Tuesday, March 2, 2010
2% Fee Proposed for Cutting into Pavement
Pittsburgh City Council President Darlene Harris has introduced legislation that would force utilities to pay the city a fee if they cut into a newly paved street. Harris says she has heard stories that utilities move into neighborhoods days after the streets are paved to being underground work because it is easier to cut into the fresh asphalt. The measure would force utilities to pay 2% of the cost of paving the street if they cut into it any time in the 4 years after it is paved. There is an exception for emergency repairs. The funds would be used to add extra sealant to the street after the utilities fill the holes. Harris says once the pavement is cut, water starts to get underneath and that shortens the life of the surface. She says the city does not have enough money in its budget to get to all of the streets that need to be resurfaced and shortening the life span of the pavement only makes matters worse.
Study Projects Premature Deaths Without Insurance
More than 275,000 Americans will die prematurely over the next decade due to a lack of health coverage. That's according to Families USA which is a national advocacy group for health care consumers. This report estimates that 7,500 Pennsylvanians will die prematurely over the next 10 years because they don't have health insurance. So the organization is urging Congress to pass health care overhaul legislation. Kim Bailey, senior health care policy analyst for Families USA, says after last week's health care summit hosted by President Obama, approval of a health care bill is unclear....."the consequences of inaction would be devastating and the findings of this study are disheartening."
Bailey says the report uses the methodology developed in earlier reports by the Institute of Medicine and the Urban Institute. According to the Urban Institute, at least 22,000 Americans died prematurely in 2006 due to a lack of health care coverage.
Bailey says their study indicates that uninsured adults are 25% more likely to die prematurely than those with coverage because the uninsured often go without screenings and preventive care and often delay or forgo needed medical care.
Bailey says the report uses the methodology developed in earlier reports by the Institute of Medicine and the Urban Institute. According to the Urban Institute, at least 22,000 Americans died prematurely in 2006 due to a lack of health care coverage.
Bailey says their study indicates that uninsured adults are 25% more likely to die prematurely than those with coverage because the uninsured often go without screenings and preventive care and often delay or forgo needed medical care.
Bigger Budget for Gaming Control Board
With table games are set to come online in a few months, Governor Ed Rendell is seeking a ten percent spending increase for Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board.
Board Chairman Gregory Fajt says his agency will hire 54 new employees to regulate table games, which will likely start appearing at Pennsylvania’s casinos by late May or early June.
Fajt argues slot machines are relatively easy to administer, since each unit is plugged into a central computer system that can tell casino workers and the Gaming Board and State Police employees who regulate them exactly how much money is being spent.
"That will not be the case with table games. There will have to be manual counts. There will have to be supervision of those counts. Our folks, the CCRs, are going to have to walk with the cash to the count room to verify the count."
The Board will increase the number of on-site compliance representatives from seven to ten, once blackjack, poker, craps and roulette is available at casinos.
The state’s general fund is counting on 181 million dollars in revenue this year from the fees doled out by casinos applying for table games licenses.
Board Chairman Gregory Fajt says his agency will hire 54 new employees to regulate table games, which will likely start appearing at Pennsylvania’s casinos by late May or early June.
Fajt argues slot machines are relatively easy to administer, since each unit is plugged into a central computer system that can tell casino workers and the Gaming Board and State Police employees who regulate them exactly how much money is being spent.
"That will not be the case with table games. There will have to be manual counts. There will have to be supervision of those counts. Our folks, the CCRs, are going to have to walk with the cash to the count room to verify the count."
The Board will increase the number of on-site compliance representatives from seven to ten, once blackjack, poker, craps and roulette is available at casinos.
The state’s general fund is counting on 181 million dollars in revenue this year from the fees doled out by casinos applying for table games licenses.
Hanger: DEP Can Still Do Job Despite Budget Cuts
Governor Ed Rendell’s budget would trim Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection spending by 2.4 percent, a year after the agency experienced major budget cuts.
DEP Secretary John Hanger says even with reduced spending levels, his department is still accomplishing its mission.
97 DEP employees lost their jobs last year, when the department’s budget was trimmed by 58 million dollars.
The Rendell Administration is proposing another 3.8 million dollar reduction.
Hanger told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee the cuts haven’t hurt DEP’s ability to provide environmental oversight, noting more drilling inspectors are being funded through an alternative revenue stream.
"The department was able to, with the support of this legislature, able to raise the fees for Marcellus drilling and other gas drilling. And we’ve added – this year we’ll be adding 67 employees to the gas oversight."
Environmental advocacy groups have said DEP is woefully unprepared to monitor the impending surge of natural gas drillers who are expected to set up shop in the state’s Marcellus Shale formation. Hanger has strongly disagreed with that criticism, pointing to fines the department has levied against drilling companies for pollution and water contamination.
DEP Secretary John Hanger says even with reduced spending levels, his department is still accomplishing its mission.
97 DEP employees lost their jobs last year, when the department’s budget was trimmed by 58 million dollars.
The Rendell Administration is proposing another 3.8 million dollar reduction.
