Daily Record by The Public Record

Vol. III No. 83 (448)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

May 10, 2012

Philadelphia Daily Record

Best And Brightest

TALENTED YOUNG RESEARCHERS Daniel Gianola of University of Pennsylvania and Mitra Taheri of Drexel University received major awards from Dept. of Energy. Story page ?????

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May 17Spring Social for Chapel of Four Chaplains, 1201 Constitution Ave., Bldg. 649 in Navy Yard, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $20 Early Bird, by May 16. At door, $25. For info (215) 218-1943 or Events@Fourchaplains.org.

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May 17Celebrity Bartender Night with former Sheriff Barbara Deeley, at La Casa Di Lucia, 14425 Bustleton Ave., 710 p.m. May 18Republican Women’s Club meets at Vesper Club, 223 S. Sydenham St., 12 m. Guest speaker: Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley. For reservations Karen Brown (267) 246-6437. May 19Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at Franklin Sq. Park, 6th & Race, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 19State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop hosts annual Spring Fling Kids Health Fair at Shepard Rec Ctr., 57th & Haverford Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. May 23Jobs With Justice annual Solidarity Reception at District 1199C, 1319 Locust St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. To be honored are Henry Nicholas, Jody Dodd,

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Jim Savage, Amanda Geraci and Occupy Phila. May 23Congressman Chaka Fattah hosts Veterans Conference for all veterans at Great Ha., Community College Winnet Student Life Bldg., 17th & Spring Garden Sts. No charge. Benefits assistance. To register (215) 871-4455. Jun. 3Congregations of Shaare Shamayim marks 50th anniversary at 9768 Verree Rd. Event will honor David L. Cohen, Exec. VP, Comcast, with Highest Honor Award (Kol Hakavod) for his service, especially in the Jewish community. Honorary Co-chairs are Gov. Ed Rendell and Hon. Jonathan Saidel. Entertainment by “Broadway Sings”. Event starts at 2:30 p.m. For ticket info and to place ad in Souvenir Commemorative Journal (215-6771600) or Dr. Ruth Horwitz, Tribute Committee (215) 9131991. Jun. 10St. Edmond’s Parish Centennial Dinner at Penn’s Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd., 2-6 p.m. Ticket $65 with a cash bar. For info (215) 334-3755.

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Fattah Hails Scientists For Research Awards Congressman Chaka Fattah (DPhila.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development Issues, releases the following statement honoring awardees’ from the Dept. of Energy’s Early Career Research Program.

Dept. of Energy and our nation.

“These promising scientists will play an active role in renewing America’s commitment to retain global leadership in innovation and technology. And through their groundbreaking discoveries, this generation of researchers will expand the environment for innova“Congratulations to Daniel Gi- tion and propel America to anola from the University of advancement, approval and adopPennsylvania and Mitra Taheri tion of bold new technologies. from Drexel University, two of the 68 scientists from around the “Award recipients conduct federal country who will receive financial research in cutting edge laboratoawards for support of their re- ries across the country, two of search from the Department of which are located in my district; Energy’s Early Career Research the Cohen Laboratory at The Program. The awards underscore Children’s Hospital of Philadelthe Administration’s investment phia and the Cullen Laboratory at in scientific research and develop- the University of Pennsylvania. I ment’ especially in the areas that have had the privilege of visiting are of critical importance for the both of these labs as well as; the

Idaho National Laboratory, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California and the Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago – to to see first-hand the incredible work being done at the nation’s science and technology centers.” The five-year DOE awards are designed to bolster the nation’s scientific workforce by providing financial support to exceptional researchers during the crucial early career years, when many scientists do their most formative work. The research awards also aim to provide incentives for scientists to focus on mission research areas that are a high priority for DOE.

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Daily Waffles From Joe Sbaraglia (The Waffleman) Yo! Here we go again with these thoughts on things that require valid ID: BUCK-BUCK - A game where a strong back and a weak mind helped. One person would be the wall cushion. The first person of the defending team bent at the waist and held onto the cushion's mid-section. The next person bent over and held onto

the first person’s waist, leaning on the small of his back. This was continued until all the defenders had formed a human chain. They then prepared themselves mentally for the onslaught! A member of the opposing team ran toward the line

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yelling, “Buck-Buck number one is coming,” and leapfrogged onto the backs of the defending team. He slid up as close as he could to the cushion to give the rest of his team member’s room to be on top of the defenders backs. This done, the next member of the opposing team repeated the sequence. If the chain was still intact when all the opposition was on the defender’s backs, the defender’s captain had to guess the number of fingers held up by the opposition captain. He had three tries. If within three tries, the guess was correct, the teams exchanged roles. If the three guesses were not correct or the defender’s human chain collapsed, the defenders reassembled the line and the game started again.

