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Advisory board will make recommendations on how Dauphin County should spend gambling revenues 05/15/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- The Dauphin County commissioners have convened a five-member panel to help decide how the county should use its share of gambling revenues. A tax on profits at Penn National's Hollywood Casino in East Hanover Township is expected to net the county as much as $15 million a year. The county's newly-formed Gaming Advisory Board will provide the commissioners with feedback regarding how between $4 million and $4.5 million of that money should be spent in East Hanover and its adjoining municipalities. Chairing the panel is George Groves, founder and CEO of Legacy Bank, who says he volunteered out of his personal interest in the issue.
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An application is posted online at www.dauphincounty.org for individuals and organizations that want to apply for some of the tax revenue. Groves says preference will be given to projects related to health, safety and transportation, especially in cases where the casino proceeds could serve as seed money to attract additional funding. The other members of the board are Lloyd H. Umberger, Jr. of Hummelstown, Jim Szymborski of Middletown, David L. Craig of Grantville and Justin Warren of Harrisburg.
Vote on proposed smoking ban in York city parks could come next week 05/15/2008
Scott Detrow
(York) -- A measure that would ban smoking in York's parks is drawing criticism from some members of the City Council. Mayor John Brenner and city administrators support the ban, but some council members, including Cameron Texter, worry it exceeds the municipal government's authority.
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Texter says a smoking ban would be difficult to enforce, and that city police would spend too much time trying to ticket smokers. He says it would be better to rely on social pressure to keep people from smoking in parks. Councilwoman Toni Smith, who herself smokes but supports the ban, says it would be easier to keep parks smoke free if cigarettes and smokeless tobacco were illegal.
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Smith says her main priority is trying to keep cigarettes away from park playgrounds. Texter says he'd support a more narrowly-focused ban that concentrated on playgrounds, though he thinks smoking bans should be addressed at the state level.
Call to improve conditions at dog breeding kennels across PA 05/15/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- Animal lovers brought their dogs to the state Capitol to rally for legislation that would protect animals in commercial dog-breeding kennels. The state Department of Agriculture has a special deputy in charge of dog law enforcement, who says the proposal would change the current law that allows kennel owners to confine dogs in crowded, wire-floored cages. Democratic Representative James Casorio of Westmoreland County says breeders who care for their animals have nothing to fear, but he says callous breeders will have to change their practices or face consequences.
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Some folks at the rally said Pennsylvania has an unacceptable number of so-called “puppy mills,” where animals live out their lives in inhumane conditions. The bill would give kennel dogs access to outdoor exercise and require annual veterinary check ups.
PA House moves to halt loss of drug coverage for some seniors 05/15/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- About 15,000 seniors across the state stand to lose their PACE and PACENET prescription drug coverage, due to this year's cost-of-living adjustment in Social Security. But, the House has passed a bill designed to keep that from happening. It's authored by Representative Chris King of Bucks County.
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As of January first, seniors received a 2.3 percent boost in their Social Security benefits. King's measure now moves on to the Senate. It has the backing of the state Department of Aging.
Rendell against a gas tax holiday 05/14/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- With legislation pending that would temporarily suspend the state's gas tax this summer, Governor Rendell says now is not the time for such a move. Rendell says the cash-strapped Commonwealth needs the money from its 32 cents per gallon gas tax to pay for highway maintenance projects.
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In a bipartisan statement, all four transportation committee chairs in the General Assembly also asserted a state gas tax holiday is not way to go. Rendell says residents can save just as much as they would through a suspension of the levy by maximizing their vehicle's gas mileage -- such as maintaining proper tire pressure and using clean air filters. Two presidential candidates, Republican John McCain and Democrat Hillary Clinton, support a gas tax holiday on the federal level.
Public hearings will address possible insurance merger 05/14/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- The commonwealth wants to hear from members of the public, as officials consider the proposed merger of two health insurers. The state Insurance Department has scheduled six informational hearings for July at which it plans to hear testimony on the planned union of Independence Blue Cross and Highmark. Two sessions are planned for July 10 at the Hilton Harrisburg and Towers. Meetings are also scheduled for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Acting state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario says there has been an ongoing dialogue between his department and both insurers.
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The new entity would control more than half of the Commonwealth's health insurance market. That has raised anti-trust concerns from a number of individuals and organizations, including the American Hospital Association. The group has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking for a thorough investigation. Highmark does business in the midstate as Highmark Blue Shield.
Lawmakers debate voter ID bill 05/14/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- A renewed bid to tighten voter-identification requirements in the Commonwealth may be bolstered by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. State House Republicans have introduced a bill requiring voters to present photo ID each time they cast a ballot. Similar legislation in Indiana was recently ruled legal by the Supreme Court. Supporters say heightened interest in November’s presidential election could bring an influx of new voters and make the Commonwealth vulnerable to voter fraud. Representative Mike Turzai says the migration of illegal immigrants to the state underscores the need to confirm that voters are who they say they are.
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Critics say there’s little evidence there's widespread voter fraud in the state and the legislation will disenfranchise minorities, the poor and the disabled, who often do not have government issued IDs. Two years ago, Governor Rendell vetoed legislation that would have required residents to show ID or a utility bill at the polls.
Midstate county prepares for impact of pending expansion of a military base in Maryland 05/14/2008
Scott Gilbert
(York) -- York County officials say a study to get under way next month will help them plan for the pending expansion of a military base in Maryland. The research will focus on which parts of the county are best-suited for which kinds of economic development. Some 2,000 people are expected to relocate to the county by late 2011 due to the growing mission at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Felicia Dell, who directs the York County Planning Commission, says that could also lead to business opportunities.
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The Pentagon has provided the county with $125,000, which is half of the study's expected cost. County officials are also asking for help from the state.
Call for PA Attorney General to investigate Gaming Board 05/14/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says the panel followed the rules in conducting the background check for casino owner Louis DeNaples, who is facing perjury charges. State House Republicans have called on Attorney General Tom Corbett to look into an Allentown newspaper story that the board asked for revisions to a report on DeNaples’ suitability as a casino owner. Gaming Board spokesman Doug Harbach says panel members are confident they followed all applicable rules in the licensing of the casino applicants.
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Members of the House GOP caucus are pushing for legislation that would shift the responsibility for background checks from the Gaming Board to either the state police or the state attorney general. Harbach says the panel has pledged its cooperation in examining proposals that could strengthen its regulatory authority.
Pens have Flyers on the ropes 05/14/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins are a step closer to reaching the NHL's Stanley Cup finals. The Pens now have a 3-0 lead over the Flyers in the Eastern Conference finals, after last night's 4-1 win in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh center Sidney Crosby says it's no time for his team to rest on its laurels.
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But, Flyers goalie Martin Biron says he's confident his team can come back.
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Marian Hossa scored twice for the Penguins in the win, while Crosby earned two assists. Pittsburgh is 11-1 in the postseason and can wrap up the series tomorrow in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania will take part in foster care initiative 05/13/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Pennsylvania has been chosen along with five other states to take part in a project designed to reduce the number of children in foster care. The National Governors Association initiative will put commonwealth officials in touch with experts on the issue. The NGA's Susan Galanka says part of the goal is to tailor a proactive approach.
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Galanka says a lengthy stay in foster care can result in multiple school placements and more disruptions to a healthy childhood. The number of children in Pennsylvania's system has declined by 1,000 to 20,000 over the past two years.
State Senate looks at cellulosic ethanol this week 05/13/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- The state Senate this week is set to consider a bill that would pay a subsidy to farmers willing to plant so-called "energy crops," which can be converted into biofuels. Senator Mike Waugh of York County drafted the Farms to Fuels Initiative to promote harvests that can be converted to cellulosic ethanol. That type of ethanol is said to be environmentally sound because it produces fewer greenhouse gases than ethanol made from corn. Tom Stickle, who heads the Switchgrass for Bioenergy Program in Westmoreland County, says the proposed transition payment would help farmers remain solvent while they wait for their biocrops to take hold.
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The Farms to Fuel Initiative would set aside $10 million for the subsidy program.
