Lower Saucon to Join NIZ Litigation

Following an executive session, Lower Saucon Township Council has decided to join in a legal challenge to Allentown's EIT tax grab for the purpose of financing a downtown hockey arena and 7-story hotel.

The vote was unanimous, at the end of a lengthy meeting involving numerous land planning issues. Ironically, one on the requests considered, and denied, was to relieve Lehigh Gas of its 18-month maintenance period at a Lower Saucon Township site it left for the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ).

Lehigh Gas was the first tenant at the NIZ.

Lower Saucon voters, last November, passed a referendum devoting a portion of EIT to open space. Allentown's EIT tax grab has effectively abrogated the will of the Township's electorate.

Last week, Hanover Township Supervisors authorized its Solicitor to pursue litigation aimed at top Allentown's "misappropriation" of Hanover Township EIT within a downtown Allentown 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone. On Monday night, Bethlehem Township Commissioners voted to join in Hanover's legal action.

Now, three Northampton County municipalities are joined together in a regional effort to stop what advocates of the NIZ insist is good for regionalism. I guess it is, but not in the way hoped.

Next week, both Palmer and Lehigh Townships will be discussing potential litigation.

And so the dominoes begin to fall, one by one.

Pa. Presidential Primary Actually Matters ... Or Does it?

For the first time since 1980 (Reagan v. Bush I), Pennsylvania's GOP Presidential Primary actually means something, according to the Inky. No less an authority than the New York Times itself, is claiming that Pa. is once again a playa'.

But look at the choices? Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are effectively out, leaving Pa. Republicans with a choice between bedroom cop Rick Santorum and ascot-wearin' Mitt Romney.

Do either of these guys represent Pennsylvania values? With this kind of choice, this race is over.

LV Nursing Homes Facing $5.9 Million in State Budget Cuts

The Gracedale Gang is very busy these days. They did once call themselves the "Gracedale Guardians," but now refer to themselves as the "Watchmen."  Well, they need new glasses. They've been very busy in recent weeks, calling Executive John Stoffa a crook. They're still stomping all over former Council member Ron Angle, who lost his seat in November's election. They've also been trashing Easton Mayor and Gracedale supporter Sal Panto. Why? I have no degrees in psychology so it's hard to understand that one.

As much as they hate these elected officials, they hate me even more. I'm "vermin," "demented," "deranged," etc., with a "twisted pen."

While these supposed watchmen have been hurling hate grenades at all their imagined enemies, Governor Tom Corbett and the feds have been using meat cleavers to hack away at nursing home budgets.

According to some real watchmen at the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, the impact of Corbett's budget cuts on Northampton County nursing homes will be $2,121,441. Lehigh County, will suffer even more, losing $3,809,190. That's $5.9 million in cuts to LV nursing homes. By the way, Corbett's $102 million statewide cut for nursing homes is in addition to reductions in Medicare payments.

This financial strain is too much for the County. It's one of the reasons the County wanted to sell. Here are the sorry facts, according to a PHCA news release:

 Over the last four years, the state has paid nursing homes $1 billion less than the actual cost of care for Medicaid residents. Last year, the gap between the cost of care and what nursing homes are reimbursed for that care widened by 27 percent, from a loss of $15.13 per resident per day to $19.23 per resident per day. Nursing homes lose an average of $7,000 per Medicaid resident per year.

 Where other health-care providers, including hospitals and doctors, can make up lost Medicaid dollars through a variety of other funding sources, including private pay and health insurance, nursing homes can’t. Two-thirds of all nursing home residents are on Medicaid. That makes nursing homes far different than any other health-care provider.

 Nursing homes historically countered Medicaid shortfalls with Medicare revenue. That’s no longer the case, and it’s not even possible anymore. Here’s why:

o In October, a new federal rule took effect that cuts Medicare payments to nursing homes by 18 percent, or nearly $300 million. The cuts reset the base payments to nursing homes, meaning they continue year after year.

o The payroll tax cut extension enacted in February forces nursing homes to absorb $46.4 million in uncompensated care over the next three years. Pennsylvania’s cut is the fourth highest nationally, ranking only behind Florida, Illinois and Ohio.

o These cuts come on the heels of $14.6 billion being stripped nationally from nursing homes ($1 billion in Pennsylvania) under Medicare to pay for federal health-care reform.

o The cuts are compounded by an additional $500 million reduction Pennsylvania nursing homes face because of the federal super committee failed to reach a debt agreement.

