The LuLac Edition #5, 254, February 14th, 2025

 

HEY MAGAs MAKING LESS THAN $200,000

ARE THEY REALY FOR YOU?

KEY FAMILY TAX BREAKS ARE ON THE GOP CHOPPING BLOCK THIS YEAR

SEVERAL TAX BREAKS, INCLUDING THE CHILD TAX CREDIT, MAY FACE REFORMS OR BE CUT ENTIRELY AS LAWMAKERS SEEK REVENUE FOR TRUMP’S TAX PLANS.

President Donald Trump is urging Republicans in Congress to pass a comprehensive legislative tax policy package, and family tax breaks are on the chopping block.

The measure aims to bundle Trump’s main policy goals into “one big, beautiful bill” and contains major policies including spending cuts, border security, and energy reforms. It would also address expiring tax breaks in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a law slated to sunset by the year-end.

A deficit of revenue to fund the mega-bill, which economists and policymakers argue benefits the wealthy, has caused GOP lawmakers to scramble and devise revenue plans including looking at radical tax cuts.

 

ENDING THE CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT

Affording quality child care or care for a loved one with a disability can be expensive, amounting to thousands of dollars each year for U.S. families.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a non-refundable tax break that helps cover caregiving expenses so that parents or guardians can continue working or search for employment. It’s also listed among the family tax credits that would be eliminated to shore up savings for Trump’s mega-bill.

Qualified taxpayers can claim 20% to 35% of work-related care expenses, up to a limit of $3,000 expenses for one child or dependent and up to $6,000 for two or more children or dependents.

That translates to a maximum credit worth of $1,050 for one child or dependent or $2,100 for two or more dependents or children.

ELIMINATING HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD FILING STATUS

Another proposal in the list of Republican tax cuts would penalize single parents raising children or adults claiming a dependent on their own.

The provision aims to eliminate the “head-of-household” filing status, which offers lower tax rates and a higher standard deduction for unmarried taxpayers who have children or are caring for a loved one. To qualify for this filing status, taxpayers must meet the following criteria:

The taxpayer pays more than half of the cost of maintaining a household, is considered unmarried, and is not claimed as someone else’s dependent.

The taxpayer should also be able to claim a qualifying child or dependent on their tax return. (Kiplinger Newsletter).

 

 

ERIC ADAMS’ 30 PIECES OF SILVER

It appears New York Mayor Eric Adams got his 30 pieces of silver from the Trump administration as he betrays the people of New York. On Monday morning, the mayor convened his commissioners behind closed doors and ordered them not to say anything bad about the president and to give ICE agents in the city as much deference as possible. On Monday evening, Trump’s Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors in Manhattan to drop the historic criminal corruption case against Adams — for now.

A legal assist from Trump doling out dispensations isn’t a recipe for a political revival in a city where the only public official less popular than The Donald is the mayor.

The charges, the acting deputy attorney general wrote, had hindered Adams from fully leaning into the president’s immigration agenda — as if charges should get made or dropped depending on their subject’s compliance with Trump’s agenda. And, the letter dubiously claimed, those charges had been brought too close to the city’s election. (They came in September, nine months).

The letter explicitly did not contest the facts prosecutors had already laid out, involving Adams’ scoring first-class airline tickets from the Turkish government while it secreted money in his campaign, in exchange for his help opening a building in New York of huge importance to the country’s strongman leader.

All that stated, the key words here are, “FOR NOW”. Those 6 letters of the alphabet hold New York city citizens hostage as their  lap dog Trump enabler. (LuLac, MSNBC)

 

LUZERNE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION: A CRITICAL CHOICE FOR OUR FUTURE

The upcoming Luzerne County Council election is one of the most important in recent years. With five seats up for grabs, the future direction of our county government is at stake. Here’s a breakdown of the candidates running for office.

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REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES (INCUMBENTS & CHALLENGERS)

John Lombardo

•       Selected controversial individuals for key Election Board and Ethics Commission positions.

•        Previously stated that Trump did not represent the Republican Party but later reversed his stance for political gain.

Brian Thornton

•        Campaigned alongside Kevin Lescavage on a platform opposing the nonexistent issue of CRT in local schools.

•        Has made numerous false statements at council meetings, some of which are documented below.

•        Wasted taxpayer money on derailing the appointment of current County Manager Romilda Crocamo by opening the search minutes before a vote was to take place. This resulted in the hiring of an out-of-town resident who stayed for a hot 6 months. HE DIDN’T EVEN LAST THE YEAR. The taxpayers had to pay the moving expenses for this “sudden hire”. This was all Brian Thornton and taxpayers she be aware of this.

Kevin Lescavage

•       Has shared racist and election-denying posts on social media.

•        Promoted the widely debunked conspiracy film 2000 Mules at council meetings.

·        Wasted taxpayer money on derailing the appointment of current County Manager Romilda Crocamo by opening the search minutes before a vote was to take place. This resulted in the hiring of an out-of-town resident who stayed for a hot 6 months. HE DIDN’T EVEN LAST THE YEAR. The taxpayers had to pay the moving expenses for this “sudden hire”. This was all Brian Thornton and taxpayers she be aware of this.

