Gov Rendell on PCN Call-In Show

Last Thursday Gov. Ed Rendell appeared on the PCN Call-In Show. He took questions live from the station's Pittsburgh bureau.

Q questions are from host Kat Prickett. C questions are from callers.

As always, these are rough notes and I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions. The governor was, as usual, very well informed and had a number of facts and statistics in his answers. I just simply can't type that fast. In a few places you will see question marks; the governor mentioned a statistic and I caught the first part of the number but not the last.

Host Kat Prickett

Q: Where are we in the budget process?

ER: I laid out my priorities on Feb 8, but we have been having meetings, had one with leaders on June ? (early June). Started with work groups. By and large been positive. Think the attitude is people care very much about certain things. Understanding we need to get this done.

Q: possibility of state furloughs?

ER: If it happens at all it will happen after July 1. Should not be concentrating on this but on getting the budget done. We are the only big state with a surplus, about a $300 Million dollar surplus, most have deficits. We’ve managed our money well in PA over the last 5 years. According to labor standards act cannot pay state workers if no budget. Dwight Evans may have found a way to solve this whole problem, borrowing money from rainy day fund. That may solve the problem. Its time for us to get this done. We’ve just got to make some decisions.

Q: most important issues in budget

ER: Education. The results our early childhood program are showing . We have 10th best education program in county. We rank first in early childhood (?). 6 year phase in, historical level of funding based on real formula. Second priority is energy initiative that lets us get away from dependence on foreign fuel. Incentives for energy businesses to open here. Incentivize citizens. Energy rate caps come off. Economic stimulus plan. Recession upon us. Investments in our infrastructure.

C: Thank ER for taking on issue of PA funds public education. No one wants to own a home with high taxes and bad schools.

ER: I’ve told the general assembly that’s my number one priority. 350+ of our 500 schools districts are not spending enough money per student. Get enough phased in over the next 6 years to provide great education. Under Gov Shapp education spending was 50%, when I can in was 30?%, now 38%. In Upper Darby the millage is incredible. The state’s share has to go up. State funding would go to 40?%. When gaming money comes in will get property tax relief.

C: About 60 people were in your offices to discuss why we are 46th state for delivering special education. Would like to meet with you. Group called Alfie, Alliance for Inclusion Education.

ER: Happy to met with you. Biggest problem with special ed is with fed govt. Promised to pay 48% of cost but never have. Both Sen. Clinton and Obama have promised to increase funding.

C: Act 44.

ER: We can’t wait until change in administration; we have to know about polling of I-80 soon. If you read the Surface Transportation Report in Congress. If you read the dissent by Sec. Peters, it says it is the state’s responsibility, toll roads previously untolled. Sec. Peters also likes public / private partnerships. Given that it would be hard for them to turn it down.

Q: Where do we stand for bid on turnpike

ER: bid is over. Albertis, a Spanish company with projects around the world. Currently manage Orlando airport. Paired with Citigroup. Legislature would have to approve bid.

Q: movement in near future?

ER: No, with other issues, this will probably be put over until Sept.

C: What can we do about outrageous rate hikes in health insurance?

ER: What you are facing is what employees and employers all over are facing. There’s a bill that has passed the house and is now in the senate. Health insurance has to spend 85% of income has to be spent on health care, not advertising, etc. Can’t do demographic rating. Gives insurance commissioner right to set rates as they do for auto insurance. Stops any insurance company from denying reasonable coverage to anyone who is sick. We’ve created a system where everyone wants to insure the healthy 27 year old male and no one wants the insure the sick. Pass the Health Insurance Reform Package.

Q: What are different pieces of legislation on health insurance.

ER: Supports bill that passed the house. Paid for by increasing cigarette tax and starts taxing smokeless tobacco and cigars.

C: Senate Bill 509, House Bill 2002. Amends public school act of 1949 to train school employees in diabetic care and treatment.

ER: I do support the bills but would have to look at financial implications. Tries to avoid unfunded mandates.

