PA House passes bill to give counties more time to count mail ballots

Election, Issues, Uncategorized

“A House bill [HB 847] passed Wednesday in a party line vote would allow counties up to seven days before election day to open ballot envelopes and run ballots through scanning machines, though results would still be tabulated on the day of the election. Currently, counties cannot begin processing mail ballots until the morning of the election, which means counties with large numbers of mail ballots may need additional days to finish counting and report complete results.”

Read the full article in Spotlight, PA

This practical solution, that is in place in other states with mail ballot voting, makes election day less hectic for election workers. The sudden shift in totals, when mail ballots are added into the total results from the polling locations, creates the illusion that something peculiar is happening — helping to fuel election conspiracy rhetoric. Being able to pre-canvass would eliminate that perception.

Thirty-nine states and the Virgin Islands permit election officials to begin processing absentee/mail ballots prior to the election. Eight states and Washington, D.C., permit election officials to begin processing absentee/mail ballots on Election Day, but prior to the closing of the polls. Alabama, District of Columbia, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS! Let them know you think this bill is important!
PA Senators
Nick Miller, PA Senate 14 Let him know you think this bill is important and should be passed, without amendments, before the November election.

Jarrett Coleman, PA Senate 16 Let him know you think this bill is important and should be passed, without amendments, before the November election.

PA Representatives
Zachary Mako, PA House 183 (Voted No on HB 847 ) Ask him why he voted no on a simple one-issue bill that would enable county officials to process ballots more efficiently and help eliminate doubts about election integrity.

Ryan E. Mackenzie, PA House 187 (Voted No on HB 847 ) Ask him why he voted no on a simple one-issue bill that would enable county officials to process ballots more efficiently and help eliminate doubts about election integrity.

Michael H. Schlossberg, PA House 132 (Voted Yes on HB 847 ) Thank him for voting yes on this sensible bill.

Lehigh County Voter Registration Office Extended Hours

Uncategorized

The Lehigh County Voter Registration Office will be open for extended hours
on the following days:

Saturday, April 13, 2024
9 am – 1 pm Office open

Tuesday, April 16, 2024
8 am – 5 pm. Deadline to submit mail in/absentee ballot request; vote early in person

Saturday, April 20, 2024
9 am – 1 pm Office open

Tuesday, Election Day, April 23
Extended Hours 7 am – 8 pm

Regular Business Hours are Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm

Lehigh County Government Center
17 South Seventh Street
Allentown, PA 18101-2400
Phone 610-782-3194

▸These Hours are listed on the Election Calendar, along with important election deadlines.
▸Information at Lehigh County Voter Registration Office

Polling Place Changes for April 23 Primary Election

Election, Uncategorized

Changes approved 3/11/2024 by Lehigh County Elections Board
► NORTH WHITEHALL DISTRICT 5 ◄
Grouse Hall Fish & Game, 3335 Levans Rd, Coplay 18037*

► UPPER MACUNGIE DISTRICT 5 ◄
Islamic Education Center, 6635 Tilghman St., Allentown 18106**

These changes were made in 2022
► UPPER MACUNGIE DISTRICT 1 ◄
ATAS International, Inc., 6612 Snowdrift Rd., Allentown 18106
► UPPER MACUNGIE DISTRICTS 7 & 8 ◄
Bible Baptist Church, 511 Farmington Rd, Breinigsville 18031

You can find your polling place/voting district information at PA VOTER SERVICES.
Your polling place information is listed on your VOTER REGISTRATON STATUS

More information at Find Your Polling Place Location

*Polling location changed due to renovations on the North Whitehall Township building. https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/parkland/north-whitehall-township-building-renovations-get-final-approval

**Polling location changed in order to provide voters with a better voting location.

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

Uncategorized

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission was formed by Lehigh and Northampton counties in 1961 to create a comprehensive plan to guide orderly growth in Lehigh and Northampton counties.  The commission advises — it does not have law-making authority. The Commission is made up of 37 members who are appointed by each county government. They include elected and appointed officials and county citizens. The professional staff is responsible for operating the LVPC on a day-to-day basis. The purpose of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the Lehigh Valley region in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

The commission meets the last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Citizen terms of office are for four years and elected officials serve one-year terms.

More information is available on the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Site, including Transportation Plans, Comprehensive Plan, Community Plans + Guide, Environmental Initiatives, Maps and Data.

