Author: julrich

On the Wednesday February 7th, 2018 edition of WITF’s Smart Talk:

The Pennsylvania governor’s budget address every February is often viewed as a “state-of-the-state” speech and provides insight into a governor’s priorities by what and how the chief executive wants to spend.

A budget proposal made in a year when the governor is running for re-election usually doesn’t contain many bombshells or requests for large amounts of new spending.

In his fourth budget address that comes in an election year, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday proposed a budget that would increase spending by a billion dollars or about 3%.  At the same time, Wolf is not asking for a personal income or sales tax increase.  He does want a severance tax on natural gas drilling — something he has campaigned for without success in his previous three budgets.

Gov. Wolf plans to use the additional money for public schools, skills training, pension obligations, prison costs and social services for children, older Pennsylvanians and those living with a disability.  Wolf also is proposing an increase in the state’s minimum wage to $12 an hour.

Republicans, who control both the House and Senate, responded less than favorably to the idea of spending more money and have been cool to a severance tax, saying the state already imposes an impact fee on drillers.  However, budget negotiations this year will be conducted against the backdrop of all House seats and half the Senate up for election too.

On Wednesday’s Smart Talk, we break down the governor’s budget proposal with Franklin and Marshall College political analyst Dr. G. Terry Madonna and take your questions and comments about the state’s fiscal status moving into the new year.

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On the Tuesday February 6th, 2018 edition of WITF’s Smart Talk:

Don Voigt doesn’t mind the cold at all.  He has spent eighteen seasons over the last twenty-two years researching ice in Antarctica.  Voigt is a senior research associate at Penn State; the navy veteran has a background in geology, but shifted gears in the 90’s and began to focus on researching ice flow and environmental trending based on ice core samples.

Antarctica is largely ignored by most; the continent stores 70% of the Earth’s fresh water, it boasts mountain ranges to rival the Rockies and is covered by ice more than a mile thick.  The Vostok research station once recorded a temperature of -128⁰ F.   4,000 scientists work during the summer season, about a thousand stick around for the brutal winter months.  The first human didn’t set foot on Antarctica until 1821.

On the Tuesday edition of Smart Talk, we speak with Voigt about spending three months of the year on a desolate continent where the temperature rarely exceeds -15⁰ F, the isolation from the world and the camaraderie of the research community and the warning signs he sees regarding the changing global climate.

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What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, February 5, 2018:

WITF is taking part in the Trusting News project — an effort to create strategies designed to demonstrate the credibility and trustworthiness of journalism.  One of the main tenants of the project is to explain the editorial process.  WITF’s Multimedia News Director Tim Lambert wrote about just that in how the station’s news department reported on the tragic shooting death of Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher Hill in Harrisburg two weeks ago.

Tim appears on Monday’s Smart Talk to discuss Trusting News and the editorial process in this particular instance.

Later, state GOP leaders have sought an emergency intervention from the US Supreme Court to hold up the state’s Supreme Court ruling that congressional district lines drawn in 2011 offer an unfair advantage to Republican congressional candidates.  Attorneys representing the state Republican party allege one of the state Supreme Court judges exhibited bias due to remarks made previously and should be disqualified from rendering an opinion.  Keystone Crossroads reporter Emily Previti will discuss the latest iteration on the state’s congressional district dispute.

Also, it’s not unusual to hear about people living with cognitive disabilities wandering away from home, which leaves their family members terrified for their well-being.  These cases usually involve young people and adults who place somewhere on the autism spectrum; people with emotional disorders that cause confusion or disorientation and older people dealing with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders.

Project Lifesaver is a program that provides people with cognitive disorders like autism or bipolarity with radio transmitter devices that send a signal to public safety officials.  Should the person become missing, they are easily locatable by police or health care officials.

The Pilot Club of Lancaster launched a local program in 2012.  There are currently 21 Lancaster Countians involved with Project Lifesaver.

