Daily Record

Vol. I No. 154

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

February 3, 2011

Philadelphia

Daily Record

Don’t Drag Us Down LEAFLETING bypassers in front of City Hall this morning, Danielle Newsome and her fellows from United Food & Commercial Workers, Jobs with Justice and the NAACP were asking public to call City Council to lean on Walmart for poverty wages and lack of affordable health-care benefits for its workers.

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DISCUSSING TRENDS in legal industry at Phila. Bar Association panel were, from left, JoAnne Epps, dean of Temple Univ.’s Beasley School of Law; Lynn Doyle, host of Comcast’s “It’s Your Call”; Deborah Epstein Henry, Esq., author of Law and Reorder; Rudy Garcia, Esq., chancellor of PBA; Carol Ann Petren, executive VP and general counsel of CIGNA Corp.; and Abe Reich, Esq., co-chair of Fox Rothschild, discussed trends in the legal industry. Epstein Henry’s recent book and research triggered a look at work/life balance in legal profession, with moderation by Doyle. A large crowd who braved the ice on Tuesday to hear panel. Photo by Bonnie Squires

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Williams, Green Propose Business-Friendly CANDIDATES • POLITICIANS Tax Laws News You Can Use! Boost Your Popularity, Win On Election Day! Tell Your Constituents To Read About All the Work You Do For Them On the

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State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams (D-W. Phila.) and Philadelphia City Councilman Bill Green (D) are proposing to eliminate the unpopular and business-repelling corporate net-income tax and replace it with a more business-friendly tax to be called the Commercial Activity Tax. This revenue-neutral reform would implement a broad-based, low-rate tax on receipts to be paid by all firms selling into Pennsylvania markets, thus reducing the tax burTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

den on Pennsylvania businesses.

The two leaders spoke at a press conference at City hall this morning.

The Commercial Activity Tax will also result in the elimination of the “profitability penalty” and the market-distorting effects inherent in the corporate net-income tax, say its advocates. The ultimate goal of the Commercial Activity Tax is to help make the city and state more 1 JANUARY, 2011

competitive in retaining and attracting businesses, thereby creating jobs.

“The Commercial Activity Tax is the first step in making our state and city more business friendly. It will be a powerful tool in our effort to encourage businesses to choose Pennsylvania first,” said Williams.

Green remarked, “As the nation emerges from the recession, as companies prepare to make new investments, and as inter-state competition for employers and jobs heats up, now is the perfect moment for Pennsylvania to send a clear message that it is ‘open for business.’ I commend Sen. Williams for leading this effort.”

A similar commercial activity tax has been effective in Ohio, which is winning awards for business attraction, capital investment, and job creation, and has been proposed in California. Williams will introduce the Commercial Activity Tax legislation soon.

Williams and Green will speak more about the proposed Commercial Activity Tax at a City Hall press conference Thursday, February 3rd beginning at 9 a.m.

Josephs Intros Bill To Make Redistricting More Open A bill that would reform the way legislative Districts in Pennsylvania are drawn every 10 years has been introduced by State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.).

Josephs said she introduced the bill to make the redistricting process more open and accountable.

“Pennsylvania’s legislative Districts should be drawn in an open and nonpartisan process,” Josephs said.

“This bill would give the public more of a vested interest in how legislative Districts are drawn.”

Redistricting or reapportionment is the method by which Pennsylvania legislative and congressional Dis3 FEBRUARY, 2011

tricts are redrawn every 10 years, based on the State’s population figures obtained from the US Census. The next reapportionment is slated for 2011. Redistricting at the State level involves a five-member Legislative Reapportionment Commission. The commission’s membership consists of the leaders of each of the four caucuses and a fifth member of their choice.

Josephs, chairwoman of the House State Government Committee, said her bill (HB 134) would make the State reapportionment process more open and transparent by strengthening the public-comment process and requiring more statewide hearings at all stages of development of the redistricting map. It also would require data and information to be made available online.

“Computers are so widely available these days, that it makes sense to take advantage of the technology with regard to publicizing the redistricting process. I believe making data available online, having more public hearings and encouraging public comment will help keep the public more informed about the process and encourage their participation,” she said.

“Sen. Pileggi has said he also would like to see more openness in the process, including posting the plans online. I couldn’t agree more. I hope he acts on his beliefs and gives this bill favorable consideration when it reaches the Senate.”

Grassroots Community Organizing Is Worth Billions A national organization released a report today which concludes local foundations, like Bread & Roses Community Fund, get significant bang for their buck when funding advocacy and activism groups.

