The LuLac Edition #4, 941, March 30th, 2023

BREAKING NEWS

INVESTIGATED AND INDICTED

INVESTIGATED FOR 20 YEARS BY THE GOP AND NEVER, EVER INDICTED

ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION

 

 LYING CRYING BOGNET WHINES BEFORE CONGRESS 

 

Jim Bognet who lost two Congressional races to Matt Cartwright by thousands of votes was lying and crying before a Congressional investigation that has no jurisdiction in Luzerne County. It was a vanity performance of hand wringing on hysteria all over paper that wasn’t ordered properly. Jennifer Learnes Andres reports it this way from the Times Leader.                

A Congressional committee spent three hours Tuesday collecting testimony and asking questions about Luzerne County’s November general election paper shortage.

At the close of the hearing in Washington, D.C., the Committee on House Administration Chairman — U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisconsin — thanked the seven witnesses and said each committee member will have five days to submit additional information.

The witnesses: Jim Bognet, a Republican Congressional candidate in the November general election; Darin Gibbons, counsel for the Republican National Committee; Donald Palmer, commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission; Alisha Hoffman-Mirilovich, executive director of Action Together NEPA; and citizens Theodore Fitzgerald, Benjamin Herring and James Walsh.

In his opening statement, Steil highlighted that nearly one-third of the county’s voting precincts ran out of proper-stock paper on Nov. 8, some shortly after the polls opened. Amid the confusion, some poll workers rushed to stores to buy standard copy paper, while others made copies of ballots, he said.

Steil said it was disappointing county representatives did not accept the committee’s invitation to appear and answer straightforward questions, and he added he hopes they are listening to the hearing.

The goal of the hearing is to prevent such a “disaster” from reoccurring, he said.

All three invited county officials — county Deputy Election Director Beth Gilbert, Election Board Chairwoman Denise Williams and County Council Chairwoman Kendra Radle — declined invitations to attend, primarily because the county District Attorney’s Office is still actively investigating the paper shortage.

Williams said the county law office advised her against attending due to the pending DA investigation.

County DA Sam Sanguedolce said last week his office is thoroughly investigating the cause and effect of the Nov. 8 election paper problem.

U.S. Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, D-New York, the ranking minority committee member, said the paper shortage is “inexcusable” and that nobody disputes something went wrong.

However, he asked why the committee is not waiting until the DA’s report is released, indicating he expects the report will answer many of the committee’s questions about why polling places ran out of paper for the electronic ballot marking devices, who was responsible for ordering the correct type of paper and the overall impact on voters.

Morelle also noted 10 of 11 county council members are Republican and that council hired the top county manager who ultimately was responsible for election bureau staffing.

He also defended the three invited county officials for declining to participate amid the ongoing county investigation and asserted the title of Tuesday’s hearing — “Government Voter Suppression in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania” — “more than implies” the paper shortage was a conspiracy.

He pointed to the FBI definition of voter suppression as intentionally deceiving qualified voters to prevent them from voting — a federal crime.

Morelle said county election boards are supposed to report irregularities to the county DA under state statutes and noted Sanguedolce is a Republican and qualified to conduct such an investigation.

If questions remain after the DA report is released, the Congressional committee could convene another hearing to address them, Morelle said.

U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Georgia, defended the hearing description, saying the Britannica definition of voter suppression as a measure or strategy whose purpose or practical effect is to reduce voting.

Loudermilk said he believes the hearing is timely and important and predicted it will take multiple hearings and further investigation to get to the truth of what happened and ensure it does not occur again.

Many of the witnesses statements touched on complaints and observations that were aired during heated public comment at county government meetings in the wake of the November general.

Bognet told the committee he believes the county has been using the pending DA investigation as a “shield.”

He spoke of the county’s extraordinary need to seek court approval to keep polling places open two extra hours, or until 10 p.m., due to the paper shortage.

Bognet referenced an elderly Hazleton man who appeared at his polling place with his wife shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Day to cast their ballots during the extended hours, only to learn that the overseer of this polling place refused to remain open, preventing the couple from voting.

The Hazleton man expressed his outrage in a video that was aired during the hearing and submitted as evidence.

