Sabatina wants united Ireland
State Sen. John Sabatina Jr. (D-5th dist.) is urging all of the governments involved in the Irish peace process to move forward in creating a united Ireland under one sovereign government.
“The people of Ireland have too long been denied their desire to unite under one government for the entire government,” Sabatina said. “The arbitrary border that was created nearly a century ago is an unnecessary impediment to the free flow of goods and people, and remains a source of conflict among citizens on both sides.”
Sabatina introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by Sens. John Blake and John Rafferty, that is modeled after the previous efforts of former Sen. Mike Stack, who now serves as lieutenant governor. It urges the United States, Great Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland to support a united Ireland.
“As an Irish-American, I know there are many people in my ancestral homeland who seek a unified island with full self-governance. I was proud to sponsor a Senate resolution supporting Irish unification when I was a state senator, and I received a lot of positive feedback and gratitude then from the Irish-American community,” Stack said “I’m pleased to see my friend and colleague, Sen. Sabatina, pick up the torch for this important issue.”
ldquo;I am proud to assume the mantle of my predecessor and call on all governments involved to move ahead with the long overdue unification,” Sabatina said. ••
Parks and Rec seeks educators
The city Department of Parks and Recreation is hiring Summer Environmental Educators.
Job responsibilities would include assisting education staff with teaching environmental programs for children and adults, assisting with summer nature camp and assisting staff with administrative functions.
Requirements for the position include at least one year of study at an accredited college or university; course work in education, biology, forestry or other environmental field; the ability to physically perform work in outdoor conditions; and be a city resident.
For an application or more information, call or visit one of City Councilman Brian O’Neill’s offices: 432 Rhawn Street (215–685–6431); FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road (215–437–9167); Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street, above the 7th Police District (215–685–0432); and 562 City Hall (215–686–3422). ••
Taylor’s bill signed into law
Legislation sponsored by state Rep. John Taylor (R-177th dist.) to provide homeowners additional dollars for relocation assistance and bring Pennsylvania’s eminent domain laws in line with federal law has been signed Gov. Tom Wolf.
The law guarantees that Pennsylvania continues to receive federal highway funds, which could have stopped had the state not conformed with federal standards for reimbursing individuals whose properties are purchased by the state under eminent domain laws for necessary construction projects.
The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act makes federal funds available to states that are authorized by state law to pay relocation benefits and provide relocation services conforming to the federal standards and minimum payments.
ldquo;This new law was required; otherwise, Pennsylvania could have lost critical federal highway dollars,” Taylor said.
The new law in no way hinders PennDOT’s ability or mandate to pay property owners a fair and equitable price for their property if it is needed for a transportation right-of-way.
Under the new law, the maximum re-establishment expenses reimbursable for a displaced farm, nonprofit organization or small business is increased from $12,000 to $25,000.
The maximum amount of the replacement housing supplement for homeowners is increased from $27,000 to $31,000. The maximum amount of the replacement housing supplement for tenants and others is increased from $6,300 to $7,200. ••
Aria receives five-star ratings
Aria Health’s Home Health program has received a 5-star rating — the highest possible — in the Home Health Care Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems.
Aria Home Health also received a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Home Health Quality of Patient Care Star Rating.
“Home care has proven to be clinically effective, managing chronic diseases that account for 75 percent of healthcare spending,” said Denise Reinholt, senior director of Aria Home Health. “At Aria Home Health, our aim is to promote medical independence in the community by empowering our skilled nurses to teach patients how to manage their disease or ailment, establishing realistic health goals, and providing the support they need to achieve them. These third-party ratings further prove that Aria Home Health is having a positive impact and benefiting patients in our community.”
For more information about Aria Health or Aria Home Health, visit www.ariahealth.org ••
White pushes for train safety
The Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers have endorsed a proposal by state Rep. Martina White (R-170th dist.) to require proper staffing on trains and light engines moving freight through Pennsylvania to reduce the risk of a train crash.
House Bill 1742 would require all trains and light engines be staffed with a crew of at least two individuals to reduce the risk of a derailment in communities.
ldquo;With freight lines running through Philadelphia, including our district, should a train carrying hazardous materials or crude oil derail so close to our schools, businesses and neighborhoods, the results would be disastrous. This is all about safety,” White said. ••
Grant money to help protect vitality of local waterways, provide recreation
More than $800,000 in state grant money will be distributed for stream and greenway projects.
The projects will help protect and preserve the vitality of local waterways and provide recreation opportunities for residents.
ldquo;Waterways in urban districts across Pennsylvania have been impacted by development over the years and these projects will continue our efforts to restore and protect these oases of nature across the Northeast,” said state Sen. John Sabatina Jr. “I applaud all of the organizations and individuals involved for their commitment to the environment and their skill at convincing state officials of the importance of their work.”
The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants are awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Natural Lands Trust will receive $350,000 to purchase 35 acres toward its continuing efforts to preserve open space along the Tacony Creek, while the City of Philadelphia will receive $400,000 to continue the Frankford Creek Greenway project and $60,000 to design the extension of the Pennypack Trail from I-95 to Rhawn Street.
“While we focus our local efforts on economic development and job creation, it’s important to support the effort to preserve the environment and precious open space,” Sabatina said. ••
Sabatina to host informational forums at KleinLife
State Sen. John Sabatina Jr. (D-5th dist.) will conduct two informational forums for area residents at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave.
The sessions are set for Thursday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 12, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. They are free and open to the public by appointments only.
Information will be available about 2015 property tax and rent rebate, PACE, medical assistance, SNAP, reduced senior registration, handicapped placards, PennDOT issues, birth and death certificates, unclaimed property applications, low-income senior real estate tax freeze, free notary services, assistance with power of attorney and veterans’ services, among others.
To make an appointment, call 215–281–2539. Residents who reserve by April 1 will receive a complimentary lunch at both sessions. ••
‘A taste of Northeast Philadelphia’ event is April 9
The Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network and Holy Family University invite the public to their annual Empty Plate Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave.
The theme of this year’s Empty Plate Dinner is “a taste of Northeast Philadelphia,” celebrating PIHN’s three-plus years in the Northeast serving families who are experiencing homelessness and hunger. Guests will be given an empty, hand-painted plate as a reminder of their neighbors who are experiencing homelessness and hunger.
More than 60 local restaurants and businesses will provide dinner fare. Tickets cost $20 for adults ($7 for children age 7 and under) and are available via philashelter.org. ••
