Philadelphia Daily Record by The Public Record

Vol. III No. 60 (428)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

April 4, 2012

Philadelphia Daily Record

King Was Here

DEDICATING historic marker at Martin Luther King, Jr. PHA development in S. Phila. this morning were, from left, Mayor Michael Nutter, Congressman Chaka Fattah, PHA head Michael Kelly and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.

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Apr. 5State Sen. Larry Farnese hosts Senior Expo at S. Phila. HS, Broad & Snyder Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Seating limited. RSVP (215) 952-3121. Apr. 5Meet and Greet Dan Collins, Democrat challenger to State Rep. Kevin Boyle, at St. Stephen’s Green, 1701 Green St., 5:30-8 p.m. hosted by John Sabatina, Sr. and Joe Ashdale, DC 21. Donation $100(ticket), $250(friend), $500(patron), includes open bar and food. Apr. 5Pre-Primary Evening Reception for State Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen at Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant, 1314 South St., 6-7:30 pm. $250, $500, Host $1,000. RSVP (215) 848-1283 or send checks payable to Committee to ReElect Shirley M. Kitchen, POB 50606, Phila., PA 19132. Apr. 7-8 Black History & Culture Showcase at Pennsylvania Convention Ctr., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free, open to public. Apr. 7Easter Egg Hunt hosted by State Rep. Vanessa Brown at Horticulture Ctr. in Fairmount Pk., 12-2 p.m. Children 3-12 invited to egg hunt. For parents, on-

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hand info from local and state health agencies and medical providers. Apr. 95th Ward Republican Party Fundraiser and Candidates Night at Paddy Whacks, 150 South St., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $30 at door, include wine, beer and food. RSVP required for headcount: mcibik@gop5thward.com or (215) 735-1060. Apr. 10Fundraiser for Congressman Bob Brady at IATSE Ballroom, 2401 S. Swanson St., 6-8 p.m. Jerry Blavat entertains. Contributions $150, $250, $500. RSVP by Apr. 5 Linda August (610) 659-5878. Apr. 11Phila. Republican Leadership Council at Racquet Club, 215 S. 16th St. VIP reception 5:30 p.m. costs$250.Reception 6 p.m., $100 or $75 for elected Committeemen. State Rep. Mike Vereb will speak. Apr. 12GLBMA Rooftop Business Breakfast. Speakers Mayor Michael Nutter, Michael Kelly and Emilio Cooper at Warnock Village, 2862 Germantown Ave., 8-10 a.m. RSVP, seating limited (267) 385-1939.

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Fattah Announces $20M For Development Congressman Chaka Fattah (DPhila.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today the City of Philadelphia will receive a $20 million award by the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development under its Section 108 loanguarantee program. The program assists with job-creating economic development to benefit low and moderate income families throughout the city. “These funds will help to transform the lives of many of Philadelphia’s neediest citizens,”

Fattah said. “While the economy is showing signs of improvement, there are still a lot of people looking for work. This award will help in providing new job opportunities.” Two Brownfields Economic Development Initiative-assisted projects will receive $4.75 million: Bakers Centre at the old Tastykake site, W. Hunting Park Avenue and Fox Street; and Edison Square at the former Edison HS site. These projects received an earlier grant of $4.25 million designed to revitalize unproduc-

tive industrial sites. Fattah said, “The grant will advance redevelopment in distressed neighborhoods in Philadelphia, reversing years of neglect. The funds will transform unsightly neighborhoods into areas that will attract new businesses and new communities.” The other $15.25 million in today’s grant will be placed in a loan pool to fund future economic-development activities in Philadelphia.

City Council To Hold Neighborhood Budget Hearing City Council will hold a second neighborhood hearing on the proposed FY 2013 budget, to be held Wednesday, Apr. 18, at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 4200 Wissahickon Avenue, at 6 p.m. The Kroc Center borders the 4th and 8th Dists. “Holding our budget hearing at the Kroc Center in the 4th Dist. brings Council sessions directly to the communities we serve,” said Majority Leader Curtis Jones, Jr., who represents the 4th.

