John Taylor, the president and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, today made this statement: “Senator Edward Kennedy was without peer as a Congressional leader; the inspiration he has provided to generations is sore comfort for our sorrow at his loss. His passing is deeply felt by all who strive for a more… Continue reading »
Aug
26
Communities depending on non-profits for services and employment are hurt by the budget impasse
The stock market may be ticking upward but local economies are set for a struggle as state budget gridlocks are halting payments to basic human services and causing thousands of homeless shelters, food pantries and senior centers to cut staff, reduce services or shut their doors. Pennsylvania is the latest in a string of states,… Continue reading »
Aug
25
A recent study highlights the effects of foreclosure on mental health
It’s official: The economy is bad for your health. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine questioned 250 homeowners going through foreclosure in Philadelphia and found that 47 percent showed symptoms of depression, with 37 percent exhibiting signs of major depression. The rate was especially high considering previous research showed that only about… Continue reading »
Aug
25
Political interests are influencing state budget discussions
The prolonged battle over the 2009-10 state budget has as much to do with the gubernatorial and General Assembly elections of 2010 as it does with the financial crunch of 2009, say many politicians and Capitol observers. Republicans would love to regain control of the state House next year. They ran it for 12 years… Continue reading »
Aug
25
Without a budget Pennsylvania residents lose vital services, with social service programs among the first to go
In Pennsylvania, day care centers are closing. Food banks and libraries are cutting back. A school district is taking out a multi-million dollar loan. Local governments and social service agencies are struggling to maintain services as lawmakers and the governor battle over how to close Pennsylvania’s $1 billion budget gap. Democrats don’t want to cut… Continue reading »
Aug
25
Closed mortgage lender Taylor, Bean & Whitaker files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp. said Monday it filed for bankruptcy protection after moves this month by regulators led to a virtual shutdown of what had been one of the nation’s biggest independent mortgage bankers. Taylor Bean said in a statement that its Chapter 11 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Jacksonville, Fla., will… Continue reading »
Aug
24
Despite high demand, the future of transit looks dim
Despite public transit ridership at its highest levels since the birth of the interstate highway system, nearly 90 percent of transit agencies in the United States have been forced to raise fares or cut service in the past year, a new report says. The report, “Stranded at the Station: The Impact of the Financial Crisis… Continue reading »
Aug
21
Public meeting planned for September 17th to discuss the Intercity Passenger and Freight Rail Plan
A Public Meeting has been scheduled to review the Draft Intercity Passenger and Freight Rail Plan. The draft plan will include goals, objectives, and recommendations (short and long term) for transportation improvements related to rail in the Commonwealth. The plan will enable PennDOT to implement a more efficient and effective approach to intercity rail transportation within… Continue reading »
Aug
21
There is a One in Three Chance You’ll Soon Owe More Than Your House is Worth
Foreclosure rates in the U.S. remain near record highs. More than 13% of American homeowners with a mortgage are either behind on their payments or in foreclosure. The latest report from the Mortgage Bankers Association, released today, shows the percentage of loans that entered the foreclosure process dipped slightly to 1.36%, down from an all-time high… Continue reading »
Aug
20
GOP senators fail to override human services vetoes on state budget
Senate Republicans failed to override Gov. Ed Rendell’s vetoes of expenditures for a dozen human services programs, but not before the GOP spent several hours berating the Democratic governor over his budget actions. Twenty-nine Republicans, joined by one Democrat, Sen. Lisa Boscola of Northampton, voted yesterday to overturn the vetoes of a total of $2… Continue reading »