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.”

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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.

One More Day to Enroll in ACA

from the inbox:

Just one day remains for Pennsylvanians who faced a fine on their 2014 tax return for not having health coverage to enroll in a plan through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid facing the full fine next year.

In February, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new, time-limited special enrollment period ending on April 30, 2015, giving some uninsured Pennsylvanians who did not realize they would be fined for not having health coverage another opportunity to enroll in a plan for 2015.

“This new special enrollment period has given uninsured Pennsylvanians another chance to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage and avoid the full fine on their 2015 taxes,” said Get Covered America Pennsylvania State Director Neil Deegan. “With one day left until the deadline, eligible Pennsylvanians should know about this opportunity to get covered so they can experience the peace of mind and financial security that comes with having health insurance.”

To qualify for this special enrollment period, consumers must attest that they first became aware of the implications of the fine after the end of open enrollment when they were preparing their taxes and were subject to the fine for not having health coverage in 2014.

The fine for not having health insurance for 2014 is $95 per adult in the family or 1 percent of household income, whichever is higher. For 2015, the fine increases to $325 per adult in the family or 2 percent of household income, whichever is higher.

There are other opportunities for Pennsylvanians to enroll outside the open enrollment window if they experience a life changing event during the year such as getting married, having a baby, or moving to a different coverage area among others. Lower-income Pennsylvanians who qualify for low cost coverage through the new Health Choices plan can enroll year-round.

To find out if you are still eligible to enroll, Pennsylvanians can schedule an appointment with an enrollment assister by visiting the Get Covered Connector, atwww.getcoveredamerica.org/connector or by calling the Pennsylvania Health Access Network at 1-877-570-3642.To find out if you have experienced a qualifying life event, you can visit the HHS screener and answer a few questions.

Two Philadelphians Among National Champions of Change

modified press release:

On Friday, May 1st, the White House will honor “Champions of Change” that demonstrate how national service creates pathways to economic and employment opportunities. Through the longstanding AmeriCorps VISTA program and supporters of the Employers of National Service initiative, America is reaping the fruits of its commitment to national service.

Two Philadelphians are on this year's list:

Julia Hillengas, Philadelphia, PA

Julia began her career in city government as a SERVE Philadelphia AmeriCorps VISTA with the Mayor’s Office of Education, where she coordinated and grew the Graduation Coach Campaign. She has worked for more than a decade as an educator, coach, and community organizer through organizations such as YouthBuild Philadelphia, Fairmount Youth Soccer Association, and the YMCA of Philadelphia. Now as the City of Philadelphia's Deputy Service Officer, Julia builds national service and volunteer partnerships to increase impact across the city. She also manages PowerCorpsPHL, an innovative, new AmeriCorps program designed to address the city’s environmental stewardship, youth workforce development, and violence-prevention priorities. 

Brian Valdez, Philadelphia, PA

Brian Valdez served as an AmeriCorps VISTA from 2001-2003 in his home city of Philadelphia, PA. After a physical disability prevented him from joining the military, Brian saw VISTA as an opportunity to serve his country and the people of Philadelphia.  During his first VISTA term, Brian worked with administrators at various Philadelphia schools to address asthma triggers and other indoor environmental hazards that could negatively affect the health of students.  Brian then joined the National Nursing Centers Consortium (NNCC) where he served a second VISTA term. At NNCC, he helped to develop a plan to promote the growth and development of nurse practitioner-run health clinics serving medically underserved and uninsured patients around the country. After VISTA, Brian became a lawyer, passing the bar in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He continues to work with NNCC and its parent organization, Public Health Management Corporation. In 2014, Brian and a colleague founded Comunidades Philadelphia to increase funding for programs serving Latinos through community-driven philanthropy. 

Zivtech a Top System Integrator

Back in the day when Young Philly Politics was the top political blog in the city I read it mostly for the political news, but also for the comments.  One conversation point I especially enjoyed was the banter between or about two brothers who were among those who set up and ran the site.

One of them is now a rising tech entrepreneur, having co-founded Zivtech, an open source software programming firm.  It is now one of the city's thriving small nerd firms.  Who knows, maybe it's the next Microsoft.

