The Soap Box: April 2009 - The Tri-County Record

Monday, April 13, 2009

Santarsiero to host free Green Energy Workshop Saturday

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero (D-Bucks) is inviting area residents to attend a free Green Energy Workshop he is hosting with U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Murphy from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Lower Makefield Township Building, 1100 Edgewood Rd., Yardley.

The workshop will include information on:

- Saving money on energy in the home or business
- State and federal incentives
- Programs and services to cut energy use
- Reducing pollution and creating jobs

Labels: Lower Makefield, Patrick Murphy, Steve Santarsiero, Yardley

Rep. Petri plans town hall meetings

HARRISBURG - Rep. Scott Petri (R-178) is planning a series of town hall meetings over the next few weeks to update citizens on the status of the state budget negotiations and to hear what is on the minds of the people in the 178th district.

Petri, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is actively involved in discussions over the state budget and is seeking to ensure that federal stimulus funding is going where it is needed most.

"I welcome the opportunity to speak with residents of the 178 th legislative district and provide them with up-to-date information about key legislation and budget issues," said Petri. "The current state of the economy has people worried; I want to hear about these concerns and explain what I am doing to help address them."

Petri's Town Hall meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursdays on the following dates:

- April 16 at Southampton Free Library, 947 Street Rd., Southampton.

- April 23 at Northampton Free Library, 25 Upper Holland Rd., Richboro.

- May 7 at Village Library of Wrightstown, 727 Penns Park Rd., Wrightstown.

Labels: 178th District, Scott Petri

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Biden announces $68M in Pa. funding for health and human services programs

Vice President Joe Biden announced today that the Obama Administration will make $68,305,855 available to Pennsylvania for crucial health and human services programs that help provide care for children and prevent disease. Pennsylvania will receive $60,416,767 in Recovery Act funding to support child care for working families. The Obama Administration also plans to make $7,192,425 in vaccines and grants available to Pennsylvania to ensure more underserved Americans receive the vaccines they need. A separate vaccine program supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Philadelphia will also receive an additional $966,663.

Nationwide, $2 billion in Recovery Act funds for the Child Care and Development Fund will allow states across the country to support child care services for more families whose children require care while they are working, seeking employment or receiving job training or education. The funds will be used by states to provide vouchers to families for child care or to provide access to care through contracts with child care centers or invest in quality improvements. Recovery Act dollars will support a wide range of child care providers, including child care centers and home-based programs.

“Parents are worried about finding a job or keeping the job they have and they shouldn’t have to worry about affording quality child care,” said Vice President Biden. “Safe, affordable, high-quality child care gives working parents the peace of mind they need to be stable, dependable employees.”

In addition to funding for child care programs, an additional $300 million in Recovery Act funding and grants will help ensure more underserved Americans receive the vaccines they need. The Vice President’s announcement came as Americans mark National Public Health Week.

Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the majority of these new resources will be used to purchase vaccines, which will be distributed through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Section 317 immunization program to all 50 states, several large cities, and U.S. territories. Funding will also be used to support national public information campaigns regarding vaccines and support grants to states that demonstrate innovative new ways to ensure more Americans receive the vaccines they need.

“Vaccines help keep children healthy, prevent costly stays in hospitals, and fight diseases that can lead to serious illness or death” added Biden. “The Recovery Act will help vaccinate more Americans, cut health care costs, improve public health and save lives.”

More information regarding the child care and vaccine programs is included below. To see a list of state by state funding for child care programs, visit:
http://transparency.cit.nih.gov/RecoveryGrants/grant.cfm?grant=childcare. To see a list of state by state funding for vaccine programs, visit: http://transparency.cit.nih.gov/RecoveryGrants/grant.cfm?grant=vaccines

Child Care and Development Fund

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is the primary Federal program specifically devoted to child care services and quality. It enables low-income parents and parents receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to work or to participate in the educational or training programs they need in order to work. Funds may also be used to serve children in protective services. In addition, a portion of CCDF funds must be used to enhance child care quality and availability.

