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JQ: Checks and Balances - 12/19/2011

Posted by Diana Laufenberg in American Government - Laufenberg on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 12:56 pm

Read this article

Identify the different ways that checks and balances are evident in this story... there should be examples both from between branches and within branches. Explain.

Kashif Ahmad- Fracking in PA Blog Post #3

Posted by Kashif Ahmad in American Government - Laufenberg on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:05 am

This year has been a good and a bad year to my lobbying topic. It's been a good year because franking was supported by many people throughout the city such as the gas company, Bob Rucho and others. It also has been a bad year because not everyone has been supporting Fracking. Some of that people are the residents of the areas that tracking is taking place in. One big issue is the contamination of water. People fear that water is going to be contaminated with gas therefore instead of just water coming out from the water pipe, gas will also be coming out with the water.

On November 20, State Senator Bob Rucho took a tour to the northeast Pennsylvania by Chesapeake Energy, which is the world's top shale gas producer. Now state paid trips has been offering to lawmakers and legislative members so they can see for themselves what actually happens during the franking and so they can permit tracking in different areas.

Lobbying 4

Posted by Ayanna Robinson in American Government - Laufenberg on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 9:29 am

2012 for a long time was said to be the big year for gay rights. Several states such as Pennsylvania, Oregon, New York, and New Jersey have been working towards positive attntion towards gay rights with the hopes of adding the legalization for gay rights to the ballot that year. New York is the only state that has made progress so far but hopefully not the last. Lobbyists Ed Crabtree and Theresea Rosenburg have been lobbying for gay rights in local theaters and high population areas hoping to positively influence people on the issue.

Two presidential candidates are giving a good name to the issue with the upcoming election. John Huntsman and Ron Paul aren’t exactly “supporting” gay rights but they agree that states should have the right to govern that for themselves. For republicans, this is a huge step. Unfortunately, equally powerful people are on the other side of the spectrum. Rick Perry and Rick Santorum are both powerfully against gay rights but the latter seems to have a huge reserve of force and allies.

Not only does Santorum take a huge stand against anything related to equality for gays, he is a part of the GOP whose current objective seems to ruin Obama’s every attempt at ridding the U.S. of the DOMA and all of its unconstitutionality.

However, allies against the DOMA have recently made progress, having the bill recinded and even passing a vote to give same sex couples social security benefits. Since the DOMA was originally what gave states huge power in terms of gay rights, its revocation is paving the way for inequality to finally be ruled unconstitutional.

Although it isn’t right, it helps the issue that people speaking badly about gay rights are punished. A man had his salary cut after speaking out about his dislike for gays and their right to marry. He took his supervisor to court but the simple fact that a stand was taken against it gives hope to many.

Rail Transportation Lobbying - Update #3

Posted by Jeffrey Kessler in American Government - Laufenberg on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 9:01 am

In this portion of the lobbying task, it was time to investigate the current legislative powers and the likelihood of Amtrak Funding legislation. So far, this appears to be a good year for such legislation. While some members of the House and Senate feel as though the American railroad lines should be sold to private corporations, the majority still feel as though funding Amtrak would be the best for supporting railroad transportation. This is also portrayed in the media, which is covering the issue fairly well. In addition, the key person for new Amtrak legislation is Senator Frank Lautenberg of NJ (of which I am a constituent). This has some benefits and downsides in influencing such passage. While certainly helpful to be able to discuss the issues directly with the congressperson introducing the bill, it is, in common terms, "preaching to the choir." In other words, he doesn't need to be influenced to support such legislation.

The key group lobbying in support of this legislation is the National Association of Railroad Passengers. It would certainly be possible to join efforts with their group to lobby for the common goal of funding railroad transportation. Time spent influencing key legislators necessary for such passage will predominately include discussing the issues with the members of the congressional committee focused on studying the feasibility of railroad privatization and the opposition to such funding in both the House and Senate. While this was one of the primary concerns of congress, the focus has shifted to balancing the federal budget, so this time would be best spent discussing the issues with the committee members and waiting for the federal budget situation to be solved. Since such focus has shifted, there are no current meetings or hearings on the agenda; the committee has already presented their findings in support of Amtrak, but have not determined an appropriate amount.

Overall, there is much support for the issue, especially amongst those who have researched the topic; however, due to more pressing issues, the legislation has been placed aside for issues of greater priority. Once such legislative discussions return to focus on rail issues, the full force of the lobbying can resume.