Zivtech was mentioned in this week's Philadelphia Business Journal as one of Philadelphia's exceptional system integrators for 2015.  System integrators pull together existing hardware and software products to come up with streamlined, cost efficient solutions to solve business programs faster (or at least that's what the press release said).

Here's how the business describes itself:

Zivtech, founded in 2008, is a Philadelphia web design and web development shop. Our jawn is open source software programming.  Zivtech works with healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, publishing, government, startups, and nonprofits. Zivtech partners with leading digital companies, including Acquia, to deliver reliable websites and web applications to organizations worldwide. The Hebrew term “ziv” translates to the light that comes from a candle: radiance, beauty, and seeing something new. Zivtech illuminates technology.

Montco Gay Caucus on Supreme Court Hearings

from the inbox:

Montgomery County Gay Caucus (MCGC) stands firm in the support of equal protection for all and would work to oppose any local, state, or federal law which may codify discrimination.

On April 28, the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Obergefell v Hodges, a case originating in Ohio. This case has been consolidated with three other cases from Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee in order to consider two questions regarding marriage equality. The court will first consider whether states have the obligation to perform same-sex marriages, and then the court will hear arguments as to whether states are obligated to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

If the court decides that there is a constitutional right to marry and that states have an obligation to perform same-sex marriage, then marriage equality will finally become law of the land in all 50 states, although more narrow rulings are possible. A ruling is not expected until late June.

"We at MCGC are proud of the progress made in Montgomery County in taking steps towards true equality for all. The concern is that we become complacent and while members of our community can now marry, we still live in a state where those same couples can be fired from their job because of who they love." Lori Schreiber, founding member, goes on to say, "The concern with a positive outcome in the upcoming Supreme Court decision will be the mistaken belief that the LGBT community in PA has secured the same rights and protections as everyone else, when in fact that is not true.”

Although MCGC is confident that marriage equality will soon be the law of the land, concrete steps for equality are still needed. When contacted on the subject by the caucus, County Commissioner Josh Shapiro said, “In order to achieve full equality for our LGBT brothers and sisters, we need to end legal discrimination in Pennsylvania by passing HB 300.”  Therefore, MCGC is encouraging our local/county elected officials to show the world that you're standing on the right side of history by signing a proclamation calling on the PA State Legislature to finally pass that pending legislation (HB 300) to protect all people.

(A proclamation example is available at http://equalitypa.org/wp-content/uploads/equality_WOC_4-2015.pdf)

 With your help, there is still another battle to be won.

###

The Montgomery County Gay Caucus seeks and provides campaign support to qualified LGTB candidate as well as allies who have demonstrated support for LGBT equality.

Montco Dems Endorse Lazarus and Dubow

from the inbox:

When the Pennsylvania Democratic Party held its endorsement meeting for the May 19 primary election, it endorsed only two candidates for the three open seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and it fell short of endorsing anyone for the single open seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Accordingly, the executive committee of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee made its own choices last Thursday night for the open positions and voted unanimously to endorse Anne Lazarus for Supreme Court and Alice Beck Dubow for Superior Court.

Judge Lazarus, a former judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, was elected to Superior Court in 2009. She joins state party-endorsed candidates Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht as the choices of the Montgomery County party.

Judge Dubow, a lawyer in private practice for 23 years, has been a judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas for the past seven years.  

Marcel L. Groen, the Montgomery County Democratic chairman, hailed Lazarus and Dubow as exemplary judges with superb qualifications who will be strong contenders for the party in the November general election.

The executive committee met in Plymouth Meeting at the offices of Local 1776, United Food and Commercial Workers.

I plan on voting for Anne Lazarus for Supreme Court.  More on my reasons for this shortly (I hope).  

More Thoughts on the Gallery

Preliminary plans have been released for renovating the Gallery.  They amount to a few drawings of gleaming white spaces.  It sort of looks like a hospital or lab to me, a sterile space.  I also wonder if the mall will be willing to hire enough people to keep the floors and walls gleaming white.  Parts of the Gallery floor now are white, near the food court oddly enough, and as I walk over them they are usually stained or scuffed.  I can't imagine the entire floor being like that.  There's a reason why most homes with kids and pets have dark carpeting or flooring.  It hides the dirt and signs of heavy traffic. Gleaming floors, especially if they are at all reflective, are a hazard for the part of the population that might wear a skirt.  

