Shapiro to Netanyahu: Keep Philly Embassy Open

from the inbox:

Josh Shapiro, chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, is urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to keep the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia open.  Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it is considering closing the consulate.

            In a letter dated November 26, Shapiro wrote that the consulate “is critical to the continuance of the longstanding relationship between the people of Israel and our region.”  Shapiro went on to say that the consulate “is of vital importance to our respective nations’ common interests and its continued operation will serve to enhance the mutually beneficial economic and business connection between Israel and our region in Southeastern Pennsylvania.”

            In the letter, Shapiro references Netanyahu’s upbringing in Montgomery County during which the future Prime Minister graduated from Cheltenham High School.  “The Greater Philadelphia region is an economic hub for Israel, processing 25 percent of Israel’s nearly $20 billion in exports to the United States each year,” Shapiro wrote, adding that the presence of the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia is integral in that process.

            Shapiro is active is many Jewish and pro-Israel organizations in the area.  He has traveled to Israel six times, and has met Netanyahu twice.

The Other 1%

Patrick Murphy's latest post on the MSNBC site, "Why I'm Thankful for the 1%," makes this point:

I’m so thankful for the 48,000 troops still serving in harm’s way during America’s longest war in Afghanistan. They serve on our behalf _ in danger _ always a mortar shell, roadside bomb or machine-gun fire away from the ultimate sacrifice. These heroic troops join 2.5 million from this generation who answered their nation’s call – less than 1% of all Americans.

Prez O Donates Pennsylvania Turkeys (the Feathered Kind)

one paragraph from the President's press release on pardoning turkeys, noting that the White House also donates turkeys:

On a more serious note, later today, Michelle, Malia, Sasha, and I will bring a couple less fortunate turkeys to a great organization that works to help out our neighbors here in D.C. who need it most.  And I want to thank Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, for donating those dressed birds for the fifth year in a row.  This is a reminder that this is a season to not only be thankful for the incredible blessings that we have, but also to remember the neediest and generously serve those who are not as fortunate.

Philadelphia and Gentrification Relief

from the inbox:

Council President Darrell L. Clarke on Friday urged longtime owner-occupants to check their eligibility and apply for relief designed to protect them against property tax bill hikes driven by dramatic increases in surrounding property values.

 Commonly known as Gentrification Relief, this tax assistance will be targeted to senior citizens and to homeowners in financial need. House Bill 390 was introduced by Rep. Mike O’Brien, D-Phila., in January and signed into law by Governor Tom Corbett on Wednesday. 

“I would like to thank the entire Philadelphia Delegation for shepherding the Gentrification Relief bill through the legislative process in Harrisburg and Governor Corbett for signing it into law,” Council President Clarke said. “I urge qualifying Philadelphia homeowners to take advantage of this program and to contact their Council representativesand the Office of Property Assessment for more information.” 

Last month, Council President Clarke introduced legislation that would extend the deadline for Gentrification Relief applications from Jan. 15, 2014, to Feb. 17, 2014. Council is expected to give final approval to Bill No. 130854 by the end of the year. 

“I have been concerned that longtime residents in revitalized neighborhoods could be taxed out of their homes under the Actual Value Initiative,” Rep. O’Brien said. “This relief program is an important step toward full tax fairness in Philadelphia.” 

Also on Wednesday, Governor Corbett signed legislation introduced by Rep. Cherelle Parker, leader of the Philadelphia Delegation, that would enable the City to lien properties under common ownership anywhere in Pennsylvania when one property is delinquent in Philadelphia. This additional authority would enable Philadelphia to collect delinquent taxes more effectively from property owners who reside or own properties elsewhere in the Commonwealth, and is estimated to raise an additional $30 million in revenue annually.

 House Bill 388 gives additional lien authority to all counties in Pennsylvania.

National Health Care Update from Politico

an excerpt from Mike Allen's Politico Playbook:

SIREN - "'Surprisingly large' numbers of young people enrolling in health coverage," by POLITICIO's Natalie Villacorta : "Initial numbers from several corners of the country show that nearly a quarter of new enrollees have been between 18 and 35 years of age, the demographic bubble whose general vigor and well-being is crucial to the financial stability of Obamacare's new health exchanges. They're waiting through website error messages and wading through insurance plan details in places like California, Kentucky and Washington state as well as Washington, D.C. This early in the enrollment period, with most states not yet reporting, their response is hardly definitive. And there's no federal data broken down by age. But advocates say so far, so good. ...