Pennsylvania Troopers observe National Police Week 05/13/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- State Police cruisers across Pennsylvania have been outfitted with blue ribbons. The ribbons tied to the left rear door handle of the vehicles are part of the agency's observance of National Police Week, which recognizes law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. State Police spokesman Jack Lewis says they include scores of troopers from the Keystone State.
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National Police Week is coordinated by Concerns of Police Survivors, a national group representing the surviving families of fallen officers.
New State System chief prepares for move to PA 05/13/2008
Scott Detrow
(Pensacola, Florida) -- The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's new chancellor says he's looking forward to leading what he calls one of the country's finest public university systems. Fifty-four-year-old John Cavanaugh tells WITF his first priority will be talking to various constituency groups to get their input on the 14-school network.
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Cavanaugh currently serves as the president of West Florida University in Pensacola, and will begin his new job on July 1. He says he'll deal with the challenge of administering more than 100,000 students by focusing on each of the system's 14 schools on an individual basis. Cavanaugh will replace Judy Hample, who has served as chancellor since 2001. She's leaving to become president of Mary Washington University in Virginia.
Group sues midstate university again over speech codes 05/13/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Philadelphia) -- A religious liberties group says Shippensburg University never made court-mandated changes to its speech code. The Alliance Defense Fund has filed a complaint in federal court. It notes that overly broad, controversial language still exists, such as a prohibition against any kind of "emotional abuse" at the school. Greg Lukianoff is president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or FIRE, another one of the plaintiffs. He says the university was supposed to revamp its policy as the result of a 2004 settlement.
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The latest lawsuit asks a federal court to force the school to follow through on those terms. A school spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying SU had yet to "officially" receive it. Lukianoff says his group has discovered that three-quarters of the nation's public colleges and universities have unconstitutional language in their speech codes.
Smoking ban measure hits another snag 05/13/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- Legislation that would ban smoking in most public places in Pennsylvania has once again stalled. The joint House and Senate committee charged with drafting a compromise smoking ban bill was set to meet yesterday, but half of the panel did not show up. It's not clear why, though some observers say it was connected to comments made earlier in the day by Governor Rendell. He had threatened to veto any measure that doesn't cover most public places.
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Senator Chuck McIlhinney, who wrote the compromise bill, wants to prevent local governments from enforcing or enacting their own smoking prohibitions. There's no word on when the conference committee will meet again. Leaders have been at odds over the proposed smoking ban for ten months.
Hearing could lead to emergency response changes 05/13/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Lawmakers this week plan to examine the commonwealth's emergency response statute. Senator Lisa Baker, who chairs the state Senate Emergency Preparedness Committee, says a joint House-Senate hearing will be held on Wednesday to discuss a possible overhaul of Title 35, which outlines response procedures. Baker says the result could be an "all hazards" approach to responding to natural and man-made disasters.
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State, regional and county officials are expected to testify at Wednesday's hearing.
DPW addresses treatment of brain injuries 05/12/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Responding to a problem that statistics show 1.5 million Americans face every year, the state Department of Public Welfare is creating a task force to address the treatment of brain injuries. Spokeswoman Stacey Witalec says the group will work to better address the gaps in service and needs that patients are facing in the Commonwealth.
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Witalec says there's no timetable for when the group will present its recommendations to the DPW. She says the initiative is an effort to bring the issue of traumatic brain injuries to the forefront of public discussion.
American Cancer Society bus visits midstate today 05/10/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Undated) -- An American Cancer Society bus tour that's winding its way through 48 states is in Central Pennsylvania. The "Fight Back Express" made stops in Hershey and Hummelstown today, and will be on display from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Lewistown, Mifflin County. The bus then heads to the Pittsburgh area. ACS spokesman Dan Smith says the bus is an important lobbying tool.
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Survivors and family members are encouraged to sign the bus, and leave a personal message about how cancer has affected them. Smith says 70,000 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
Midstaters round up aid for Myanmar cyclone victims 05/12/2008
Scott Detrow
(Akron) -- A midstate-based charity is hoping to raise at least $100,000 to assist the victims of the Myanmar cyclone. The Mennonite Central Committee is looking to support relief efforts that are already underway in the country formerly known as Burma. Many organizations have had a hard time getting supplies into Myanmar, which is run by an isolated military junta, but Associate Director for Asia Tom Wenger says the MCC has an advantage.
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Wenger says the charity, which is based in Akron, Lancaster County, is confident it will be able to reach its fund raising goal. He also says the relief work may help the MCC get more involved in the country. As many as 100,000 people may have died from the cyclone and its aftermath. Meantime, midstate Catholics are collecting monetary donations for the Myanmar cyclone victims. More information can be found at the Catholic Relief Services website, www.crs.org.
Midstate markers to give northern perspective on Civil War 05/12/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Gettysburg) -- A trail of Civil War markers planned for the midstate is expected to be the first such project to interpret the war from a northern state's point of view. In all, some 200 signs are expected to be put up by September. They will lead visitors on journeys through Adams County and several nearby counties. Deputy Secretary of Tourism Mickey Rowley says the focus will be on lesser-known stories and landmarks.
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The first sign commemorates the Rupp House, a home on Baltimore Street in Gettysburg that dates back to the 1860s. Rowley says the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will supervise the sign project, which will be in conjunction with the familiar blue and yellow historical markers.
State releases video on online threats 05/12/2008
Taunya English
(Undated) -- Governor Rendell appears on a new educational video designed to teach Pennsylvania parents about the threats children can encounter online. Rendell says sexual predators no longer lurk only in malls and playgrounds, but they "roam freely in cyberspace."
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The effort was funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Lynn Cromley, who directs the Center for Safe Schools, says parents need to increase their vigilance about Internet safety. She notes the evolution of communication technologies complicates attempts to monitor children's activity.
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Six-thousand videos were distributed to schools around the state. That came within days of the announced arrests of six alleged Internet predators from across central and eastern Pennsylvania.
Funeral for slain Philadelphia police officer held today 05/09/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia) -- The Philadelphia police officer who was gunned down while responding to a reported robbery was laid to rest today. A downtown cathedral was the scene of a noon funeral mass for Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski. Meantime, the shooting is renewing calls for an assault weapons ban from Philadelphia officials and Governor Rendell. The governor says it's hypocritical that lawmakers will crowd into events that honor fallen police officers but won't pass laws to protect them.
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Rendell told leaders in Philadelphia that getting such a law passed in Harrisburg amounts to "uphill sledding."
Fuel costs create spike in asphalt prices 05/09/2008
Tim Lambert
(Gap) -- Rising fuel and liquid asphalt costs could hurt efforts in several midstate municipalities to take care of local road repairs. Townships and boroughs started to see the negative impact of high gas prices two years ago and things haven't improved since then. Les Houck is a Salisbury Township supervisor in Lancaster County and also serves on the executive board of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors. He says there's been very little or no increase in state liquid fuels allocations for municipalities for years.
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Houck says the township's main projects this year involve overlaying existing roads. Meantime, the cost of liquid asphalt has increased by more than $100 per ton since this time last year, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Asphalt Association.
House hears testimony on drug that may treat heroin addiction 05/09/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- The House Majority Policy Committee invited physicians and drug abuse treatment experts to the Capitol to hear more about buprenorphine. The drug is often sold under the brand name Suboxone. When used at higher doses, the pain reliever can help people who are addicted to opiates such as heroin. Experts say the drug is an effective alternative to methadone with few side effects. Dr. Morrie Olson is medical advisor for the drug company that sells Suboxone.
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Representative Thomas Petrone says buprenorphine should be an option for more people.
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Federal guidelines limit the number of patients an individual physician can treat with the drug, and they require doctors to complete a certification course. The one-party policy committee doesn't offer up legislation. But experts at the hearing asked the lawmakers for help with the hurdles insurance companies place on doctors who want to prescribe the drug.
York officials weigh park tobacco ban 05/09/2008
Scott Detrow
(York) -- A measure before York City Council would ban both smoking and smokeless tobacco from the city's parks. Smoking is already prohibited in city buildings, but Councilwoman Toni Smith's bill would extend that ban. The measure would carry a fine for people caught smoking in parks. York Health Bureau Director Dr. David Hawk supports the initiative. He says while he respects people's right to use tobacco, parks are public settings and it's important to make sure a good example is being set there.
