Vol. I No. 102
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
November 18, 2010
Philadelphia
Daily Record
Live, From Temple
HONORING Kal & Lucille Rudman, left, for their donation of $1.2 million to Temple University for its TUTV channel which debuted last week are, from left, Janet & Lew Klein and Mr. & Mrs. Paul Gluck of Temple’s School of Communications.
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Big Cities Are Cutting Jail Populations, Costs A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative finds large urban officials throughout the country are taking steps to reduce jail populations in ways intended to save money, maintain public safety and make the criminal justice system more efficient. The brief, Local Jails: Working to Reduce Populations and Costs, notes that the average daily local jail population in large jurisdictions declined in 2009 – down 2.3% from the previous year, after climbing 30% from 1999 to 2008. This decline is the first in three decades.
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“While it is too soon to tell whether this one-year dip is the start of a new trend, some local governments now facing severe budget pressures seem intent on making it so,” said Claire ShubikRichards, senior associate at PRI. “Reducing the jail population safely and in a sustained way requires the consensus of the criminal-justice community, the support of elected officials and the acceptance of the public.”
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The study includes analysis of jail populations and spending in 11 major urban jurisdictions: Allegheny Co. (which includes Pittsburgh), the City of Baltimore, Cook Co. (Chicago), Fulton Co. (Atlanta), Harris Co. (Houston), Los Angeles Co., Maricopa Co. (Phoenix), New York City, Philadelphia, Suffolk Co. (Boston) and Wayne Co. (Detroit). The drop in jail populations parallels a decrease in the total population of the nation’s state prisons, which was documented in March by the Public Safety Performance Project of the Pew Center on the States. The net decline was 0.3%. Pew found taxpayers and public officials in communities large and small are confronting the reality that more money for jails can mean less money for other government services, especially in tough economic times. In Cook Co., a decline in arrests and changes in management practices have resulted in the closure of two jail units. In Tompkins Co., N.Y., the creation of a day reporting center as an alternative to incarceration has helped officials make significant cuts in jail spending. In Spokane Co., Wash., expedited plea agreements and new alternative sentences have reduced the average daily jail population by 36% in two years. Over the past decade, county jails-
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facilities for defendants awaiting trial and sentenced offenders serving short-term sentences or awaiting transfer to state prisons-have consumed a greater and greater share of local tax dollars. Harris Co. spends 14% of its entire budget on jails. Philadelphia, which is a combined City/County, spends more on jail than it spends on any other function besides police and human services – as much as it spends on streets, sanitation and public health combined. The recent decline in the jail population is particularly pronounced in Philadelphia. In the first week of November, the jail census there stood at about 8,000, down from a peak of 9,787 less than two years ago. In the past decade, among the cities studied, the largest increases in jail population have been in Philadelphia and Allegheny Co. (both 49%) and Harris Co. (46%). The largest decreases have been in New York City (24%) and Fulton Co. (20%). The largest increases in jail spending, after inflation, have come in Maricopa Co. (106%), Philadelphia (52%) and Harris Co. (34%).
Whistleblower Socks Student Lenders $57.75 Million In Overbilled Gov’t Loans Four student-aid lenders have paid the United States a total of $57.75 million to resolve allegations they improperly inflated their entitlement to certain interestrate subsidies from the US Dept. of Education in violation of the False Claims Act, the Justice Dept. announced yesterday. The settlements resolve allegations brought in a whistleblower action filed in the Eastern District of Virginia under the False Claims Act, which permits private citizens to bring lawsuits alleging violations of the Act on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. 18 NOVEMBER, 2010
The whistleblower suit was filed by Dr. Jonathan Oberg, a former employee of the Department of Education, who alleged several lenders participating in the federal student financial aid programs created billing systems that allowed them to receive improperly inflated interest rate subsidies from the Dept. of Education. Nelnet Inc. and Nelnet Educational Loan Funding Inc. have paid $47 million to the United States. Southwest Student Services Corp. has paid $5 million. Brazos Higher Education Authority and Brazos Higher Education Service Corp. have paid $4 million. Panhandle Plains Higher Education Authority and Panhandle Plains Management and Servicing Corp. have paid $1.75 million. Dr. Oberg will receive a total of $16.65 million from these settlements.
