The LuLac Edition #4, 983 July 6th, 2023

 

WARM RADIO @ 65 

Celebrating WARMland’s 65th Anniversary

Join us for a free screening of the 2003 WVIA original documentary WARMland Remembered and relive memories with some of the staff that made WARM so legendary. Special guests include documentarian Richard Briggs, Phil Condron, Bobby Day, Rob Neyhard, Mike Stevens, Bill Stuart, Tommy Woods, and host David Yonki.

The Sidney and Pauline Friedman Jewish Community Center

Free

06:30 PM - 08:30 PM on Thu, 13 Jul 2023

Book at wvia.org/events. or call the JCC at 570 824  4646.  

 

 PENNSYLVANIA’S STATE BUDGET HOLD UP…ALL BECAUSE OF VOUCHERS

                                                             

Talks between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Republican-controlled state Senate, and the narrowly Democratic-controlled state House fell apart last week thanks to a deadlock over whether to include private school vouchers in the spending plan.

Three days after the June 30 deadline, most lawmakers are back in their districts and the House and Senate have yet to schedule a return to Harrisburg.

The state budget is necessary to set spending and collections across Pennsylvania’s government, from levying income taxes, to distributing money to public schools, to handing out tax credits to businesses.

The commonwealth will still be able to operate normally for some time without a plan. But if the impasse stretches out long enough, schools and nonprofits such as libraries could face serious budget issues.

The standoff is also a crucial moment for the commonwealth’s first-year governor. While Shapiro has long cultivated a reputation as a dealmaker, budget negotiations have daunted new governors in the past. Shapiro’s predecessor, Democrat Tom Wolf, oversaw a record nine-month impasse during his first year in office that damaged his approval ratings.

The GOP wants school vouchers. Here’s  the issue with the vouchers. For more than a week, the debate over vouchers has pitted state House Democrats against state Senate Republicans and their own party’s first-year governor.

Many state House Democrats have balked at putting taxpayer dollars into private schools just months after a state court ruled many of the commonwealth's public schools are unconstitutionally underfunded.

Republicans have pitched vouchers as a way to give parents control over their children’s education. Speaking on the floor in support of the caucus’ voucher proposal Thursday, state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman of Indiana County sought to show that Shapiro agrees.

“This is language that has been carefully crafted between the Senate Republican majority, and our new Democratic governor,” Pittman said.

Shapiro supported vouchers on the campaign trail and reiterated that view during budget negotiations.

In a statement following Pittman’s comment, Bonder said that Shapiro “is open to this concept, so long as it is part of a full budget agreement that delivers historic investments in public education, as well as funding for key priorities like student mental health and special education, universal free breakfast for every student, and sustained funding for necessary and urgent environmental repairs in Pennsylvania schools.”

The voucher proposal included in state Senate Republicans’ budget proposal would create the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (or PASS) scholarship program and come with a $100 million price tag.

It would give between $2,500 and $15,000 per year in state-funded vouchers to eligible students, depending on grade and whether the student needed special education services. That money could be used only for tuition at a nonpublic school, or on associated fees, including special education expenses.

Students would be eligible if they live in the attendance area of a public school categorized as “low-achieving” — that is, in the bottom 15% in reading and math scores among schools of its kind. The funds would be limited to children whose families make less than 250% of federal poverty guidelines. A family of four, for instance, would have to make less than $75,000 annually to qualify.

The scholarships would begin in the 2024-25 school year, and be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students who apply. Preference would be given in subsequent years to children who had already received a scholarship.

The funding for the program would come from state income taxes, the bill stipulates, and that appropriation would grow annually as the commonwealth’s funding for its public schools increases.

The voucher proposal is supported by free market groups, and an assortment of celebrities and prominent Republicans.

A coalition of these groups and individuals sent a letter addressed to Shapiro, his education secretary, and the legislature Thursday that urged them to pass vouchers. They assert that vouchers won’t weaken public education, and that they will actually save money by shrinking public school class sizes.

 “​​No student should remain trapped in a failing school because of their zip code,” the letter said. “[Tuition vouchers] would give all students access to an excellent education — regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status or their zip code.”

Signers included prominent conservatives such as Grover Norquist and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, as well as music industry figures with Philadelphia ties such as rapper Meek Mill and talent manager Troy Carter.

