICONDUCTOR FACTORIES IN PITTSBURGH, BETHLEHEM AND MOUNTAIN TOP

BILL ALSO INCLUDES CASEY PROVISION TO ADVANCE AMERICAN STEEL COMPETITIVENESS

U.S. Senator Bob Casey  is announcing that the Senate passed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to create jobs, lower costs, boost domestic manufacturing and strengthen supply chains. The bill invests in American technology, innovation and manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Producing that chips in the United States will also benefit the workers in industries that rely on semiconductors from autoworkers to health care workers. From research universities in Western Pennsylvania to national defense equipment factories in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth stands to benefit from this legislation. The CHIPS and Science Act is a critical part of Democrats’ strategy to combat inflation and lower costs for families.

Currently, the United States only produces 12 percent of semiconductors in the world—down from 37 percent in the 1990s—as foreign competitors, including China, are heavily investing in the industry. The bill will help the United States better compete with China, boosting our economy and our national security. The legislation also includes Casey’s Steel Upgrading Partnerships and Emissions Reduction (SUPER) Act to establish the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) first research and development (R&D) program focused on low-emission steel production to strengthen American manufacturing.

“When we lift up American workers, we can outcompete anyone in the world,” said Senator Casey. “The CHIPS and Science Act will enable us to make more products in America, including crucial semiconductor chips to power cars, computers and smartphones. By investing in technology and manufacturing, we will create countless jobs, shore up supply chains and protect our national and economic security.”

The CHIPS and Science Act includes a number of provisions that will support U.S. manufacturing, boost our economy and strengthen national security vulnerabilities, including:

Investments in Semiconductors and Chip Manufacturing

The bill includes $52 billion in investments and incentives for American semiconductor companies to conduct R&D and manufacture chips domestically in the United States. Part of this investment funds an incentive program to focus on legacy chip production to aid industries critical to the American economy, including the auto industry. Funding will also go to the implementation of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP), and other R&D programs. The NSTC will serve as a hub for conducting advanced semiconductor research and prototyping, while the NAPMP will focus on the challenge of embedding fragile chips into small configurations that combine multiple systems. This will provide long-term benefits to American consumers including lower costs, increased functionality, and improved energy efficiency. The legislation also provides funding to the Department of Defense to support semiconductor investments that are critical to U.S. national security.

Wireless Telecommunications

The CHIPS and Science Act also includes $2 billion to invest in the Open Radio Access Network (ORAN), helping U.S. wireless networks better compete against Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE. ORAN would create an open wireless network that allows components from different manufacturers to operate on the same network. Investing in ORAN is beneficial to U.S. national security, as the intelligence community has warned that Huawei and ZTE pose significant national security threats, including leaving U.S. companies vulnerable to Chinese surveillance and cyberattacks.

Research and Innovation

Investing in scientific R&D is critical to economic development, public health and national security. As much as 85 percent of U.S. productivity growth in the first half of the 20th century resulted from technological advances. However, U.S. federal government R&D, measured as a percentage of GDP, is near its lowest point in over 60 years. The CHIPS and Science Act invests in R&D and scientific research to spur innovation within specific sectors and in communities across the country. The National Science Foundation will receive $36 billion in additional investments, including funding for STEM education efforts. The bill also invests in the National Institute of Standards and Technology, including funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which supports small- and medium-sized manufacturers. In an effort to diversify the types of communities that are on the frontier of America’s innovation economy, the bill calls for the designation of at least 20 regional technology and innovation hubs throughout the country. The Commonwealth stands to compete for these designations as well as funding through a new program to support growth in persistently distressed communities. Additionally, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science will receive funding for additional research into sustainable transportation, advanced manufacturing, industrial decarbonization, advanced materials, renewable energy spaces and more. The inclusion of Senator Casey’s SUPER Act enables DOE to develop strategies that reduce emissions in steel manufacturing and advances the competitiveness of the American steel industry. The SUPER Act establishes the first crosscutting R&D program dedicated to low-emission steel manufacturing, including efforts to apply R&D on new production methods and public-private partnerships and to commercialize and promote new low-emissions technologies. It also directs DOE to develop a 5-year strategic plan to support research, development and demonstration activities to make technological advancements.

The CHIPS and Science Act is the latest effort by congressional Democrats and President Joe Biden to fight inflation and bring down costs for American families. The Senate passed the bill at a time when, according to a new Treasury Department analysis, the Biden Administration’s actions have reduced gas prices by about 40 cents per gallon. As of July 26, prices at the pump declined by an average of about 70 cents from their last peak, saving families with two cars about $75 a month. On the same date, oil closed below $95 per barrel after spiking to $122 per barrel in June. The Biden Administration is set to release an additional 20 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to further reduce costs at the pump, and announced a new plan to give oil producers the certainty they need to expand production and lower prices. There is more work to do to lower costs across the board: next week, Democrats plan to bring an historic prescription drug pricing bill to the Senate floor.

An earlier innovation and competition bill passed the Senate in June 2021. The House passed its version earlier this year. Once the House passes the final version, the bill will head to President Biden’s desk.

 

GOVERNOR WOLF HIGHLIGHTS NEW STATE CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT TO SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES

Governor Tom Wolf (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Tom Wolf today visited the Early Learning Center at Crispus Attucks in York to highlight his new state child tax credit program, modeled after the federal program, to support Pennsylvania’s working families and ensure unbarred access to high-quality early childhood education.

“Cost should never be a barrier for parents looking for an educational, safe, supportive, and fun environment for their children while they’re at work each day,” said Gov. Wolf. “With cost as a barrier our workforce suffers and the success of Pennsylvanians is stifled. I wanted to create this state-level child care tax credit to support our hard working families, our workforce, our children, and our combined success in this commonwealth.”