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Hawk says he's happy the measure also covers smokeless tobacco, because while it doesn't carry the danger of secondhand smoke, it's still something youth should be discouraged from using. Some officials are raising the question of whether the city has the right to ban smoking in an outdoor setting. A Council committee will discuss the smoking ban on Tuesday evening.
Measure would tack fee on to child support payments 05/09/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- A bill that's been approved by the state Senate and is now under consideration in the House would require a $25 annual fee from some parents who receive child support. The fee would target moms and dads who use the Commonwealth as an intermediary to transfer money from one parent to another. Pennsylvania is facing a federal mandate that requires it to return about $2 million in child support enforcement dollars back to the U.S. government. Representative Kate Harper proposed an amendment to have the state pick up the tab. She says the $25 is money working parents need badly. But others, including Majority Whip Keith McCall, argued the urgency of the federal mandate means the bill should be sent to Governor Rendell's desk as soon as possible.
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As the bill stands now, parents who rely on public assistance would be exempt.
Wine Week events on tap across PA 05/09/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- From chardonnay to pinot noir, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is holding a series of events as part of its annual "Wine Week." This year's celebration comes as the PLCB looks to bolster its image and modernize its stores. PLCB Chairman Patrick "P.J." Stapleton says part of that effort involves seeking out those rare varieties.
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For example, Stapleton says some new wines from Chile and Argentina will soon be unveiled at Wine and Spirit Shoppes as the result of a recent trip to Latin America. The first "Wine Week" festival was held Wednesday in Hershey. Others are planned for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Pens and Flyers prepare for game one 05/09/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Pittsburgh) -- For the first time in NHL history, the Eastern Conference finals will be an all-Pennsylvania affair. The Penguins and Flyers face off at 7:30 tonight for game one in Pittsburgh. Philadelphia forward Mike Knuble says Mellon Arena will be buzzing tonight, thanks to the rivalry between the Commonwealth's two hockey teams.
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The Penguins are trying to advance to their first Stanley Cup finals since 1992, while the Flyers are hoping to play for the Cup for the first time since 1997. The last time the two teams faced each other in the playoffs was 2000, when the Flyers won in six games.
House votes to extend Keystone Opportunity Zone program 05/08/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- The state House has voted to extend the number of years businesses can collect a tax break from an economic development program that creates jobs in blighted areas across the commonwealth. The Keystone Opportunity Zone program gives tax relief to developers who build on underdeveloped sites. Local municipalities have the final say on which areas receive KOZ designations. Speaking on the House floor, midstate Representative David Argall told colleagues he was an early supporter of the KOZ program, but now -- without his reforms -- the tax break program has lost its original value.
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Argall wanted an independent audit of the program's success. And he says high-income professionals, like lawyers and accountants, should be prohibited from receiving KOZ tax benefits. The approved bill now goes to the state Senate for its consideration.
Gaming Task Force holds first meeting 05/08/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- A panel formed in the wake of perjury charges against a casino owner from northeastern Pennsylvania met for the first time this week. The bipartisan Gaming Task Force is made up of members of the House and Senate and is examining the slots casino licensing process. Member Jay Costa, an Allegheny County senator, says the committee will eventually provide the General Assembly with specific recommendations.
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In addition to lawmakers, the task force includes representatives of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the attorney general's office, and Governor Rendell's Office of General Counsel. The group was prompted after Mount Airy casino owner Louis DeNaples was accused of lying about his connections to organized crime.
Smoking ban legislation hits another snag 05/08/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- State lawmakers working to draft a compromise anti-smoking law plan to reconvene on Monday after canceling a meeting yesterday. Senator Charles McIlhinney is a member of the House and Senate Conference Committee on Pennsylvania's Smoke-Free Legislation. He says he's working on a proposal that should be agreeable to the full Legislature, but there are questions about how the smoking ban law would be enforced.
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Deborah Brown with the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania says similar clean air measures have been passed in 23 other states with few enforcement glitches.
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McIlhinney predicts that a smoking ban bill will clear the House and Senate before the Legislature begins its intense debate over the state budget next month.
Effort to build childrens hospital approaches fundraising goal 05/08/2008
Scott Detrow
(Hershey) -- Officials with Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital say they've reached a fundraising milestone as they plan for the construction of a brand new facility. Penn State Hershey Medical Center is aiming to open a free-standing Children's Hospital by 2012, and is in the midst of a $65 million fundraising campaign to go toward its construction. The hospital has raised $50 million, and is just $15 million shy of that final goal. Officials say the new facility would be state-of-the-art, and would feature more rooms to make sure patients and their families have more privacy. Dr. Craig Hillemeir, the hospital's medical director, says the Children's Hospital is continuing to expand its operations, making the need for a new center that much more urgent. Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital is the only such facility in the region.
New outpatient center planned for Lancaster County 05/08/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Willow Grove) -- The latest evidence of a medical trend toward freestanding surgical facilities is being built in Lancaster County. A group of doctors is teaming up with Ephrata Community Hospital to build the Crossroads Ambulatory Surgery Center on Route 272 near Brownstown. Plans are to shift two missions –- pain management services and some outpatient surgery -- away from the hospital. Stan Grissinger, a consultant hired to head the project, says it will provide convenience for patients and give the hospital room to expand.
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Construction is expected to last until September. The $10 million center will need various inspections and approvals before a planned October opening.
Study ranks PA high in employees of foreign-owned firms 05/08/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- A Washington-based business group ranks Pennsylvania fourth in the nation in the number of people who work for subsidiaries of foreign-owned companies doing business in the U.S. The Organization of International Investment says that comes out to some 233,000 jobs, with nearly 35 percent of them in the manufacturing sector. Steve Weitzman, a spokesman for the state Department of Community and Economic Development, says the commonwealth is attempting to work the global economy from both sides of the equation.
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Weitzman says in this day and age, companies can relocate almost anywhere in the world and the state wants to land its fair share of them. He notes the number of site visits to Pennsylvania by foreign companies more than doubled over the last year.
Parking garage lease plan gains authority approval 05/08/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- The Harrisburg Parking Authority last night approved a plan to lease the city's parking garages to a private company for 75 years. Mayor Stephen Reed is touting the $215 million proposal as a way to pay off debt, hire new employees and generate property tax rebates. The plan still faces a major hurdle in the form of opposition from at least five City Council members. They say it's too risky because it leaves Harrisburg on the hook for additional costs if the company can't negotiate a new labor contract with parking employees. City Council is expected to schedule hearings on the matter.
Survey underway on how a proposed community college could benefit the Central Susquehanna Valley 05/07/2008
fm_mcr
(Mechanicsburg) -- A man known for his leadership in the midstate's political and economic development scenes has died. Clifford Jones passed away at his home in Hampden Township, Cumberland County. He was 80. Jones served in various cabinet positions under six Pennsylvania governors. He was also involved with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. Governor Rendell has ordered all state flags in Dauphin and Cumberland counties and at the Capitol Complex to be flown at half staff on Sunday and Monday in honor of Jones. A memorial service is set for Monday evening at Messiah College in Grantham.
Study says Social Security is the only income for many older Pennsylvanians 05/07/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- A new study from a coalition of advocates for elderly Americans suggests that many Pennsylvanians do not have the income they need to live well in their retirement years. The Elder Economic Security Initiative report is a county-by-county calculator that factors in housing, food, health care and other daily-living costs. It says one in four older residents in the state relies on Social Security as their only income, but notes the average payment is below what is needed to cover basic needs. Carol Goertzel is president of PathWays PA, a service organization that advocates for low-income women and families. She says residents can soon log-onto the www.pathwayspa.org to find out how much money they’ll need to make ends meet in retirement.
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For example, last year, the average Social Security payment in Dauphin County was about $11,400, which is only 62 percent of what a senior needs to live well at home, as they age. Goertzel’s coalition wants lawmakers to use the new calculator to more realistically plan programs and benefits for the state's seniors.
