The LuLac Edition #5,005, October 14th, 2023

 

HAS URBAN JUNIOR MET HIS WATERLOO?

Luzerne County Council member Steve Urban Junior has won a few elections in his time. He won when teaming up with his father and then alone with a big push from name recognition.  Despite being heavily challenged he won in the spring primary. But word has it on the streets that Urban is having issues with party leaders who are tired of his ham-handed behavior in public meetings. Then the baseball bat incident didn’t help either. That’s where Urban brandished a baseball bat against youngsters playing basketball in front of his house and the asked neighbors to erase the footage of his actions.

No neighbor complied. Does that action constitute political banishment from the County Council?

Not sure since the young Urban seems to have 9 lives. But LuLac was privy to a poll taken recently and here are the results.

While we  could not verify who did the poll, my suspicion is that a former website writer of from Pittston area was always fond of taking and analyzing pols. And truth be told, his polls were always spot on.  If he’s right, Urban may be in trouble.But we and he won’t know until Election Day or thereafter.

 

CONGRESSMAN MATT CARTWRIGHT STATEMENT ON HOUSE SPEAKER VOTE

Congressman Matt Cartwright released the following statement on the pending election of a new Speaker of the House.

"Right now, we have no clear idea who will be the next U.S. House Speaker, leaving an unprecedented power vacuum in Congress. This severely limits America’s ability to respond to the crisis in Israel, to support Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia’s invasion, or to address any number of other problems right here at home, including a looming federal government shutdown November 17.

What Democrats are looking for is a bipartisan path forward. We need a speaker who leans toward the center instead of bowing to right-wing extremists. The extremists always want government shutdowns. Shutdowns do not save money. They cost taxpayers more. The only way we’re going to keep the lights on will be to choose a Speaker who knows how to stand up to the shutdown crowd.

The American people deserve leadership from Congress that is willing to reach across the aisle and not continue the path of indefinite stalemates that block House legislation from moving forward.

House Republicans need to get their act together. The two declared candidates, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, have yet to demonstrate their capacity to deal with the hardliners who ousted Kevin McCarthy last week.

Barring the emergence of a bipartisan path forward with a Republican consensus builder, I’ll continue backing House Democratic Leader Jeffries."

 

CARTWRIGHT COSPONSORS BIPARTISAN HOUSE RESOLUTION CONDEMNING ATTACK ON ISRAEL

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright  is an original cosponsor of a bipartisan House Resolution condemning the attack on Israel and declaring that the United States stands ready for urgent requests for additional assistance.

“I forcefully condemn the reprehensible and unprovoked acts of terrorism committed against Israel. The loss of life is devastating, and I pray for the families that have been torn apart,” said Rep. Cartwright. “America stands united with Israel. We will do all that we can to ensure our strongest ally in the Middle East has the ability and the resources to restore and maintain the security and safety of all citizens in response to the violence perpetrated by Hamas.”

The House Resolution, led by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Greg Meeks (D-NY), the top Republican and Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, states the U.S. House of Representatives:

·   Stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists

·   Reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense

·   Condemns Hamas’ brutal war on Israel

·   Calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal war on Israel

·   Calls on Hamas to immediately cease these violent attacks and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages;

·   Mourns the over 900 Israelis and 11 Americans killed and over 2,600 others wounded in Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel;

·   Reaffirms the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including through security assistance in line with the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding

·   Urges full enforcement of the Taylor Force Act and other restrictions in U.S. law to prevent United States foreign assistance from benefiting terrorists, directly or indirectly

·   Condemns Iran’s support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad

·   Urges full enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran’s funding of terrorist groups including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; and

·   Stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support.

 

CASEY STATEMENT ON TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAEL

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senator Bob Casey released the following statement on the coordinatedterrorist attacks against Israel carried out by Hamas:

“Hamas has launched a coordinated terrorist attack against Israel, starting with thousands of rockets fired upon innocent Israelis and continued violence throughout the day. The United States must stand with Israel and its right to self-defense.

“This is a tragic day. Hundreds are already dead and countless Israeli and Palestinian civilians are at risk because of this needless slaughter.”

 

CASEY, FETTERMAN, DELUZIO, LEE ANNOUNCE $10 MILLION TO SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY MANUFACTURERS

PITTSBURGH-BASED CATALYST CONNECTION WILL RECEIVE FUNDING FROM INFRASTRUCTURE LAW TO SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY MANUFACTURERS IN THE REGION

FUNDING WILL SUPPORT MANUFACTURING OF RENEWABLE ENERGY, HYDROGEN POWER, LOW-CARBON AND DECARBONIZED POWER, SMART GRID IMPROVEMENTS, ELECTRIC VEHICLES, AND GREEN BUILDINGS

Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) announced $10 million for Pittsburgh-based Catalyst Connection to support small manufacturers in the region expand and succeed in the clean energy and green technology sectors. With this funding, Catalyst Connection, a non-profit organization that provides consulting and training services for small manufacturers, will collaborate with organizations in New York, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia to strengthen the burgeoning clean energy industry. The funding will be used to provide training and supply chain mapping, as well as guidance on factory upgrades to support manufacturing of renewable energy, hydrogen power, low-carbon and decarbonized power, smart grid improvements, electric vehicles, and green buildings. This award from the Appalachian Regional Commission is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will help strengthen American manufacturing, creating jobs and boosting the region’s economy while protecting our environment for generations to come.

