Michelle Obama Talks to PA Volunteers

Today (Monday), First Lady Michelle Obama held a conference call with Pennsylvania volunteers.  She spoke for about 10 minutes, expressing her gratitude to those working to re-elect the President, and asking those on the call to keep up the good work.  Those who were signed up for the call could send in questions.  She had time to answer three of them.  Aletheia Henry, who is the head of OFA's Pennsylvania office then spoke for a few minutes thanking everyone for their work and encouraging them to continue volunteering.

Pennsylvania's Ultrasound Abortion Bill

You may  have read about the bill proposed in Virginia that women had to have a transvaginal ultrasound before having an abortion.  Pennsylvania has a similar bill.  It does not spell out that the ultrasound has to be a transvaginal untrasound but that may be understood given the development of the pregnancy when it is done.

HB 1077 seems flawed to me on a number of levels.  In several places the bill states that personhood begins at fertilization.   I'm not sure that is accepted state law at this point.  If the bill passes it could have far ranging implications.  It could, for instance, curtail or outlaw in vitro fertilization, as this process often results in unused embryos.  If those embryos are people can they be created, knowing that some would be discarded?  Would this bill criminalize natural miscarriage?  Would doctors have to report and police investigate natural miscarriages to make sure no actions of the woman or anyone else instigated or hastened the miscarriage?  It's a very slippery slope.

The woman has to be given a printout of the ultrasound which she has to give to the facility performing the abortion, and the facility  has to keep it in her file for at least seven years.  What if the facility closes?  What happens to the files then?

The fee for the ultrasound has to be separate from the fee from the abortion.  So it sounds like this is an added expense. 

Women have to indicate whether or not they chose to hear the hearbeat (if one exists) or view the video of ultrasound and the doctor has to keep this information on file for at least seven years. 

There are exemptions from some, but not all, of the requirements of the bill in the case of rape, incest or medical emergency, but the doctor has to fill out a form on this and keep it in the files as well as report it to the state. 

The identity of the woman is to remain private unless disclosure is "appropriate to carry out the purposes of this act."  What does that mean?
 
Doctors face a $5,000 fine if they don't follow all the requirements.

If one part of the act is declared invalid the other parts remain.  

I think this bill is hastily written, overly punitive, and regards women as unable to make their own decisions.  It is distressing to see state reps that I had heretofore thought well of signing on as co-sponsors.

$50 Million to Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp.

from the inbox:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and John Grady, President of Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) today to announce that PIDC will receive $50 million through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program to spur private sector investment in low and moderate income neighborhoods. Schwartz urged the U.S. Department of Treasury to support this request for PIDC.

 

PIDC intends to use its NMTC funding to support four main types of investments: supermarket anchored shopping centers, health care services facilities, manufacturing space, and mixed-use developments.

Dunderhead Disses Girl Scouts

There's a lot of lunacy out there right now.  Not Bigfoot or crop circles lunacy but political lunacy.  This latest news item, though, takes the cake.  Illinois Congressman Bob Morris is sending out letters saying the Girl Scouts is an arm of Planned Parenthood and sexualizes young girls, and he wouldn't vote in favor of a resolution celebrating GSA's 100th birthday.  He found his information after "a small amount of web-based research."  (See "Rep. Bob Morris:  Girl Scouts have 'radical policies'," by Anne Gregory, Journal Gazette 2/21/2012).  I haven't heard anything that dumb in a long time.

Don't Mess With My Paper

The Inquirer and Daily News are up for sale again.  Former Gov. Rendell has put together a group of investors that are interested in buying.  A lot of people seem concerned about this. especially since there seems to have been some tampering of news stories regarding this subject.

I have a few qualms about Rendell, but one of his fellow investors is a dealbreaker.  Should that groups buy the papers my household would likely cancel our print subscription (ending a 19 year business arrangement).  I am locked in for a set length of time on my tablet but I can easily set that in a corner to gather dust. 

We have some excellent reports and other staff at the papers.  An independent press is necessary for democracy to flourish.  I don't think a media company owned by that group (or by a particular person in that group) would be very independent.

Keep the Inquirer unfettered.