More funding will go toward researching missing bees 05/07/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Gardners) -- State agriculture officials are setting aside more money to research Colony Collapse Disorder. That's the mysterious ailment that first surfaced in 2006, and is marked by adult bees abandoning their colonies for unknown reasons. Acting State Apiarist Dennis vanEngelsdorp says beekeepers have been reporting losses of between 30 percent and 90 percent of their colonies.
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The state has earmarked an additional $20,000 for research. Specifically, it will pay for a study to investigate the disorder. Wolff and vanEngelsdorp announced the funding in Gardners, York County, at an orchard that relies on honey bees to pollenate its crops.
Ceremony at the PA Capitol remembers the victims of the Holocaust 05/07/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) --Nine Holocaust survivors were on hand at the state Capitol to remember those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis more than 60 years ago. Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg spoke as the survivors lit six candles, representing those Jews who perished.
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Michael Sand, chairman of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, says the survivors remind us of some positives that came out of those dark days.
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Some 100 people attended the ceremony with each wearing tags on their lapels that read, "never forget." Governor Rendell says these celebrations need to continue "hundreds of years from now," because all generations need to learn the lessons of the Holocaust.
Call for increase in state funding for social services in PA counties 05/07/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- County commissioners from across Pennsylvania are calling attention to the proposed state budget for what they claim are essentially funding cuts for human service programs. They're asking state lawmakers for a three percent cost of living increase for initiatives such as children and youth, nursing homes, juvenille detention and mental health services. Brenda Carroll Penyak is the deputy director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. She says the current budget allocation could cut into counties’ ability to help at-risk residents.
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Last year, about three million Pennsylvanians received or benefited from county human services assistance. One commissioner says this year residents are facing increased financial stress and relying on safety net programs more than ever.
Effort to ban same-sex marriage in PA stalls in Senate 05/07/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- A bill that would create a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions has stalled in the state Senate. The measure's sponsor, Senator Michael Brubaker of Lancaster County, introduced a motion to table the legislation, and it passed. Brubaker said he was told that the chairman of the House State Government Committee would not allow the bill to come up for discussion and a vote.
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State law already defines marriage as being between a man and a woman. But backers say an amendment is needed to prevent a judge from overturning the law or allowing civil unions for gays and lesbians. Opponents say the bill would amount to writing discrimination into the constitution. They also fear it could keep unmarried couples from adopting children or sharing health benefits.
Letterkenny poised to receive large federal earmark 05/06/2008
Tim Lambert
(Chambersburg) -- Franklin County's largest employer is likely to see nearly $23 million in federal funding in the next fiscal year. The money for construction at Letterkenny Army Depot is tucked into the Defense Department budget. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey say the earmarks have been included in the spending plan by the Senate Armed Services Committee. One of the projects that will be funded is the building of a nearly $15 million Army Reserve Center at the Depot as part of a consolidation of outdated facilities in Chambersburg, Gettysburg and Greencastle. Reserve units will also be able to train on a nearby property. Another $8 million will be used to upgrade to the facility's munition igloos where tactical missiles and other munitions are stored. More than 3,000 people work at the depot, which is located in Greene and Letterkenny townships.
Prosecutors urge more money for child abuse prevention 05/06/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Several district attorneys, including some from the midstate, are calling on the Commonwealth to increase funding for a child abuse prevention program. Delaware County DA Mike Green says the Nurse-Family Partnership provides valuable services to young, at-risk parents.
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The prosecutors are touting the initiative on the heels of a new report by the group "Fight Crime: Invest in Kids." It estimates that of the more than 4,000 child abuse victims in the state last year, 160 will wind up as violent criminals. Dauphin County DA Ron Marsico notes Pennsylvania uses a restricted definition of neglect and abuse, which means those numbers likely don't reflect the true scope of the problem.
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Marsico and others are asking the state to increase funding for the "Nurse-Family" partnership by $1.5 million.
Lawmakers receive primer on constitutional conventions 05/06/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- As they weigh a bill that could set into motion a constitutional convention, members of a bipartisan state panel called upon a law expert to provide some historical context on the matter. House Democratic Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans wants to consider "modernizing" parts of the state constitution. His bill would kick off the multi-year process by creating a citizen committee to travel across the state and take testimony from citizens. John Gedid, who directs the Law and Government Institute at Widener University, told the state House Republican and Democratic policy committees that such steps have historically been used under rather extreme circumstances.
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Gedid also notes that the role of such a convention is to develop proposals and not legislate, since all changes must be approved by voters.
Reed offers plan to lease Harrisburg parking structures 05/06/2008
Scott Detrow
(Harrisburg) -- Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed wants to lease the city's parking facilities to a private company for 75 years. Reed says the $215 million price tag would allow the city to pay off its debts, as well as free up funds for proposals like major property tax rebates.
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Reed says the deal would let the city hire 15 new police officers and several other city workers. But, Councilman Dan Miller is skeptical of the plan and says it should be studied for an extended period of time, before the city decides whether to close the deal.
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A newly-created company called Harrisburg Private Parking would operate the city's structures. The proposal needs approval from both the Harrisburg Parking Authority and City Council.
Raw milk advocates say the state is taking a heavy-handed enforcement approach 05/06/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Carlisle) -- Some $4,000 in fines imposed on a Cumberland County dairy farmer have reignited a public debate over the regulation of raw milk sales. Mark Nolt of West Pennsboro Township has refused to obtain a permit to sell raw milk products since his last permit expired in August 2006. As a result, state officials carried out raids at his West Pennsboro Township farm and filed charges against him. As the Mennonite man appeared before a judge yesterday for a summary trial, dozens of people rallied outside the courtroom. They included Kimberly Hartke, who says Nolt is standing up on behalf of raw milk farmers across the Commonwealth.
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Hartke and other supporters say state agriculture officials are creating "a real distrust" by cracking down so harshly on raw milk producers. Meantime, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff says raw milk, which has not been pasteurized or homogenized, must be regulated due to the health risks associated with such products.
PA Senate panel passes plan to ban same-sex marriages 05/06/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment that would outlaw civil unions and gay marriage in Pennsylvania are speaking out against the measure. The state Senate Appropriations Committee passed the plan -- an action that angered many at a rally held following the vote at the Capitol. Alanna Berger with the Value All Families Coalition says the proposed ban threatens all families, not just gays and lesbians.
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The full state Senate could vote on the measure as soon as today. A constitutional amendment proposal is a multi-year process, but some Capitol observers say the plan could have a tough time clearing the Democratic-controlled House.
CV teachers and school board end contract dispute 05/06/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Carlisle) -- A labor dispute that dragged on for a year and a-half in the Cumberland Valley School District is over. Board members ratified a four-year contract for teachers last night. Teachers approved it last week. The final sticking point had centered on pay -- specifically, the distribution of raises. Some terms of the deal are retroactive to July, when the old contract expired.
York fire departments merge 05/05/2008
Tim Lambert
(York) -- The merger between two York County fire departments is now official. Firefighters in Springettsbury and Spring Garden townships are now wearing the brand new uniforms of York Area United Fire and Rescue. The four station houses now bear a common station number of 89. Fire Chief Bob McCoy says today's ribbon-cutting marks the start of a new era.
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This is thought to be the first-ever union of two paid fire departments in the Commonwealth and McCoy says some of the work hasn't been easy.
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McCoy says there are still plenty of issues that need to be addressed, including certain personnel benefits like health care and pension plans. The organization's charter allows for additional municipalities to sign on in the future.
State remembers police officers killed in line of duty 05/05/2008
Taunya English and Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- A ceremony today at the state Capitol served as a chance to reflect on the lives of four fallen police officers -- and for Governor Rendell to renew his calls for tougher gun laws. Among the honorees were three officers who died as a result of injuries they sustained while on duty and a fourth, Trooper Scott Ball of the Carlisle Barracks, who died in Afghanistan while serving with the Pennsylvania National Guard. This marked the 15th annual version of the ceremony, which Governor Rendell cited as proof that tougher anti-crime measures are needed.