On Monday’s Smart Talk, we will discuss the risks facing cognitively disabled Pennsylvanians and how this project adds a layer of safety to their well-being with Pilot Club co-coordinator  and Chief Mark Pugliese of the West Hempfield Township Police Department.  We will also speak with Amy Breslin, an area parent of twin ten-year-old boys who were both helped by the Project Lifesaver program.

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On the Friday February 2nd, 2018 edition of WITF’s Smart Talk:

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is taking proactive measures to help parents educate children about underage drinking.  The program, called ‘Know When, Know How’ targets youths between 8 and 12 years old and helps parents to address the awkwardness of a conversation about alcohol.  The campaign will include traditional broadcast commercials in addition to a heavy digital presence focusing on facts and statistics and information for parents on how to discuss alcohol with their kids.

Research from the Journal of Adolescent Health shows “one in three kids has tried alcohol by age 8, and at age 12 that number grows to two out of three.”  Additional research indicates that people who begin drinking in their early teens will be more susceptible to dependency later in life.

“Parents can play a critical role in educating their children on how to make decisions that lead to a safe and healthy life from a young age,” said Ellen DiDomenico, acting deputy secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. “This campaign will empower parents to take an active role in helping their children make informed, safe, and responsible decisions as they grow and move into high school, college, and adulthood.”

On Friday’s Smart Talk, we’ll discuss the scope of underage drinking in the commonwealth and PLCB programs to curb it with DiDomenico and Elizabeth Brassell, director of communications with the Board.

Also, this Sunday is World Cancer Day, as declared by the Union for International Cancer Control.  February 4^th has been designated as a day to bring awareness to all forms of cancer afflicting all people on every continent.  8 million people die every year from cancer-related illness, that number is projected to jump to 13 million in twelve years if cancer research and treatment isn’t expanded in the coming years.

Smart Talk will talk about World Cancer Day and efforts to spread awareness in the region with Dr. John Heymach of the Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas.

 

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What to look for on Smart Talk, Thursday, February 1, 2018:

It’s a Smart Talk Road Trip Thursday to the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg to mark the first day of Black History Month.

During the show, we’ll be focusing on a new documentary film that will air next week on WITF-TV about African-American history, how the National Civil War Museum tells the stories of African-Americans and a threatre group that uses theatre to portray African-American history and culture.

The African-American Oral History Project: Part One traces history from the Civil War to today.  It highlights several significant black figures with ties to Central Pennsylvania.  They include former Congressman Robert Smalls and Ephraim Slaughter, who was prominent in Harrisburg after the Civil War.

The film’s producer, writer and director, a historian and descendent of one of the men portrayed in the documentary will all appear on Smart Talk.

Also, not long ago, Civil War- themed museums focused almost entirely on the military aspects of the war.  Since its inception, the National Civil Museum in Harrisburg told the stories of the whole war, including the role of slavery as a cause for the war.

Wayne Motts-CEO, National Civil War Museum joins us the program to describe how the museum talks about slavery.

Telling the story of and establishing African-Americans as an important and vital part of the community through theatre is the goal of the Sankofa African-American Theatre in Harrisburg. 

Sharia Benn, Managing Director-Sankofa African American Theatre is with us as well.

 

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On the Wednesday January 31st, 2018 edition of WITF’s Smart Talk:

President Donald Trump called on Congress to permanently fix the nation’s immigration system in his first official State-of-the-Union Address Tuesday night.  Trump indicated that his main duty was to protect Americans and talked about immigrant gangs coming into the country who had harmed Americans.  Trump also wants to find a solution to the DACA issue — foreign born people who were brought to the U.S. as children but could be deported if Congress doesn’t meet a March deadline.

President Trump’s State-of-the-Union was one of the longest in history.  He spent most of it touting successes during his first year in office.  Trump pointed to the massive tax cut for businesses and individuals he signed into law last month and heralded the booming economy — saying the stock market had set records and unemployment was low.

The president called for a $1.5 trillion infrastructure upgrade and a build-up of the military.

Democratic members of Congress in the audience were cool to Trump’s speech.  Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey said “Donald Trump’s presidency has been a series of broken promises to the middle class and workers, a fact which tonight’s address did not change.”