The plans calls for high end outlets.  This entire concept kind of baffles me because it often isn't high quality goods at low prices.  It's lower quality goods made by companies known for luxury items.  Personally, I'm not interested in paying more to wear someone else's livery.  I've heard of Gucci and Prada but never owned anything made by them, and probably never will.  I'm too frugal to pay for the high end stuff and not fashion conscious enough to pay for low quality items that have that name on them.

However, it is clear that commuters will be kicked out while the renovations are underway.   Then after two years (probably more) of being out in the heat, cold, rain, and snow, if we're still around the owners think we will gleefully run back inside and throw money at them.  Me, I tend to carry a grudge.  After two years of regularly wet feet every time it rains I won't think kindly of them.  My commute involves multiple forms of transit with short walks in between, the longest of these currently is through the Gallery.  My feet might get wet at other places along the way but they will definitely get wet on Market St., especially if it is too crowded to use an umbrella. 

One of the news articles on the Gallery mentioned the possibility of an Italian restaurant (with white floors??!!) with a bocce court.  I don't know what that is but if it involves throwing, kicking, or tossing one object at another you don't want me doing it around other people.  As a founding member of the Physically Uncoordinated Americans for Mom and Apple Pie I know my limitations.

But, then, it is pretty clear that the new Gallery owners are not interested in my money very much at all.  All this talk of high end retailers and fancy eateries tells me I'm not their target customer.  I loved the CVS, but it closed years ago.  As ubiquitous as the chain is it was the only one I passed on a regular basis and it was great to pop in and get bandaids and hosiery (I fell on the way to the train that day), toiletries (forgot my deodorant that morning), office supplies, batteries, and all the other daily necessities that I otherwise only buy on weekends at the grocery store.  I loved Bolton's and shopped there frequently but they closed.  I went into the bookstore and the card shop.  They closed for the renovations and there's been no mention of anything like that in the renovations.  I went into whatever Stuff Mart was on the street level (K-Mart? WalMart?) but it closed.  I miss Strawbridge's but it closed years ago and whatever took it's place inexplicably didn't use the lower floor display windows.  They've been papered over for years.  I never did understand that -- all those people walking by blank windows. 

So, I am accepting my dinosaur status.  All the signs seem to read "pragmatic middle aged women with disposable income need not apply."  Or perhaps we just don't spend enough or there aren't enough of us to matter.  Earlier I wrote about my emotional attachment to the Gallery and as days go by I'm slowly accepting that this chapter in my daily life is ending.  I've mapped out my alternate transit routes but will probably hang on till the last day.  I'll force them to kick me out instead of leaving under my own steam.

One last thought in this post -- white floors?  really?  did these people never mop? 

Recent articles on the Gallery from the Inquirer:

"PREIT's $575M plan to remake Gallery," by Jeff Gammage, 4/15/15

"Shopping for a new image," by Jeff Gammage, Maria Panaritis, and Jacob Adelman 4/19/15

"In-city outlets," by Jacob Adelman 4/16/15

"Gallery's revival clears a first hurdle," by Jeff Gammage 4/17/15

Allyson Schwartz to Head Better Medicare Alliance

Allyson Schwartz, former congressional representative for Pennsylvania's 13th district, has announced her new career shift.  Here is part of the official statement:

Today, I will begin as President and CEO of the Better Medicare Alliance. The Better Medicare Alliance is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington that supports and promotes Medicare, in particular Medicare Advantage.

As you know, while I have worked on many issues during my years in Congress and the state Senate, nothing has been more important to me than ensuring quality, affordable, accessible health care to all Americans.

I am proud of my accomplishments, from my role in establishing one of the nation’s first CHIP programs to helping ensure the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Throughout, I advocated public-private partnerships, innovations in the delivery of health care, and financing that rewards quality and value - all with the goal of making health care more affordable, and improving the health of beneficiaries.