Call to Honor Religious Freedom

from the inbox:

A diverse coalition of major national religious organizations today issued an “Interfaith Statement of Principles,” calling on the presidential candidates and all candidates for public office this election year to help ensure decency, honesty and fair play in elections by conducting campaigns that honor our nation’s traditions of religious liberty and avoid sowing religious discord.

The statement is available at http://www.bjconline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4904&Itemid=112 .

This is a fine idea.  I fully support it.

Weissmann Endorses Murphy

from the inbox:

Today, Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Robin Wiessmann endorsed Iraq war veteran and former prosecutor Patrick Murphy for Pennsylvania Attorney General. Wiessmann, widely recognized for her work in public finance, is a pioneer for women in her field. Prior to running the Pennsylvania Treasury, Wiessmann founded the leading women-owned investment banking firm in the United States and as Treasurer, she made the office a more efficient and transparent steward of taxpayer dollars.

“As the former head of the Pennsylvania Treasury, I know what it takes to effectively lead an independent agency like the Attorney General’s office. Patrick Murphy has the experience, dedication and professional judgment to serve as the highest law enforcement official in the Commonwealth. This office is about leadership. It’s implementing a vision for a better Pennsylvania. Serving in the military during wartime and as a champion of civil and human rights, Patrick has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service, to the law and to fighting to create better lives for people he represents. That is why it is with great confidence and enthusiasm that I support Patrick Murphy in his bid to become the Pennsylvania Attorney General.” Wiessmann said.

“As the Congressman in my home district, Patrick served his constituents with passion and diligence. He took the time to understand the issues affecting families in our district and was not afraid to take the lead in national debates. Most important, Patrick takes action when called for and stands for what he believes is right.  He will ably serve our Commonwealth as our next Attorney General,” Wiessmann added.

“Treasurer Wiessmann has made a lasting impact on Pennsylvania, changing the way we protect and invest taxpayer dollars, and she has been a trailblazer for women in her industry, a true leader and public servant,” Murphy said. “Treasurer Wiessmann protected taxpayer dollars and promoted economic growth in a transparent and efficient way. I’m honored to earn her support, and even more honored to call her a friend.”

Growth in Manufacturing

On Friday, the third anniversary of President Obama signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law, Congressman Bob Brady, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord and Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale held a press conference call to highlight the fact that American manufacturers are creating jobs for the longest stretch since the 1990s.  In the past 30 months, they have added nearly 400,000 jobs across the country.  Instead of cutting jobs or shipping them abroad, American companies are now "insourcing," or bringing overseas jobs back home.

A report on STATE'S economic growth can be found here. [http://www.barackobama.com/ manufacturing-report

Schwartz Honored by AMA

from the inbox:

U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz was honored with the American Medical Association’s (AMA) top government service award, the Dr. Nathan Davis Award. Rep. Schwartz has represented the 13th District of Pennsylvania in Congress for four terms and currently serves on the House Budget Committee. She received the award last evening in Washington, D.C. as part of the AMA’s National Advocacy Conference.

“Rep. Schwartz has played a vital role in addressing some of health care’s toughest issues,” said AMA Chairman Robert Wah, M.D. “She has been able to bring together her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to discuss a permanent solution to the Medicare physician payment formula that will help millions of seniors and military families maintain access to health care.”

Rep. Schwartz is one of six honorees chosen this year to receive the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. The award, named after the founder of the AMA, recognizes elected and career officials in federal, state or municipal service whose outstanding work has promoted the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

“The Nathan Davis Award provides the AMA an opportunity to recognize government officials who exceeded expectations in order to improve public health,” said Dr. Wah. “Recipients represent various branches of the government and are examples of what can be accomplished when we work together to advance the health and well-being of all Americans.”

Rep. Schwartz was nominated for the Nathan Davis Award by Marilyn J. Heine, M.D., president, Pennsylvania Medical Society and Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., president and CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges. This year marks the 23rdanniversary of the Dr. Nathan Davis Awards.

Preventive Health Services for PA Residents

from the inbox:

Affordable Care Act extended free preventive services to 2,363,000 Pennsylvania residents with private health insurance in 2011

 

Free preventive care also provided to 1,507,983 Pennsylvania residents in Medicare

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the Affordable Care Act provided approximately 2,363,000 Pennsylvania residents with at least one new free preventive service in 2011 through their private health insurance plans. Secretary Sebelius also announced that an estimated 1,507,983 Pennsylvania residents with Medicare received at least one free preventive benefit in 2011, including the new Annual Wellness Visit, since the health reform law was enacted.