In another video shown during the hearing, Kim Buerger, of Hunlock Township, said she waited to vote until later in the evening because she was informed her polling place was out of paper for the ballot marking devices and also had no more paper provisional and emergency ballots. She said she went to the polling place around 6- to 6:30 p.m., assuming paper would be replenished by then. Instead, she was handed a copy of a provisional ballot after she signed in. She sat at a table with others and voted on the copy, and the poll worker put it on top of a visible stack of others, she said.

Buerger said she recently researched her voting record and saw no record that her ballot was accepted.

“I’m very discouraged about our election here in Luzerne County, and I am thankful you are looking into this matter,” Buerger said.

Hundreds of votes that had been cast on copied ballots were ultimately accepted after the general, once the selections were transposed onto official ballots by a bipartisan team in public during the election board’s adjudication. Buerger’s ballot may have been among them, but that couldn’t be verified Tuesday evening.

Morelle unsuccessfully challenged the submission of videos as testimony, saying arrangements should have been made to swear in the subjects as witnesses, remotely if necessary, so they could be questioned by the committee.

U.S. Rep. H. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, asked questions about whether county government representatives should be subpoenaed to testify.

Another committee member, U.S. Rep. Gregory F. Murphy, R-North Carolina, said everyone on the committee wants fair elections and described the paper shortage in Luzerne County as “just flat out abysmal.” Murphy said it’s not a political party issue.

While county council has a Republican majority, Bognet pointed out Beth Gilbert, who was acting election director in the general election, had been a registered Democrat when she was hired. He also noted the five-citizen election board has three Democrats and two Republicans.

Witness statements are posted on the Congressional online hearing site. A video of the hearing is posted on YouTube.

Local U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, does not serve on the Congressional committee but was invited to participate because his district includes Luzerne County.

Meuser said the primary election is in less than 60 days, and there are still no answers about the paper problem. A Congressional hearing likely would be unnecessary if county officials had publicly taken responsibility for the paper shortage and presented a plan on how it will be prevented from occurring again, he said.

Government advisories had been issued warning counties across the country about the need to order required-stock paper in a timely manner due to supply chain issues, and he said those warnings had been “utterly ignored” in Luzerne County.

Meuser said many people were remotely viewing the hearing, and he believes the information presented will make a difference. He likened the paper situation to a Super Bowl without footballs.

MORE ON THE HEARING

During yesterday’s hearing on the Luzerne County Election, Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, after hearing Luzerne County Election Board member Alyssa Fusaro’s video statement, said he wished he could ask her questions about the racial slur comment that got her and another man out of the election office. Too bad he did not know that the other man was sitting right in front of him on the panel, Theodore “TJ” Fitzgerald.

 At 2:03:27 in the hearing video, you can hear Alyssa Fusaro’s comment, followed by Rep. Morelle’s  comments at 2:33:18. He did request that office of law report be put into the record regarding the racial slur. https://cha.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/2022-midterms-look-back-series-government-voter-suppression-luzerne

The Election office has been cast as the villains in this case of tax payers money bring wasted. But maybe the GOP right wingers should look into the actions of one of their own again. The Luzerne County Law office recommended Fusaro be removed from the board but Lying, crying Brian Thornton said the Council would investigate. BUT THAT WAS MONTHS AGO and NOTHING. Lying Brian, what say you big man with big mouth? Not saying anything NOW like the coward he is. Regarding GOP Vice Chair of the Election Board Alyssa Fusaro, check this out. 

 

CONFIDENTIAL REPORT OF INVESTIGATION BY LUZERNE COUNTY OFFICE OF LAW WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF LUZERNE COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES 

LINK https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/citizensvoice.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/ed/2edb5518-3fe0-5208-a34e-fb6d9e3f4882/6398cfeac5e80.pdf.pdf

 

 IF I WERE ON THE COMMITTEE 

There were a few questions I would have asked Jim Bognet, T.J. Fitzgerald and Congressman Dan Meuser.

Mr. Bognet, you claim election fraud but yet you carried Luzerne County. Are you saying that your victory in the county was invalid?

Mr. Bognet, If things were so crooked regarding insufficient paper and the ballots how do you account for the fact that your Republican party was the only one in the state to pick up a House seat?

Mr. Bognet, if the Election Board had no integrity how do you account for the fact that the 6^th District   was the only one in the County that went straight Democratic?

Mr. Bognet, the right-wing nut you were running with Doug Mastriano  lost Luzerne County by 1300 votes yet lost Pennsylvania by 700,000.  How can this be fraud that harmed YOU? 