On Wednesday’s Smart Talk we discuss the State-of-the Union with David O’Connell, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Dickinson College and Kyle Kopko, Associate Professor of Political Science at Elizabethtown College.

We encourage you to weigh in on how you see the state of the union as well.

 Emails: 

State of the Union – 

I was most shocked by this line, which appears to be making an argument for letting politics determine who can work for government:

“So tonight I call on Congress to empower every cabinet secretary with the authority to reward good workers and to remove federal employees who undermine the public trust, or fail the American people.”

 I haven’t hear much comment on this, but his words are so decisive, I’m not sure why we’re not paying more attention. – Tim

While democrats and republicans have plenty to disagree about, there were points in the speech that both sides can agree on. It’s a shame that the democrats official response to the speech couldn’t leap on at least one point. We are all very aware of our differences of opinions. Let’s talk about what we agree on. Just ignore the non-starters and focus on getting infrastructure done! – Bill 

I haven’t heard anyone talk about the unspoken part of his speech.  What I saw in his body language spoke volumes.  He looked at the Republican side of the House for almost the entire speech EXCEPT when he was admonishing/chastising/challenging Democrats.  His eyes, his expressions were not welcoming or showed any interest in talking to Democrats.  He was physically only talking to Republicans, to those who he thinks approve of the agenda. – Jeff

Tax give away ruined an infrastructure bill.  New funding stream… de criminalize marijuana. – Chris

I noticed that the president’s wife, Melania, was not standing or applauding at least a few times when the cameras cut to her, the people around her were standing and applauding; do your guests know if “not standing” is a first lady tradition? – Listener

How does increasing nuclear arsenal make us safer? In fact, it makes us less safe? Does he expect to sell it all down the line? – Diane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, January 30, 2018:

Should Pennsylvania’s Constitution be amended to provide more protections for crime victims and also keep them better informed about their cases?

Currently, the U.S. Constitution and every state constitution provides legal rights for individuals accused of a crime and those convicted of a crime. Yet, the U.S. Constitution and some state constitutions do not extend legal rights to victims of crime. Pennsylvania is one of those states without a Victims’ Rights Amendment to its Constitution.

It’s called Marsy’s Law for All and was named after Marsalee Nicholas, a California co-ed murdered by an ex-boyfriend.  Only a week later, her family members walked into a grocery store and were confronted by the accused murderer. They were not told that he had been released on bail.

Pennsylvania Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm is a supporter of a Marsy’s Law in the state.  She’s appear on Tuesday’s Smart Talk, along with Christi Lane, a woman who witnessed the murders of her mother and grandmother 25 years ago.

Also, The Keystone Research Center and Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center proposed a plan last week that would make college and universities more affordable and maybe even free in some cases. The Pennsylvania Promise proposal attracted a lot of attention because it would effectively eliminate tuition for qualified students with family incomes of $110,000 a year or less.

Mark Price, a labor economist with the Keystone Research Center, joins us on Smart Talk to discuss details and how Pennsylvania would fund the $1 billion proposal.  Some suggestions include a severance tax on Marcellus shale and raising corporate and income taxes on higher earners.

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– My mom’s house was robbed and everything of value she owned was stolen. They caught the guy and when she asked him where all of her belongings were a judge said that he did not have to tell her. It destroyed her to lose all of her family heirlooms not to mention she became very afraid of being in the house alone. We don’t think this is fair that she was unable to retrieve her belongings because the judge protected the thief. It was in the paper in Harrisburg

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On the Monday January 29^th, 2018 edition of WITF’s Smart Talk:

When children are mistreated by strangers or acquaintances, parents can usually be relied on to stand up for the child’s rights.  When that abuse comes form the parents, groups like Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, step in to advocate for the child.

CASA first developed in Seattle in the 1970’s; the Lancaster chapter began its development in 2005, taking its first case in 2010.  CASA Lancaster’s goal is to “provide a qualified and compassionate court-appointed volunteer advocate to every child who is abused and neglected, to ensure the fundamental human right of having a safe, nurturing, and permanent home is met.”