"The headway to date could allay fears that the old and sick will be left treading water alone in health plan risk pools. Still, the Obama administration's goal is much higher than these early levels. It's aiming for 2.7 million of its 7 million March 31 enrollment goal - more than 38 percent - to be younger people. That tracks the bigger picture: Americans 18-35 comprise about 40 percent of the 41 million uninsured people eligible for coverage. By March, a national trend will be important psychologically, but what's really going to matter is the situation in individual states, since insurance is pooled at the state level. ... The totals so far are 'surprisingly large,' said Larry Levitt, a senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation."

In PA Over 200,000 Save with ACA

from the inbox:

 Seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare prescription drug plan coverage saved $8.9 billion to date on their prescription drugs thanks to the Affordable Care Act, according to new data released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  In Pennsylvania, 207,036 seniors and people with disabilities saved $177,144,769, or an average of $856 per beneficiary, during the first 10 months of 2013. Overall, seniors in Pennsylvania have saved $580,285,146 since passage of the Affordable Care Act. At the same time, these seniors will be free to use more of their Social Security benefit cost of living adjustment on what they choose because the Medicare Part B premium will not increase in 2014, thanks to the health care law’s successful efforts to keep cost growth low.

For more information see:  http://www.medicare.gov/part-d/

A state by state savings chart is available at:  http://downloads.cms.gov/files/SummaryChart2010_October_2013.pdf

White House Christmas Tree a PA Native

excerpt from a press release:

This year’s White House Christmas Tree, which will be on display in the Blue Room, is an 18.5-foot Douglas Fir grown by Chris Botek, a second generation Christmas Tree Farmer from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, PA.  Botek is the National Christmas Tree contest’s 2010 champion and his parents, Francis and Margaret, were the 2006 contest champions.

Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm in Belvidere, NJ has won the New Jersey state Christmas tree competition nine times, and this is the first year that the farm has won NCTA’s contest. The Wyckoff farm has been family owned for six generations, since 1839, and this year four trees from the farm will be featured throughout the White House during the holiday season.

One quick historical note -- the Wyckoff family settled in New York (then New Amsterdam) in the 1600's.  [Full disclosure: my grandfather's grandmother was a Wyckoff.]

Painter Opposes Gas Tax

from the inbox:

State Rep. Mark Painter this week voted to support families and workers by opposing legislation that would greatly increase the gas tax.

"We desperately need to increase transportation funding, but this legislation unfairly hurts residents of our district.  Many of our residents drive long distances to work due in part to the lack of public transportation options available in our district and our long distance from Philadelphia.  As a result, our residents would be unfairly burdened by the increases in the gas tax and registration fees in this bill, with little benefit to show for it," said Painter, D-Montgomery. 

"There needs to be a substantial change in the way transportation funding is allocated. We need a system that puts more emphasis on traffic counts on roadways, and less emphasis on actual road miles. The current formula unfairly favors rarely used upstate back roads, which were designated as state roads years ago, at the expense of major highways such as 422, 202, and the Schuylkill Expressway. This legislation does little to change that unfair balance as well. 

"I understand that transportation funding is a major issue facing the commonwealth, but a major transportation bill like this only comes up about once every 10 years, so we need to make sure this is done correctly or additional problems will continue for years to come," Painter said.

The gas-tax hike Painter opposes (H.B. 1060) is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett.

