19
Feb
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22
Jan
Thirty-seven years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that women have a constitutional right to privacy that includes a legal right to terminate a pregnancy for any reason during her first trimester and in order to protect her health after that. With a U.S. Supreme Court today where George W. Bush filled the seats of Sandra Day O’Connor and William Rehnquist with John Roberts and Samuel Alito, the ability of Roe v. Wade to withstand being overturned has never been so much in danger. If this decision were overturned, abortion-rights would be in the hands of each state. Pennsylvania is a neither a state that has passed a trigger law that would outlaw abortion if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, nor have we passed a law to ensure that women’s rights are protected.
It is with that background on Roe v. Wade’s anniversary that the Hoeffel Campaign sent out a release announcing that Kate Michelman is endorsing Joe for governor and will head his Women for Hoeffel committee. Michelman is the former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.
The full text of Michelman’s endorsement letter is below the fold.
11
Jan
There’s a lot of campaigning ahead of us, but in the early stages of the race for the the Democratic nomination for governor, it would seem that at least two of the campaigns are acknowledging that winning progressives is the key to winning the race.
Following Luke Ravenstahl’s infamous New Year’s Eve veto of the prevailing wage bill, Joe Hoeffel, Democrat from Montgomery County, issued a statement slamming the move and supporting the bill:
The bill had been passed unanimously by Pittsburgh’s city council and has received support from labor groups, environmental groups, and other progressives from across the City.
He went on to challenge Onorato and others to “stand up for economic justice and denounce the move.”
Onorato–who has the support of Luke Ravenstahl–failed to criticize the move or support the specific legislation on the table, but offered general support for prevailing wage legislation in principle. In acknowledgement of the base that Onorato has no choice but to try to win, he went on to say,
“I think Mr. Hoeffel may be surprised by the support I have with progressives, including progressives in [southeastern Pennsylvania],”
This is an odd statement for those of us in Allegheny County who have some history with Dan. For example, look back on this article written by Tim McNulty when he was a candidate for County Executive:
He says he’s against the living wage, a proposal pushed by organized labor, saying it is anti-business. He doesn’t have to mention it, but people there also know he is anti-abortion and pro-gun.
and maybe more interestingly,
[L]aw students were debating President Ronald Reagan’s nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court and proposals to prohibit burning the American flag, both of which were ultimately rejected.
Onorato, though, was in favor of both.
Meanwhile, from Hoeffel HQ:
“I’m thrilled to be endorsed by Philly for Change,” said Democrat Joe Hoeffel…
Philly For Change endorsed Hoeffel at its first monthly meet-up of the year on Wednesday night. With more than 4,000 members, Philly For Change is one of the largest progressive organizations in the greater Philadelphia area.
With a Democratic electorate that is desperate to be motivated by someone who has a record of standing up for environmental justice, economic justice, and the rights of women, working people, and the LGBT community, there should be a lot more coming on the race to secure the progressive base.
08
Dec
From the most recent Democracy Rising email – here is an update on some the things happening around the state
============================
The Ramaley Trial.
The first trial stemming from the Bonus Scandal investigation continues this week after jury selection and opening arguments last week. Former Rep. Sean Ramaley, D-Beaver, is defending himself against charges of theft for allegedly working almost exclusively on his 2004 election campaign while being paid by taxpayers.
In last week's testimony, House Democratic research staffer Stephen Webb said that he worked with Ramaley on his campaign at taxpayer expense. Webb said he intended to take leave from his tax-funded job and said he needed $2,000 to set up shop in Beaver County for the rest of the campaign. Shortly thereafter, he received a $2,000 bonus, at taxpayer expense, for work that was part of his normal duties.
Webb's testimony at trial contradicts his testimony before the grand jury, which Ramaley's attorney was quick to point out. Click here for the Post-Gazette's story.
Yesterday, former Democratic staffer Mike Manzo confirmed Webb's story about the bonus, and an email documented former Rep. Mike Veon's interest in Ramaley's campaign. Click here for a Tribune-Review story.
Three More Invitations to the Grand Jury.
State Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler, D-York, House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, and House Majority Whip H. William DeWeese, D-Greene, last week disclosed that they received letters from the grand jury inviting them to appear.
