The LuLac Editiojn #5, 153, August 15th, 2024

 

THANK YOU JOE!!!!

MSN reports that three and a half weeks after he exited the 2024 presidential race amid dismal poll numbers and questions over his ability to defeat Donald Trump a second time, President Joe Biden got a hero’s welcome on Thursday as he and Vice President Kamala Harris touted a long-awaited victory in a years-long fight against high prescription drug prices.

The crowd that came to see them at Prince George’s County Community College in Maryland roared with approval as Biden and Harris walked on the stage at what was billed as an official White House event but had the energy and atmosphere of one of the boisterous rallies that Harris’s campaign has put on since she rose to the top of the Democratic ticket last month.

 Biden and Harris had come to Maryland to celebrate an announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding negotiated prices that Medicare will pay for 10 widely-used prescription drugs starting in 2026.

TRUMP IN TOWN

 

Former President Donald Trump is campaigning in Luzerne County this weekend.

He will be at the Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre Township on Saturday.

This will mark his second visit to the commonwealth after an assassination attempt in Butler in July.

Doors open at noon. Trump will deliver remarks at 4 p.m.

Drivers should expect delays and road closures on Saturday around the arena in Wilkes-Barre Township.

I WONDER IF Trump Paid for his previous Rallies at The Arena. It is ironic that the township that opposed The Arena back in the day (no one will see a hockey game in the cold northeast winter) now welcome the guy who is the most UN democratic candidate in our history.  

You have to give him his due though, he's the ring master and needs the clowns to follow him. 

          

 LOSING THE TEAMSTERS

Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined other unionized labor chiefs blasting former President Donald Trump over his suggestion during an interview with Elon Musk that striking workers ought to be fired.

During the interview Monday, Trump praised Musk for firing workers who went on strike.

“They go on strike, I won’t mention the name of the company, but they go on strike and you say, ‘That’s OK, you’re all gone,'” Trump said. “You’re all gone. So, every one of you is gone.”

“Firing workers for organizing, striking, and exercising their rights as Americans is economic terrorism,” O’Brien said in a statement on Tuesday night.

O’Brien stirred controversy last month when he spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, becoming the first Teamsters president ever to do so. But the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has yet to endorse a candidate for president this cycle

 THIS WEEK IN LUZERNE COUNTY MAGA NEWS

 

Election Board member Alyssa Fusaro, and County Councilman Harry Haas were named as pro-Trump conspiracists that are election officials in key battleground counties in this Rolling Stone article. https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-swing-state-officials-election-deniers-1235069692/.

 MAGA radical Gene Ziemba was elected as the new County Republican Party chair over Harry Haas and Walter Griffith, indicating that the party is drifting to the very far right. Ziemba  was endorsed for chair by Congressman Dan Meuser.

In other news, local appointed officials are outraged by the Olympic opening ceremonies in France disrespecting the Last Supper. The ceremonies paid homage to the Greek myology and has nothing to do with the Last Supper. Again, these are people making important decisions affecting our county business. 

The madness has spread to Luzerne County.  In more news: 

This week is especially busy for appointed officials Alyssa Fusaro (Election Board) and Benny Herring (ACE Commission). They are attacking VP candidate Tim Walz military with baseless misinformation that is being spread on the internet. Fusaro is even posting deep fake videos and meme’s on Kamala Harris’ crowd sizes. Herring posted about the drunk driving incident involving a County Council person, with commenters asking him to start an investigation. The ACE Commission is supposed to be a very discrete process. Public commenting about such matters is I believe an ethics violation.

Although this clip is not from this week, Election Board Member Rick Morelli is on the Sam Lesante Show advocating for voting for Republicans while sitting on the Election Board. https://youtu.be/_PPlFQ2RcSg?feature=shared&t=103

 

 

THE RETURN OF PASSENGER RAIL TAKES A BIG STEP FORWARD

CARTWRIGHT CALLS IT A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE REGION

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Connecting Northeast Pennsylvania to major metropolitan areas in a seamless, passenger-friendly system will create jobs, improve quality of life, and offer convenient travel options for commuters, college students and tourists, alike. It will also connect those of us living in Northeast Pennsylvania to a wider selection of health care services, sporting events, cultural activities and vacation spots.

Amtrak has done a complete economic impact analysis that concluded restoration of rail service will generate $84 million in new economic activity annually. In addition, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s economic analysis as a tourist destination concluded that passenger rail restoration in the Lackawanna Cut Off corridor will generate $73 million in new economic activity annually in the Pocono Mountains alone.

Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, restoring passenger rail service will drive tourism, boost local business opportunities, encourage investment across the district, help relieve the tax burden of area seniors and provide good-paying jobs.

 

CASEY, DUCKWORTH, BLACKBURN URGE MEDICARE AGENCY TO COVER DEVICES THAT GIVE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MORE MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE

IN BIPARTISAN LETTER TO THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES, THE SENATORS CALLED FOR THE AGENCY TO PROVIDE MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR STANDING ELEVATION SYSTEMS IN POWER WHEELCHAIRS

 Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

 

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) called on the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) extend Medicare coverage to include a device which would help some Americans with disabilities get around more easily and live healthier and more independent lives. In the bipartisan letter, the Senators urged the agency to cover standing systems embedded in power wheelchairs, which currently are not covered by Medicare. The letter comes after the Senators successfully pushed the agency to provide Medicare coverage for seated elevation systems last year.

 The Senators wrote: “These [standing] systems enable users to achieve a standing position, which can greatly enhance their independence, improve metabolic functions, reduce the risk of secondary complications, such as pressure sores and osteoporosis, and improve their overall physical and mental well-being. The absence of Medicare coverage for these systems leaves many beneficiaries without access to critical technology that can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life.”

Currently, Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities are forced to pay out of pocket for standing systems in power wheelchairs—life-changing durable medical equipment that empowers users to independently conduct mobility-related activities of daily living, or outright denied access because they can’t afford such equipment out-of-pocket.

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO, LABOR LEADERS VISIT UMWA CAREER CENTER IN GREENE COUNTY TO HOST CEREMONIAL BILL SIGNING FOR NEW INVESTMENTS IN VO-TECH, APPRENTICESHIPS, AND JOB TRAINING

AFTER GOVERNOR SHAPIRO SECURED SIGNIFICANT NEW FUNDING LAST YEAR, THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET HE SIGNED LAST MONTH INVESTED AN ADDITIONAL $30 MILLION IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS TO HELP EXPAND PENNSYLVANIA’S WORKFORCE.

THESE INVESTMENTS OPEN THE DOORS FOR PENNSYLVANIANS, ENSURING THEY HAVE THE FREEDOM TO CHART THEIR OWN COURSE AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED.

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited UMWA Career Centers, Inc. in Greene County for a ceremonial bill signing highlighting the investments made in workforce development and job training as a result of the bipartisan 2024-25 budget.

The 2024-25 budget(opens in a new tab) includes a $30 million increase for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming and equipment and a $2 million increase in funding for nursing apprenticeships. Governor Shapiro has been focused on creating real opportunity for hardworking Pennsylvania workers to obtain good-paying jobs. These investments in career and technical training and vo-tech education, registered apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job training build on the critical investments made last year. Taken together, Governor Shapiro and a bipartisan group of legislators have increased funding for workforce development by $61 million in the Governor’s first two years in office – a more than 50 percent increase.

“Since my first day in office, I’ve been focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania — solving the most pressing problems we face and bringing people together in a bipartisan manner to deliver results,” said Governor Shapiro. “It’s fitting to be in Prosperity today, because that’s what places like this bring to our families and communities — prosperity. I’m proud of the historic investments this budget makes in career and technical education and apprenticeship programs, because those programs open the doors of economic opportunity and give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course. My Administration is showing that we value skills and experience. Every Pennsylvanian has a different path in life — and each should have the opportunity to succeed.”

Governor Shapiro visited the UMWA Career Center (UMWACC) in Greene County with labor leaders and program participants to hear firsthand what the center does and how it assists Pennsylvanians. The UMWACC was created in 1996 to provide services to dislocated coal miners and has evolved into a full-service workforce training center and has trained 22,000 workers since opening. The center focuses on providing workforce training for adults, offering a wide range of programs from mechatronics — combining mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control engineering — to cybersecurity and commercial truck driving.

“The Governor often speaks about real freedom, and the ability of each of us to chart our own course. Perhaps there is no area where this means more, or has a greater impact, than in the choices associated with the work we do,” said L&I Secretary Walker. “The Governor and I want all Pennsylvanians to have opportunities to chart a course for meaningful careers that not only change the lives of workers but change families and communities. We are investing millions of dollars in workforce development, in fields as diverse as manufacturing pre-apprenticeships to internships in video game development. This is money well spent – the Governor’s vision and the bipartisan commitment of our legislators has had a real impact and given countless Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart a new career course.”

