Raising minimum salaries for PA teachers and property taxes explained

The minimum yearly salary for public school teachers in Pennsylvania hasn’t increased since 1988, when it was set at $18,500.

In his 2019 budget proposal, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed raising the minimum salary for teachers to $45,000 annually. If approved, it would increase the salaries of about 3,000 teachers working in 180 school districts. The average teacher in Pennsylvania is paid $67,000 a year.

The Wolf Administration estimates the higher minimum would cost about $14 million to bring the salaries of those making less than $45,000 up to that level. There have been suggestions that that estimate is low. Other objections have centered on the impact higher salaries would have on rural school districts who generally have less money and whether there would be a ripple effect of increasing all teacher salaries.

Appearing on Monday’s Smart Talk to discuss increasing the minimum salary for teachers is Chris Lilienthal PSEA Assistant Director of Communications, Pennsylvania State Education Association. Also with us is Hannah Barrick, Director of Advocacy, Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials.
Also, it seems fitting that the quote ‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,’ is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, a famous Pennsylvanian. It would seem more appropriate if the quote specified property taxes, because these taxes seem to get the most attention.

PAPost.org’s The Listening Post takes on a reader’s question, “what keeps these taxes in force.”

PA Post reporter Ed Mahon joins Smart Talk to discuss why school property taxes are so hard to kill.

Legislative update / Camps for grieving children

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What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, April 12, 2019:

It has been a busy week at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. WITF’s Capitol Bureau Chief Katie Meyer appears on Friday’s Smart Talk to provide an update and insight into several high profile issues and pieces of legislation.

Among the topics to be discussed are proposals to close the pay gap between men and women in Pennsylvania, bills that would alter the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases, legislation to remove guns when a person is considered a danger to themselves or others, and plans to save two Pennsylvania nuclear plants from being shut down.

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Katie Meyer, WITF’s Capitol bureau chief.

Also, the death of a loved-one often has a devastating impact on a family. Children often experience great difficulty adjusting through their grief, because they don’t have the life experiences or coping skills to process the loss.

Ten years ago, a camp in Maine was established where kids can explore their grief and feelings of isolation.

Experience Camps have expanded to other states, including here in Pennsylvania. The campers enjoy a typical summer camp experience with one main difference: Every camper has lost someone, too.

Appearing on Friday’s Smart Talk to discuss the Experience Camp “experience” is Dan Wolfson, PsyD, clinical director of the Pennsylvania boys program, who has been involved with Experience Camps since their first summer in Maine in 2009. Also, Lisa and Ian Kelly, who lost their husband and father nearly four years ago, join Smart Talk to share their personal story.

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Dr. Dan Wolfson, PsyD, clinical director of the Pennsylvania boys program, and the Mid-Atlantic Region clinical director of Experience Camps.

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Dr. Brendan Kelly

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The Kelly family, including Ian on the far left

The science of eating

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What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, April 11, 2019:

All calories are not created equal.

Counting calories, dieting for weight loss and taking supplements all contribute to what many believe to be a long, healthy life.

Earlier this week, a study published by Tufts University found that while consuming vitamins and minerals can lower your risk of an early death, it is more important to focus on the food you eat.

So what is the healthiest way to eat. Does it mean just counting calories or is there more to it? Where do fat, protein, sugar, and carbohydrates all fit in?

Everyone wants to eat good food that is also healthy, and we want to do so at an affordable cost. But what is the science behind these nutritional goals saying?

Joining us on Thursday’s Smart Talk to discuss the science behind eating are Julie Stefanski, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, and Deanna Segrave-Daly, registered dietitian, blogger and author of the new book The 30-minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook.

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Julie Stefanski & Deanna Segrave-Daly

Growing Latino population in PA facing challenges and opportunities

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What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, April 10, 2019:

The Latino population in the U.S. is the nation’s largest and fastest growing ethnic group. The population increase is significant; Latinos account for half of U.S. population growth between 2000 and 2014.

In Pennsylvania, the Latino community is nearing one million, or approximately seven percent of the state’s population.

One of the biggest concentrations of growth is in the cities and region located along U.S. Route 222. Cities like Lancaster, Reading and Allentown are part of the “222 Latino Corridor” that is now home to a large Latino community.

This growth presents both challenges and opportunities. There continue to be barriers to education and healthcare, in addition to the lack of affordable housing. Those problems are difficult to solve with a median Latino income of $23,000 per year.

A report that provides more details came out of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention in Lancaster last fall.

Meanwhile, a 2018 report in USA Today found Pennsylvania ranked fourth from the bottom when it comes to health for its Latino population. A statewide Latino Health Summit is scheduled next week in York to address the issues that include liver disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Appearing on Smart Talk Wednesday to discuss the many issues and challenges facing Latinos are Norman Bristol-Colon, chairman and founder of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention, Gloria Merrick, executive director of the Latino Hispanic American Community Center in Harrisburg, and George Fernandez, CEO of the Latino Connection.

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George Fernandez, CEO of the Latino Connection, Gloria Merrick, executive director of the Latino Hispanic American Community Center in Harrisburg, and Norman Bristol-Colon, chairman and founder of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention.

What will it take to make safe streets? / Ideas to redesign cities

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This image is from the April 2019 special edition, single topic issue of National Geographic, titled “CITIES: Ideas For a Brighter Future.”

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, April 9, 2019:

Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise.

Every day, people are risking their lives by simply walking out of their homes and onto streets and thoroughfares. A recent report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association indicated 90 pedestrians were killed on Pennsylvania streets and roadways during the first six months of 2018 compared to 64 the year before.

Why the increase? And can anything be done to make our roads safer for pedestrians, and for vehicular traffic?

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss Harrisburg’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic collisions are Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse and Wayne Martin, Harrisburg City Engineer.