A study of 13 advocacy organizations across the state in a five-year period found over $3.2 billion in benefits were brought home to Pennsylvania residents. For instance:

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Women’s Community Revitalization Project of North Philadelphia organized for a Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund, which is worth $15 million. Youth United for Change forced the School District of Philadelphia to break Kensington HS into pieces, including the new Kensington Creative & Performing Arts HS, which is worth $44 million. Philadelphia Unemployment Project fought for an increase to the minimum wage which resulted in $1 billion additional dollars for low-income workers. In total, the 13 organizations included in the study returned billions of dollars to the state, with only a $26.1 million investment by foundations and donors. Of the groups featured in the study, half currently or have in the past received support from Bread & Roses Community Fund.

“Bread & Roses has given out more than $10 million dollars in its 35 year history,” says Casey Cook, executive director. “This report is proof the money has been wellspent and brought real change to the lives of many people in the state and the region.”

Bread & Roses, as well as the other foundations from within and outside Pennsylvania, provided the bulk of support to the groups’ policy engagement efforts during the five-year period, contributing 85% of the $26 million spent. Philadelphians and all Pennsylvanians also benefited from non-monetized impacts, including protecting clean 4|

water in rural communities and providing educational opportunities for students with cognitive disabilities.

Notably, NCRP’s research showed Pennsylvania’s nonprofit infrastructure is in jeopardy, with many groups struggling to meet greater community needs with fewer resources.

NCRP offered five recommendations for grantmakers to have more-significant community impact at a time of escalating need, which include increasing the percentage of grant dollars devoted to advocacy, organizing and civic engagement for marginalized communities; and providing general operating support and multi-year grants.

“Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities: Impacts of Advocacy, Organizing, and Community Engagement in Pennsylvania” is available on NCRP’s website at http://www.ncrp.org/campaigns-researchpolicy/communities/gcip/gcip-penn sylvania.

The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy in Washington, D.C., is a national watchdog, research and advocacy organization that promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Feb. 2Realtors for Alan Kurtz for Sheriff fundraiser at Sampan, 124 S. 13th St., 5-7 p.m. Write checks to Friends of Alan Kurtz, 220 S. 16th St., Suite 201, Phila., PA 19102.

Feb. 23rd Dist. Appreciation Night sponsored by Friends of Jannie Blackwell at 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market St., 6-9 p.m. Free for committeepersons and ward leaders of 3rd Council Dist.

Feb. 3Councilman Frank DiCicco fundraiser at Cuba Libre, 10 S. 2nd St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Contributions Host $250, Guest $50.

Feb. 3PRO-ACT hosts 3 consecutive free weekly sessions at 444 N. 3rd St., 6:30-8:30 p.m. to help individuals and families cope with addiction.

Feb. 5Phila.

Branch NAACP celebrates 100th anniversary at luncheon at HERO Ctr., 3439 N. 17th St., 12-4 p.m. Tickets $40. For info Renee (215) 4390988 or Lynne (267) 481-5857.

Feb. 8- Denny O’Brien kicks off race for City Council at Rosewood Caterers, 8888 Frankford Ave., 7 p.m.

Feb. 10Germantown Republican Club hosts Lincoln Day Dinner at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 6 p.m. Honoree and speaker Lt. Gov. James Cawley.

Tickets $65. For info Jack Morley (215) 389-1768.

Feb. 11Fundraiser Reception for Council candidate Lawrence Clark at Rose Tattoo Café, 19th & Callowhill Sts., 6-8 p.m. For info (215) 224-0727.

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able to the highest standards of integrity and openness.

Featured nonprofits were AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, The Arc of Pennsylvania, Asian Americans United, Consumer Health Coalition, Good Schools Pennsylvania, Just Harvest, Lydia’s Place, Mountain Watershed Association, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, Philadelphia Unemployment Project, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, Women’s Community Revitalization Project and Youth United for Change.

Mayor Names 7 To CCP Board Mayor Michael A. Nutter has appointed five new members to the Board of Trustees of the Community College of Philadelphia. Bart Blatstein, Willie Johnson, Chad Lassiter, State Rep. James Roebuck and Beatriz Vieira are the newest additions to CCP’s 15member board and will attend their first Board meeting as trustees today.

“CCP is a critical partner in achieving our education agenda and increasing our city’s college attainment rate,” said the Mayor. “These individuals will help strengthen CCP’s ability to effectively serve the diverse communities of Philadelphia, provide our workforce with critical skills for the new global economy, and ensure that Philadelphia’s economy continues to grow and thrive.”

Blatstein is president of Tower Investments, Inc., a real-estate development and management firm focused on transformational development in challenged neighborhoods in the Philadelphia region. A Temple University graduate, Blatstein is chairman of the Jewish Publishing Group and a Board member of several educational institutions, including Merion Mercy Academy, Waldron Academy and St. Maria Goretti School.

well as the Tribune Newspaper and U.S. Facilities, Inc. He received a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.

Lassiter currently serves as an adjunct professor for the Graduate School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the president of Black Men at Penn School of Social Work, Inc. He is also a behavioral interventionist and researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After earning a Master’s of Social Work from Penn, Lassiter has worked as an educator, volunteer and social worker focused on public safety and prisoner reentry.