C: 70 years old. Filled out form for economic stimulus rebate. Told not eligible.

ER: Leave number and I will look into this.

C: COLA for retired state employees.

ER: Retired state employees deserve some increase in their pension. Problem is in 2000 Gov. Ridge and legislature gave increase in pension to workers and legislators but not retirees. We do need increases especially to older retires. Action in 2000 cost so much that we can’t afford increase. In 2013 a big increase is coming unless flattening out bump. I have put money in but still a looming problem. Our pension fund simply can’t afford an increase. Looking to see if it can be done for oldest retirees.

C: Alternative fuels. Has 2 flex fuel vehicles but can’t buy ethanol in our area.

ER: Good question. Penn Security Fuels Initiative would require 1 billion gallons sold to be something other than petroleum (?). Problem is getting distribution up and running. Caller has E-85 flex car, can take 85% ethanol. Most pumps have 10% ethanol now. Incentivizing more E-85 pumps. Sunoco is vendor on Turnpike. Must make sure biodiesel available. Leading nation in number of gallons of biodiesel produced. Penn Security Fuels Initiative has passed house, currently in senate.

Q: gas prices going up

ER: Can’t do much in PA except up tempo our efforts to get alternative fuels at the pump. Philly gas a little cheaper because it includes more ethanol that in rest of state. Best thing we can do is be smarter. Get air pressure checked. Make sure it is at the right amount. Get oil filter checked. Slow down on the highway. Doing those three things will save you more than if we roll back gas tax.

C: retired state law enforcement officer. Opposed to more gun control, more emphasis on laws that are there.

ER: Assaults by firearms on police officers increased 85% statewide. Police chiefs across the state in favor of more gun control. Agree that more law enforcement is needed. When mayor partnered with NRA to work to send those caught with a gun if had a previous felony went to federal court not state. Sent 700 or 800 worst cases a year went to federal court. Nothing wrong with a law that says you can only buy one handgun a month. Why does anyone need more than12 handguns a year? Stops straw purchaser.

Q: How would that affect gun collectors

ER: Registered gun collectors are exempt.

C: green program?

ER: One of the advantages of doing alternative energy and green buildings is that it creates jobs. PA exports many jobs to buy and produce petroleum. Penn Security Fuels Initiative would implement training programs and create job opportunities. Want to really take off by 2010, 2011, 2012

C: gaming bill lets casinos operate with no regulation. Two bills, SB 423 and HB (???) requires casinos to send monthly statements

ER: First I’ve heard of it. Will look at bills, sound fair and reasonable.

C: Health care bill passed by the house. Has pre-existing condition. Can’t get insurance.

ER: Package of insurance reform bills, would make it illegal to deny coverage at a reasonable rate to someone with a pre-existing condition.

Q: How many currently uninsured?

ER: 120,000 children, hopefully reduced by CHIP program. 700,000 adults.

C: import / export of fuel? Can go through Canada waters now due to global warming?

ER: federal government and oil distribution companies aware of it. Sad opportunity.

C: thanks for smoke free legislation. Willing to advocate for Allegheny Co to implement more stringent regulations

ER: On record as supporting anyone to have stronger bill. Decent chance. Would sign it and work for it. Have been told that state bill almost modeled on Philadelphia plan which was considered pretty strong.

Q: what does smoking ban do?

ER: can’t smoke in public places unless exception carved out. Can smoke on casino floors, private places, [lists others] . Signing bill tomorrow, enacted 90 days after that, to allow businesses to gear up.

C: disabled woman veteran, under employed, now in debt. Worried about gas drillers, exempt from clean air and water acts.

ER: Leave name and number, someone will contact you. Not sure they are exempt from those rules.

C: run for senate in 2010?

ER: No, made a pledge to serve out term. Also could never run against Arlen Specter, gave me my first job, attended my wedding.

Q: throw whole support behind Obama?

