By Sean Kitchen

– Pew released a study examining job growth from April 2012 to April 2013, and Pennsylvania is, once again, in the basement when it comes to job creation. The Commonwealth’s bedfellows at the bottom of list include: Alabama, Alaska, Illinois, Maine, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin and Wyoming. With the exception of some states mentioned above, most of these states have been steeping in a Tea Party based world for the past four years, and Pew mentions that these job creation numbers come down to political ideology

States’ job-creation strategies largely reflected their political orientation: Republican-led states cut business taxes and red tape to give the private sector a boost, while Democratic-led states spent public money on roads, schools, hospitals and parks to create construction jobs.

So who better for this chart than Tom Corbett?

Well, Pew used Corbett’s political ideology as to why Pennsylvania and the other states suck when it comes to creating jobs.

“We, as governors, don’t create any private sector jobs,” Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, a Republican, said earlier this year. “It’s the environment we create that can either help you make jobs or make it hard for you to make jobs.”

Corbett wants the General Assembly, which is still in session, to reduce Pennsylvania’s corporate income tax from 9.99 percent to 6.99 percent by 2025 and phase out the state’s capital stock and franchise tax.

States with democratic governors have used public funds to increase their state’s job outlook. Maryland governor Martin O’Malley:

estimated that his $3.7 billion capital budget will “support and leverage nearly 43,000 jobs.” As part of the package, the state will invest $20 million a year to raise roughly $1 billion through the sale of bonds to build as many as 15 new public schools in Baltimore, where the governor was once mayor.

And Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear:

signed a package that authorizes $363.3 million in bonds for construction projects at six state universities. In Minnesota, Gov. Mark Dayton’s “jobs proposal” would expand the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Over the next two decades, the state will add $455 million to money from the clinic and local authorities to build a new “destination medical center.” State funds will be used to demolish old buildings and construct new ones, as well as to build roads, parks and parking lots.

The article goes on to state that some republican governors have had success in creating jobs through tax cuts, but Tom Corbett hasn’t reaped that benefit. Tom Corbett has also failed to reap the economic benefits from the Marcellus Shale development. During the study, Pennsylvania only witnessed a 0.4% increase in jobs, or 21,800 jobs. Another state experiencing fossil fuel expansion is North Dakota, and they have seized a 3.7% increase in jobs, which was 15,900 jobs.

When Governor Tom Corbett starts touting his job creation bull**** this campaign season, remember that his tax cuts haven’t worked out like other states may have, he dropped the ball on the development and protection of the Marcellus Shale and he continues to ignore investing in public goods like education or higher education.

Source: http://www.ragingchickenpress.org/2014/04/16/onetermtoms-shitty-job-creation-performance-in-one-chart/

By The Philly Public Record

– “While it’s no surprise Gov. Tom Corbett’s Dept. of Education would publicly agree to any argument made by his School Reform Commission, the filing of the PDE’s amicus brief in support of the SRC’s Supreme Court petition is still outrageous,” charges PFT President Jerry Jordan.

“One of the most-ridiculous assertions made by the PDE’s brief is the SRC needs the freedom to impose working conditions in schools because of the district’s financial distress – crisis that was created by the very administration the SRC represents!

“Of course, the PDE’s argument with regard to the district’s budget deficit is utter nonsense. These rule changes won’t save the district a dime. We challenge the SRC, the district and the Corbett administration to explain how their proposed changes would benefit the district financially.

“The entire legal maneuver demonstrates either a startling hubris on the part of the SRC, the Corbett administration and the School District; or a disturbing ignorance about the real needs of our schoolchildren.”

In a reply brief filed this week, the School District of Philadelphia and School Reform Commission explained, “When the General Assembly passed the Distressed School District law, it intended to provide the School District with additional flexibility in organizing its schools to provide better opportunities for students and gave the District the necessary tools to do so. Recognizing the stakes for students and schools, the General Assembly designated the Supreme Court as the body most able to expeditiously resolve disputes concerning these matters. The School District and SRC believe it is critical that the Supreme Court resolve these issues of public importance now.” “People understand the issues at stake here are urgent,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., SDP superintendent. “I have heard from parents, principals, and numerous teachers who support the changes we are making. They know how important it is for every student to have the right teacher with the right skill set, right now.”

Source: http://www.phillyrecord.com/2014/04/with-the-unions-who-damaged-phillys-schools/

BY The UFCW (PA) Wine and Spirits Council

– HARRISBURG, PA – UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV urged House members to support Representative Gene DiGirolamo’s legislation to modernize the state’s Wine and Spirits Stores to increase customer convenience and generate significant new revenues for the Commonwealth.

– “The legislature has the opportunity and the responsibility to make a very valuable asset even stronger and generate up to $185 million a year in badly-needed revenue that could be used to help fund our public schools,” said Young.

“Rep. DiGirolamo’s proposal strikes a common sense balance
between customer convenience and responsible sales and distribution of wine and spirits,” Young added. “Given the looming budget deficit, now is the time to pass this legislation and send it to the governor’s desk.”