You may also be interested in Lehigh County Farmland Preservation and Preserved Farms Map

Jan. 2 — Support Our Newly Elected Officials at Their Swearing-In Ceremonies

Uncategorized

Swearing-in Ceremonies and Reorganization Meetings are being held on January 2 for Lehigh County Commissioners, South Whitehall Commissioners and Upper Macungie Supervisors. Please attend the ceremonies and/or reorganization meetings as a show of support for our elected candidates.

Lehigh County Commissioners
∎ Sheila Alvarado ∎ Dan Hartzell ∎ April Riddick ∎ Jon Irons
7 pm Ceremony ∎ 7:30 pm Reorganization Meeting
Government Center, Public Hearing Room 111, 17 South 7th Street, Allentown 18101
Parking is available in the Walnut and Church Streets Lot.
The Lot is located Between 7th and 6th Streets on Walnut Street
Traveling east on Walnut Street, turn right onto Church Street.
Board of Commissioners Page on County Website

South Whitehall Township Commissioners
∎ Thomas Johns
7 pm Swearing-In & Reorganization Meeting
Municipal Building, 4444 Walbert Avenue, Allentown 18104
Details and Agenda on the South Whitehall Township Website

Upper Macungie Township Supervisors
∎ Jeffrey Fleischaker
7 pm Public Reorganization Meeting (Swearing-in prior to meeting is private)
Municipal Building, 8330 Schantz Rd., Breinigsville 18031
Board of Supervisors Information on the Township Website

Let’s Talk About Parkland School District Taxes

Candidates, Uncategorized

— Candidates Jay Rohatghi and Chris Pirrotta

In brief: The promise to never raise taxes might sound appealing, but it’s often a red flag for oversimplification or deliberate misinformation.

The old ‘I won’t ever raise taxes!’ line is a political standby. While no one enjoys taxes, this promise is a classic fear tactic that preys, especially on cash-strapped seniors.

Let’s break it down with three truths about taxes in Parkland:

  1. Parkland’s schools are the community’s crown jewels, boosting our property values an average of 25% above our neighbors. This isn’t just my opinion; real estate data and openpagov.org back it.
  2. The school district has zero control over housing developments and must handle whatever influx of students comes its way—a tough reality of local governance.
  3. Parkland is a magnet for top-notch professionals. It’s been named the top Lehigh Valley Workplace for 2023.

If we’re on the same page with these points, let’s delve deeper:
Growth: We’re nearing capacity at our middle schools and high school. The district’s plan involves strategic enhancements to Parkland High and Orefield Middle School, budgeted at $150-180 million over the next decade. (Details at parklandsd.org/vision2030)
Our Seniors: Tax increases can be burdensome, particularly for cash-strapped seniors. We should not price these members of our community out of the district. I’m for exploring additional waivers or reduced taxes for those on fixed incomes. Note, Parkland already has Tax Rebate program: https://www.parklandsd.org/…/senior-citizen-tax-rebate
Smart Financial Planning: Parkland maintains a healthy Fund Balance appropriate for our overall budget. The Fund Balance isn’t a piggy bank; it’s our district’s financial reputation. It secures the best borrowing rates and keeps long-term costs—and taxes—lower.
Legal: Putting inexperienced individuals on the School Board can lead to costly legal battles. Directors must follow local, state, and federal laws; activism has no place on the board and can incur needless legal expenses—paid by taxpayers like us.

The goal is, and always should be, to avoid raising taxes whenever possible.

But given the complexities we’ve outlined, can anyone genuinely promise no tax increases with a straight face? They might try, but that would reveal a concerning lack of understanding.

Interestingly, those pledging no tax hikes were notably absent from the most transparent and critical public discussion of Parkland’s budget this Spring. A detailed walkthrough of our district’s $200m+ budget was the ideal forum for anyone serious about fiscal responsibility to engage and inquire. Of all the candidates not currently serving on the board, Chris Pirotta was the only one present.

Don’t be fooled by empty rhetoric. Stay sharp and informed.

Moreover, endorsing radical and unlawful ideas will only spell legal trouble and financial strain for our district.

We, the FIRST FIVE slate, are not only candidates but also residents, parents, and grandparents within the district. The weight of tax decisions rests on our shoulders, too. We understand the impact firsthand.

This Tuesday, make a discerning choice. Support the FIRST FIVE on the Parkland Ballot—candidates with a history of capable, prudent leadership, and the know-how to guide our school district without resorting to quick-fix tax increases.
Choose substance over slogans. Vote for the team that has a track record of upholding Parkland’s educational standards and managing our finances wisely: Marisa Ziegler, Jay Rohatgi (Both 4YR and 2YR), Chris Pirrotta, Lisa Roth, and Carol Facchiano.