Teachers’ unions, as well as building trades and unions that represent state workers, decried vouchers as a dangerous turn for Pennsylvania’s education system.

A group of these unions sent Shapiro a letter last week arguing that voucher bills by definition redirect money that could be used in public schools to private ones.

“Pennsylvania has a moral and constitutional responsibility to fund its existing system of public education,” they wrote. “Particularly in the wake of a Commonwealth Court decision that found that our state’s public education funding system is unconstitutional, it is unacceptable to entertain any discussion about tuition voucher schemes that divert funding from our public school students.”

Opponents also raised concerns about academic standards. The voucher bill doesn’t include any guidelines for what private schools can teach, and explicitly notes that the state cannot “regulate the educational program of a participating nonpublic school that accepts money from a scholarship recipient beyond what is necessary to administer the program.”

Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, an attorney at the Public Interest Law Center who helped argue the successful lawsuit that ended in Pennsylvania’s school funding system being declared inequitable, also argued the bill tacitly condones discrimination against students.

Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Act, which bars discrimination based on race, religion, and disability, explicitly doesn’t apply to private schools in the commonwealth. Federal law prevents private schools from discriminating based on race, but further protections have been a point of contention for the schools in the past, and have led them to argue such protections infringe on their religious liberty.

The new voucher bill doesn’t include any additional protections in exchange for private schools getting state money. Urevick-Ackelsberg said this would allow them to deny students admission on the basis of religion, sexual orientation, ability to speak English, or a learning disability.

“A religious school can say, sorry, we don’t take gay kids at this school,” he said, adding that he believes Pennsylvania “should in no way use public funds to allow discrimination against children.”   (SPOTLIGHT PA., WESA 90.5 NPR Pittsburgh)

 

 

CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES $19 MILLION RAISE GRANT FOR PITTSTON’S DALE J. KRIDLO MEMORIAL AND FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL BRIDGE PROJECTS

Congressman  Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-8), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced a major RAISE grant award for the City of Pittston for $19 million for the rehabilitation/replacement of two bridges linking Pittston and West Pittston.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. This project will fund the design, right-of-way, utilities, and construction for the replacement of the Dale J. Kridlo Memorial Bridge and the Firefighters Memorial Bridge, including on-street bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements. The project will also include the modernization of seven adjacent intersections to include ADA accommodations, traffic signal reflectivity, retiming, pedestrian interval considerations at approach intersections, and dedicate turning lanes where warranted.

“These major bridge projects, which both include important elements to ensure safety and accessibility for all road users, will transform our community, creating efficient and safe travel corridors where they’re most needed. Replacing the aging spans connecting these two municipalities will ease existing traffic congestion and alleviate residents’ long-standing frustrations. I was pleased to support this proposal from the outset, intervening with Department of Transportation officials to advocate for its consideration,” said Congressman Cartwright. “I’m also proud that this funding was made possible by the massive investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I supported.”

“I would like to personally thank Congressman Cartwright for his leadership and support of this project. On behalf of the citizens of the City of Pittston and the Northeast part of the Wyoming Valley, I am very grateful for today’s announcement,” said Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo. “This significant funding will assist us in the construction of two new safe and modern bridges that will enhance traffic movement in our region, improve and make ADA-compliant seven existing deficient intersections, provide for quality-of-life upgrades for bicycle and pedestrian movement as well as provide some additional flood protection to our neighbors in West Pittston. Northeast Pennsylvania continues to be an example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together.”

 

CASEY-LED LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PREGNANT WORKERS TAKES EFFECT

BIPARTISAN PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT WILL PROVIDE PREGNANT WORKERS WITH REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS AT WORK

CASEY FIRST INTRODUCED LANDMARK LEGISLATION IN 2012 AND THE BILL WAS PASSED IN DECEMBER 2022

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s (D-PA) legislation, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, is going into effect, ensuring pregnant workers are treated fairly in the workplace. The bipartisan legislation requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations—such as additional bathroom breaks or a stool for workers who stand—so that pregnant women can continue to work safely. 

“It took 10 years of fighting to get this passed, but today, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is now the law of the land,” said Senator Casey. “This law is simple: it ensures that pregnant workers have the right to reasonable accommodations, like a stool or water bottle, while at work. Women in Pennsylvania and around the country can breathe easy knowing they do not have to choose between their jobs and a healthy pregnancy.”

