Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. III No. 21 (391)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

February 3, 2012

Philadelphia Daily Record

Growing Now? NATIONAL JOB GROWTH continued in January as unemployment fell to 8.3% Se. Bob Casey’s response Page 3

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Calendar Feb. 4State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Borwn kicks off campaign at Parkside Ave. Banquet Ha., 4942 Parkside Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info Kim Gilmore (610) 766-2566.

$35. If you cannot make event, donation to “Friends of Vicki Cummings” c/o The Lucas Family, 3128 Cottman Ave., Phila., PA 19149. For info Friendsofvickicummings@yaho o.com.

Feb. 4Green Night Out Arthur Green presfeatures Prof. Eileen Appelbaum Feb. 10ents 14th Ward Pre-Valentine’s to discuss “Paid Sick Leave & Day Cabaret at Barber’s Ha., Paid Sick Days” at Singapore Broad & Oxford Sts., 9 p.m.-???

Restaurant, 1006 Race St., 7 Donation $10. For info Arthur p.m. Space is limited, so RSVP Green (267) 986-7948.

Green Party at (215) 243-7103.

Feb. 4Chris Vogler holds Feb. 10-12- Penna. Progressive Summit at Convention Ctr., “Dash For Delegate” fundraiser Broad & Arch Sts. Variety of at SmokeEater’s Pub, 7681 registration fees, $50-$150. For Frankford Ave., 7-10 p.m. Doinfo paprogressivesummit.org. nation $40. Make checks payable to Friends of Chris Fundraiser for State Vogler PAC. For info Bob Cum- Feb. 13Rep candidate Al Simpson at mings (267) 471-9607.

Breen’s Pub, Huntingdon Pk., 69 p.m. Ticket, $35, sold at door.

Feb. 8Judge Angelo Foglietta is sworn in at City Hall Alliance Française Rm. 653, 4:00 p.m. Reception Feb. 21de Philadelphie Mardi Gras celfollows at Law Library. ebration at Restaurant School, 4207 Walnut St., 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 9Steve Aldrich of Roaring ’20s theme, prize for IBEW Local 269 invites all to best costume. Tickets $60. For reception in honor of State Rep. info (215) 735-5283.

Tina Davis at Bailey’s Bar & Grille, 6922 Bristol Emilie Rd., State Rep. James Levittown, Pa. Host $1,000, Pa- Feb. 23Roebuck celebrates Birthday tron $500, Friend. $250, SupParty at Warmdaddy’s, 1400 S. porter, $50. RSVP Seth Columbus Blvd., 5:30-8 p.m.

Skversky (215) 550-1186.

Jazz, food. Friend: $125. Sponsor $250. Benefactor: $500.

Feb. 10State Rep. Curtis RSVP (215) 382-1268.

Thomas holds Job Fair at People for People, 800 N. Broad St., 10 Feb. 25Mothers in Charge a.m.-2 p.m. holds Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s, 9141 Roosevelt Feb. 10Fundraiser for canBlvd., 8-10 a.m. Donation $10, cer survivor Vicki Cummings at $5 for kids under 11. For info SmokeEaters Pub, 7681 Frank(215) 228-1718. ford Ave., 7-10 p.m. Donation

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Casey Breaks Good News On Jobs US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chairman of the Congress Joint Economic Committee, released the following statement on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ January 2012 jobs report showing that the unemployment rate fell to 8.3% and 243,000 total nonfarm jobs were added: “The economy made good progress, adding 243,000 jobs in January – the seventh consecutive month of growth over 100,000 jobs. I am encouraged by the drop in the unemployment rate. We need this type of job growth to continue to bring down the unemploy-

ment rate.

“As the Payroll Tax Credit Conference Committee continues negotiations, I urge my fellow members to work towards a bipartisan solution to extend the payroll tax for the rest of 2012. By continuing the payroll tax cut through the end of the year, American families would keep an average of $845 in their pockets – savings that would increase consumer spending, stimulate the economy, and create jobs. We owe it to the American people to act swiftly and get this done.”

Pat Toomey’s Bill US Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) cosponsored the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act (S 1622) this week.

The legislation states it is US policy to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and that the US Embassy in Israel should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

It amends the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 to eliminate the president’s waiver authority and conditions 50% of fiscal year 2013 State Dept. appropriations for the acquisition and maintenance of buildings for a U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.

