Who is Leanne Krueger-Braneky?

Leanne Krueger-Braneky ran for the 161^st state house district in 2014 and lost by almost 2,700 votes (2,696 to be exact)(Scala, 6/28/2015).  Her Republican rival, the incumbent, won, and was sworn in to his second term in January.  In April, however, he announced that he was resigning at the end of the that month.  The special election to replace him is next Tuesday, August 4^th.  She is running again as the Democratic candidate.

The 161^st district includes all of Brookhaven, Rose Valley, Rutledge, Swarthmore, and parts of Aston, Marple, Nether Providence, Newtown, Radnor, Ridley, Springfield and Upper Providence.   She won Swarthmore by a large margin and won Nether Providence and the district’s part of Springfield by a slim margin.   Hacket won in Ridley Township, Aston, Brookhaven, Rutledge and Rose Valley (Logue 11/05/2014).  While Democrats have a slight lead in overall county voter registration, in the  161^st there are 5,000 more GOP registered voters than Democrats (Scala 6/28/2015).  This doesn’t take into account independent voters, those not registered with any particular party.

Krueger-Braneky was praised by the Delaware County Daily Times, although they eventually endorsed Hackett.  Regarding the special election Phil Heron  wrote “I wish they could just hand her the seat now” (Heron, 4/12/2015).  Alas, democracies don’t work that way.

She grew up in New Jersey and did the sensible thing by attending the state university (Logue 10/27/2014).  In her first job after college she was the after school specialist for the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley, developing programs and services for children.  She was one of three staff people to be granted the Spirit of Excellence Award that year (“Volunteers, 10/24/2000) .  After a year or so, she returned to college for a master’s degree in Urban Economic Development from Eastern University.   In 2001 she married Rev. David Braneky.  Together they led cultural studies trips to South Africa for a year and then settled in the Philadelphia area.  She wrote an article on her visits to South Africa and how they changed her thinking on collaboration and sustainable living.  She was especially inspired by the way the use of water affected people’s lives (Krueger-Braneky, 2005)

For the next eight years she worked as the executive director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, the first person hired for that position.  When Krueger-Braneky was hired SBN had fewer than 100 fee-paying members and an annual budget under $100,000.  In 2012 membership was 450, with a budget of $500,000 (Mastrull 12/17/2012).  Again taking a sensible approach she followed the philosophy that if a sustainable business doesn’t make money it won’t stay in business (Mastrull 5/30/2011).  She tackled issues like green infrastructure, stormwater, a city land bank, and supporting small business and the local economy.  This involved creating partnerships, persuading elected officials,  talking with chambers of commerce, and even working with the White House.  These are all skills that a state representative needs.

In 2011 the SBN issued a report on small businesses in Philadelphia and what can be done to help them (http://www.sbnphiladelphia.org/images/SBN_TCB_11_23.pdf), with nine specific issues identified and tangible steps listed for each.  A year later a follow up was issued giving the status of each step (Mastrull 11/26/2012).   In addition to the land bank, another suggestion that was implemented was a tax credit for sustainable businesses (Mastrull 5/30/2011).

In 2013, after eight years at SBN, she moved to a related national organization, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (Logue 10/27/2014).  The organization website (www.bealocalist.org) now lists her as Senior Director of Strategy and Development.  It includes a long biography listing, among other things, her invitations to speak to the White House Business Council, and her role and Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program.

She and her husband have one child, a son.

Sources:

Heron, Philip E. “Letter from the editor:  State Rep. Hackett returning to his roots,” Delaware County Daily Times 4/12/2015

Krueger-Braneky, Leanne, “Connected by a glass of water,” In Business 27 #6 (Nov/ Dec 2005) p. 30

Logue, Tim, “Hackett holds on to 161^st legislative district post,” Delaware County Daily Times 11/05/2014

Logue, Tim, “Hackett, Krueger-Braneky square off in 161^st district,” Delaware County Daily Times 10/27/14

Mastrull, Diane, “City a bit better at helping small firms,” Philadelphia Inquirer 11/26/2012

Mastrull, Diane, “Greening of business – now a decade old, a network that helps small Philadelphia firms thrive while practicing sustainability intends to keep it growing,” Philadelphia Inquirer 5/30/2011

Mastrull, Diane, “Leader of small-business network heads to new challenge,” Philadelphia Inquirer 12/17/2012

Scala, Kristina, “Mullen gets backing in 161^st district race,” Delaware County Daily Times 6/28/2015

“Volunteers get Red Cross award,” Lancaster New Era 10/24/2000

Presidential Nominees in PA District Courts

The following names were listed yesterday among the nominees for federal district courts.  Local politicos might remember some of these names from past judicial campaigns.