“The upcoming neighborhood budget hearing at the Kroc Center is an excellent opportunity for residents of the 8th Dist. to have input and voice their concerns about the city’s budget,” said Councilwoman Cindy Bass, who represents the 8th. “I strongly encourage those who are interested to attend what should be an informative session of Council much closer to home.” “I was heartened by the strong turnout and passion displayed at our first community budget hear-

ing last month in the 2nd District,” said Council President Darrell L. Clarke. “This budget is about priorities. City Council needs the input of as many citizens as possible as we continue deliberations.” Dates and locations for additional community budget hearings throughout the City will be announced shortly. Residents of the 4th Dist. who wish to testify are asked to contact Michelle Beauford at (215) 686-3416. Residents of the 8th

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD Dist. who wish to testify are asked to contact Theresa Brunson at (215) 686-3424. Additionally, citizens may present written testimony at any time throughout the process. This tes-

timony should be sent via e-mail to Chief Clerk of Council Michael Decker, Michael.Decker@phila.gov. Persons not having access to e-mail or needing further information regarding the process may call

(215) 686-3407. The complete hearing schedule is posted on City Council’s website at www.phila.gov/citycouncil.

Financial Literacy Survey Gives Philadelphians An ‘F’ In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Philadelphia Federal Credit Union ran its first annual Financial Literacy Survey, which provides insights into three key areas, including saving practices, spending habits and financial attitudes among Philadelphia-area residents. The survey found more than one-third (37%) of Philadelphians are in critical need of improving their financial condition – i.e., were not able to save any money in the past 12 months – and 84% of Philadelphians surveyed consider themselves less than “very knowledgeable” about personal finance. As a result, PFCU is expanding its free financial education programming now through May 31 to the public in an effort to instill healthy financial habits and increase financial confidence among all Philadelphians. 4|

“The survey findings are concerning, but we believe that education can empower Philadelphians to take control of their current fiscal condition and begin to make improvements,” said Karl J. Bernhard, Accredited Financial Educator at Philadelphia Federal Credit Union. “There are simple, effective steps everyone can take today to cultivate the decision-making skills necessary to bring their financial goals more within reach.” The survey revealed several notable insights into Philadelphians’ personal finance habits, including: Among those who have rent, mortgage payments and/or other loan payments, nearly a quarter (22%) reported being late or skipping a payment at least once during the past 12 months.

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Nearly half (45%) of Philadelphians who have a credit card “carry a balance” in a typical month. Seventy-nine percent of Philadelphians have been less than “very successful” at keeping spending within their budget during the past 12 months. Spending over budget and inability to save in the short-term are not the only issues; rather, survey results also indicated that many Philadelphians could face significant financial difficulties during retirement years. Bernhard says, “It’s critical that Philadelphians begin to manage their money better today so they can effectively plan for a more secure and satisfying future.” Additional key findings include: More than four in 10 (43%) expect Social Security to provide a majority of their retirement in-

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD come during retirement years. Forty-nine percent of Philadelphians lack confidence that they will be able to accumulate enough in savings and investments to retire comfortably at a reasonable age. Just 16% describe themselves as being “very confident” in this regard.

“There is a clear need for Philadelphians to make a longterm commitment to fiscal responsibility, and it’s our commitment to the community to provide the tools to help,” said James McAneney, president and CEO of Philadelphia Federal Credit Union. “As a not-forprofit financial institution, acces-

sibility is one of our core values. We believe everyone should be able to gain the knowledge necessary to establish a better financial future.” To register for free financial-education seminars offered through PFCU, visit http://bit.ly/GW32eK.

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Bikers Back Bishop’s Child-Abuse Measure State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop (D-W. Phila.), chairwoman of the House Children and Youth Committee, drew support from Bikers Against Child Abuse at a rally today in support of victims of child sex-abuse crimes. Members of Justice4PAKids also spoke at the rally in support of legislation for tougher laws on mandatory reporting and the abolishment of statute of limitations, including Bishop’s HB

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couraged action on Bishop’s legislation.

“I am honored that BACA is supporting my legislation and taking a stand for victims of abuse,” Bishop said.

“My bill would hold abusers accountable for their actions and would allow victims to seek justice,” explained Bishop. “This measure also protects children BACA holds the rally annually from abuse, because it sends a to educate the public and garner support for legislative initiatives clear message to abusers that if that will ultimately reduce cases they seek to harm a child, their of child sex abuse crimes. BACA day in court may one day come.” and Justice4PAKids have openly lobbied the House Judiciary Committee chairman and en-

Cohen Begs For A Hold On Utility Shutoffs State Rep. Mark Cohen (D-N. Phila.) recently wrote two letters concerning the State Dept. of Public Welfare’s failure to timely process LIHEAP applications due to its 15% staff reduction in its County Assistance Offices. “Thousands of people are in need of this important state program. Yet through no fault of their own, they face the unfortunate prospect of having their utility service terminated because DPW staff is overwhelmed 6|

due to budget cuts instituted by Gov. Corbett’s administration,” said Cohen. In his letter to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson, Cohen requests the PUC issue an emergency order directing electric and gas utilities to postpone termination of customers who have applied this year, but have not yet received LIHEAP cash assistance.

