The LuLac Edition #5, 070, February 22nd, 2024

 

 

2024 RATING OF THE PRESIDENTS 

BIDEN # 14

TRUMP: DEAD LAST

The annual Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey was conducted from Nov. 15 and Dec. 31 of last year, and included the responses of 525 historians and political science scholars. Experts were again in agreement that Abraham Lincoln should top the list, with Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, George Washington, Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson rounding out the top five.

One thing distancing Trump from the rest of the pack was the issue over his ability to unite those with opposing viewpoints. Respondents ranked him the most polarizing president in U.S. history, ahead of Presidents Andrew Jackson, Barack Obama, and Ronald Reagan.

The ranking of Biden in the number 14 slot is a contradiction of his poll numbers suggesting that Americans want to trade Biden for a flawed last place individual.

One thing that pleasantly surprised me was that three Presidents who were vilified at the end of their terms, Truman and Johnson placed in the top ten along with Dwight Eisenhower who was regarded as a steady but boring presence.

Here’s the list:

1.  Lincoln - 93.87%

2.  FD Roosevelt - 90.83%

3.  Washington - 90.32%

4.  T Roosevelt - 78.58%

5.  Jefferson - 77.53%

6.  Truman - 75.34%

7.  Obama - 73.8%

8.  Eisenhower - 73.73%

9.  LB Johnson - 72.86%

10.  Kennedy - 68.37%

11. Madison - 67.16%

12. Clinton - 66.42%

13. J Adams - 62.66%

14. Biden - 62.66%

15. Wilson - 61.8%

16, Reagan - 61.62%

17. Grant - 60.93%

18. Monroe - 60.15%

19. GHW Bush - 58.54%

20. JQ Adams - 55.41%

21. Jackson - 54.7%

22. Carter - 54.26%

23. Taft - 51.67%

24. McKinley - 51.23%

25. Polk - 49.83%

26. Cleveland - 48.31%

27. Ford - 46.09%

28. Van Buren - 45.46%

29. Hayes - 41.15%

30. Garfield - 40.98%

31. Harrison - 40.64%

32. GW Bush - 40.43%

33. Arthur - 39.61%

34. Coolidge - 39.38%

35. Nixon - 36.41%

36. Hoover - 34.08%

37. Tyler - 32.99%

38, Taylor - 32.97%

39. Fillmore - 30.33%

40. Harding - 27.76%

41. Harrison - 26.01%

42. Pierce - 24.6%

43. Johnson - 21.56%

44. Buchanan - 16.71%

45. Trump - 10.92%

 

THE PUTIN CAUCUS

GOP MAJORITY ARE HOSTAGE TAKERS OF UKRAINE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL

The Republican party in Congress has become the lapdog of Putin in Russia. They are holding hostage aid to Ukraine. It is true that Russia has now made advances because aid to the country, a Democratic country invaded by a suppression-oriented government ran out of ammunition. The responsibility of this backslide does not belong to the Ukrainian fighters but to the Republican Congress.

They are enablers of Putin.

They  will be responsible if Ukraine falls.

They will be held accountable if Poland is invaded.

This Republican Congress should be recognized for what it is:  a collaborator of a  foreign dictator hellbent on the destruction of democracy.(CNN, LuLac)

 

GOP CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS HEADING FOR THE DOOR

 

As the 118th Congress has been dominated by deep dysfunction and bitter divisions inside the GOP, a number of Republicans – particularly from the so-called governing wing – are heading for the exits. So far, 23 GOP lawmakers have decided to not seek reelection or resigned early, including five committee chairs, though some have cited personal reasons or are seeking higher office.

Still, the caliber and timing of some of the retirements has raised alarm bells, particularly those who are giving up coveted committee gavels that some work their whole career to achieve.

Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington is not even term-limited yet in her plum post, while China select committee Chair Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, a 39-year-old who was once seen as the future of the party, recently announced he was leaving Congress after facing intense blowback for voting against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The GOP majority of 5 is shrinking mainly because serious legislators see the folly of doing nothing. Trumped up impeachment charges, the spreading of blatant lies and the interactions with the Trump acolytes have made the role of a Congress person not as attractive as it used to be.

At times, the GOP infighting has been so nasty it has almost led to physical blows. And lately, Republicans can’t even seem to pass basic procedural votes, known as a rule.

“It is very dysfunctional right now,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. “You have tight margins and divided chambers, and you have a Rules Committee that’s been very dysfunctional.”