Judge Susan Paradise Baxter:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania     Judge Susan Paradise Baxter has been a United States Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Pennsylvania since 1995, where she served as Chief Magistrate Judge from 2005 to 2009.  Prior to her appointment as a Magistrate Judge, she worked briefly as the Court Solicitor for the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County.  From 1983 to 1992, Judge Baxter worked at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Cole, Raywid & Braverman (now Davis Wright Tremaine LLP), where she was elevated to partner in 1989.  Judge Baxter received her J.D. from Temple University School of Law in 1983, a M.Ed. from Temple University in 1980, and a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University in 1978.

Judge Robert John Colville:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania     Judge Robert John Colville has served as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas for Allegheny County since 2000, where he currently presides over civil matters.  Since 2012, he has also served as a judge on the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline.  Previously, Judge Colville worked as an associate at the law firm of Pietragallo Bosick & Gordon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1994 to 1999.  He began his legal career by serving as a law clerk from 1992 to 1994 to the Honorable Ralph J. Cappy, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.  Judge Colville received his J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 1992 and his B.A. from Pennsylvania State University in 1989.

 Judge Marilyn Jean Horan:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania     Judge Marilyn Jean Horan has been a judge on the Court of Common Pleas for Butler County, Pennsylvania since 1996, where she currently serves in the civil division.  During her tenure on the bench, she has also presided over criminal and family law cases.  Previously, from 1979 to 1996, Judge Horan worked at the law firm of Murrin, Taylor, Flach and Horan, where she was elevated to partner in 1982.  Judge Horan received her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1979 and her B.A. magna cum laude from Pennsylvania State University in 1976.  

Judge John Milton Younge:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania     Judge John Milton Younge has been a Judge on the Court of Comment Pleas for the First Judicial Circuit of Pennsylvania since 1996, where he has presides over both criminal and civil cases.  From 1985 to 1995, Judge Younge worked at the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, serving as Deputy Executive Director and subsequently as General Counsel from 1991 to 1995.  He began his legal career as a solo practitioner in Philadelphia from 1982 to 1985.  Judge Younge received his M.J.S. in 2011 from the University of Nevada, Reno, his J.D. in 1981 from Howard University School of Law, and his B.S. in 1977 from Boston University.  

Possibly An Overstatement

A variety of emails arrive in a variety of inboxes every day.  One caught my eye in particular.  It highlighted a campaign volunteer and included this statement:

She's here almost as much as the staff, and she always meets her weekly contact goals -- just last week she made 1,881 calls to supporters encouraging them to volunteer in their communities, too.

I'll not name the campaign, other than to say it wasn't Joe Sestak.

Let's do the math.  1,881 calls in a week.  If the volunteer is working 7 days a week that is 268.7 calls per day.  To be kind let's limit the work day to 8 hours, that's 33.5 calls per hour, that's two per minute.  Granted the email didn't say how many of those calls were answered, but if voicemail messages were left that might take 30 seconds.

I think the campaign worker who sent this out was exaggerating.  Otherwise it's considered the norm ("weekly contact goals") to work 7 days a week and even then I'm not sure there would be time for meal and bathroom breaks.  Unless the norm is 10 hours a day 7 days a week.  I'm not sure how many people would be inspired to join a campaign that expects this kind of obsessive dedication, which must be to the exclusion of all else.

On the Larry Wilmore Show I think this email would have gotten weak tea.

Christina M. Hartman in the 16th

part of a message from Christina M. Hartman the inbox:

For far too long, the people in Lancaster, Chester, and Berks counties have not been getting the representation and support they need to be successful.

 I’m running for Congress because the people of Pennsylvania’s 16^th District deserve better. It’s time to listen to what the diverse communities in Lancaster, Chester and Berks have to say and support them in pursuing a better life for themselves and their families, through education, training, support to small businesses, and care for our aging population.

Raised in Manheim Township, I took what Lancaster taught me about community and shared those lessons around the world. After graduating from George Washington University (Washington, DC) and Fordham University (New York City), I took on some of the world’s toughest dictatorships, leading numerous high-profile organizations and advocating for freedom and democracy in those countries and in Washington. From South Sudan to Afghanistan, I helped organizations strengthen their countries’ democracies through civic education, elections, and youth leadership development. 

Here at home, I have continued to focus on community development initiatives. I worked with the Joyful Heart Foundation, a national organization pursuing justice for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. Today, I bring my expertise to organizations in Lancaster such as the Non-Profit Resource Network at Millersville University and the Parish Resource Center, providing leadership in strategic planning, fundraising, and communications to enhance the services that these organizations provide.