Pennsylvania Gun Update

one paragraph from a press release:

  Today, based on the latest available FBI data, Mayors Against Illegal Guns updated its online Fatal Gaps map of the United States showing how each state is doing, or not doing, its part to report mental health records and make sure guns cannot be purchased by felons, domestic abusers, the seriously mentally ill and others who are prohibited by current law from owning firearms.  Data released last month by the FBI, reflecting record submissions as of May 2013, show that NICS remains dangerously incomplete.  While more than one million additional records were sent to the database between October 31, 2012 and May 31, 2013, 87 percent of that data was submitted by just two states – Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

SEPTA Stop Hunger Update

from the inbox:

Recent reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and colder temperatures mean that more people will be turning to Philabundance and the agencies it serves to help feed their families this winter. Thanks to the generosity of SEPTA customers and employees, who contributed more than 25 tons of food — a record — during the Authority’s fifth annual “Stop Hunger at Your Station” food drive, Philabundance’s shelves are well-stocked and ready to serve those in need.

"Pray for Pennsylvania" Steering Committee

from the inbox:

 Today, the Get Covered America campaign launched the “Pray for Pennsylvania” faith steering committee, which features faith leaders from across the state coming together to help Pennsylvania’s 1.3 million uninsured find affordable coverage in the new Health Insurance Marketplace. “Pray for Pennsylvania” is the first committee of its kind for Get Covered America in Pennsylvania, and the group will focus on coordinating across faiths to ensure that every uninsured Pennsylvanians can access quality care that fits their needs and their budget.

“The faith community plays a key role in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” said Bill England, Pennsylvania State Director for the Get Covered America campaign. “’Pray for Pennsylvania’ represents a more focused effort by Get Covered America to engage with faith leaders to meet our mutual goals of social responsibility and health. Across the state, faith leaders are pillars in their communities and they will be critical in spreading the word about the Affordable Care Act.” 

Get Covered America announced the new committee on a statewide telephone conference call with members, where they discussed ongoing outreach and engagement efforts to uninsured in their communities.  Members of the “Pray for Pennsylvania” Faith Steering Committee, include: 

•         Reverend Fred White, Kingdom Life Fellowship in Pittsburgh
•         Pastor David Mcilwaine, Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Philadelphia
•         Pastor Natalie Mitchem,  Cavalry Church in Philadelphia
•         Rabbi Ron Symons, Temple Sinai in Pittsburgh
•         Reverend Sally Jo Snyder, United Methodist Church in  Pittsburgh

Info on the organization:

Get Covered America is a national campaign of Enroll America that is focused on educating consumers about the benefits of health coverage and the new health insurance options that are available under the Affordable Care Act. With operations in ten states (AZ, FL, GA, IL, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, and TX), our grassroots team is powered by passionate staff and volunteers with one motivating goal: to give Americans the information they need to choose an affordable health insurance plan that’s right for them and their families.

Enroll America is the nation's leading health care enrollment coalition, bringing together community and health organizations, businesses and others to inform consumers about the new health coverage options available and how to enroll in them. It is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. 

Epi-pen Update

Last month I wrote about the cost of epi-pens ($400.00 for a box of two, without insurance, with my insurance $10).

This week President Obama signed a bill into law which will encourage schools to keep epi-pens on hand and allow trained personnel to administer them.  Valerie Jarrett wrote about this on the White House blog:

Today in the Oval Office, President Obama signed into law the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, which will encourage schools to plan for severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions, and provide millions of families with greater peace of mind.

The law makes an important change to the Children’s Asthma Treatment Grants Program and other federal asthma programs, which authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to give funding preferences to states for asthma-treatment grants if they: maintain an emergency supply of epinephrine (EpiPens), if they permit trained personnel of the school to administer epinephrine, and if they develop a plan for ensuring trained personnel are available to administer epinephrine during all hours of the school day.  

 I've always wondered why schools couldn't keep a few epi-pens on hand in case of emergency.  Not all families, especially those without insurance, may not be able to afford to give the school an epi-pen in case their child needed it.  Usually schools won't administer any medication to a child unless the family has provided it.  And they require a doctor's note each year, which means a doctor's visit.

Gillibrand to Discuss Sexual Assault in the Military

from the inbox:

SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND TALKS SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY ON “KATIE” AIRING NOVEMBER 20

On Monday’s episode of the nationally syndicated daytime talk show "Katie," airing November 20, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York speaks about sexual assault in the military and her proposal to give victims an avenue outside the chain of command for prosecuting their attackers.

"Katie" airs in national syndication.  KatieCouric.com/stationfinder or check your local listings for times and channels.