Hanger told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee the cuts haven’t hurt DEP’s ability to provide environmental oversight, noting more drilling inspectors are being funded through an alternative revenue stream.
"The department was able to, with the support of this legislature, able to raise the fees for Marcellus drilling and other gas drilling. And we’ve added – this year we’ll be adding 67 employees to the gas oversight."
Environmental advocacy groups have said DEP is woefully unprepared to monitor the impending surge of natural gas drillers who are expected to set up shop in the state’s Marcellus Shale formation. Hanger has strongly disagreed with that criticism, pointing to fines the department has levied against drilling companies for pollution and water contamination.
PUC Reviews Consumer Protections
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has launched a review of its regulations that control how electricity generators and service providers interact and how both of them interact with consumers. PUC Spokesperson Jennifer Kocher says the regulations have not been updated since 2000 and the commissioners felt too much had changed then to let them stand without review. The move comes at a time when about 40% of the state has seen rate caps expire. Just about all of the remainder of the state, including most of Western Pennsylvania, will see their rate caps expire by the end of the year. Kocher says some of the regulations may not be needed with the new competitive environment but that same environment may warrant some new regulations. The PUC is in the process of reviewing the regulations and taking input form all interested parties. Those reviews and recommendations will be used to craft new draft regulations, which will then be sent back out for public hearings before a final vote is taken. Kocher says there is no timeline for the work. The review includes the Competitive Safeguards Regulations at 52 Pa. Code §§ 54.121 – 123.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Pittsburghers help Chile
Pittsburgh area charities and organizations are once again turning to local residents to help send humanitarian aid to an earthquake-ravaged country. An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chile Saturday killing hundreds and leaving thousand homeless. United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh has set up a special “box” to collect donations for Chile relief efforts. The UJF will send the funds to The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The UJF used that group in the past including earlier this year in their effort to help Haiti.
Brian Eglash, Senior Vice President of Financial Resource Development for the UJF says the JDC has been in Chile for decades and has already begun relief efforts. The United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh raised nearly $100,000 for Haiti and Eglash says he expects there will be another outpouring of support for Chile. He stresses that the money will be used in a nonsectarian way. Contributions can be made to the UJF online.
Brother’s Brother Foundation has also begun its relief efforts in Chile. The Pittsburgh based group is partnering with ADRA (A Seventh Day Adventists organization) and B’nai B’rith International to send pharmaceutical, medical supplies and other humanitarian relief assistance. The group expects to make a shipment in the coming days. Donations can be made on the Brother’s Brother website.
Brian Eglash, Senior Vice President of Financial Resource Development for the UJF says the JDC has been in Chile for decades and has already begun relief efforts. The United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh raised nearly $100,000 for Haiti and Eglash says he expects there will be another outpouring of support for Chile. He stresses that the money will be used in a nonsectarian way. Contributions can be made to the UJF online.
Brother’s Brother Foundation has also begun its relief efforts in Chile. The Pittsburgh based group is partnering with ADRA (A Seventh Day Adventists organization) and B’nai B’rith International to send pharmaceutical, medical supplies and other humanitarian relief assistance. The group expects to make a shipment in the coming days. Donations can be made on the Brother’s Brother website.
PPS Opens Enrollment for Summer Dreamers Academy
Pittsburgh Public Schools wants to keep students engaged over summer break and this year–thanks to federal stimulus dollars–they are offering the Summer Dreamers Academy, a literacy camp that aims to give other premier summer camps a run for their money. The camp is open to rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders and Project manager Allison McLeod says they held focus groups with hundreds of students to find out what they wanted in a summer camp, and their literacy coordinator poured through books trying to find ones that would fit the bill. McLeod says students will be able to choose between two themes: "McDonald's, Mars and Flying Cars: Spectacular Science" and "Let Your Creative Juices Flow: Exploring the Arts." Mornings focus on reading, discussion and comprehension. And McLeod says they have two curricula to meet students at their literacy level. Afternoons will be geared toward outdoor and creative activities like kayaking, drama, field trips and art. The camp takes place at six sites, is free and runs from July 12 through August 13. The enrollment deadline is May 1. More information can be found at www.pps.k12.pa.us/summercamp.
GOP, Dems Plan to Pick Candidates for Murtha Seat
Republicans and Democrats will select their candidates for the special election to fill John Murtha’s Congressional seat in the coming weeks.
Democrats from the 12th Congressional District will convene in Delmont, Westmoreland County on March 6th to recommend a candidate for the May 18th special election.
But, as State Party Chairman TJ Rooney points out, their choice won’t be binding.
"It is, at the end of the day, the responsibility of the executive committee. And members of the executive committee will receive and weigh information from a myriad of sources, including polling that’s been done in the district."
Rooney says Democratic party officials will make the final decision on March 8th.
A few days later, Republicans will convene in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, to select their candidate. Republican spokesman Michael Barley says the GOP conference will be made up of representatives selected by county parties.