“The infrastructure law is helping America take control of its future and become the manufacturing powerhouse we know we can be,” Senator Casey said. “This funding will help Catalyst Connection expand their work to help more small manufacturers build the technologies and economy of tomorrow. Catalyst embodies the ingenuity and fighting spirit of Southwestern Pennsylvania and I’m proud to support their work.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in announcing this important funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for development right here in western Pennsylvania,” Senator Fetterman said. “This investment will help create jobs in our region, and it’s exactly the kind of funding we need to expand American manufacturing, innovation, and production.”

“I believe in my bones that Western Pennsylvania and America will be better off when we make more here at home—and transformational federal investments like President Biden’s Infrastructure Law are helping us get it done,” said Rep. Chris Deluzio. “With grants like the $10 million announced today for Catalyst Connection, we can bolster American competitiveness in the clean energy and green technology industries, driven by strong growth by small manufacturers. Let's grow and create solid jobs, secure our energy future, and show the world that American manufacturing is second to none.”

"I am so excited to have helped deliver $10 million for the new ARISE program from the Appalachian Regional Commission," said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). This critical investment will help create and sustain good, green energy jobs here in Western Pennsylvania and across the region."

“Catalyst Connection is proud to be selected to spearhead a vital initiative supporting small and mid-sized manufacturers across 5 states and 156 counties as they navigate the new energy economy and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received from Appalachian Regional Commission, Senator Bob Casey, and the surrounding states,” said Catalyst Connection President and CEO Petra Mitchell. “This ARC ARISE grant will allow us to support manufacturers with outreach, assessment, and implementation and financial assistance as they map new supply chains and retool their factories to create a vibrant clean energy industry will reinvigorate the Appalachian economy and uplift families across the region.”

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER STREAMLINING MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

THE EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATES A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNCIL BRINGING TOGETHER STATE LEADERS, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND COMMUNITY PROVIDERS TO DEVELOP A STATEWIDE ACTION PLAN TO ADDRESS HOW TO BREAK DOWN SILOS AND DELIVER TIMELY AND QUALITY MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE SERVICES.

IN KEEPING WITH GOVERNOR SHAPIRO’S WORK TO ENSURE GOVERNMENT IS DELIVERING FOR PENNSYLVANIANS, COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL DEVELOP SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO DECREASE THE WAIT TIME FOR CARE OR SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS OR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER.

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an Executive Order directing Commonwealth agencies to collaborate with mental health and substance use disorder stakeholders to streamline and improve the accessibility of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services across the Commonwealth. The Council is the first-of-its-kind for the Commonwealth and will develop and recommend to the Governor a statewide action plan to address any gaps in access, affordability, or delivery of services, with the goal of removing silos across state agencies, healthcare providers, payers, state and local government sectors, and decreasing the wait time for services for Pennsylvanians in need.

With the mental health and substance use crises impacting every community in the Commonwealth, the Council’s work will center on new and innovative care delivery models, workforce challenges, related social needs and inequities, and collaboration between the criminal justice system, public safety networks, and public health organizations to treat the whole person.

“Across Pennsylvania, I’ve heard from students, parents, providers, and so many others who have told me about the growing challenges of dealing with mental health challenges and substance use disorder, which are so often intertwined,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “It’s time we deliver the help so many Pennsylvanians are asking for. This Behavioral Health Council will be led by a seasoned expert, Dr. Christina Finello, who will spearhead the development of an action plan that will transform the health care delivery system to meet the real needs of Pennsylvanians. For the first time, our Commonwealth will have a senior leader in the Governor’s Office whose full-time job is to focus on this specific work and reach across all levels of government to improve our mental health and recovery services.”

The Council will further address how to best integrate mental health and substance use disorder services with a patient’s primary care provider by working hand-in-hand with state and local agencies, commissions, or organizations already engaged in the delivery of these services. 

Charged with setting the agenda for behavioral health under the Shapiro Administration, the Council will be comprised of 33 members, and include a diverse array of stakeholders with representation from state, county, and local governments, the provider community, advocacy groups, and individuals with lived experiences — all will seek to create a more holistic healthcare delivery system in Pennsylvania. Members include: 

the Secretaries of Aging, Agriculture, Corrections, Drugs and Alcohol Programs, Education, Health, Human Services, Labor & Industry, Policy and Planning, and State;

the Commissioners of the Insurance Department and State Police;

the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs;

the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency;

the Pennsylvania Attorney General;

two members of the public with lived experiences;

two representatives from County Mental Health offices, one from a rural county and one from an urban county;

two representatives from County Drug and Alcohol services, one from a rural county and one from an urban county;

two representatives from an Area Agency on Aging, one from a rural county and one from an urban county;

a substance use disorder treatment specialist or an addiction specialist who is actively practicing;

two members from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives;

two members from the Pennsylvania Senate.