The 1995 Embassy Act similarly endorsed moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, but it allowed for a presidential waiver that has been exercised consistently since the legislation was passed into law.

The Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act is sponsored by Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.). In addition to Toomey, it is co-sponsored by Sens. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Tex.) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.). Congressman Dan Burton (R-Ind.) has introduced companion legislation (HR 1006) in the House of Representatives.

“More than a decade after Congress passed the 1995 Embassy Act, it is time for the United States to back up its rhetoric with action,” Sen. Toomey said. “Every sovereign nation’s choice of its own capital should be respected, and Israel is no different. It is time for the United States to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital by moving our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.”

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Fattah Announces Big Research Grants For Drexel, Penn Congressman Chaka Fattah (DPa.), the leading Democratic appropriator for the National Science Foundation, announces five NSF awards for more than $1.4 million to scientific researchers at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania.

The awards include two major grants to Drexel scholars under the Faculty Early Career Development

program, known as CAREER. This program supports junior faculty, especially women and underrepresented minorities, who set the standard as outstanding teacherscholars and researchers.

The grants announced by Fattah total $1,442,370 – three to Drexel for $1,011,567 and two to Penn for $430,803. Fattah is ranking member of the House Appropriations

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Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, which funds the National Science Foundation and the research it supports. Here are details of these NSF awards: • $400,000 to Drexel for a project entitled “CAREER: The Role of Grain Boundary Character in Corrosion Behavior: Linking Atomic Scale Interfacial Structure to Precipitation and Failure Mechanisms,” under the direction of Mitra Taheri.

• $420,235 to Drexel for “CAREER: Integrated Mechanics, Sensing, and Control in Multi-Fin Swimming - Biological Strategies for Systems with Distributed Sensing, Actuation, and Tunable Plant Properties,” under the direction of James Tangorra.

• $191,332 to Drexel for “Collaborative Research: Career Enhancement of Academic Women in Earthquake Engineering Research (ENHANCE),” under the direction of Aspasia Zerva.

• $340,000 to Penn for “REU Site: Perception, Planning, Mobility, and Interaction for Next Generation Robotics,” under the direction of Max Mintz.

• $90,803 to Penn for “The Effects of Raw Material Variability and Heat Treatment on Flake Production and Use: A Controlled Experiment,” under the direction of Harold Dibble.

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Farnese Condemns Komen For Dropping Planned Parenthood State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) released a statement regarding Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s decision to cut off funding for Planned Parenthood, saying it “is outrageous and politically motivated.

“Komen’s founder Nancy G. Brinker says the organization’s decision has been ‘mischaracterized,’ but I do not agree,” the Senator continued.

“Komen’s website says that they are ‘…the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists…[that works]…together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science...’. They raise billions of dollars for research, care and advocacy and then decide to deny countless women access to life saving breast cancer screenings.

Why? I can sum it up in one word: politics.

“Ms. Brinker, I want you to know we in Philadelphia are disappointed in your decision and I hope that you reconsider your ‘grant policy’ because Planned Parenthood is your ally, not the enemy, in the fight to defeat breast cancer.”

Zarwin Baum Hosts ‘Ban the Box’ Talk

PANEL OF CITY LEADERS joined Zarwin Baum to explain new law restricting ability of employers to ask applicants about criminal records.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD On Wednesday, in light of the City of Philadelphia’s introduction of “Ban the Box”, Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan, Schaer & Toddy, PC hosted an informational breakfast with a panel of city leaders to discuss what employers need to know about Philadelphia’s new law and the benefits provided by the City to employers who help ex-offenders.

In April 2011, Mayor Nutter signed legislation prohibiting City agencies and private employers from knowingly inquiring about criminal background and arrests on the application for a position.

Following an initial interview with the prospective employee, the em-

ployer may perform a background check. The law, titled “Ban the Box”, went into effect in Philadelphia on Jan. 13.

Guests to Zarwin Baum’s breakfast heard more about Mayor Nutter’s Office of Reintegration Services for Ex-Offenders and the City’s tax incentive for employers who hire formerly incarcerated individuals. Attendees learned the key provisions of “Ban the Box” and discovered how the law is being enforced by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, while also learning about the City’s commitment to providing employers with trained and qualified workers, and why the for-

merly incarcerated may become their best employees. Additionally, guests heard first-hand accounts from ex-offenders about how “Ban the Box” has helped them secure employment and has given them a new lease on life.