The Governor was joined for a ceremonial bill signing by Clemmy Allen, Executive Director of UMWACC; Chuck Knisell, Vice President of UMWA Local Union 2300; Edward Helman, a program participant who is completing a course on mechatronics at UMWACC; and Greene County officials, with all of whom applauded the funding effort and goal to grow Pennsylvania’s pool of skilled trade workers.

“The Career Center has a 28-year history of serving coal miners living in the rural coal mining communities of Appalachia, as well as their families too. Since 1996, we have provided services to more than 22,000 individuals from training workers when they get dislocated from the mines to training new and incumbent miners,” said Allen. “The UMWACC was granted construction funding in a partnership with the State of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to repurpose the simulated coal mine into an adult workforce training center to help train the next generation of workers. Our Ruff Creek Training Center currently offers mechatronics training and is on track to begin a new apprenticeship program for gas well capping in partnership with the UMWA union. This will be the first apprenticeship training program for the UMWA."

“We dedicate our life to the next generation — they deserve to have an opportunity for their children to get trained, to follow a vocation, or to be involved in an apprenticeship program,” said Knisell. “We should strive to do the best we can to set up our children so they don't have to worry about their own children moving on into the future. I'd like to thank the Governor for all of his support over the years — he’s been a good friend of ours.”

“When I first found this program, I was working in a job where I wasn't really going anywhere. I saw an ad for a free class that could put me into a different line of work where I'm working with my hands,” said Helman. “This class has been nothing but hands on — it has led me moving into a new career and finding a job where I feel like I'm actually going to get ahead in life.”

The 2024-25 bipartisan budget makes investments to open doors of economic opportunity and give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course – investing in all paths to success, from vo-tech and apprenticeship programs to college and continuing education:

The budget includes a $30 million increase in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming and equipment and continues Governor Shapiro’s work to invest in apprenticeship programs, building on the 45 new apprenticeship programs approved since he took office in January 2023.

After Governor Shapiro last year signed into law Act 33 establishing the $10 million Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program,(opens in a new tab) which provides up to $15,000 to eligible student teachers in Pennsylvania — this budget secures an additional $10 million for student teacher stipends, doubling last year’s investment.

This budget includes $7 million to support dual enrollment opportunities for high school students allowing them to take advanced courses for college credit and chart their own course.

This budget provides $2 million in first-time state funding for nursing apprenticeships.

For more information on how the 2024-25 budget will create opportunity for Pennsylvanians, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov(opens in a new tab). 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

THE DEATH OF WCBS NEWS RADIO

This week it was decided that WCBS Newsradio  would end its format at the end of te month. The WCBS Newsradio 880 is signing off for good, ending almost 60 years of broadcasting news in New York City.   The all-news format and WCBS call letters will be retired when 880 AM shifts to sports radio and relaunches as ESPN New York and WHSQ-AM effective Aug. 26, the radio station's owner Audacy announced. …..Audacy also owns 1010 WINS@92.3 FM, which will maintain its all-news format.  New York Mets games will continue to air on 880 AM and stream on the Audacy app, the company said.

WALN

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

 

STEVE CORBETT’S SCRANTON CITY NEWS

Here's the link: News – The Outlaw Steve Corbett (theoutlawcorbett.com)

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

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

The US beats Spain 96-65 to win the men's basketball gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics; future 'dream team' members Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin feature… Cincinnati Reds retire Johnny Bench's #5 uniform…….During a radio voice test, US President Reagan jokes he "signed legislation that would outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in 5 minutes."….. Future 4-weight world boxing champion Pernell Whitaker wins the lightweight gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics….. Ian Ferguson of New Zealand wins his 3rd canoeing gold medal of the LA Olympics taking out the K-4 1000 a day after victories in the K-1 500 & K-2 500……. Men's choir Maranatha Netherlands forms…..USSR performs (underground) nuclear test…… Braves beat Padres 5-3, features 2 brawls & 19 ejections….. Carlos Lopes of Portugal wins the men's marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2:09:21, an Olympic record that stands for 24 years…… Harmon Killebrew, Rick Ferrell, Don Drysdale, Pee Wee Reese, & Luis Aparicio are inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY……IBM releases PC DOS version 3.0….. West Indies complete 5-0 series annihilation of England…..The PKK in Turkey starts a campaign of armed attacks upon the Turkish military….LA federal jury acquits auto maker John Z DeLorean on cocaine charges and this week in 1984 the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Ghost Busters” by Ray Parker Jr.