ER: If you supported Hillary Clinton not only did so because admired her as a person but also because of her stand on the issues, the only way to see those issues addressed is to support Obama.

Q: be Obama’s vp?

ER: No, I couldn’t be a worse choice. Not a good #2 person, won’t stay on message, tell the truth, don’t spin well. If after leave office in 2011 some opportunity comes up then maybe look at that. Would suggest Joe Biden.

C: programs for young aspiring entrepreneurs?

ER: Suggest you call deputy secretary of dept of general services, helps minority business people.

Q: What would you like to say to people?

ER: Tell legislators we need to keep growing.

End of Quarter Deadline Nears

The end of June marks the end of another fundraising quarter. You may have noticed the uptick in letters from your favorite candidates. For one stop shopping visit www.actblue.com for all your federal and state Democratic fundraising options.

Domain Name Follies

The Montgomery County Democrats website is www.mcdems.org. It is bookmarked on my laptop but not on the home office pc. Friday evening I was trying to double check something and made a typo. Guess what??!!! www.mcdems.com came up as a site for Democrats in favor of McCain (McDems, get it?). However, today it comes up as an ad for a fictional restaurant. No idea what happened there but just as well; it would have confused a lot of people.

Bryan Lentz Website Update

Bryan Lentz, incumbent Democrat in the 161st state house district, has updated his campaign website, www.votelentz.com.

Harris Martin's Website Updated

Harris Martin, Democratic candidate for the 18th state house district, has updated his website. Take a look at www.martin4staterep.com.

A Note on Father's Day

Like all parents I am sometimes astounded by the things my children say, good and bad. Recently I was very surprised to hear my oldest child ask, “Why are all the dads on tv idiots?” It caught my interest for a few reasons.

The first is that the kid was astute enough to notice that. Men on television have been getting progressively stupider and more immature in recent decades. If they are not infantilized morons or brainless horndogs, they are workaholics incapable of connecting to other people, including their own children. That’s a far cry from “Leave it to Beaver,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” and “Cosby.” You might find a responsible father on cable (sometimes, as in the Gene Simmons reality show, in unexpected places) but network tv doesn’t have much going on in this area. In cartoons fathers are especially idiotic. Why men have allowed this to happen is beyond me. I think they should complain and revolt.

The second is that the reason my child recognized this is because Mr. J is such a good father. My kids can recognize what’s wrong because they see what’s right. One evening I was trying to watch a little of the BBC version of “Pride and Prejudice.” The oldest kid walked through the room just as Lizzie was rejecting Mr. Collins’s marriage proposal. Mrs. Bennett was running through the house in hysterics and Mr. Bennett was hiding in his study. The kid looked at me and said “Why doesn’t he DO something? He’s the FATHER.” When Mr. Bennett bestirred himself my child said “FINALLY!” in disgust and left the room. My children have high expectations of fathers in the world because their father has high expectation for himself and them.

Mr. J is the parent in our household who quizzes the kids on their spelling words. He helps with higher level math and is the in-house consultant on any projects requiring construction, dioramas and the like. Woe unto the child who brings home an unacceptable grade without a good explanation.

It isn’t just what it said, but what is done. When Mr. J puts a small vegetable garden in the backyard or cleans out the gutters he is saying volumes about what he considers his responsibilities at home and good stewardship generally. One spring when our birdfeeder was momentarily empty a bird laid eggs in it. You could hear the babies chirping and see the parents delivering food. Unfortunately the birdfeeder is metal and can get pretty hot on summer days. Mr. J and one of the kids got our big beach umbrella out of the garage and lashed it to the tall stump the birdfeeder sits on. They checked every night to see if the fledglings were still there and didn’t take the umbrella down until the chicks had flown away. I think that provided a wonderful lesson in strength, compassion and ingenuity.

I see Mr. J’s examples reflected in the children’s behaviors, when they are kind to younger kids, when they negotiate with him for interest on a late allowance payment, and in their knowledge of the natural world around them. My children are fortunate, and so am I.