These supposed watchmen, who actually want a seat on the Gracedale Advisory Panel, are happily casting stones at their perceived enemies. At the same time, these "guardians" - people like Mary Ann Schmoyer and Fake Rev Mario Martinez  - embrace a documented racist, GOP delegate candidate Tricia Mezzacappa. An  Easton police officer concluded Mezzacappa's vocabulary is "tinged with hints of racial bias." They consort with her while the Guv' is happily chopping away.

Vic Mazziotti Named Luzerne's Interim Budget Chief

He told me he'd like to wake up in the morning and decide to go fishing. Or take his grandson to a game. Retired life must be too boring for Northampton County's former finance maven, Vic Mazziotti. Mike Buffer at Citizens Voice is reporting that Vic is temporarily taking over the finance reins in Luzerne County.  His job there is expected to last three to six months. The he'll go fishing.

Vic, as most of you know, is a Lehigh County Commissioner. His initiatives, during his five years at Northampton County, saved taxpayers $10.1 million annually.

But he's a lousy fisherman.

Bloomberg: Let Them Eat Low Fat

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg has stopped a few local synagogues from donating fresh bagels and carrot stew to homeless shelters without a salt, fiber and fat analysis.

Fire Company Chief: "Our Books Are Open to Anybody"

Chief Dave Stapinski (center), flanked by fellow firefighters

Five members of Bethlehem Townships's Volunteer Fire Company, led by Chief David Stapinski, have invited Township Commissioners to drop by for a visit. This is in response to concerns recently raised by Commissioner Martin Zawarski about discrepancies in bills for the same services from the Township's two fire companies. Chief Stapinski also took exception to a recent Bethlehem Press account, reporting that a rash of embezzlement in the Harrisburg area, has led many municipal officials to pay closer attention to finances at volunteer fire companies.

"Our books are open to anybody," Chief Stapinski told Commissioners. "To see our name put in the newspaper in the same article with the fire station in Harrisburg that's embezzling money, that's just a little bit hard for me to stomach. ... To everybody that reads it, it looks like we're trying to embezzle money."

Last November, Commissioners unanimously authorized Lafayette College's Meyner Center, at a cost of approximately $7,000, to perform an efficiency evaluation and cost-benefit analysis of the Township's support of fire services.

No impropriety was suggested or even hinted.

But its no secret that volunteer fire companies are often victimized by embezzlement. Curt Varone, a career firefighter and practicing attorney who writes for Firehouse Magazine, has tracked 54 instances, nationwide, of insider theft at volunteer fire companies since 2008.

After the meeting, Cheif Stepanski invited The Bethlehem Press to visit his station as well.

Bethlehem Township To Join Legal Challenge to Allentown's EIT Tax Grab

Solicitor Jim Broughal is a Vietnam War vet

Two municipalities, both from Northampton County, have now decided to sue over the diversion of their local taxes to pay for the construction of a 8500-seat hockey arena and other improvements in Allentown's 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). On March 13, Hanover Township Supervisors voted unanimously to fight the "misappropriation of Hanover Township’s EIT by the City of Allentown." Bethlehem Township, Hanover's next door neighbor, has decided to join the lawsuit.

Bethlehem Township's unanimous decision, reached during their March 19 meeting, comes on the heels of a thirty-minute executive session requested by President Paul Weiss. It authorizes Solicitor Jim Broughal to join in Hanover Township's "potential litigation involving the appropriation of Township earned income tax to support the City of Allentown NIZ."

There was no public discussion prior to or following the vote, with President Paul Weiss directing all inquiries to Jim Broughal.

Lehigh Township is considering joining this potential litigation as well, according to Supervisor Cindy Miller. "We were blindsided," she has complained. Their next meeting is scheduled for March 27.