The grand jury's interest in Stetler comes not from his current job as secretary of revenue but from his former role as chair of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. According to grand jury testimony, Stetler was advised to hire outside consultants to conduct research on candidates opposing Democrats but decided to continue having the work performed by House Democratic staffers.
Such letters are seen as the state equivalent of federal "target" letters, letting the recipient know that the grand jury is investigating them. Last month, similar letters preceded charges against former House Speaker John Perzel, R-Phila., and former Rep. Brett Feese, R-Lycoming. Click here for a story in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Another Luzerne County Judge and the Cost of Corruption.
Last week a third Luzerne County judge was forced from the bench after pleading guilty to federal charges of fraud and false tax filings. The state Supreme Court immediately suspended Judge Michael Toole. Click here for a report from the Scranton Times-Tribune.
Finally, the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader has its eye on the cost of all the corruption in Luzerne County, and not just the financial cost, which is in the millions. Read The high price of corruption and substitute "PA" every time you see "Luzerne County."
02
Dec
From Chris Potter:
You’ve probably heard of the “Anybody But Luke” crowd, right? Well, I can tell you where everybody who is anybody will be on the night of Dec. 3.
They’ll be hanging out with city councilor Bill Peduto.
Here’s the details on that party, from billpeduto.com:
Here is how you can show your support for Bill – and build a better Pittsburgh! We need you to help us to make this event even more special.
Please join us and bring your friends.
For more information or to RSVP, please call 412-414-1430 or email Mike Devanney at Mike.Devanney@gmail.com.
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01
Dec
Uptown Public Safety Meeting
Monday, December 7, 2009
6-7 pm
Uptown Partners office, Suite 1000, 710 Fifth Ave
This meeting about safety and crime issues in Uptown will include:
05
Nov
Planned Parenthood of Western Pa now has a blog – check it out here
http://www.plannedparenthood-wp.blogspot.com
28
Oct
Here is an update from the Pittsburgh Film Office about the PA Film Tax Credit Program – looks like this survived the budget process. This was included in a recent email from the Pittsburgh Women in Film and Media.
Dear Supporters of the Film Industry in SWPA:
Thank you for all of your hard work and support of the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit program.
We are thrilled to announce that because of the great support for this valuable program, the Film Tax Credit Act of 2007 will continue! The Governor and the Pennsylvania Legislature can see the economic benefits and jobs the film production industry produces for the Commonwealth. That said, in this very difficult budget year, the cap has been set at $42 million. Next year the cap will increase to $60 million, continuing the tremendous expansion of the film industry in Pennsylvania! More »
21
Oct
You are cordially invited to attend an evening with…
Court of Common Pleas Judge Candidate Arnie Klein
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
IBEW Local # 5
Court of Common Pleas Judge Candidate Arnie Klein
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
IBEW Local # 5
5 Hot Metal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Hors d’oeuvres and drinks
$50 Donation Requested, Payable to Klein for Judge
Hors d’oeuvres and drinks
$50 Donation Requested, Payable to Klein for Judge
For questions or to R.S.V.P., please call Raeann or Theresa at (412) 391-8713.
19
Oct
The following is from this week's Democracy Rising email blast. Some interesting information about WAMs and some link's to Sen. Daylin Leach's Blog. What can we do to get this WAM issue under control?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WAMs: Guilty as Charged
We are indebted (if you'll excuse the expression) to Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery) for proving that WAMs are unconstitutional. Writing in " Daylin's Blog ," he not only defends WAMs but describes the process forbidden by a 1995 court decision, Common Cause of Pennsylvania v. Commonwealth 668 A.2d 190. Click here for a legal memo about this case and why WAMs violate the Constitution.
Leach, a lawyer, wrote, "The way DCED Grants work is that a certain amount is passed as part of the budget in open session. Each caucus then gets access to a percentage of the total, and legislative leaders then divide that amount up among their members. Organizations can apply to receive grants. Members can then decide which projects in their district get funded within the constraints of the total amount of money available and the legal parameters of allowable grants."
While Leach defends WAMs as beyond reproach, he fails to explain:
- Why neither lawmakers nor the governor document how much money is sequestered in which line items throughout the budget.
- Why there has never been an independent review and annual list of those who got grants, those who didn't, and why.
- Why senior citizens in his district deserve state support more than seniors in far poorer parts of PA.