Mr. Meuser: What the hell are you doing here? You brought along these lying loser idiots to make a claim that the Election was questionable yet THESE MORONS won in the county being targeted? That Trump stench didn’t exactly wear off your clothes. May I suggest a new dry cleaner?

And Mr. Fitzgerald: let me share with you a tune you might relate to.

 

 SEE AND HEAR IT ALL AS IT HAPPENED

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT STATEMENT ON AMTRAK REPORT

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Congressman Matt Cartwright, issued the following statement regarding Amtrak’s Scranton-New York Passenger Rail Service Plan and Financial Analysis report:

“Northeastern Pennsylvania’s rail application was already a leading contender, but the new support shown by the Amtrak report released today will help further our success in achieving corridor designation. 

There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Amtrak’s latest findings, including the two-hour-and-fifty-minute travel time from Downtown Scranton to Penn Station in Downtown Manhattan. In addition, one of the stops in Newark, N.J., is a ten-minute cab ride to Newark Airport. This will significantly reduce traffic along I-80 and I-84, easing congestion and reducing emissions.

Ridership numbers are also better than prior studies and the projected costs are reasonable, especially when you consider what it would take to build a new lane on a freeway, for example.

The decision on Corridor Designation and Project Development will be a competitive process and I believe our rail application is second to none. Thanks to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s efforts, PennDOT has agreed to serve as the lead signatory on the region’s highly anticipated Corridor I.D. application, joined by New Jersey Transit and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA).

Northeastern Pennsylvania has a very compelling and powerful case, made even stronger by today’s Amtrak report.

I am grateful to the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority for commissioning this study and thank them for their continued partnership in our dogged efforts to restore rail service to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

I am determined to fight as long and hard as necessary for this profoundly important common cause. This vital transit initiative will spur new jobs and economic development in the region and connect us to major metropolitan areas in a seamless, passenger-friendly system.

We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something transformational for the economy of Northeastern Pennsylvania thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This rail project is vital to jobs now and in the future and is a public investment in transportation critical to economic growth and quality of life.

The Amtrak study released today reveals projected riders and revenue that reinforce what we already knew: This project represents a great opportunity. Couple these estimates with the economic impact Amtrak also projects, and it’s no wonder everyone from the business community to tourism boards to commuters strongly support the project."

 

 CASEY, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO INVEST IN LOCAL FIRE STATIONS

BILL WILL ALLOCATE $750 MILLION TO BUILD, RENOVATE, AND MODERNIZE FIRE STATIONS AND EMS FACILITIES

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) co-sponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help construct and upgrade fire stations across the Nation. The Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation (FIRE STATION) Act will invest in our public safety and security by creating a $750 million fund within the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to build, renovate, and modernize fire and EMS department facilities across the Nation.

“In all kinds of emergencies, firefighters and emergency medical technicians step up to perform essential, life-saving work for our communities,” said Senator Casey. “These heroes have difficult jobs that are too often made harder by crumbling facilities and a lack of resources. The FIRE STATION Act will not only build, renovate, and modernize fire stations across Pennsylvania and our Nation, it will invest in our safety and security and help ensure our first responders are well-equipped and empowered to come to the rescue.”

According to a recent national report on local fire departments across the U.S., 44 percent of fire stations are over 40 years old and in need of significant repairs. Additionally, 56 percent of stations lack exhaust emission control and are not properly equipped with cancer-preventing systems. The survey also finds that many fire and EMS stations across the country have no backup power, have outdated ventilation systems and mold, or even lack crew quarters for female personnel.

This legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Along with Casey, this legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI). U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-9) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

 

GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY SHAPIRO HOST ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AT GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE, HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

First Lady Shapiro with children (Photo: Governor's office)

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro were joined by Pre-K for PA to host pre-school classes from across Pennsylvania for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence – the first of the Shapiro Administration. 

Governor and First Lady Shapiro welcomed pre-k students, educators, and advocates to the Residence and highlighted the need for high-quality early-learning programs for students across the Commonwealth as part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to creating better schools, healthier families, and safer communities. 

“Safe and strong communities are built on the foundation of an adequate and equitable education, from pre-K through college – and we must invest in early education so that every child in Pennsylvania can get the best possible start in life,” said Governor Shapiro. “Strong early childhood education programs set students up for success, both inside and outside of the classroom, and that’s why budget invests over $30 million in Head Start and Pre-K Counts to help us recruit more preschool teachers and serve more students. Lori and I are thrilled to welcome preschool students and teachers to the Residence, and we’re committed to working just as hard for all Pennsylvania children as we do for ours.”