Check out ProudofParkland.com – Look forward to seeing you on election day!

Jay Rohatghi https://www.facebook.com/upperlehighdemocraticclub/posts/723732033119195
Chris Pirrotta https://www.facebook.com/forparkland/posts/271619512540535

About Moms for Liberty

Uncategorized

Moms for Liberty is a growing group of reactionary moms who are distrustful of public schools and cynical of the educators who work for them. This advocacy group promotes misinformation, the banning of books and an aggressive approach to interactions with school board members and teachers. Its mission is to spread right-wing messaging about race and gender. Billing themselves as, “happy warriors,” their current war cries are claims of “indoctrination” and demanding schools “get back to basics.”

  • Began by opposing Covid-19 protections in schools, including masks and vaccines
  • Claims to advocate for parents’ rights, but supports only parents who share their beliefs and ideologies
  • Opposes curriculum and books with race or LGBTQ themes
  • Has connections with extremist groups, like the Proud Boys and QAnon
  • Labeled far-right extremist organization by Southern Poverty Law Center
  • Is not a “grass roots” organization. It receives funding from right-wing PACs and appears to be affiliated with the Heritage Foundation

READ MORE…
“Unmasking “Moms for Liberty,” Media Matters, Olivia Little

“Your View: Moms for Liberty’s agenda is harmful for students, community,” Morning Call, April Gabriel Ferretti

See more articles about far right influence on the current school board elections and operations.

READ ABOUT OUR BI-PARTISAN SLATE OF CANDIDATES who offer an alternative approach to managing the highly-rated Parkland School District.

County Commissioners Responsible for Federal Stimulus Funds and Opioid Settlement Money

Uncategorized

The American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill, was signed into law in March 2021. 
Pennsylvania municipalities received their second and final payments in September of 2022. Lehigh County was required to establish how they would use its $71,735,692.00 in ARPA allocations by the end of 2024. The funds must then be dispersed by the end of 2026. County. Lehigh County Commissioners voted on how those funds would be used.
To see the allocations use the

A List of funding allocation for Lehigh County can be found on this National League of City’s tracker tool. Select Local Government Type: County or Search by Local Government: Lehigh County
https://www.nlc.org/resource/local-government-arpa-investment-tracker/

Additional articles about Lehigh County ARPA funding distributions:
October 2022, Spotlight PA, Track how your Pa. municipality is using federal stimulus funding
Nov 23, 2021, WFMZ, Lehigh County set to designate American Rescue Plan funds
December 8,  2021, WFMZ, Lehigh County releases $443K in additional relief funds for small businesses
February 9, 2023 Lehigh County Commissioner’s Bill (PDF)

Opioid Settlement Money
Lehigh County is receiving $17.6 million — to be paid over 18 years — from a $1 billion settlement reached with pharmaceutical companies which manufacture opioids. Lehigh County Commissioners are overseeing the use of those funds to benefit citizens in the county.

Additional articles about Opioid Settlement distributions:
May 23, 2023, WFMZ, Lehigh County commissioners expend opioid settlement funds for addiction treatment services at county jail

Misused Terminology in School Board Politics

Uncategorized

Some politicians, media personalities and activists have been claiming that the law school study of Critical Race Theory (CRT) is being taught in public schools (it is not) and are now also implying that Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a part of the school districts’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies (it is not), or that DEI and CRT are the same thing (they are not). They are also like to imply that DEI is the same thing as Affirmative Action.

What Are DEI, CRT and Affirmative Action?

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Are Not New

DEI has its roots in the 1960s civil rights movement and has grown to include gender, sexual orientation, religion, country of origin, and other identities. The focus from the 1960s into the mid 1970s was on acceptance of integration of workplaces, schools, and communities. From the mid 1970s into the 1990s, the focus was on multiculturalism and being aware of the achievements of various racial and ethnic minorities. More recently, there has been an emphasis on inclusion and equity.

Basic Objectives of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Plan
Diversity – acknowledge the range of differences among people and honor the values and talents of everyone — regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, health and ability status, historical traditions, interests, perspectives, or socioeconomic background.

Equity – provide all people with the opportunity to participate in all dimensions of school life in order to reach their full potential.

Inclusion – value people’s unique ideas and lived experiences and ensure that they feel involved, respected, connected, and have their voice heard.