Among other provisions, Rep. DiGirolamo’s bill, introduced on Tuesday 4/14, would eliminate the 25 percent cap on amount of stores that can be open on Sunday and eliminate restrictions on hours of operation for these stores. The bill also would ease and encourage development of more stores either inside of or adjacent to grocery stores.

In addition, the bill provides for direct shipment of wine to PA consumers as well as to out-of-state consumers, and allows for consortium product buying that would enable the PLCB to secure the very best price for Pennsylvania consumers.

Young noted the legislation has bipartisan support and mirrors similar proposals that have attracted support from both parties in the Senate. The bill stands in stark contrast to risky ‘privatization lite’ plans that would ultimately destroy the PLCB.

“Privatization would put 5,000 Pennsylvanians out of work, jeopardize more than $550 million in tax revenues and profits, and create increased public health and safety risks in every community in PA,” Young said. “It makes no sense to outsource these jobs and this valuable asset to Walmart.”

Source: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Save-the-PA-Wine—Spirits-Stores–The-fight-continues.html?soid=1112575112488&aid=n9LCJGNApOA

By PhillyLabor.com

– “Today in Philly Labor” is a weekly talk radio show hosted by Joe Doc Jr. of PhillyLabor.com and Philadelphia Radio Personality Joe “Krausey” Krause that airs every Wednesday from 6pm-8pm on Philadelphia’s legendary talk radio station WWDB/860-AM starting Wednesday, April 16, 2014 with featured Guests Philadelphia AFL-CIO President Pat Eiding and City Councilman Bobby Henon

The 2 hour drive time show presents a positive and dynamic look at EVERYTHING LABOR throughout Philadelphia and vicinity and tackles a plethora of topics ranging from labor news, information, and current events to politics, legislation and jobs as well as special segments on injured workers advocacy and retired workers and much more….

The show will feature weekly appearances and interviews with the area’s top union and pro-labor, business, professional and political leaders all for the purpose of bringing listeners a unique insider’s look at today’s labor movement.

Upcoming Show Guests Include: (Additional Political, Business and Professional Leader Guests Added weekly)

4/23 – Pat Gillespie – Pres Phila Building Trades

4/30 – John Kane – Plumbers Local #690 Business Manager

5/7 – George Ricchezza/Dennis Biondo – (SEIU Local 32BJ)

5/14 – Mike Barnes – IATSE 8 President

5/21 – Anthony Gallagher – Steamfitters Local 420 Business Manager

5/28 – Sam Staten Jr. – Laborers Local 332 Business Manager

June 2014 Dates TBA

– Since December 28, 2.3 million Americans have lost their unemployment insurance, with the expiration of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program. Every week, on average, an additional 72,000 Americans are cut off — the equivalent of one person every eight seconds. This vital economic lifeline helps struggling Americans feed, clothe, and keep a roof over the heads of their families while they look for new employment.

Despite these facts, Congress has been unable to come to an agreement to restore this essential lifeline. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that extending the current EUC program until the end of 2014 could increase GDP by 0.3 percent and create upwards of 300,000 jobs.

Congress should simply extend unemployment insurance, and help those in need. There is hope with the Senate passing a bipartisan compromise last week. However, Speaker John Boehner has dismissed the idea of taking up this compromise in the House of Representatives. How can one person stand in the way of allowing a vote to help over 2 million Americans and the will of the American people?

These Americans lost their jobs — and now their last lifeline, unemployment insurance — through no fault of their own. They don’t deserve to lose their homes as well. Unfortunately, this is exactly what we are hearing from our constituents.

Therefore, we have introduced the Stop Foreclosures Due to Congressional Dysfunction Act (HR 4255), which requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to impose a six-month forbearance on mortgage payments for people who have lost their unemployment insurance and sent a letter with 74 of our colleagues to FHFA Director Mel Watt asking his administration to do the same. Borrowers must have been current on their payments and in good standing before losing their unemployment insurance in order to qualify for the program. Not only would this be helpful to struggling Americans, but it’s a policy that is beneficial to taxpayers.

While it’s true that the housing market is bouncing back nationally, that’s not true everywhere, and housing markets are extremely local by nature. While the national foreclosure rate is 1.97 percent, that is much lower than the averages in both Pennsylvania (2.35 percent) and Nevada (2.8 percent).

If Speaker Boehner won’t bring up a bill to extend unemployment insurance in the House of Representatives, the least he can do is help people at risk of losing their homes. Speaker Boehner should do the right thing and allow a vote to extend unemployment insurance. If he won’t do that, he should at least show some compassion for those struggling to keep a roof over their heads because of his unending obstructionism.

By Rep. Matt Cartwright and Rep. Steven Horsford

Congressman Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton and Carbon Counties. Cartwright serves on the House Natural Resources and Oversight and Government Reform Committees.

Congressman Steven Horsford represents Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, White Pine Counties. Horsford serves on the House Financial Services Committee.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-cartwright/hurting-americans-who-wor_b_5148787.html