“When our children have access to high-quality pre-K from dedicated and hard-working educators, the entire Commonwealth thrives,” said First Lady Shapiro. “Josh and I are excited to join students, educators, and advocates from across the Commonwealth today to bring attention to this important issue. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that every Pennsylvania child has the support and resources they need to thrive, and we extend our gratitude to the hardworking educators who provide quality education to children across the Commonwealth every day.” 

One of the Shapiro Administration’s top priorities is ensuring every Pennsylvania child receives a quality education. In his first budget address, Governor Shapiro proposed a $30 million increase in Pre-K Counts funding and $2.7 million in funding for the Head Start Supplemental Program to help address staffing shortages in early childhood education programs.

The Shapiro Administration is dedicated to creating better schools and supporting teachers across all of Pennsylvania – and his budget address invests in education at every level, including:

An increase of $567.4 million, or 7.8 percent, for basic education funding.

An increase of $30 million for the Pre-K Counts program.

$2.7 million in funding for the Head Start Supplemental Program

$38.5 million for universal free breakfast for all Pennsylvania students.

$500 million over the next 5 years to reduce and remediate environmental hazards in schools.

$500 million over the next 5 years so that schools can fund mental health counselors and services.

This is Governor and First Lady Shapiro’s first Easter Egg Hunt in partnership with Pre-K for PA, which annually welcomes pre-K classrooms from across Pennsylvania to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence to participate in an Easter egg hunt and celebrate the importance of high-quality, accessible early learning programs.

“Today, only 43 percent of eligible children in Pennsylvania benefit from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend high-quality, publicly funded pre-k,” said Kari King, President and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. “Our coalition is energized to be working with Governor Shapiro to continue to advance the expansion of pre-k in Pennsylvania. His ongoing commitment helps ensure this valuable early learning experience will continue to become available to more and more children.”

 

MEDIA MATTERS

ROB….IS THAT ALL YA GOT???

Last week President Biden was doing a news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In an hour-long televised event Biden answered more questions more fluently than his predecessor would even dream of. But Biden to right wing talk show hosts said Japan instead of something else. One mistake and Rob “woo wah woo wah talking ‘bout the boy from New York City” O’Donnell jumps all over him for it. It is pathetic that when their lord and savior Trump couldn’t answer a factual sentence they let it slide. To Rob, really man, IS THAT ALL YA GOT????? 

 

WALN TV

 

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM 

 

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 SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP 

 

1954 

 

Our 1954 logo

The Soviet Union recognizes the sovereignty of East Germany. Soviet troops remain in the country…..The Castle Romeo nuclear test explosion is executed at Bikini Atoll, in the Marshall Islands…….The trial of A. L. Zissu and 12 other Zionist leaders ends with harsh sentences in Communist Romania……Puerto Rico's first television station, WKAQ-TV, commences broadcasting…..A C-47 transport with French nurse Geneviève de Galard on board is wrecked on the runway at Dien Bien Phu…….The first operational subway line in Canada opens in Toronto……The U.S. Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorize the founding of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado…….South Point School in India is founded, and becomes the largest school in the world by 1992 and 69 years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “The Happy Wanderer” by Frank Weir and his orchestra.

The LuLac Edition #4, 940, March 29th, 2023

 WRITE ON WEDNESDAY 

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo.

This week we present the editorial from the Times Leader regarding that Congressional committee in D.C. that is bemoaning the paper shortage in the last primary election. Good thoughts and common sense.

HOUSE COMMITTEE SHOULD POSTPONE HEARING, CHANGE NAME

If the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on House Administration wants to hold a hearing on the paper shortage debacle of last November’s Luzerne County election, more power to them. Getting to the bottom of this fiasco is an obvious must.

The problems with the hearing set up for March 28 in Washington, D.C., however, are many. And the fact that the committee pigheadedly insisted it will hold the hearing despite the legitimate concerns makes this look like political grandstanding.

Start with the timing. The committee is asking county officials to come to Washington just as primary election season is heating up. Indeed, there is irony that they want to pull election officials away to look into last November’s failures when those officials need to be focusing on assuring that the same problem — and any others — are avoided this May. If they care about election integrity, they would prove it by scheduling such a hearing for after the primary.