Christina M. Hartman's campaign website is www.christinamhartman.com

Pennsylvania and the Clean Power Plan

Some energy and environmental news that might have slipped by you:  The EPA’s Clean Power Plan requires states that have fossil fuel power plants to develop a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 or the government will develop its own plan for that state.  The Pennsylvania state legislature passed a law, signed by Gov. Corbett last October, saying the legislature has a role in the process.  This law is being used as a model by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to slow down the EPA’s process in other states as well.  You can read more about the entire matter in a wonderfully concise article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by Michael Sanserino (“With GOP in Command, States Look to Tweak Clean Power Plan,” 12/30/2014)  There are several quotes by one of my favorite PA state representatives, Greg Vitali,who has made environmental concern a hallmark of his career in public service, on the plan and how it might or might not be affected by the state law.

The Natural Resource Defense Council has produced a colorful six page pamphlet titled “Pennsylvania’s Clean Energy Future” which spells out how reducing the state’s carbon emissions will impact our economy and health, and providing some policy options.  To meet federal requirements the state will have to reduce its carbon emissions by 32% below 2012 levels and prepare a plan to do so by June 2016.    A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists says that many states have already made significant progress towards this goal.  Pennsylvania is one of them. The White House prepared a special (short)report on what the goals mean for Pennsylvania and the Northeast (including a shoutout for Mayor Nutter   

Several environmental groups have formed Clean Power PA to present information on how the state can prepare a Clean Power Plan.  Their website, www.cleanpowerpa.org, has a number of resources for further study, and some very cool infographics.  The site's home page describes the organization and it's purpose:

The Clean Power PA Coalition is a group of clean energy, business, faith, and community leaders committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and powering its economy through clean energy. The coalition is led by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC),PennFuture, Clean Air Council, Moms’ Clean Air Force, Penn Environment, NextGen Climate America, Conservation Voters of PA, Clean Water Action, Voces Verdes, the Sierra Club, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Audubon Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has a long history as a leading energy producer in the United States. It’s one of the industries that fuels our economy and sustains our quality of life. But pollution and climate change threaten our health, our children’s health, and the natural beauty of our most treasured places. Now is the time to invest in a clean energy future for the Keystone State. 

Pennsylvania is poised to become a leader in renewable energy, creating thousands of sustainable jobs, reducing carbon pollution, and keeping our air and water clean in the process. PA Clean Energy Initiative, through its campaign Clean Power PA, advocates for the policies and investments that can bring our clean energy future to fruition.

This is something we will all be hearing about in the next year so we should start reading up now.

PA Background Checks for Gun Purchases

A note from our friends at CeaseFirePA:

What happened with the Charleston shooter’s background check? Did he pass it? Did he fail?

Here’s what happened: the background check was never completed.  Most background checks take just minutes for an approval or denial to register. But some take a bit longer, and under federal law, if a clear answer doesn’t come back in three days, the seller can sell the gun.  

Moving forward with a sale like this means putting guns in the hands of people who are dangerous. As we saw with the tragedy in Charleston, allowing sales to go forward without a completed check can be a death sentence for mothers, fathers, and children.

Fortunately, in PA, our background check system (PICS) allows extra time for a background check to be completed. The default is to protect safety, not to let a sale go through in the absence of a completed check.

PICS and the federal system work in tandem to keep PA safe. We’re fortunate to have this system in PA. But wouldn’t you know -- the gun lobby doesn’t like it, and yet again is pushing a bill that would eliminate it.

Another Grant for AccessMatters

modified press release:

AccessMatters has received a two year $1,706,922 grant to provide coordinated health care for HIV positive women, youth and their families in the Philadelphia area.  This will enhance the organization's existing AccessMatters' Community-based Health Services.  The program served over 2,300 clients in 2014.

Through this funding  from the Ryan White Part D Program, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, AccessMatters’ Community-based Health Services partners with ActionAIDS, BEBASHI, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Adolescent Initiative and Special Immunology Family Care Center, Philadelphia FIGHT, Temple University Comprehensive HIV Program, and Penn Community Clinic at Presbyterian Hospital where women, infants, children, and youth receive comprehensive, family-centered care.

Adult women over the age of 25 and adolescents ages 13 to 24 make up approximately 25% of all new HIV cases in Philadelphia.  While the proportion of newly infected women has stabilized over the past few years, they still represent 34% of the population living with HIV in Philadelphia and 52% of the consumers served through AccessMatters program in 2014.  Typically adolescents receiving HIV primary medical care through AccessMatters’ Community-based Health Services and its’ network of over 70 health centers are young African American men who have sex with men, and under the age of 20.     

Through research, training, delivery of evidenced-based programs, community engagement and advocacy, AccessMatters is leading the way in transforming access to sexual and reproductive health. 