Underneath the chaos, there is also growing anxiety about the chances of the House GOP holding on to the majority in November, which was further compounded by Republicans losing a special election in New York – a key battleground – last week.

A by product of this craziness just might be the loss of a majority in the fall and the Republican Congress just might have only themselves to blame.(AP, LuLac)

 

CARTWRIGHT CO-LEADS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO MONITOR TOXIC MERCURY POLLUTION IN THE U.S.

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Brian Mast (R-FL-21) introduced the Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act in the 118th Congress. This bipartisan bill would establish a national monitoring program to provide researchers with better data on the extent of mercury contamination in the U.S., helping to inform where to target pollution reduction initiatives.

Mercury is toxic to humans, even in small amounts. It has adverse effects on both children and adults, and it can impair the brain development of a child in utero, leading to birth defects.

“Protecting children from harmful toxins is a no-brainer, and I’m proud to introduce this bill with both Democratic and Republican support,” said Congressman Cartwright. “Mercury pollution is a serious environmental and public health concern, but right now, we don’t have strong enough data to tackle it. With a national monitoring program, we can take more informed actions to protect Americans from exposure to this toxic element.”

“We must receive more data on mercury poisoning in order to protect all Americans from these harsh toxins,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “That is why I’m proud to support this bipartisan bill to establish a national comprehensive monitoring program that will provide researchers with accurate data on the extent of mercury contamination in the United States.”

“More than half of fish and wildlife in the Everglades system are affected by toxic mercury and people in Florida are at some of the highest risk in the whole country for mercury poisoning. Infants and unborn children are particularly vulnerable,” said Congressman Mast. “But, despite the gravity of the issue, our country doesn’t have a comprehensive mercury monitoring network, and as a result, polluters get off without consequence. This bipartisan bill would mandate that monitoring so we can fight this toxic assault at the source.”

Summary of the Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act:

National Mercury Monitoring Program — directs EPA to establish a national mercury monitoring program to measure and monitor mercury levels in the air, water and soil, and in aquatic and terrestrial life.   

Mercury Monitoring Advisory Committee — directs EPA to establish a scientific Advisory Committee to guide the development and operations of the national mercury monitoring program.

Multiple Monitoring Sites — directs EPA to select multiple monitoring sites representing multiple ecoregions of the U.S.

Data Collection and Distribution — directs EPA to create a centralized database of environmental mercury data that can be freely accessed on the Internet.

This is a companion bill to one introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tom Carper (D-DE). It is supported by the American Lung Association (ALA) and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV).

“Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin that is detrimental to health," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Mercury is of particular concern to infant health as it can lead to developmental birth defects and interfere with neurological development, even from exposure while in the womb. Combined with efforts to reduce air toxics emissions at the Environmental Protection Agency, which we hope to see finalized very soon, this legislation will improve health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable populations."

Text of this legislation can be found HERE. https://cartwright.house.gov/uploadedfiles/cartpa_055_xml.pdf

 

 

CASEY, COLLEAGUES URGE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO UPDATE TAX CREDIT GUIDANCE TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC CRITICAL MINERAL SUPPLY CHAIN

IN LETTER, SENATORS CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO INCENTIVIZE INVESTMENT IN ENTIRETY OF US CLEAN ENERGY SUPPLY CHAIN, INCLUDING KEY PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRIES

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined a letter with seven of his colleagues to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Biden Administration to allow critical mineral mining and processing activities to qualify for tax credits they passed in the Inflation Reduction Act.

In the letter, the Senators urge the administration to ensure that raw materials and extraction costs are eligible for the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit. The Department’s initial proposal to implement the credit explicitly excludes these costs, which sharply reduces the value of the tax credit. This update would allow the tax credit to support the entirety of the clean energy supply chain, including innovative critical mineral recovery that is happening in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.

“Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act in part to support the domestic extraction and production of critical minerals and materials,” wrote the Senators. “The clear purpose of section 45X was to encourage investment in the United States and to build a reliable and resilient domestic supply chain for critical minerals right here at home. The section 45X credit was designed to support responsible domestic mining and processing of these minerals…However, by excluding the majority of the production costs from the 45X credit, Treasury would disincentivize investment in the United States, and also increase our reliance on countries that do not share our democratic or geopolitical values.”