American Voters Say Ban Cell Phones While Driving By a 63%-34% margin, American voters support a Federal ban on cell-phone use while driving, even while using a “hands-free” device, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released yesterday. “In a country narrowly split on most questions, there is unusual agreement it is a good idea to ban driving while talking on a cell phone,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, “even when a driver is using a ‘hands-free device.’ “Given that Democrats generally favor a larger role for government, it is not surprising they support a ban 70%-28%, while Republicans back a ban 56%-40% and independent voters support a ban 64%-33%.” Women back the idea 70%-26%, while men support it 55%-42%. While voters 18-34 years old back the ban
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only 51%-47%, those over age 55 call it a good idea 74%-22%.
Nov. 17Memorial Service & portrait unveiling for late Judge Joseph A Dych at City Hall, Courtrm. 653, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18Friends of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown host reception at Sande Webster Gallery, 2006 Walnut St., 6 p.m. For info (215) 847-5264. Nov. 19Mayor to raise 20 more nations’ flags on Parkway and swear in 20 new citizens between 20th and 21st streets, 11 a.m. If rain, Mayor’s Reception Rm., Rm. 215, City Hall. Nov. 20UNICO, Italian American Charitable Association, will be stuffing 175 turkey baskets at parking lot on west side of Turf Club, 700 Packer Ave., 9 a.m.-12 m. President Guy Ciabattoni invites everyone interested to join and help. For info Guy (215) 774-9866, ext. 11. Dec. 3- Phila. FIGHT marks 20th anniversary gala at Ritz Carlton. For ticket and other info (215) 525-8628. Dec. 573rd Annual Rev. George Feider Memorial Communication Breakfast hosted by Millay Club alumni of Gorretti-Neumann HS, at Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing, 201 S,. Columbus Blvd., 9 a.m. Honored will be Penna. State Secretary Basil Merenda and others. Tickets $30. For info (215) 389-0925. 4|
Ten percent of voters admit they talk on a cell phone while driving “very often,” while 21% say “sometimes,” 38% say “rarely” and 31% say “never.” A cell-phone ban would increase highway safety “a great deal,” 49% of voters say, while 31% say it would improve safety “some.”
Casey Introduces Air Cargo Screening Bill After Yemen Bomb Plot Following the recent terrorist attempt to ship explosive devices from Yemen in packages, US Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chairman of the Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs Subcommit-
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tee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has introduced the Air Cargo Security Act to expand the 100% screening mandate to allcargo aircraft. “Terrorists intent on doing us harm have shown that they will adapt and try new tactics,” said the Senator. “It is imperative that threats are constantly assessed and procedures put in place to ensure the safety of the American people. Requiring 100% of cargo aircraft to be screened will add another layer of defense as we continue to hunt down terrorists.” The Air Cargo Security Act would develop a system to screen 100% of cargo transported on all-cargo aircraft within 3 years, with half of the cargo screened within 18 months. It would establish regular inspection of shipping facilities for shipments of air cargo transported on all-cargo planes. The US would enter into arrangements with government authorities of foreign countries to ensure that
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Roebuck: Major Education Reforms Succeed, With Historic Veto Override State Rep. James Roebuck (D-W. Phila.), chairman of the House Education Committee, said a set of significant education reforms will become law. The Senate voted yesterday to join the House of Representatives in overriding Gov. Ed Rendell’s veto of the bill (HB 101). “There are so many positive things in this bill for Pennsylvania students and families, and I am pleased it will become law and bring about several needed reforms to education in the Commonwealth,” Roebuck said. “This legislation represents a collective, bipartisan effort to address various education issues and is the culmination of several years of determined work to build consensus and achieve compromise. It includes a total of 18 important education bills. I am pleased this well-vetted bill will become law.” Like the original votes to pass the bill, the veto override votes were also bipartisan: 171-24 in the 18 NOVEMBER, 2010
House and 42-7 in the Senate. The bill includes two of Roebuck’s proposals. One is aimed at preventing school dropouts. It will require the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education to implement a high-quality, detailed data-collection and reporting system for dropout and graduation rates in all public-school districts. Another Roebuck proposal included in the bill authorizes the state to help pay Pennsylvania teachers’ fees for undergoing certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, subject to state funding being available.