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Philly Senators Split Over Budget Bill SB 1466, Gov. Tom Corbett’s second-year budget proposal, was approved overwhelmingly by the State Senate and sent to the House for consideration. The measure passed 39-8, with all Republican Senators and many Democrats endorsing it. Five of its opponents hail from Philadelphia. However, two Philadelphians broke ranks with the city caucus to give the budget cautious support.

The $27.7 billion spending plan proposed by Senate Republicans today restores $500 million of the cuts proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett. SB 1466 makes key restorations to basic and higher education, human-services programs, hospitals, nursing homes and services for individuals with disabilities. However, Majority Republicans rejected a series of Democratic amendments that would have used available revenue to restore additional amounts for cash assistance, adultBasic, human services, Accountability Block Grants and child-care services.

State Sen. Tina Tartaglione (DKensington) was one. She praised the thousands of civic activists, educators and social-service providers who traveled to Harrisburg over the past two months for Tartaglione voted to approve the helping Senate Democrats force $27.6 billion budget bill on final changes in state budget priorities. passage with the intention of conTartaglione, who sits on the Senate tinuing the progress toward a Appropriations Committee, said budget that includes new ideas and the proposal represents a positive shared sacrifice. shift in the budget debate as Senate Democrats were given an opportunity to provide significant input about their ideas and priorities. “The budget framework passed in the Senate today still falls short of meeting the goals of job creation and protecting vulnerable families,” she said. “But it’s a sign people are being heard.”

months that budget cuts do not have to be as deep as proposed by Gov. Corbett in his February budget address,” Hughes said. “I am pleased my Republican colleagues in the Senate have heard our message and included many of our budget priorities in this proposal. This is the first step of many in the budget process and this spending plan moves us forward in crafting a budget plan that significantly reflects the priorities of Pennsylvanians.”

Although there is progress, Hughes expressed his disappointment of the lack of funding for General Assistance, transition grants which are used mainly by abused women, disabled individuals and children without custodial parents. He also expressed concern regarding the level of funding for Child Care Services and there is “While progress is refreshing, the still no plan to restore adultBasic people we heard in the Rotunda or important job-creation proand on the steps of the Capitol grams. since the Governor’s budget address should continue making their Hughes insisted General Assisvoices heard,” Tartaglione said. tance “is a critical lifeline to many vulnerable people. As revenues “We have a long way to go.” continue to improve, we will conState Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. tinue to fight for a full restoration Phila.) concurred with Tartaglione. of this funding in addition to other key investments to grow Pennsyl“Senate Democrats have said for vania’s economy and boost job • PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD creation.” He called the bill “a families to choose whether or not idly, we’ll be dying slowly under good document, not a great one” they can work. That will increase this budget, because restoring but termed it “a step forward.” the welfare rolls.” $517 million to a $26 billion budget is like a pimple on a butt in It was a step most other Philadel- Stack offered two amendments to terms of real impact.” phia Dems were not ready to take. reinstate adultBasic in the budget. One amendment called for restor- “If we’re helping college students, State Sen. Mike Stack (D-North- ing $100 million to the program but we’re not doing the same for east) called the measure disap- through surplus revenues fore- their little brothers and sisters, their pointing. “The little guy has lost casted by the Independent Fiscal parents, the disabled, vets, or anyagain under this budget,” Stack Office. The other amendment one else struggling to gain access said. called for restoring $60 million to to the social services and jobs they the adultBasic program from the need, what are we doing for the Stack said the reinstatement of the General Assembly’s $120-180 Commonwealth? We’re not talkAccountability Block Grant pro- million budget surplus. Both ing luxuries; these services help gram, which school districts use to amendments failed. people survive.” fund educational programs like full-day kindergarten, was encour- “The budget plan also makes no “I hope, really hope, that this is the aging but only puts the funding at effort to create a long-term funding start of budget negotiations, not the $50 million, or half the amount of solution for the state’s transporta- finish. I hope the dialogue can confunding compared to last year’s tion infrastructure crisis, Stack tinue. Because right now, for too budget. added. “It’s a catastrophe waiting many people – and I don’t care “Full-day kindergarten isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity,” Stack said. “Early education is crucial to a child’s educational and social development.” Additionally, the legislation cuts $17.6 million from the child-care services line item, which helps low-income families afford child care and funds the Keystone STARS achievement program for daycare centers. “These cuts will debilitate working families who need extra support so they can place their children in a safe child care environment,” Stack said. “There are already 10,000 children on the child care subsidy waiting list. Clearly, it’s a program that is greatly needed already. Instead, the cuts will force

