Bill Strenghtens Penalties On Unemployment Fraud

A bill that would increase penalties for willful unemployment compensation fraud has been sent to the House for a vote, State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129) said.

It was unanimously passed out of the  House Labor and Industry Committee, Feb. 14. unanimously voted to send a bill to the House this week that will increase penalties for willful unemployment compensation fraud.

HB 1852 would increase the penalty period for individuals who commit unemployment compensation fraud from two weeks to 10 weeks and would remove the current four-year limit on the imposition of these penalty weeks, Cox said. The bill would add a 15 percent penalty to the total owed to the fund for a fraudulent claim and create a 52-week penalty for individuals who commit willful fraud to collect benefits while in prison.

It is estimated the proposal will save the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund $15 million to $20 million annually. Pennsylvania’s rate of fraudulent unemployment claims is more than 5 percent, exceeding the national average.

Rick Hits Big Time: NY Times In Total Slime Mode

Rick Hits Big Time — Rick Hits Big TimeReader Tom C reports that today’s New York Times, that dying dinosaur soon to be owned by the Mexicans (Todas las noticias de que está en condiciones de imprimir. Viva Carlos Slim, Si) is carrying four pieces today, Feb. 18, savaging Rick Santorum — including two on the op-ed page.

Wow, it’s almost like he was Ronald Reagan or something.

Go Rick.

A Pennsylvanian for president.

Casey SOPA Late Response

Casey SOPA Late Response — Better a month late than never one supposes.

Sen. Bob Casey (D) finally got back to us on the request we made Jan. 18 that he oppose the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). Both bills were put on hold that day after massive protests.

He never really did do much to stop them.

Sen. Pat Toomey (R) responded almost immediately and announced his opposition to the bills later that day.

Anyway, here is Sen. Casey’s response:

Dear Mr. Lawrence:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding S. 968, the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property (PROTECT IP) Act of 2011, and H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.

S. 968 was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont on May 12, 2011. The PROTECT IP Act would allow the Attorney General and property rights holders to take legal action against only foreign-based websites strictly dedicated to copyright infringement and intellectual property theft.  After legal action is taken and a judge finds the particular foreign-based website guilty of being dedicated to intellectual property theft, payment processors such as credit card companies and other payment systems would no longer be allowed to process payments to that illegal foreign site. It would also allow the Attorney General and intellectual property holders to seek a court order to shut down websites engaging in piracy.

S. 968 was voted out of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary unanimously on May 26, 2011. A version of this bill, H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Lamar Smith of Texas on October 26, 2011. It was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, where hearings were held.

Over the past several months, I have heard from numerous groups and individuals concerned that internet piracy destroys American jobs, threatens public safety—for example, through the sales of counterfeit pharmaceuticals—and violates the intellectual property rights of creative and innovative American artists, inventors and entrepreneurs. These diverse groups strongly supported the bill as a means to shut down foreign rogue websites that are dedicated exclusively to intellectual property theft.

More recently, I have heard from individuals who are concerned that these bills violate their right to freedom of speech, as well as from constituents concerned that they would shut down sites like Google, Wikipedia, Facebook and YouTube. I take very seriously concerns about censorship and infringing freedom of speech. Accordingly, I was pleased that the bills were removed from the Senate calendar so that further consideration could be given to these concerns.

At this point, I think it is important for all interested parties—including Internet users, technology companies and intellectual property holders—to take a step back and begin a dialogue on how to protect the legitimate rights of innovators and creative artists, and protect public safety in the face of counterfeit products, while at the same time assuring that First Amendment rights are not infringed and the further development of robust internet is not inhibited. I also look forward to new legislation being developed that appropriately balances all of these objectives. Please be assured that as this process advances, I will have your views in mind.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.

I encourage you to visit my website, casey.senate.gov. I invite you to use this online office as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office, or share with me your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,
Bob Casey
United States Senator

 

Casey SOPA Late Response

Casey SOPA Late Response

Would Bon Jovi Get Half Staff

Would Bon Jovi Get Half Staff

By Chris Freind

With the sparse media coverage of Whitney Houston’s death
and funeral, it’s not surprising that her years of military service
have gone largely unnoticed, as were her activities as an undercover cop
in New Jersey (was she really killed after a sting went bad?). After
all, she must have done these dangerous things to warrant all
New Jersey state flags being flown at half-mast in her honor, as ordered
by Governor Chris Christie.

Because the opposite simply defies common sense. If Houston was not a
police officer gunned down in the line of duty, nor a military hero
killed in a war zone, that means that the hugely significant act of
lowering the flags in deference to her was because she was … a singer?

Really, Governor? A singer? That’s what it’s come down to in Jersey?
Sure, Whitney Houston was a Jersey native, proud of her Garden State
roots. And undeniably, she was one of the most dynamic pop stars of all
time, changing the musical landscape forever and inspiring some of the
brightest performers of today.

