The LuLac Edition #4,847, November 17th, 2022

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GOP CONGRESSIONAL MAJORITY  

1. They have a hard on for Hunter Biden. This will be just like Benghazi. Tax payer dollars wasted on a private citizen. 

2. They will do their best to cut Social Security.

3. Stop aide to Ukraine because they have no clue about freedom or democracy. They'd run like scared chickens if they ever had to put up a fight like the people of Ukraine. 

 

GOP SORE LOSERS 

I heard through the political grapevine that LuLac was mentioned in a political debate in the 118th Representative race to fill the seat of Mike Carroll. Jim Haddock was facing off against James May and May opined that I once in writing called Haddock a "hack" Jeez, I might have. LuLac has been around for 17 years, we are closing in on 4850 editions and I'm sure I've called numerous politicians a :"hack"  May showed his desperation in digging up an article from more than a decade ago. If that's all he had on Haddock, then it's little wonder why Jim won the election. 

While we're on the subject of "hacks" I'm sure May was referring to a political appointment. Now May was one to talk in the debate abot political appointments. This guy, after losing to Karen Boback had the Republican power brokers give him  job at Penn Dot. It seems primary losers of the GOP land safely, witness Tom Williams' new job. 

Hey, I don't begrudge anybody earning a living. After May's second defeat in a Lackawanna county based race for Representative, May landed a job in the State Treasurer's office.  He quit that job to pursue still another House race in the 118th which he lost. Three times wasn't the charm for May. Word is now he is asking around to get back to his old job. 

Uh does that qualify him as a hack? 

May conceded the race but then nu-conceded. The Republicans do that and point to "all the votes aren't counted". The number of votes Haddock got outweigh any potential outcome. Same with the race for Congress. Lying, crying Jim Bognet hasn't conceded because he wants every vote counted. It appears that these Republicans are trying to question the validity of an election they clearly lost. It must be the only way they can justify their numerous consecutive defeats. .

Haddock  has been criticized for calling himself Representative Elect since all the votes weren't counted. Strange but we don't her anyone criticizing Aaron Kaufer or Alec Rycavage for identifying themselves as Representatives or Representative elects. The bottom line here is that Republicans accuse and tell lies during campaigns. Witness Bognet. 

But even after losing they accuse. Accuse Haddock of stealing a title, getting a political appointment years ago which had no bearing on this race and put doubt in the minds of some feeble minded voters who panic when all the votes weren't counted. 

With Republicans, May especially , ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION.

 And Mr. May, good look with getting that Treasurer's job back.  If that fails, I'm sure the GOP powers that be will land you somewhere. I'm sure they're hacking away on your behalf right now.

NEW CARTWRIGHT LEGISLATION WILL SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARS BY IMPROVING FEDERAL SOFTWARE PURCHASING PROTOCOLS

Congressman Mat Cartwright  (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright  introduced the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act, bipartisan legislation to increase oversight of federal government software purchases and reduce wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars. 

Each year, the federal government spends billions of taxpayer dollars on software purchases, renewals, and license modifications. Limited assessments of existing software assets, combined with the way vendors sell software, often results in federal agencies making duplicative purchases. Without increased agency oversight and governance, software vendors profit at the expense of American taxpayers. 

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act would require federal agencies to conduct an independent, comprehensive assessment of their current software assets and restructure their operations to reduce unnecessary costs.

“Without in-depth assessments of how agencies buy and use software, vendors often have the upper hand in transactions with federal agencies,” said Rep. Cartwright. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will streamline software procurement practices government-wide to the benefit of American taxpayers.”

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act builds on the success of Rep. Cartwright’s MEGABYTE Act, which reduced duplicative software purchases. Signed into law in 2016, the bipartisan MEGABYTE Act has saved American taxpayers over $450 million.