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Wayne Martin and Mayor Eric Papenfuse

Also, most U.S. cities were built to accommodate automobile traffic, so it is not surprising that few cities are considered pedestrian friendly. If there is no way to get somewhere by walking or mass transit, then residents will rely on automobiles.

One author says that to build cities of the future, we must get out of our cars. To make this work, entire communities must be re-imagined.

Joining Smart Talk to discuss how to build and redesign cities of the future is Senior Environment Editor for National Geographic Robert Kunzig. His article “Rethinking Cities” appears in National Geographic’s April 2019 special edition, single-topic issue on the Future of Cities. The magazine is titled “CITIES: Ideas For a Brighter Future,” and is available at natgeo.com/cities.

Turnpike money problems and preventing sexual assault

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What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, April 8, 2019:

Turnpike officials may be breathing a sigh of relief.

Last week, a federal judge dismissed a $6 billion lawsuit filed against the commission by two out-of-state trucking and advocacy groups.

The relief may be short-lived, however, because the Turnpike is still $11 billion in debt.

The commission’s finances are interconnected with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or PennDOT.

The nature of the debt is complicated and the result of a law requiring the turnpike pay PennDOT for mass transit projects. The turnpike must borrow money to make those payments and now, the arrangement is untenable.

What impact is this having on current and future road projects and mass transit?

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss Pennsylvania transportation funding and infrastructure is Secretary of Transportation Leslie Richards.

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Secretary of Transportation Leslie Richards

Also, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Sexual violence can affect anyone; men and women, young and mature. There is no one profile of a victim, or an offender, for that matter. It is a wide-spread social problem affecting every community.

Joining us on Smart Talk to discuss sexual assault and the awareness campaign are Kristen Houser, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and Susan Sullivan, Prevention Campaign Specialist representing the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

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Susan Sullivan, Prevention Campaign Specialist representing the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, and Kristen Houser, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.

Preventing suicide after trauma

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What to look for on Smart Talk, Thursday, April 4, 2019:

In a span of two weeks, two survivors of the Parkland, Florida, massacre died by suicide, nearly a year after the devastating event. In the week after their deaths, the father of a Sandy Hook elementary school shooting victim also died by an apparent suicide. They share one thing in common; they survived unimaginable trauma.

Experiencing trauma affects anyone differently. That’s why communities across the country and throughout the state are working to bring awareness to suicide prevention.

Experiencing trauma is just one risk factor that can lead to suicide. Depression and other mental illnesses can contribute, as well.

Joining us on Thursday’s Smart Talkto discuss suicide and suicide prevention are Govan Martin, Chair and Board of Directors of Prevent Suicide PA, and Dr. Terri A. Erbacher, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, Licensed and certified school Psychologist.

These are links / organizations for those who may have trouble affording or getting help: Open Path Collective, Catholic Charities, BetterHelp.com or Medicare.

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Dr. Terri Erbacher and Govan Martin

If you or someone you know is in need of help or someone to talk to, please contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org immediately. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline through TTY at 800-799-4889.

Local government needs you

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What to look for on Smart Talk, Wednesday, April 3, 2019:

Your local government needs your help; it’s time to get involved.

Local governments are an important part of democracy in the United States. They ensure that citizens are involved in the decision-making processes in their city and townships.

In Pennsylvania, there are 67 counties and 2,562 municipalities. They are responsible for planning and paying for roads, organizing police and fire services, and holding elections.

But unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of interest to get involved within local communities. Some local governments struggle to fill vacancies — whether its electing people into public office, recruiting firefighters, or finding volunteers for local community events.

Government officials also express concern that public interest is lower during what is referred to as an off-year election cycle. Voter turnout is typically lower during municipal elections than during high profile elections that have a national or a state focus.

Joining us on Smart Talk Wednesday to discuss the important role of local governments and this election cycle is Dave Sanko, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and Doug Hill, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

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Dave Sanko (left), Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and Doug Hill (right), County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

Term limits for legislators and Pension forfeiture is signed into law

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What to look for on Smart Talk, Tuesday, April 2, 2019:

Public employees have been put on notice. If they are convicted of a job-related felony, they will no longer receive a public pension.

Significant updates to the Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act were signed into law by Governor Wolf in March. The updated law is more expansive.

In the past, convicted employees could circumvent the law by pleading guilty or no contest to felonies that were not listed in the original bill. Act 1 of 2019 expands the list of crimes and includes all felonies.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the Law’s expansion is state Senator John DiSanto, the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 113. DiSanto is a Republican representing Perry County and part of Dauphin County.

Also, members of the Pennsylvania legislature have introduced a proposal to amend the Constitution to authorize term limits.

The term limit amendment would essentially limit service to twelve consecutive years in each chamber.

Joining Smart Talk to discuss details of the proposal is state Representative Andrew Lewis. Lewis is a primary sponsor of the bill and is a Republican, serving Dauphin County (Part).

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Rep. Andrew Lewis

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Senator John DiSanto

What are Pennsylvanians thinking about the issues?

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What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, April 1, 2019:

The latest Franklin and Marshall College statewide poll was released late last week and it shows Pennsylvanians support legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes and favor raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. Half like what Gov. Tom Wolf is doing in office and a third believe President Trump deserves re-election.

The issue that matters most to Pennsylvanians right now? Taxes by a small percentage over education although voters say increasing state funding for public education should be a priority in answer to another question.

So what does it all mean? What opinions have changed or shown the greatest shift in recent years?

On Monday’s Smart Talk, we’re joined by Dr. G. Terry Madonna, Professor of Public Affairs and Director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs, political analyst and pollster at Franklin & Marshall College to break it all down.

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Dr. G. Terry Madonna, Professor of Public Affairs and Director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs, political analyst and pollster with Smart Talk host Scott LaMar.