But she was just a singer. That’s not to minimize her
accomplishments, as they are many, but let’s cut through the emotion and
talk brass tacks. She was a popular singer, past her prime, with a
not-exactly-stellar personal history.

Play word association with most people about Whitney Houston, and they will tell you two things: great singer and crack addict.

That’s reason enough not to elevate Houston to god-like status. While
Christie can’t control the media’s nauseating coverage of all things
Whitney, he certainly could have sent a message by NOT lowering the
flags for her. By doing so, Houston is now perceived, more than she ever
has been, as a special role model, one for whom the government has
issued its seal of approval.

Where does it end? What is the litmus test for getting flags lowered on your behalf—once
the hallowed territory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in
service of their country? Christie has changed the rules forever.

If Jon Bon Jovi happens to meet his maker next week, will the Guv give him the same special treatment? And what is the threshold? Record sales? Movie appearances? Rehab stints?
More ominous is to ponder Bon Jovi’s flag fate had he died before
Whitney. Would Christie have honored him the same way? And if not, would
that have been because Bon Jovi wouldn’t have provided the same
perceived political benefit?

Houston fans will take this as a personal affront to Whitney and her
family, but the point remains a valid one, and that bring us to two
possibilities.

1) Is Christie’s move a political calculation,
pandering to constituencies that are not in his camp? And if so, is the
Governor’s attempt at making inroads with the black community and young
hipsters done to seem more “moderate and compassionate,” both perceived
necessities if Christie is running for president or vice-president?

If that is the case, it is a massive miscalculation on three counts.
First, he won’t win over those constituencies because he lowers flags.
He can only do so by sticking to his core convictions, explaining to
them why his vision will benefit them more than failed Democratic
policies will. Second, he has now alienated an influential part of his
natural base—active and retired police and military personnel. Last,
such perceived political posturing doesn’t sit well with the vast
majority of regular, non-political citizens. They may not see his
motives as politically calculated, but many see his decision as a total
lack of good judgment.

2) Of course, there may be absolutely no political calculation
whatsoever, with Christie making his decision on a human level only. I,
for one, would certainly like to think so, as no media commentator has
defended Christie’s bulldog approach to tough issues more than Freindly Fire (and, to be fair, hammered him when he was wrong, such as “HelicopterGate”).

But that is exactly why politicians should not be lowering flags and
honoring anyone they happen to like. The nature of politicians is such
that everything they do is perceived to be calculated, that behind every
move is an ulterior motive to curry favor with a particular
constituency.

Why wasn’t the solemn act of lowering flags to honor real heroes left
intact? Why is nothing sacred anymore? Why is common sense so
incredibly uncommon these days, even by those from whom we expect more?

Perception is reality, and the growing perception—from both the
media’s nonstop Whitney coverage and Chris Christie stamping his
imprimatur on her entire life—is that she should be emulated and admired
as one of the nation’s great role models.

Pennsylvania Senate Changes Health Plan

Pennsylvania Senate Changes Health Plan — State Senate President Pro-Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) confirmed in a Feb. 9 letter to the Bucks County Courier Times that the Senate is replacing its luxury employee medical plan with one akin to the kind almost universal in the private sector. It is expected to save the state $1 million annually.

The elimination of indemnity health plans was approved in December by The Senate Committee on Management Operations, according to the Courier Times, and all senators, employees and retirees will be in a preferred provider organization plan by April 1.

The Courier Times and its sister paper, The Intelligencer ran a series of articles in May describing the scandalous benefits. They deserve a big pat on the back.

But one suspects the matter would have been quickly forgotten if it wasn’t for the growth of certain ornery constituent groups whose loyalty lies with issues rather than an established party.

Health benefits for about 900 Senate employees cost  $16.8 million last year.

Under indemnity plans,  the insured can see any doctor who accepts the insurance and all expenses are covered after a deductible is reached.

They are almost non-existent in the private sector now.

 

Pennsylvania Senate Changes Health Plan

Rick Hits Big Time: 0 Wants Dirt

Rick Hits Big Time: 0 Wants Dirt — Below is a message received by a conservative who has managed to get himself placed on the Obama campaign’s mailing list. So much for running on the issues with vigorous and fair debate about the common good.

Of course since Romney wasn’t doing that why should we who care about this country expect different from the Democrats, whose sole raison d’être is to acquire a soft life through government power?

Name Withheld

Rick Santorum — Pennsylvania’s own — is currently rocketing to the top of the Republican primary polls in key states around the country. I mean, who’d have guessed?

Here’s someone who has actually bragged that he was a tea partier before there was a Tea Party — someone whose extreme-right social views are as out of touch as they are memorable.