to happen,” Stack said. “It would be irresponsible of us to continue to ignore this crisis. We should be working on a long-term funding solution.”

where you live, if you’re in West Philadelphia or Westmoreland Co. – Pennsylvania is not a kind place.”

Also voting no was State Sen. State Sen. Anthony Williams, who Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.). He exhas worked with Republicans on plained his vote by stating, “An inimportant social-policy issues like crease of less than 2% over last school choice, was uncompromis- year’s devastating budget cuts is ing in his rejection of SB 1466. just not enough for our families and children. “There had been some fanfare about reversing a few of the dra- “This budget was balanced on the conian cuts to the budget, particu- backs of the vulnerable so I voted larly along the lines of education. no,” Farnese continued. “And I But whether you’re getting will continue to vote no, until the punched in the face or in the gut, budget represents the needs of the you’re still being punched. entire Commonwealth, not just the needs of some. “Believe me – I’m all in favor of reinstituting more, in terms of what we lost. But rather than dying rap-

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New Opportunity Committee To Hold First Meeting The Economic Opportunity Review Committee will hold its first official meeting as a new agency of City Council on May 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Caucus Room (Room 401 City Hall). The Committee’s purpose, established pursuant to the Philadelphia Code section 17-1607 and Council Resolution No. 120184, shall be to review the implemen-

tation, effectiveness and enforcement of economic opportunity plans and to make recommendations to Council regarding the adoption of resolutions calling for debarment of certain contractors concerning noncompliance. The Committee shall meet at least quarterly. All meetings shall be open to the public. At each meeting, an opportunity shall be provided for public testimony on

matters relating to economic opportunity plans for business and workforce diversity. The other two quarterly meetings in 2012 are scheduled for Sep. 12 and Dec. 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the Caucus Room.

Carlton Williams In As L&I Commissioner Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that Deputy Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams has been appointed as Commissioner of the Dept. of Licenses & Inspections, replacing the current L&I Commissioner Fran Burns, who is slated to become executive director of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. Williams will assume his new position in early June. “Carlton will be a tremendous leader at L&I. Much like his predecessor, he has a strong commitment to Philadelphia and a history of public service. Commissioner Burns set an example of innova-

tion and hard work that I know Carlton will continue. While we will miss Fran, I am excited to see what is next for L&I under Carlton’s leadership,” said the Mayor Nutter.

“I am extremely honored to be selected as the City’s next Licenses and Inspections Commissioner,” said Williams. “L&I is the lead agency for building-code safety, and I understand the magnitude of ensuring that we continue to exercise the highest standards and professionalism in this regard. Commissioner Burns has set a precedent for accountability and integrity, and I am looking forward to building upon her success. I would like to thank Mayor Michael Nutter and Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger for this tremendous opportunity.”

Deputy Commissioner Williams has been an innovative administrator for the Sanitation Division of the Streets Dept., overseeing the Annual Philly Spring Cleanup, the City’s UnLitter Us Campaign and the implementation of Big Belly Solar waste baskets. He has also led the City’s recycling efforts, which include a now 20% recycling diversion rate and citywide weekly recycling. Carlton Williams has a long his• PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD tory of public service. He was recently honored with the inaugural Richardson Dilworth Award for Distinguished Public Service. He has served as Deputy Commissioner of the Streets Dept. since 2005. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of the Dept. of Recreation for five years and worked 10 years for the Fairmount Park Commission. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a Master’s

in Public Administration from Widener University. Greenberger said, “As sad as we were to have Fran Burns leave L&I, we are delighted to welcome Carlton Williams to this critically important leadership role. Carlton’s dedication to public service and his vast knowledge of city operations will assure that improvements to L&I will move forward with professionalism and convic-

tion.” Streets Commissioner Clarena I. W. Tolson said, “I am certain that the focus on customer service and integrity that Carlton Williams demonstrated every day in the Sanitation Division of the Streets Dept. will translate well to L&I.”