General Assembly Leadership Set Senate Democrats and Republicans selected their leadership for next year during secret voting sessions Wednesday. The Republicans nominated Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) to again be President Pro Tempore of the body. The full Senate will vote for President Pro Tempore on Jan. 4. Republicans hold a 30-20 majority in the chamber. State Sen. Dominic Pileggi (RDelaware) was again voted Majority Leader and the post of Appropriations Chair went again to Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre). THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
State Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) was voted Majority Whip for the first time, replacing State Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny), who stepped down from the post in April after an allegation of using taxpayer resources for a political campaign surfaced. State Sen. Michael Waugh (RYork) was voted Caucus Chair and State Sen. Bob Robbins (R-Mercer) will serve as Caucus Secretary. On the Democrat side, State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) was voted Minority Leader, replacing retiring State Sen. Robert Mellow (DLackawanna). State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.) was voted Minority Chair of the Appropriations Committee and State Sen. Michael O’Pake (DBerks) was elected Minority Whip. State Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-W. Phila.) was elected Caucus Chair. Williams first joined the Senate in 1998. He began his career in public service at the age of 31, first winning office as a State Representative. The new Democratic Caucus secretary is State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Kensington). She was elected to the Senate in 1994. Prior to her election to the Senate, she served as business representative for the United Food & Commercial Workers Union. |
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ber 2011. State Sen. Richard Kasunic (DFayette) was reelected Senate Democratic Policy Committee chairman. Elected to the Democrat leadership team as Caucus Administrator was Sen. Lisa Boscola (DNorthampton).
Ed Snider Foundation Expands Five City Rinks The City’s Dept. of Parks & Recreation will partner with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation to improve five public skating rinks in Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter announced yesterday. Three public skating rinks will undergo renovations and enclosure for year-round operation, seven days-a-week. Two additional rinks will undergo significant renovations. The project is estimated to cost $13 million. The Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program provided a $ 6.5 million grant and through the Foundation’s partnership with the City, matching funds will total an additional $6.5 million. Snider Hockey has selected D’Lauro & Rodgers, Inc. as general contractor and named Ron Caplan (CEO of Philadelphia Management Corp.) to serve as owner’s representative. Construction is expected to be complete by Novem6|
“The expansion of this public-private partnership to provide yearround recreational opportunities and educational development for the city’s youth is a wonderful way to keep our youth engaged,” said Nutter. “If the end product of this partnership is that boys and girls go on to play for competitive club, scholastic or even collegiate hockey teams, that would be great,” said Ed Snider. “But more significant are the thousands of young people that will learn the importance of staying in school, staying on a progressive path, and understand the need to give back to their communities. These children will someday help to build a stronger Philadelphia.”
two-year employment stimulus program under which a credit against the City’s business privilege taxes will be given to businesses that create new jobs within the City of Philadelphia. The businesses will receive a $3000 credit for each new job created for tax years 2012 and 2013, in addition to 2010 and 2011. The Job Creation Tax Credit Program was established in May 2002 to encourage businesses to expand employment within the City of Philadelphia. It is based on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Job Creation Tax Credit program and offers a credit against the firm’s Business Privilege Tax liability for each new job created. The program can be utilized by companies of any type or size located anywhere in the city.
Goode to extend Job-Creation Tax Credits
Through 2009, 60 firms have participated in the program, promising the creation of 4,463 jobs. The five year period allowed by the initial ordinance to create new jobs has expired for 22 of these 60 firms. As a result, the promised job creation may be reduced from 4,463 to 2,790. To date, 1,026 jobs have been certified as created, resulting in the issuance of $1,630,297 in tax certificates, of which $1,502,322 has been claimed.