Senator Casey has long fought to ensure Pennsylvania’s industries are included in the development of a clean energy supply chain. In 2023, he secured $2.1 million for research at Pennsylvania State University into the process of recovering critical minerals from acid mine drainage. He also secured $10 million to support Pittsburgh-area clean energy manufacturing, and additional $500,000 to establish an economic hub for the green building supply chain in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Read the full letter HERE or below:

Dear Secretary Yellen,

We are writing in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking for the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit. We request that the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) make revisions to the proposed rule to align the rule with the intent of Congress and to ensure the credit properly incentivizes the entirety of the domestic supply chain for applicable critical minerals and eligible components, including mineral extraction and electric vehicle battery production.

As you know, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in part to support the domestic extraction and production of critical minerals and materials, as well as the manufacturing of batteries and their components. Recognizing our increasing foreign dependence on these materials, often from hostile nations, the section 45X credit provides a credit for taxpayers who produce certain critical minerals as well as various energy related products.

We are concerned that Treasury’s proposed rule for the 45X tax credit explicitly excludes direct and indirect material costs for taxpayers seeking to claim the credit. Treasury writes in the proposed rule that “Direct material costs as defined in §1.263A-1(e)(2)(i)(A), or indirect material costs §1.263A-1(e)(3)(ii)(E), and any costs related to the extraction or acquisition of raw materials” are not be included in production costs. The proposed rule goes on to say "…the cost of acquiring the raw material used to produce the electrode active material, the cost of materials used for conversion, purification, or recycling of the raw material, and other material costs related to the production of the electrode active material would not be taken into account.” 

The clear purpose of section 45X was to encourage investment in the United States and to build a reliable and resilient domestic supply chain for critical minerals right here at home.  The section 45X credit was designed to support responsible domestic mining and processing of these minerals. As members of the U.S. Senate we want to clarify that the blanket exclusion of materials costs is not consistent with the intent of Congress and should be expeditiously revised. Section 45X provides for a 10 percent credit for the production costs of applicable critical minerals, and raw materials costs were never intended to be excluded from this calculation. This exclusion is not aligned with the intent of Congress and significantly weakens the tax credit as the cost of extracting raw materials essential for renewable energy, battery technologies, and other critical materials are a significant portion of overall costs.

Additionally, this exclusion weakens the credit’s intended goal to strengthen the New Clean Vehicle Credit, established under Section 30D of the tax code. The 30D credit is designed to counter influence by any “Foreign Entity of Concern” (FEOC) over clean vehicle supply chains. Key to the success of the 30D credit are the 45X credit’s incentives for domestic mineral extraction and processing. A final rule that excludes materials costs will substantially impact critical minerals supply, increasing the challenges for vehicle producers looking to manufacture clean vehicles in the United States.

Private companies are ready and willing to invest in extraction and production of raw materials right here in the United States, and do so in a safe and responsible manner through developed environmental protection and labor standards. However, by excluding the majority of the production costs from the 45X credit, Treasury would disincentivize investment in the United States, and also increase our reliance on countries that do not share our democratic or geopolitical values. This result would be contrary to the intent of the legislation and detrimental to our national and energy security.

We appreciate Treasury’s caution and intent, noted in the proposed rule, to mitigate the risk of double counting and fraud. However, as proposed, the credit eliminates the ability to even single count direct and indirect materials costs and extraction costs, which significantly weakens the credit’s primary purpose of developing a domestic critical mineral supply chain. The risk of double counting production costs can be mitigated using similar basis reduction mechanics and documentation requirements Treasury and IRS require to calculate the value of investment tax credits under sections 48 and 48C. Similarly, IRS is well equipped with the experience and tools necessary to understand and administer the deduction of expenses related to extraction and can apply these to the 45X credit. Additionally, we believe the statute, which directs the credit to be claimed for components “produced by the taxpayer,” provides flexibility for Treasury to establish other safeguards, such as audit and claw back measures, to prevent any type of fraudulent behavior.

We appreciate your attention to these matters and look forward to working with you as you implement the Inflation Reduction Act.

 

Sincerely,

Catherine Cortez Masto

United States Senator

John Hickenlooper

United States Senator

Jacky Rosen

United States Senator

Joe Manchin III

United States Senator

Mark Kelly

United States Senator

Laphonza Butler

United States Senator

Kyrsten Sinema

United States Senator

Robert P. Casey, Jr.