Controller: City Owed $50 Million In EMS Fees City Controller Alan Butkovitz today released a follow-up report of the Fire Dept.’s collection and billing process of ambulance fees that found the City is owed almost $50 million in EMS fees for fiscal year 2011. Of the $82.5 million billed by the Fire Dept. for EMS user fees in FY2011, a total of $34.4 million was collected, marking a collection rate of 42%. In the Controller’s prior EMS billing report, the collection rate for FY2006 was 41%. “The collection rate remained virtually unchanged during this fiveyear period, leaving millions of dollars on the table and not collected,” said Butkovitz, at today’s press conference. “While there have been developments during this time to increase revenues, there is still much improvement 8|

lion in potential revenue the Fire Dept. charged for services but Since the Controller’s prior re- couldn’t collect because it was eiport, which was released January ther not billed or written off. 2008, the City took action on some of the Controller’s previous Of the $97 million in additional recommendations. This included potential revenue, $78 million raising the fees for both Basic could not be collected because it Life Support and Advanced Life was considered disallowable, eiSupport by almost 100%, result- ther through Medicare, Medicaid ing in a $5.5 million increase in or Independence Blue Cross. EMS revenues in the last fiscal Under state Medicaid regulations, year. The City in February also the city, by law is mandated to acselected a new EMS patient- cept only the Medicaid reimbursement amounts of $200 for billing vendor. ALS and $120 for BLS, com“We’re hopefully anticipating that pared to the actual charge of with the new EMS billing vendor $1,050 and $950, respectively. the City will experience a significant increase in its collection According to Butkovitz, for every ALS run, the Fire Dept. can exrate,” said Butkovitz. pect to receive only 19 cents on Along with the $50 million that the dollar and for BLS runs, only was billed but not collected, the 13 cents on the dollar. Controller’s follow-up report also reviewed an additional $97 mil- “I strongly recommend the Adneeded.”

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD ministration lobby state and federal legislators to increase Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements rates,” said Butkovitz. “State Medicaid reimbursements have not increased since early 1990s.”

considered a write-off due to inaccurate or incomplete billings. This was a result of EMS personnel failing to ask or obtain the patient’s medical insurance card; obtaining bad or incomplete information about the patient’s billing address or erroneously enThe remaining $19 million in ad- tering bad billing data into their ditional potential revenue was

mobile data transmitters. “The Fire Dept. needs to study and develop a corrective action plan that will minimize write-offs due to inaccurate and incomplete billing information,” said Butkovitz.

Partners Make Accessible Housing In Fox Chase Inglis, a key provider of services and housing for people living with disabilities in the Philadelphia region for 135 years, and the North American province of Medical Mission Services, an international, Catholic religious community of 600 women dedicated to health care and healing, today announced completion of a financing package to build 61 units of fully accessible, low-income housing in the Fox Chase area.

of 32 approved by PHFA statewide to share in $28.5 million in tax credits. Mission Green will set aside 10 units for significantly disabled individuals who are 55 years of age and older. The remaining fully accessible units will be available to low-income seniors over 55. MMS hopes Mission Green will become home for some of its senior Sisters.

“We see this joint effort as addressing a need shared both by members of our Order who are reaching retirement age and the community at large,” said Sister Suzanne Maschek, MMS North American Coordinator. “We’re especially pleased to be working with Inglis, with its more than a century of experience in compassionately addressing the needs of people with mobility challenges.” The facility will include an on-site community room with full-ser“We’re delighted to receive the vice kitchen, lounge and laundry green light on this vital project,” on each floor. On-site parking will said Gavin Kerr, Inglis president be available and each unit will be and CEO. “The partnership of In- served by high-speed digital servglis and MMS addresses a lack of ice. The project also is designed senior accessible, affordable to meet or exceed PHFA Green housing in both Montgomery and Building standards. Philadelphia Cos.” (the site is located along the City/County border). Kerr stated Inglis currently has more than 300 people living with disabilities on its waiting list for affordable, accessible housing.

The $13.5 million project, to be called Mission Green, will be constructed on the grounds of the 69-acre North American headquarters of MMS, located at 8400 Pine Road. The final element of financing was approved in midApril by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for low-income housing tax credits. Inglis has committed $1.7 million to the development and MMS are contributing the land on which the housing will be built. The Inglis-MMS project was one

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