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FakeNoose
FakeNoose's Journal
FakeNoose's Journal
July 6, 2023
Caption: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, right, with Gov. Josh Shapiro during his first budget address in Harrisburg. Photo: (AP)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2023/07/06/josh-shapiro-pennsylvania-budget-senate-republicans-school-vouchers/stories/202307060125
- more at link -
We know the Governor got some pushback from the House Dems and it's mostly over the school vouchers. Former Governor Tom Wolf spent most of his 8 years horse trading with (or losing to) the Repukes. Come on Governor, it's time to show them who's the boss.
Gov. Shapiro blames GOP for budget standoff as top Senate Republican fires back
Caption: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, right, with Gov. Josh Shapiro during his first budget address in Harrisburg. Photo: (AP)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2023/07/06/josh-shapiro-pennsylvania-budget-senate-republicans-school-vouchers/stories/202307060125
HARRISBURG — A day after Republicans accused Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro of betraying their trust in negotiations toward an overdue state budget, Mr. Shapiro on Thursday pinned the blame for the still-unfinished process squarely on Senate Republicans.
“Senate Republicans did not close the deal with their House counterparts,” Mr. Shapiro said at a news conference in the Capitol, dissecting a budget negotiation process that typically involves the governor’s office and the majority party from each chamber of the Legislature.
Hours later, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, accused Mr. Shapiro of painting a misleading picture. “The truth is there was a deal regardless of what Gov. Shapiro says publicly and he knows there was a deal,” she said in a statement.
Republicans control the Senate by a 28-22 margin and Democrats control the House 102-101. Mr. Shapiro’s appearance — his first news conference since budget negotiations ramped up — came a day after Republicans’ generally favorable views of his five-month-old governorship were shattered. The cause they cited was Mr. Shapiro’s announcement Wednesday he would line-item veto a $100 million appropriation in a fiscal 2024 spending bill passed by the Senate and sent to the House.
“Senate Republicans did not close the deal with their House counterparts,” Mr. Shapiro said at a news conference in the Capitol, dissecting a budget negotiation process that typically involves the governor’s office and the majority party from each chamber of the Legislature.
Hours later, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, accused Mr. Shapiro of painting a misleading picture. “The truth is there was a deal regardless of what Gov. Shapiro says publicly and he knows there was a deal,” she said in a statement.
Republicans control the Senate by a 28-22 margin and Democrats control the House 102-101. Mr. Shapiro’s appearance — his first news conference since budget negotiations ramped up — came a day after Republicans’ generally favorable views of his five-month-old governorship were shattered. The cause they cited was Mr. Shapiro’s announcement Wednesday he would line-item veto a $100 million appropriation in a fiscal 2024 spending bill passed by the Senate and sent to the House.
- more at link -
We know the Governor got some pushback from the House Dems and it's mostly over the school vouchers. Former Governor Tom Wolf spent most of his 8 years horse trading with (or losing to) the Repukes. Come on Governor, it's time to show them who's the boss.
July 5, 2023
Spotlight PA link: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/07/pennsylvania-budget-josh-shapiro-education-school-vouchers-deal/
- more at link -
Come on Democrats, Let's get this done!
Gov. Shapiro exploring ways to scrap school vouchers in end-run on Senate Republicans
Spotlight PA link: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/07/pennsylvania-budget-josh-shapiro-education-school-vouchers-deal/
HARRISBURG — Gov. Josh Shapiro is exploring ways to scrap his push for private school vouchers in Pennsylvania’s state budget without having to again seek approval for the spending plan from Senate Republicans, who approved a version with vouchers last week.
Two people with direct knowledge of the budget talks confirmed to Spotlight PA on Wednesday that the governor has advocated for House Democrats to pass the Senate version contingent on his promise that he would then line-item veto the vouchers from the $45.5 billion spending plan. The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss negotiations.
Separately, Shapiro’s general counsel has sent House Democrats’ counsel a letter asserting that they could stymie the voucher program simply by refusing to pass a necessary bill implementing the program. The letter, first reported by PennLive and which Spotlight PA has also viewed, argued that if House Democrats decided not to pass implementation language, the $100 million in the budget “would sit idle in a Treasury account.”