In Lehigh County, East Penn School District adopted a resolution on March 12, condemning the NIZ legislation, but stopped short of authorizing litigation. Salisbury Township has voted against litigation, while Upper Macungie Township has authorized the pursuit of "additional remedies."

Allentown Continues to Stonewall on EIT Tax Grab

David Woglom administers tax collection committees

Under legislation first drafted by State Senator Pat Browne in 2009, Allentown will divert the earned income taxes collected for other Lehigh Valley municipalities to help cover the costs of a hockey arena and other projects in its 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). Most townships were completely unaware of this tax grab, but all that changed when Morning Call reporters Matt Assad and Scott Kraus told us all about the NIZ biz.

"I'm not sure why anyone is confused. The law is very clear," Browne dismissively told Assad and Kraus.

Since that time, local officials have been trying to determine exactly how this EIT tax grab will affect their own bottom lines.

During a February meeting of the combined Tax Collection Committees of both Lehigh and Northampton County, Allentown Finance Director Garret Strathearn had no answers. "To be honest with you, a lot of this stuff is still being worked out," he explained. He promised to return the next month with answers, asking only that all questions be reduced to writing.

David Woglom, who administers these combined Tax Collection Committees, sent Strathearn a 16-question letter the following week. But when they met again on March 15, there still were no answers. And Strathearn, who had promised to return, was MIA.

Allentown's delegate, Debi Bowman, did promise she'd be sending some information the very next day.

Guess what?

In a March 16 memo, Allentown now notices "some discrepancies" with its own data. Now, instead of receiving information from Strathearn or someone else in Allentown the information "will be sent out to you by Senator Browne's office."

Can you say stonewall?

Hanover Township has already voted to sue over this diversion. Other municipalities like Lehigh Township and the Northampton County TCC may join in the party.

Allentown's memo is below.

Housenick Park's Bald Eagles

Nest is in center of this picture, about 60' above the ground.

After reading (probably in The Bethlehem Press) that developer Michael Perrucci has abandoned plans for a high-density luxury apartment complex next to Housenick Park, two interlopers have moved in. They refuse to pay rent, have applied for no permits and are very nasty to their neighbors.

In fact, they eat them.

Two mature bald eagles have moved into Housenick Park .

They've been spotted dining on duck as well as a Monocacy Creek sucker. So far, they've made no attempt to eat any Bethlehem Township Commissioners.

It's unclear whether this couple is married or just having a fling. Who knows, they might even be LGBT bald eagles, who moved into the area after reading (in The Bethlehem Press) about Bethlehem's new sexual orientation laws.

Corbett's Budget Explained to LV Human Services Providers

It was a tough crowd. Over 100 very concerned human services providers from all over the Lehigh Valley were crammed into Northampton Community College's Gates Center on March 16 to question Governor Tom Corbett's proposed $27.1 billion budget for next year, scheduled to take effect in July. Of the six panelists who spoke, only the Governor's own Executive Deputy Secretary of the Budget, Peter Tartline, attempted to explain the logic of this spending plan.

In the first of a two-part story, Tartaline explains the Governor's rationale. In Part 2, Lehigh Valley human services providers explain how funding cuts, which extend from an outright elimination of homeless assistance to a 76.7% reduction in mental health services, will hurt those of us who can least afford it.

How did the state get into this mess?

According to Tartline, revenues are simply $500 million below estimates as a result of the Great Recession. Pension costs have grown $486 million In addition, because of mandated cost increases, Pennsylvania is looking at a $1.4 billion shortfall for the next fiscal year.

"You can do three things," explained the Deputy Secretary. "You can cut costs ... You can reform programs, implement performance process improvements, management improvements. ... The third option is to raise your top line to improve your bottom line. You do that by raising taxes or improving the business climate."

Increasing revenue without tax hike

Given Pennsylvania's high corporate net income tax rate, Tartaline explained that any improvements in the business climate will be felt long-term, not immediately. He also reminded everyone of Governor Corbett's pledge against a tax hike. But the budget does include several proposals, most of them noncontroversial, to increase revenue by a total of $242 million.