Schwartz provides a variety of social media connection points for Better Medicare Alliance, and a video link:

The purpose of the Better Medicare Alliance is to bring together a national coalition of health plans, providers, advocates and beneficiaries to support and strengthen Medicare Advantage.

As President and CEO, I look forward to reaching out to everyone who cares about keeping the promise of Medicare our seniors, to build on the experience of what works, and to share this knowledge to sustain Medicare for all of us.  It is exciting and important work.

I encourage you to learn more about the Better Medicare Alliance and to share your perspective with me through our website, on Facebook or Twitter.

I know from experience that we as a nation have the capacity to meet challenges when we make the commitment. I look forward to this opportunity to work to fulfill the promise of Medicare - health care our seniors and their families count on - and meet one of those great challenges.

With warm regards,

Allyson

P.S.: To learn more about the Better Medicare Alliance, check out my video at www.bettermedicarealliance.org/videos.

AccessMatters and CHOICE to Merge

from the inbox:

[PHILADELPHIA, PA: April 15, 2015]: After decades of partnering to increase access to sexual and reproductive health, AccessMatters, formerly Family Planning Council, announced that CHOICE, Inc., a longtime community partner, soon will merge into AccessMatters.  The boards of both organizations approved the proposed merger and expect it to be finalized by June 30^th. The merger preserves the legacy of CHOICE’s programs and enables AccessMatters to expand its ability to address critical health needs of even the hardest-to-reach populations, closing the gap between those with access and those without.

“For decades, CHOICE, which stands for Concern for Health Options, Information, Care and Education, has provided access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and programs,” said Kerri Barthel, President of the Board of Directors of CHOICE, Inc.  “CHOICE is excited to pursue a merger with AccessMatters, a mission-aligned organization.” 

AccessMatters has been trailblazing for over 40 years to eliminate barriers to high caliber care for more than 200,000 people annually. Through research, training, delivery of evidenced-based programs, community engagement and advocacy, AccessMatters leads the way in transforming access to sexual and reproductive health.

AccessMatters’ breadth of work is expansive including both business-to-business services and direct-to-consumer services. Programs and services include: healthcare provider training, research, quality improvement, program evaluation, grants and program administration, and community-based services. 

“CHOICE was looking for a like-minded partner,” said Melissa Weiler Gerber, President and CEO of AccessMatters.  “Given our long-standing partnership with CHOICE, and AccessMatters’ strategic interest in expanding our capacity for community outreach and quality improvement initiatives, it was a perfect fit.”

“CHOICE has a proud history of providing high-quality health education, and has a stellar reputation as a trusted referral resource,” Weiler Gerber added.  “We are honored to preserve this legacy.”   

Since 1972, CHOICE has served the Pennsylvania region with education and information on human sexuality, pregnancy options, contraception, and health care through education programs for the general public and through a counseling service for individual women and couples.  CHOICE offers community education, training, and outreach programs; maintains a referral database of over 714 agencies throughout the Pennsylvania region; and operates free and confidential hotlines.  CHOICE hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who offer individualized support, referrals and short-term counseling to women, men, and teens.

For over 25 years, CHOICE has been a part of AccessMatters’ Network, participating in AccessMatters’ Title X Family Planning and CDC funded I MATTER Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs by operating its hotline, producing health information publications, and providing quality assurance services aimed at improving service delivery in the AccessMatters’ Network. CHOICE also is a partner in AccessMatters’ school-based Health Resource Center Program, staffing adolescent sexual health programs in South Philadelphia and Frankford High Schools. 

“Our purpose has always been to meet the unique needs of individuals by connecting them to resources and empowering them to make informed decisions,” said Barthel.  “We are confident that this new relationship will serve as a catalyst to strengthen services and broaden our reach in providing access to health options for all.” 

 “We complement each other in mission, and there is a clear alignment in our strategic plans,” said Weiler Gerber. “With our common commitment to community education, community engagement and quality improvement, this is a unique opportunity for AccessMatters to add another layer of depth to our programs while preserving invaluable services that CHOICE has provided throughout the years.”

The two organizations will begin working toward integration of services, with the merger officially taking effect on July 1, 2015, at which point all operations will be housed at AccessMatters’ offices at 1700 Market Street in Philadelphia, PA.