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The event was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police. It came two days after Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski, a Philadelphia police officer, was fatally shot while responding to a reported bank robbery. Of him and the others, Rendell said, "Too often, we fail to realize the depth of their courage until the unthinkable happens."
State environmental group wants more funding for renewable energy 05/05/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Undated) -- An environmental group has launched a campaign in Pennsylvania and across the country to urge federal lawmakers to reduce the tax subsidies that go to the big oil companies. The Sierra Club is calling for some of those subsidies to go toward renewable energy industries, since the oil industry continues to see record windfall profits. Spokeswoman Stephanie Odell says such a move could help create jobs.
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Odell says Pennsylvania lead the nation in developing clean, renewable energy and notes the state is just now starting to see economic growth and the creation of jobs as a result.
Network of security cameras in one midstate city could be helping to reduce crime 05/05/2008
Scott Detrow
(Lancaster) -- The Lancaster Community Safety Coalition says its network of security cameras is making an impact. Aided by several Millersville University students, the group is using geographic information systems to analyze how effective its 60 cameras are. Executive Director Dale Witmer says the research shows that by capturing evidence on film, the cameras are helping the city's police work to solve cases more in a more efficient manner.
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Witmer says the cameras also deter crime, as potential criminals are more likely to avoid areas of the city that are known to be monitored. The researchers are overlaying crime data with maps to analyze the camera's effectiveness. Witmer says the organization is also conducting interviews with city residents to gauge the system's impact.
Study shows thousands of miles of PA streams and rivers are being hurt by pollution 05/05/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- A new report shows nearly 16,000 miles of Pennsylvania streams and rivers are not meeting the state's water quality standards. The study by the Department of Environmental Protection reveals those waterways are being impacted by pollution, such as excessive phosphorous and nitrogen, high acidity levels and toxic metals. More than 38-thousand-300 acres of lakes and ponds are also not meeting the standards. Harry Campbell is the Pennsylvania Staff Scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He says these results are a concern, since nearly half of the Commonwealth's streams drain to the Chesapeake.
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But, Campbell notes this problem extends beyond the impact on the Chesapeake because about 80 percent of Pennsylvania get their drinking water from lakes, rivers and streams. So, he says, it's costly for treatment systems to clean that water to the point where it's actually drinkable. Since 1998, the DEP has released such a report every two years as part of an ongoing assessment of the state's waterways.
Effort underway to help Northumberland County vets travel to Lebanon VA 05/05/2008
Tim Lambert
(Lebanon) -- A program that provides veterans with transportation to the Lebanon VA Hospital is working to handle a growing need for its services in one midstate county. The volunteer driver program through the Disabled American Veterans organization operates 10 vans out of the VA facility. But with more and more vets in Northumberland County requesting assistance, one of the vehicles was shifted away from where it wasn't being used as much in order to fill the demand in the Shamokin area. Paul Cress is a volunteer who coordinates rides at the hospital's transportation center. He says 60 drivers across the region are available to assist veterans in need.
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The service is free, but Cress says vets must have a scheduled appointment at the Lebanon VA and must be able to get in and out of the vehicle on their own in order to request a ride. Each month, some 600 veterans across the midstate utilize the service.
Call to cover treatments known as telehealth 05/05/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Health insurers in Pennsylvania could soon be required to cover a number of state-of-the-art patient treatments known as telehealth. They involve the remote interaction of a doctor and patient through means such as a computer video transmission or a monitoring device that transmits information about an individual's condition. Dr. Andrew Watson of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was among those who spoke out in favor of such techniques at a state House Insurance Committee hearing.
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The Pennsylvania Medical Society says telehealth could revolutionize how doctors manage chronic disease.
Move to prevent PA Treasurer from making risky investments 05/05/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- A bill awaiting action in the state Senate Appropriations Committee would re-authorize Pennsylvania's so-called "prudent person" rule. The measure prohibits the treasurer's office from making risky investments with pension funds or tax dollars. Democratic Senator Jim Ferlo supports the bill, which would extend the rule for another two years.
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Pennsylvania's "prudent person" rule first went into effect in 1988.
Companies step in to help ponzi scheme victims 05/02/2008
Tim Lambert
(Lancaster) -- Two companies are offering special rates to the victims of a bankrupt Berks County mortgage broker's elaborate ponzi scheme who are interested in refinancing their homes. Fulton Bank and Priority Mortgage Group plan to work with the 811 families who are scattered throughout a dozen counties by waiving closing costs of up to $2,500 and offering competitive rates. Michelle Weaver of Manheim Township, Lancaster County, says she owes $78,000 as a result of how Wesley Snyder's company OPFM and its subsidiaries fraudulently sold "wraparound" mortgages to customers. She's been working with the two companies and says she feels this is the best option for those who want to refinance.
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Weaver says representatives from Fulton and Priority Mortgage will be on hand at next week's informational meeting for the victims. It's slated to be held at the Worship Center on the New Holland Pike in Lancaster on May 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Millersville economist says gas tax holiday is a bad idea 05/02/2008
Scott Detrow
(Millersville) -- Appearing in Allentown earlier this week, presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain defended his proposal to eliminate the federal gas tax this summer. But one Midstate economist is joining with those who are saying it's a poor idea. Michael Gumpper is an economics professor at Millersville University. He says the idea has too much of a cost for too small of a benefit.
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Hillary Clinton supports the plan, but Barack Obama opposes it. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, McCain said the federal government wouldn't be hurt by the tax holiday if it eliminated the "pork barrel spending" he says is funded by the gas tax.
Estimates out on which homeowners will see the most property tax relief due to slots revenue 05/02/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- Homeowners in the Eastern Lancaster County School District will receive an average of $66 dollars in property tax relief due to slot machine revenue. The average homeowner in the city of Lancaster will save $458, while that figure in Harrisburg stands at $475. But homeowners in the Susquehanna Township School District, which borders Harrisburg, will get just $75 apiece. The state Department of Education has released a list of the tax relief amounts that will apply to individuals in most Pennsylvania school districts this coming fiscal year. Spokesman Mike Race says the numbers are determined based on a formula that favors certain areas.
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Statewide, the estimated amounts of relief per homeowner range from $54 to $623. State officials said last month that $612 million is available for tax cuts. They say that’s enough to reduce school property taxes by an average of 10 percent. A district-by-district list can be found at www.pde.state.pa.us.
Hanover Chili Cookoff organizer says event will go on this year 05/02/2008
Scott Detrow
(Undated) -- The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement has fined KClinger's Tavern in Hanover, York County, for two violations stemming from last year's Hanover Chili Cookoff. But, bar owner Bill Klinger says there's no question he'll hold the annual charity event again this year. He says he doesn't understand why the LCE would crack down on an event that raises money for the Hanover Library and other local charities.
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LCE spokesman John Mathias says KClinger's management broke the law by having the Clearview Fire Company obtain the required special occasion permit for them.
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KClinger's was fined for selling alcoholic beverages offsite, as well as profiting off an event that was held in another organization's name. Both violations carry fines that can range from $50 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
Group offers more than four dozen suggestions to help Latino community in one midstate county 05/02/2008
Scott Detrow
(Undated) -- A community organization in Lancaster is putting forward 50 suggestions for improving the county's Latino community. The suggestions follow a December study that identified five challenges for the Latino community, including high dropout rates, low home ownership and underemployment. Among the suggestions are increased cultural awareness training for teachers in the School District of Lancaster, the creation of a bilingual job resource guide for Latinos and increased networking between Latinos and the Lancaster business community. Scott Sheely, the executive director of the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board, says the suggestions can make a difference.
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Sheely says the group is hoping at least 75 percent of its suggestions can start being enacted within the next six months. But, he says that depends on the resources the community is willing to commit to the challenge.
Call to cut back on number of local tax collectors in PA 05/02/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- The state Senate has passed a measure that would scale back the number of local tax collectors across the state. Cambria County Democratic Senator John Wozniak says it's a much-needed update to Pennsylvania's present collection system.
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Though the measure passed by a wide margin, Bucks County Republican Senator Charles McIlhinney said it was a case of the state government getting too involved in municipal affairs.
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The bill would create county-based tax collection systems, with exceptions for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It now heads to the House.
