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
West Nile Comes Early In Pa.
The state departments of Health and Environmental Protection have reported the early discovery of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Berks, Dauphin and Luzerne counties, according to State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129). The first mosquito to test positive this year was in Exeter Township, Berks County, on May 3.
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of a mosquito that acquired the virus from the blood of an infected bird. The virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Last year, six people were reported to have contracted West Nile virus in Pennsylvania.
The best way to prevent the spread of West Nile virus is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water around homes, weeds, tall grass, shrubbery and discarded tires.
Tonight’s Meal Featured Piemonte Barbera
Tonight’s meal by Chef William Lawrence Sr. was sweet Italian sausage cooked in onions and green peppers served over linguini with a 2010 Piemonte Barbera from Casa Sant’Orsola that matched it perfectly.
The main course was preceded by a fresh garden salad with home-made blue cheese dressing.
The wine was less than $10 and purchased from the state store in Media.
Perfecto.
DUI Cases Heard In Newtown
By Pattie Price
Paul Willey, 57, of Newtown waived a hearing Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Lee Hunter on the charges of DUI, accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property, duty to give information or render aid, reckless driving, careless driving, and a stop sign violation. The charges stem from an accident 6:17p.m., March 13, in the 3500 block of West Chester Pike, Newtown, Pa.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Lt. Chris Lunn responded to a report of an accident where the driver fled and was seen turning onto Radnor Drive. The vehicle, with heavy front end damage, was located in front of 47 Radnor Drive. Witnesses, including Marple Detective Barry Williams, followed Willey and called 911.
Willey had an odor of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet and admitted he consumed gin. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .168 percent. Willey was transported to Springfield Hospital for a blood test.
Willey was released and is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
John Duthie, 25, of Marple, waived a hearing on the charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and a red light violation. In exchange for the waiver the charge of possession of a controlled substance was withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 11:15p.m., Jan. 16, at West Chester Pike and Route 252.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Joe Vandegrift was monitoring traffic when he saw a black pick up truck go through the red light. Duthie, who was later identified as the driver, turned into the Carriage House Apartments and was stopped.
Confiscated from Duthie were five syringes and some heroin. Duthie admitted that he uses the needles to inject heroin.
Duthie is scheduled for a June 17 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Kenneth Manganiello, 51, of Media, waived a hearing on the charges of DUI, careless driving, and driving on roadways laned for traffic. The charges stem from an incident 11:17p.m., March 13 on Bishop Hollow Road at Campus Boulevard.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Joe Vandegrift stopped Manganiello when he saw him swerving and crossing the double yellow lines on Bishop Hollow Road.
Manganiello said he was on his way home from work and admitted to consuming two drinks. He failed field sobriety tests and was transported to Springfield Hospital for a blood test. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .182 percent.
Manganiello was released to his wife and is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Valerie Paparo, 36, of Media, waived a hearing on the charges of reckless driving, driving without a seatbelt, and two counts of recklessly endangering another person. In exchange for the waiver the charge of DUI was withdrawn. The charges stem from an accident 11:17a.m., Nov. 22 on North Newtown Street Road.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Joe Vandegrift responded to a two-car accident in the 400 block of North Newtown Street Road near Gradyville Road. Mrs. Paparo’s vehicle struck a tree. She sustained a laceration to her head. The two children in the car sustained minor injuries all though only one child was properly restrained.
Vandegrift detected an odor of alcohol. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .037 percent, well below the legal limit of .08 percent. All three occupants were transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center for treatment. A blood test revealed the presence of alcohol, marijuana and codeine.
Mrs. Paparo is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Justin Hrebiniak, 36, of Bryn Mawr, waived a hearing on the charges of DUI. In exchange for the waiver, the charges of careless driving and duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 7:15p.m., March 14, at West Chester Pike and Bryn Mawr Avenue.
According to the affidavit Newtown Officer Joe Alonso responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver operating a Subaru. Newtown Detective John Newell spotted the vehicle as it turned onto Bryn Mawr Avenue from West Chester Pike. Newell followed the car with lights and sirens as the driver, later identified as Hrebiniak, was seen swerving and crossing the double yellow lines. Alonso caught up to them near Sproul Road and they were able to stop Hrebiniak near the I-476 overpass.
Hrebiniak said that he didn’t hear the sirens and didn’t see the flashing lights
Hrebiniak had an odor of alcohol, was unsteady on his feet, and a portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .159 percent. He was transported to Riddle Memorial Hospital for a blood test.
Hrebiniak was released and is scheduled for a July 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Catherine Rupertus, 40, of Aston, waived a hearing on the charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. In exchange for the waiver the charges of driving while her license was suspended, drivers required to be licensed, and a red light violation were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 11:05p.m., Feb. 23, in the unit block of South Newtown Street Road.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Bill Moor was monitoring traffic at West Chester Pike and Route 252 when he saw an SUV go through a red light and make a left turn from Westbound West Chester Pike onto Route 252. He stopped the driver, identified as Ms. Rupertus, in the unit block of S. Newtown Street Road. She immediately apologized to police and said that her license was suspended.