Greg Wolovich

•       Appears to be a moderate Republican without a history of conspiracy theories on social media.

·        Wolovich is sometimes vilified by MAGA nuts as someone not Trumpian enough. Through the years he has been a very good Republican doing whatever the part asked. In a State Representative race, he stepped aside for Sue Henry to run. While he has supported other Republicans on Council, there are some GOP crazies that deem him “too soft”. To be clear, Wolovich  and Lombardo seem to be the only reasonable people on Council.

Martin Dartoe (Republican Challenger)

•       Has a history of drunk and disorderly charges.

•        Participated in the January 6th Capitol riot, scaling the walls of the building after traveling on a bus organized by Frank Scavo. (Source)

•        Ironically, his platform focuses on crime and property taxes—two issues outside of County Council’s jurisdiction.

Rob Viars (Republican Challenger)

•       Father of Emerson Viars, a key organizer for Team Trump and the PA Republican Party.

•        Proudly endorsed by Norb Dotzel, a Slocum Township supervisor with highly controversial social media activity.

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DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Tony (AJ) Perzia

•       Luzerne resident and borough councilman.

Denise Williams

•       Former Election Board Chairperson from Kingston Township.

Dawn Simmons

•        Wilkes-Barre-based real estate agent.

Terell Sabb

•       Patient representative for a major local hospital system who resides in West Pittston.

Unlike their Republican counterparts, the Democratic slate consists of experienced professionals with no history of spreading bigotry or conspiracy theories on social media.

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THE PATH FORWARD: A CALL TO ACTION

With five open seats, it’s crucial to ensure our county is run by competent and ethical representatives. Let’s encourage at least one more strong Democratic candidate to step up and run. More importantly, let’s mobilize, support, and vote for leaders who will guide Luzerne County with integrity and responsibility.

A Democratic majority on the County Council is vital for the future of our community. Make your vote count!

Brian Thornton blamed Democrats three different times for disrupting a sports presentation in the Rotunda of the Courthouse before a council meeting. The disruption came from a bullhorn wielding maga against drop boxes as shown in this video, who is on Thorntons side of the drop box argument.

Here is John Lombardo blaming Dems at a council meeting for the same disruption. Lombardo says it was “both” sides, but it clearly wasn’t. https://www.youtube.com/live/tZmsqCNs7vg?feature=shared&t=11254

Councilman Harry Haas is seen in the video laughing with the Gavi Shapiro, the guy with the bullhorn. Harry sat through these false stories and never cleared the record and let his fellow Republicans lie about the event.

Kevin Lescavage, and Alyssa Fusaro, the Republican pick for Election Board featured as election deniers in Rolling Stone Magazine. https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/pennsylvania-election-deniers-officials-trump-conspiracies-1235146332/   (Scott Cannon, LuLac)

 

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO SIGNS BILLS INTO LAW, INCLUDING BILL TO HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF HI-PATH AVIAN INFLUENZA

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 324( and SB 184(opens in a  into law.

HB 324 – led by Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz – updates the Poultry Technician Licensure Law to allow legal residents to become Certified Poultry Technicians upon completion of a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture training course. This will help more farm workers who are here legally receive the credentials needed to become Certified Poultry Technicians – a critical update that will support the ongoing work to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and protect Pennsylvania agriculture.

“Our Administration has worked aggressively and proactively in response to Hi-Path Avian Influenza, and we have taken steps to communicate directly with our farmers – from our major commercial sites to our Amish community – and encourage them to put biosecurity measures in place,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “By remaining proactive, we’ve helped to avoid the worst so far. This bill will help us address workforce challenges, support biosecurity best practices, and remain vigilant in the face of Avian Influenza as we work to keep protecting Pennsylvania agriculture industry.”

“Avian influenza is an ongoing crisis across our country, and with poultry being the keystone state’s No. 1 animal ag industry, our farmers and poultry businesses must have the people resources available to test poultry flocks as we continue our heightened monitoring for the virus,” said Chris Herr, Executive Vice President of Penn Ag Industries. “This bill will give us the people resources we currently lack as an industry but will offer those who are facing current barriers to becoming certified technicians an option to grow professionally and help us fight this deadly virus. Thank you, Gov. Shapiro, for understanding our industry needs and the many legislators who supported and helped pass this important legislation.”

 

 

BRESNAHAN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SIMPLIFY VETERANS CLAIMS

Congressman Rob Bresnahan (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced his first piece of legislation as a Member of Congress. The bipartisan Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, would simplify forms required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and survivors. Rep. Bresnahan introduced the bill alongside Representative Don Davis (NC-01). House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12), and Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and David Valadao (CA-22) are original cosponsors of the bill.

“Our military members dedicate their lives to serving our nation. The last thing they need when they come home are mountains of daunting paperwork,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Pennsylvania’s Eighth District is home to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and nearly 40,000 veterans. The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act will ease the burden of paperwork felt by so many of our veterans and their loved ones.

