Since 2003, Pennsylvania motorcyclists over 21 who have been licensed for two years or taken a safety course can choose not to wear helmets. At a news conference in Harrisburg today, State Representative Dan Frankel from Squirrel Hill explained why he’s introducing a universal helmet law.
Just as predicted by many at the time, Representative Frankel and speakers he assembled say the repeal of the state’s helmet law has led to a decrease in helmet use and a corresponding rise in the number of deaths, hospitalizations and lifelong disabilities.
Christopher Hart, Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board says a universal law could save lives and money because taxpayers have to cover the costs of uninsured or underinsured injured motorcyclists.
If a new helmet law doesn’t pass, Frankel wants special license plates to identify riders under 21 and a requirement for helmetless riders to carry additional insurance.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Kristen Mertz studied statistics before and after the repeal and found helmet use in Pennsylvania motorcyclists involved in crashes has gone down from 82% to 58%. Across the country, 80- to 100% of riders wear helmets in states requiring helmets, while only about 50% wear them when not required. Mertz says helmets are 37% effective in preventing death and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
Showing posts with label Dan Frankel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan Frankel. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Frankel Introduces Bill For Protection of LGBT Rights
State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) is introducing legislation to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation for anyone who lives and works in Pennsylvania.
Frankel says that in the 21st century, such discrimination is unthinkable.
“Did you know that you can be fired for being gay in Pennsylvania? Did you know that a landlord can evict you for being gay in Pennsylvania? This is an embarrassment, this is a disgrace, and most importantly we cannot continue to tolerate or sanction discrimination in the state of Pennsylvania,” Frankel says.
In addition to Rep. Frankel’s bill in the House, State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) also brought forward a similar bill in the Senate. The two joined together with other lawmakers to present a case for protection of LGBT citizens who face discrimination in employment and housing.
Both bills would add gender orientation and sexual identity to ethnicity, race, gender, age, etc. as things that cannot be discriminated against when looking for a home, acquiring credit, or applying for a job.
State Rep. Eugene Depasquale (D-York) spoke at the State Capitol where the bill will be introduced and says all people should hold equal rights that cannot be infringed upon.
“If someone is working hard, doing their job. Or if they are living in their apartment or a house, they should not be under threat of eviction or losing their home or losing their job because of sexual preference. That is simply un-American,” Depasquale says.
Farnese says an economic benefit can come from such legislation as Pennsylvania will be recognized as an open, accepting state where people will want to live.
Frankel says that in the 21st century, such discrimination is unthinkable.
“Did you know that you can be fired for being gay in Pennsylvania? Did you know that a landlord can evict you for being gay in Pennsylvania? This is an embarrassment, this is a disgrace, and most importantly we cannot continue to tolerate or sanction discrimination in the state of Pennsylvania,” Frankel says.
In addition to Rep. Frankel’s bill in the House, State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) also brought forward a similar bill in the Senate. The two joined together with other lawmakers to present a case for protection of LGBT citizens who face discrimination in employment and housing.
Both bills would add gender orientation and sexual identity to ethnicity, race, gender, age, etc. as things that cannot be discriminated against when looking for a home, acquiring credit, or applying for a job.
State Rep. Eugene Depasquale (D-York) spoke at the State Capitol where the bill will be introduced and says all people should hold equal rights that cannot be infringed upon.
“If someone is working hard, doing their job. Or if they are living in their apartment or a house, they should not be under threat of eviction or losing their home or losing their job because of sexual preference. That is simply un-American,” Depasquale says.
Farnese says an economic benefit can come from such legislation as Pennsylvania will be recognized as an open, accepting state where people will want to live.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
College Students Protest Corbett's Ed Funding Cuts
A day after the top House Republican said lawmakers would make sure Pennsylvania’s budget doesn’t cut funding for colleges and universities in half, students from Pitt, Penn State and the 14 state-owned universities crammed the Capitol rotunda to ask for more money.
Governor Tom Corbett’s budget trims more than $500 million in spending by slashing funding for State System and state-related schools in half.
Penn State freshman Mokhtar al Hindi was one of the students packed onto the rotunda steps during his school’s noon rally. He said he appreciates Majority Leader Mike Turzai’s comments, but thought it was still important to rally against Governor Corbett’s proposed 50-percent cuts. “If we’re not here then it’s going to be as if we don’t care. But in reality, we do, and we want to make our voice heard, that we care about the budget and what happens in the Capitol,” he said.
