PA Medicaid expansion on hold as Corbett, lawmakers put off decision | PA Independent

"HARRISBURG – Republican senators dodged a potential up-or-down vote on Medicaid expansion Monday, but the delay strategy will only work for so long.

Lawmakers must approve a so-called “welfare code” by June 30 as part of the state budget that sets the rules for how billions of state and federal dollars will be used by various agencies. Legislators also must set what requirements must be met for individual eligibility for programs funded with those dollars.

In short: no welfare code bill, no state budget.

PUSHING FOR EXPANSION: State Sen. Vince Hughes, D-Philly, says the Democrats will use all available options to expand Medicaid in Pennsylvania.
But Senate Bill 977 is exactly the vehicle Democrats have targeted to force a vote on the expansion of Medicaid, a portion of the federal health reform law passed in 2010 that states must opt into before the end of this year."  Visit: PA Medicaid expansion on hold as Corbett, lawmakers put off decision | PA Independent:

WATCHBLOG: Per diem kings and queens for April 2013 | PA Independent

WATCHBLOG: Per diem kings and queens for April 2013 | PA Independent: "HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania lawmakers collected more than $215,000 in per diems during the month of April, with state Rep. Michael McGeehan, D-Philadelphia leading the way.


FIRST PLACE: State Rep. Michael McGeehan, D-Philadelphia
Per diems are a part of lawmakers’ overall compensation package and are included in the state constitution, which provides that members of the General Assembly should be paid for mileage.  The payment totals are based on IRS reimbursement amounts for daily expenses and travel."

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▶ Rep. Barletta Speaks on the House Floor Regarding Illegal Immigration - YouTube

▶ Rep. Barletta Speaks on the House Floor Regarding Illegal Immigration - YouTube: ""

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Rep. Barletta Promotes FEMA Relief for Houses of Worship

FROM:            Tim.Murtaugh@mail.house.gov

 Rep. Barletta Promotes FEMA Relief for Houses of Worship

 WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to manage the debate over a bill that would provide for disaster relief for houses of worship that suffered damage related to natural disasters.  Currently, the Obama Administration interprets the law to preclude such relief.  The bill is the Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R. 592).  It passed the House 354-72.  

“Flooding or other natural disasters can be catastrophic, and often harm the ability of people to do simple things like go to church or synagogue,” Rep. Barletta said.  “If we take care of other parts of our communities, certainly we can do the same for houses of worship.”                                                                                   In past disasters, Congress has specifically provided that religious nonprofits, including houses of worship, should be eligible for disaster relief assistance. “I can recall Hurricane Irene and Topical Storm Lee, and I know how horrific it was in my district,” Rep. Barletta said. “Any help we can offer will be key.” -30-

National Right to Life -"U.S. House hearing scheduled May 17: In the nation's capital -- legal abortion to the moment of birth!

UPDATED May 16, 2012 -- Did you know that in our nation's capital, it is perfectly legal to subject unborn children to terribly painful deaths, even during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy -- or even later?  In the District of Columbia, abortion is now legal at any point in pregnancy, for any reason, as long as someone is willing to pay the abortionist for the gruesome "service."

This appalling situation will be explored by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution on May 17, 2012, in a public hearing on the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 3803), a bill strongly advocated by the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC)."
For more information on this issue or to see if your Congressman supports this bill visit:

National Right to Life:

Rick Santorum's Texas GOP convention speech won't be public - Politics Wires - MiamiHerald.com

 "FORT WORTH, Texas -- Perhaps the biggest name featured at the Texas Republican Party's convention next month -- former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum -- will give a speech that is off-limits to the media and the public.

Santorum is the main attraction at the June 8 Gala Banquet, a private party fundraiser at the convention, that at least for now will be reserved for delegates, alternates and those who buy tickets to the event at the Fort Worth Convention Center."  Visit:  Rick Santorum's Texas GOP convention speech won't be public - Politics Wires - MiamiHerald.com:

Gov signs off on law blocking Real ID Act in PA | PA Independent

Gov signs off on law blocking Real ID Act in PA | PA Independent: "HARRISBURG — This week, Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law a measure making Pennsylvania the 16th and most populous state to oppose the federal Real ID Act.

The federal program was enacted in 2005 to create national standards and a national database for drivers’ licenses by requiring states to connect their existing information electronically. It also added costs to verify documents necessary to apply for a license, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards.

Several national organizations estimated that law would cost at least $11 billion annually over a five-year period to implement nationally.

Pennsylvania would have paid about $140 million in the first year and another $40 million annually, the state Department of Transportation estimated."

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Breast Cancer Prevention Institute Publishes New Brochures

The Breast Cancer Prevention Institute recently produced some new resources due to a large donation as reported by Dr. Angela Lanfranchi in her recent newsletter.  The new brochures are titled:
The Whys of Breast Cancer:  What can women do to protect themselves from breast cancer, May 2012
and Abortion & Breast Cancer Is There a Link?  What is the Truth Behind the Controversy,  January 2012
Two new fact sheets were also produced.  They are Epidemiologic Studies: Induced Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk, November 2011 and Factors Which Increase and Decrease Breast Cancer Risk, October 2011  All can be viewed or downloaded by visiting Breast Cancer Prevention Institute Home Page:and clicking on the desired title.

Senator wants EPA ‘crucify’ threat probed

Senator wants EPA ‘crucify’ threat probed: "Sen. James Inhofe is calling for an investigation into a top Environmental Protection Agency administrator who confessed that his “philosophy of enforcement” was to “crucify” and “make examples of” energy companies.

Now persecuted pastor’s lawyer facing jail

Now persecuted pastor’s lawyer facing jail: "Word that the lawyer who has been representing a Christian pastor condemned to death in Iran for leaving Islam is now facing jail is a stunning setback to hopes that the Islamic republic would begin recognizing human rights, according to an advocacy organization in the United States."

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Abortionists admit that ultrasounds are already standard care | NRL News Today

"Abortionist Pablo Rodriguez and Jenny Carillo, a senior vice president for the regional affiliate of Planned Parenthood — the nation’s largest abortion provider — admit that ultrasounds are already “standard care” prior to an abortion."  Visit:Abortionists admit that ultrasounds are already standard care | NRL News Today:

Paul Ryan Leads - The Editors - National Review Online

Paul Ryan Leads - The Editors - National Review Online: "Representative Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, has produced another bold budget. He knows that President Obama and the Democrats will not allow his budget plan to become law this year, but he wants to recommit the Republican party to spending restraint, tax reform, and a strong defense."