Philly Music Of The Day

Since yesterday’s Philly Music Of The Day was South Street by The Orlons from 1963, it’s only fair to give you “You Can’t Sit Down” by The Dovells.

Well, I Certainly Never Expected This One

I just got this in my inbox from Bill Clinton. I’m certain it is from him because the address is Bill Clinton <info@BarackObama.Com>

I mean, why would info send me anything?

All I can say is that I’m sincerely flattered Mr. X-President.
Bill —
I’ve been in President Obama’s shoes before — less than six months to go before an election to let you finish what you started. It was tough enough back then, but this election is going to be tougher.
We’re facing a tidal wave of anonymous, unlimited spending. The other side has pledged to throw more than 1 billion dollars into tearing down our president.
It’s unprecedented.
Fortunately, so is the grassroots organization you’re building.
Pitch in what you can today to strengthen the campaign — and you’ll be automatically entered to join me and President Obama in New York City, with the campaign covering airfare and accommodations.
If our opponent succeeds, so much of what we’ve fought so hard for will be rolled back. Health care reform — which many presidents, including me, tried to pass and couldn’t — will be gone. Same goes for the opportunity for millions more Americans to afford to go to college, and a growing economy that works for middle-class families.
Our opponent is actually advertising a more extreme version of the policies that got us in trouble in the first place: policies that will leave us with more debt, weaker regulations on risky investments, and fewer jobs.
All of that’s at stake between now and November, but here’s why I’m feeling good about our chances: I know people like you have the President’s back.
And I can’t wait to meet you. I hope you’ll give it a shot:
Thanks, and good luck,

Philly Music Of The Day

The word “hippie” is usually thought to be a California invention but The Orlons were having them meet on South Street in their song with that name that reached number 3 in 1963. Some transcribe the lyrics as hippest but, really, listen to the song.

Fellow Philadelphians The Dovells also had a number 3 hit that year with “You Can’t Sit Down” which also refers to South Street and features the lyrics transcribed as “hip beat with the back beat” which some hear as “hippie with the back beat”.
Anyway, here is South Street.

Bill Would Cut Tax $ To Abortionists In Pa.

State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), yesterday, May 23, introduced a bill that would prohibit Planned Parenthood and all other abortion-on-demand providers from receiving taxpayer funding.

Also supporting the Whole Woman’s Health Funding Priority Act are Representatives Kathy Rapp (R-65); Ryan Aument (R-41), Bryan Cutler (R-100) and Gordon Denlinger (R-88). 

Hopefully, some of the more go-along-to-get-along types who claim to be pro life join them. The Republicans hold the majority in the state Senate and the House, along with the governor’s office so this should be a no-brainer. Given Harrisburg and money and favors, no-brainer does not mean done deal.

And for those out there who feel uncomfortable about “social issues” don’t think of cutting government spending as a “social issue”.
 
If we can’t defund the dubious services provided by Planned Parenthood — the benefits of which cannot be socially substantiated — what can we defund? 
Bill Would Cut Tax $ To Abortionists In Pa.

Schedule For Nearby State Fairs

The 2012 Pennsylvania Fair Guide is now available for summer planning.
Published by the state Department of Agriculture, the guide lists the dates, locations and contact persons for more than 100 agriculture fairs and events scheduled this summer and fall in Pennsylvania.
It is estimated that several million visitors will attend Pennsylvania fairs this year.
Upcoming fairs in eastern Pennsylvania include: 
• Kempton Country Fair, June 12-16.
• Lebanon Area Fair, July 28 through Aug. 4.
• Schuylkill County Fair, July 30 through Aug. 4.
• Reading Fair, Aug. 5-11.
• Kutztown Fair, Aug. 13-18.
• Oley Valley Community Fair, Sept. 20-22.
The Department of Agriculture also hosts the annual Pennsylvania State Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exhibition in the country.  The 2013 Farm Show will be held Jan. 5-12.
Hat tip State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129) whose website has the guide available as a pdf download.

Latest Delco Real Estate Transfers

From Lansdowne, Marcus Hook, Marple, Media and Middletown.

