Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. II No. 71 (231)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

May 25, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

A Man With A Plan IN ADDITION TO Republican Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget plan passed by House of Representatives, Sen. Pat Toomey introduced his own budget plan in Senate yesterday. Although Toomey’s bill failed, it received more Senate votes than Ryan’s bill did. Story Page 3.

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The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar May 27Free Clothing and Items Giveaway at Mt. Hebron Baptist Ch., 141519 Wharton St. Bring your own shopping bags/carts. Items for men, kids, babies, ladies, home.

For info (215) 336-8163. Rev. R. Johnson Waller, Jr., Pastor, Sister CP Love, Missionaries Director.

Jun. 3Fundraising Banquet to purchase Asian Service Bldg. at Ocean City Restaurant, 234 N. 9th St., 6:30 p.m. For info Chairman Mohan Parmer (215) 317-8262.

Jun. 4Badges of Honor 5 K run in Fairmount Park at 9 a.m. kicked off by

Police Commissioner Ramsey, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Prison Commissioner Louis Giorla and Mayor Michael Nutter.

Jun. 16American Diabetes Ass’n honors Michael A. Rashid, president of AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Cos., as 2011 Father of the Year honoree at 1200 Awards Dinner at Loews Hotel, cocktail reception 5:30 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m.

Jul. 10Benefit for Women Veterans hosted by Cathy Santos at Mom’s Kitchen Table Garden Courtyard, 2317 Ridge Ave., 4-9 p. m. For info Cathy Santos (215) 834-4228.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

25 MAY, 2011

Enjoy Your Memorial Day Weekend The Philadelphia Daily Record staff will take Memorial Day weekend off, beginning tomorrow, May 27.

We will resume publication on Tuesday, May 31.

Remember the valiant warriors who have, for cen-

turies, paid the last full measure of devotion on this weekend, and remember their families as well, even as you cherish and enjoy your loved ones. May you all have a wonderful weekend!

Toomey’s Budget Plan Draws Broad Senate Support Today, US Sen. Pat Toomey’s (RPa.) 10-year budget proposal received broad support from his Senate Republican colleagues, garnering 42 votes, the most votes received by any budget yesterday.

“I am grateful to have the support of my Senate Republican colleagues for my budget proposal,” the Senator said. “Their support for balancing the budget and solving our debt crisis now is heartening, and I will continue fighting for fiscal responsibility here in Washington. I hope all of my Senate colleagues will embrace the need to balance the budget and establish pro-growth policies that put our country’s economy back on track.”

“Today, we are barreling toward a fiscal crisis like a downhill freight train. Our country’s deficits and debt are growing at an unsustainable clip, and it is critical that we start making the tough and serious choices now to balance our budget.

We cannot kick the can down the road and continue borrowing and spending as the President’s budget does. My proposal will balance our federal budget in nine years and institute the pro-growth policies 25 MAY, 2011

that will lead to job creation and increased prosperity for all Americans.”

Toomey’s budget aims to balance the budget by 2020 with a modest surplus in 2021. It would reduce publicly held debt to approximately 55.6% of GDP by 2021. It lowers spending to 18.4% of GDP. Toomey’s plan claims to “promote pro-growth economic policies that will create jobs and prosperity.” It simplifies the tax code by consolidating the current six brackets into three brackets. It lowers marginal rates and eliminates special-interest tax loopholes and deductions.

The alternative minimum tax would be indexed for inflation.

The corporate tax rate would drop from 35% to 25%. Toomey would implement a territorial tax system.

Toomey’s plan hopes to return government revenue to 18.5% of GDP – well within the historical norm.

Toomey addresses health care by repealing “Obamacare” taxes, spending and entitlement programs. It would slow Medicare’s growth rate so doctors do not face THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

the prospect of devastating cuts each year. The plan calls for medical-malpractice reform . For Medicaid, Toomey would provide a fixed block grant program to the states. This plan , he states, gradually reduces spending to $14 billion – more than pre-stimulus levels (2008 level) – by 2019. It keeps Medicaid spending above the 2000 level, adjusted for population growth and inflation.

On defense spending, Toomey would use the savings identified

by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to slow its growth without compromising America’s security.

Toomey’s plan assumes full withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan by 2018 (contingent on security needs).

Non-defense discretionary spending would be cut to 2006 levels ($435 billion) in 2012 and freezes for the subsequent six years, after which it indexes to consumer price index. Other mandatory spending would be gradually reduced to just more than 2007 levels by 2014, after which it grows at CPI. Toomey would reform welfare programs by setting fixed annual spending caps. |

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Casey Bill Promotes Medical Volunteers U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) introduced legislation yesterday to remove barriers currently preventing health-care professionals from volunteering their services at cost-effective, high quality primary and preventative health-care facilities, known as Community Health Centers. The Family Health Care Accessibility Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to provide Federal Tort Claims Act medical-malpractice coverage to all qualified health-care professionals who volunteer at CHCs. “Community health centers provide needed health care and provide significant cost savings,” said the Senator. “This federal roadblock must be removed so that licensed health professionals can volunteer their time to serve patients in medically underserved rural and urban locations.”