A much bigger issue has been widely pointed out: There is already an investigation ongoing, by the Luzerne County District Attorney’s office. It would be both common sense and common courtesy to wait until DA Sam Sanguedolce — a Republican — announces some results.

What, exactly, are the representatives going to ask that the DA’s office isn’t already looking into? How do they justify a hearing when the local investigation isn’t complete? And have they asked Sanguedolce if holding this hearing might interfere with the ongoing investigation?

Sanguedolce and his staff staff are here, in the thick of it. The DA said they have already interviewed more than 100 people. They have broad access to all possible players in the election failure. The Committee on House Administration, by comparison, does not include a single representative from Pennsylvania, let alone one of the two from districts that cover Luzerne County. One wonders how many of the committee members could point to the general location of Luzerne County on a map.

Lastly, there is the loaded title of the hearing: “Government Voter Suppression in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.” Strictly speaking, if we agree “suppression” is the act of keeping something from happening, then the paper shortage qualifies. It prevented people from voting when they arrived at the polls.

But there were earnest efforts to give those same people a chance to vote despite the problem. So far, there remains no indication that the paper shortage was a deliberate attempt to prevent people from voting. There is justifiable frustration over the lack of consequences for the person or people who should have assured adequate paper availability, but this could still be a simple case of miscommunication — people thinking someone else ordered paper, for example.

While “suppression” may be semantically accurate, we think County Election Board Chairwoman Denise Williams was fully justified in calling the hearing title “very disturbing,” especially with the word “government” preceding it. “To say it was government voter suppression when there hasn’t been a report issued on the investigation, I would say it’s not fair to put that narrative out there,” Williams said.

The word “suppression” is heavy with the implication of deliberate, even malevolent intent — we suspect that’s exactly why the Republican-led committee is using it. A more neutral title would have called the hearing what it should be: a look at the election disruption caused by a paper shortage in Luzerne County.

If the House Committee wants this hearing to have any value and credibility, they should postpone it until after the primary election, wait until the local investigation is complete, and change the name.

— Times Leader

The LuLac Edition #4, 939, March 28th, 2023

 

 BANG BANG, HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!

Yesterday my office partner informed me there was another mass shooting in America. He told  me that  children as young as 9 were killed. I thought back 60 years to when I was 9. My biggest worry was whether I would get Mickey Mantle’s card in a baseball card pack at Frank Forlenza’s store on the corner of Union and Dewitt in the Junction section of Pittston. After that I acknowledged the news, felt pretty much nothing and then went back to my work.

Three children and three adults were killed in a shooting at the Covenant School, a private Christian school, in Nashville on Monday, according to police. Law enforcement also killed the suspect after confronting them inside the school, officers said.

The child victims were three 9-year-olds — Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, who were students at the school. The three adult victims were staff members: Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher; Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of the school; and Mike Hill, 61, a custodian.

A little later on after it sunk in there was outrage and then acceptance that nothing would ever be done.

We now have accepted this as normal. Its part of the chances we take by living in a country filled with people who have a need to show off their guns. We live in a selfish society where your right to own an AR style gun that mutilates children’s bodies are more important than the lives of children.

We also live in a world where political party that used to stand for law and order now calls an armed insurrection a visit. We have spineless republicans who offer ‘thoughts and prayers” but do shit about any serious banning of AR 15s.

Remember it was the Democrats under Clinton who passed the ban on assault rifles. It was the GOP who didn’t renew it.We never had this many shootings when morons couldn't buy assault weapons.

The President can’t do much because he has a bunch of cowards in the GOP who won’t move. This is the party of pro life! PROTECT  THE  FETUS. IT’S A LIFE! You Democrats are baby killers!

Well we’re not but most certainly the Republicans and their ilk who genuflect on the altar of the fetus, protect it by invading people’s bedroom and by the way interfering in one of the most dangerous of undertakings for females, giving birth are actually child killers. By blocking any type of meaningful reform, the Republicans simply kill children and will continue to let it happen. 

Having a child is not a spiritual experience, IT'S A MEDICAL PROCEDURE.  Pro lifers love their guns though.

Bang bang, thoughts and prayers, excuses about mental health ad then bang bang and bang bang again. It’s the Republican way that the rest of America has to pay for. Hey it's only a life here and there, right? 