Together, this means an estimated 3,870,983 Pennsylvania residents were helped by health reform’s prevention coverage improvements. The new data were released in two new reports from HHS.

 “Americans of all ages can now get the preventive services they need, like mammograms and the new Annual Wellness Visit, free of charge, as a result of the new health care law,” Secretary Sebelius said. “With more people taking advantage of these benefits, more lives can be saved, and costly, and often burdensome, diseases can be prevented or caught earlier.”

Nationwide, the Affordable Care Act provided approximately 54 million Americans with at least one new free preventive service in 2011 through their private health insurance plans. And an estimated 32.5 million people with Medicare received at least one free preventive benefit in 2011, including the new Annual Wellness Visit, since the health reform law was enacted. Together, this means an estimated 86 million Americans were helped by health reform’s prevention coverage improvements. 

The Affordable Care Act requires many insurance plans to provide coverage without cost sharing to enrollees for a variety of preventive health services, such as colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, Pap smears and mammograms for women, well-child visits, and flu shots for all children and adults. The law also makes proven preventive services free for most people on Medicare.

The report on private health insurance coverage also examined the expansion of free preventive services in minority populations.  The results showed that an estimated 6.1 million Latinos, 5.5 million Blacks, 2.7 million Asian Americans and 300,000 Native Americans across the country with private insurance received expanded preventive benefits coverage in 2011 as a result of the new health care law.

The report discussing Medicare preventive services found that more than 25.7 million Americans (1,014,420 Pennsylvania residents) in traditional Medicare received free preventive services in 2011. The report also looked at Medicare Advantage plans and found that 9.3 million Americans (670,870 Pennsylvania residents) – 97 percent of those in individual Medicare Advantage plans – were enrolled in a plan that offered free preventive services.  Assuming that people in Medicare Advantage plans utilized preventive services at the same rate as those with traditional Medicare, an estimated 32.5 million Americans (1,507,983 Pennsylvania residents) benefited from Medicare’s coverage of prevention with no cost sharing.

The full report on expanded preventive benefits in private health insurance is available at http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2012/PreventiveServices/ib.shtml.  The report on expanded preventive benefits in Medicare and other ways that the Affordable Care Act strengthens Medicare is available at http://www.cms.gov/newsroom/.

PA Candidates in DFA Grassroots All Stars

Democracy for American, more commonly known as DFA, is having another Grassroots All Stars election.  Candidates in various states are on their list.  You can pick a name to find someone you know is one of their possibilities, or you can select a state and see who is on their list for that state.  Pennsylvania has five candidates listed, two of them from the Philadelphia area.  Kathryn Boockvar, running for the 8th congressional district, and Dr. Manan Trivedi from the 6th district, are on the list.  Candidates who win Grassroots All Stars elections get a lot of press on DFA social media and some other perks.

New American Divide

You might not have seen it, but the Wall Street Journal had a fantastic article back on January 21.  "The New American Divide," by Charles Murray points out the growing difference between the large segments of the population.  It's not only money that divides us, but those are in lower economic brackets are participating in standard social institutions in far fewer numbers that their more monied neighbors.  The middle class and wealthy are more likely to be married and engaged in religious organizations than the poorer class.  The article also has a Philly angle.  Fishtown is the area Murray selected to represent the unmarried and unchurched.   Other factors Murray looks at are the percentage of adult men working less than 40 hours a week and the correlation between the amount of education a woman has in relation to whether she is married when she has children.  It's interesting, a little alarming, but interesting.

Allyson Schwartz on Prez O's Budget

from the inbox:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, senior member of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement today on President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Proposal.

 

“The President’s budget proposal promotes private sector job growth and strengthens America’s middle class. At the same time, it tackles the deficit responsibly by calling on all Americans to shoulder their fair share of the burden, and in doing so cuts our nation’s deficit by $4 trillion over 10 years.