For example, Governor Corbett is proposing the elimination of a 1% discount provided to vendors who remit sales and use taxes on time. Their discount will instead be capped at 250 per month. This will add $41.3 million to the state coffers.

Another money-saving proposal is to fund Pennsylvania's popular Farmland Preservation program with Growing Greener bond money instead of $20.5 million in cigarette taxes. That money will instead go into the general fund.

But there are two proposals that, according to Tartaline, are quite controversial.

First, Corbett wants to redirect about $72 million from the Race Horse Development Fund to various agricultural and veterinary programs. "The concept here is agriculture helping agriculture," Trataline explained.

Second, $59 million ind tobacco settlement fund money will go into the state treasury instead of being used to fund research. "We can forego funding basic research and instead put these dollars into direct services,' reasoned Tartaline.

Human Services Cuts

In a portion of the Executive Budget entitled "Preserving the Safety Net," Governor Corbett proposes a 20% reduction in the funding of seven separate human services programs. The monies will be provided in what is called a block grant, which does free counties from rigorous reporting requirements and provides more flexibility. But it's still $168.4 million less than it was last year.

In addition to these reductions, the General Assistance cash program, which helps 68,000 people statewide, will be eliminated, saving the state another $319 million.

A lawsuit challenging these cuts has already been filed in Commonwealth Court by the Disability Rights Network.

Education Cuts

In addition to these cuts to human services programs, the Corbett budget is proposing 20-30% reductions in contributions to state universities, which will save the state $240 million.

How these proposed cuts impact the Lehigh Valley's poor, elderly and disabled will be covered in a second installment.

Norco Jail Meal Cost Contest: We Have a Winner!

Last week, I challenged you to guess the average cost of a meal at the Northampton County jail. When Director of Corrections Bob Meyers offered to treat the winner to both a meal and tour, I got lots of guesses, from a low of 39 cents to a high of ten bucks.

So what's the actual cost?

According to Meyers, the average cost of the cuisine at Chez Northampton is $1.25. Sometimes, especially when there are lots of leftovers, it does indeed consist of what Meyers calls "food loaf." Meyers claims that, depending on the leftovers, food loaf can be pretty good.

Tastes like chicken!

So who won?

The lucky winner is a reader who calls himself or herself "bs," and came closest with a guess of $1.15.

BS can contact me at BOHare5948@aol.com, so I can let Bob Meyers know he'll be having another guest soon. BS, I will keep your name and other identifying information confidential unless you agree to let me out you.

Hitler Reacts to Duke Loss

Updated, Sunday, Midnight: Believe it or not, OddsShark is picking Longshot Lehigh over Xavier, 81-73.

The Robins Are Back!

In the surest sign of Spring I know, the robins are back are back in town. I saw one today at while "running" along the tow path. About five minutes later, I saw a bunch of them, shitting all over the place.

"Robin, I'm Fatman."

Why You Should Never Call a Senior Judge Senile

Fred Angle's tombstone, complete with dancing girls and $ signs

June 11, 2010 is the date Ron Angle lost his election to County Council. It's the price he pays for deciding to call a Northampton County jurist senile that day. It was stupid. But guess what? Ron was doing exactly what his outspoken Dad, whom I happened to know and like, would have done.

Angles are a rare breed. Fred, Ron's Dad, wanted his tombstone decorated with dancing girls and $ signs.

He also wanted his epitaph to read "17 new cars, 37 women." But Angle has had no time to inscribe those final words. Now, no matter what dispute he has, he's been pretty busy dealing with his very own personal judge, imported from the City of Brotherly Love. Senior Judge John L. Braxton, who has no love for brother Angle, waxs him up at every opportunity.

It's payback time, and there's something to be said for that. But it's not justice.

Braxton first ruled against Angle in a dispute over Fred's Will. A Will was offered by an estranged daughter-in-law who detested Ron's dad so much she refused to allow him to attend his own son's funeral. She hated the guy, but when she found out he was sick, she suddenly made the trip up from Florida.

She smelled money.

Braxton accepted her Will over the one that Ron's wife saw his Dad sign. Why? Because the Will offered by this stranger was prepared by an attorney.

Her attorney.

