Day: March 25, 2010

Election Franking A Crime?

Election Franking A Crime? — The Pennsylvania House State Government Committee, March 23, unanimously gave its OK to House Bill 2271 that would make it a criminal offense for a legislator to mail tax-funded pieces within 60 days of an election in which the legislator is a candidate for public office.

State House and Senate rules now prohibit the practice and they are generally followed but the act is not yet criminal. The bill would subject a transgressor to “a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than one year or both”.

The bill was introduced by State Rep. Matthew Bradford (D-70) which is in Montgomery County.

So kudos for a rare bit of commonsense from a Democrat. Still, you really have to wonder why our legislators at whatever level still have franking privileges in this day of much more efficient mass communication.

But if that should be too radical, it seems that rather than a prohibition about mailing 60 days before an election, limiting legislative mailings  to two weeks after the general and primary elections would be much more effective on cutting down insincere love notes from a group known for their ability to look after number 1.

Do you really, really think they care whether we have a “happy holiday” or not?

HB 2271 now goes before the House Appropriations Committee.

Hat tip to GrassrootsPa.com

Election Franking A Crime?

Election Franking A Crime?

RTMEA Settles

The Rose Tree Media School District announced March 23 that it has settled its contract dispute with the Rose Tree Media Education Association, the union that represents the districts teachers, guidance counselors, librarians and nurses.

The agreement appears to be closer to what the school district was offering namely a three-year contract with raises of 2.55 percent for the first year followed by raises of 2.95 percent and 2.99 percent.

The district also said there would be a switch in health plans for a net savings of $449,000 over the course of the contract.

Hat tip to Kate Rainey and the High Meadow Civic Association of Middletown.

So with the fuss reasonably settled why did the RTMEA choose to torment the parents and teachers with a vote to strike in February?

Anyway, to see what your district’s teachers made in 2009 visit here.

What Has Admiral Joe Wrought?

The uncontrolled mouth of Congressman Joe “The Fink” Sestak (D-Pa7)   may send his master down muck creek sans motor.

The  Drudge Report and CBS News are now reporting that the top Republican — Darrell Issa (R-Ca49) — on the House Oversight Committe will call for a special prosecutor if the White House does not address Sestak’s claim that he was offered a job to drop his Senate challenge to party comrade Arlen Specter, the incumbent.

Sestak made the claim in mid-February on “Voice of Reason”, a Comcast Network cable news show hosted by veteran anchor Larry Kane.

Sestak said he could not comment that the job was Navy Secretary but did confirm it was “high up”.

If true, the offer would be a violation of federal anti-bribery laws, along with laws prohibiting government officials from interfering in elections and using federal jobs for for political reasons.

Violation of each provision is punishable by up to one year in jail.

Will Sestakgate become a new word? Well, yes it seems. Remember Mr. President, it’s the cover-up not the crime that gets you in trouble.

Meanwhile, Specter, showing the loyalty to friends and benefactors for which he has become famous, said it sounds like bribery to him and basically double-dog dared Admiral Joe to name names and dates.