“As a member of the Conference Committee, I have been a vocal proponent of addressing Medicare physician payment reform by permanently repealing the SGR and paying off the debt to the Medicare program with war savings. In his budget, the President acknowledges that the SGR cuts will never be implemented, which is the first step toward transparent budgeting for Medicare expenditures. Despite support from some Republicans who have been eager to work on SGR, Republican leadership continues to reject this rational solution and thwart efforts to move beyond our fundamentally flawed physician payment system.

 

“Let's be clear about President Obama's budget: the President knows that for America to lead now, and into the future, we must be economically competitive. That means making smart, targeted, strategic investments in education, infrastructure, energy, and new industries, such as biotechnology.

“I commend the President for maintaining essential investments in medical research, which stimulates the economy and promotes job growth in the biotechnology and health care sectors. The budget also includes needed funding to bolster our health care infrastructure, and ensure access to care by investing in our primary care workforce.

“President Obama’s budget proposal is a long-term economic blueprint that ensures America remains a nation where everyone has an opportunity to succeed if they work hard and play by the rules.”

 

Attorney General Candidate's Debate at PA Progressive Summit

Attorney General Debate

Pennsylvania Progressive Summit

February 10, 2012n

Arch St. United Methodist Church

Democratic Candidates Kathleen Granaham Kane (former Assistant District Attorney in Lackawana County) and PatrickMurphy (former Congressman from Bucks County).  Moderator:  Michael Morrill of Keystone Progress.

Two minute opening and closing statements.  Questions alternate between candidates, with a 1.5 minute response and a 30 second rebuttal (note:  there wasn’t always a rebuttal).

Caveat:  I was scribbling notes using a book as a desk.  My handwriting is not especially neat at the best of times and after a few days can be tricky even for me to interpret.  Should you see anything that looks out of place, please confirm with the campaign.  As always, I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions.

Blogger’s note:  The catch(phrase) of the day seemed to be, from the Kane campaign:  I’m a prosecutor not a politician.  From Murphy:  I’m a leader who will fight the big fights.  Murphy is a more relaxed campaigner, no doubt due to experience.  Kane seems a little stiff but that might improve over the course of the campaign.  A straw poll vote was taken at the debate; results were announced the next morning, with Murphy the winner.

Opening Statements:

K:  The AG is the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth.  As the Assistant District Attorney of Lackawanna County I prosecuted child sexual abuse, elder abuse.  We need a prosecutor not a politician in the AG office.  The AG needs to know the laws of the Commonwealth.

M:  This is our 4^th debate.  We’re at a crossroads.  Our progressive values are at stake.  Some AGs push a right wing agenda, some don’t do much, others do everything possible to make people’s lives better, take on the fights, the right to choose, environmental issues, fight wherever – the street, boardroom or Harrisburg.  Integrity and guts.

Q1:  What have done to help working people organize?

M:  Supported rights of workers every day of my life.  Grew up in NE Philly, father a police officer for 20+ years, have fought for workers’ rights, Free Choice Act, fight for living wage, need a leader to fight for working men and women.

K:  Growing up father worked for Loudon Hill, lost job, then worked as a janitor, became shop steward (?) for AFSCME, spent time in courtroom not Congress, good wages for good people.

Q2:  [quoting specific law], vouchers?

K:  Public school education funding cut, brother is a teacher, crime will go up, between 3:30 and 6:30 crime goes up if kids don’t have something to do, public / private partnership, link education to law enforcement.  Education is cornerstone of community.

M:  The PA Constitution forbids it unless there is a 2/3 vote, need leaders to stand up for education.  Taught at West Point, sister teaches 6^th grade.

Q3:  raise social justice issues?
 

M: Absolutely important to go after crime where it happens, also need to be consumer advocate.  That is my background, fought for Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, especially protect seniors, most vulnerable.   

AG is consumer advocate for PA.

K:  AG has 700 employees, 17 offices in 6 regions, crime biggest section.  Consumer protection another part.  Not rhetoric, needs to be reality.  Consumer protection is theft.  Have prosecuted many cases, head of insurance fraud unit.  Need to do more, been a prosecutor.

M:  Co-sponsored CFPB, added amendment to protect seniors

K:  Murphy done well in introducing bills.  I was in the courtroom.  Have the laws but they’ve been dormant.

Q4:  Art 1 Sec 1 Constitution, what does it mean?