Braxton then ruled against Angle in a land dispute with a Bangor dentist who thought he could develop a golf course with land he bought from Angle, and for which he never paid. Somehow, Angle ended up owing him money, according to the judge.

$1.27 million.

In that case, Angle's original attorney went into corporate law. Braxton refused to give Angle a continuance so his new lawyers could familiarize themselves with the case. He refused to allow them to call several witnesses who were under subpoena. He ruled against Ron's wife, too, even though there was absolutely no evidence tying her to the case.

After awarding $1.27 million to the smiling dentist, Braxton refused to grant Angle a continuance on a motion for a new trial, which was scheduled to be heard right before the election. It made no difference that the other side agreed. Not only did Braxton insist on hearing the case, but he ruled against Angle the very day the motion was argued, resulting in even more bad publicity for Angle.

I'm sure it's just a coincidence that Judge Braxton has been a very active and ambitious Democrat in Philly. He's fallen short in races for Congress ('96) and Controller ('05, '09), but has been a good soldier. Angle, as most of you know, is an evil Republican.

Amazingly, Braxton continued to chase after Angle after he filed his appeal.

Because Hizzoner never bothered to enter judgment against Angle, the Superior Court actually had to ask Angle to do it himself. Yes, that's right. Angle was put in the awkward position of having to enter a $1.27 million judgment against himself.

Then, deputy sheriffs began knocking on Angle's door, claiming they were there to inventory his property for a Sheriff's Sale on a judgment that had never even been entered. He was hounded with three separate writs of execution, even after he timely posted the necessary bond.

Ron's attorney filed a motion to stop this nonsense, made the trip up from Philly for a scheduled hearing, but guess what? The judge never showed. He forgot. The case had to be rescheduled. When it was finally heard, the smiling dentist's attorney was no longer asking to execute. She only wanted to depose Angle. But Braxton decided that the execution could go forward.

Can you say bias?

The Superior Court has finally chimed in on this mess. On Wednesday, it stopped the execution and attempts to depose Angle. It also slammed Judge Braxton because, as it turns out, he hasn't bothered to file his own Opinion. "[T]he trial court is directed to immediately complete its opinion in this matter and certify and transmit the certified record in this matter (which was due to be filed in this Court on or before February 13, 2012) to this Court."

In an obvious sign that this higher court is unhappy with what it has seen, it has also fast-tracked the case.

Appellate courts only rarely reverse trial courts on findings of fact because they only have a cold record and never see the actual witnesses. But it does happen.

If it does, that will be justice.

In the meantime, even Ron's children are now stuck with Judge Braxton. Ron might be sufferng the consequences of his own intemperate remarks, but should his children?

The sins of the father are visited upon the sons, at least in Northampton County.

Contest: How Much Does One Norco Jail Meal Cost?

Think you know?

Bob Meyers, Director of Corrections, shared that information with me yesterday. He's getting new bids for food service today.

I'll give you the answer on Friday.

Updated Friday, Midnight: Director of Corrections Bob Meyers told me at last night's Council meeting that it's no fun asking a question like this unless the winner gets a prize. He has offered to treat the person who comes closest to a free tour of Northampton County's 1871 jail (Yes, it was built in 1871!) as well as a free meal. By the way, he tells me food loaf is pretty good. ... Sometimes.

So I am extending this contest until Monday. At that time, I will announce the lucky winner. I would only ask that you check first to make sure there are no outstanding warrants against you, or you might get more than a free tour.

Allentown Has No Answers on EIT Diversion

Lehigh Tp's Cindy Miller: "We were blindsided."

How could Allentown could divert earned income taxes intended for Lehigh Valley municipalities? Why would local taxes, some of which are set aside for open space, be diverted to finance a hockey arena and business improvements in Allentown's 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone? What impact will this have on their own bottom lines?

These were just some of the questions that members of Northampton and Lehigh's County Tax Collection committees had for Allentown Finance Director Garret Strathearn during a rare, combined meeting in February. Strathearn had few answers, but promised he'd be back in March. He asked only that all questions be reduced to writing and supplied to him in advance.

