Category: Press Releases

Peirce expands degree programs with the addition of two degree completion programs and a bachelor’s degree programrnnnrnrnnnrnPHILADELPHIA, Aug. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Peirce College announced three new academic programs as part of their ongoing effort to meet the growing needs and demands of an evolving workforce, while providing students with the training and information needed to succeed in their professional careers. The three programs—Technology Management and Legal Studies in Business degree completion programs, and the Criminal Justice Studies bachelor’s program—are now available for Peirce’s current and prospective students, both online and on campus. The addition of these programs further solidifies Peirce’s commitment to providing working adult learners with an outstanding career-focused education that will allow them to take their careers to the next level.rnrnAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for computer and information systems managers are expected to grow by 18 percent nationally over the next decade. The new Technology Management program will meet the needs of a variety of students including those currently working in the IT field and those who have earned existing college credits and seek to finish their bachelor’s degrees. This accelerated program does not require students to take entry-level courses that are often required for traditional students, allowing students to efficiently earn their degrees.rnrn”The Technology Management degree completion program is designed to meet the various facets of the IT field by providing students with a feasible way to complete their studies, without needing to re-take courses they are already proficient in,” said Brian Finnegan, Ed.D., program manager and faculty chair of the Information Technology program at Peirce College. “The program is available both on campus and online and will allow students to have the flexibility to continue working while pursuing their degrees.”rnrnSimilarly, Peirce College’s Legal Studies in Business degree completion program can be completed entirely online or on-campus. This program is tailored to students who have earned up to 90 credits from previous college coursework or an associate degree. Courses will focus on areas such as contract principles, policy and regulations, and compliance programs.rnrn”Our Legal Studies in Business program is a great fit for students interested in expanding their career opportunities through business management roles in corporate or legal departments, business development, or traditional legal services,” said Edwin Miller, J.D., assistant dean and professor in the Legal Studies department at Peirce College. “This program also offers a robust foundation for those interested in attending law school or an MBA program following their time at Peirce.”rnrnFinally, the Criminal Justice Studies bachelor’s program is oriented toward students interested in a criminal justice career who desire an education that provides them hands-on experience that will prepare them for their careers. “Our bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice Studies was created by a faculty and advisory board comprised of judges, homeland security professionals, federal agents, and police officers with extensive experience in the criminal justice field and a deep understanding of career demands,” said Robert Brzenchek, program manager, criminal justice at Peirce College. With classes available both on campus and online, the program offers working adult students an opportunity to obtain the education needed to pursue careers in law enforcement, correctional systems, criminal justice investigations, private security, juvenile justice, and more.rnrnStudents can apply for these new programs by completing the online application form.rnrnFor more information on the Technology Management degree completion program, visit https://www.peirce.edu/degree-completion/technology-mgmt; for more information on the Legal Studies in Business degree completion program, visit https://www.peirce.edu/degree-completion/legal-studies-business; and for information on our Criminal Justice Studies bachelor’s degree program, visit https://www.peirce.edu/undergraduate/criminal-justice-studies. Prospective students may also call 888.467.3472, ext. 9000; or email info@peirce.edu for more details. rnrnAbout Peirce CollegernPeirce College offers bachelor’s and associate degree programs in the areas of Business, Healthcare, Information Technology, and Legal Studies, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Peirce is a non-profit institution that specializes in serving the unique needs of working adults, many of whom work full time and are raising families. Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104 (phone: 267-284-5000). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits the College’s Business Administration and Accounting programs; the Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association; and the Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.rnrnFor more information about Peirce College, call 888.467.3472, or visit www.Peirce.edu.rnrnVisit Peirce’s blog, Peirce Connections, at http://blog.Peirce.edu; become a fan of Peirce College on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PeirceCollege.rnrnLogo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140814/136256rnrnSOURCE Peirce CollegernrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttps://www.peirce.edu