Philadelphia Music Of The Day

If one is going to feature Wagner as Philadelphia music one would be remiss in not including MFSB. Some say MFSB stood for Mother Father Sister Brother. Some say it stood for something else.

Anyway here is TSOP, which does mean The Sound of Philadelphia.

An Invitation From The President

President Obama has let me know that he had President Clinton are getting together in New York on June 4 and that he is inviting me.

“President Clinton and I are getting together in New York — and I’m inviting you, too,” President O says.
Cool beans.

“Bill and I have spent a good amount of time together these past few years, and we always have plenty to talk about,” he says. “If you’re in, chip in $5 or whatever you can today, and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to join us.”

Wait a minute, I thought you were inviting me. What’s this “chance to join us” thing?

Truthfully, I don’t think I could make it anyway. I have plans. Granted I’m not sure what they are yet.

iPenncrest? Are The Kids Getting iPods?

A little birdie told me that Penncrest students will be getting iPods next year. It warms one’s heart to know that there is at least one place left in this country with money to burn. 

May 21 HB 1776 Hearing

The press release regarding the hearing held yesterday, May 21, for House Bill 1776 was  submitted by State Rep. Jim Cox who is sponsoring the bill  which would end use of the property tax as a funding mechanism for schools. Cox explains why it is good to end the property tax as a school funding mechanism and notes that his bill will not cut school funding.

The House Finance Committee (May 21) held a hearing to gather testimony about the Property Tax Independence Act (House Bill 1776) sponsored by state Representative Jim Cox (R-129). While an advocate for property taxpayers enthusiastically endorsed the bill, some representatives of special interest groups who testified were less supportive.

“I think the testimony largely reflected the current situation,” Cox said. “While homeowners stand to gain the most from this legislation and have enthusiastically supported the bill, there are business owners who see this as a way to expand their business. Of course, not every group who testified was in favor of this change because the current system is working well for them.”

David Baldinger, who serves as president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations (PCTA), an alliance of 72 grassroots Pennsylvania taxpayer advocacy groups that represent tens of thousands of taxpayers across the Commonwealth, enthusiastically supports House Bill 1776 and its companion legislation in the state Senate (Senate Bill 1400).

The Property Tax Independence Act would replace school property tax funding for schools across the Commonwealth with new state revenues.

“No tax should have the power to leave you homeless,” Cox said. “We have to end the practice of kicking senior citizens and widows out of their homes because they cannot afford to pay their property taxes.”

The Property Tax Independence Act would provide the same level of funding for schools across the Commonwealth as they currently receive through school property taxes. However, the plan would eliminate school property taxes and replace the funds with additional state revenues. Specifically, the bill would enhance collections through the state’s Personal Income Tax by raising it from 3.07 percent to 4 percent. It would also generate additional funds by closing loopholes in the state sales tax and raising the rate from 6 percent to 7 percent.

The plan would apply the 7 percent sales tax to clothing and footwear that cost $50 or more, non-prescription drugs and food items that are not part of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

In addition, it would close loopholes that currently exempt dry cleaning, funeral expenses, amusement parks and other services from the state sales tax. It would close similar loopholes that also exempt newspapers, magazines, flags, gum, candy and other goods from the sales tax.

Various special interest groups representing specific corporate sectors of the economy and levels of government also testified before the committee. The Pennsylvania Realtors Association is firmly behind House Bill 1776 and sees this plan as the necessary catalyst to revive a stagnant housing market. A testifier representing school boards, which would lose their ability to levy property taxes under the proposal, was not supportive of the plan. Another testifier representing newspapers, which would be subject to the state sales tax under the plan, also failed to wholeheartedly endorse the proposal.

“No plan to completely replace school property taxes is going to please every special interest group,” Cox said. “My goal with this legislation is to do what is right for homeowners and property taxpayers. I think the fact that property taxpayers overwhelmingly support the plan is a testament to how important it is to them.”

For additional information about the Property Tax Independence Act, including a complete list of items that would be subject to the expanded state sales tax, constituents should visit www.RepJimCox.com and click on the “Property Tax Independence Act” banner at the top of the page.

May 21 HB 1776 Hearing

May 21 HB 1776 Hearing