PA in the WSJ

This is a list of articles regarding Pennsylvania in this week's Wall Street Journal. Chances are I missed something, but these are the articles that caught my eye.

It should be noted that I routinely do not read the editorials in the WSJ. So any discussions of the state, its elected officials, businesses, or citizens, in editorials will not be mentioned here.


PA Politicians

Former 7th district Congressman Curt Weldon does the honors this week but probably wishes he didn’t. In “Russa deal tied to congress aide,” by Susan Schmidt and Glenn R. Simpson (6/10) we find this:

A former congressional aide admitted in court proceedings that his wife received unreported payments from an arms-control group with ties to top security officials in the Russian government, according to several people involved in an inquiry of a former congressman.

The aide worked as chief of staff for former Rep. Curt Weldon, a Pennsylvania Republican. Rep. Weldon had sought a federal grant for the Russian organization, known as International Exchange Group, according to the people familiar with the inquiry.

PA Businesses

Comcast customers take note of where your cable bill money is going. According to “Companies promise CEOs lavish posthumous paydays,” by Mark Maremont (6/10), Ralph J. Roberts, the chairman of Comcast’s executive committee had an agreement with the company that his family would continue to receive his $2 million salary for 5 years after his death. Comcast recently canceled this deal. “Still, as of Dec. 31, Mr. Roberts was entitled to an estimated $87 million in posthumous benefits from the Philadelphia-based cable-television company. “ This is primarily in a company funded life insurance policy. Still on the books is an agreement for CEO Brian J. Roberts’ family to collect his salary and bonus for 5 years after his death if he died while in office. As someone whose household sends Comcast money every month I’d like to officially go on record as saying I’m against this. [Full disclosure: I have life insurance through my employer which would pay Mr. J and the kids something like 2.5 years worth of my salary.]

“Sale of stores boosts Pep Boys profits,” by Donna Kardos (6/11)

“Jones Apparel buys stake in Rachel Ray luxury line,” by Rachel Dodes (6/12)

Bedford Springs Resort, in Bedford, PA, is one of the hotels featured in “Is this where the Beatles stayed?,” by Perri Capell (6/14)

Brief mention: Pepper Hamilton (6/11)


Other PA

A Philadelphia condominium is profiled in the 6/12 “Money’s worth: real estate” section.

A note on two Pennsylvania dairies selling unpasteurized milk is included in “FDA investigates dairy over unpasteurized milk,” (6/12).

“What’s in a name? If it’s ‘Mba,’ a degree of confusion,” by Joel Millman (6/13) has a Philadelphia byline and features a newly minted Wharton MBA from Nigeria whose last name is Mba. Other Mba’s, some also from Philly, are mentioned. (Trivia: Mba is pronounced “hymn-BAH”).

Other Interesting Tidbits

From “Crime rate fell in ’07 after 2-year rise,” by Gary Fields and Louse Radnofsky (6/10):

The data show the number of whites murdered dropped slightly, from 7,005 in 2004 to 6,956 in 2006, while the number of blacks killed rose 11% over that same period, to 7,421. In Washington last year, whites accounted for only 1.1% of murder victims.

An editorial “Honoring thy fathers,” by W. Bradford Wilcox (6/13) discusses the positive effect that attendance at religious services / events has on fathers and family structure in general.

weekly legislative update

This is a list of bills that passed the Pennsylvania House or Senate this week, and mention of any noteworthy resolutions. Standard caveats apply (resolutions not generally included, list of sponsors deleted if it was too long - three lines in the originally formatting).

Our accountant friends at PICPA have provided their usual informative weekly update.

Other updates this week:

PA GOP Senate
PA Democratic Senate
PA GOP House
PA Democratic House

Bills

Regular Session
HB 2295 An Act amending Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in management of condominiums, further providing for lien for assessments. PASSED in the House.