The $2 billion in Recovery Act funds for the Child Care and Development Fund will allow states across the country to support child care services for more families whose children require care while they are working, seeking employment or receiving job training or education. The funds will be used by states to provide vouchers to families for child care or to provide access to care through contracts with child care centers. Recovery Act dollars will support a wide range of child care providers, including child care centers and home-based programs.

A portion of the funds will be used to improve overall quality and enhance infant and toddler care. For example, states may train child care providers, assist providers in meeting health and safety requirements, hire specialists specifically trained to work with infant and toddler providers, provide grants to providers to achieve higher quality and invest in other initiatives.

The new funds supplement the existing $5 billion child care subsidy program, the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The Recovery Act funds will be awarded on a formula basis to states, the District of Columbia, five territories and 260 tribal grantees representing approximately 500 Indian tribes.

For more information on the Child Care and Development Fund, visit
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/ccdf/factsheet.htm

Immunization Grant Program

The Section 317 program provides funding for immunization operations and infrastructure necessary to implement a comprehensive immunization program at the federal, state and local levels.

Of the $300 million in Recovery Act funds allocated to the Section 317 program, $250 million will help existing Section 317 grantees acquire and make recommended vaccines available by using $200 million of these funds for CDC-purchased vaccines that will be made available to states and territories. The remaining $50 million will be used to provide program operation grants and scientific and technical support to states and territories to deliver the vaccines and strengthen vaccination programs. Vaccines and Recovery Act resources will also be made available to the urban Section 317 programs in Chicago, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Washington, D.C.

An additional approximately $18 million in grants to provide support to Section 317 grantees that demonstrate innovative approaches to increase the number of Americans who receive the childhood vaccine series, zoster vaccine, and influenza vaccine, and for improving reimbursement practices. A portion of vaccine purchase may be used to support innovative initiatives for expanding access to vaccines in schools and communities. Applications to apply for these grants will be made available on grants.gov.

Nearly $32 million in Recovery Act funds will be used to increase information, communication and education and strengthen the evidence base for immunization. This will include activities to increase national public awareness and knowledge about the benefits and risks of vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases. Funds will also help provide tools and education for health care providers and to monitor and assess the impact and safety of licensed vaccines routinely recommended for use in the United States to ensure that national vaccine policy is appropriate and effective.

For more information on Section 317 as well as information on vaccine-preventable diseases, go to
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Labels: health care, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

County: Foster parents needed

For every challenge there is a reward. For every reward there is a challenge. Foster parenting unites volunteer parents with children who are in need of temporary care in a nurturing environment. Think you can help a child in need by providing love and guidance through the unique and lasting bonds formed as a Bucks County foster parent? Opportunity abounds to impact the life of a youngster.

Over 300 children live in foster care in Bucks County each year, and more local families are needed. The Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services Agency (C&Y) will be hosting evening information sessions for anyone with an interest in becoming a foster parent or learning more about how to help or volunteer.

- Monday, April 20: Southampton Free Library, 947 Street Rd., Southampton, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

- Tuesday, April 28: Warminster Free Library, 1076 Emma Ln., Warminster, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

In addition, the county will host its first county-wide Foster Parent Recruitment Day on Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in recognition of National Foster Care Month. Current foster parents, youth who were once in foster care and C&Y workers will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in finding out more. Locations are as follows:

- Bucks County Courthouse Centers, 55 E. Court St., 2nd Fl., Doylestown
- Bucks County Government Services Centers, 7321 New Falls Rd., Levittown & 261 California Rd., Quakertown

The Bucks County Children & Youth Social Services Agency provides foster care for children whose families are unable to care for them, and child protection services to children and their families. Foster homes are needed in which children can identify culturally and ethnically with their caregivers.

For more information about foster care volunteer opportunities, please call Roxanne Watkins-Hall, C&Y foster care recruiter, at 215-348-6997 or go to www.BucksCounty.org.