NAACP Plenary Session Info

more news on the NAACP Annual Convention being held in Philadelphia:


On Monday, July 13th, NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks will address NAACP delegates at the First Plenary Session of the 106th NAACP Annual Convention.

President Brooks will articulate his vision for the NAACP, discuss the recent events occurring across the country including the fight over taking down the Confederate Battle flag, the recent string of church burnings in the south, the tragic shooting and loss of nine lives at Emanuel AME Church, the on-going campaign against excessive use of force by police and the discriminatory criminal justice policies that negatively affect communities of color. The theme of this year’s convention is, “Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice.”

Brooks, a longtime lawyer and human rights activist, formerly served as the President and CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice based in Newark, N.J. Brooks earned a Bachelor of Arts from Jackson State University, a Master of Divinity from Boston University and JD from Yale Law School.

The plenary session will also feature a panel discussion on the role of prosecutors in criminal justice reform. The session will focus on the role prosecutors are playing in the administration of justice in this country. The panelist will discuss how prosecutors are using their discretionary power to address inequities in the justice system. Additionally, the panel will discuss the efforts of prosecutors to overturn wrongful convictions of innocent citizens, and efforts by advocates, legislators and academics to reform the grand jury process and take other measures to make sure the criminal justice system operates fairly and free from bias.

Another Pronunciation Snafu

I was trying to watch the Hillary Clinton interview on CNN when the phone rang.  It was the DCCC wanting money, and not happy about taking no for an answer.  The young man was persistent.  He had a long sales pitch and several rejoinders when I declined.  He also called John Boehner [pr. Bayner] ad John Boner.  [sigh].  It is hard to take view someone as a politically serious person when they make mistakes like that.

NAACP Conference Events in Philadelphia

Mushed together from a variety of press releases:

The NAACP will celebrate 106 years of civil rights advocacy by holding its annual national convention in Philadelphia, PA. The convention will feature dozens of events, including remarks from The Honorable Barack Obama, 44^th President of the United States of America; The Honorable Marilyn Mosby, State's Attorney for Baltimore; The Honorable Michael Nutter, Mayor, City of Philadelphia; The Honorable Chaka Fattah, United States House of Representatives; The Honorable Corey Booker, United States Senate, Charlie Wilson, Recording Artist and many more!

·    Keynote Speaker Marilyn Mosby, the State’s Attorney of Baltimore, will discuss the incredible ways in which women of color are breaking barriers and beating the odds through self empowerment.  Ms. Mosby will offer unique perspective as to how women are maximizing their value on their jobs and in their communities. Following Ms. Mosby’s speech, panelists Stephanie Brown James, the Founder & Executive Director of Brown Girls Lead, and Monique W. Morris, the Co-Founder of the National Black Women’s Justice Institute, will address the ways that we can strive for justice for women and assist Black girls in finding positive pathways in life. 

     The Author Pavilion celebrates books written by and about African Americans. The event, which is free and open to the public, provides convention goers with a unique opportunity to meet and greet with some of their favorite authors  Charlie Wilson will be in conversation with Frankie Darcell of WDAS radio, discussing his new autobiography, I Am Charlie Wilson, in which he explains how he overcame drugs, prostate cancer and homelessness.  It is a remarkable story of hope and an inspirational example of why one should never give up.  Julian Bond and Phyllis Leffler will be discussing their new book, Blacks In Leadership: A Conversation with Julian Bond, which uses the lives of prominent African Americans from all sectors of society to trace the contours of Black leadership in America.  Seven year-old author, Natalie McGriff will be discussing her book, Moxie Girl, which celebrates natural hair care and self love. Motivational speaker James Edwards will host a panel on the Black Lives Matter movement. Panelists include authors Jean Love Cush and Eric Broyles.  The NAACP Author Pavilion is sponsored by the NAACP National Office and managed by The Oracle Group International.  The Oracle Group is an internationally recognized literary public relations and marketing agency that specializes in producing events that promote literacy.  Our primary focus is to connect authors with events that engage, uplift and promote the local, national and global community.

·    Career Fair

Commerce and Industry Show -- Join Chairman Roslyn M. Brock, Vice Chair Leon W. Russell, President and CEO Cornell William Brooks as they officially open the 46th Annual Commerce and Industry Show alongside nine-time Grammy nominated recording artist Charlie Wilson. From July 11 - July 14th, the show will feature exhibits and booths from industry and emerging businesses leaders, a health fair, an author pavilion, has been a cornerstone of the NAACP’s convention for nearly half a century. This year, the Commerce and Industry Show will also feature an open casting call for the show “Shark Tank” and the ACT – SO culinary arts competition.  ACT – SO is the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.