Marcello D’Amore, who stood next to al Hindi, said he understands the state needs to trim funding for PSU and other schools to fill a $4.2 billion deficit, but that he asked lawmakers to keep the cuts to a minimum. “We need a big drop in that 52 percent [proposed cut]. Not a little. If the budget increases their tuition a lot, it’s going to force people to drop out. I know if it increases thousands of dollars, I might not be able to stay, either.”
Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel kicked off Pitt’s 2 o’clock rally by arguing the Pittsburgh school and other institutions have already helped keep state spending down by making due with relatively level funding over the previous decade. “Every single year, [Pitt’s] appropriation has fallen or been flat. So in real dollars, last year’s appropriation was no higher – less – than the appropriation it was ten years ago. And inflation has taken its toll,” he said. “So we already have asked the university to do more with less, and they have.” Corbett defends his proposal by pointing to annual tuition increases at the schools.
Turzai says the House will likely increase higher ed funding by taking money from the Department of Public Welfare budget. Corbett’s proposal increases DPW spending by $600 million.
Governor Tom Corbett’s budget trims more than $500 million in spending by slashing funding for State System and state-related schools in half.
Penn State freshman Mokhtar al Hindi was one of the students packed onto the rotunda steps during his school’s noon rally. He said he appreciates Majority Leader Mike Turzai’s comments, but thought it was still important to rally against Governor Corbett’s proposed 50-percent cuts. “If we’re not here then it’s going to be as if we don’t care. But in reality, we do, and we want to make our voice heard, that we care about the budget and what happens in the Capitol,” he said.
Marcello D’Amore, who stood next to al Hindi, said he understands the state needs to trim funding for PSU and other schools to fill a $4.2 billion deficit, but that he asked lawmakers to keep the cuts to a minimum. “We need a big drop in that 52 percent [proposed cut]. Not a little. If the budget increases their tuition a lot, it’s going to force people to drop out. I know if it increases thousands of dollars, I might not be able to stay, either.”
Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel kicked off Pitt’s 2 o’clock rally by arguing the Pittsburgh school and other institutions have already helped keep state spending down by making due with relatively level funding over the previous decade. “Every single year, [Pitt’s] appropriation has fallen or been flat. So in real dollars, last year’s appropriation was no higher – less – than the appropriation it was ten years ago. And inflation has taken its toll,” he said. “So we already have asked the university to do more with less, and they have.” Corbett defends his proposal by pointing to annual tuition increases at the schools.
Turzai says the House will likely increase higher ed funding by taking money from the Department of Public Welfare budget. Corbett’s proposal increases DPW spending by $600 million.
Monday, March 28, 2011
PA Students Protest Planned Education Cuts
Students from state-owned and state-related universities across Pennsylvania hopped on buses this morning to attend a rally at the Capitol to protest Governor Tom Corbett's budget proposal that would cut state funding for higher education by 50%. Hundreds of sign-waving students stoop on the steps of the Capitol while leaders of some of the universities testified before the House Appropriations Committee.
Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny County), is a trustee of the University of Pittsburgh, and told the students that lawmakers will not them down....
"Governor Corbett emphasized the concept of 'shared sacrifice' in his budget address. Apparently, he meant 'shared sacrifice' from students, their families, faculty, staff and the communities that rely and thrive on the economic vitality generated by your schools. "He clearly does not believe that Big Oil and gas companies who extract our natural resources have to share in the sacrifice. He clearly does not believe that tobacco companies who produce smokeless tobacco products and cigars have to share in our sacrifice."
Representative Mike Hanna of Clinton and Centre Counties says the governor's priorities are wrong, and asked why Corbett is choosing incarceration over education. The Department of Corrections is one of the few that is scheduled to receive a funding increase in the governor's budget.
Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny County), is a trustee of the University of Pittsburgh, and told the students that lawmakers will not them down....
"Governor Corbett emphasized the concept of 'shared sacrifice' in his budget address. Apparently, he meant 'shared sacrifice' from students, their families, faculty, staff and the communities that rely and thrive on the economic vitality generated by your schools. "He clearly does not believe that Big Oil and gas companies who extract our natural resources have to share in the sacrifice. He clearly does not believe that tobacco companies who produce smokeless tobacco products and cigars have to share in our sacrifice."