Labels: Bucks County, volunteer

Monday, April 6, 2009

Casey proposal would reimburse community colleges offering free tuition for unemployed

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) has introduced legislation to reimburse community colleges that offer free tuition to workers who have lost their jobs. Sen. Casey discussed the bill while visiting Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Johnstown.

“In response to the economic crisis, many of Pennsylvania ’s 14 community colleges graciously volunteered to offer at least one semester of free tuition to workers who have lost their jobs,” said Sen. Casey. “My bill will encourage other community colleges to do the same thing by authorizing the Department of Labor to reimburse schools for incurring this cost. Pennsylvania ’s community colleges have shown great leadership and sacrifice to help displaced workers. They have set a great example for the federal government to follow and they should not have to foot the bill alone.”

“The Senator’s legislation is welcome news to those of us who have promoted tuition assistance for our displaced workers,” said Dr. Walter Asonevich, president of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “We are ready and willing to go it alone to make sure the residents of our region are provided the educational services they deserve, but it is great to know we may not have to cinch our belts quite so tight—not have to make sacrifices in other essential student services—thanks to the efforts of Senator Casey.”

The legislation would establish the Unemployment Tuition Assistance Program in the Department of Labor. Under this voluntary program, colleges may register to participate with the Department. Any individual applying for unemployment insurance will be notified that they may be eligible for benefits under the program. The Department is authorized to reimburse the community colleges up to $1,000 per student enrolled in the tuition assistance program. These funds would be allocated from existing funds for the Community Based Job Training grant program in the Department of Labor.

Schools are not required to provide this type of tuition assistance. According to the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, for the Spring 2009 semester, Pennsylvania community colleges enrolled 1,062 unemployed workers in its free tuition program, awarding 8,481 credits at a cost of $741,788. The 10 participating schools, therefore, spent an average of less than $700 in opportunity cost for each student that was offered tuition assistance.

Labels: Bob Casey, education, jobs, U.S. Senate

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Neshaminy State Park to host April 29 public information meeting

BENSALEM -– Neshaminy State Park will be hosting a public information meeting on April 29 at 6 p.m.

The meeting will take place at Pavilion No. 1. The meeting will begin with discussion about improvements made at the park over the past year, events and activities available for 2009, resource management practices ranging from invasive plant management to deer management, as well as future projects, operational changes and the park’s budget.

The second half of the meeting is for the public to ask general questions and provide suggestions to improve the park.

For more information about the meeting contact Josh Swartley, park manager, Neshaminy State Park at 215-639-4538.

For information on any of Pennsylvania ’s 117 state parks, call toll-free 1-888-PA-PARKS; or visit DCNR’s web site at www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select State Parks).

Persons needing special accommodations to participate in park activities due to a disability should contact the Bureau of State Parks: 1-888-PA-PARKS (voice); (717) 558-2711 (local or international TTY); and 1-800-654-5984 (PA AT&T Relay Service).

Labels: Neshaminy, Neshaminy State Park

Pa. Democrats are Twittering

From the Pennsylvania State Democrats:

"The latest news on the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats will now be posted on our new Twitter page.

For those of you who do not use this technology, Twitter is a real-time short messaging service that allows users to convey their message in 140 characters or less.

As Twitter gains in popularity in the media, the Senate Democratic Communications office is utilizing this service as another way to reach out to citizens and our local news outlets to provide information to you openly and accessibly.

We invite you to follow 'PaSenateDems,' where you will receive the latest news from the Democratic Pennsylvania Senators, as well as reports detailing votes on bills.

A link to our Twitter page is available at our Web site, www.pasenate.com."

Labels: Democrats

Casey, Snowe launch effort to improve Recovery.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today introduced legislation that aims to update and expand Recovery.gov, the Web site launched by the White House which shows how funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are being spent. These upgrades will allow states and localities easier access to the Web site so that they can determine stimulus funding eligibility as well as application deadlines and contact information for any office or agency distributing funds.