- snip -
It remains unclear whether Shapiro’s offer to veto the program would secure the passage of a state budget through the Democratic-controlled state House. House Democratic leaders did not immediately return requests for comment Wednesday, but the approach would still require them to approve a budget with vouchers and rely on the governor to then eliminate that portion — a dynamic that House Democratic members are acutely aware of.
Two people with direct knowledge of the budget talks confirmed to Spotlight PA on Wednesday that the governor has advocated for House Democrats to pass the Senate version contingent on his promise that he would then line-item veto the vouchers from the $45.5 billion spending plan. The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss negotiations.
Separately, Shapiro’s general counsel has sent House Democrats’ counsel a letter asserting that they could stymie the voucher program simply by refusing to pass a necessary bill implementing the program. The letter, first reported by PennLive and which Spotlight PA has also viewed, argued that if House Democrats decided not to pass implementation language, the $100 million in the budget “would sit idle in a Treasury account.”
- snip -
It remains unclear whether Shapiro’s offer to veto the program would secure the passage of a state budget through the Democratic-controlled state House. House Democratic leaders did not immediately return requests for comment Wednesday, but the approach would still require them to approve a budget with vouchers and rely on the governor to then eliminate that portion — a dynamic that House Democratic members are acutely aware of.
- more at link -
Come on Democrats, Let's get this done!
July 5, 2023
Al Roker gossip from Daily Mail (if anybody cares)
Daily Mail link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12262867/Al-Roker-68-grandfather-Today-hosts-daughter-Courtney-gives-birth-baby-girl.html
Congratulations to the new parents and grandparents!
July 5, 2023
Spotlight PA link: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/07/late-budget-pennsylvania-impasse-schools-shapiro/
- more at link -
Everybody is angry about the Pennsylvania public school funding. Recently the Supreme Court found that our method of funding public schools via county property taxes is illegal (it creates disadvantages in counties with lower tax revenues) and cannot continue. Of course the Repukes see an opportunity to turn everything upside down. It's going to take a long time to straighten this out.
Pennsylvania's budget is late. Here's what you need to know about the impasse.
Spotlight PA link: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/07/late-budget-pennsylvania-impasse-schools-shapiro/
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s state budget is late, and so far there’s no deal in sight. Talks between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Republican-controlled state Senate, and the narrowly Democratic-controlled state House fell apart last week thanks to a deadlock over whether to include private school vouchers in the spending plan.
Three days after the June 30 deadline, most lawmakers are back in their districts. While the House is planning a voting session for Wednesday, the Senate has yet to schedule a return to Harrisburg.
The state budget is necessary to set spending and collections across Pennsylvania’s government, from levying income taxes, to distributing money to public schools, to handing out tax credits to businesses. The commonwealth will still be able to operate normally for some time without a plan. But if the impasse stretches out long enough, schools and nonprofits such as libraries could face serious budget issues.
- snip -
What’s the holdup?
Sometimes, many factors contribute to a budget stalemate. This year, there’s a single big one: whether to use taxpayer dollars to directly fund student scholarships for private schools. Last week, Senate Republicans announced they had struck a deal with Shapiro on a $45.5 billion budget plan that would include $100 million in funding for a private school voucher program.
Three days after the June 30 deadline, most lawmakers are back in their districts. While the House is planning a voting session for Wednesday, the Senate has yet to schedule a return to Harrisburg.
The state budget is necessary to set spending and collections across Pennsylvania’s government, from levying income taxes, to distributing money to public schools, to handing out tax credits to businesses. The commonwealth will still be able to operate normally for some time without a plan. But if the impasse stretches out long enough, schools and nonprofits such as libraries could face serious budget issues.
- snip -
What’s the holdup?
Sometimes, many factors contribute to a budget stalemate. This year, there’s a single big one: whether to use taxpayer dollars to directly fund student scholarships for private schools. Last week, Senate Republicans announced they had struck a deal with Shapiro on a $45.5 billion budget plan that would include $100 million in funding for a private school voucher program.
- more at link -
Everybody is angry about the Pennsylvania public school funding. Recently the Supreme Court found that our method of funding public schools via county property taxes is illegal (it creates disadvantages in counties with lower tax revenues) and cannot continue. Of course the Repukes see an opportunity to turn everything upside down. It's going to take a long time to straighten this out.