Representative Mike Hanna of Clinton and Centre Counties says the governor's priorities are wrong, and asked why Corbett is choosing incarceration over education. The Department of Corrections is one of the few that is scheduled to receive a funding increase in the governor's budget.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Democrats Look at GOP Change
As Tom Corbett prepares to take office as Pennsylvania Governor, there is speculation about how Democrats and Republicans will get along in the new administration. State Representative Dan Frankel, democrat from Squirrel Hill, thinks there ought to be collaboration on some of the key issues facing the Commonwealth. He says that would include the difficult budget situation. Frankel, who is the Democratic Caucus Chairman, says there are important concerns to be voiced as they go into the process of taking a closer look at spending priorities.
Republican leadership has indicated they want to privatize Pennsylvania’s state store system as a way to get some much needed revenue. Frankel says it seems to be premature to decide what the cost benefit is with the sale of the wine and liquor stores. He says it needs to be studied. Frankel says GOP Representative Mike Turzai of Pittsburgh's North Hills, one of the advocates of privatization, believes it could generate up to $4 billion dollars. But Frankel doesn’t know if that is an accurate number. He says there needs to be more analysis to make the case for selling off the state stores. Frankel says advancing such a proposal in the past has been met with strong opposition from those concerned about labor issues and expanding minors access to alcohol.
When asked whether “compromise” will be the theme for 2011 in Harrisburg Frankel says the Republican party is in a position to drive an agenda. But he says that will only happen as long as they have a unified block. Frankel says the Democrats certainly want some of their ideas to be considered.
Republican leadership has indicated they want to privatize Pennsylvania’s state store system as a way to get some much needed revenue. Frankel says it seems to be premature to decide what the cost benefit is with the sale of the wine and liquor stores. He says it needs to be studied. Frankel says GOP Representative Mike Turzai of Pittsburgh's North Hills, one of the advocates of privatization, believes it could generate up to $4 billion dollars. But Frankel doesn’t know if that is an accurate number. He says there needs to be more analysis to make the case for selling off the state stores. Frankel says advancing such a proposal in the past has been met with strong opposition from those concerned about labor issues and expanding minors access to alcohol.
When asked whether “compromise” will be the theme for 2011 in Harrisburg Frankel says the Republican party is in a position to drive an agenda. But he says that will only happen as long as they have a unified block. Frankel says the Democrats certainly want some of their ideas to be considered.
Monday, January 10, 2011
PA Helmet Law Review
It was back in 2003 when the helmet law was repealed by the General Assembly that allows motorcycle riders 21 or older to go without a helmet. Anyone operating a motorcycle on a learner’s permit must wear a helmet, regardless of age. State Representative Dan Frankel of Squirrel Hill, the Democratic Caucus chairman, says he plans to reintroduce legislation to restore Pennsylvania’s helmet law.
Frankel says it was a major mistake by legislators to rescind the helmet law. He says people endanger their lives and it costs taxpayers additional money with respect to medical assistance, brain injuries and other injuries that are sustained by motorcyclists who choose to ride without a helmet. Frankel sites statistics from the National Transportation Safety board, which estimated that $13.2 billion dollars was saved from 1984 to 1999 because of motorcycle helmet use. He says at a time when we are facing an economic crisis, this is an area where he would not be exposing taxpayers to additional potential expense.
On the issue of individual rights, Frankel says he understands motorcycle riders will cite freedom of choice as a reason to ride without helmet protection. He admits it will be difficult to reinstate the helmet law because it’s not a high priority issue for the GOP administration. But he would like to see a resolution passed to have a study done to see what the impact has been in Pennsylvania in the seven years since the law was rescinded; specifically, injuries, deaths, and the costs to taxpayers.
Frankel says it was a major mistake by legislators to rescind the helmet law. He says people endanger their lives and it costs taxpayers additional money with respect to medical assistance, brain injuries and other injuries that are sustained by motorcyclists who choose to ride without a helmet. Frankel sites statistics from the National Transportation Safety board, which estimated that $13.2 billion dollars was saved from 1984 to 1999 because of motorcycle helmet use. He says at a time when we are facing an economic crisis, this is an area where he would not be exposing taxpayers to additional potential expense.