David Woglom, who administers the Tax Collection Committees, did just that. On February 22, Woglom sent a 16-question letter. "[W]e need to know what the financial effect will be on our budgets, particularly during these challenging times," Woglom told Strathearn.

But when the combined Tax Collection Committees of Northampton and Lehigh County met again on March 15 at Hanover Township Community Center, there still were no answers. No Strathearn either.

Steve Miller, Solicitor to Lehigh County's Tax Collection Committee, told municipal officials that Allentown is still working on assembling the information. "I don't think they're trying to stonewall," he assured everyone.

Miller also corrected some misinformation about the EIT collection process. Previously, municipal officials were told that EIT revenue would be refunded 100%. "That's not quite the case," stated Miller, who noted there will be no refund unless the revenue is in excess of the debt service on bonds floated to finance the arena and other improvements. Miller added that the debt service would be paid, proportionately, from both EIT and state tax revenue.

"Not good," stated Upper Nazareth Township Supervisor Scott Sylvanius after the meeting.

Lehigh Township Supervisor Cindy Miller, who stated her Township is considering joining Hanover in litigation to stop this EIT diversion, was also disappointed. ""I'm more disappointed that this was enacted and nobody's prepared. Everyone was blindsided."

Woglom is hopeful there will be answers before the Tax Collection Committees meet again in April. But it's unclear whether those answers will be supplied before bonds are floated for this project.

Perrucci Pulls Plug on Luxury Apartments in Conservation Area

Can just one person ever make a difference, especially when it comes to government?

Vicky Bastidas has made a difference, and against all odds. Developer Michael Perrucci has shelved plans for a high-density apartment complex in one of Bethlehem Township's few remaining rural areas. His decision is primarily the result of her efforts.

"You're a formidable adversary," he reportedly told her.

Nestled between Bethlehem Township's 55-acre Housenick Park and Northampton County's 36-acre Archibald Johnston Conservation Area, Perrucci originally had hoped to build 420 apartments, as well as a strip mall, on lands owned by Moravian Central Church. Located in a zoned conservation area, Perrucci would eventually need a zoning change from Commissioners.

Tom Nolan has been adamantly opposed to any zoning changes, but the remaining Commissioners were at least open to the idea. They clearly resented Bastidas, primarily because she is an outsider who lives in the City and not the Township. Earlier this month, President Paul Weiss chided her for "baseless" comments when she stated that Northampton County is interested in preserving the land. Mike Hudak disputed her claim that  the County had any interest at all in preserving the area.

But unknown to President Weiss and Hudak, Bastidas had already spoken to Northampton County Executive John Stoffa. After meeting with him on several occasions, Stoffa himself has become an enthusiastic advocate for preserving the area with the County's open space funding for environmentally sensitive land. He looks on the area as a possible "Central Park of the Lehigh Valley,"

In addition to Stoffa, Bastidas also appeared before Northampton County Council. Although there was no formal commitment or even a vote, several members expressed interest in preserving the site, if only to alleviate the increased flooding in Bethlehem downstream.  Bastidas also worked with the Nature Conservancy, Wildlands Conservancy and Monocacy Creek Watershed Association.

Development was being planned at a recharge point for the Monocacy Creek, where hundreds of small springs combine to replenish a Class A trout stream.

On a frigid February weekend, Bastidas somehow convinced Commissioners Marty Zawarski and Phil Barnard to meet with her at nearby Housenick Park. After spending five hours with her, walking through the area and fighting off frostbite, they finally agreed the entire area should be preserved if possible.

That effectively ended Perrucci's development dream.

Instead of being developed with high-density apartments, two newcomers have moved in, according to Bastidas. They have no Deed or even a lease, but a pair of bald eagles has just finished building a nest.

Voter ID? No Big Deal, or Is It?

Steve Samuelson, Joe Brennan, Bob Freeman all vote No.

Signed into law by Governor Corbett late yesterday, Pennsylvania's controversial new voter ID law was adopted almost entirely along party lines. That's almost never a good idea, whether it's voter ID "reform" or the sweeping changes to health insurance that gave birth to the tea party.