July 4, 2023
Madonna gossip from Daily Mail (if anybody cares)
Daily Mail link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12260033/Madonna-ignored-signs-illness-order-continue-rehearsals-world-tour.html
- more at link -
Well, best wishes for a speedy recovery, Madonna.
I don't think the first photo even looks like her. The 2nd photo looks like her, but it's from 7 years ago.
July 4, 2023
"This article originally appeared in The New York Times."
"First Published July 3, 2023, 9:51pm"
Gunz
4 killed, 4 wounded in Philadelphia shooting
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A heavily armed gunman wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire in southwest Philadelphia on Monday evening, killing four people and injuring four others, police told local media.
At least two of the people shot were juveniles. Their conditions were not immediately known, police said, adding that all of the victims were taken to the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and that the two children were expected to be transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
A man wearing a ballistic vest was taken into custody by police just before 8:40 p.m., authorities said, adding that they had recovered a rifle and handgun in the alleyway behind the 1600 block of South Frazier Street.
According to police, an officer heard gunfire in the Kingsessing neighborhood just before 8:30 p.m., and found at least one victim near South 56th Street and Chester Avenue. Police also received “multiple reports of a male armed with a rifle” who was shooting in that area, according to The Inquirer. No officers discharged their firearms during the arrest, police said.
Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2023/07/03/8-people-shot-philadelphia-police/stories/202307030092
"This article originally appeared in The New York Times."
"First Published July 3, 2023, 9:51pm"
Gunz
July 4, 2023
- more at link -
Good stuff, and useful when talking with MAGAts.
9 toxic phrases people use when they're trying to gaslight you - and how to respond
By Dr. Cortney Warren, Contributor @DRCORTNEYWARREN
“Gaslighting,” or the experience of being manipulated into doubting your feelings and perceptions of reality, can happen to anyone. This behavior is often used to gain power and control in relationships. Being on the receiving end of it can be damaging to your self-esteem, and can even lead to anxiety or depression.
As a Harvard-trained psychologist who specializes in trauma and relationships, I’ve observed this firsthand. Here are nine toxic phrases people use when they’re gaslighting you — and the perfect responses to shut them down:
1. ‘You’re being crazy.’
Gaslighters will try to make you question your sanity. Making direct comments that undermine your perspective or rationality is a common tactic. How to respond:
* “Please don’t question my ability to think clearly.”
* “Even if we don’t agree, this is what the reality looks like to me.”
“Gaslighting,” or the experience of being manipulated into doubting your feelings and perceptions of reality, can happen to anyone. This behavior is often used to gain power and control in relationships. Being on the receiving end of it can be damaging to your self-esteem, and can even lead to anxiety or depression.
As a Harvard-trained psychologist who specializes in trauma and relationships, I’ve observed this firsthand. Here are nine toxic phrases people use when they’re gaslighting you — and the perfect responses to shut them down:
1. ‘You’re being crazy.’
Gaslighters will try to make you question your sanity. Making direct comments that undermine your perspective or rationality is a common tactic. How to respond:
* “Please don’t question my ability to think clearly.”
* “Even if we don’t agree, this is what the reality looks like to me.”
- more at link -
Good stuff, and useful when talking with MAGAts.
July 3, 2023
Harry Potter gossip from Daily Mail (if anybody cares)
(link) https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12259525/Daniel-Radcliffe-reveals-gender-baby.html
July 3, 2023
Philadelphia Inquirer link: https://www.inquirer.com/news/liberty-bell-ring-independence-hall-july-4-20230702.html
- more at link -
Interesting story here!
Did the Liberty Bell actually ring in July 1776? Most say no, but this researcher says yes.
Philadelphia Inquirer link: https://www.inquirer.com/news/liberty-bell-ring-independence-hall-july-4-20230702.html
An Alabama writer who loves history, bells, and Philadelphia makes a case in a new book that the Liberty Bell was among those rung during the day and into the night of July 8, 1776. “There’s more evidence than not that the bell would have rung,” said Thomas Kaufmann, whose Independence Bells of Philadelphia is published by the History Press and includes numerous drawings by the author.
