|
|
|
Local Events and Reminders... First Thursday Latino...July 2 Columbia Area Democratic Club...July 5 Manheim Central Democrats...July 9 Ruth Mackley Democratic Club...July 9 Penn Manor Democratic Club meeting...July 13 Hempfield Area Democrats meeting...July 13 Today's News...Friday July 03, 2009 Palin to Resign as Governor of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska announced Thursday that she would step down by the end of the month and not seek a second term as governor, allowing her to seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012. Specter Says Federal Courthouse Closer to Reality... House State Government Committee approves Sturla’s state police bill... Specter Brings Stimulus Money to Lancaster for RRTA... Specter Meets with Lancaster County Dem Leadership and Candidates... House Education Committee Approves Sturla’s Special Ed Bill... Proposal would allow PA counties to impose additional sales taxes
Rep. Michael Sturla told the House Local Government Committee on Thursday that his bill would give 50 percent of the revenue raised by the tax to counties, 40 percent to municipalities and 10 percent to efforts of multiple municipalities, such as police protection. Counties and municipalities would have to use at least 60 percent of their shares to lower property taxes. The measure appears to be gaining traction in the Democrat-controlled House, but it remains on the back burner in the Republican-controlled Senate. The additional revenue dedicated to municipalities who do not employ there own police force may be charged for using state police services will bring those communities some relief.
Earlier this week Sturla
proposed H.B.
1500 that would create the Pennsylvania State Police Municipal Patrol
Services Act. The Act would require municipalities that use state police
services solely to pay an annual per capita fee of $156. Specter Says Federal Courthouse Closer to Reality
Federal officials have confirmed they were looking at sites for a satellite courthouse in Lancaster city. Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray said there are several possible sites still available in the city, including the vacant Bulova building on Lancaster Square, at the corner of North Queen and East Orange streets.
Lancaster's facility is expected
to be modeled somewhat after smaller, satellite federal courthouses such as
the one in Reading, which has three courtrooms -- two for district judges
and one for a bankruptcy judge. House State Government Committee approves Sturla’s state police bill
Mike Sturla, chair of the State Government Committee said, “My legislation is about fairness and equity because it is obvious there is a serious inequity in how we fund police services in our state,” Sturla said. “I thank Chair Babette Josephs for bringing House Bill 1500 up for a vote and I am grateful for the committee members’ support of it.” Under H.B. 1500, every municipality that relies solely on the state police would be required to pay an annual per capita fee of $156. In addition, it requires municipalities that do not have a certain level of local patrol services to pay an annual per capita fee of $52. For those municipalities required to pay a fee, there would be an “opt-out” provision to allow them to pay on a per-incident basis. All fees would be phased in over a three year period.
Sturla’s bill would
generate approximately $450 million in the third year of implementation.
Twenty million dollars annually from this funding will be used for training
of state police cadet classes while 90 percent of the remainder would go
into the Motor License Fund and the final 10 percent would be allocated to
the Department of Community and Economic Development for grants and studies
for cooperative policing arrangements. Specter Brings Stimulus Money to Lancaster for RRTA
The total cost of this project is $8 million, with $5 million provided in the stimulus and $3 million coming from other Federal transit formula programs and state-issued bonds. Construction is expected to begin in September.
Red Rose Transit Authority
operates a fleet of 45 buses and has 110 full-time employees. The
system carries 2 million passengers annually throughout Lancaster
County. Read more about the RRTA
stimulus grant... Specter Meets with Lancaster County Dem Leadership and Candidates
Arlen Specter has been touring the state meeting with county leaders to introduce himself to the party as their Democratic senator. Specter switched parties after his vote for the Obama Stimulus Package in April. He joins Pennsylvania's junior senator, Bob Casey, as a Democrat, the first time the Commonwealth has have two Democratic senators in Washington in over a century. Specter had frank discussions with attendees to the the early morning meeting about healthcare, infrastructure projects on a city and township level and the Employee Free Choice Act. Specter's stand on the card check bill (Employee Free Choice Act - EFCA) has been controversial. However he does seem to be moving in the union's direction by supporting increased penalties where employers do use intimidation tactics and mandatory mediation/arbitration for the first contracts. He still supports the secret ballot for election of unions instead of the majority signage component in the EFCA bill.
View pictures of this event... House Education Committee Approves Sturla’s Special Ed Bill
“I thank Chairman Jim Roebuck for bringing House Bill 704 up for a vote today and I appreciate the strong bipartisan support of it by the committee members,” Sturla said. “This legislation will implement comprehensive reforms suggested by a costing-out study and produce a modern formula that is fair to all special education students.”
Sturla noted that the Contingency Fund would be maintained and prioritized for districts with low wealth and utilized to provide resources for unanticipated extraordinary expenses. The bill would also enhance the current accountability system for special education to ensure that school districts use funding effectively to meet student needs and do not over-identify students. To date, 36 organizations are supporting this special education funding change. For a listing of these groups and other background material for H.B. 704, go to www.pahouse.com/Sturla.