Lebanon Tax Bureau working to rehabilitate its image 05/01/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Lebanon) -- The Lebanon County Earned Income Tax Bureau is looking to build relationships with other entities, both public and private. Interim Executive Director Nancy Moran says the bureau's executive committee will meet next Wednesday with representatives of Lancaster County's EIT bureau and at least one private firm. She says the bureau will, at the very least, emerge with some new best practices. At most, a partnership or sharing arrangement could result.
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Lebanon County's bureau is still working to gain back the trust of residents and public officials after its former director allegedly stole more than $800,000 in taxpayer funds. At least one municipality has considered pulling out of the bureau and hiring a private firm to collect its taxes.
PA launches effort to better document African American history 05/01/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- The state is embarking on a two-year effort to more thoroughly document Pennsylvania's African American history. The state Historical and Museum Commission plans to spend $285,000 on the initiative, which will be partially funded by a grant from the group Preserve America. PHMC spokesman Kirk Wilson says the agency, in partnership with the African American Museum of Philadelphia, will take stock of various historical and cultural resources across the Commonwealth. He notes the project leads up to an important year for the commission.
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The PHMC also plans to start up a website and conduct public educational programs around the black history theme. Commission Executive Director Barbara Franco says the goal is to "tell a richer and more accurate story" about the African American experience in Pennsylvania.
McCain stumps in Allentown 05/01/2008
Tim Lambert
(Allentown) -- Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain is touting his proposal for a "gas tax holiday." In Allentown, McCain criticized Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama for opposing the plan, which would go into effect between Memorial and Labor Days.
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Obama has said a "gas tax holiday" would only save consumers about
$30 over the course of three months. During his campaign stop in the Lehigh Valley, McCain also criticized so-called earmarks -- which are pet projects that lawmakers regularly put into spending bills. The Arizona senator says Congress wastes too much money on unnecessary projects and doesn't leave enought funding for things that are needed.
One central PA community could change its work week to save on fuel costs 05/01/2008
Scott Detrow
(College Township) -- Rising gas prices are forcing one Centre County community to consider restructuring its work week in order to help its employees save on fuel costs. College Township manager Adam Brumbaugh says he's had the idea of shifting municipal employees' work week from 5 8-hour days to 4 10-hour days for a while, but figured he'd only introduce the plan if gas hit four dollars a gallon. But when gas prices rose twice in one day last week, he decided to put forward his proposal to cut back on one commuting day.
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Brumbaugh says gas is about $3.65 a gallon in the area now. The township council will address the plan tonight. Brumbaugh says most of his employees have mixed feelings on the matter, but he says it's important to take a proactive approach to cutting back on energy use.
Another guard found inattentive at TMI 05/01/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Middletown) -- Just ahead of two meetings to discuss the proposed license renewal for Three Mile Island comes word of an inattentive guard at the nuclear plant. A spokesman for Exelon Nuclear, TMI's owner, says a security supervisor was doing a walk-through on Monday afternoon when he found an officer who was "inattentive to duty." That's a term commonly used in the industry to describe guards who are found sleeping. The spokesman says the guard has been suspended pending further investigation. The incident will surely be a topic of discussion at two public meetings set for today near the plant. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission scheduled the sessions to hear testimony regarding Exelon's request to extend TMI's operating license by 20 years. It's currently set to expire in 2014. The first session will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Elks Theatre on Emaus Street in Middletown, while the second is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Londonderry Elementary School. NRC staff members plan to host informal discussions for one hour prior to each meeting.
PA Senate approves measure to restrict automated political phone calls 05/01/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Many Pennsylvania voters were peppered with automated phone calls from political campaigns in the weeks leading up to the April 22nd primary. Now, the state Senate has passed a bill that would let residents sign up for a "Do Not Call" list that would restrict robo-calls. Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi sponsored the measure and says it would operate like the one that bans telemarketers.
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The measure passed by a 48-1 margin. It would go into effect on October 15th of this year -- about a month before Election Day.
TMI security guard suspended 04/30/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Middletown) -- A security officer at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant has been suspended after he was found to be "inattentive to duty." That's language used in the industry that often refers to individuals who are found sleeping on the job. A plant spokesman says the guard was discovered by a supervisor around 3:00 p.m. yesterday, at which time he was immediately sent home. The officer was located in a rooftop position at the plant. This marks the first such incident at TMI in two years -- and since March, when Exelon ended its contract with Wackenhut after similar incidents surfaced with that firm's employees.
Lawmakers try to push Gaming Control Board reforms forward 04/30/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Efforts to remove some of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's investigative authority are under discussion at the Capitol. A state House committee is examining several reform proposals. Democratic Representative Harold James, who chairs the Gaming Oversight panel, says it's time to correct any flaws in the gambling statute.
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Republican Representative Mike Vereb says the gaming board's enforcement and background investigative powers should be taken away.
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Vereb is co-sponsoring of a pair of measures that would put the background check and investigative authority under the purview of either the state police or the Attorney General's office. Meantime, a third bill would tighten up the statute of limitations that applies to gaming applicants.
LIHEAP grant applications soared last year 04/30/2008
Tim Lambert
(Harrisburg) -- Applications for "crisis" grants through the state's home heating assistance program jumped by 33-thousand this past year. As the Department of Public Welfare begins to plan for next year's LIHEAP effort, it's bracing for the possibility that even more people will need assistance. Thousands of Pennsylvanians struggled to pay their utility bills or fill their oil tanks due to the high cost of heating fuel this past winter. Linda Blanchette, DPW's deputy secretary of income maintenance, says it doesn't appear conditions will improve when the next round of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program applications are due.
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Blanchette says as it stands, the state would receive about $20 million less for LIHEAP under the current federal budget. She adds while the agency is still processing the number of potential utility shut-offs from the winter, there appears to be a slight increase over last year. The DPW is preparing to offer the fiscal year 2009 LIHEAP state plan for public comment next month.
Harrisburg JCC closed due to chemical problem 04/30/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- The Jewish Community Center was shut down this morning after a toxic mix of pool chemicals created a vapor cloud and created a strong odor in the building. Jay Steinberg, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, says 150 people were evacuated around 8:15 a.m. One center employee was taken to the hospital and at last check was under observation. He is expected to recover. Steinberg says the center will reopen tomorrow, though the pool will remain closed at least until this weekend.
Lawmakers work to fix glitch in law to benefit veterans 04/30/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Lawmakers are moving to correct a loophole in legislation meant to give a break to Pennsylvania's military veterans. Vets are supposed to be able to buy hunting and fishing licenses for just one dollar, but lawmakers recently found out that discount is only given when the license is purchased at a county treasurer's office. State Senator Bob Robbins, a Mercer County Republican, has introduced a bill that would make sure the reduced cost is implemented everywhere.
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Robbins says the Fish and Game Commissions is working to provide refunds to veterans who paid full price for licenses. He says officials at the commissions have been fully cooperative in working to fix the loophole.
Convention on treating PTSD will be held in Montour County in May 04/30/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Danville) -- Rural doctors from across the country will converge on the midstate for a conference on treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder next month. The meeting will take place at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Montour County. Dr. Joseph Boscarino is one of the conference's coordinators. He says it's important to teach doctors how to identify PTSD because it needs to be to diagnosed as soon as possible.
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Boscarino says returning vets often don't recognize PTSD themselves, and therefore don't seek treatment. He says that underscores why doctors need to be on the lookout for warning signs when they're treating soldiers.
Debate over defining marriage in PA 04/30/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- The state Senate Appropriations Committee could vote as early as today on a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The third -- and final -- committee hearing was held on the proposal yesterday. James Horn, a minister from Philadelphia, is among those who say the institution of marriage needs to be defended.
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He and other backers of the Marriage Protection Act say action is needed now so that the issue can be settled by voter referendum. But opponents say the measure would amount to writing discrimination into the Constitution. Max Phillips of Lancaster, who serves as co-director of the Rainbow Rose Community, says he's not afforded the same rights as heterosexuals.
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Any constitutional amendment must be passed by lawmakers in two consecutive sessions, then approved in a referendum.