Currently, CHC employees, contractors, and board members receive medical malpractice coverage through the FTCA, but doctors, dentists, and other health care professionals seeking to volunteer their services at CHCs are required to provide their own medical malpractice coverage, which is extremely costly.

The bill would be paid for with existing funds under the Health Centers’ annual appropriations through the Department of Health and Human Services and would not require additional funding.

The Family Health Care Accessibility Act passed with overwhelming support (417-1) in the House of Representatives during the last session of Congress and has been reintroduced this session by Congressman Tim Murphy (R-Allegheny).

Chief Justice Welcomes Continued Legal Aid Funding Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille today praised the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network for the positive performance audit received from the Legislative Budget & Finance Committee yesterday on its oversight of Access to Justice funds. He also strongly agreed with the audit’s finding that the funding sources for legal aid for the state’s most-vulnerable citizens – those who don’t have the financial means to access the courts – should be made permanent.

“The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network provides legal assistance and access to the courts for Pennsylvanians whose family income is less than 125% of poverty level – those who don’t have the financial means to access the courts in these 4|

difficult economic times, but for whom that access is now more critical than ever,” the Chief Justice Castille said. “Even with the assistance of Legal Aid, approximately 50% of eligible Pennsylvanians seeking services are turned away due to resource constraints.”

Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. Board President Gerald A. McHugh, Esq. commented, “We are truly gratified that the performance audit confirms the superior quality and high level of legal services provided to clients across the Commonwealth. The audit’s findings are indeed a tribute to the important work undertaken by the attorneys and other dedicated professionals of the local legal aid programs working to ensure equal THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

access to justice for those who have nowhere else to turn.”

In 2002, the legislature passed the Access to Justice Act imposing a $10 fee on filings in State courts, with $2 of that fee dedicated to direct funding of civil legal-service organizations. That law is scheduled to expire in November 2012 unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

Another temporary surcharge of $1 on filing fees that goes to fund legal services is slated to expire in January 2012. The LBFC report recommends the General Assembly consider making both fees a permanent source of funds for the legal-aid program.

Castille has been urging the legis25 MAY, 2011

lature and Governor continue funding of these services in budget hearings and meetings over the past year.

The LBFC report found Legal Services programs are important to low-income residents; that they are effective with client satisfaction rates of 80-100%; and that they are well monitored, with few problems with

the collection and use of the funds.

“This audit provides ample evidence of the success and value of funding legal services through the Access to Justice Act. In addition to addressing overall court funding issues, I encourage the legislature to make these filing fees a permanent, stable funding stream for legal aid,” Castille said.

Education Lobbyists Run Phone Bank To Pressure Harrisburg A group of concerned parents, community members, and District employees gathered tonight to advocate for public education by participating in the Education Voters of Pennsylvania Phone Bank.

Volunteers placed calls to voters, shared information on the impending State budget cuts, and urged residents to take action by contacting their local legislators.

“The goal was to engage voters in key Districts to call their legislators about how detrimental these cuts in education will be to our schools, our communities, and our city as a whole,” explained Ian Moran, a representative for Education Voters.

thusiastic about contacting their local legislators to urge them to reject the budget proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett.

Last night’s phone bank was the second that Education Voters has hosted in partnership with Protect Philly Education.

Volunteers from the Phone Bank reported the individuals they contacted were receptive and even en-

Poll Finds Broad Support For Paid Sick Days As City Council considers a bill that would ensure Philadelphia workers are able to earn sick days, a new poll finds an overwhelming majority of voters in the May 17 Primary election strongly support the legislation and are more likely to back elected officials who support it as well.

“It’s no surprise Philadelphia voters strongly support a bill that will protect public health, help working families and strengthen the city’s economy,” said Ricardo Valadez, campaign manager for the over-90-organization member Philadelphia Campaign for Earned Sick Days. “Philadelphians understand workers should not have to make a choice between their health and their income. No one should have choose between being a good employee and a good parent.”

The poll found 71% percent of Philadelphians who voted in the May 17 primary support earned sick days legislation, and only 24% oppose the measure. The measure enjoys bipartisan support. 64% of registered 25 MAY, 2011

Republicans and 72% of registered Democrats support the bill.

A majority of voters agree the measure would be good for Philadelphia businesses. When given a choice between two statements, 64% agreed “this proposal is good for Philadelphia businesses,” while only 26% agreed “this proposal is bad for Philadelphia businesses.”

A clear majority of voters – 59% – believe the measure will improve the public health of the city.

Sixty-four percent of primary voters are more likely to support a City Council Member who backs the proposal, and only 23% were less likely. Voters also said they are less likely to support Mayor Nutter when they learn he opposes the proposal (47% less likely / 30% more likely).

The Coalition for Healthy Families & Workplaces commissioned the poll from the Anzalone Liszt Re-

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search group. The poll surveyed 500 Philadelphians who voted in the May 17, 2011 primary.