The bill currently has 65
co-sponsors, both Democrat and Republican. Is Big Brother Watching of Is the City Safer
The Lancaster Community Safety Coalition (LCSC) began installing the cameras downtown in 2004. The surveillance system was lauded by enforcement officials and city government. At first, there was little criticism from the community, but by last December, 60 cameras had already been installed, and 105 additional surveillance cameras were slated for installation by this summer. Camera opponents accused the city and the LCSC of not making the approval process transparent enough.
City Mayor, Rick Gray, supports the $3 million camera system, which is funded largely by private businesses and donations. The cameras, Gray argues, reduce crime in a city unable to afford more police protection. However, there is concern in some neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown that crime will be pushed into camera-free zones.
Read more from the Sunday News... LCDC Executive Director
Cynthia comes to our organization with many accomplishments, including a BA Business/Marketing degree from the University of Vermont, ten years as a realtor, and served as a past Coordinator of THE NEW SCHOOL OF LANCASTER.
Cynthia has been a
volunteer for Democratic candidates, the LCDC, and organizations with
Democratic values. Lois Herr is Running in 2010
Lois ran against Pitts in 2004 and 2006 when Democratic registrations were considerably less than the Republican registrations. Greg Paulson, the Herr 2010 campaign manager, reports that for the first time registered Democrats and Independents out-number registered Republicans. Read more from the Intell...
Visit Lois's website...www.herr2010.com.
The Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women honored Janet Spleen and Harriet Eshleman with their annual "Woman of the Year" award Saturday evening at Willow Valley Resort and Convention Center. Harriet Eshleman is PFDW Region 7 Director and Protocol Co-chair and is Vice President of the Lancaster County Democratic Women’s Club and was also chair of the 2009 PFDW Convention. Janet Spleen is PFDW 2nd Vice President and Treasurer of the Lancaster County Democratic Women’s Club. She also serves as one of the LCDC's state committee members. Both women have been very active in Lancaster County politics and have been instrumental in promoting and campaigning for Democratic women running for elected office. The Lancaster County Democratic Committee applauds and congratulates Harriet and Janet for achieving this important distinction and for their dedicated service to the Lancaster County and state Democratic parties.
View pictures of
Saturday's events... PFDW Conventions Ends with a Candidate Bang... The Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women's 2009 Convention ended Sunday after a candidate packed Saturday evening formal dinner. View pictures of Saturday's events...
Specter switched to the Democratic party at the end of April because he felt that he was not in position to win the Republican primary in 2010. Bill Kortz, a PA house representative from Allegheny County has announced prior to Specters switch and is staying in the race to face the incumbent. Joe Sestak was rumored to be interested in the seat prior to Specters switch and will probably announce his candidacy very soon. Sestak is a retired United States Navy Vice Admiral and currently a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district since 2007. The district incorporates parts of the Philadelphia suburbs, including most of Delaware County. Sestak is opposed to the War in Iran and favors President Obama economic recovery plans. State-wide judicial candidates attended the dinner and spoke to encourage all Democrats to get as many voters to the polls in November 2009 as possible. The election of Jack Panella is critical if Democrats in Pennsylvania are to avoid the gerrymandering that occurred in 2001 when the Republicans controlled the Supreme Court.
View pictures of Saturday's events...
View pictures from
Thursday... CBM Presents 1st Annual African American Band Event
The purpose of this annual African American parade is to showcase higher education, job and careers, and community involvement opportunities for teenagers and young adults, in addition to showcasing musical and performing talent.
Featured will be bands from traditional black universities and colleges like Cheney State, Delaware State, Bowie State, Lincoln University, Morgan State and Coppin State. Local drill teams will be featured. This event is an opportunity to enrich all participants in African American culture as well as provide a valuable service to the entire community. Recruiters from colleges, technical schools and other institutions of higher education will be available to encourage youth to seek skills beyond high school.
Local Republican Senators Tell Small
Businessman:  By
Nate Bomberger, Chair, LCDC Issues Committee
Senators Brubaker, Smucker and Fulmer discussed Senate Bill 850 Thursday morning at a forum sponsored by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the Farm and Home Center in Manheim Township. Senator Jake Corman, who chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke for 15 minutes. Time for questions about the budget from an audience of business men and women and community activist was limited. One of the questioners at the forum who represented an tech manufacturing firm said the proposed Republican budget cuts may force him to close his doors. Corman responded by saying that “you may just have to close your shop. I can’t say that I will be able to help you.” The four Republican Senators spent 35 minutes of the hour allotted for public discussion commending each other’s service. Senator Corman discussed the necessity of making tough decisions by cutting and slashing the budget. He asserted that the cuts were not an ideological position even though SB 850 passed the Senate along straight party lines. Pressure for an agreement has ratcheted up. June 30 is the deadline to wrap up a budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year and resolve a $3 billion-plus deficit in the almost-finished fiscal year.