Kaufmann also is manager of special collections/rare books at the Ford Motor Co. Library of Tuskegee University in Alabama. The bell’s steward, the National Park Service, has concluded “there is no evidence that the bell rang on July 4 or 8? of 1776. The National Constitution Center says it “may not have rung on July 8? because the bell and clock tower at what is now Independence Hall “was under repair.”
And according to the UShistory.org website, “while tradition holds that the Liberty Bell rang out” on July 8 for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, the tower “was in bad condition and historians today doubt the likelihood of the story.”
But in an interview from his Montgomery, Ala., home, Kaufmann insisted that just because there’s no known record of the Liberty Bell being rung that day doesn’t mean it wasn’t.
Kaufmann also is manager of special collections/rare books at the Ford Motor Co. Library of Tuskegee University in Alabama. The bell’s steward, the National Park Service, has concluded “there is no evidence that the bell rang on July 4 or 8? of 1776. The National Constitution Center says it “may not have rung on July 8? because the bell and clock tower at what is now Independence Hall “was under repair.”
And according to the UShistory.org website, “while tradition holds that the Liberty Bell rang out” on July 8 for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, the tower “was in bad condition and historians today doubt the likelihood of the story.”
But in an interview from his Montgomery, Ala., home, Kaufmann insisted that just because there’s no known record of the Liberty Bell being rung that day doesn’t mean it wasn’t.
- more at link -
Interesting story here!
July 3, 2023
Philadelphia Inquirer link: https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/mobile-home-low-income-buyer-affordable-manufactured-home-philadelphia-fed-20230703.html
Note: this article is about mobile / manufactured homes that are placed on land this is RENTED - not owned by the resident. It's about the financial difficulties of renting the property on which the manufactured home is placed.
- more at link -
Article also says: "Owners in manufactured home communities who rent land are among the lowest-income homeowners in the country, according to the report released last week. Their incomes are lower than both buyers who purchase homes that were built on site and manufactured home buyers who own land."
Manufactured home communities aren't just in rural Pa. Owners on rented land are often unprotected.
Philadelphia Inquirer link: https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/mobile-home-low-income-buyer-affordable-manufactured-home-philadelphia-fed-20230703.html
Note: this article is about mobile / manufactured homes that are placed on land this is RENTED - not owned by the resident. It's about the financial difficulties of renting the property on which the manufactured home is placed.
Mobile homes and similar single-family dwellings that are built elsewhere and placed on rented land have long been a low-cost option for aspiring homeowners across Pennsylvania.
Manufactured housing communities are disproportionately in rural areas, but they’re not exclusive to small rural pockets. In Pennsylvania, a slight majority are in urban areas, particularly in suburbs outside midsize and large cities, according to the first statewide analysis of these communities, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Trends in lot vacancy suggest that demand for these homes is strongest “on the outskirts of larger urban areas, where they may represent a more attainable option for lower-income home buyers,” according to the report, which looked at the subset of manufactured housing communities in which homeowners rent land.
These manufactured home communities, including many just outside Philadelphia, provide unsubsidized affordable housing in areas that have lower poverty rates than the state overall, unlike formal subsidized housing developments, which are more likely to be in economically distressed areas, the analysis found.
Manufactured housing communities are disproportionately in rural areas, but they’re not exclusive to small rural pockets. In Pennsylvania, a slight majority are in urban areas, particularly in suburbs outside midsize and large cities, according to the first statewide analysis of these communities, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Trends in lot vacancy suggest that demand for these homes is strongest “on the outskirts of larger urban areas, where they may represent a more attainable option for lower-income home buyers,” according to the report, which looked at the subset of manufactured housing communities in which homeowners rent land.
These manufactured home communities, including many just outside Philadelphia, provide unsubsidized affordable housing in areas that have lower poverty rates than the state overall, unlike formal subsidized housing developments, which are more likely to be in economically distressed areas, the analysis found.
- more at link -
Article also says: "Owners in manufactured home communities who rent land are among the lowest-income homeowners in the country, according to the report released last week. Their incomes are lower than both buyers who purchase homes that were built on site and manufactured home buyers who own land."
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Name: Kathy HinsmanGender: Female
Hometown: Pittsburgh PA
Home country: USA
Current location: Pittsburgh
Member since: Sat Feb 18, 2017, 02:16 PM
Number of posts: 32,777
