Funding Restored

Philadelphia is restoring millions of dollars to funding for parks and recreation centers, domestic violence shelters, and other programs, after it was discovered that  the city's fund balance was $49 million larger than anticipated at the end of the fiscal year that ended June 30.

The Department of Parks and Recreation will receive $2.6 million for the Department of Parks; the Office of Supportive Housing will receive $3 million 100 additional domestic-abuse shelter beds.

Philadelphia City Council approved the legislation on November 29.

Obama Nominated Three Pa. Judges

President Obama nominated three judges, two Democrats and one Republican, to take the bench in Pennsylvania’s eastern district. This district includes southeast Pa.: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties.

These choices - Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro,  a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, and the first openly gay hispanic woman to serve on the federal bench, Judge Luis Felipe Restrepo, a United States Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since 2006, and Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl, President Judge of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas since 2008 - must be confirmed by the U.S Senate.

Hurricane Sandy's Estimated Cost in N.J

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie estimated that damage caused by Hurricane Sandy could cost around  $29.4 billion in the state; however, that the estimate could increase as the damage is further evaluated and 2013’s tourism losses are considered.

While FEMA has over $8 million available in disaster relief funding, a spokeswoman from the organization told the Philadelphia Inquirer that it has not yet determined how the funds will be distributed to states affected by the storm. Since the storm, EMA has paid out around $248 million. According to the Associated Press, it has inspected 96 percent of the homes that it was requested to check.

Increased Pension Costs

The state’s Independent Fiscal Office projected that state pension costs will climb by 46 percent in this year’s budget and 42 percent in next year’s budget. However, revenue will grow by only 0.8 percent this year and 3 percent annually during the next five years.

The report also notes that by fiscal year 2017-18, pension costs will drive the state towards spending $753 million more than it takes in.

“The increase in pension contributions is estimated to be about $500 million per year for the next several years,” Mark Ryan, deputy director of the IFO told PAIndependent.com

Hurricane Sandy Boots Approval Ratings

Their handling of Hurricane Sandy lead to an boost in both President Obama and Governor Tom Corbett approval rating, according to the most recent state poll from Quinnipiac University.

Pennsylvania voters approve President Obama a 52-45, Governor Corbett,  40-38 and the majority of respondents described the leaders response to Sandy as “excellent” or “good. ”

This is an significant improvement for Governor Corbett who has suffered low ratings lingering below 50 percent during the majority of his term of in office.

Mayor Nutter Supports Locally Made Products

Mayor Nutter demonstrated his support for local business November 7 with his singing of a non-binding order creating a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and American made preference for all work projects.

“By signing this executive order, the City of Philadelphia codifies a preference for local businesses and products. We are committed to supporting our local economy here in Philadelphia, but also in Pennsylvania and the United States. Bolstering our manufacturing and professional services industries will get our country back on track,” Mr. Nutter said in a press release.

Incidents of Voting Fraud

State officials said that they received almost 400 voting complaints on Election Day, around half of which were filed under “other.”

Similarly, House Speaker Sam Smith told reporters Wednesday afternoon that he’s heard stories about 90 percent of precincts reporting 90 percent voter turnout, calling such numbers “questionable.”

Sen. Vince Hughes, D-Philadelphia, told the PAIndependent.com that he saw no evidence of voter fraud at the polling places he visited. He called Mr. Smith’s comment “an attempt to marginalize Philadelphia residents”.