WRONG!

The LuLac Edition #4, 938, March 27th, 2023

 MONDAY MEMES 

The LuLac Edition #4, 937, March 23rd, 2023

 SPEAKER OF THE PA HOUSE AT KING'S SUNDAY NIGHT

LUZERNE COUNTY SAYS NO TO RIGHT WING CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS AND THEIR SILLY “INVESTIGATION”

The Times Leader reported that in a strongly worded statement Tuesday, a Congressional committee said it will proceed with next week’s hearing about Luzerne County’s November 2022 election paper shortage at the U.S. Capitol, even though invited county officials won’t be appearing.

“The committee wanted to give Luzerne County the opportunity to answer basic questions about how this was able to happen, but they’ve refused. While it’s disappointing that after five months they will still leave voters in the dark, the committee will move forward with the hearing,” said the Committee on House Administration statement released through a spokesperson in response to a media inquiry.

It continued: “We have information from real voters whose votes were suppressed by this election disaster and they deserve to be heard. With another election just around the corner, we need to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Transparency is key to ensuring voters have faith in elections.”

All three invited county officials said Monday they won’t attend the hearing, primarily because the county District Attorney’s Office is still actively investigating the paper shortage. The officials are: county Deputy Election Director Beth Gilbert, Election Board Chairwoman Denise Williams and County Council Chairwoman Kendra Radle.

Here’s the thing. Federal Congressional committees have no business in investigating a local election. That’s what we have local election boards and District Attorneys’ offices for. This is nothing but a bunch of right wing Republicans yelling foul over a shortage of paper. The paper wasn’t ordered, it was discovered on Election Day, a few voters were inconvenienced for a time but they were never, ever deliberately denied their right to vote.

Kudos to Luzerne County officials, red and blue who essentially said “screw you” to GOP Neanderthals wasting tax payer money. (Times Leader, LuLac)

 

REPUBLICANS' PLANS TO CUT THE BUDGET COULD MEAN MILLIONS LOST IN BACK PAY, MORE DANGEROUS WORKPLACES, AND JOBS SENT OVERSEAS, THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

The White House is once again attacking the Freedom Caucus for its plan to cut spending.

Per a fact sheet, the White House said the Caucus' plan would result in lost wages and harmful working conditions.

The Freedom Caucus wants Congress to pass its plan as a condition to raise the debt ceiling.

The White House is still sounding the alarm over the potential repercussions of Republicans' budget proposal — and this time, they're highlighting the potential impact on workers, their wages, and their jobs.

In a fact sheet shared with Insider, the White House claims that the House Freedom Caucus' proposals would result in a loss of job training, wages, and manufacturing jobs to overseas workers.

"While President Biden and Congressional Democrats' economic agenda is revitalizing manufacturing in communities that have been left behind, MAGA House Republicans want to ship manufacturing jobs overseas and undermine American workers — even in their home districts and states," White House spokesperson Michael Kikukawa said in a statement to Insider.

Through cutting back on investigations and inspections, the White House estimates that the House Freedom Caucus' plans would cost 135,000 workers an average of $1,000 in back pay. Part of the Caucus' proposal hinges on capping funding at the same level as fiscal year 2022, which Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rep. Rosa DeLauro estimates would amount to a 22% cut in spending on essential programs, when omitting defense and veteran medical spending.

The Department of Labor found that, if faced with a 22% cut, there would be $156 million less in back pay recovered for those 135,000 workers. And if spending stayed stable at fiscal year 2022, with no programs free from cuts, almost 21,000 workers would still lose out on $24.5 million in lost wages.

Beyond millions less in clawed-back wages, cuts could also majorly impede OSHA's ability to inspect workplaces. The DOL estimated a 22% budget cut would lead to the lowest-ever level of enforcement from OSHA — meaning that employers could get away with unsafe and potentially dangerous working conditions.

"Worker health and safety while on the job would be at risk, allowing big corporations to put workers in dangerous conditions by taking advantage of limited enforcement," DeLauro said in a statement to Insider.

Reversing spending in the Inflation Reduction Act – the cutting of which is one of the House Freedom Caucus' core tenets — would move millions of jobs for those projects overseas, the White House said.

"For years, billionaires and big corporations have made record profits while jobs are shipped overseas and American workers are denied pay raises and safe work environments," DeLauro said. (Business Insider)

 

 PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN

If something were to happen to you, how could you ensure your children are never left in the hands of strangers, an agency or anyone you wouldn't want caring for them?