Specifically, this new legislation would require:

·        Federal agencies to provide an independent, comprehensive assessment of their software purchasing practices to Congress, the Office of Management and Budget, (OMB), and the General Services Administration (GSA);

·        Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to develop a plan to adopt enterprise licensing agreements, improving negotiating power against software vendors, and reduce costs; 

·        OMB to publish a government-wide strategy for software modernization based on the aforementioned audits and plans; and

·        Agencies to include their respective plans and performance assessments in annual budget submissions. 

This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-33), ,Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Katie Porter (D-CA-45), and Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08).

Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced companion legislation in September, which advanced out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

This legislation has received the support of the Coalition for Fair Software Licensing, the Computer & Communications Industry Association, NetChoice, and SIE Consulting Group.

“Taxpayers deserve to have their dollars used efficiently. Restrictive software licensing prevents customers, including federal agencies, from utilizing the most innovative, secure, and cost-effective software and cloud services. The result is hard-earned taxpayer dollars wasted by inflexible and opaque licensing agreements,” said Coalition for Fair Software Licensing Executive Director Ryan Triplette. “The Coalition for Fair Software Licensing applauds the introduction of The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act in the House today by Representative Cartwright. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation demonstrates the growing momentum against restrictive software licensing practices in the U.S by establishing a process to identify IT budget redundancies and ensure that every Department and agency gets the most out of their IT spend.”

 

CASEY ON ANNIVERSARY OF INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT ENACTMENT: INFRASTRUCTURE LAW IS A GAME CHANGER FOR PENNSYLVANIA

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act being signed into law by President Biden:

“For years, Washington talked about making major investments in our Nation’s crumbling infrastructure—but no President got it done until President Biden. One year after it was signed into law, it is clear that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a game changer for Pennsylvania. This law has delivered billions to our Commonwealth to improve crumbling roads and bridges, make public transportation easier and safer, expand high-speed Internet access, invest in clean energy, and increase access to clean drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people. From cities to rural towns and everywhere in between, we are tackling the climate crisis while creating good-paying union jobs and investing in Pennsylvania’s economy, all thanks to the infrastructure law.”

Since the infrastructure law was passed, billions in funding has been directed to Pennsylvania:

Roads and Bridges

Casey Announces $327.2 Million for PA Bridges in Fiscal Year 2022

WESA - Biden touts infrastructure bill in front of Fern Hollow Bridge replacement

YourErie - Pa. to receive more than $300 million to fix over 3,000 bridges statewide

Casey Applauds Announcement to Use Infrastructure Law Funds to Swiftly Replace Fern Hollow Bridge

LehighValleyLive - Pennsylvania getting $1.6 billion life preserver for bridges in poor condition

Casey: US-219 Construction Will Receive $53 Million From Infrastructure Law

PennLive - Long wait officially over following ribbon cutting for central Pa. thruway

WBRE/WOU - Senator Casey talks Pennsylvania receiving $1.6B to repair or replace bridges

Legacy Pollution

Casey: Pennsylvania to Receive $104 Million to Clean Up Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells

Casey: Pennsylvania to Receive $244 Million for Abandoned Mine Cleanup

WHTM - Casey: $26M for abandoned mine land revitalization in Pa.

Casey Announces Over $26 Million for Abandoned Mine Land Revitalization in PA

Tribune-Democrat - Stakeholders celebrate 'vitally important' Somerset County acid mine drainage treatment systems

EPA Provides $5.5 Million in Infrastructure Funds to Clean up Bucks and Montgomery County Superfund Sites

Biden Administration Announces $7.3 Million to Tackle Polluted Brownfield Sites in Pennsylvania

EPA Announces Plans to Use Funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to Expedite Cleanup at North Penn 6 Superfund Site

EPA Announces Plans to Use Funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Address Hot Spot at Crossley Farm Superfund Site

Water Infrastructure

WESA - Federal officials hail Pennsylvania dam renovation as a boost to local, national economy

Casey Announces $1.4 Million for Beltzville Lake Dam in Infrastructure Law

WTAE - Upper Ohio Navigation System receives $857 million investment

The Daily Item - Walker Lake Dam project receives federal funding

Casey Announces $1.8 Million for Pennsylvania Wilds Region in Infrastructure Law

Casey Announces $31 Million for Philadelphia and Berks County Water Infrastructure Projects