Kern Clarke - Lobbying Blog Post #3

Posted by Kern Clarke in American Government - Laufenberg on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 6:05 am

While there hasn't been an official policy regarding my lobbying topic. There have been many strides to keep that from having to happen. Such as the formation of many different committees and departments that are prepared to deal with the current issues with a short term fix.

The allies that are needed in order to help move this issue are people such as the city council members from the respective parts of Philadelphia that are mainly being represented which are most because only Center City isn't being represented. It will also be very helpful if the person in charge of the streets department is Clarena I. W. Tolson was an ally because she is in charge of most clean up projects that happen in the city of Philadelphia, and has a very large following when it comes too those kinds of things.

The main organizations that are working on this issue are organizations such as the PMBC (Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee) and the City Of Philadelphia Streets Department. The Philadelphia streets department are the ones in charge with everything having to do with the streets of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee are a committee are a part of the Streets Department's Sanitation Division. They were formed specifically to allow residents of neighborhoods to take action and organize block cleanings.

Philadelphia Streets Department: http://1.usa.gov/18UaSe

PMBC: http://1.usa.gov/rK1g74

The person in charge of the streets department is Clarena I. W. Tolson.

There are many ways to get them to assist me in my lobbying but not directly. For example the have an online request form for traffic control signs. They also have their very own hotline that deals with requesting "curb your dog", and "no littering" signs. They make you contact the PMBC.

Street Sign Form: http://bit.ly/u0oYDo
Sanation Street Sign Hotline: 215 685-3981

Philadelphia Greenworks Project:

Net Neutrality: Blog post #3

Posted by William Marsh in American Government - Laufenberg on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 9:38 pm

Net neutrality is a huge issue in today's society. Much of the first world takes fair and equal internet access for granted. In fact, the internet has become such an important tool for communication that the UN has declared internet access a human right, one which a government would need very good cause to censor. But there is another side to this on going debate. Last month Representative Lamar Smith announced SOPA, also known as the Stop Piracy Online Act. In short, SOPA would make websites responsible for the content posted by their users, and effectively make violating a sites terms of service a felony. SOPA, like it says aims to stop piracy online, but in the process would allow for sites to be blocked because of users posting unauthorized streaming of copyrighted content (that cover your band did of a famous song? Yep, that counts. The tribute video you made using copyrighted music as the soundtrack? That counts too). Basically a few bad apples would spoil the batch, and cause a website to be blocked. Obviously this poses a threat to website owners because their lively hood depends on web traffic, and having an entire country (particularly one as large as the US) being unable to visit would significantly reduce their traffic. To combat this, websites would have to moderate everything that is posted, and effectively restrict everyone's ability to post freely.

Last Wednesday (November 16th, 2011), Congress had a hearing on SOPA. Despite a massive, almost instantaneous response from the internet, including web giants such as Google, Yahoo and Facebook, the hearing in Congress hardly mirrored this. Of the six people invited to testify, five were proponents and only one opposed SOPA. Thankfully despite a bit of a shaky show against SOPA that day, it appears that there is still significant support where it counts; Congress. House Democratic leader, Nancy Pelosi tweeted this message last week regarding SOPA "Need to find a better solution than #SOPA #Don'tBreakTheInternet." Outside of Congress, the main opponents of SOPA are large tech giants, those who make their lively hood through a free and open internet, whereas the proponents of SOPA are largely film and record companies, those who suffer from online privacy. While the goal is noble, the method is outlandish. Ultimately SOPA doesn't look like it has a very promising future, but it's a scary possibility that cannot be ignored and needs action, and soon. If we don't act quickly, we may be seeing a lot more of this in the near future.

Blog Post #3: Funding for After school programs in Philadelphia

Posted by Natalie Sanchez in American Government - Laufenberg on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 9:13 pm

By Natalie Sanchez

The city council of Philadelphia has a department of parks and recreation. In their list of “strategic objectives,” they include their goal to “In an inclusive environment, provide a broad range of “out of school time” offerings, including after school programs...” This is the group of people appointed to fund and create after school programs for students in Philadelphia. In city council, Anne Marie Dunne and Iris Howard are both in charge of the after school programs in Philadelphia. None of these programs, however are given enough public support or publicity; you need to sift through piles of information on the web in order to get to their webpages. In city council, there are many resolutions and communications regarding after school programs in Philadelphia on file. Mayor Nutter is a big supporter of after school programs in Philadelphia, as he refers to the amount of money put forth to Philadelphia afters school programs in several of his budget addresses to city council. The most recent resolution adopted by the city council regarding funding for educational programs like after school programs in Philadelphia was Legislation 100173, sponsored by council members Rizzo, Miller, Greenlee, Green, Jones, and Kenney. The first time it was introduced to council, it was recessed. The second time it was introduced the same, it was adopted.