“The creation of this Council is so important, as it is critical for providers, counties, and the people who use mental health and substance use services,” said Dr. Christina Finello. “Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders increase risks, including higher morbidity and mortality, greater treatment costs, homelessness, incarceration, and suicides. People need access to the right kind of treatment at the right time to meet their needs. The Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council will aim to ultimately create a more user-friendly and holistic approach for individuals with mental health and substance use disorder healthcare needs in the Commonwealth.”

The Executive Order also creates an Advisory Committee that will share industry knowledge, expertise, reports, findings, and feedback from the communities they serve with the Council to assist members in their work to improve the delivery of services. 

“Mental health is integral to every part of our lives – if we are not able to promptly and equitably receive care for behavioral health needs like seeing a therapist, getting help with a substance use issue, or getting the medication we need, we can’t bring our best selves to work, school, and or to our loved ones who rely on us,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “The Governor’s Behavioral Health Council creates the opportunity for transformational improvement by bringing stakeholders together to ensure we are responding to this system’s needs and helping Pennsylvanians get the care and support they deserve.”

“In our most recent assessment of Pennsylvanians’ health, people across the Commonwealth told the Department of Health the number one concern facing their communities is behavioral health problems,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “With nearly one in seven Pennsylvanians reporting experiences with poor mental health, this executive order will provide the infrastructure needed to ensure we all work together to address the behavioral health needs of all Pennsylvanians.”

“This is a critical time to address the need for enhanced and coordinated behavioral health services in Pennsylvanians,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership and as a member of the Council, I look forward to continuing our work engaging with substance use disorder treatment and service providers, meeting with individuals with lived experience and gathering feedback on how we can ensure our regulations result in improved health outcomes, while focusing on the importance of coordination of efforts across Commonwealth departments.”

“The mental and behavioral health needs of older Pennsylvanians cannot be met by the Department of Aging alone,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “We approach with gratitude the opportunity the Governor’s Executive Order has provided to the Department of Aging and our sister agencies to bring increased focus to older adults in need of these supports and services, so that they may live independently – with dignity – in their chosen communities.”

“The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is excited to work with the Council to make affordable, equitable access to mental health services a true reality,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “Governor Shapiro has been clear that there should be ‘no wrong door’ for Pennsylvanians seeking assistance and a better tomorrow, and I’m confident that this Council will help move the Commonwealth forward.”

The Council builds on the Governor’s commitment to improving mental health services following major wins in the 2023-2024 budget that increased investments to restore full funding to county mental health programs and created a line item to invest $100 million to fund mental health resources in our schools.

Governor Shapiro was inspired to establish the Council following his participation in the National Governor’s Association Initiative on Strengthening Youth Mental Health this past May, at a roundtable discussion on Black mental health, with additional recommendations from the Behavioral Health Commission (convened under the Wolf Administration), along with other stakeholder groups at the local, state, and federal level.

 

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1954

Our 1954 logo

Norwegian cargo ship Emma Bakke is in the Atlantic Ocean when there was a boiler explosion and fire. The crew abandon ship, and are rescued by Argentine ship Corrientes and taken to Lisbon, Portugal. Two crew are killed in the explosion and the ship sinks………Another Norwegian cargo ship, Jane Stove, suffers a fracture to her main deck whilst in the North Sea, but eventually reaches the Faroe Islands on 10 October………

Robert H. Jackson, 62, United States Supreme Court associate justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials dies of a myocardial infarction……. He had previously served as United States Solicitor General and United States Attorney General and is the only person to have held all three of those offices. Jackson was also notable for his work as Chief United States Prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals following World War II.

Jackson was the last U.S. Supreme Court justice who did not have a law degree. He was admitted to the bar via the older tradition of an internship under an established lawyer ("reading law") after studying at Albany Law School for just a year.[ Jackson is well known for his advice that, "Any lawyer worth his salt will tell the suspect, in no uncertain terms, to make no statement to the police under any circumstances", and for his aphorism describing the Supreme Court, "We are not final because we are infallible, but we are infallible only because we are final."

Jackson developed a reputation as one of the best writers on the Supreme Court and one of the most committed to enforcing due process as protection from overreaching federal agencies. He was viewed as a moderate liberal[8] and is known for his dissents in Terminiello v. City of Chicago, Zorach v. Clauson, Everson v. Board of Education, and Korematsu v. United States, as well as his majority opinion in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette. Justice Antonin Scalia, who occupied the seat once held by Jackson, considered Jackson to be "the best legal stylist of the 20th century." Jacksom was nominated by Fraklin Roosevelt in 1941 replacing Harlan Stone  and was succeeded (in an ironic name twist) by John Marshall Harlan in 1954……and this week in LuLac land the number one song this week was “That’s All I Want from You” by Jaye P. Morgan.