If legislators leave Harrisburg before passing a budget, the state
loses substantial authority to pay its bills and tens of thousands of state
workers begin working without pay. Read
more about specific cuts proposed by the Republican SB 850...
Craig Lehman, our County Commissioner asks: Can you give $10.00 per month for the next six months to help the Party expand services? Can you give $10.00 per month for the next six months to help local Democratic candidates? Can you give $10.00 per month for the next six months to help support voter registration drives? If you can help your fellow Democrats and your party with a small donation per month for the next 6 months, click here...
Single payment donations are
also available for quarterly, semi-annual and annual donors...click
here.
|
For Email Marketing you can trust
The LCDC has created a Scholarship Fund in honor of its dear friend Sherry Rebert. Contributions: click here... Democratic Beenie Baby Donkey
These cute Beenie Baby Donkeys come with a free post-election Obama button of their very own. Your choice. Price: $10.00 each with button.
Headquarters
of the Contact: Tracey Lynn Arriola, Office Manager Lancaster County Democratic Committee 53 N. Duke St., Suite 218 Lancaster, PA 17602-2839 Phone: (717) 299-5701 Fax: (717) 299-2105 Email: lcdc@lancasterdems.com Office Hours
Tuesday thru Friday other times by appointment.
|
||||||||||||||||||
A
proposal that may become part of the state budget would give counties
the option of imposing 1 percent sales taxes on top of the state's 6
percent sales tax to help reduce county and municipal property taxes.
In
an appearance in Lancaster yesterday, Senator Arlen Specter (right
with Nelson Polite, Sr.) announced that the decades-long effort to
open a federal courthouse in Lancaster had taken the next step
forward. President Barack Obama is allocating $27 million for the
project in his budget proposal for 2010. 
T
Sturla added, “All
residents of Pennsylvania are taxed for state police patrol services, but
only 20 percent of the state population utilizes these services.
Approximately 72 percent of the state’s population does not solely rely on
state police patrol services, and yet they pay an additional $100-$400 per
capita annually for their own local police.”
U.S.
Senator Arlen Specter presented Mayor Gray a check this morning from
stimulus funding for the Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) to renovate
its main operations and maintenance facility. The Senator briefly
toured the 30 year-old facility which is in need of improvements and
expansion. 
U.S.
Senator Arlen Specter met this morning with LCDC Executive Committee
members and county candidates running in the municipal and township
elections in the fall. 
Representative
Mike Sturla reported today that t
Under H.B. 704,
the special education funding formula would mirror the basic education
formula, so that each district receives state funds based on: (1) a
five-year average of actual student enrollment in special education; (2) a
single multiplier of 1.3, reflecting additional costs for educating students
with all levels of disability above the “base cost” for other students; (3)
an additional multiplier providing funding for districts that raise their
average rate and quality of educating eligible students in regular
classrooms; and (4) annual adjustments for inflation, local wealth, tax
effort and local cost factors. 
A
Joe Morales, LCSC
Executive Director and city councilman, countered that the allegations were
incorrect. "We mailed over 15,000 postcard invitations in and around where
the cameras were being installed," Morales said in an Sunday News interview.
"This process has to be transparent and open to community involvement."
LCDC
Lancaster's
Intelligencer Journal reported today what many Democrats in the 16th
Congressional district already knew. Lois Herr is running for Congress
in 2010. The Federal Elections
Commission confirmed Monday that Herr filed paperwork to make her third run
at unseating Representative Joe Pitts. 
State-wide judicial
candidates attended and spoke to the dinner's attendees as did
Congressman Joe Sestak (left), who is an unannounced candidate for Arlen
Specter's U.S. senate seat. 
Kevin McCarthy
(left) and Anne
Lazarus (right) who are running for PA's Superior Court spoke about
the necessity of experienced judicial review. The Superior Court is an
appellate court which reviews criminal cases that are appealed from
the Courts of Common Pleas in the Commonwealth's 67 counties.
Also running on the Democratic ticket is
Robert Colville who was unable to attend the convention.
Barbara
Ernsberger (left) and Linda Judson (right) won their primary bid for Commonwealth
Court and both women have expansive experience in workers compensation
law, one of the main issues to come before the court. Both Judson and
Ernsberger are committed to protecting
the rights of Pennsylvania's workers. The jurisdiction of the
nine-judge Commonwealth Court is limited to appeals of decisions made
by certain state agencies and certain designated cases from the Courts
of Common Pleas involving public sector legal questions and government
regulation.
Lois Herr (left), candidate for
16 Congressional district in 2010 which encompasses all of Lancaster
County, sponsored the reception prior to the dinner. She spoke of the
necessity of working to develop and prepare women to enter the
political arena and run for public office. 
Concerned Black
Men-Lancaster, Inc.(CBM), in conjunction with other community-based
organizations in the city of Lancaster and the Office of Special Events,
will be sponsoring the First Annual African American parade and exhibition
on Saturday, August 22nd at Clipper Stadium. The stadium is located at
Sherry
Rebert Scholarship Fund