K:  All people are equal, justice for all.  Because a prosecutor, because believe in law, right over wrong.  AG last line of justice in that courtroom.  Doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, justice for all.  Prosecuted judges.

M: Treat all equally.  I too have prosecuted cases, in the military and in federal cases.  My opponent thought Corbett did such a good job she wrote him a personal check.  Can give speeches but records needs to be clear. 

K:  Did write a check for Corbett when he was running for re-election as AG.  At least I didn’t vote for George Bush.  I’ve practiced in PA courtrooms.

M:  You wrote a $10K check to Lackawanna Co DA, not the same as an absentee ballot 12 years ago while in the military.

Q5:  Art 1, Sec 28 PA Constitution, pertains to same sex marriage?

K:  I believe in same sex marriage.  Legislator made it political.  19 year career as an attorney, fought for all those years.  Supported Republican as DA because the Democratic candidate had never been in the courtroom.

M:  Need an AG who will fight.  Either believe in values and fight for them or not.

K:  Protect kids against abuse, those are big fights over values.  Office for prosecutor.

Q6:  fracking and HB 1950, local control.

K:  Fracking needs to have full disclosure.  Close loopholes.  No reason chemicals pumped in ground and we don’t’ know what they are.  We need regulations.  Make sure legislators propose right regulations.

M:  HB 1950 set aside that says people have to apply for redress to Public Utility Commission.  Corbett a disappointment on environment.  If put safety in jeopardy should go to jail.  Cases where people intentionally put fracking water in to water.  Should go to jail.  I will be a fighter.

K:  That’s what happens when politics takes over.  Need a prosecutor not a politician.

M:  My opponent supported Corbett for AG re-election.  My record is clear.  Two Democrats in the House supported the Frack Act – Sestak and me.

Q7:  PA constitute vague about AG duties.  Define..

M:  PA AG is people’s protector.  Tough on crime and fight for values we believe in.  Environmental crime.  Consumer protection.  An active AG can make a different in everyday people’s lives.

K:  [cites law on AG duties]:  chief law enforcement officer.  Need to know PA law.  I have practiced them.  Patrick wants to say I’m a bad Democrat.  If you want a politician vote for Patrick.  If you want a prosecutor vote for me.

M:  Not just Corbett.  You can give money to anyone you want but you can’t say one thing and do another.

K:  [jab at Murphy on immigration, referring to a previous debate]

Q8:  women’s health

K:  In courtroom not Congress, protect women who have been raped, found justice for them.  They didn’t care what my politics were or who I wrote checks to.  I’m a pro-choice candidate.

M:  Women have a right to choose, right to privacy.  My actions will reflect that right.  I was invited to speak at NARAL a few days ago.  PA passed a bill that will close 20 out of 22 clinics.  You have to be willing to fight every step of the way.

Q9:  1200 people shot and killed in PA each year.  Illegal handguns.

M:  Fight big fights – take on special interested.  I believe in the 2^nd amendment, own a gun.  But not an AK47.  I’ve seen what an AK47 can do to the human body.  It’s not pretty.  In Philadelphia 236 people murdered last year.  Need a leader who will take on special interests.

K:  Been with police, FBI, been to murder scenes.  Make sure programs continue, like Handgun [task force?].  Have a permitting problem in PA.  Need to make sure systems speaking to each other.  Need to know PA laws.  Patrick voted against DC handgun law.

M:  That law wasn’t constitutional.  Have to be consistent.  1 handgun a month.

K:  It only takes one handgun.  Need practical solutions from people have been on the street.

Q10:  Proposed law, NRA can sue localities

K:  need lost and stolen laws to stop straw purchases.  Not an infringement on 2^nd amendment.  Bound by law to report a theft.

M:  That bill was outrageous.  Lets NRA sue and get triple damages.  Cities won’t take on NRA.  I’ve been on the streets.  My dad, uncle, cousins are cops.  Been a Judge Advocate General in military.  Prosecuted criminals here and overseas. 

K:  Respect Patrick’s work.  Issue is need to know PA laws.

M:  Went to law school in PA.  Practiced law here for years.  Not just knowing law but fighting laws under attack now. 

Q11: Sandusky.  What would you have done differently?