Ms. Rupertus said she had been arrested previously for possession of Heroin. She had something in her hand and told police it was methadone pills.
Also confiscated from Ms. Rupertus was a little marijuana, an aluminum smoking device containing marijuana residue, and more methadone pills
A computer check revealed Ms. Rupertus’ license was suspended and expired.
Ms. Rupertus is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Ted Edwards, 59, of Avondale waived a hearing on the charges of DUI for an incident 10:56p.m., March 4, at West Chester Pike and Route 252. In exchange for the waiver a red light violation was withdrawn.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Officer Dan Dougherty was monitoring traffic when he saw a Toyota go through the red light on West Chester Pike onto southbound Newtown Street Road. The driver, identified as Edwards, was stopped at Mary Jane Lane.
Edwards had a strong odor of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests. A portable breath test revealed a blood alcohol level of .134 percent. Edwards was transported to Riddle Memorial Hospital for a blood test.
Edwards told police he had two drinks with his dying father who lives at Dunwoody Village.
Edwards was released and is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
* * *
Stephen Brown, 32, of Coatesville waived a hearing on the charges of four counts each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. In exchange for the waiver the charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property were withdrawn. The charges stem from an incident 10:50 p.m., July 5, 2011, in the 3500 block of West Chester Pike.
According to the affidavit, Newtown Detective John Newell investigated a report from the owner of TPM Hardwood Flooring who discovered 10 expensive tools missing from his shop. He also told Newell that a former employee was responsible for the thefts. The business owner said he hired Brown in May 2011 and his last day was June 22, 2001.
Another employee alerted the owner that Brown stole the tools and sold them to a Pawn Shop in Coatesville
Newell checked with the American/Pottstown Cash Traders and learned that Brown traded some of the tools for cash.
The tools are valued at $6,500.
Brown is scheduled for a June 14 arraignment in Common Pleas Court. He was remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility when he was unable to post bail.
* * *
The charges of receiving stolen property and access device is counterfeit were withdrawn against Shane Dubin, 25, of Newtown. In exchange Dubin plead guilty to disorderly conduct and was fined.
The charges stem from incidents Jan. 17 and 19 when Dubin used a Philadelphia woman’s credit card without permission to purchase food from the Upper Crust, 3711 West Chester Pike.
Police spoke to Dubin on Jan. 20 and filed the charges when he hadn’t paid $103. in restitution by Jan. 25.
HB 1776 Hearing
The House Finance Committee will convene a hearing 9 a.m., today, May 21, to collect testimony about the Property Tax Independence Act (House Bill 1776), according to State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129) who is the bill’s sponsor
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, is on the agenda to testify.
HB 1776 Hearing
Bill Would Extend EITC To Vocational Schools
The House Education Committee has approved a bill to ensure public career and vocational schools are eligible for the state’s successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, according to State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129).
The EITC program provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to an Education Improvement Organization (EIO) associated with a public or private school. The tax credit is equal to 75 percent of the business contribution, up to a maximum of $300,000 per taxable year.
House Bill 2319 would include public career and technical schools on the list of educational institutions that can be served by EIOs. Pennsylvania is home to 82 career and technical schools that help to train tomorrow’s workers.
Obama on Wright
The standup comic,Jackie Mason,has the funniest(and most revealing)
stand up routine on Obama and Rev Wright.
Be prepared to laugh yourself silly!!!
http://www.youtube.com/
Made With Organic Grapes
And speaking of wine, I had an enjoyable chardonnay from Mendocino Vineyards acquired from the state store — excuse Wine and Spirits Shoppe — in Media for $7.99.
It went perfectly with the orange fennel salmon, stuffed fresh mushrooms and sauteed fresh green beans with walnuts made by Chef William Lawrence Sr.
The produce was acquired cheaply from the Produce Junction in Marple next to the old county incinerator, so cheap, in fact, much of it went to the neighbors.
One of the enjoyable surprises with chardonnay was the claim on the label that it was “made with organic grapes.” Have to love a California vineyard with a sense of humor.
Made With Organic Grapes
Bill Would Allow Mail Orders For Wine
The House Liquor Control Committee has endorsed legislation to allow for direct shipment of out-of-state wines to Pennsylvania homes, according to State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129)
House Bill 845 would permit the shipment of wine to Commonwealth residents by wineries that obtain a direct wine shipper license. An unlimited amount of wine could then be shipped directly to any Pennsylvania resident who is at least 21 years of age or older for personal use only.
Current law allows for online purchases to be delivered to a Liquor Control Board store and limits the volume of the purchase and the types of wines that may be purchased. Pennsylvania is one of 17 states that ban direct shipment to wine consumers.
The bill is awaiting consideration by the full House.