Moderated by Keri Salerno, Public Safety Office, City of Philadelphia, the panel included Sharif Street and Jill Fisher of Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan, Schaer & Toddy, PC; Bill Hart, executive director, MORSEO; and Rue Landau, executive director, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.

L&I Wins National Praise For Actions Against Blight The Dept. of Licenses and Inspections’ vacant-property management strategy won the America’s Crown Communities Award from the American City & County Magazine for excellence in local government. The six winners for 2011 were selected based on the ability to achieve impressive results in addressing issues such as environmental conservation, infrastructure improvements, succession planning and economic development.

The L&I initiative seeks to better hold private owners accountable for the maintenance of their vacant property by incenting owners to repair or sell their properties, thereby improving the neighbor6|

hood in accordance with the vision of residents and community groups.

“I am proud that L&I has been selected for this tremendous national honor,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “I commend Commissioner Fran Burns and the entire Department not only for their work to better hold the owners of vacant property accountable, but for all of their efforts to better serve the businesses and residents of Philadelphia. Under Commissioner Burns’ leadership, the Department has drastically reduced licensing burdens for businesses, improved license and permit issuance times, and began proactive inspections of

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rental properties.”

Commissioner Burns said, “I am pleased the America’s Crown Communities Award recognizes the steps the Department and our City agency partners have taken in addressing the issue of privately owned vacant structures. While the issue of vacant land is multifaceted and not solvable by any one program, our vacant strategy makes it clear we and our committed community partners will not tolerate absentee property-owners bringing down our neighborhoods anymore.

If you own vacant land in the City of Philadelphia, you need to take care of it.”

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD The vacant property management strategy uses a three-pronged approach. First is a focus on finding the owners. A team of dedicated researchers is culling several databases to find good names and addresses for the owners of vacant properties.

State Rep. John Taylor (R-Kensington), allows the Department to ask the court to attach these potentially high-dollar fines to the owner’s personal property. The Department can also leverage these fines to bring the property to Sheriff sale.

There are new enforcement measures. The City is enforcing the “doors and windows” ordinance, which allows L&I to ask the court to fine owners $300 per day per opening that is not covered with a functional door or window. Properties in violation of this ordinance are posted with a bright pink poster. State Act 90, sponsored by

Securing dedicated court time was crucial to progress. L&I and the Law Dept. have been working with Judge Bradley Moss to have dedicated days to hear vacant cases.

To date, the Department has achieved high compliance rates for those cited in this program. Own-

ers cited for not having a rental license complied 56% of the time and more than 25% of those cited for not having operable doors and windows and have made repairs.

Through efforts so far, the Department will collect more than $300,000 in license and permit fees, fines, and unpaid taxes.

American City & County has been the voice of state and local governments since 1909. The magazine serves a nationwide audience of city, county and state officials who are charged with developing and implementing local-government policy, programs, and projects.

New Vendor Will Cut Billing Costs For Fire Dept.

The Philadelphia Fire Dept. has selected a new vendor, Intermedix, for EMS patient billing, Commissioner Lloyd Ayers announced.

an integration with its Computer Aided Dispatch system, and Fleeteyes, a fleet-management system.

“Our goal in selecting Intermedix is to help the Fire Dept. operate more efficiently and effectively,” Commissioner Ayers said. “We are determined to use every tax dollar in the most-efficient and -effective way and to provide even-better service to Philadelphia residents and visitors.”

The contract includes training for fire service paramedics and emergency medical technicians/firefighters on new software for EMS patient billing and the installation of new hardware that will be installed in all medic units.

Under the contract, Intermedix will provide technical and business services related to providing the best medical care for Philadelphia; this includes all ambulance billing and collection services, electronic patient care reporting functionality,

The City’s new relationship with Intermedix will save taxpayers roughly $1.7 million annually through a reduction in the percentage Intermedix will now collect (their price represents a drop of 5.01% from the previous provider). Beyond initial savings, this contract is expected to gener-

ate revenue in the range of $34 million to the City annually.

Additionally, service delivery for patients will be improved through the Fleeteyes technology system, which provides real-time monitoring of available medic units, fusing together information from several systems so that responders can be dispatched quickly and get there safely.

The PFD would also like to note an increase in the participation rate for minority and disadvantaged business from 15% to 20%.

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