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“I recently learned DPW has not yet processed tens of thousands of applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program,” wrote Cohen, Democratic chairman of the House Human Services Committee. “DPW’s pending backlog of LIHEAP applications coincides with the expiration of the winter moratorium on utility terminations. So, despite utility customers’ eligibility and having timely applied for LIHEAP cash

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD assistance, they will face service terminations. “Numerous fatal fires in the past, due to lack of utility services in the home, illustrate the clear and present danger to life and property that could potentially be

caused by these terminations. In addition, the timing of the expiration of the winter moratorium on Apr. 1, makes it imperative that the Commission take action immediately,” Cohen concludes.

Corp. Senior Executive VP Denis P. O’Brien, Cohen requests that PECO voluntarily postpone termination of customers who have already applied for, but have not yet received LIHEAP cash assistance.

In a similar letter to Exelon

Brown Asks For Prom Donations State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown (D-W. Phila.) is asking the public for donations for her annual prom gown giveaway. This year’s giveaway will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Apr. 20 and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 21 at the Greater Bible Way Temple, 1461 N. 52nd Street.

and loved for who they are.” “I am looking for donations of dresses and also prom accessories, such as shoes, purses and makeup,” Brown said. “Prom night is the perfect time for every girl to realize she is special and beautiful and deserves to be treated as a special person. Your donations can help make girls know they are important, valued

During the gown giveaway event, the girls will learn how to keep themselves safe on prom night and every night. If you can donate any of these prom items for this event, please contact Brown’s constituent-service office at (215) 879-6615.

Cops And Teachers Endorse Josephs State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) announced endorsements from Pennsylvania’s Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge, Pennsylvania State Education Association and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. All three organizations expressed encouragement for Josephs’ policy goals and cited her exemplary

voting record on issues important to working Pennsylvanians. “These are the people who we entrust to protect us, to teach our kids and to keep them safe,” R Josephs said. “I am so proud to have the support of the state’s teachers and police, but we should all show our support for

them. They have some of the hardest jobs imaginable, and they work every day to serve the public.” PSEA is the largest educationemployee organization in the state, representing more than 187,000 educators and support professionals, including school

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD nurses and custodians, in public schools and state higher education institutions. Philadelphia Federation of Teachers represents teachers and professional staff in the Philadelphia School District’s 249 schools. The State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police represents nearly 40,000 law-enforcement professionals across Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania students have endured deep, painful cuts to education under Gov. Corbett,” said PSEA President Michael

Crossey, “We need to keep Babette Josephs in the House, not only because she’s a reliable vote for public education, but because she routinely speaks out and calls attention to these irresponsible policies. The teachers and support professionals of Pennsylvania know that Babette is looking out for us.” The FOP Pennsylvania State Lodge looked carefully at both candidates in the 182nd District and we enthusiastically endorse Babette Josephs because of her

consistent support for the men and women in uniform. Representative Josephs is a powerful and effective ally in Harrisburg and truly understands how cuts to police budgets around our Commonwealth have made us all less safe. It is for these collective reasons that we strongly endorse Representative Josephs,” said Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge president Les Neri.

Brian Sims Releases His Jobs Plan Brian Sims, Democratic candidate for the 182nd Dist. of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, released his plan to create more jobs in Philadelphia and the state as a whole. “The Legislature has failed to address the job crisis caused by the recession and regressive Republican policies have made it

worse,” Sims said. “I will fight to make sure that job creation is given more than just lip service in Harrisburg.” Sims’ plan capitalizes on Philadelphia’s role in the global economy by developing energy efficiency policies and innovations to grow new green jobs, creating better incentives for

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high tech job growth, and fixing the Commonwealth’s broken corporate-tax structure. A full copy of the Sims Jobs Plan can be found at http://www.sims4pa.com/sites/si ms4pa.ngphost.com/files/The Sims Jobs Plan.pdf.