Pennsylvania is Champion of Change

from the inbox:

 On Wednesday, July 8^th, the White House will recognize nine individuals as “Champions of Change” for Precision Medicine who are making a difference in transforming the way we improve health and treat disease.  These individuals embody the promise of the President’s Precision Medicine Initiative, which was launched earlier this year to enable a new era of medicine through research and technology that empowers patients, researchers, and providers to work together toward development of individualized treatments.  The program will feature remarks by Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Senior Advisor to the President Brian Deese and Director of National Institutes of Health Francis Collins.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. The event will be live streamed on the White House website. To watch this event live, visitwww.whitehouse.gov/live  on July 8^th at 2:00 PM ET.  To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions/and to learn more about the Precision Medicine Initiative, visit www.whitehouse.gov/precision-medicine. Follow the conversation at #WHChamps.

There is one Pennsylvanian on the list:

Emily Kramer-Golinkoff, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

Emily Kramer-Golinkoff, a 30 year old with advanced stage cystic fibrosis and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, is co-founder of Emily's Entourage, a 501(c)3 that raises funds and awareness to accelerate new treatments and a cure for rare (nonsense) mutations of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). She is also Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Operations at the Penn Medicine Social Media and Health Innovation Lab. Energized by recent breakthroughs for other CF mutations, Emily and her Entourage have raised over $1.5 million since the organization's founding in 2011, and led worldwide efforts to fast track research on rare nonsense CF mutations through research grants, scientific symposia, and collaboration among leading scientists in this area.  With only 35 percent lung function, Emily spends over 3 – 4 hours a day on treatments, injects multiple insulin shots, and takes countless pills to slow progression of her disease.

A Miscellany of Items on the Dining Room Table

A few things that have accumulated:

The April issue of More Magazine had a short feature on celebrity women that people would most want to be friends with.  Our own Tina Fey was the most popular, with 28% saying they wanted to be her BFF.

Philadelphia Magazine has run a couple of articles recently on the Gallery Mall and it's future.  FInd a list here:  http://www.phillymag.com/tag/the-gallery/

The June issue of Philadelphia Magazine had an in depth profile of Attorney General Kathleen Kane.  Read it here:  http://www.phillymag.com/articles/kathleen-kane-frank-fina/

Michelle Obama Guest Edits More Magazine

First Lady Michelle Obama guest edited the July / August issue of More Magazine.  I'm not sure what that means from a practical standpoint but can tell you what's inside the issue of interest to politicos.

She has an opening letter talking about the balancing act all working mothers do.  She asks the questions all of us ask "Is this really worth it?  Is my family OK? Am I OK?"

Lesley Jane Seymour follows with a letter from the editor, calling Mrs. Obama "The Inspirer - in - Chief."

This is followed by a lot of ads for things that are very pretty but I don't have any idea what most of them are.

One non-political item of note on pages 26-27.  There is a new thing called "beauty-concierge apps" which means you can hit a button on your phone and people will show up on your doorstep and make you beautiful.  Who knew?  Seven apps are profiled, including the cities in which they operate.  None are available in Philly.  So, there's a lead for an entrepreneurial fashionista.

Mrs. Obama penned a short article on p. 34 on interesting places she has traveled (all domestic).

There is a profile of Catherine Russell, US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues on pages 52-53.

Veterans can have a difficult time transitioning to civilian employment after leaving the armed services.  An article on pages 56-61 profiles a few women who made that transition and how they did so.

Statistics and a short explanation of each, all pertaining to fitness in the US, is on p. 62.  For example, there was a 43% drop in the obesity rate of children age 2 to 5 from 2004 to 2012.  That's good news.

Mrs. Obama persuaded her husband to write a short essay (p. 68-69) on "How the presidency made me a better father," complete with a row of photos.

Melissa Winter, Mrs. Obama's chief of staff, and later deputy chief of staff, pens a memoir on pages 74-76.  It is interesting to read about her job, which runs the gamut from policy to babysitting.

An unusual but star-powered feature, is a conversation / interview with Mrs. Obama and Meryl Streep (p. 83-85, 140).  There is some friendly and witty banter and some in-depth answers on significant questions.  I enjoyed this feature quite a bit.

There is a long color photo spread of the White House on pages 86-95, with a few short descriptive paragraphs.  We're getting ready to do some redecorating at Casa Jane and I picked up a few ideas from the pictures.  Honest.

A topic near and dear to my heart, first generation college students, is the focus of an article on pages 96-103, 140-141, with a few pull out features on individual women.  This is a really good article, with some concrete suggestions for people who want to help.

The younger Barbara Bush (daughter not wife) is one of the women profiled in "women working wonders" (p. 113-119).

The First Lady provides the backstory to some better known photos of her and her family.  I like the one of her and the President in inaugural dress riding in the back of a golf cart.  (The golf cart shuttled them from one inaugural ball to another so she wouldn't have to walk in heels.)