In order to lobby after school programs, I would first have to speak with my council member representative, which is Frank DiCicco. This will help me get a good grip on the council members and will help me make a stronger claim. On the other hand, I might not have to go that far because there are already resolutions and programs made to back up my lobbying topic. I could just talk to either Anne Marie Dunne or Iris Howard, who are in charge of the after school programs of Philadelphia. This way I can ask them how I can get involved in moving things forward.

There are also a variety of programs that I can coordinate with in order to lend a helping hand to the after school programs that already exist in Philadelphia. For example, there is a chain of “Just children” daycares/after school programs throughout the state of Pennsylvania. They take care children from toddlers to 6th grade students and have activities for kids of all ages to keep them busy and out of trouble during hours where they would normally be alone or unattended. The 21st century community learning centers initiative, “the only federal program dedicated to after school,” also works to fund after school programs throughout the nation, including the state of Pennsylvania. Cap 4 kids is an advocacy program that also works to give kids a place to stay after school. I can simply find the contact information for the person in charge of these programs and try to see if they have an upcoming meetings to activities near my district and help out in this way.

My best bet of getting results is to begin speaking with local after school programs and organizations and to try and see if I can volunteer or visit them. I found that there is an after school program on Montgomery Ave., close to me. I have found the name and contact information of the person in charge of this program, Edward Carpenter. The business hours for this after school program from Monday to Friday are 3:00pm to 6:00 pm. I can call Mr. Carpenter and ask to see how I can volunteer in the program, or set up a date where I can speak with him about what process people have to go through to open or run an after school program. I must call to schedule this appointment or interview during a week day from 3:00 to 6:00pm.

Resources:

http://fairmountpark.org/%5Cpdf%5CStrategic%20Objectives%20Final.pdf

http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/policy21stcclc.cfm

http://justchildren.reachlocal.net/locations.html

http://www.phila.gov/recreation/After_School_Program.html

http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/42-16849616/happy-elementary-school-students

Bike Paths FTW! Lobbying Post #3

Posted by Natasha Ashby in American Government - Laufenberg on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 9:06 pm

This is a good year for my issue just because people are becoming aware of the issue at hand at a much quicker rate than before. Many philadelphians bike and it is crucial that more bike paths be placed within the city. As I mentioned in my first blog post, Philadelphia is the 2nd biggest city full of bikers. Because of people and organizations like the Bicycle Coalition and Councilman William Greenlee, the idea of more bike paths is making head way.

Recently, a bike corral was placed on Walnut street between 16th and 17th. However, it is not permanent. They are people advertising, fundraising and spreading the word to raise enough money to make it permanent. On September 16th, the Bicycle Coalition of the greater Philadelphia with the Mayor's office of transportation came together to get the corral. Dero Bike Racks loaned it to them.

"We think it looks fabulous, and it has been a big hit with cyclists, who have been using it daily to lock up while running errands and visiting Center City businesses. We want to make this rack permanent! (Although we're not sure of the exact location--that needs to be worked out with the Parking Authority)."

We have officials such as Councilman Bill Greenlee and Mayor's Office of Transportation. The Bicycle Coalition of the greater Philadelphia has been on top of making the citizens and officials of Philadelphia aware of things that need to happen regarding the bike paths.

"Bicyclists like bike lanes, and they like buffered bike lanes even better. The Bicycle Coalition’s counts found streets with bike lanes had more cyclists than streets without them, and had more growth in bicyclists than streets without bike lanes.They also have more female bicyclists, less sidewalk riding, less wrong way riding, and more cyclists wearing helmets than streets without bike lanes. The buffered bike lanes had the same result, but even more amplified. These results confirm that better behavior goes hand in hand with better bicycling facilities. Facilities like buffered bike lanes make bicyclists feel safer."

November 3rd, 2011 - Councilman Greenlee became active with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. While at the assembly questions were asked and answered by both parties. There were many issues surrounding biking issues and how to fix them.