City Councilman at Large W. Wilson Goode, Jr. has introduced the Job Creation Opportunity Extension Bill. The legislation extends a
Following certification of job creation, participating firms are awarded certificates for the tax
The Foundation first partnered with the City in 2008 to maintain the operation of three ice rinks that are owned by the City and were slated for closure. Snider Hockey recently reached a 20-year agreement with the City and PAID to extend its partnership through 2030.
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credit, either $1,000 or 2% of the annual wage for each job created (for applicants filing after 6/11/2009, the credit is either $3,000 or 2% of annual wages paid for each job created in 2010 and 2011). Councilman Goode said, “This legislation will help to create more jobs within Philadelphia. As we work toward economic recovery, business and job growth will require the right kind of financial stimulus. The extension of this effort would expand upon the almost 2800 jobs to be created under my existing program.”
Mayor, Guv Hail Weatherization Success Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined Gov. Ed Rendell yesterday to celebrate the success of the first year of the low-income weatherization program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ARRA-funded weatherization began in Pennsylvania in fall 2009. Since that time, 1,850 homes have been weatherized in Philadelphia. The weatherization program helps low-income individuals save energy and money by installing home improvements like energy efficient boilers & insulation. Nutter said, “It has provided real work opportunities for Philadelphia residents and small businesses. That’s exactly the kind of outcome we were looking for when the Recovery Act passed.”
disabled individuals, families with children and high energy users. To learn about eligibility for the weatherization program, Philadelphians should contact the Energy Coordinating Agency at (215) 988-0929 or the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp. at (215) 448-2160.
McGeehan Holds Hearing In City Hall On Prison Escape State Rep. Mike McGeehan (D-Northeast) will host a public hearing at 3:30 p.m. today in Room 478 of City Hall on improving Philadelphia’s emergency-alert system to include alerts of prison escapes. The hearing is being held by the House Judiciary Committee at McGeehan’s request after residents in the community surrounding the Curran-Fromhold prison in his Legislative District, were never notified of a recent escape. Additionally, law-enforcement agencies were notified only two hours after the prisoner’s absence was discovered. The October escape was the second from the prison in 11 months. McGeehan said the hearing is to learn more about how the current emergency-alert system operates and how it can be improved to protect public safety. McGeehan said he is especially concerned because there are six City prison facilities within his District and he wants to be sure plans are in place and working to promptly notify the public and law enforcement in the event of an escape.
“Weatherization has had a dramatic effect on Pennsylvania. Weatherized homes save the average homeowners $600 per year in energy costs, and who wouldn’t want to have that savings in this economy?” said Rendell.
Sen. Williams Will Distribute Thanksgiving Turkeys To 650 Families
The average expenditure per household is $6,500. Eligible applicants include low-income individuals (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level), with priority given to higher-risk residents such as the elderly,
This Saturday, State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, partnering with TL Gilliams, LLC, will distribute at least 650 families in the 8th Senatorial Dist. will enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, handing out free turkeys to people in transition.
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The distribution will begin at noon as residents gather at 6630 Lindbergh Boulevard to pick up their assigned turkeys. Those not claimed by 1 p.m. will be redistributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Last week, Williams invited constituents facing financial hardship to contact his office to reserve a turkey. Within hours of the news being published, the Senator’s office was awash with calls and email requesting turkeys. The phones rang nearly every five minutes, from across the District, which includes South, West and Southwest Philadelphia and eastern Delaware Co. That didn’t stop others seeking help from reaching out, with calls being fielded from across Philadelphia and throughout its suburbs – even after it had been announced all the turkeys had been claimed. The phone
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system temporarily crashed at one point. “With the ongoing pain of this protracted recession and economic vulnerability, I knew this activity would draw attention,” Williams said. “But I was astounded not just by how quickly word got out, but by the sheer volume of those seeking help. We are blessed to be able to give something to the families in the 8th District this holiday, but it’s clear that this is a meager contribution when you consider the magnitude of need.” This week, the US Dept. of Agriculture reported that nearly 1 in 6 American households don’t have access to the food needed to sustain them, the highest tally since it started this measurement more than a decade ago.
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