Not political but very useful nonetheless is the Findings feature on pages 130- 138.  It provides snippets of research on effective strategies to adopt healthier habits.  After I read it I put my toaster away.  I also learned an interesting stretching exercise for people who spend a lot of time hunched over a computer.  Mrs. Obama's "chill-out" playlist is included.  I actually recognized some of the songs.

Mrs. Obama ends the issue with an essay entitled "What women owe one another."

The issue is still on the news stands and is worth picking up.

Report on Pennsylvania Wage Theft

A report on wage theft in Pennsylvania was released this past week.  Prepared by the Social Justice Lawyering Clinic at the Stephen and Sandra Sheller Center for Social Justice at Temple University Beasley School of Law.  In response to the report, Community Legal Services is calling on the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania to take action to protect workers.

Entitled Short Changed:  How Wage Theft Harmed Pennsylvania's Workers and Economy, the report is available at:  http://www2.law.temple.edu/csj/files/wagetheft-report.pdf.  Wage theft is defined as:  

Wage theft, the illegal non-payment or under payment of wages, is a pervasive problem hurting hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers across the state each week.

Researchers based their report on a 2009 study of low wage workers in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers.  The report offers statistics on the occupations most affected by wage theft, the ways that wages are stolen (for example, unpaid overtime, or refusing to pay workers who are required to travel as part of their job for travel time), and regional statistics for wage theft in Pennsylvania.  

Those who are not sympathetic to the cause of workers might consider the tax revenue lost when employees are not paid all they are owed.

You can read more at Life Under $10.10, http://lifeunder1010.com/

AccessMatters on Marriage Equality

from the inbox:

[PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 26, 2015]: Today, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. According to the decision, states must also recognize same-sex marriages performed anywhere in the country. 

“History was made earlier today with this landmark decision,” said Melissa Weiler Gerber, President and CEO of AccessMatters. ”Now everyone has an equal right to marry whomever they love.”

AccessMatters applauds the Supreme Court for recognizing marriage equality as a fundamental constitutional right: “No union,” states an excerpt from the closing paragraph of the majority opinion, “is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. ... [The challengers] ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

Beyond granting same-sex couples the right to marry, this decision also grants these couples all of the federal benefits—hospital visitation rights, tax deductions and exemptions, access to spousal health insurance benefits, spousal social security, Medicare, and disability benefits, to name just a few –that are part and parcel of being married in the United States. 

The Supreme Court decision in the Obergefell case is also a victory for the health of our communities.  Research has shown, bolstered by groups like the American Medical Association, the positive impact of marriage on health. This correlation between marriage and health is equally true for gay and lesbian married couples.

In view of the Supreme Court’s decision, AccessMatters remains committed to the work of addressing LGBT-related health issues. Through our research, trainings, and education programs, we will continue to ensure that LGBT consumers feel safe and welcome in our Network of over 70 health centers. As a safety net provider that serves the most vulnerable populations, we will also continue our efforts to decrease LGBT-related health disparities in the Philadelphia area and beyond.

“Today’s decision marks a victory for supporters of marriage equality, LGBT families, and for the health of our communities,” said Weiler Gerber. “AccessMatters is proud our nation has taken this important step forward. We are now one step closer to transforming access to sexual and reproductive health and ensuring health equity for all.”

###

AccessMatters is the catalyst for providing access to sexual and reproductive health care for teens and adults in need reaching over 200,000 individuals annually. For more information about AccessMatters programs, visit www.AccessMatters.org, @AccessMatters4U on Twitter, and @AccessMatters on Facebook.

Summer White House Interns for Summer 2015

from the inbox, a description of White House internships and a list of summer interns from Pennsylvania:

A White House Internship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. Interns work in one of several White House departments, including the Domestic Policy Council, the National Economic Council, the Office of Cabinet Affairs, the Office of Communications, the Office of Digital Strategy, the Office of the First Lady, the Office of Legislative Affairs, the Office of Management and Administration, the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach, the Office of the Staff Secretary, the Presidential Personnel Office, the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Office of Scheduling and Advance, the Office of the Vice President, the Office of the White House Counsel, and the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