On the issue of individual rights, Frankel says he understands motorcycle riders will cite freedom of choice as a reason to ride without helmet protection. He admits it will be difficult to reinstate the helmet law because it’s not a high priority issue for the GOP administration. But he would like to see a resolution passed to have a study done to see what the impact has been in Pennsylvania in the seven years since the law was rescinded; specifically, injuries, deaths, and the costs to taxpayers.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Frankel: Pension Reform Bill..A Good 1st Step
Pennsylvania House members return to the Capitol Monday to vote on pension reform legislation. House Democratic leaders reversed course and re-scheduled the vote after rank and file lawmakers ripped the leadership for canceling the last 5 voting days in this legislative session.
State Representatives will be voting on a Senate-amended House bill that would overhaul
future state and public school employees’ pension plans in Pennsylvania. The amended measure scales back benefits and increases the retirement age for incoming workers.
Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says it's an important piece of legislation but he understands there are people who don't think it's adequate for what needs to be done....
"It rolls back the pension enhancements that were passed in 2001 and it creates an ability to smooth out the increased pension payments that are going to have to be made by the state and the school districts so they won't have the full impact that will devastate the budgets of the state and school districts.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Pat Browne, who amended the House bill, says a big problem with Pennsylvania’s current defined benefit plan is the fact the state bears the brunt of the cost, when the markets fail like they did in 2008.
He concedes unions and many Democrats don’t want to switch to a defined contribution system, where employees pay the price for underperformance. Under Browne's amendment, if the system doesn’t make its investment goals, part of that loss would be borne by the employee.
Many Republicans had called for a full switch to a defined contribution system. Democratic Representative Frankel says the state can't wait...."The sooner we get this (2001) legislation replaced with the more reasonable pension benefit that new employees will be receiving (the better). If you wait, you're going to add on to the problem we created."
Frankel expects the bill to be approved.
The measure also extends the vesting period for a new employee from the current 5 years to 10 years.
State Representatives will be voting on a Senate-amended House bill that would overhaul
future state and public school employees’ pension plans in Pennsylvania. The amended measure scales back benefits and increases the retirement age for incoming workers.
Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says it's an important piece of legislation but he understands there are people who don't think it's adequate for what needs to be done....
"It rolls back the pension enhancements that were passed in 2001 and it creates an ability to smooth out the increased pension payments that are going to have to be made by the state and the school districts so they won't have the full impact that will devastate the budgets of the state and school districts.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Pat Browne, who amended the House bill, says a big problem with Pennsylvania’s current defined benefit plan is the fact the state bears the brunt of the cost, when the markets fail like they did in 2008.
He concedes unions and many Democrats don’t want to switch to a defined contribution system, where employees pay the price for underperformance. Under Browne's amendment, if the system doesn’t make its investment goals, part of that loss would be borne by the employee.
Many Republicans had called for a full switch to a defined contribution system. Democratic Representative Frankel says the state can't wait...."The sooner we get this (2001) legislation replaced with the more reasonable pension benefit that new employees will be receiving (the better). If you wait, you're going to add on to the problem we created."
Frankel expects the bill to be approved.
The measure also extends the vesting period for a new employee from the current 5 years to 10 years.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Lawmakers Grumble Over Budget
A majority of Senators and Representatives voted for this year’s state budget, but many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle aren’t happy with the spending plan.
Berks County Republican Sam Rohrer, who ran for governor in this year’s GOP primary, says he's worried the spending plan is paving the way for a multi-billion dollar deficit next year.
Rohrer says the spending plan over-inflates the new fiscal year’s expected revenue, and underestimates General Fund expenditures.
He says that will create a deficit of at least 800 million dollars, and that’s before expiring stimulus dollars and pension payments are added in.
"And for the governor and other leaders to come back and say by surprise, ‘we just didn’t know that the revenues would come in where they were going to come in,’ is a demonstration of complete ignorance, or even worse, a purposeful distortion of the numbers."
Meantime, many liberal lawmakers are angry the budget didn’t include taxes on smokeless tobacco and cigars.
Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel says it’s “not credible” for lawmakers to walk away from that revenue, while voting to cut funding for most state departments.