"Already in the first month since the recovery bill was enacted, funding has flooded into Pennsylvania to create jobs, stimulate the economy and invest in our infrastructure," said Sen. Casey. "The Administration has done a commendable job in getting word out about this funding, but I am still hearing from my constituents that more information is needed. One step that I have taken is to publish and distribute a guide for local officials that has more details, but this legislation can provide more guidance to local officials."

Sen. Snowe said, “The economic stimulus package is the single greatest investment in the American economy in history. But without proper accessibility or transparency, these critical investments could go to waste. By expanding and enhancing Recovery.gov, we can ensure the timely distribution of stimulus funds to our states and localities and work quickly to restore economic prosperity and growth.”

Sen. Casey released a guide for all Pennsylvanians detailing how the money to be released through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will flow to Pennsylvania. The guide contains resources and contact information for programs that are included in the economic stimulus package. You can find the guide by clicking here.

Labels: Bob Casey, Recovery.gov, U.S. Senate

Murphy says he's voting to create jobs, protect tax cuts, cut deficit

WASHINGTON, D.C. -– Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8) voted to create jobs, protect middle class tax cuts, make long-term investments in our economy and cut the deficit by more than two-thirds over the next four years. By voting in favor of the budget, Rep. Murphy voted for a long term economic plan that will get our economy working again and put us on a path toward renewed prosperity. The budget -- which passed 233-196 -- will cut the deficit nearly two-thirds by 2013. It also preserves $1.5 trillion in middle-class tax cuts. It will create jobs and grow our economy with targeted investments and reforms in health care, clean energy and education while reducing non-defense discretionary spending to its lowest level in nearly half a century. This long term economic plan ushers in a new era of honesty in budgeting by fully accounting for military spending in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I believe that budgets are moral documents -- and with this one, we are making it clear that in order to solve the problems we face, we must invest strategically to create jobs and jump start our economy,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy. “I am proud that with this budget, we protect middle class tax cuts, finally account honestly for the money spent in Iraq and Afghanistan and we cut the deficit by almost two-thirds in four years.”

“If we don’t tackle big problems in health care, energy and education in an honest way, we are going to be stuck in the same situation we have been in for years. This budget will get our economy back on track and reduces the burden on future generations,” added Murphy.

Key Features of the Budget:

- Cuts the deficit by nearly two-thirds by 2013.
- Protects $1.5 trillion in middle class tax cuts.
- Invests in health care, education and energy for job creation and long-term economic growth.
- Honest accounting for war spending in Iraq and Afghanistan for the first time.
- Cuts non-discretionary defense spending over 10 years to its lowest percentage in more than 50 years.
- The budget also puts Congress on the path to PAYGO spending for the long-term.

Labels: 8th District, jobs, Patrick Murphy, taxes

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Sen. Casey applauds Making Work Pay tax credit

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As of today, eligible workers should see the effect of the new Making Work Pay tax credit in their paychecks. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) applauded this most recent example of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act providing relief to Pennsylvanians and the economy. Workers will receive up to $400 and up to $800 for married couples.

“This new tax break will provide some assistance in these tough times to 4.8 million working families in Pennsylvania ,” said Sen. Casey. “Ninety-five percent of families will see extra money in their pay checks by this month.”

Employers had until today to implement new withholding schedules that reflect the new tax credit.

For 2009 and 2010, the Making Work Pay tax credit provides a refundable tax credit of 6.2 percent of earned income up to $400 for working individuals and $800 for married taxpayers.

Families should see at least a $65 dollar per month increase in their take home pay. Over 110 million American families will benefit from the tax credit.

The credit will phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $150,000 for married couples filing jointly and $75,000 for other workers, and thus is fully phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $190,000 for married workers and $95,000 for other workers.

Labels: Bob Casey, taxes, U.S. Senate

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