Key question: "Would you support the installation of innovative infrastructure such as buffered bike lanes, like those on Spruce and Pine, on a select number of streets to create a citywide bicycle network that is safe and inviting to ride for those from age 8 to 80?."
This question is important because it touches on what my lobbying topic is all about. There needs to be more safer ways for citizens of all ages to commute throughout the city. Greenlee said that he "supports bike lanes when they are safe and where communities are directly involved in the process. I believe there are streets where bike lanes are not safe for bikers, pedestrians and drivers."

Bicycling Coalition Questionnaire with Bill Greenlee

Mayor Nutter is essential to the outcome of the bike paths. He has said : "I support Bike Share. We have explored this issue, and I very mindful of initial or start-up costs and would be interested in proposals that minimize City costs."

Stem Cell Research Status - Blase Biello

Posted by Blase Biello in American Government - Laufenberg on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 7:21 pm

STEM CELL RESEARCH AND 2011

Embryonic%20stem%20cells%2C%20viewed%20through%20a%20microscope.%20The%20outcome%20of%20the%202012%20election%20could%20affect%20federal%20funding%20for%20stem%20cell%20research%2C%20according%20to%20a%20Perspective%20article%20in%20the%20New%20England%20Journal%20of%20Medicine.%20%28Mauricio%20Lima%20/%20AFP/Getty%20Images%29

It's safe to say that stem cell research has come a significantly long way, considering it had absolutely no funding before the 21st century. In fact,
a breakthrough operation has just taken place marking a huge step in the progression of stem cell research.

Dr. Nicholas Boulis adjusts the device that injects stem cells into the cervical area of the spinal cord.

Dr. Nicholas Boulis adjusts the device that injects stem cells into the cervical area of the spinal cord.

Richard Grosjean (seen above) suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and he has become the first person "to be injected with stem cells in the upper part of the spinal cord". His operation actually happened this Monday (11/21/11), and as of right now, everything went successfully. The operation was basically to make sure that it is safe to use stem cells and wont cause any further damage. However, since stem cell usage is fairly, this is a HUGE step. You can read the full article here. (http://bit.ly/w5dFWD via CNN)

As of this year, 2011, the status of my issue at legislature is still shaky, as of right now, U.S. Republican Diana DeGette has introduced The Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2011 (H.R. 2376). She introduced this act on June 24, 2011 but unfortunately it has not yet been reported by Committee. Many officials have supported stem cell research and actually the act proposed by DeGette has 19 Cosponsors backing it. It would be an understatement to say that stem cell research gets substantial media exposure. In fact, it's one of the hottest topics right now - and will definitely be a highly debated topic around election time in 2012. There are many opponents of stem cell research usually coming from religious groups and anti-abortion groups, that have definitely done their part to slow the roll in passage of full stem cell research funding. Although, this specific act has not yet been passed into law, many states have still authorized funding for stem cell research under President Obama's Executive Order 13505 (Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells).
A list of the states' activity can be found here : http://bit.ly/rEUVlJ
Further following of H.R. 2376 here : http://bit.ly/v1QmEh
More info on H.R. 2376 here : http://bit.ly/kz67kU
More info on opponents : http://fxn.ws/9zYV4i
More info on EO (Federal Policy) : http://1.usa.gov/tyTU1x

(muscle cells derived from human embryonic stem cells)

After reading the Health Law Institute's (University of Alberta) Health Law Review, written by Robin Downey and Rose Geransar, I've learned more about the stakeholders of stem cell research (SCR). According to these authors, who I couldn't agree more with, the main stakeholders of SCR are the medical patient groups who stay affiliated with the medical community. Also, the scientists who work with stem cells are some of the main stakeholders. But, who we really need to back full funding for stem cell research, is the politicians in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The more support, the quicker the bill (H.R. 2376) gets passed into federal law. But, with Obama's federal policy, stem cell research is fairly active.
Read full Health Law Review : http://bit.ly/sAuCYl

There are many supporters of SCR, and many politicians are actively supporting SCR. The top dogs however, in my opinion, are the 19 cosponsors of H.R. 2376 as well as the proposer, Diana DeGette (R). Influencing friends and anyone I can to support SCR for the plethora of good reasons is something that I can do to help gain SCR support one step at a time. The time frame doesn't really exist because diseases will always exist, it's just a matter of when stem cell research will be fully federally funded and really start getting the ball rolling on tackling some of these 'uncurable' diseases. As of right now H.R. 2376 is still stuck in Committee with no signs as to when it will be reported out and move to it's next step into becoming federal law. Support SCR!

Sources:

Falco, Miriam. "Operation Marks Another Step Forward in Stem Cell Research - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/21/health/stem-cells-als/?hpt=he_c2>.

