HEARD ON THE HILL / IN CITY HALL

STATE REP. Jim Roebuck, minority chair of Penna. House Education Committee, featured on “Comcast Newmakers”, interviewed by host Jill Horner, discussed his optimistic outlook for public-education funding under Gov. Tom Wolf. Photo by Bonnie Squires

O’Brien’s Autism Parley Submits Key Report

Councilman at Large Denny O’Brien’s Philadelphia Autism Project concept was conceived and developed over the last two years. It was designed to create an inclusive process that relied upon a citywide task force of 135 stakeholders to examine the quality of, and access to, services and supports for individuals with an autism-spectrum disorder and their families living in Philadelphia. Numerous factors, including the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s recent findings that one in 68 Americans lives with autism, warranted this unprecedented undertaking at the municipal level. The prevalence of autism is staggering and presents a challenge to policymakers.

The work of the stakeholders resulted in a strategic report outlining more than 100 measures to create a more-effective, efficient and comprehensive system of care. This report represents an action plan for Philadelphia to significantly improve the lives of individuals and families living with autism and is a critical first step in our process to overcome the identified environmental barriers.

The Councilman has mapped out a long-range action plan based upon the findings in the Philadelphia Autism Project’s final report. Immediate implementation action has already begun on some recommendations, whereas other long-term initiatives need development and broader systemic modifications.

Try Skipping Meat, Says Reynolds Brown

Councilwoman at Large Blondell Reynolds Brown is aiming to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America and has asked her staff to lead by example by issuing a challenge to adopt Meatless Mondays at the office.

Like other participants in Meatless Monday – a rapidly growing national trend –Councilwoman Brown’s staff will replace meat with plant-based foods one day a week to lighten their environmental footprint, improve their health and spare animals from suffering on factory farms.

“I am excited about participating in the Meatless Mondays challenge with my staff! They know nine times out of 10, I am looking for a healthy salad for lunch, so I am confident I can keep up my end of the bargain,” said the Councilwoman, who chairs the City Council Committee on the Environment. “The fun, creative aspect of this effort is the opportunity to share our experience with people far and wide through social media, so look for us to track our progress on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CouncilwomanBRB. Stay tuned!”

“Starting off the week without meat is such a powerful way to boost our own health and improve the world around us,” said Rachel Atcheson, The Humane League’s Philadelphia director. “In embracing Meatless Monday, Councilwoman Brown and her staff are leading the way to a more sustainable, compassionate, and healthful future for the Philadelphia community.”

The Humane League, headquartered in Philadelphia, is a national animal-advocacy nonprofit organization that has promoted Meatless Mondays across the city.

Just a year ago, Reynolds Brown co-sponsored the City’s Meatless Monday Resolution, but her green initiatives don’t stop there. She has also spurred the growth of urban school gardens, which provide students with fresh, healthy foods; worked to preserve the Philadelphia’s Universal School Meals Program, ensuring low-income students have access to free lunches; and made sure all Philadelphia retail stores recycle their plastic bags.

Thomas Announces Office Relocation

State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas (D- N. Phila.) announced the location of his constituent-service office has been moved, effective Monday, Feb. 2.

The office, previously located at 530 W. Girard Avenue, is now at 1415 N. Broad Street. The office phone number is (215) 560-3261.

Thomas’ constituent service office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents may contact or visit the office with any state-related question or issue. The office can provide information and assistance with PennDOT paperwork, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, LIHEAP home heating assistance, PACE/PACENET prescription-drug assistance for senior citizens and more.

Constituents can also contact Thomas by visiting his website at www.pahouse.com/Thomas.

Youngblood, Kinsey Honor Pop Warner Champs

State Reps. Rosita C. Youngblood and Stephen Kinsey (both D-N. Phila.) joined members of the State House of Representatives on Feb. 2 in the House chamber to honor the Northwest Raiders football team for winning the 2014 Pop Warner National Super Bowl Championship.

Youngblood and Kinsey jointly sponsored HR 34, which would recognize the Northwest Raiders’ accomplishment of capturing their first-ever Pop Warner Super Bowl Championship since the program began back in 1971. The Super Bowl was held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and was nationally televised live on ESPN2 sports network. The Raiders, who hail from the Germantown area of Northwest Philadelphia, defeated Connecticut’s New Britain Raiders by a score of 26-6.

“Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides youth football and cheer and dance programs in 42 states across the country, and is the only youth football program that requires participants to maintain academic standards in order to play,” Youngblood said. “I am looking forward to recognizing these young men who not only have proven themselves on the football field, but also as students and positive members of our community.”

STATE REP. John Taylor receives Friend of Food Industry Award from Penna. Food Merchants Association.

“It is fitting to honor Philadelphia’s Northwest Raiders,” Kinsey added. “Not only for their significant athletic accomplishment in winning the 2014 Pop Warner Super Bowl, but also for serving as young academic role models living in our area.”

Taylor Named ‘Friend Of Food Industry’

State Rep. John Taylor (R-Northeast) was among a group of lawmakers who received a Friend of the Food Industry Award from the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

“These lawmakers have listened to PFMA members’ concerns during the past year and supported legislation that would have a positive impact on their businesses,” said David L. McCorkle, PFMA president and CEO. “They realize the importance of keeping a strong business climate in the Commonwealth for job growth and economic prosperity.”

The association reviewed each lawmaker’s voting records during the course of the calendar year to select the recipients. Among their priorities was reforming the state’s antiquated liquor sales system.

“This is quite an honor, especially coming from an industry that provides so may jobs in our community,” Taylor said. “The association is also one of the major supporters of giving consumers the freedom to purchase alcoholic beverages the same way consumers can throughout the country. I’m proud to stand with them.”

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