United States Senator

Patty Murray

United States Senator

 

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO AND SECRETARY SIGER VISIT HONESDALE TO HIGHLIGHT PROPOSED $25 MILLION INVESTMENT TO CREATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR PA MAIN STREETS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO’S PROPOSED 2024-25 BUDGET PUTS FORTH A BOLD VISION TO CREATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PENNSYLVANIANS.

SUPPORTING THE COMMONWEALTH’S SMALL BUSINESSES AND MAIN STREETS IS ALSO A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF THE GOVERNOR’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – AND HIS BUDGET PROPOSES $600 MILLION IN NEW AND EXPANDED INVESTMENTS TO IMPLEMENT THE STRATEGY

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives) 

Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined local leaders to highlight the Governor’s proposed investments in Pennsylvania Main Streets, small businesses, and local communities. As part of the 2024-25 budget proposal that focuses on creating economic opportunity for all in communities across Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger visited small businesses on Honesdale’s Main Street business district.

Over the last five years, the Commonwealth has invested $630,000 in Honesdale to improve main street signage, storefronts and infrastructure. During the visit to Honesdale today, Governor Shapiro announced a new $100,000 Keystone Partnership grant to not only continue the work on storefront improvements but also to fund loans for local business owners to afford new equipment, renovation projects, and business marketing.

“Honesdale has such a rich history as a former coal town and the birthplace of the American railroad. Thanks to the strategic investments we’ve made in partnership with local leadership and small business owners, Honesdale’s main street continues to be a thriving place of opportunity,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “I want to expand our impact on main streets all across Pennsylvania and give more local leaders the chance to realize the full potential of their economies – that’s why I’m calling for major investments to create the Main Street Matters program to invest in the success and prosperity of Pennsylvania small businesses, downtowns, and main streets.”

Governor Shapiro’s proposed Main Street Matters program will be administered through DCED and will build on the existing successes of the current Keystone Communities Program in supporting downtowns, main streets, and surrounding neighborhoods. It will provide for a refresh of the current structure to address a wide variety of needs throughout communities and invest in their revitalization and future prosperity.

“Governor Shapiro’s $25 million investment into the Main Street Matters program will give Pennsylvania communities a much-needed resource to make their main streets better places to live, visit, and work,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This focus on strong communities and small businesses is especially important today, as Pennsylvania faces more competition than ever as we seek to attract and retain new residents and businesses. It’s time to do more — and the Governor’s call for $25 million for the Main Street Matters program is an investment that our regions deserve.”

During their visit to downtown Honesdale, Governor Shapiro, Secretary Siger, and local leaders met with the owners of custom tailor shop Art’s for Him and Her Too, local boutique Gather, and brewhouse and saloon Runaway Train Brewery.

“Main Street matters because it’s a place for everybody. People live and love here. People work and manage businesses here. People play and dream here,” said Mayor of Honesdale, Derek Williams. “As the seat of county government, commerce, and culture, more folks have a connection to main street and surrounding neighborhoods than will ever technically reside within borough limits. Because of that, we need to support our main street whenever and however we can, it affects a heck of a lot of people. I’m really glad to see main street on the Governor’s list of priorities. I look forward to working with our friends in Harrisburg to make more progress here in Honesdale.”

“Highly enthused that Governor Shapiro took the time to visit idyllic downtown Honesdale. I love my home town, and the fact that others see the same wonderful qualities that we all work so hard to foster is evidence that our small town is on the right track,” said Representative Jonathan Fritz. “Honesdale truly is Norman Rockwell-esque Americana, complete with sincerely good and generous people.”

“Governor Shapiro’s Main Street Matters initiative is essential for downtown communities to preserve their identity, enhance livability, and build resilience to challenges many small downtowns like Honesdale often face,” said Sandi Levens, Executive Director of the Greater Honesdale Partnership. “We look forward to putting into action the Governor’s bold plans through implementing Main Street Matters.”

“Honesdale may be small, but it is a mighty town. The passion this town has and the vision the Greater Honesdale Partnership has put forth for its future growth is inspiring,” said Vince Benedetto, owner of Runaway Train Brewery. “We are so pleased that Governor Shapiro has come to visit our Downtown to bring attention to the importance of entrepreneurialism and the economic development of our area – and we’re so thankful he has prioritized initiatives and funding opportunities to help communities and main streets like ours achieve their fullest potential.”

The announcement builds upon Governor Shapiro’s commitment to create a stronger economy across Pennsylvania. Since day one, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been working aggressively to make Pennsylvania a leader in innovation and economic development and create economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians. Last month, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger launched the Commonwealth’s first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades – building on the Shapiro Administration’s work to make Pennsylvania a leader in innovation and economic development and to create economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.

