The LuLac Edition #5, 212, December 6rh, 2024

 

HOUSE GOP BRACES FOR TINIEST VOTE MARGIN POSSIBLE: ‘WE HAVE NOTHING TO SPARE’

House Republicans will have zero room for error in the 119th Congress — literally.

Adam Gray
 

Rep. John Duarte (R) conceded to Democrat Adam Gray in California’s 13th Congressional District Tuesday night — the final uncalled House race of the 2024 cycle — solidifying the GOP’s 220-215 majority in the lower chamber.

That slim edge is already one of the closest in history. And it is set to narrow even more — and quickly — putting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his leadership team in a bind as they chart lofty goals for the next two years, when the GOP will have control of all levers of power in Washington.

“Do the math,” Johnson told reporters Wednesday morning. “We have nothing to spare.”

That leaves a zero-vote margin for the Republican conference on party-line votes, assuming full attendance, making delayed flights and illnesses critical to legislative business. If next year, for example, all House Democrats vote against a GOP-led measure and one Republican breaks from the party and votes with Democrats, the final tally would be 216-216 — sinking the GOP effort, since a tie loses in the lower chamber.

Here's the sad part for LuLac land.  By misguided and ungrateful voters turning multi term Congressman Matt Cartwright out of office, we screwed ourselves. He was the third ranking member on Appropriations. With this majority so tight (there isn’t a mandate here no matter what the MAGAs tell you) imagine the power we in NEPA could have had as a region. Now……this “battleground region” touted by the national media will be essentially ignored.

And you know what? We deserve that.

 

MAGA SILENCE IS DEAFENING

It is amazing to me that there is nary a word from the MAGA supporters (many of those who clearly voted against their own interests) about the staffing of the new administration. The default usually is “The President has a right to pick whomever he wants. Well I guess this is a case of “birds of a feather”. He has picked a treasonous woman (Tulsi, the new Mata Hari) a sexual abuser (momma’s boy Pete) people with literally no experience, a vaccine denier (RFK Junior) who I’m sure will handle the measles and polio outbreak when it happens, NOT) am election denier (his AG and Veep pick) and the top of the dung heap Kash Patel. I’ve met many people of Indian decent. As a matter of fact, I have a relative who married into a prominent family and I had wonderful interactions with them. But I also had occasions to meet some insecure males who use the word “enemy” in its improper context. Patel’s description of anyone disagreeing with Trump, the media and even future employees he will supervise “calling them the deep state” as “enemies” is troubling.Meanwhile, all the Trump chest thumpers stay silent as this clown car of Trump worshipers get the chance to screw things up or take us down a road we can't cxome back from. What scares me is that 'dolph would have loved these people. Ironic that the sons and daughters, and grand children of those WWII vets who fought for freedom, now  easily give it away.

 

 

TRUMP PICKS

NEW SS ADMINISTRATOR

President-elect Trump tapped financial software giant CEO Frank Bisignano late Wednesday to lead the Social Security Administration (SSA) in his second administration.

“Frank is a business leader, with a tremendous track record of transforming large corporations,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “He will be responsible to deliver on the Agency’s commitment to the American People for generations to come!”Bisignano currently serves as the CEO of fintech and payment processing company Fiserv. In the past, he served as chief operating officer at JPMorgan Chase.

The president-elect promised on the campaign trail to slash Social Security taxes. However, experts have raised concerns about the costs of scrapping income taxes on Social Security checks and how the program’s finances would be impacted.

The combined trust funds for retirement and disability benefits under SSA are expected to run out in 2035. But experts warn that Trump’s proposals could drain them by 2031 and lead to an increase in the agency’s deficit by $2.3 trillion.

Bisignano secured one of the most coveted positions in New York’s finance world by his late 20s. He became the senior vice president of the former Shearson Lehman Brothers, which was an investment bank that collapsed in 2008 and helped set off the recession, The New York Times reported.

So he picks a guy whose investment bank went under and started the recession of 2008 that a Democratic President inherited.  Yeah, this hot shot is going to care about the average middle class American on Social Security. To all those MAGA senior who voted on the border (look look, thousands are invading Plymouth!!!! Right now!!!)

THANKS,  KNUCKLEHEADS!

 

GOOD SAINT NICK

When I was a kid, we used to put our shoes near the door because we were told St. Nick would drop something in the shoe.  It was an admonishment for kids  to wait with patience in the coming days, and understand the reason for the Christmas season.

According to ancient custom, a bit of grain or a carrot is left in the shoe for the good saint's horse to eat. In reciprocation, St. Nick fills the shoes with gifts during the night.