Inquirer - Long-delayed dredge of Schuylkill in front of Boathouse Row begins, as sludge gets pumped out in $13M project

Casey Announces Funding for Dam Repairs in Schuylkill and Snyder Counties

Casey Announces $2.1 Million for Northwestern PA Water Infrastructure Projects

Casey Announces $8.35 Million for Indian Rock Dam in Infrastructure Law

Casey Announces $11.7 Million for Northeastern PA Water Infrastructure Projects

Casey Announces $8.65 Million for Lehigh Valley Water Infrastructure Projects

Casey Announces $46.9 Million for Western, Central PA Water Infrastructure Projects

Tribune-Review - Emsworth Locks and Dams receive $77M to improve cargo ship travel

Casey Announces $240 Million for Pennsylvania Clean Water Initiative from Infrastructure Law

Casey Announces $20 Million for Port of Philadelphia

YourErie - Presque Isle State Park receives $1.5 million for sand replenishment, erosion mitigation

Transportation

Casey Announces $617 Million in Public Transit Funding from Infrastructure Law

Casey Announces Nearly $234M In Public Transit Funding Through Infrastructure Law

Casey Announces Over $23 Million for SEPTA Buses from Infrastructure Law

Casey: Pennsylvania to Receive $25 Million to Expand Access to Electric Vehicle Charging

Casey Announces $264 Million for PA to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Broadband

WTAJ - Senator Casey speaks about broadband expansion from bipartisan bill

Rail

Pocono Record - Bob Casey makes stop in Poconos to talk Amtrak, infrastructure

Casey, Cartwright Lead Coalition to Push for Scranton to New York Rail Service

Climate and Energy

Casey: Pennsylvania to Receive $186 Million to Lower Energy Costs for Families

Airports

Casey Announces $70 Million for PA Airports

WFMZ 69 - FAA awards $5M to Lehigh Valley International Airport

Tribune-Review - Upgrades eyed to aid Westmoreland airport's future

Casey Announces $20 Million for Pittsburgh International Airport from Infrastructure Law

Casey Announces $24 Million for Philadelphia International Airport from Infrastructure Law

Sun-Gazette - Williamsport Regional Airport receives $700K for tower

Morning Call - Pennsylvania airports, including Lehigh Valley International, will get millions in funding from infrastructure deal

LehighValleyLive - Federal infrastructure update: $3.9M awarded to Lehigh Valley airports, $1.1B coming for Pa. roads and bridges

Cranberry Eagle - Pgh-Butler Regional Airport to receive 5-year grant

Reading Eagle - Reading and Pottstown airports awarded grants as part of infrastructure bill

Observer-Reporter - Local airports benefiting from $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill

Sanatoga Post - Pottstown, Limerick Airports Win Federal Grants

PennLive - Harrisburg International Airport to receive more than $4 million in federal funding for air cargo expansion project

StateCollege.com - University Park Airport to Receive $1.9 Million in Federal Infrastructure Funding

Lock Haven Express - Williamsport Regional Airport set to receive $1 million

WESA - Pittsburgh International Airport to receive $11M from bipartisan infrastructure package

Safe Streets

Casey, Doyle Announce $11.3 Million for Hill District Infrastructure

Casey Announces $25 Million to Make Philly Streets Safer

Federal investments from the infrastructure law and beyond can be found in an interactive, county-by-county map on Senator Casey’s website.

 

GOV. WOLF ADMONISHES HOUSE REPUBLICANS FOR JEOPARDIZING NEARLY $1 BILLION IN FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS

Governor Tom Wolf (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Tom Wolf today admonished the House Republicans’ actions to disapprove Pennsylvania’s effort to update its volatile organic compound (VOC) regulation for conventional oil and gas wells — as required under the federal Clean Air Act — causing a delay in the process that will put Pennsylvania at risk of losing nearly a billion dollars in critical federal transportation funding.