On Monday’s Smart Talk, we will discuss the role of court-appointed youth advocates with Melissa Leibig, Director of Community Outreach with CASA Lancaster and Jerry Gottlieb, a retired psychiatrist and CASA volunteer advocate.

We will also speak with Sandy Asher, a playwright who prepared The CASA Project: Stand Up for a Child, a dramatic reading of stories and poetry compiled from youths represented by CASA and CASA advocates and caseworkers.  The Casa Project will be presented Sunday, February 11^th at the Congregation Shaarai Shomayim in Lancaster.

Also, the American Lung Association just issued report cards grading states’ progress in discouraging tobacco use.  Pennsylvania didn’t do well.  The best grade drawn by the Commonwealth is a “C” for facilitating smoke-free air.

Funding of tobacco prevention and cessation programs: “F.”  Controlling sales to minors: “F.”  Access to cessation programs? “F.”  We got a “D” for tobacco tax rates.  22,000 Pennsylvanians died last year from smoking related deaths.  20% of the Keystone State uses tobacco.  32% of high-schoolers smoke or chew.  The state spent $6,383,194,368 in smoking-related healthcare costs.

Smart Talk will parse out the report’s findings and discuss what the state can do to cycle tobacco use out of our culture with Joy Meyer, Vice President of Community Impact for the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic.

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On the Friday January 26th, 2018 edition of WITF’s Smart Talk:

Many lawmakers were stunned this week when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state’s congressional maps unconstitutional, and gave the legislature and governor just a few weeks to draw and pass new ones.

Some in Harrisburg have expressed doubt that they’ll be able to redraw the maps before the February 9 submission deadline. Steve Miskin, a spokesman for House Republicans, called the task “borderline impossible.” If lawmakers take too long, the court has said it will choose a new map.

There’s also a possibility the US Supreme Court will issue a stay on the case, though it’s rare for a federal court to interfere in a state court matter. In their appeal to the higher court, Pennsylvania republicans argued that a stay would be justified because the state court’s decision violates the legislature’s constitutionally-protected ability to draw congressional maps.

The state court has yet to issue its full opinion on the case, which will go into more detail about why five of the seven judges decided the current maps are illegally gerrymandered.

A previous ruling from a federal district court and an opinion from a lower state court judge found the maps to be constitutional.

WITF Capitol Bureau Chief Katie Meyer hosts, and Keystone Crossroads’ Emily Previti and Marc Levy of the Associated Press join us for a detailed discussion about what we’ve learned since Monday’s unprecedented ruling, and what we still don’t know.

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On the Thursday January 25th, 2018 edition of WITF’s Smart Talk:

Most people don’t know much about the juvenile justice system.  One of the reasons is that unlike adult criminal court, court proceedings and records are not open to the public.  The idea is to protect the identity of the young person accused of a crime or breaking the law.

There are other differences too.  A single judge hears juvenile cases with no jury.  The probation department, prosecutors and defense attorneys often work together to determine what’s best for the young person while taking crime victims and public safety into account as well.

Last year, WITF was given unique access into Cumberland’s County’s juvenile justice system, including following one young woman in the system for six months.

This Friday, WITF-PBS will broadcast  Real Life Real Issues: Juvenile Justice, looking behind-the-scenes at the state’s system as a juvenile offender navigates the often precarious landscape of juvenile justice.  On Thursday’s Smart Talk, we discuss juvenile justice in the state with Cumberland County juvenile public defender Ron Turo and Cumberland County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Sam Miller.

We’ll also speak with Adam Rupert, a recipient of the Hoffer Second Chance Scholarship, awarded to outstanding college students who had once been involved in the juvenile justice system.

Also, county commissioners across Pennsylvania are planning their 2018 agendas.  On the docket include ways of dealing with the opioid crisis, funding for county services including first responders and stabilizing revenues and spending.  Smart Talk will discuss county commissioner plans with Douglas Hill, Executive Director of the County Commssioners Association of Pennsylvania and Lancaster County Commissioner Dennis Stuckey.

 

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