Saint Nicholas of Myra  also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Patara in Anatolia (in modern-day Antalya Province, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire.Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the folklore of Santa Claus ("Saint Nick") through Sinterklaas.

Little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death and probably contain legendary elaborations. He is said to have been born in the Anatolian seaport of Patara, Lycia, in Asia Minor to wealthy Christian parents. In one of the earliest attested and most famous incidents from his life, he is said to have rescued three girls from being forced into prostitution by dropping a sack of gold coins through the window of their house each night for three nights so their father could pay a dowry for each of them. Other early stories tell of him calming a storm at sea, saving three innocent soldiers from wrongful execution, and chopping down a tree possessed by a demon. In his youth, he is said to have made a pilgrimage to Egypt and Syria Palaestina. Shortly after his return, he became Bishop of Myra. He was later cast into prison during the persecution of Diocletian but was released after the accession of Constantine.

Nicholas had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, a practice celebrated on his feast day, 6 December. For those who still observe the Julian calendar the celebration currently takes place thirteen days later than happens in the Gregorian calendar and Revised Julian calendar.

Children in families who celebrate St Nicholas' Day receive treats - including candy, cookies, small toys, or fruit - in stockings, socks, shoes or bags on December 6. Some churches have special services dedicated to the feast of St Nicholas on this day.

 

 

CBILL TO STUDY TRANSFER OF WEITZMAN MUSEUM TO THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PASSES SENATE, NOW HEADING TO PRESIDENT’S DESK

THE WEITZMAN MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY IS A HIGHLY REGARDED INSTITUTION LOCATED IN HISTORIC OLD CITY PHILADELPHIA

ITS MISSION IS TO EDUCATE VISITORS AND ONLINE AUDIENCES ABOUT THE HISTORY, CULTURE, AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF JEWISH AMERICANS

CASEY, BOYLE BILL WILL TAKE CRITICAL STEP TO TRANSFER THE MUSEUM TO THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

 Senator Bob Casey and Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) applauded the Senate passage of their legislation to take a critical step in transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a highly regarded museum dedicated to the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, to the Smithsonian Institution. The Weitzman, in historic Old City Philadelphia, would serve as the Smithsonian’s only museum dedicated specifically to the stories of Jewish Americans. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

“With antisemitism on the rise, the Weitzman Museum is playing a vital role in educating the next generation about the contributions Jewish Americans have made to our Nation and stemming the tide of hate,” said Senator Casey. “Integrating the Weitzman with the Smithsonian will cement the museum’s place as one of America’s essential institutions.”

“This critical bill marks an important step toward the Weitzman Museum becoming part of the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution,” said Representative Boyle. “As the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience, the Weitzman plays a vital role in preserving and sharing a key chapter of our nation’s history. Integrating the museum into the Smithsonian family would not only expand its reach and resources but also ensure its continued ability to educate and inspire future generations about the rich culture and contributions of American Jews.”

The Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act would create a commission to study the potential transfer of the Weitzman Museum to the Smithsonian Institution, which is the necessary first step to put the Weitzman Museum on a path toward acquisition by the Smithsonian. Specifically:

The commission will consist of eight members, with two members appointed by the majority and minority leaders of each chamber.

The commission will write a report to Congress with a recommendation on whether the Weitzman Museum should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The report will also detail the current collections of the Museum; the impact of the Museum on educational and governmental efforts to study and counter antisemitism; the financial assets and liabilities of the Museum and costs of operating and maintaining the Museum; the governance and organizational structure of the Museum should it be transferred; and the impact such a transfer would have on the Smithsonian Institution.

The commission will not receive any federal funding and will accept private contributions to pay for its expenses.

 

SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DR. KHALID N. MUMIN STEPS DOWN AFTER OVERSEEING HISTORIC INVESTMENTS IN K-12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION, GOVERNOR SHAPIRO APPOINTS ANGELA FITTERER INTERIM ACTING SECRETARY

DR. MUMIN’S TENURE AS EDUCATION SECRETARY WAS MARKED BY SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN K-12 PUBLIC EDUCATION, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PROFESSIONAL LICENSING SYSTEMS, AND THE FIRST SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON HIGHER EDUCATION IN 30 YEARS.

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO THANKS DR. MUMIN FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AND HAS NAMED ANGELA FITTERER AS INTERIM ACTING SECRETARY OF EDUCATION WHILE THE COMMONWEALTH CONDUCTS A COMPREHENSIVE SEARCH FOR A NEW SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin announced his resignation after nearly 2 years of service as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Dr. Mumin, a lifelong educator, was confirmed by the Senate of Pennsylvania to serve as the Secretary of Education on June 26, 2023.