Berks County Republican Sam Rohrer, who ran for governor in this year’s GOP primary, says he's worried the spending plan is paving the way for a multi-billion dollar deficit next year.
Rohrer says the spending plan over-inflates the new fiscal year’s expected revenue, and underestimates General Fund expenditures.
He says that will create a deficit of at least 800 million dollars, and that’s before expiring stimulus dollars and pension payments are added in.
"And for the governor and other leaders to come back and say by surprise, ‘we just didn’t know that the revenues would come in where they were going to come in,’ is a demonstration of complete ignorance, or even worse, a purposeful distortion of the numbers."
Meantime, many liberal lawmakers are angry the budget didn’t include taxes on smokeless tobacco and cigars.
Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel says it’s “not credible” for lawmakers to walk away from that revenue, while voting to cut funding for most state departments.
Not Taxing Smokeless Tobacco "Unconscionable"
State Representative Dan Frankel of Squirrel Hill says the State Legislature missed the “low hanging fruit” and “did not do its job” by not taxing smokeless tobacco and cigars this year. He says such a tax would bring in $70-100 million a year. Frankel says, “Not passing additional revenues that every other state has… is unconscionable in a time when we are looking at such a difficult budget where we had to cut important programs.” Frankel compares the $100 million to the $10 million cut from libraries in the budget. “We dropped the ball quite frankly,” says Frankel, “its not justifiable.” Frankel says, “its not a competitive issue. It’s about special interests in Harrisburg ruling the day and us not being able to overcome that.” Frankel says not only would the money help to sustain some of the programs that had to be cut but it also would address what he calls a “serious public health issue.” Frankel says he will continue to fight to get the excise tax approved.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Smokeless Tobacco Tax Proposed
A bill in the State House that would aid in closing the budget gap could apply taxes to smokeless tobacco products and cigars. State Representative Dan Frankel says he’s proposed this legislation for several sessions, but the money that would be generated from the tax is more imperative than ever.
Frankel says smokeless tobacco products and cigars are no different from cigarettes as far as risk goes, so that shouldn’t be treated differently either.
“I’m proposing a tax that would be comparable to the tax on cigarettes, which would be about 59.7 percent of the wholesale value,” he says.
That tax applied to those products would give the state between $70 to $80 million in revenue annually.
But he’s says it’s more than just generating revenue. Frankel says a tax would deter tobacco users from buying the products, especially young people. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Pennsylvania’s rate of 16- to 25-year-olds using non-cigarette tobacco is twice the national average.
Frankel says smokeless tobacco products and cigars are no different from cigarettes as far as risk goes, so that shouldn’t be treated differently either.
“I’m proposing a tax that would be comparable to the tax on cigarettes, which would be about 59.7 percent of the wholesale value,” he says.
That tax applied to those products would give the state between $70 to $80 million in revenue annually.
But he’s says it’s more than just generating revenue. Frankel says a tax would deter tobacco users from buying the products, especially young people. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Pennsylvania’s rate of 16- to 25-year-olds using non-cigarette tobacco is twice the national average.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
House to Vote This Week on Pension Reform
Pennsylvania House members were to have met today to discuss a Senate-passed bill, under which the state would take control of municipal pensions that have less than 50% of their obligations to retirees and current workers. However, House leaders put off a vote until at least Thursday to consider an amendment put forth by the Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl who is asking for a 2 year exemption from state takeover while the city bolsters its pension plan which is currently funded at just 28% of its obligations. The Ravenstahl Administration is looking at leasing city-owned parking garages and put that revenue into the pension fund.
State Representative Joe Preston of Pittsburgh is a member of the House Rules Committee which will consider the amendment. Preston says Ravenstahl has come up with some verifiable numbers to support his request for the 2 year reprieve.
The delay has angered Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter because a provision in the legislation would allow his city to raise its sales tax temporarily to 8% to cover a deficit and strengthen Philadelphia's pension fund. Nutter has said that unless the measure is passed by the end of the week, there could be drastic cuts and layoffs.
But State Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says the House will not go along with the Senate-amended version of the bill. He says there could be passage by the middle of the month. Frankel says he thinks lawmakers have an agreement to give the city of Pittsburgh more time to meet the 50% level of pension funding, which is the cut off for state takeover.