Despite popular belief, naming a guardian in your will doesn't cut it in cases where you may be incapacitated, hospitalized or seriously injured — leaving you alive, yet unable to care for your children.

Remember, wills are only operative after death.

Centini Law is now offering essential Kids’ Plan documents to safeguard your family from court and conflict when it comes to the care of your child(ren) should something happen to you. Download them today for a discounted price of $99 — a $50 savings and less than the cost of dinner for two! — and connect with a notary to help you finalize these documents as soon as possible. You'll be so glad you did!

Plus, with the purchase of these downloadable Kids’ Plan documents, you will receive a Planning and Design Session with me (valued at $750) at no charge to make sure your affairs are in order. You will also be eligible for $250 off any level of my estate plans for total peace of mind.

Get your Kids' Plan documents now: https://www.centinilawllc.com/store/p/kids-plan-documents

NOTE: These documents are usable by Pennsylvania residents only. If you are not a PA resident, there is no guarantee these forms will be valid in your state.

For more detailed information on this, contact the Centini Law Office at this link:

Centini Law | Kingston PA | Facebook or call or e mail 

(570) 218-8710centini.s@centinilawllc.com.

 

CARTWRIGHT STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET PROPOSAL

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Commerce, Justice and Science Committee Ranking Member Matt Cartwright, (PA-08) released the following statement today on President Biden’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal: “The Biden Administration’s budget proposal makes strong investments in our future, including for efforts of the agencies funded within the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The proposal includes initiatives to combat violent crime here at home and protect our national security, including funding for additional state, local and Federal law enforcement, as well as funding to counter foreign and domestic terrorism threats. The budget proposal would further help preserve and create American jobs, strengthen the Nation’s manufacturing base, and advance science, innovation and space exploration. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help enact these critical investments in America’s future.”

 

CASEY, CARDIN BILL WOULD EXPAND MEDICAID AND MEDICARE DENTAL, VISION, HEARING COVERAGE

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

MANY MEDICARE OR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS LACK BASIC ACCESS TO DENTAL, VISION, AND HEARING COVERAGE

Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) are introducing legislation to enable more Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries to access comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Medicare does not cover those services, leaving many beneficiaries with no other options but to buy stopgap, short-term plans or go without coverage, often facing exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for basic care. Medicaid can provide optional dental, vision, and hearing services, but the extent of the coverage varies by state. The Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act would allow Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing services and increase the federal investment in Medicaid, incentivizing more states to provide these comprehensive services.

“Because of a patchwork of limited health care coverage options for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, many older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families have inconsistent access to basic dental, vision, and hearing services. Cost should not be a barrier to care, and all Americans deserve access to comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing coverage, no matter what state they live in or how much money they make. This bill builds on the promise of Medicaid and Medicare to expand services that people need and help them avoid costly emergencies,” said Senator Casey.

“More than 40 percent of Americans are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. Among adults, most of these individuals do not have comprehensive health coverage for vision, dental or hearing benefits, often leaving them without the care they need to protect their health and quality of life,” said Senator Cardin. “Congress has an opportunity to ensure that serious health conditions can be avoided or caught early enough to prevent complications or more costly treatments regardless of where someone lives or their income. Our legislation will make a real difference in so many lives.”

Research shows that untreated dental, vision, and hearing problems can have negative physical and mental health consequences. People with lower incomes are three times more likely to have four or more untreated cavities than adults with higher incomes or private insurance. Vision loss is associated with increased fall risks and mobility limitations among older adults, while hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of social isolation and cognitive decline.

The Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act would strengthen coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services under Medicare by repealing the statutory exclusion that restricts coverage of such services. It would expand Medicare coverage to ensure beneficiaries are covered for routine exams and other preventive care, as well as coverage for items like dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. The legislation would also encourage states to provide their optional dental, hearing, and vision services to people with Medicaid by increasing the associated Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rate to 90 percent.

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO TOUTS HIS PLANS TO REBUILD PENNSYLVANIA’S WORKFORCE, RECRUIT MORE TEACHERS, COPS, & NURSES

Governor Josh Shapiro (LuLac archives)

In the first full week after his budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro touted his commonsense proposals to address critical workforce shortages by recruiting and retaining more teachers, cops, and nurses in Pennsylvania. At each event, he reiterated his commitment to good schools, safe communities, and healthy families.