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) is set to expire at the end of 2014 and is currently under debate in CongressrnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) August 13, 2014nnThe Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce release of the report, “TRIA after 2014” by the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center.nnrnnnThe Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) is set to expire at the end of 2014 and is currently under debate in Congress. The full Senate passed S. 2244 in July 2014; the House Financial Services Committee passed H.R. 4871 in June 2014. These bills would modify the current program in different ways.nnrnnnTRIA affects all corporations in America, large and small. To inform the renewal discussions on the structure of TRIA, the Wharton Risk Management Center is releasing its report, “TRIA After 2014: Examining Risk Sharing Under Current and Alternative Designs.”nnrnnnThe report analyzes the impact of loss-sharing for the different stakeholders under the current program and proposed designs. Our analysis builds on data drawn from over 750 insurers across the United States by analyzing terrorist attack simulations in partnership with the risk modeling firm, Risk Management Solutions, in four states of the U.S.: California, Illinois, New York, and Texas.nnrnnnAs an illustration, should an attack occur in New York City: rnnn

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• Under the current design of TRIA, American taxpayers will not be responsible for any payments after mandatory recoupment until the total commercial losses (insured and uninsured) from a terrorist attack exceed $40 billion.

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• Under Senate bill S. 2244, American taxpayers will not be responsible for any payments after mandatory recoupment by the federal government until the total commercial losses from a terrorist attack (insured and uninsured) exceed $59 billion.

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• Under House bill H.R. 4871 (with an insurance industry marketplace aggregate retention amount of $32 billion), American taxpayers will not be responsible for any payments after mandatory recoupment by the federal government until the total commercial losses from a terrorist attack (insured and uninsured) exceed $52 billion.

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• Under House bill H.R. 4871 (with an insurance industry marketplace aggregate retention amount of $44 billion), American taxpayers will not be responsible for any payments after mandatory recoupment by the federal government until the total commercial losses from a terrorist attack (insured and uninsured) exceed $74 billion.

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• Under the Senate bill, commercial policyholders would always pay more than $10 billion when total losses from terrorist attacks are in the $38 billion to $82 billion range. The maximum they would pay – $17.9 billion – is reached when total losses are $54 billion.

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• Under House bill H.R. 4871 (with an insurance industry marketplace aggregate retention amount of $32 billion), commercial policyholders would always pay more than $10 billion when losses from terrorist attacks are in the $36 to $59 billion range. The maximum they would pay – $15.3 billion – is reached when losses are $46 billion.

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• Under House bill H.R. 4871 (with an insurance industry marketplace aggregate retention amount of $44 billion), commercial policyholders would always pay more than $10 billion when losses from terrorist attacks are in the $36 to over $100 billion range. The maximum they would pay – $26.8 billion – is reached when losses are $63 billion

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nnrnnnThe terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 inflicted $32.5 billion of insured losses ($44 billion in 2014 dollars). After paying these claims, insurers and reinsurers stopped providing coverage for terrorism in the United States unless required to do so. As a result, most businesses operating in the United States found it increasingly difficult to purchase commercial property insurance that included the risk of terrorism. To address this problem, TRIA was passed as a temporary program in 2002 and designed as a risk-sharing partnership between the insurance industry, commercial policyholders and the federal government (taxpayers) covering up to $100 billion of insured commercial losses.nnrnnn“Over the past decade, our research team at the Wharton Risk Center has published more than 20 studies on terrorism insurance markets based on discussions with many of the key stakeholders interested in these issues in the United States and abroad,” noted Erwann Michel-Kerjan, executive director of the Wharton Risk Center. “We hope this report, TRIA After 2014, assists Congress, the White House, the insurance industry and all commercial enterprises in America to make a more informed decision as to the future of terrorism insurance.”nnrnnnThe report is available online free-of-charge here.nnrnnnAbout the Wharton SchoolnnrnnnFounded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. With a broad global community and one of the most published business school faculties, Wharton creates economic and social value around the world. The School has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students; more than 9,000 participants in executive education programs annually and a powerful alumni network of 92,000 graduates

Posted on August 13, 2014 by City of PhiladelphiarnWHO: Mayor Michael A. NutterrnrnWHAT: Mayor Nutter will host a pep rally and viewing party for Philadelphia’s own Taney Dragons, 2014 Mid-Atlantic Little League champions, as they play South Nashville Little League, 2014 Southeast Little League champions, in the Little League World Series.rnrnThe Taney Dragons went 5-1 in the Mid-Atlantic Little League regional division, clinching their spot with an 8-0 victory over Delaware state champions, Newark National Little League.rnrnWHERE: City Hall Courtyard, City HallrnrnWHEN: Friday, August 15, 2014rn2:00 PM – Pep Rallyrn3:00 PM – Game start time