Folks across the country are just starting to learn about Rick Santorum as he enjoys his newfound wave of popularity. But people here have known him for some time — long before he was out on the national stage like he is now. And it’s on us to make sure the rest of the country sees Rick Santorum’s true colors.

Share your recollections of Rick Santorum’s record in Pennsylvania.

We all have a role to play in helping introduce the real Rick Santorum to voters in the 49 other states. Your story will help hold him responsible for his actions — and could inspire other Pennsylvanians to get involved and raise their voices, too.

And when it comes to his greatest hits in this state, you’ll have no shortage of material to choose from.

Share what you want the rest of the country to know about Rick Santorum — and then ask your fellow Pennsylvanians to join you:

http://pa.barackobama.com/Santorum

Thanks,

Bill

Bill Hyers
Pennsylvania State Director
Obama for America

 

Rick Hits Big Time: 0 Wants Dirt

Holy Humor — Off The Internet

Holy Humor — Off The Internet

Courtesy of Cathy Martin

During these serious and troubled times, people of all faiths should remember these four great religious truths:

1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God’s Chosen People.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3.Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian world.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at the liquor store.

GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan.
She asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?” A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up..”

DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?” “No,” replied Johnny. “How could he, with just two worms.”

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible – Psalm 23 . She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task – but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.”

UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher’s 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. “Well, Honey,” he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. “I’m asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.” “How come He doesn’t answer it?” she asked.

BEING THANKFUL
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, “So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That’s very commendable. What does she say?” The little boy replied, “Thank God he’s in bed!”

ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past).. For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, “And all girls.” This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, “Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?” Her response, “Because everybody always finish their prayers by saying ‘All Men’!”

SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. “Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.” said his mother. “I don’t need to,” the boy replied.. “Of course, you do “his mother insisted. “We always say a prayer before eating at our house.” “That’s at our house.” Johnny explained. “But this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook.”

 

Holy Humor — Off The Internet

Holy Humor -- Off The Internet

HB 2175 Would Itemize Capital Project

HB 2175 Would Itemize Capital Project — A bill was re-committed, today, Feb. 15,  to the State House Appropriations Committee that would require the Governor to  itemize capital projects.

The bill, HB 2175,  was submitted Feb. 7 by Mike Turzai (R-28) who is majority floor leader and was almost certainly a response to legislation proposed by Democrat Rosita Youngblood of the 128th District, according to Tea Party activist Bob Guzzardi.

Further it came soon after Tea Party candidates such as Rogers  Howard who is challenging Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi in the 9th District GOP primary criticized certain expenditures by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The program is specifically addressed in the bill.

To quote the bill:

At least once each legislative session, the Governor shall submit a capital project itemization bill to the General Assembly specifically itemizing the capital projects to be financed from the proceeds of obligations of the Commonwealth. No redevelopment assistance capital project may receive funds unless the project was itemized in a capital budget project itemization bill, a capital budget bill or a capital project itemization bill enacted within ten years of the date the project is approved under section 318 or the project has been approved by the secretary on or before December 31, 2011.


Kudos Mr. Howard and Ms. Youngblood.

 

 

HB 2175 Would Itemize Capital Project

Mustaine Endorses Rick Santorum

Mustaine Endorses Rick Santorum  — Rick Santorum got a big boost in his battle to be the GOP presidential nominee when Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine gave him the thumbs up.

“You know, I think Santorum has some presidential qualities, and I’m
hoping that if it does come down to it, we’ll see a Republican in the
White House… and that it’s Rick Santorum,” Mustaine told MusicRadar.com.

Megadeth is known for such works as Rust in Peace, Symphony of Destruction, and, of course, Holy Wars.

Mustaine Endorses Rick Santorum

Mustaine Endorses Rick Santorum  -- Rick Santorum got a big boost in his battle to be the GOP presidential nominee when Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine gave him

 

Why Americans Dislike Obama

Why Americans Dislike Obama — Scott Ott writing on PJMedia.Com explains why most of us are feeling very uncomfortable regarding President Obama. He notes that this discomfort occurs:

  • When he makes recess appointments (to the National Labor Relations
    Board and to the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) while the
    Senate is not in recess;
  • When he does through bureaucratic regulation what he cannot accomplish legally through persuasion of the people’s legislature;
  • When he stands before the Congress, the nation, and the Supreme
    Court, as he did during a State of the Union address, and publicly
    rebukes the Court for a decision he didn’t like;
  • When he initiates overseas military adventures (i.e., Libya) without congressional approval;
  • When he campaigns around the country saying “we can’t wait” for
    Congress to act, and instructs his cabinet to do everything they can
    without Congress, because he wants to spend more borrowed money on more
    social experiments, despite the demonstrated failure of his previous
    experiments.
  • When he erects “a Multitude of new Offices, and [sends] hither
    Swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out their Substance.”
Ott says points out that the last when was originally a reference to George III.

Why Americans Dislike Obama