Roebuck has served the citizens of Pennsylvania’s 188th House Dist. since 1985. Roebuck has been a vocal advocate for education during his career as a legislator, and he presently serves as vice chairman of the House Education Committee. Roebuck is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. He received his doctorate from the University of Virginia.

Vieira is VP for Philanthropic Services at The Philadelphia Foundation, a public charity community foundation that manages more than 800 charitable funds while maximizing the strategic impact of charitable contributions. Vieira earned a Master’s in literature and linguistics from Temple University, and serves on the Boards of numerous organizations working to address homelessness, domestic violence, women’s issues, advocate on behalf of the Latino community, and promote arts and culture in Philadelphia.

Over 90% of the CCP’s graduates remain in the Greater Philadelphia region and seek employment, strengthening the local economy and workforce.

Johnson is the founder of PRWT Services, Inc., one of the largest minority-owned business-services firms in the nation. Johnson also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Cheyney University Foundation, The Girard College Foundation, and Allen University, as 3 FEBRUARY, 2011

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Extends protections to cover discrimination based upon genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, or familial status;

Greenlee Files Anti-Discrimination Bill For Mayor Mayor Michael A. Nutter transmitted a bill to City Council, later introduced by City Councilman Bill Greenlee that would modernize the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing.

While the ordinance has been amended in the past, a comprehensive update is long overdue. The proposed overhaul of the ordinance accomplishes three primary goals: creating greater capacity for enforcement by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, extending protections to new classes of Philadelphians and updating the language of the ordinance to make it more accessible.

The Fair Practices Ordinance is enforced by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, which was created in 1951, as the first local official human relations agency in the United States.

“This bill is about justice and fairness for all Philadelphians. Our great city is the birthplace of liberty in America, and it’s essential that we champion and protect the rights of all Philadelphians to be free from discrimination,” said the Mayor. “I thank Councilman Greenlee for partnering with the Administration to guarantee the civil rights of all Philadelphians are protected.”

Among many changes, the bill: Streamlines the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations’ procedures for accepting, investigating and adjudicating complaints; Increases penalties for discrimination from $300 to the maximum allowance of $2,000; Expands remedies available to victims of discrimination; 6|

Provides greater protection for members of the LGBT community who lack protection under federal and State law; Extends existing housing protections to cover all property, including commercial uses; Provides greater consistency with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

“All Philadelphians will benefit from the increased clarity and protection that the new Ordinance provides,” added Kay Kyungsun Yu, chair of the PCHR. “This new bill streamlines Philadelphia’s civil rights laws and further empowers the Commission to combat wrongful discrimination and promote fairness, equality, and justice throughout the City.”

EPA To Regulate Perchlorate And Toxic Chemicals In Drinking Water US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced the agency’s decision to move forward with the development of a regulation for perchlorate to protect Americans from any potential health impacts, while also continuing to take steps to ensure the quality of the water they drink.

The decision to undertake a first-ever national standard for perchlorate reverses a decision made by the previous administration and comes after Jackson ordered EPA scientists to undertake a thorough review of the emerging science of perchlorate.

Perchlorate is both a naturally occurring and manmade chemical, and scientific research indicates it may impact the normal function of the thyroid, which produces important developmental hormones. Thyroid hormones are critical to the normal development and growth of fetuses, infants and children. Based on this

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In a separate action, the agency is also moving towards establishing a drinking water standard to address a group of up to 16 toxic chemicals that may pose risks to human health. As part of the Drinking Water Strategy laid out by Jackson in 2010, EPA committed to addressing contaminants as a group rather than one at a time so that enhancement of drinking water protection can be achieved cost effectively. Today’s action delivers on the promise to strengthen public health protection from contaminants in drinking water.

EPA will continue to evaluate the science on perchlorate health effects and occurrence in public water systems. The agency will

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also now begin to evaluate the feasibility and affordability of treatment technologies to remove perchlorate and will examine the costs and benefits of potential standards.

York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown, East Liberty, Upland, West Chester, Reading, Norristown and Warminster were ordered to make corrections, begging the question of why clinics weren’t subject to inspections earlier.

State Pastors Urge Christians To Act On Abortion Problems

“These are important societal issues we must address in our churches,” said Colin Hanna, President of the Pennsylvania Pastors’ Network and Let Freedom Ring.

“It’s time for Christians to play an important role in the headlines like these that are happening every day.

One of the goals of the Pennsylvania Pastors’ Network is to serve pastors and their church communities in their efforts to inspire Christian citizenship and involvement.”

Coming off the heels of the 38th anniversary of the controversial Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision of 1973, Pennsylvania abortion clinics this week were cited for problems by the State Health Dept.

After 15 years of non-inspection, 14 out of 22 clinics in Harrisburg,

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