The new poll comes as members of the Coalition went to City Hall today to call on Council Members to bring the paid-sick-days bill to a vote. Prior to

Thursday’s Council session, members of the coalition surrounded City Hall with more than 10,000 postcards from sick-day supporters as commuters, City Hall workers, Council Members and the Mayor arrive for work.

GlaxoSmithKline Awards Grant For Science Literacy The School District of Philadelphia received funds from one of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies as a part of an effort to better prepare and equip science teachers and improve student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math. The $310,000 grant given by GlaxoSmithKline US Community Partnerships titled, “Preparing Scientifically Literate Students,” will benefit students by encouraging the development of certain skills and content knowl-

edge. The grant also provided funds for state-of-the-art sciencelab equipment and professional development for high-school science teachers.

With less than 24% of college freshmen declaring STEM subjects as areas to pursue in higher education, this grant is particularly beneficial to better prepare teachers and provide the necessary equipment for students to learn. “As the field of science expands, it is critical

that teachers stay current in their areas of expertise and students are encouraged to become scientifically literate citizens. We thank GlaxoSmithKline for this very generous donation,” said District CEO and Superintendent Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman.

The District has begun to incorporate these concepts in professional development workshops for teachers that are scheduled and that have already occurred.

Former DEP Sec. Hanger Endorses Patrick Murphy For AG John Hanger, former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection, endorsed Iraq War veteran and former Congressman Patrick Murphy for Pennsylvania Attorney General yesterday.

“When it comes to issues like public health and the environment, the battleground has clearly shifted to the states. That is why Pennsylvania needs a leader like Patrick Murphy – someone who will stop at nothing to keep Pennsylvania families safe from all threats to public safety,” said Hanger. “Patrick believes in a comprehensive approach to fighting crime, which means investing in education to give young people opportunities, and keep them out of the criminal justice system.”

“Pennsylvania is presented with significant challenges, but also tremendous opportunities. Patrick un6|

derstands that we need a balance,” said Hanger. “On natural gas, he understands that drilling in the Marcellus Shale has huge economic potential and could aid in the development of cleaner energy, but he knows we need to do it right. That means making sure we have strong enforcement of sensible regulations that protect our water supply and preserve our environment in the process.”

“In addition to locking up dangerous criminals, Patrick knows that the Attorney General has a responsibility to protect our natural resources and water supplies,” Hanger said. “Patrick is tough and aggressive.

He knows that law enforcement means taking action before Pennsylvania families are harmed or exploited.”

“John Hanger is one of Pennsylvania’s leading voices

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25 MAY, 2011

on public health and safety and throughout his career, he has shaped public policy to protect Pennsylvania families. Nationally, Secretary Hanger is a trusted authority on environmental protection, renewable en-

ergy and consumer protection,” Murphy said. “I’m honored to have his support and I look forward to working with him to make Pennsylvania an even better place to work and live.”

Liberty Museum Hosts ‘Heroes Of Liberty’ NATIONAL LIBERTY MUSEUM Heroes of Liberty Founders Dinner was held Wednesday night at Westin Hotel. Three couples were honored for supporting the museum, including, standing, Harold & Adele Schaeffer.

Mrs. Schaeffer served as president for five years.

Seated are supporters of the museum, founded by Irv Borowsky in 2000, from left: Judge James Fitzgerald and his wife Carol Fitzgerald, and Roberta Tanenbaum.

Photos by Bonnie Squires.

GWEN BOROWSKY, CEO of the National Liberty Museum, welcomed Hillel & Caryl Levinson to Founders Dinner, honoring Vickie & Jack Farber, Joyce & Bob Byers, and Adele & Harold Schaeffer, for their commitment to its educational mission.

25 MAY, 2011

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New Arts, Business Alliance Is Forged GPSEG announced Wednesday at its annual Spring Reception a new alliance with the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia that will pair together the talents of the two organizations.

the cultural vitality and economic development of Greater Philadelphia by strengthening the partnership between business and the arts and cultural community.

GPSEG, a nonprofit professional association of senior-level executives throughout Greater Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware committed to the exchange of business contacts and ideas, has a significant number of members interested in working with the Arts & Business Council, said Jane Frankel, GPSEG’s Alliance Committee co-chair and a member of the Board of Directors.

Karen B. Davis, president & CEO of the Council believes “Council programs help to expand the executives’ professional capabilities, creativity and networks, which bolsters their competency in the workplace and engagement in the broader community.

Frankel said the Arts & Business Council has four programs that provide business and legal professionals with skills-based volunteer opportunities in the creative sector.

“We have many skilled executives who could provide valuable counsel and guidance to arts and cultural organizations in our region,” she said.

The Council is also a chapter of the national Arts & Business Council of Americans for the Arts, which includes a network of Arts & Business Council affiliates across the United States.

GPSEG Chairman and CEO Dwayne Patterson said the new alliance is an example of GPSEG’s interest in involving itself in the community and lending its collective expertise to worthy organizations.

Founded in 1981 and affiliated with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia helps drive

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

25 MAY, 2011