"ROTH Capital Partners to Co-Sponsor the 2011 Stem Cell Meeting on the Mesa on Nov. 29 -- Dec. 1, 2011 - MarketWatch." MarketWatch - Stock Market Quotes, Business News, Financial News. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.marketwatch.com/story/roth-capital-partners-to-co-sponsor-the-2011-stem-cell-meeting-on-the-mesa-on-nov-29-dec-1-2011-2011-11-22>.

"H.R. 2376: Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2011 (GovTrack.us)."GovTrack.us: Tracking the U.S. Congress. Web. 22 Nov. 2011. <http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-2376>.

Semaj Smith. Lobbyist Blog #3

Posted by Semaj Smith in American Government - Laufenberg on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 7:13 pm

I think this is a good year for my issue, so far there are 29 elected officials that cosponsor the bill on the electoral college. I would say that there is a good amount of media behind my issue, there are many articles such as this one that say the Electoral College is past its prime.

My opponents on this issue would be any representative that has benefited from the electoral college. There are some people that are in favor of the electoral college and have many arguments as to why the electoral college should stay in place. There has been a joint resolution written up that states that the President and Vice President will be elected jointly but they have to have the most votes in favor of their team to be officially elected.

I think the public is extremely essential to this outcome because if they all take the time to raise their voices we could get a faster and more effective response on what we want and need as a people. I think if I can get some city officials on my side or at east get them to listen to me then I can make more of a difference because I will have an adult support system to back me up on what I’m saying.

( Electoral Votes in 2009)

There are many officials working on this event especially all 29 of the cosponsors that are trying to pass this bill before the next election. I don’t think there is too much for me to coordinate but if I could get in contact with Councilman Chaka Fattah I could just let him know that I a interested in what he stood for and I would like to be apart of abolishing the electoral college then that would be a perfect start to making moves.

I think I can influence people my age because I know how to relate to them to make them care about issues. There is no specific timeframe for my issue but it would be amazing if this bill could be passed before the next election so that all votes are held and accounted for the way they are cast.

So far no dates have been set to move forward with this bill but there has been some progress and actions made which is progression already.

Lobbying blog #3: Get your bike paths on!

Posted by Uyen Nguyen in American Government - Laufenberg on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 4:02 pm

Based on some of the changes that have been approaching to trafficking and traffic related, there are some good news about my lobbying topic. I'm excited to say that this is a good year to promote and talks about bike paths Philadelphia! It is important to know that Philadelphia bikers are being supported and have their rights to bike safe.

On November 3, 2011, Philadelphia Councilman Bill Greenlee has becoming active with Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia as well as being able to help bikers spoke their minds. Mr. Greenlee had been able to answer questions for the Bicycle of Great Philadelphia as well as the citizens regarding to biking issues in the city as well as state. Many of the questions are relating to laws regarding to bikers violation, safety and as well as getting funding for more bike path in and out of the city.
One of the key questions was, "Would you support the installation of innovative infrastructure such as buffered bike lanes, like those on Spruce and Pine, on a select number of streets to create a citywide bicycle network that is safe and inviting to ride for those from age 8 to 80?." This question hit the key point on my lobbying topic for paths as well as getting involve with brighter ways to get though traffics using different type of vehicles and bikes. Greenlee also mentioned that, " I support bike lanes when they are safe and where communities are directly involved in the process. I believe there are streets where bike lanes are not safe for bikers, pedestrians and drivers."
Read more about the assembly and Bill Greenlee respondes to Bicycling Questionnaire HERE!

As I mentioned in the second blog as well as the issue above, Mayor Nutter was also a part of the Bicycling Questionnaire, Mayor Nutter also responded, "I support Bike Share. We have explored this issue, and I very mindful of initial or start-up costs and would be interested in proposals that minimize City costs." Also Mayor Nutter had mention to convince the Streets Commissioner about staffing priorities.(http://blog.bicyclecoalition.org/search/label/mayor_2011)

Not only that council chairs are getting involve in the issue, many Philadelphians as well as biker hearts are fighting for their rights as well as protesting for bills and laws to pass. Bikers also participate in many events including, "Philly Naked Bike Rides," as well as other events to support their strong press for what they love and their passion for biking.

According to my lobbying topic, there are no big legislative argued. However, Mayor and many city council as well as traffic court are aware and is supportive of the situation and keep it moving. With the help of the people as well as chairs men, it will take on the point and keep changing.

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