“I came to Congress with the mindset that I am here to make life better for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” continued Rep. Bresnahan. “My first piece of legislation will do just that by taking care of those who fight every day for our freedom. I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me to support our nation’s past and present soldiers and their families.”

“Our veterans should not have to jump through hoops just to file basic claims,” said Rep. Davis. “Exploring ways to cut red tape for those who have served our country is the least we can do so they can focus on taking care of themselves and their families.”

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) within VA requires veterans and survivors to complete standard forms to initiate and pursue claims for VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and survivors’ benefits. These forms can often be arduous and difficult to understand for veterans or their survivors, and failure to do correctly fill them out can result in delays in processing their claim, delays in receiving a decision on their claim, or even a denial of their claim.

Rep. Bresnahan introduced the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act to simplify the forms process to make VA standard forms more user-friendly. The legislation would require VA to contract with a nonpartisan, federally funded research entity to conduct a study on, and provide recommendations for, revising VA forms to be more understandable for veterans and their survivors. Following this study, the VA Secretary would be required to report findings to Congress and implement recommendations.

“Filing a compensation claim for benefits from the VA is one of the most vital steps a service member or veterans’ survivor takes. However, far too often, completing VA forms can be difficult, leading to unneeded stress.” said Chairman Bost. “I’m glad to see my friend and colleague, Rep. Bresnahan, reintroduce the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act this Congress to require the VA to work with a nonpartisan, federally funded research partner and veterans’ and survivors’ advocates to study, provide recommendations, and revise VA forms to be clear and understandable for veterans.”

“Our veterans served our country bravely, and getting access to the health care that they have earned shouldn't be another battle,” said Rep. Harder. “It's absolutely unacceptable that our veterans have to wade through mountains of paperwork just to get health benefits. This bill is simple — it makes claims processing easier and delivers care faster, and I'm proud that this is a bipartisan effort.”

“Our veterans have sacrificed for our country, and they shouldn’t have to struggle through overly complex forms just to access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Rep. Panetta. “The bipartisan Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act would take an important step in ensuring that the VA’s claims process is clear, accessible, and efficient. By working with independent experts to assess and improve these forms, we can reduce unnecessary burdens on veterans and their families, helping them get the support they have earned.”

“The Department of Veterans Affairs’ claims process is full of bureaucratic red tape, making it difficult for veterans and their families to access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Rep. Valadao. “The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act will streamline the process to ensure families can receive fair and timely decisions on their VA claims. I’m grateful for Rep. Bresnahan’s leadership on this important issue.”

 

 

 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week's guest is Aimee Inama from PennDOT discussing RealID 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 MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to 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.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE

VALENTINE’S DAY SNOW FEBRUARY 14^th, 2007

Snowfall totals were measured at 12 inches (30 cm) at Philadelphia International Airport, but 35 miles (56 km) to the west in West Caln Township there were 21 inches (53 cm). Philadelphia International Airport remained open throughout the storm, although about 50% of flights were cancelled. There were also power outages in the Philadelphia area, with about 10,000 customers losing power. In Western Pennsylvania, however, only 1 in (2.5 cm) or less of snow accumulated.  Philadelphia public and parchocial schools were closed for the day.

That year, a Valentine’s Day blizzard dumped snow followed by freezing rain and more snow along the Northeast corridor. What most people remember about the storm, however, is the major pile-up of hundreds of vehicles on Interstate-78 and digging out in the days that followed.

In Pennsylvania snow amounts ranged from a few inches in the lower part of the state to up to 20 inches in the north.

Ford Turner wrote in The Patriot-News, “The marathon storm went on and on -- snow to sleet to freezing rain and back to snow -- but it wasn’t until most of the awful mix was on roads when motorists grasped the grim reality of what they faced. Ruts. … Six or 8 inches of glop -- a decent blanket of snow with a decent blanket of sleet on top -- appeared to be solidifying on roads and intersections. The only prudent driving choice was to follow the grooves made by vehicles that passed that way earlier.

The timing of the storm’s various elements seemed designed to give road crews fits. Snow that began around dawn Tuesday changed to sleet late in the day, then became freezing rain early yesterday before switching back to snow. Even on sections of Interstate 83 and U.S. Routes 22/322, crews struggled to remove lumps of packed, frozen snow. ‘It has not been an easy storm to deal with,’ said Greg Penny, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman.”

Interstate-78 was closed between the I-81 split in Lebanon County to Allentown, about 50 miles. Some drivers were stuck for up to 24 hours between Feb. 14 and Feb. 17. Parts of Interstates 80 and 81 also were closed, stranding more motorists. The National Guard was called in to deliver food, water, coffee, blankets, fuel and baby supplies to stranded motorists.

In the days that followed, Gov. Ed Rendell said the state’s snow removal was “totally unacceptable.” He announced a top-to-bottom review of the cleanup failures that stranded hundreds of travelers, required the activation of the Pennsylvania National Guard and closed hundreds of miles of interstates……and this week in 2007 the number one song in LuLac land and America was  “The Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stafanie.