“Dr. Mumin has dedicated his life and career to ensuring Pennsylvania children have real opportunity through a quality education that sets them up for success in life,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “He has led the Pennsylvania Department of Education with passion and integrity. I am grateful for his service to Pennsylvania’s students and educators and wish him great success in his future endeavors.”

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education,” said Sec. Mumin. “I began my career as a teacher in a classroom, and those early experiences watching students get excited about learning inspired me to become a principal, a superintendent, and ultimately Secretary of Education, so I could continue to fight for those students to get more support and more opportunities. I’m so grateful to Governor Shapiro for this opportunity to lead the Pennsylvania Department of Education and help build a bright future for Pennsylvania’s students and educators.”

Dr. Mumin will step down on December 6, 2024. Angela Fitterer, Executive Deputy Secretary for the Department of Education, will serve as Interim Acting Secretary.

During Dr. Mumin’s tenure, Pennsylvania has made historic investments in K-12 public education across two budgets, delivering $1.5 billion in new funding to schools and driving resources to the public schools that need it the most.

The Shapiro Administration has delivered universal free breakfast for 1.7 million Pennsylvania students, strengthened career and technical education programming by investing in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and apprenticeships, and invested in student mental health, repairs for safer and healthier schools, and free menstrual products for students in schools.

The Department has also made significant strides to strengthen the pipeline of qualified teachers ready to take up jobs in our classrooms. PDE has created a new CTE program in Education for high school students, awarded $1.5 million in grant funding to colleges and universities to bolster the Commonwealth’s next generation of special educators, eliminated the Basic Skills Assessment to become an educator, worked with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to create and expand the Student Teacher Support Program to provide a stipend to student teachers, allowed individuals authorized to work in the United States to earn certification and serve as educators in the Commonwealth, reduced the wait time for new teachers in Pennsylvania to receive their teaching certification by more than ten weeks, and more.

In his first budget address, Governor Shapiro called on state leaders to rethink higher education in the Commonwealth and charged Dr. Mumin to bring higher education leaders together to begin that conversation. Over the past year and a half, the Shapiro Administration brought together dozens of vested partners to have meaningful conversations about higher education in Pennsylvania, and to build on the Administration’s plan for higher education. The 2024-25 budget makes the first significant progress on higher education in 30 years. The budget establishes a new State Board of Higher Education, provides more support for public universities, and invests in making a college education more affordable for Pennsylvania students.

For over 25 years, Dr. Mumin has served in various capacities as a teacher, dean of students, principal and central administrator. Most recently, Dr. Mumin served as the Superintendent of Schools at Lower Merion School District. Prior to Lower Merion, Dr. Mumin was the Superintendent of Reading School District for seven years. Beginning as a Secondary English teacher in Scotland, Pennsylvania in 1997, Dr. Mumin rose through the leadership ranks of the education system in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Mumin earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education in Teaching & Curriculum from Pennsylvania State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Shippensburg University, and an Associate of Arts in English from Northeastern Christian Junior College.

Angela Fitterer is a lifelong public servant who currently serves as the Executive Deputy Secretary of Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Over her 25-year career in state government, Angela has served as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Governor Tom Wolf, Deputy Secretary in the Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs, Legislative Director at PDE, and has held various positions in both the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives focused on crafting and steering public policy. Throughout her career, she has used her passion for education and public policy to build coalitions to better serve the students of Pennsylvania.

 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

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

CORBETT

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

1984 logo

Beverly Hills Cop" directed by Martin Brest and starring Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold premieres in Los Angeles…….American tennis icon Chris Evert wins her 1,000th career professional match; beats Pascale Paradis of France 6-1, 6-7, 6-2 in the round of 16 at the Australian Open; Evert goes on to win the event…….Miami quarterback Dan Marino breaks NFL single-season touchdown pass record when he throws his 37th in the Dolphins' 45-34 loss to the Raiders; finishes season with 48 TD passes……They Know It's Christmas" single written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure and sung by an all-star cast under the banner of Band Aid is released in the UK……

 

 

  

 

Phopal disaster: A Union Carbide pesticide plant leaks 45 tons of methyl isocyanate and other toxic compounds in Bhopal, India, officially killing 2,259 - other estimates are as high as 16,000 (including later deaths) and over half a million injured…..at the ACE Cable Awards: "David Bowie: Serious Moonlight" by Anthony Eaton and HBO win…….Hezbollah militants hijack a Kuwait Airlines plane, killing four passengers……French colonies killed 10 Kanaken in New Caledonia…..the New York Yankees trade catcher Rick Cerone to Atlanta Braves for pitcher Brian Fisher while Oakland Athletics trade Rickey Henderson to the NY Yankees for Jay Howell and Jose Rijo…..and the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Like A Virgin” by MaDonna.