DPW secretary says her department should take control of prescription drug benefits for Medicaid recipients 04/30/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Harrisburg) -- Pennsylvania's public welfare chief is asking lawmakers to allow her department to oversee prescription drug benefits for Medicaid recipients enrolled in managed-care plans. Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman says when the state purchases pharmaceuticals, it realizes savings that are not available to managed-care organizations.
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She says that would result in up to $95 million a year in savings. Richman adds those refunds would also make it easier for the state to afford prescription medicines on the occasions when a generic is either not available or deemed unsuitable. But Michael Rosenstein, a lobbyist for the managed care industry, says the switch would result in a more limited list of medicines, thus harming patients and erasing any cost savings.
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Medical assistance patients who would be affected by the change are mostly located in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas. The DPW plan was the subject of a Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee hearing.
Searching for ways to address water infrastructure needs in PA 04/30/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- A recently formed task force will spend the next few months addressing the state's aging water infrastructure. The 30-person panel will hold several public meetings as it examines infrastructure needs and ways to fund them. State Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman Susan Rickens says. they'll be addressing a tough issue.
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Rickens says the task force will analyze infrastructure-related issues and try to figure out creative ways to provide the financial assistance needed to address the state's water needs. The panel is planning on presenting its findings to Governor Rendell by October.
Report says TMI saves state money 04/29/2008
Scott Detrow
(Undated) -- Pennsylvania's Consumer Advocate says he agrees with a new report that suggests Three Mile Island saves the state's energy consumers more than $288 million a year. But Sonny Popowsky argues TMI's owner, Exelon Nuclear, is making enormous profits due to the relatively low cost of operating a nuclear power plant.
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Popowsky says those profits will grow even higher once the state's rate caps, which regulate energy cost, start to expire in 2010. The report was commissioned by Exelon, and put together by economics consulting firm Bates White. Eric Epstein of Three Mile Island Alert is taking issue with the findings, saying the report only looked at selective facts. Epstein says the plant has had a negative effect on the midstate economy by cutting jobs and refusing to pay its fair share in taxes.
Gulf War bonuses are being handed out 04/29/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Pennsylvania's Gulf War veterans are starting to receive bonuses from the state. The payouts were approved by a 2006 voter referendum. State Rep. Jerry Nailor was a sponsor of the legislation that created the bonuses. The Cumberland County Republican says they serve a symbolic purpose, and follow Pennsylvania tradition.
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The first three checks were presented last week in a ceremony at Soldiers Grove near the state Capitol. The bonuses top out at $525. For information on how to apply for the bonuses, visit the state Department of Military and Veteran Affairs website at http://www.milvet.state.pa.us/DMVA/2564.htm.
State doles out funding to several midstate projects 04/29/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- More than a dozen agriculture and tourism projects in central PA are slated to receive some assistance from the state. Small businesses in ten midstate counties have been awarded loans or loan guarantees through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. DCED spokesman Luke Webber says it's important for the Commonwealth to support its two largest industries.
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Among the initiatives that will benefit are efforts to buy farmland in Adams, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster and Northumberland counties as well as farm equipment for operations in three other midstate counties. The biggest loan was for $415,000, which was awarded to Brubaker Farms in Mount Joy, Lancaster County. Overall, $9.5 million dollars in state money will go to projects in 24 counties.
Project aims to clean up the Buffalo Creek Watershed 04/29/2008
Scott Detrow
(Lewisburg) -- A long-term effort is underway to clean up a Union County watershed that flows into the western branch of the Susquehanna River. The Buffalo Creek feeds into the Susquehanna, which in turn, flows into the Chesapeake Bay. So, environmental agriculture specialist Dan Wagner of the Union County Conservation District says it's important to make sure the watershed stays clean. He's helping lead an effort to work with farmers who own land along the creek to identify and implement ways to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients that make their way into the water.
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The Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance and the Union County Conversation District began the program, which is funded through 2011 by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Wagner says the project is in a planning and information-gathering stage. He says workers are hoping to figure out a plan to maximize cleanup efforts based on the data that's currently being collected.
Unemployment drops in most areas of central PA 04/29/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Undated) -- Most midstate communities saw a drop in unemployment last month as compared to February, although joblessness is notably higher than the same period a year earlier. According to numbers released this morning by state labor officials, the honors for the lowest rates among Pennsylvania's 14 metropolitan areas again went to Lebanon, where unemployment fell two tenths of a percent to 3.6 percent. Second lowest was the Lancaster region, which held steady at 3.8 percent. Elsewhere, the Harrisburg-Carlisle market dipped slightly to 4.1 percent while York-Hanover fell to 4.2 percent. However, jobless rates in all of the above communities remained about a half-point higher than March of last year. Reading edged down to 4.8 percent, which was eight-tenths of a percent higher than a year ago. Both Chambersburg and Gettysburg enjoyed rates at or slightly below the 4 percent mark, but both were still up at least a half a percent from the previous year. Unemployment was up by a full percentage point or more from 2007 in Lewistown, Pottsville and Selinsgrove.
Grants will offset arts-related cuts in Lancaster County schools 04/29/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Lancaster) -- A Lancaster-based non-profit is giving out $20,000 in grants to bolster music education efforts at schools throughout the county. Music For Everyone was founded in late 2005 in an effort to counteract cuts to school-based arts programs. Its third round of grants will pay for a range of items, from maracas to music books, at 13 schools. Founder and President Richard Gerdy says providing children with the opportunity to make music is becoming more important as the issues facing the world become more complex.
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Music For Everyone will officially present its latest grants later this week at the "First Friday" event in downtown Lancaster. Among the recipients is Michele Conrad, a music teacher at John Beck Elementary School, who says the program will enable her to buy instruments that will benefit some 600 students. Gerdy notes his organization received more than $85,000 worth of requests. That's more than four times the amount it was able to give out in grants.
Evans wants the PA Constitution updated 04/29/2008
Jen Rehill
(Harrisburg) -- One state lawmaker is calling for the Commonwealth to update its constitution. House Democratic Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans says it’s time to consider modernizing portions of the document.
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Evans says issues like funding road repairs and mass transit or whether the state should continue electing appellate judges are just two areas his panel might explore. Actually changing the state constitution is a multi-year process. A bill to amend the document must be passed by the full General Assembly and signed by the governor in two consecutive legislative sessions. Then, it must go before citizens for a vote in a regular election in the form of a yes-or-no ballot question.
Dauphin and Lancaster get millions in state grants 04/28/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Nearly $6 million in state funding is expected to provide a boost to projects in two midstate counties. The money comes from the Building PA program, which provides matching-loans to develop new businesses, create jobs and build homes. Some $1.75 million dollars will go to Dauphin County Powers and Associates for the construction of the Campus Square Building in Harrisburg. Luke Webber, who's with the state Department of Community and Economic Development, says it will be located at Third and Reilly streets.
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Another $4 million will go to the Economic Development Corporation of Lancaster County, in order to provide gap financing for several initiatives. They include projects within the city of Lancaster and in six communities with a Main Street program or a Keystone Opportunity Zone -- Ephrata, Elizabethtown, Lititz, Columbia, Mount Joy, and Manheim.
Day remembers workers killed on the job 04/28/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Labor leaders across the state are marking the 20-th annual observance of Workers' Memorial Day with a call for improved safety in the workplace. Bill George, president of the Pennsylvania AFL CIO, says today is a day to remember those who have lost their lives on the job. He says it's also important to raise awareness about the issue of unsafe work conditions.
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Nationally, more than 5,700 workers were killed on the job in 2006. George claims the Bush Administration has rolled back regulations, weakened protections for workers and cut funding for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He notes the agency only has 60 inspectors in Pennsylvania, who are responsible for 332,000 establishments.
2008 Susquehanna plan complete 04/28/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- This year's Water Resources Program for the Susquehanna River basin has been completed. A lot of collaboration went into the project--11 federal agencies and 10 state agencies from New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland worked with private groups to put together the report. Susan Obleski of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission says the program identifies the initiatives those groups will all be working on this year.