Examples of Parkland’s plan for inclusion and belonging:
● Work with new students to make them feel welcome when they move into our community.
● Educate staff on trauma informed practices and support the social and emotional needs of students as well as their academic needs.
● When teaching and learning, consider multiple perspectives. Different viewpoints help students develop critical thinking, problem solving, tolerance, flexibility and empathy.
● Bring Parkland staff, students and community together around doing what is best for ALL students to be successful in academics and life experiences.

Critical Race Theory Began as an Academic Concept More Than 40 Years Ago

Critical Race Theory is taught in Law Schools as an Elective Course or Seminar. CRT scholars generally share a perspective, that racial unfairness remains widespread in American law and life, and that there should be changes in law and policy to address it. These broad concepts have gained acceptance and CRT now has ties to the work of sociologists and literary theorists who study links between political power, social organization, and language. Its ideas have informed other fields, like the humanities, the social sciences, and teacher education.
Two common ideas associated with CRT:
• Race-neutral policies and unconscious bias can produce or maintain racially unfair outcomes.
• Race has played a significant and central role in American history that has often gone unrecognized.

Specific areas examined by CRT:
• In seeking remedies for unfair outcomes, Critical Race Theorists have examined the impact of racially segregated schools, the underfunding of majority-Black and Latino school districts, the disproportionate disciplining of Black students, barriers to gifted programs and selective-admission high schools, and curricula that reinforce racist ideas.

• A more specific example is historic mortgage lending practices.  In the 1930s, government officials drew lines around areas deemed poor financial risks, often explicitly determined by the racial identity of residents. Banks subsequently refused to offer mortgages to Black people in those areas. Lack of home-ownership impacts economic stability and the ability to improve family wealth, often for generations.

CRT is does not:
• Base its theories on Marxism.
• Teach that all White people are inherently racist.
• Claim that objective evaluation based on skill and ability should be discarded, or are simply tools of White supremacy.

Affirmative Action Was Introduced by President John F. Kennedy in 1961

President Kennedy ordered government contractors to “take affirmative action” to realize the national goal of “nondiscrimination.”
The intended goals of affirmative action:
• Increase opportunities for individuals and groups that historically have been underrepresented or barred  from certain areas of academia, the government, and the private sector workforce.
• Promote outreach campaigns, targeted recruitment, employee and management development, and employee support programs.
• In college admission, affirmative action seeks to eliminate unlawful discrimination among applicants, remedy the results of prior discrimination, and prevent discrimination in the future. 

The means of achieving Affirmative Action goals in college admissions has been challenged over the years in court and weakened by court rulings. In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled that racial quotas in admissions were unconstitutional. However in the past two decades, the Supreme Court has repeatedly reaffirmed the legality of race-conscious admissions to promote racial diversity in higher education.

A current case before the Supreme Court may result in a ruling that strikes down any consideration of race in admissions. Ironically, Clarence Thomas is expected to issue the majority opinion on the case. Thomas benefitted from affirmative action policies in the 1960s, when he attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, through a program designed to make the campus more racially diverse. He requested that his race be taken into consideration on his application to Yale Law School. But later believed there was a stigma attached to this benefit and that his value of his degree was tainted by “racial preference,” casting doubt on his abilities and academic achievements.

Nine States have bans against race-conscious college admissions: Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington. There is a growing gap between the percentage of Black, Hispanic and Native American high school graduates compared to the percentage of those students enrolled in large public universities.

Printable version of this article with sources and additional reading.

Biden’s Investing in America: Delivering for Pennsylvania

Biden Administration, Issues, Uncategorized

For decades, the U.S. exported jobs and imported products, while other countries surpassed us in critical sectors like infrastructure, clean energy, semiconductors, and biotechnology. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda that is changing. Since the President took office in 2021, companies have committed over $1.5 billion in private sector investments across Pennsylvania. These investments are creating good-paying jobs, including union jobs and jobs that don’t require a four-year degree in
industries that will boost U.S. competitiveness, rebuild infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, and help build a clean energy economy.

  • Unleashing a Private Investment Boom in Pennsylvania
  • Rebuilding Pennsylvania’s Infrastructure
  • Getting Pennsylvania Back to Work and Supporting Pennsylvania’s Small Businesses
  • Creating Clean-Energy Jobs and Combatting the Climate Crisis
  • Lowering Costs for Pennsylvania Families

■ READ THE FULL REPORT
■ Want to know more? Read this additional report:
Understanding the Economics of Investing in America: A Collection of Resources 

Biden Economic Initiatives in PADownload