M:  As a prosecutor took out a high level Navy commander who molested a 7 year girl.  If elected will do a top to bottom review.  If anyone slow-walked that investigation they will have to answer for it.  Need to make sure have secure statewide database and strengthen mandatory reporting and get rid of time limits. 

K:  Testimony of one victim is enough.  Corbett said one victim not enough to bring charges.  I would have investigated promptly.  Have never put a sexual abuse case before a grand jury.  Takes too long.

M:  At 15^th and Chestnut St. there is a child advocacy center.  Need more of those.

K:  Would have more if then if there was a $5 fee [missed this] to employ trained doctors and [missed this].  Bill held up.

Q12:  been part of [missed this, but I think it is the case against the Affordable Health Care Act] suit?

K:  No, purely politically motivated.  If elected will take PA out.

M:  I agree

Q13:  HB 934, voter ID

M:  Bill is wrong.  Takes away rights of elderly, college students and others who don’t have ID.  Should fight against voter fraud.  But this basically disenfranchises people.  Extreme right wing agenda.

K:  Violation of civil rights of everyone in PA.  Patrick is right that it’s a suppression.  Affects elderly the most.  Their id isn’t valid or they don’t know where it is.  Who’s next?

Q14:  A Democrat has never been elected in PA.  How to defeat a Republican?

K:  Go toe to toe with the Republican nominee.  He has a law and order record.  Need a Democratic 

candidate with a law and order record.  Even Democrats are voting for the Republican law and order candidate.  Need most qualified.  I’m the only qualified prosecutor in the Democratic primary.

M:  Critically important.  Will put my life and prosecutorial experience against R candidate.  We will take the fight to the GOP.  R candidate is Dave Freed.  Environmental crime, budget cuts, need to let people know.  Fight for progressive values.

K:  Voters want to know how often you’ve been in PA courtrooms.  My record can stand up to Rs.

M:  Four years ago we had a county DA who stood up to Corbett.  Kathleen supported Corbett.  I have a large number of Facebook and twitter followers.  Need grassroots support.

Q15:  Support legislation to prevent AG from running for governor

M:  yes, should have had it four years ago.

K:  yes AG should be the destination not the journey.  Will pledge not to run for governor.

Q16:  Protect citizens from corporate malfeasance. 

K:  Limits on campaign spending and special interest.  I’ve self-funded my campaign $2million.  Shows independent, not beholden.

M:  Process now completely tainted.  Not taking corporate money, supported DISCLOSE ACT.  Can’t self-fund though, but did receive $1.5 million from 2500 donors.  If elected will do everything to change process.

K:  I didn’t take $170,000 in PAC money.  Time to elect Democratic AG, only candidate qualified.

M:  I’m also qualified.

Q17:  Protect non-US citizens.

M:  Immigration a problem, secure borders.  Employers exploit illegal immigrants.  AG cracks down.  Of the 19 soldiers in the 82^nd Airborne killed in Iraq, one was not a citizen, here on green card.  Need to do what is right. 

K:  Immigration laws need to be reformed.  I will enforce all of the laws.  Strengthen borders.  Can’t deport everyone.  Need a career path to citizenship.  AG enforces the laws.

M:  Don’t deport everyone.

Q18:  limits on local government, especially environmental regs

K:  If local governments given regulations they wouldn’t have to make their own.  But a farm might be in multiple municipalities.  Need laws and regulations to protect air and water.  State government has regulations needed to protect people.

M:  It is broken.  Marcellus shale is “big footing.”  Now people have to go through PUC.  Need to do what is take sot keep environment safe.  Need an AG who will fight.

K:  Need to make sure any bill passed prevents municipality from complaining.

M:  Justice system gives a voice to everyone.

Q19:  AG serves on pardon board.   What are your qualifications for this?

M:  Case by case basis.  In PA 78% of inmates don’t have a high school diploma.  Now a 2 year wait to get GED.  Need a leader who makes sure legislators understand what bill will do.

K:  Qualification is chief law enforcement official.  Worked with law enforcement.  Need to know PA laws of parole and pardon.  Need to now what crimes have high recidivism rate.

M:  Important to have an AG who understands what works and doesn’t, who will fight.

K:  being on the street with police officers is protecting them.

Q20:  non-violent drug offenders

K:  Usually a possession charge.  Addicts.  Treat root of the problem.