HB 2302 An Act providing for assistance to agencies promoting tourism; authorizing the Department of Community and Economic Development to make grants and provide assistance to properly designated tourism promotion agencies and regional marketing partnerships; conferring powers and imposing duties on the governing bodies of certain political subdivisions; and repealing the Tourist Promotion Law. PASSED in the House.

HB 2428 An Act regulating the amount of property insurance coverage required by certain lenders. PASSED in the House.

SB 2 An Act providing for the allocation of money in the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund and for funding of water or sewer projects, storm water projects, flood control projects and high hazard dam projects. PASSED in the Senate.

SB 246 An Act regulating smoking in this Commonwealth; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Health and local boards of health; providing penalties; preempting local action; and making a related repeal. PASSED in the Senate and the House. Sent to the Governor.

SB 1146 An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, to grant and convey, at a price to be determined through a competitive bid process, certain lands, buildings and improvements situate in the Borough of Pottstown, Montgomery County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey, at a price to be determined through a competitive bid process, certain lands, buildings and improvements situate in the Township of West Norriton, Montgomery County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to dedicate, grant and convey to the Strasburg, Lancaster County, Borough Authority, a water main and appurtenances to be constructed by the Department of General Services, together with easements for public water purposes, situate in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County, and to grant such further easements and licenses as may be necessary to provide the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania with access to public sewer service. PASSED in the Senate.

SB 1159 An Act designating Long Pond Road in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County, from the intersection with SR 115 eastward to the intersection with Stony Hollow Road, as Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Dr. Rose Mattioli Drive. An Act designating Long Pond Road in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County, from the intersection with SR 115 eastward to the intersection with Stony Hollow Road, as Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Dr. Rose Mattioli Drive. PASSED in the Senate and the House. Sent to the Governor.

SB 1169 An Act providing for municipal volunteer emergency responder incentives. PASSED in the Senate.

HB 1314 An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for a volunteer responder retention and recruitment tax credit. PASSED in the Senate.

HB 1315 An Act providing for a Postsecondary Education Tuition Reimbursement Program for volunteer firefighters, fire police and emergency services personnel. PASSED in the Senate.

HB 1316 An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for a tax credit for employers of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services workers. PASSED in the Senate.

SB 1376 An Act repealing the act of March 1, 1799 (16 Sm.L.181, No.221), entitled "An act to incorporate and endow an academy or public school in the town of York, and for other purposes therein mentioned." PASSED in the Senate.

SB 1227 An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Transportation and the Governor, to grant and convey to Pike County or its assigns, certain lands, situate in the Borough of Milford, Pike County, in exchange for a certain tract of land. PASSED in the Senate.

SB 1392 An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union, certain lands situate in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County. PASSED in the Senate.

SB 1424 An Act amending the act of December 22, 1983 (P.L.306, No.84), known as the Board of Vehicles Act, providing for licensing cost. PASSED in the Senate.

SB 1429 An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Transportation, to grant and convey to Parkwood Real Estate Trust LLC, approximately 1.645 acres including a building and all improvements thereon, situate at Parkwood Drive in the City of Allentown and Salisbury Township, Lehigh County. PASSED in the Senate.

HB 2400 An Act providing for the criteria for independent contractors in the construction industry; and imposing penalties. PASSED in the House.

HB 2496 An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union, certain lands situate in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County. PASSED in the House.

Update on HR 2420 (Redistricting)

Apparently there is still some hope that HR 2420 will be voted out of committee and onto the PA House floor.

From the inbox:

On the face of it, passage shouldn’t be a problem. House Bill 2420, which sets up a rational non-partisan redistricting process, backed by Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, has the support of 93 cosponsors of both parties. It is the kind of issue that politicians prefer to avoid conspicuously being on the "wrong" side of. But the bill is bottled up in the State Government Committee by Chairwoman Babette Josephs, who actually is one of the co-sponsors.

So if you have strong feelings on this please call your state rep, especially if he or she serves on this committee.