Agarwal, Megha Hometown: Los Altos, CA; University of Pennsylvania, PA
Bailey, Donnell Hometown: New Orleans, LA; Franklin & Marshall College, PA
Dolan, Andrew Hometown: Erie, PA; University of Pittsburgh, PA
Foley, Sean Hometown: Dunmore, PA; University of Pennsylvania, PA
Garcia, Nicolas Hometown: Haines City, FL; University of Pennsylvania, PA
Gur, Alon Hometown: Philadelphia, PA; Yale University, CT
Hart, Camille Hometown: Westbury, NY; The Pennsylvania State University, PA
Hayes, Jelani Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA; University of Pennsylvania, PA
Heo, Jason Hometown: Newburgh, IN; Swarthmore College, PA
Hopkins, Brendan Hometown: Blue Bell, PA; Yale University, CT
Johnson, Keishawn Hometown: West Orange, NJ; University of Pennsylvania, PA
Kay, Megan Hometown: State College, PA; The Pennsylvania State University, PA
Koren, Ariel Hometown: Jacksonville, FL; University of Pennsylvania, PA
Levy, Maxwell Hometown: Atlanta, GA; University of Pennsylvania, PA

Merken, Christopher Hometown: Radnor, PA; University of Delaware, DE

Meyer, Jane Hometown: Cold Spring Harbor, NY; University of Pennsylvania, PA

Mirabile, Dominic Hometown: Phoenixville, PA; The Pennsylvania State University, PA

Noll, Gregory Hometown: Nazareth, PA; The Pennsylvania State University, PA

Rooney, Sarah Hometown: Sewickley, PA; Georgetown University, D.C.

Tifft, Emily Hometown: Elmira, NY; Villanova University, PA

Tolsdorf, Marjorie Hometown: McLean, VA; University of Pittsburgh, PA

Quick Book Look: Power Forward by Reggie Love

Reggie Love, President Obama's "body man" wrote a book that was published earlier this year.  Power Forward:  My Presidential Education would make a good graduation present or birthday gift for a young man who is interested in sports and politics.  For my taste it  has too much of the former and not enough of the latter.  There were a few behind the scenes stories about then-candidate Obama but not really enough to satisfy someone steeped in politics.

All the same it is an entertaining story and has a believable story of a young man's journey.  There are a lot of life lessons involved.  High school and college students who have volunteered on campaigns might find it particularly enjoyable.

Andy Warren in the 8th

Andy Warren, who was a Bucks County Commissioner for many years (as a Republican), and ran for Congress in 2006 (as a Democrat) is running for the 8th congressional seat again this year (as a Republican).  You can read more at "Warren enters 8th race" by James McGinnis in the Bucks County Times (6/21/2016).

No mention of a website.  It might be tricky.  Warrenforcongress.com is taken, so is Andywarren.com.  Both andywarrenforcongress.com and andywarren2016.com might be taken but there isn't a public site at those addresses.  I tried a few other likely website addresses but didn't see anything.

Mike Parrish in the 6th

from the inbox, campaign website: www.parrishforcongress.com

Today, Mike Parrish, former Army Aviator and Colonel in the United States Army Reserves announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 6^th Congressional District.  The entrepreneur and father has been a strong advocate for veterans in Southeastern Pennsylvania for the past 15 years.   Currently, Mike serves as finance chair of the Chester County Democrats.   He released the following statement:

“There is a fundamental lack of leadership in Congress today. Politicians are putting their own interests and narrow ideology first, and as a result, the challenges facing everyday Americans are no longer the priority.   Congress isn’t tackling the tough problems of affordable education, job creation and small business investments; and Congress is AWOL when it comes to caring for our veterans.  America needs leaders who value their constituents more than party alliances.

“My father always told me to  ‘Put Up or Shut Up.’   I’m ready to start the next chapter of service to my country.  I’m running for Congress to provide strong leadership and help create more economic opportunities for Southeastern Pennsylvanians.   My 30 years of military and business experience give me a unique perspective to help address these challenges.

“Education is the key to innovation.   The US Army empowered me with a level of education that every American has the right to attain.  It’s time we focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  We have to give our children a stronger educational foundation.  They’re tomorrow’s leaders…the next generation of workers, innovators and entrepreneurs.  College has to be more affordable, so everyone can have the same opportunities I have had.

“We have to help small businesses gain access to best business practices, innovation and capital, to enable them to grow.  As a small business owner myself, I know how important that is for job creation.   And we need to cut wasteful spending so we can invest in high-tech and medical research, something Pennsylvanians do better than anyone.

 “I’ve been an advocate for Veterans my entire life, as a member of Congress, I will make the decisions necessary to ensure that the brave men and women who have served our country are held in the highest esteem.  Our local VA office, one of the largest in the country, is under federal investigation.  We need more than rhetoric to fix these systemic problems.”

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve my country throughout my career and I hope to continue to make a difference in the United States Congress.”