Locally, two State Reps. have condemned this legislation. Joe Brennan (D-Lehigh/Northampton) calls it a "terrible bill intended to disenfranchise and suppress our Pennsylvania citizens from being a part of the democratic process." Bob Freeman (D - Northampton) adds that the legislation is "unnecessary," and worries that "the group of people most hurt by this legislation will be our senior citizens."

Freeman points to an 86-year-old World War II veteran from Aurora, Ohio, who was prevented from voting earlier this month because of Ohio's new photo voter ID law. He did not have a driver's license and his veteran's ID was not acceptable.

"That story will be replicated here in Pennsylvania over and over again," predicts Freeman. "Shame on those who support this legislation if it puts veterans in that position so they cannot cast a ballot -- they who defended this country, and that's what this legislation would do."

Brennan points out that the League of Women Voters, AARP and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania all opposed this legislation, which will cost from $4.3 million to $11 million. Brennan added that there likely will be additional costs to defend the legislation in court. A judge in Wisconsin has struck down that state's voter identification after a legal challenge. The U.S. Justice Department blocked South Carolina's voter ID bill in December and has stepped in to block Texas’ voter ID law.

"This bill is nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars attempting to fix a problem that doesn't even exist," Brennan said. "Voter ID is a waste of time and taxpayer money when we should be focused on jobs and the economy."

During the House debate, Republicans downplayed the ID requirement, noting correctly that we must produce IDs for cigarettes, beer, or even to get into our gym.

What's the big deal?

Feisty Philly State Rep Babette Josephs answers the "What's the big deal?" argument in the video clip below. "Nobody dies to swim in a pool, no matter how good he or she was at swimming. Nobody died to buy a pack of smokes. Nobody died for the right to buy a drink. Nobody died for the right to open a credit account or a bank account. We have died - we are dying now - for the right to vote. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the big deal."

Well said, Babette. Well said.

Freeman's Trailer Park Bill Advances

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, said the House Urban Affairs Committee has unanimously approved his legislation that would require manufactured housing community owners to provide adequate notification and offer protections and compensation to their tenants when they sell the community to be developed as another use.

"My bill has been a work in progress for the last two years with the various stakeholders working together to reach a consensus on this legislation," Freeman said. "As a result of this collaborative effort, the bill addresses concerns of both community owners and tenants, and I am looking forward to the bill's consideration by the full House."

Freeman said he introduced this bill (H.B. 1767) after the Barbosa Trailer Park in Bethlehem Township was sold off for development in 2006 and the tenants were not given enough time to find alternative housing. Although many did eventually receive help in finding new housing thanks to the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, the residents should have received more advance notification of the community's sale and a guarantee of compensation for the cost of moving or losing their homes.

The bill, as amended in committee, would require manufactured home community owners, when closing the community, to:

·        inform residents within 60 days of any decision to close the community;

·        inform the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the home municipality also within 60 days;

·        give residents at least six months to leave the community when the closure notice is made -- under current law they only have 30 days;

·        consider any offer to purchase the community by a resident association representing at least 25 percent of the manufactured home spaces;

·        pay relocation expenses of up to $4,000 for single and $6,000 for multi-section manufactured homes;

·        pay at least $2,500 or the home's appraised value, whichever is greater, when the homeowner is unable or unwilling to relocate the home; and

·        allow tenants to terminate any leases without penalty after receiving the community's closure notice.

The bill also would address when a manufactured home is considered abandoned. It would provide a judicial procedure to determine abandonment to allow the community owner to proceed with the removal of the abandoned home.

"With this legislation, no other homeowner living in a manufactured housing community would have to be confronted by the kind of turmoil or uncertainty caused by closing their community," Freeman said. "They would be given ample time to relocate or seek alternative housing and receive compensation for moving or relinquishing their manufactured home."

Freeman worked with Alan Jennings, executive director of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, Regional Housing Legal Services and National Consumer Law Center to write the legislation. 

Blogger's Note: This is a news release from Bob Freeman, which explains the superior writing. 

FBI's Most Wanted List Turns 62 Today

Houston Press' Hairballs lists eight songs about some of the infamies who made that list.