“It’s simply a disgrace that House Republicans are jeopardizing road and bridge repairs by holding up the administration’s efforts to make federally required updates,” Gov. Wolf said. “They hastily held a committee meeting this week without advance notice or transparency for the sole purpose of thwarting this regulation, which will jeopardize nearly a billion dollars in federal funding.”

On Monday, the House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee chaired by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe convened an unannounced meeting to send a disapproval letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) regarding the conventional oil and gas VOC rulemaking. Under Pennsylvania’s Regulatory Review Act, this triggers a 14-day waiting period following the meeting of the Independent Regulatory Review Committee where the regulation is considered, currently scheduled for November 17. Because the 14-day waiting period will expire after November 30, when the General Assembly has adjourned, the regulation that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has moved forward cannot be finalized before the sanction trigger date of December 16.

“As a result of the House Republicans’ actions, state and local governments across the commonwealth will lose the authorization to spend hundreds of millions of dollars of federal transportation funding on affected projects,” Gov. Wolf said. “Because these regulations are required under the Clean Air Act, failure to submit them in final form to U.S. EPA by December 16, 2022, will result in EPA imposing non-discretionary sanctions, and the federal government would thus withhold nearly $1 billion of transportation funding ​– funding that cannot be recuperated. Sanctions can threaten a variety of projects, including highway expansion, new roadway construction, and many highway/bridge restoration and maintenance projects. This could result in some roads and bridges being closed or weight limited, longer commutes, longer ambulance response times, more wear and tear on Pennsylvanians’ cars, and Pennsylvanians’ federal gasoline tax dollars going to other states.

“This regulation is not controversial. It is a federally mandated, technology-based standard. There is no good reason to block the rulemaking but there are extreme consequences for doing so. We have been sounding the alarm for months about the real consequences of these actions and yet they insisted on disapproving the state’s VOC rule. ​

“My administration is reviewing all options to prevent the sanctions from being implemented.”

Gov. Wolf has served for two terms as a leader consistently at work for the people of Pennsylvania. Learn more about how his Priorities for Pennsylvania have fueled the commonwealth’s comeback, leaving Pennsylvania in a much better place than when he arrived.

 

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1975

Our 1975 logo.

The release of a report by the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee confirmed that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency had tried twice to assassinate Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, and once to poison Congo Premier Patrice Lumumba, and that it had supplied aid to insurgents who later assassinated South Vietnam's President Ngo Dinh Diem and Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo. The report emphasized that "No foreign leaders were killed as a result of assassination plots initiated by officials of the United States." Lumumba had been killed later by political rivals in the Congo……..Former California Governor Ronald Reagan entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination, challenging incumbent President Gerald Ford. Afterward, Reagan flew to Miami, where he was confronted at his motel by a 20-year-old man holding a pistol, which turned out to be a plastic toy replica of a .45 caliber revolver.…..Dr. Heinrich Schuetz was sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted of war crimes in Munich, West Germany. In 1942, Dr. Schuetz, a colonel in the SS, had injected bacteria into eleven Roman Catholic priests imprisoned at the Dachau concentration camp as part of a medical experiment…A total lunar eclipse was visible in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and western Australia, and was the 21st lunar eclipse of Lunar Saros 135…….Eldridge Cleaver, former leader of the Black Panthers group, returned to the United States after seven years in exile. Cleaver, living in Paris, had fled the U.S. in 1968 after being charged with violating parole and for having fled a conviction on assault with intent to murder.Cleaver would be jailed until 1980, with a plea agreement dropping the attempted murder charge and being sentenced to time served for the other charges……The first federal special education legislation the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was passed by the U.S. Senate, 87 to 7, after being approved by the House the day before, 404 to 7. The law provided for the equal right of public education to all children, regardless of disability. President Ford would sign the bill into law on November 29……One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which would win the Academy Award for Best Film, was released nationwide in the United States. Directed by Miloš Forman, the film starred Jack Nicholson as a mental patient, and Louise Fletcher as a sadistic nurse..and this week in 1975 the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Feelings” by Morris Albert.