Campaign Bio:

About Mike Parrish After graduating from West Point in 1985, Mike Parrish spent 14 years on active duty as an Army Aviator in leadership assignments around the globe. Upon leaving active duty as a member of the Army Acquisition Corps in 1998, he transitioned to the Army Reserves, where he continues to serve today as a Colonel.  Mike has over 30 years of senior leadership experience growing and acquiring various technology-related businesses globally.  Most recently, Mr. Parrish has been Chairman & CEO of several publicly-traded companies and was founder and CEO for an environmental services business, which was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine's “HOT 100,” highlighting the top 100 start-ups in America for 2004, as well as by INC magazine, as the 7th fastest-growing private environmental company on its INC500 list for 2006 and 2007.  Before that,Mike held various executive leadership positions within several General Electric Companies. Mike has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, as well as a Master's in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA with honors from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  He is the past President of the West Point Society of Philadelphia and served on the advisory boards of the Delaware Valley Industrial Resources Center, USO of Southeast Pennsylvania/New Jersey and the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mike lives in Malvern Pennsylvania, and has three children ages 13, 9 and 6.

My Right Hand

As one gets older health issues tend to crop up.  About a year and half ago I was diagnosed with a serious health problem, and may write about this later, that has led to some major life changes. It's all under control at the moment but it does impact blogging.

The past few weeks I've had limited use of my right hand and arm due to another issue.  If I can't write, type, or sew my usefulness to the universe is significantly reduced.  It seems to be easing up so we'll give this another try.

Julie Cohen in Money Magazine

In the June 2015 issue of Money Magazine an article references a Philadelphia area executive coach. "Help Co-Workers Help You," by Daniel Bortz quotes Julie Cohen twice.  She suggests aligning yourself with hard workers and avoiding person-specific critiques.  Both are good, common sense suggestions.

SEPTA Work on Route 15 Trolley

from our friends at SEPTA:

SEPTA will conduct a track renewal project on a portion of its Route 15 trolley line from June 14-September 19, 2015. The track in this area was installed in the 1950s. 

The project will take place on Girard Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets and from just east of Frankford Avenue to Susquehanna Avenue. Track replacement is necessary because the street structure supporting the tracks has deteriorated due to weather, traffic and the age of the road surface. SEPTA will excavate and replace approximately 9,800 track feet and repave the track area. The new track will result in reduced sound, as the continuous welded rail will eliminate rail joints; reduced vibration because the new rail is incased in an insulated rubber boot; and a smoother ride due to the new and improved track components. 

Buses will replace trolleys along the entire Route 15 from June 14-September 5, 2015. Trolleys will return between Frankford and Delaware Avenues and 63rd Street and Girard Avenue on September 6. Shuttle buses currently in use between Richmond Street and Allegheny Avenue and Front Street and Girard Avenue due to PennDOT construction will continue to operate in place of trolleys. 

The project will progress in moving three-block sections. Work will take place first along the section of Girard Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets and then move to the area just east of Frankford Avenue to Susquehanna Avenue. Normal construction hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Weekend work may be required to maintain the project schedule.

Girard Avenue will remain open during the track renewal project; work will be kept within the trolley and travel lanes. All side streets in the construction areas will be closed to thru traffic, but local traffic will be permitted up to construction sites. Parking will not be permitted in the area or adjacent to the tracks being reconstructed, however, exceptions will be made for those with special needs. Walking access for businesses will be arranged. 

Lindy Li for the Seventh

Democrat Lindy Li has announced her candidacy for the seventh congressional district.  Website:  http://www.lindyli.com/

Vote in Tomorrow's Primary

Tomorrow there is a primary election in Pennsylvania.  The big race is the Philadelphia mayoral primary (my fingers crossed for Kenney).

But there are statewide judicial primaries, county offices, and local elections.

For Supreme Court I"m voting for Anne Lazarus, Christine Donahue and whoever I pick at the last minute.  Both have run before and I've looked at their bios, read their publications, ABA questionnaires, etc.

For Superior Court Alice Beck Dubow.

John Oliver Calls out Fattah and Dent

John Oliver's HBO show, "Last Week Tonight" has made a name for itself by calling out people, companies, and elected officials that it thinks need to change their behavior.

Tonight's show included two Pennsylvania congressman, Chaka Fattah (D-02) and Charlie Dent (R-15).  Both are on an agricultural committee that has voted against enacting regulations protecting chicken farmers from predatory corporate practices of the chicken industry.  Oliver hopes that Ohio Congresswomen Marcy Kaptur reintroduces her bill and that others on the committee will support it this time around.

Oliver's minions (viewers) have previously flooded the FCC with comments on net neutrality.  This time he is saying that any congressional representative on the committee that votes against Kaptur's bill will have their wikipedia page altered (and re-altered) to suggest, in vulgar terms, that said representative actives upon an unnatural fondness for chickens.

The show itself is always worth watching.  This segment (available on demand tomorrow), does not call out Dent and Fattah by name but the representatives on the committee are flashed across the screen.