Senator Casey first introduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in 2012. Since then, Casey has repeatedly introduced the bill and advocated for its passage. The legislation passed as an amendment to the FY23 federal spending bill. 

 

SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION SECURES U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DISASTER DECLARATION FOR BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE I-95 COLLAPSE IN PHILADELPHIA

DECLARATION GIVES AFFECTED SMALL BUSINESSES ACCESS TO LOW-INTEREST LOANS AS GOVERNOR SHAPIRO CONTINUES TO BRING ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TOGETHER TO SUPPORT NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted an administrative declaration of a disaster for the businesses impacted by the I-95 collapse in Philadelphia, PA.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides low-interest loans for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.

At least seven small businesses in the disaster area have sustained substantial economic injury as a result of the disaster and will be eligible to seek financial assistance.

“Over the past two weeks, I visited several of the small businesses in northeast Philadelphia and I know the I-95 collapse significantly impacted their business. My Administration led an all hands on deck response to get the highway reopened as quickly as possible so customers can return – but I know we need to do more to make those small businesses whole,” said Governor Shapiro. “That’s why I directed my Administration to work with the City of Philadelphia and the Small Business Administration to secure this declaration and give businesses access to low-interest, emergency loans. We’ll continue to  cut through the red tape and provide all the support Philadelphia needs as we work to rebuild and recover.”

Since the initial collapse, Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll have led a coordinated state, local, and federal response to reopen the roadway safely and as quickly as possible – and efforts were ahead of schedule each step of the way to get traffic flowing on I-95 again. Thanks to this all hands on deck approach and the around the clock work of the Philadelphia Building Trades and contractors, crews demolished the damaged roadway and completely rebuilt the highway just 12 days after of the initial collapse – well ahead of experts’ original predictions.

Governor Shapiro wrote a letter to the SBA requesting disaster loan assistance following information provided by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, who conducted sample surveys of the affected businesses to determine the economic impact of the disaster.

Loan applications will be made available online or by mail. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the application process, click here.

 

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR SHAPIRO ON ONGOING BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS

Governor Josh Shapiro released the following statement on ongoing budget negotiations:

“Throughout budget negotiations, it’s been clear all parties want to reach a deal, and no one wants a protracted fight. We will continue to engage leadership in both chambers of the General Assembly until we reach an agreement.

“After a dozen years of total Republican control of the Legislature, Senate Republicans need to give more than they’re used to – and after a dozen years in the minority, House Democrats can’t expect to get everything they’ve wanted over the last decade in one budget.

“Pennsylvania has the only full-time, divided legislature in the country and as I said at the very beginning of this process, nothing gets done unless a majority in both chambers agree. We have a responsibility to come together, compromise, and pass a commonsense budget that addresses the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians.”

 

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.

 

 

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1954

Our 1954 logo

The Common Nordic Labor Market Act comes into effect. The Nordic Passport Union allows citizens of the Nordic countries – Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland – to travel and reside in another Nordic country without any travel documentation (e.g. a passport or national identity card) or a residence permit. For citizens of any Nordic country, no identity documentation is legally required to enter or reside within any other Nordic country[citation needed]. However, identity documentation is still useful, as companies may require proof of identity for certain services, such as trains, airports, age check for alcohol purchase, or for services aimed at residents, like banking, picking up postal packages or dealing with authorities[citation needed]. Usually any valid proof of identity is accepted, in many cases local identity documentation like Nordic driver's license, ID card from bank or other trusted private institute are accepted[citation needed]. An important exception is the "temporary" border controls which were introduced in 2015 and which as of 2020 still are in place[citation needed………The United States officially begins using the international unit of the nautical mile, equal to 6,076.11549 ft. or 1,852 meters…….Food rationing in Great Britain ends, with the lifting of restrictions on sale and purchase of meat, 14 years after it began early in World War II, and nearly a decade after the war's end……"Miracle of Bern": West Germany beats Hungary 3–2 to win the 1954 FIFA World Cup……….Peter Thomson becomes the first Australian to win the British Open Golf Championship……an 69 years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Mr. Sandman” by the Chordettes.