In his capstone budget, Gov. Wolf secured $25 million for the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Program. Modeled after the federal child care tax credit program, this state-level child care tax credit program benefits working families with children in daycare who already qualify for the federal program. It’s estimated that nearly 221,000 Pennsylvania families will benefit from this refundable tax credit. The state child care tax credit is for 30% of the federally approved expense.

Pennsylvanians paying for child care services will be able to claim the credit when filing state taxes starting in 2023. Families could be eligible for:

$180 (one child) or $360 (two or more children) for households earning above $43,000, or

$315 (one child) or $630 (two or more children) for households earning less than $43,000.

“Pennsylvania families deserve our help now more than ever. With the cost-of-living at an all-time high and with the extraordinary surplus in our Rainy Day Fund, now is the time to be investing in our families,” said Rep. Carol Hill-Evans. “In addition to financially supporting families and allowing parents to return to work, this will give a boost to the childcare sector, which is still recovering from the pandemic. Right now, over 90% of childcare centers are facing worker shortages. With more families able to afford childcare, these centers will be closer to pre-pandemic attendance levels.”

With the average cost of childcare in Pennsylvania being nearly $12,000 annually, according to the Economic Policy Institute, it’s a growing burden for working families also struggling with rising inflation and gas prices.

 “Quality childcare is the most needed, most expensive services for hardworking families,” said CEO of Crispus Attucks, Bobby Simpson. “This new tax credit will go a long way in helping families acquire good-quality childcare, it will be a tremendous help to our local families.”

Gov. Wolf is committed to meeting the needs of Pennsylvanians and ensuring their future success. In his final budget he secured a historic $1.8 billion increase for education funding, including a $79 million increase for early learning through Pre-K Counts and Head Start. In addition to the state child care tax credit, the governor also prioritized the following direct resources and supports for Pennsylvanians:

$140 million in direct property tax relief.

$375 million for safe and affordable housing by creating new units, repairing existing units, and funding home repairs.

$90 million to stabilize the child care workforce through recruitment and retention payments.

$1 million for a Hunger Free Campus Initiative that will provide grants to higher education institutions to create or expand food pantries and further address college food insecurity.

$100 million for adult mental health services, and the creation of a dedicated Behavioral Health Commission to make recommendations for allocating the funds.

$100 million for student mental health support to ensure Pennsylvania’s youth have all the resources they need to overcome challenges and succeed through Ready to Learn Block Grants.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

 

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

 

This week's guest is Sarah Effertz, Executive Director of the Scranton Jazz Festival.

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River. 

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP

SUNDAY NIGHTS!

 

1975

Our1975 logo.

U.S. President Gerald R. Ford announced that he would run for President of the United States in 1976, in his first try for national office. Ford, described as "the first unelected President" because he had not run for either the Presidency or the Vice-Presidency, had succeeded Richard Nixon after having been appointed U.S. Vice-President in 1974

The first Apollo rocket mission since Apollo 17's 1972 trip to the Moon lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 3:50 pm with a crew of three. In the last use of the enormous Saturn rocket on a manned mission, Donald "Deke" Slayton, Vance Brand, and Brigadier General Thomas Stafford were sent into space about eight hours after the launching of a Soyuz rocket with Alexei Leonov (the first man to walk in space) and Valeri Kubasov, who went up at 4:20 pm from the Soviet Union (7:20 am in Florida). Slayton, who had been one of the original seven Mercury astronauts before being grounded in 1962 because of a heart murmur, radioed to ground control, "I'll tell you, this is worth waiting 16 years for!.... A manned American Apollo spacecraft and the manned Soviet Soyuz spacecraft for the Soyuz 19 mission, docked in orbit, marking the first such link-up between spacecraft from the 2 nations. At 3:19 pm Washington time (10:19 pm in Moscow), Apollo commander Tom Stafford and Soyuz commander Alexei Leonov shook hands. Deke Slayton then joined Stafford in boarding the Soyuz ship, where the astronauts remained for two more hours….The Apollo space program came to an end as Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand and Deke Slayton, with parachutes bringing their space capsule down to a recovery on the Pacific Ocean.  The "splashdown" would be the last water landing of a manned space mission for more than 45 years, with cosmonauts landing their capsules in the desert, or astronauts landing on a runway in a space shuttle. On August 2, 2020, the SpaceX Demo-2 mission would successfully splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico with astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken. The U.S. would not venture into space again until 1981….Near Detroit, former Teamsters Union president Jimmy Hoffa was reported missing after his car was found abandoned outside of the Machus Red Fox, a restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he had said he had an appointment to have lunch with a longtime friend, Detroit mobster Anthony Giacalone. Giacalone denied that he had been aware of any plans for a luncheon date. A missing persons report was filed the next day after Hoffa failed to return to his home in Lake Orion……….By a single vote (214-213), the U.S. House of Representatives joined the U.S. Senate in approving pay raises for Congressmen, federal judges, the U.S. Vice-President and other U.S. officials. The President's annual salary remained at $200,000. On the same day, the House voted 228-189 to remove price limits on American gasoline, effective August 31……The U.S. Senate voted 71-21 to declare one of the two seats for New Hampshire vacant, as both John A. Durkin and Louis C. Wyman continued to claim that they had won the November 1974 election to replace Senator Norris Cotton, whose term had expired in January. Cotton was then appointed to return to his former seat as the interim Senator until elections could be held…..and the number one song in America and LuLac land was “Swearin' to God” by   Frankie Valli.