New Blogs on the Block

Two new blogs on the block for those whose interests stray outside of politics:

Poor Richard's Scorecard plans to cover regional sports, politics, food, drink etc.

Those who enjoy Irish literature might want to check out the Ancient Order of Hibernian Thunder Bloggers; at least one of the bloggers there is local, but they write under the names of deceased authors so its hard to tell which.

Allyson's Adventure in Pakistan

Pennsylvania has two representatives on the House Democracy Assistance Commission, a bipartisan congressional taskforce that works to promote and support the development of democratic governments around the world. Democrat Allyson Schwartz (D-13) and Republican Bill Shuster (R-09). Schwartz, along with Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Wayne Gilchrist (R-MD) recently visited Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Schwartz recently spoke about the experience. Here are my rough notes of her description. It is by no means complete or an actual transcript. There was more in-depth descriptions of international politics and internal politics in those countries but I do not know the situation well enough to follow the names and details. The paragraph below is only what I could catch.

The HDAC reaches out to emergency emerging democracies, peer to peer to help build strong independent legislative branches of governments; this is an important part of democracy and helps strengthen democratic institutions. They spend a lot of time on things like committee structure, staff, access to information, and the library. She has gone to Moldova, the Ukraine, and Georgia on previous trips. This time the partner country is Afghanistan, though the group visited Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia as well, spending two days each in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While the trip didn’t have a military focus, in Afghanistan the group met with some troops. In Pakistan they met with the speaker of the house as well as individual committees such as defense and transportation infrastructure, and talked about parliamentary structure. They also spent time with embassy personnel. USAID paid for renovations for the parliamentary building, space for offices and staff, and the library. The Speaker and parliament were keenly interested in a stronger role and more budget oversight. They are working to set national priorities and goals and measure outcomes. Schwartz said they were grateful for US dollars spent in their country and they want to fight the Taliban and Al-Quada. They are committed to moving forward away from a military dictatorship. The US group spoke with them about treaties with tribal leadership and holding those leaders accountable for insurgents in their area. These trips are important; they take what we say seriously.

Montco Redux,, or, My Ooopps

After having to correct the post twice, it might be a good idea to just try again, with updates it might be a good idea to just try again. Apologies for the errors.

According to a GOP press release posted on both PAWaterCooler and Writemarsh,
a fax was sent out regarding an upcoming Democratic golf outing fundraiser. The gentleman sending the fax was Sean Kilkenny, who serves as the solicitor for (among others) the Montgomery County Controller. As chair of the Democratic fundraiser he sent invitations to businesses asking them donate to or help sponsor the event.

One of the faxes was sent to Gambone Development Corporation. The name of the individual it was sent to is, to me at the point, a little unclear. However it wound up in the hands of Brian Miles, human resources director, and also chair of the Whitpain GOP Committee. It may have been addressed to him. Should that name ring a bell for anyone else, that is the man who registered damskerhoeffel.com and hoeffeldamsker.com before current Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel and his then running mate Ruth Damsker could do so (Source: "Damsker Hoeffel team wants their domain names returned," by Margaret Gibbons, Times Herald, August 8/11/07). Miles was also an aide to Jon Fox in the 1996 Fox / Hoeffel congressional election ("Fox ekes out win by only 10 votes," by Jaclyn LaPlaca, Daily Pennsylvanian 11/06/96)

While many political donations from the Gambone family are to Republicans, the company did contribute to Michael Nutter's mayoral campaign. Joe Gambone of Gambone Development and Kilkenny did serve together on the Government Affairs committee of the Home Builders Association of Bucks / Montgomery Counties. Kilkenny is also the solicitor for Norristown where a Lil Gambone serves on the planning commission. It is very possible that Kilkenny was using an HBA list. Here the question of who exactly the fax was addressed to is very important. If it went to Miles specifically, and if Miles is not the designated government affairs or community outreach person, then someone made a big blunder. If Miles does serve in that capacity it would be interesting to know whether and how many similar invitations have been received from both political parties.