M:  Simple possession in non-violent sense should go to drug court, heroin and meth are serious issues.  Partner with law enforcement and community leaders.  Be proactive, alternative courts. 

K:  time to walk the walk.  Sat through drug court.  Make sure every county had resources for drug court. 

Q21:  AG duty on environment

M:  rights to clean air and water under attack.  Over 3300 violations, over 2000 have direct impact on environment.  Must do everything possible to fight special interests.  Need a leader and fight big fights.

K:  AG’s office has an environmental office, understaffed and under utilized.  Need to be a proactive. 

M:  Let’s look at record.  Zero prosecutions.  Why do they continue to look the other way?

Q22:  If opponent elected how would you feel?

K:  Hope we elect a Democrat.  I believe I’m the best candidate.   Hope we all turn out to vote.

M:  Democrats need to win this race.  Campaigning is not easy.  I believe my skillset is better.  But must come together after the primary.

Closing Statements

M:  Same points used against Bobby Kennedy – too young and inexperienced.  Don’t just prosecute but set priorities for office.  That’s why for first time civil rights laws enforced.  First to admit I’m no Bobby Kennedy.  Ask who will fight the big fights.

K:  next AG will try Sandusky case.  Now you have a choice.  Who will you choose?  Choose a prosecutor who has experience prosecuting sex offenders.  Not just leadership, but need prosecutorial skills.

NYT Graph on Government Benefits

The New York Times has an interesting graph showing what parts of the country use certain government benefits and in what percentages.  Take note that Southeastern Pennsylvania is always on the lower end of the scale. 

Cordray on Mortgage Settlement

from the inbox:

Today, federal and state agencies joined together in reaching an agreement that addresses mortgage servicing and foreclosure abuses by the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers.  The settlement will provide $25 billion in financial relief to distressed homeowners and establish new servicer standards of conduct. Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), issued the following statement:

 

“Widespread failures in the mortgage servicing industry have been well-documented. All too often, paperwork was lost, phone calls went unanswered, errors were not resolved, or documents were falsified.  As a result, some families who qualified for loan modifications did not receive them in time to stop foreclosure. 

  

“Today’s $25 billion settlement will help many struggling homeowners across the country stay in their homes. Under the terms of the agreement, the largest five servicers must adhere to new consumer protections and provide customers with options for avoiding the pain of foreclosure.

 

“Going forward, the Consumer Bureau will be examining servicers throughout the industry to make sure they are following the law. We will also be issuing rules to bring greater fairness and transparency to the mortgage servicing marketplace.  And where we find unlawful practices, we will not hesitate to use our full authority to protect consumers and hold all servicers accountable.”

Patrick Murphy Opposes Mortgage Deal

from the inbox:

Today, the Department of Justice and state Attorneys General reached a settlement with the five largest U.S. mortgage lenders over rampant fraud and foreclosure abuses. Iraq war veteran and former prosecutor Patrick Murphy issued the following statement in response to that deal:

“While I recognize progress was made during negotiations and appreciate the work done to reach this mortgage settlement, I believe it fails to get justice for the millions of homeowners who fell victim to one of the most severe and widespread cases of fraud in American history. This settlement was our single best opportunity to recover what was stolen from the American public. Mortgage lenders stole money, stole homes and, like any other criminals, must be held fully accountable and make their victims whole. This deal falls short of that threshold, and therefore, I cannot support it,” Murphy said.

“When I was serving in the 82nd Airborne in Fort Bragg, NC, I prosecuted a Staff Sergeant for theft and fraud. He was convicted, and sentenced to jail time. He also had to pay back the money he had stolen. That's the way the justice system should work. When a thief is caught stealing, that thief must make his victims whole again,” Murphy said. “The same should be true for mortgage lenders. But $25 billion is not enough. It’s possibly less than a penny for every dollar lost by American homeowners. The $2,000 some homeowners are set to receive does little to help or comfort the Pennsylvania families who lost their homes. Also, one out of every four mortgages is underwater but only a small fraction of those homeowners may get help. ”

“The banks need to be held to the same standard as everyone else. As Attorney General, I will aggressively investigate mortgage fraud in Pennsylvania and work with law enforcement across the country to ensure that homeowners get justice for the crimes committed against them,” Murphy added.