Gettysburg Address Event at Constitution Center

As part of it's Town Hall series, the National Constitution Center is holding "Town Hall Tuesday:  The Gettysburg Address: on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at noon.  On the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, join historian and Princeton University professor Sean Wilentz, Yale Law School’s Akhil Amar, and Jeffrey Rosen of the National Constitution Center for a wide-ranging conversation about the constitutional legacy of Lincoln and the Address itself.  Admission is free but reservations are recommended.

Barry Ritholtz on Wal-Mart as Welfare Queen

Interesting article over on Bloomberg.com by Barry Ritholtz, "How McDonals and Wal-Mart Became Welfare Queens."  He writes about the large number of employees at these two companies who receive welfare and / or food stamps.

MSNBC to Show Wound Warrior Project Films

Patrick Murphy's most recent column at MSNBC, "Leaving no one behind," announced not only his veterans day special, but also a year long celebration of veterans on the network:

That’s why I’m proud MSNBC is kicking off a year-long testament to the American veteran this Sunday at the National 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. MSNBC will highlight 12 inspirational films from the Wounded Warrior Project. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the lives of so many, especially the 2.5 million veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Many of these stories will illustrate the challenges facing this generation of veterans as they come back home. But most importantly, they demonstrate the principles of selfless service, a lesson all too often forgotten in the halls of power.

Axis Philly on Possible Female Mayoral Candidates

Carla Robinson has written an article at Axis Philly listing women who might run for mayor of Philadelphia.  Read "Why not a woman for mayor?"  I recently met Renee Cardwell Hughes and Terry Gillen; both are impressive.  I've been reading about Wendy Beetlestone, Alba Martinez, and Maria Quinones-Sanchez for years.  Any of these women, and the others mentioned in the article, would make great mayoral candidates.  It is long past time that the city seriously considered a woman for mayor.

The New 202 (State House District)

The 202nd State House District, currently represented by Mark Cohen, changed dramatically in the 2012 redistricting.  The Philadelphia district as set after the 2000 census looks like a chopped up crescent, stretching from Pennypack Park, past Ziehler Playground, and over to Broad Street.  In some places it looks like it is only a few blocks wide.

In the 2012 map it is a far more compact district, resembling a slanted map of Indiana.  Pull them up and compare.  2000 map and new 2012 map

It is a whole new ballgame in the 202nd.  Another factor in the mix is a primary challenger, Jared Solomon.  With the changed district Rep. Cohen may not be a known factor to a large percentage of his new constituents.  This could be an interesting time to live in the 202nd.

Political Donation Maps

The Sunlight Foundation has put together national maps showing political donations by county, with a variety of alternative maps.  I found the political donations per capita to be interesting.  It usually breaks down into a dollar or two per person, but, of course, that's not how donations are actually made -- it's a few people making larger donations.

The map is at:  http://sunlightfoundation.com/blog/2013/10/23/political-influence-by-county-a-new-way-to-look-at-campaign-finance-data/

Interesting stuff.  (h/t Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post's The Fix blog)

New Brendan Boyle Video and Website

from the inbox:

In the first video of his campaign for Congress, Brendan Boyle recounts his path from row house to state house, with stops at Notre Dame and Harvard along the way.  Boyle, who’s father continues to work as a janitor cleaning SEPTA stations and who’s mother worked for twenty five years as school crossing guard relates his improbable story.  Mrs. Boyle sadly passed away just last week.  Brendan and Kevin Boyle each ran against incumbent machine politicians, including House Speaker John Perzel, and won seats in the statehouse where Brendan has fought to make college more affordable for working and middle class families.

In his video, Boyle talks about his wide support from more than twenty local labor organizations and says the following about why he is running:

“When millionaires are paying lower tax rates than cops and firefighters, and the largest corporations on earth are getting billions in handouts - while we cut proven anti-hunger programs and talk about privatizing Medicare - something is really out of whack with where we’re heading as a country.”

Watch Boyle’s New Video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDNaZRcKtBs

Boyle also launched a new more user friendly website that is customized for use on smart phones and tablets.  www.voteboyle.com