The Governor’s 2024-25 budget calls for significant investments directly tied back to this ten-year strategy and issues a strong call to action for partners across all sectors to join in with their support.

In addition to the $25 million for the Main Street Matters program, other proposed economic development investments in the Governor’s budget include: $500 million in PA SITES funding to bring more commercial and industrial sites to Pennsylvania; $20 million to support large-scale innovation and leverage Pennsylvania’s best-in-class research and development assets; and $3.5 million to create and launch the Pennsylvania Regional Economic Competitiveness Challenge to incentivize regional growth.

You can read Pennsylvania’s first economic development strategy in 20 years here. For more information on how the Governor’s proposed budget will create opportunity for all Pennsylvanians, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.

 

MEDIA MATTERS 

 

WVIA ADDS NEWS VETERANS 

WVIA, Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania's public media station, is excited to announce the addition of two new WVIA News Team members. These additions mark the latest of five new hires in roughly one month and significant expansion for the award-winning news team.

WVIA welcomes Faith Golay as News Editor and Roger DuPuis as the newest WVIA News reporter.

Faith Golay comes from the Times-Tribune, and brings over 27 years of experience to this new position. Faith will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the news department, as well as digital content production and news publication for WVIA News. She will play a key role in shaping the digital presence and overall voice of the WVIA News Team.

“WVIA’s mission to report on issues that impact the community’s quality of life with passion, accuracy and fairness is at the heart of what all journalists must do,” said Golay. “Public trust is not a gift. It must be earned, so I am privileged to join the WVIA News Team of incredibly talented journalists to honor that profound responsibility.”

Roger DuPuis comes from the Times Leader, bringing 24 years of experience in journalism. Roger has numerous community connections and has built a large network over the last two decades. He will play a crucial role in unearthing and reporting on the stories that matter most to the region. Roger has extensive reporting experience, particularly around the area of transportation.

"I'm proud of where I've been, and the work I have done during more than 20 years in newspapers. I am excited to be joining WVIA as the organization expands its news team to bring thoughtful reporting that matters to 22 counties across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania,” said Roger. “Local news is more important to our communities and our country than ever before. WVIA truly understands that, and I look forward to working on stories that will make a difference to the audiences we serve."

With each new addition to the team, WVIA underscores its unwavering commitment to delivering high-impact, in-depth local journalism and continues to shape and preserve the local news landscape in our region.

“WVIA News is committed to amplifying the voices of the communities we serve,” said WVIA’s Director of Journalism Julie Sidoni. “We know there are untold stories out there. This latest expansion helps us get a little closer to finding them.”

“As WVIA’s News Team grows and we continue to expand our reach, we also expand our understanding of each of the rich and complex communities we serve and the stories that need to be told,” said WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “Each of these new additions brings with them a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of experience, both of which will translate to greater impact on the lives of people in our region.”

About WVIA
WVIA is the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. For over 50 years WVIA has been committed to serving the people by offering informational, educational, and entertaining content that enriches and expands viewpoints and serves as a catalyst for positive change. WVIA television channels include WVIA TV, WVIA PBS Kids 24/7, and WVIA Create. WVIA’s radio channels include WVIA Radio, WVIA HD2, and the Chiaroscuro Channel. WVIA’s programs can also be found streaming live and on-demand on wvia.org and the WVIA app. 

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 

 

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR HOUR ON ROCK 107

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

1984

Our 1984 logo

President of Bangladesh, H M Ershad upgrades South Sylhet's sub-division status to a district and renames it back to Moulvibazar……TED (conference) is founded. TED  is an American-Canadian non-profit[ media organization that posts international talks online for free distribution under the slogan "ideas worth spreading". It was founded by Richard Saul Wurman and Harry Marks in February 1984  as a technology conference, in which Mickey Schulhof gave a demo of the compact disc that was invented in October 1982. Its main conference has been held annually since 1990. It covers almost all topics—from science to business to global issues—in more than 100 languages…..Winter Olympic Games close in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia….raq resumes air attack on Iran…..Last US marines in multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon left Beirut…..Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Penn Warren is named the 1st US poet laureate……Reverend Jesse Jackson acknowledges that he called NYC "Hymietown". Jackson winds up apologizing and this week in 1984 the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Joanna” by Kool and the Gang.