Another reason it would be interesting to see the original document is for the date sent. Kilkenny served for four years in the Judge Adjutant Generals' Corp and thereafter in the Army Reserves. He is currently on his annual two week Reserve training / duty. Did he send the fax hurridly before leaving or was it held and not released until he was away?

These questions are as yet unanswered and seeing a scan of the actual fax would be very helpful. See also Margaret Gibbons story, "Montco GOP chair accuses Dems of pay-to-play push," PhoenixvilleNews, 6/10.

My thanks to the two people who emailed me with updated or corrected information. I do appreciate it.

Smoking Bill Passes in the PA Senate

According to this evening's daily legislative email, SB 426, which regulates smoking in public areas, passed the Pennsylvania state senate.

June 2007 Senate Journals

The storm this evening has played havoc with Internet access which has made researching and writing difficult.

So I am dipping into the vault of canned posts and taking you down memory lane. The House is notoriously slow about posting their daily Journal, running about 6 months behind. The Senate is much more punctual but I've been tardy about posting my notes. This is a brief list of session days and any meaty discussions in the Journal. Unfortunately most days are taken up with passing bills without discussion, introducing guests, and so on. If these issues look familiar it is because many of the are still being discussed.

Here are the highlights:

The State Senate was in full session several days this month.

June 4 19 p.
June 5 10 p. (p. 5 brief discussion on the selection of jurors, p. 7-8 digitizing health care records)
June 6 9 p. (p. 4-7, should judges serve on juries?, p. 7, a group from the Ivory Coast visits)
June 11 13 p.
June 12 12 p. (p.11, Sen. Fumo on the Vietnam War)
June 13 13 p. (p. 4-6 EMS)
June 18 53 p. (45-6 museum funding)
June 19 43 p.
June 20 12 p. (p. 4-6 introduction of budget)
June 25 33 p. (p. 12-26, clean air / smoking)
June 26 22 p. (p. 6-8 hazardous sites cleanup, p. 8-9 landowner liability, p. 9-14 smoking)
June 27 17 p. (p. 8-12 Port Authority, Allegheny Co., p. 14-15 HIV testing)
June 28 10 p. (p. 9-10 Sen. Fumo on Iraq)
June 29 17 p. (p. 2-4 eliminating lame duck sessions, p.8-9 lost or stolen firearms)
June 30 26 p. (p. 11-14 HB 112 insurance, p. 16-25 update on state budget)

Ooopps! Montco Version (Updated)

According to a GOP press release posted on both PAWaterCooler and Writemarsh, Sean Kilkenny, who served in the Judge Advocate Generals' Corp for four years, and is now the solicitor for (among others) the Montgomery County Controller, made a fax error. As chair of a Democratic fundraiser he sent invitations to businesses to donate to the event. Alas, one of the names on the list appears to have been Miles Brian Brian Miles. Should that name ring a bell for anyone else, that is the man who registered damskerhoeffel.com and hoeffeldamsker.com before current Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel and his then running mate Ruth Damsker could do so (Source: "Damsker Hoeffel team wants their domain names returned," by Margaret Gibbons, Times Herald, August 8/11/07).

Miles received the fax at his employer Gambone Development Corporation where he is the human relations director. While many political donations from the Gambone family are to Republicans, the company did contribute to Michael Nutter's mayoral campaign. Joe Gambone of Gambone Development and Kilkenny did serve together on the Government Affairs committee of the Home Builders Association of Bucks / Montgomery Counties. Kilkenny is also the solicitor for Norristown where a Lil Gambone serves on the planning commission. It is very possible that Kilkenny was using an HBA list but if it had Miles Brian's Brian Miles's name on it, unless he is their designated government affairs person, it is a puzzlement.

UPDATE: Kilkenny continues to serve the country in the Army Reserves and is currently of his annual duty assignment. It would be very interesting to see the date on the fax sent to Gambone to see if Miles Brian had waited any length of time before releasing it.