In Harrisburg today, Fraternal Order of Police officials rallied and called for the House to reject the overall bill claiming it would wrongfully strip away local control of police pension plans.
Representative Frankel says they are actively negotiating a compromise that will at least in part meet the different constituencies' needs, but they won't be able to address all of the unions' concerns.
"There's got to be some management in expectations of future benefits...maybe a freezing at current levels, or being able to offer new employees an alternative from a traditional defined benefit to a defined contribution plan. There needs to be municipal pension reform to save the benefits of current workers and retirees."
Frankel said some changes will be "uncomfortable."
State Representative Joe Preston of Pittsburgh is a member of the House Rules Committee which will consider the amendment. Preston says Ravenstahl has come up with some verifiable numbers to support his request for the 2 year reprieve.
The delay has angered Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter because a provision in the legislation would allow his city to raise its sales tax temporarily to 8% to cover a deficit and strengthen Philadelphia's pension fund. Nutter has said that unless the measure is passed by the end of the week, there could be drastic cuts and layoffs.
But State Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says the House will not go along with the Senate-amended version of the bill. He says there could be passage by the middle of the month. Frankel says he thinks lawmakers have an agreement to give the city of Pittsburgh more time to meet the 50% level of pension funding, which is the cut off for state takeover.
In Harrisburg today, Fraternal Order of Police officials rallied and called for the House to reject the overall bill claiming it would wrongfully strip away local control of police pension plans.
Representative Frankel says they are actively negotiating a compromise that will at least in part meet the different constituencies' needs, but they won't be able to address all of the unions' concerns.
"There's got to be some management in expectations of future benefits...maybe a freezing at current levels, or being able to offer new employees an alternative from a traditional defined benefit to a defined contribution plan. There needs to be municipal pension reform to save the benefits of current workers and retirees."
Frankel said some changes will be "uncomfortable."
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Discrimination Ban Supporters Rally in Harrisburg
Supporters of a measure to ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Pennsylvania residents packed the Capitol yesterday to show support for the measure. Now that the equal rights bill is in front of the full House, advocates say they're optimistic it can be signed into law before the year is done. Supporters lined the Rotunda steps and cheered as lawmakers made the case that Pennsylvania is behind the times, when it comes to guaranteeing equal rights based on sexual preference. Sponsor Dan Frankel of Squirrel Hill dismissed opponents of the measure, noting 20 states have already passed similar legislation. “The sky will not fall. The world will not end if we stop discriminating against gay, lesbian bisexual and transgendered people. It will not happen.” Opponents say the bill would force some religious groups to hire gay employees against their will. A spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus says there's no set time frame for bringing the measure to a vote. A similar bill died in committee last year.
Friday, March 13, 2009
"Come Care With Me"
The PHI (Paraprofessionals Healthcare Institute) is hosting lawmakers and other officials across the state in a series of "Come Care With Me" events to highlight the health care gap and working conditions of direct care workers. State Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says the Commonwealth is facing a growing shortage of direct care workers who provide home and community-based care to seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians. Frankel says later today he will be working with a direct care provider and their client to get a sense of the challenges they face daily. In addition, Frankel will attend a forum at the Essex House in East Liberty to discuss elder care and disability services. Frankel says "it's ironic" that health care benefits have never been part of the compensation package for direct care workers who provide much needed health services. Frankel says because of poor pay and a lack of health benefits, there is a high turnover rate and that can affect the consistency of care for the elderly and disabled.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Smoking Ban Modifications to be Introduced
When the smoking ban goes into effect Thursday it will carry exemptions for bars that derive less than 20-percent of revenue from food, casinos and a list of other establishments. At the same time the law prohibits counties and municipalities other than Philadelphia from enacting tougher bans. State Representative Chelsa Wagner says she will introduce legislation to give Allegheny County 90 days to pass a tighter ban and Representative Dan Frankel says he will introduce a bill that would allow any local government to enforce tighter laws. He says he knows some bar owners will complain but the health of workers and residents outweighs the business interests. This summer the house did pass a law with fewer exemptions but it was scaled back in conference committee. Wagner and Frankel say they feel there is now the political will in both chambers to tighten some of those loopholes. Frankel says since the state failed in its duty to protect the health of Pennsylvanians local governments should be given the ability to do it right.
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