- Why beautifying sidewalks is ever more important than, say, safe water, which was cut $11 million (100%).
P.S.
Rumor has it that some legislative leaders will use caucus surplus funds for WAMs. We'll keep watching.
16
Oct
Pennsylvanians United for Single Payer Healthcare and Healthcare4AllPA
invites you to a Grand opening of their 2101 Murray Ave office. The
event is from 4 to 9 pm Oct 17, 2009.
The Economic Solution: PA 2009 United States 2010
100 N. State St
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Contact Mary Pat for bus information at 412 421-4242 You can hear the October 14th interview with Mary Pat Donegan PhD
(Western PA Coordinator) & Chuck Pennacchio (Executive Director) at
www.TheUnionEdge.com Supporting State (HB1660 / SB400) and National (HR676 / S703) Health
Care Reform Efforts. Join thousands of single payer supporters in the
Capitol Rotunda. This is a critical rally. Speakers include: Sen. Jim Ferlo…………Name sponsor of SB400 and Keynote Speaker Wendell Potter…..Former CIGNA Executive, whistle blower and single
payer advocate Katie Robbins……..Assistant National Coordinator, Healthcare-NOW Donna Smith.………Political Organizer / California Nurses Assn; star of “SiCKO” Tim Carpenter………National Director, Progressive Democrats of America Bill George………………..….President, PA AFL-CIO Members of the Baucus 8…Kevin Zeese, Russell Mokhiber, Margaret
Flowers and Katie Robbins For more information:
Visit: www.healthcare4allpa.org/rally.htm
Email: action@healthcare4allpa.org
Call: Eastern PA – Jerry at 717.295.0237
Western PA – Mary Pat at 412.421.4242
Get the latest updates! Join the mailing list at: info@healthcare4allpa.org
15
Oct
Sister Shout is Pgh’s newest lesbian and queer women’s broadcast/podcast.
Follow Sister Shout on Twitter http://twitter.com/SistershOUTshowor @sistershoutshow Upcoming shows: Sister Shout http://sistershout.outonline.com October 18 – Mitchell Lieb, Pittsburgh Lesbian & Gay Film Society –
The 2009 Film Festival October 25 – Eli Kuti, Pittsburgh Dyke March November 1 – Maria Lupinacci, 2 Political Junkies Blog – the 2009 Elections November 8 – Anne Bowman, The Pgh Lambda Foundation – The Lambda Ball November 15 – Kara Holsopple, East End Food Co-op November 22 – Sue Frietsche, Women’s Law Project November 29 – TBA December 6 – Handmade Arcade December 13 – Victoria Bradley, Lez Liquor Hour December 20 – TBA December 27 – Jessica Burgan and Sandra Telep, Hoi Polloi
15
Oct
As health care reform is debated in Congress, I thought you would be interested in some of MAPLight.org's recent reports on the river of money flowing into the Capitol.
- Senators who signed a letter supporting the public option received half as much money from health insurance firms as those who didn't sign:
MAPLight.org's report - Washington Independent's news story - Senators on the Finance Committee who voted against the public option received twice as much money from health insurance firms as those who voted in favor: report
- Democrats who voted with big pharma received four times as much pharma money as those who voted against: report
- Blue Dog Democrats received more health insurance funds than House Republicans: report
Is Congress making health care decisions to benefit Americans, or to benefit the American health care industry?
09
Oct
Side Yard Project – Next meeting Oct 14th at 7pm
The Union Project received a Community Design Center of Pittsburgh grant for its Side Yard Improvement Project! The goal of the project is to transform what is currently a hard-to-use, disconnected and unattractive side yard and transform it into unique community green space that will provide additional rentable space for the Union Project with seating and performance area for the organization’s tenants and programs. Community meetings will be held to gain your input and ideas. Dates for these meetings will be posted next week. If you want to get involved please contact Jeffrey at Jeffrey@unionproject.org or 412-363-4550 x 26 – Next side yard project meetings is October 14th at 7pm!
08
Oct
Power Shift Pennsylvania is our state’s first large-scale youth summit
focused on climate change and environmental justice. Organized by the
Keystone Environmental Youth (KEY) Coalition and partner organizations
of the Energy Action Coalition, this conference will inspire youth
leaders to step up and unite for clean, just solutions in
Pennsylvania. Please register yourself now!