Mark Your Calendar II: Art of Political Campaigning

Last year I attended one day of The Art of Political Campaigning in Washington D.C. and had a great time. This year's seminar will be held this weekend (Thursday through Saturday). If you have a chance you should go. Details and schedule.

Mark Your Calendar I: Robert Creamer Book Signing

From the inbox:

June 24th Booksigning and Discussion of Current Political Environment with Robert Creamer, Long-time Political Strategist, Organizer & Author ofStand Up Straight: How Progressives Can Win

What are the strategies to turn this historical opportunity into long-term political realignment? How do we create a movement, engage a larger majority, win at communications and messaging? How do we convey a comphttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=9238806
Blogger: Above Average Jane - Create Postelling progressive vision to inspire persuadable voter and win contests?

WHEN Tuesday, June 24th at 12:30 pm

WHERE Borders Book Store, 1 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Further details and RSVP info available.

Book Review: Campaigns on the Cutting Edge

Campaigns on the cutting edge, edited by Richard J Semiatin. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2008

In my continuing effort to better understand the political process I watch for interesting books on the library’s new bookshelf. This was a very interesting title. The chapters were written by different people but they all flowed together well. It was a brisk read on the train over a week or so, with 206 pages of text.

The only real Pennsylvania note was a brief (2 page) case study on an ad used in Chris Carney’s 2006 congressional campaign. There are a few other mentions in passing, but that is the only long, substantive discussion of anything relating to the commonwealth.

This is a very current work, with discussions of the early primaries in the 2008 presidential race. The role of the Internet and bloggers are also discussed in depth. I found myself agreeing with many of the chapter authors’ views on the subject. Other topics covered are polling, voting methods and voter mobilization, campaign finance, the press, and political parties. I would highly recommend it.

This Can't Be Good

According to "Owner of Philly's 2 dailies misses debt payment," on CNN Money.com for June 5th, the Inky missed a loan payment. This can't be good. I wish all our friends at the Philadelphia Newspapers well and hope that check is in the mail.

(h/t Attytood)

PA in the WSJ

This is a list of articles regarding Pennsylvania in this week's Wall Street Journal. Chances are I missed something, but these are the articles that caught my eye.

It should be noted that I routinely do not read the editorials in the WSJ. So any discussions of the state, its elected officials, businesses, or citizens, in editorials will not be mentioned here.


PA Politicians

Philadelphia Sheriff John Green, of all people, does the honors this week. He is the subject of a 6/06 story by Michael M. Phillips, entitled “To help broke homeowners he’s taking law into his own hands.”



PA Businesses

“Toll posts loss amid write-downs,” by John Spence (6/04)

EarthCare Pest Services of Philadelphia and J.C. Ehrlich of Reading get good reviews in “Evicting the rhodents from our home,“ by Suzanne Barlyn (6/05)

Ahh, one of my favorite subjects, local banks: “Local banks regain mortgage business,” by James R. Hagerty (6/05) mentions Washington Federal Savings Bank in Washington, PA. The bank avoided subprime loans and at the end of April had a total of four loans that were 30 or more days overdue.

Other PA

SPC Ross McGinnis of Knox, PA, is posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor, as noted in “Medal of Honor awarded to Spc. McGinnis,” by John D. McKinnon and Michael M. Phillips (6/03)

Scott Erker of Pittsburgh’s Development Dimensions International is quoted in “For job hunters, the big interview is getting bigger,” by Joann S. Lublin (6/03)

A Darby resident is quoted in “Gadget priced for frugal times,” by Christopher Lawton (6/03)

PA is on the list in “Coal rich states could shape climate bill,” by Siobhan Hughes (6/04)

Between 60 and 65% of Pennsylvania women enrolled in Medicare aged 65-69 had at least one mammogram in 2004-2005 according to “Health care has racial, state disparities," by Anna Wilde Mathews (6/05)