Governor Shapiro visited the Lackawanna College Police Academy and Gwynedd Mercy University to hear from teachers, police officers, and nurses and share his Administration’s plan to rebuild our workforce and make it easier for Pennsylvanians who want to enter these professions. 

To address critical workforce shortages in public safety, education, and health care, Governor Shapiro’s budget proposes:

• A refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 every year for up to three years for anyone who earns a new license or certification in education, nursing, or law enforcement, or for anyone who already has a license in those fields and decides to move to Pennsylvania for work.
• A $16.4 million proposal for four new Pennsylvania state trooper cadet classes in 2023-24, to hire and train 384 new troopers and to more well-qualified police officers in communities across the Commonwealth.
• An increase of $567.4 million, or 7.8 percent, for basic education funding, in addition to targeted support to help students learn and grow.

Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis also joined Fox29 Philadelphia this week to discuss how Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal will invest in public safety to make Pennsylvania communities safer. Lieutenant Governor Davis was named Chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency last month and is helping lead the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s efforts to reduce violence and crime.

Read what leaders across the state are saying about Governor Shapiro’s budget investments in teachers, nurses, and police officers:

Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington: “The research says that the single most important factor in student learning is a highly-qualified, well-supported, and stable teaching force over time. We’re pleased that our Governor took time to come here this morning to spend time talking with principals, spend time talking with teachers, and spend time talking with students to hear directly from them about how we can continue to improve schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia. We are particularly grateful for his support in the budget for the School District of Philadelphia, not limited to the $2,500 proposed tax credit for teachers, since they are number one in the research in terms of improving student outcomes.”

Philadelphia School District Board President Reginald Streater: “We really greatly appreciate that Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal increases basic funding education and calls for a personal income tax of up to $2,500 a year for three years for new teachers who received the certifications from the Commonwealth. We are also appreciative the Governor’s budget proposal would invest $500 million over five years in school environmental repairs, another $500 million in student mental health, and provide for each free universal breakfast to every child in Pennsylvania. These are critical investments that address pressing needs to recruit and retain teachers, invest in our facilities, and support the well-being of our students here in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth. We believe that Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal is a positive start, and we look forward to working with him in the future.”

George Washington Carver High School Teacher Paul Wagenhoffer: “I had the privilege alongside of two of my colleagues to sit down with Governor Shapiro and talk about some ins-and-outs of the budget. One of the big things that we took away, and that we tried to share with him, is how important it is to not only keep us as teachers involved and keep us retained, but also make sure that we’re treated as professionals. I feel that a lot of the pieces of this budget really do that, and I’m really excited to have been a part of all this. A billion dollars going to schools is absolutely incredible – for mental health and for facilities.”

State Senator Marty Flynn: “Right now our Commonwealth is short over 1,200 municipal officers statewide. When the Governor gave his address in front of the entire legislature, I was pleased to hear he was going to be investing in new local police officers, state troopers, and 911 dispatchers. I hear from police departments all over my district all the time that they’re struggling to attract new officers. And Governor Shapiro’s idea to provide a $2,500 tax credit to those who decide to join the noble profession of protecting us in our communities is a great idea.”

Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll: “I am very passionate about public service, and more importantly, about public safety. The difficulty of maintaining public safety increases when staffing shortfalls exist. Our dedicated officers will always face the challenges and cover those shortfalls, but it’s not sustainable. I, like my fellow public safety counterparts, am concerned about the impact of the shortfalls to our operations over time. For the first time in our history, we have developed a comprehensive recruiting initiative to motivate good people to accept the challenges of policing and join our forces. Governor, we appreciate you understanding the seriousness of our staffing needs, promoting law enforcement’s legitimacy, and proposing recruitment incentives for public safety positions.”

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM 

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’S V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

1954

Our 1954 logo

RCA manufactures the first color television set (12-inch screen; price: $1,000)…………The Soviet Union recognizes the sovereignty of East Germany. Soviet troops remain in the country………. Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella injures his left hand in an exhibition game against the Yankees. Though he will hit two home runs on Opening Day, Campanella will have surgery in early May for the bone chips, returning on May 30th. The injury started earlier when he was hit on the hand in the 1953 World Series….and this week in 1954 the number one song in LuLac land and America was "Hey There" by Rosemary Clooney.