"Their county party bylaws dictate. They do not need to be committee members at all. It’s up to the counties. Different counties have different ways of selecting conferees. Some, the county chair selects them. The only requirement we have is that they’re Republicans living in the district."
Unlike the Democrats, that session’s pick will be final.
When voting to fill Murtha’s seat May 18, 12th District residents will also select general election nominees for the next Congressional term.
Rooney says Democrats will try to make sure they have the same candidate in each race.
Republican spokesman Mike Barley says it’s too early to know whether the GOP will do the same.
Democrats from the 12th Congressional District will convene in Delmont, Westmoreland County on March 6th to recommend a candidate for the May 18th special election.
But, as State Party Chairman TJ Rooney points out, their choice won’t be binding.
"It is, at the end of the day, the responsibility of the executive committee. And members of the executive committee will receive and weigh information from a myriad of sources, including polling that’s been done in the district."
Rooney says Democratic party officials will make the final decision on March 8th.
A few days later, Republicans will convene in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, to select their candidate. Republican spokesman Michael Barley says the GOP conference will be made up of representatives selected by county parties.
"Their county party bylaws dictate. They do not need to be committee members at all. It’s up to the counties. Different counties have different ways of selecting conferees. Some, the county chair selects them. The only requirement we have is that they’re Republicans living in the district."
Unlike the Democrats, that session’s pick will be final.
When voting to fill Murtha’s seat May 18, 12th District residents will also select general election nominees for the next Congressional term.
Rooney says Democrats will try to make sure they have the same candidate in each race.
Republican spokesman Mike Barley says it’s too early to know whether the GOP will do the same.
Sestak, Specter Clash Over Pay for Staffers
Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak isn’t disputing the fact many of his staffers are paid salaries at or below the minimum wage, but he says Senator Arlen Specter’s campaign is only pointing that out because they’re worried about the incumbent Democrat’s approval ratings.
A day after Specter’s campaign put out a press release charging Sestak with paying several staffers salaries that equate to a bit more than eight dollars an hour, the suburban Philadelphia Congressman fired back.
He doesn’t dispute his campaign payroll, but said his staffers are making a “personal sacrifice” to change Washington.
Sestak says Specter is going negative because of bad poll numbers.
"I don’t think it’s a coincidence at all that Arlen Specter’s negative personal attacks came immediately after another poll that shows after 30 years, only 25 percent of Pennsylvanians think the Senator, Senator Specter, deserves reelection. And I think they’re panicking."
The recent Franklin and Marshall College poll gave Specter a 33-16 percent lead over Sestak, with 44 percent of respondents undecided.
Specter’s campaign manager, Chris Nicholas, calls the salaries “pathetically low,” and inconsistent with Democratic principles.
According to information provided by Nicholas, the lowest-paid Specter campaign staffer makes 23-hundred dollars a month.
A day after Specter’s campaign put out a press release charging Sestak with paying several staffers salaries that equate to a bit more than eight dollars an hour, the suburban Philadelphia Congressman fired back.
He doesn’t dispute his campaign payroll, but said his staffers are making a “personal sacrifice” to change Washington.
Sestak says Specter is going negative because of bad poll numbers.
"I don’t think it’s a coincidence at all that Arlen Specter’s negative personal attacks came immediately after another poll that shows after 30 years, only 25 percent of Pennsylvanians think the Senator, Senator Specter, deserves reelection. And I think they’re panicking."
The recent Franklin and Marshall College poll gave Specter a 33-16 percent lead over Sestak, with 44 percent of respondents undecided.
Specter’s campaign manager, Chris Nicholas, calls the salaries “pathetically low,” and inconsistent with Democratic principles.
According to information provided by Nicholas, the lowest-paid Specter campaign staffer makes 23-hundred dollars a month.
Debate over Hayden Nameplate Moves to Council
A small nameplate honoring Gen. Michael V. Hayden at the corner of Allegheny Avenue and North Shore Drive will be the subject of what could be a big public hearing today before Pittsburgh Council. Greg Barnhisel of Pittsburgh’s Park Place neighborhood noticed the nameplate while visiting the Carnegie Science Center. Barnhisel says he does not question the debt of gratitude owed to the general for his service in the U.S. Air Force but he does question the wisdom of honoring him for his work after leaving the military. Hayden left the Air Force as a four-star general to become the Director of the National Security Agency and then the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. While in those post Hayden became a lightening rod for the left when he helped to implement the Bush administration’s warrantless-wiretapping program and then helped defined the CIA’s interrogation program that many have equated to torture. Hayden is a native of Pittsburgh and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl honored him with the plaque but did not get it approved by the city council. Something he did not have to do but is customary. Barnhisel Gathered the needed signatures on a petition to get the hearing scheduled. He says the way the mayor posted the nameplate should be part of the debate at today’s public hearing and so should an examination of the appropriateness of honoring Hayden. What he does not want is to have the public hearing devolve into a debate about Bush era policies. The hearing begins at 9:00am in Council Chambers.
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