Monthly Archives: September 2009

Budget Alert: Call House Members Today to Support Severance Tax, Levy on Smokeless Tobacco, Cigars

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

The House of Representatives returns to session today, with plans to take up legislation that would enact a severance tax on natural gas production and a levy on cigars and smokeless tobacco. These revenue options were left out of the … Continue reading →

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Pennsylvania State Pastors’ Conference

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

Title: Pennsylvania State Pastors’ Conference Location: Four Points Sheraton, Harrisburg Link out: Click here Description: Living in Our Particular Wilderness: Being Healthy Leaders for Healthy Churches Start Date: 2009-11-09 End Date: 2009-11-11

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Homes Within Reach

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

Title: Homes Within Reach Location: Hilton Harrisburg Link out: Click here Start Date: 2009-12-09 End Date: 2009-12-11

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Support a Moratorium on the Death Penalty

Posted on September 29, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

On September 28, Senator Jim Ferlo introduced Senate Bill 1110, a bill calling for a two-year suspension of executions while a thorough study of the capital punishment system is conducted. SB 1110 is co-sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Robert Mellow … Continue reading →

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October is Almost Here and Still No Budget

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

It is nearly October and Pennsylvania is still without a final budget.  While there may be an agreement in the works, until a budget is passed and signed, counties, non-profits, schools, hospitals, and many other organizations will continue to struggle … Continue reading →

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Protect Pennsylvania’s Environment in Final Budget Deal

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

From PennFuture:   The proposed budget would be devastating for Pennsylvania’s environment. First, the budget sacrifices the integrity of our state forests by rushing to lease them for drilling (http://www.pennfuture.org/media_sd_detail.aspx?MediaID=1058). Secondly, it allows energy companies to drill without enacting a severance tax … Continue reading →

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Advocate for Alaska Wilderness and Wildlife

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

The Alaska Coalition is urging advocacy around the following issues:   House Bill - HR39 (Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act) – We are up to 70 cosponsors.   The only Pennsylvania co-sponsors are Representatives Joe Sestak and Patrick Murphy. If you are not in … Continue reading →

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New CTJ Report Reviews and Compares Six Progressive Tax Options to Finance Health Care Reform

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

Are you feeling confused about the myriad revenue options being discussed to finance health care reform? What’s the difference between the President’s initial proposal to limit itemized deductions and Senator Jay Rockefeller’s proposal, which is similar but would result in … Continue reading →

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Protections for Renters in Foreclosure

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

This news from the Pennsylvania Senior Law Center (http://www.seniorlawcenter.org) may be of interest to members of your congregations:   The ripple effects of the mortgage foreclosure crisis have not been limited to homeowners. Tenants, too, have been placed in precarious … Continue reading →

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More Pennsylvania Seniors Can Receive Nutrition Assistance

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Sandy Strauss

This news from the Pennsylvania Senior Law Center (http://www.seniorlawcenter.org) may be of interest to members of your congregations:   Pennsylvania has recently raised the income limits for the  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called food stamps).  For households with seniors … Continue reading →

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