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Obleski also points out that several recreational initiatives are included in the plan. She says it's important to promote the river as a source of enjoyment and relaxation for people who live along the Susquehanna's 444-mile span.
PA truckers take their protests over high diesel fuel costs to Washington 04/28/2008
Scott Detrow and Radio Pennsylvania
(Undated) -- Pennsylvania truck drivers will join truckers from 26 other states today in a protest against high fuel prices in Washington, D.C. The protest comes less than a month after a similar rally at the state Capitol. Between 400 and 500 truckers from the Commonwealth are expected to take part, says organizer and truck driver Mark Kirsch of Lebanon County. Kirsch says the federal government needs to step in and deal with rising fuel costs, because they impact everyone.
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Kirsch says breaks in gasoline taxes and releasing oil from the strategic petroleum reserve are two ways the federal government can help. Another rally is planned for early May in New York City and Kirsch says truckers across the country will all take the day off of work on May 5th as a sign of protest.
Republican leaders aim to regain control of the PA House 04/28/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- More than two dozen seats in the state Legislature are up for grabs in November and Republican leaders say they plan to work hard to regain control of House. But, Franklin and Marshall College political scientist Terry Madonna says Democrats are riding a wave of enthusiasm following the presidential primary. He says that momentum should allow the party to hold on to their slim majority in the chamber.
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Madonna says many of the open slots are vacant because of retirements, not defeats at the polls or widespread voter dissatisfaction. The Democratic Party gained more than 300,000 new registrants for the April primary. Many were former Republicans or Independents, who crossed party lines to participate in the presidential contest.
Residents in one midstate community can now keep political signs up all year long 04/28/2008
Scott Detrow
(Undated) -- The ACLU of Pennsylvania has reached a settlement with an Adams County borough that will allow residents to display political signs on their lawn year-round. Littlestown had limited the display of political signs to a 30 day window surrounding elections, but the ACLU sued in March, arguing the ordinance violated residents' right to free speech. ACLU staff attorney Valerie Burch says the municipality has now agreed to re-write its law.
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Burch says Littlestown will allow political signs year-round, as well as eliminate wording that favored developer signs over political signs, when it came to the allowable size.
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Burch says once the ACLU filed suit, Littlestown officials were happy to work with them to make the ordinance Constitutional. The civil liberties group has successfully filed several similar cases over the past decade.
Crime victims advocates in PA are concerned about caps on federal funding 04/28/2008
Jen Rehill
(Harrisburg) -- A new cap on federal funding for crime victims’ assistance programs has service providers in Pennsylvania worried. The Victims of Crime Act was enacted in 1984 and allocates profits from criminal fines, forfeitures and penalties directly to victims to compensate their losses as well as to some groups. Mary Walsh, the Coalition of Pennsylvania Crime Victim Organizations, says Congress has proposed a cap this year to cut funding to state groups by more than $3 million.
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Walsh says unless the cap is raised, the impact of the cuts will be devastating to Pennsylvania crime victims. Organizations that receive federal grant dollars through the Victims of Crime Act include those that help rape victims, the families of murdered children and victims of drunk drivers.
Penn State students charged for anti-sweatshop protest 04/25/2008
Jason Cowdell
(State College) -- More than 30 Penn State University students have been charged with criminal trespassing after a protest near the university president's office. The students were arrested 10 days ago during a sit-in designed to pressure the school into adopting the "Designated Supplier Program." The agreement ensures affliated colleges' merchandise will not be made in sweatshops. Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon says he understands the need for this program, because a lot of merchandise is made outside the U.S.
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Mahon says some legal advisors worry the program violates federal anti-trust laws, and that Penn State will sign-on once the structure for this program is finalized. Senior Doug Baldwin, an Environmental Resource Management major and one of the arrested students, doubts the school's commitment to the issue.
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Philadelphia-area Ursinus College is the only college in Pennsylvania that has joined with about 40 other institutions in supporting the "Designated Supplier Program."
Revolution and Barnstormers open season tonight 04/25/2008
Scott Detrow
(York) -- The Lancaster Barnstormers and York Revolution both begin their seasons tonight. The teams play in the Atlantic League, where the teams aren't affiliated with Major League clubs' farm system. Revolution spokesman Paul Braverman says the teams offer quality baseball, pointing out six members of York's pitching staff have Major League experience.
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The Revolution begin the season on the road, and play their first home game on Tuesday against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The Barnstormers get underway at home tonight against the Bridgeport Bluefish. First pitch is at 7:05.
Penn National hopes to add more gaming machines in Dauphin County 04/25/2008
Scott Gilbert
(Grantville) -- If Penn National Gaming gets its way, the company's Hollywood Casino in Dauphin County could soon add nearly 300 gambling machines. The company is asking the state Gaming Control Board for permission to add 250 slot machines and 45 electronic table gambling units, such as video blackjack or video poker. The casino currently has 2,020 slots, but the space to accommodate as many as 3,000. Its license allows for as many as 5,000 machines. A Penn National spokesman says the casino has been making an average of $262 in revenue per machine per day, totaling just over $500,000. Meantime, the spokesman says plans for Hollywood Casino for the coming months also include a new specialty restaurant, though he says the specific type of eatery has yet to be determined.
PA GOP hopes to bring former party members back into the fold 04/25/2008
Scott Detrow
(Lancaster) -- The Republican party has launched an effort to re-register the thousands of voters who switched their affiliation to Democrat to take part in this week's presidential primary. Officials say they'll contact every single voter who switched his or her party over the coming months. The effort will include phone calls, mail drops and door-to-door canvassing. Andrew Heath is the Executive Director of the Lancaster County Republican Committee. He says the party is confident the continuing strife surrounding the Democratic contest will bring voters back to the GOP.
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Health says the surge in Democratic registration had more to do with the excitement of the primary than a dissatisfaction with John McCain and other Republican candidates. He's predicting a Republican win in Pennsylvania this fall.
Effort in one midstate county aims to help ex-offenders find jobs 04/25/2008
Scott Gilbert
(York) -- A program being launched in York County is designed to help ex-felons find new directions in life by helping them find jobs. The ability of an offender to secure employment is widely regarded as a factor that reduces the likelihood of a repeat offense. With that in mind, three organizations have joined together to form Rebound Ministries. Coordinator Brandi Alloway, with the York County Council of Churches, says the program arms individuals with resume tips and interview skills.
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Alloway says Rebound Ministries is looking for enrollees -- namely individuals who have been imprisoned because of felonies, but who are now looking for gainful employment. An informational meeting is set for Friday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Abundant Life Ministries in York.
Green Party selecting candidates 04/24/2008
Jason Cowdell
(Shippensburg) -- Republicans and Democrats aren't the only ones choosing their parties' nominees for president. Pennsylvania's Green Party is holding caucuses from now until May 10. The party's registered voters will meet to discuss their preferences among five candidates for president. Party Secretary Blyden Potts says members break into groups according to the candidate they prefer, hold brief discussions, then vote.
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The Green Party's national convention will be held in July in Chicago. Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry county Green Party voters will have their chance to caucus together in Camp Hill on May 1. Lancaster County will have two caucuses on that day -- one in Lancaster and another in Elizabethtown.
Burn bans put into place 04/24/2008
Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- Hot, windy and dry conditions have led three midstate counties to enact outdoor burn bans. Schuylkill County is the latest to take action -- after more than 100 forest fires were reported in the first four months of the year. In the last week, Dauphin and Northumberland counties also enacted temporary bans. Christine Novak, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, says this is the time of year when the threat of wildfires increases.
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Novak says nearly 85 percent of wildfires in the Commonwealth occur during the months of March, April and May. She adds the majority of the blazes are sparked by people. Dauphin County's ban will be in effect until further notice, while Northumberland County's will last for 30 days -- until the middle of May.
Tax breaks for emergency responders pass committee 04/24/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- A state Senate committee has passed some bills designed to provide tax relief to volunteer first responders. The measures await action in the full chamber. Among their backers is Lehigh Valley Senator Pat Browne, who notes volunteer fire companies are having trouble recruiting and keeping members.
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One bill would provide a $500 tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and medics. Another would provide a $1,000 employer tax credit for any volunteer | |