Sở Giáo Dục PhiladelphiarnVăn Phòng Giảng Dạy Đa Ngôn Ngữ rnGhi Danh Đặc Biệt Cho Học Sinh Di Dân Má»›i rn(CÓ DỊCH VỤ THÔNG DỊCH VÀ DỊCH THUẬT CHO NGƯỜI NÀO CẦN) rnrnThời Gian:4 – 29 tháng 8 năm 2014rnrnĐịa Điểm:440 N. Broad Street, Lầu 1, Phòng 1195rnrnGiờ:Thứ Hai – Thứ Sáu, 8:30 sáng – 6:00 chiềurnrnSỞ GIÁO DỤC PHILADELPHIArnHƯỚNG DẪN CHO VIỆC GHI DANH NIÊN HỌC 2014-2015rnKhái quát:rnKhi má»™t học sinh xin vào học tại bất cứ trường nào, nhiệm vụ của nhà trường là hoàn tất thủ tục ghi danh học cho em đó nếu rnem cÆ° ngụ trong địa bàn của trường, hoặc lập tức bảo mật những thông tin chính xác nhÆ° là trường mà học sinh nên theo học.rnHọc sinh có quyền đến truờng học cho đến 21 tuổi trừ khi em đã tốt nghiệp chÆ°Æ¡ng trình trung học hoặc đã bị Ä‘uổi học. Do rnđó, học sinh nào muốn trở lại trường học phải được phép ghi danh hoặc tái ghi danh vào các lá»›p học phổ thông ban ngày.rnThủ Tục:rnLập tức tiến hành những thủ tục liên quan đến quá trình ghi danh cho học sinh vào các chÆ°Æ¡ng trình của Sở Giáo Dục rnPhiladelphia. rnSau khi đến ghi danh nhập học, đứa trẻ phải được cho Ä‘i học vào ngày sau đó. Tất cả các trường hợp trong vòng 5 (năm) rnngày kể từ khi trường nhận được các chứng từ theo quy định. Bá»™ Luật 22Pa. §11.11(b).rnThông Tin:rnĐể duy trì môi trường an toàn cho học sinh của Sở Giáo Dục, nhà trường có thể yêu cầu phụ huynh ná»™p các chứng từ sau rnđây: rnï‚· Trình bản sao thẻ căn cÆ°á»›c có hình của phụ huynh vào thời Ä‘iểm đến ghi danh. Bản sao này sẽ được giữ trong hồ sÆ¡ để rnnhận dạng những người nào được ủy quyền Ä‘Æ°a rÆ°á»›c con em quý vị từ nhà đến trường. rnï‚· Ngoài ra, nhà trường có thể yêu cầu ná»™p hồ sÆ¡ sức khỏe hoặc khám bệnh, học bạ, hồ sÆ¡ kiểm diện, ChÆ°Æ¡ng Trình Giáo rnDục Cá Nhân, và các hồ sÆ¡ giáo dục đặc biệt khác để học sinh được xếp lá»›p theo trình Ä‘á»™/cấp lá»›p và nhận được sá»± há»— trợ rnthích hợp.rnLÆ°u ý: Mặc dù nhà trường có thể hỏi bất kỳ những thông tin này, nhÆ°ng họ không thể đòi hỏi những thông tin này nhÆ° là rnÄ‘iều kiện ghi danh hoặc thu nhận học sinh và họ không thể trì hoãn việc ghi danh đứa trẻ cho đến khi nhận được những giấy rntờ này. Nhà trường có thể yêu cầu phụ huynh ná»™p những thông tin này sau khi đứa trẻ đã vào học. rnrnChứng từ phải ná»™p: rn1) Giấy Xác Nhận Tuổi Của Đứa Trẻ (phải ná»™p 1 trong những giấy tờ sau đây)rnCó thể nhấp nhận những giấy tờ sau đây (sau đây là má»™t vài thí dụ nhÆ°ng không phải là danh sách quyết định):rnï‚· Bản chính khai sinh của đứa trẻrnï‚· Bản sao khai sinh của đứa trẻ đã được công chứngrnï‚· Há»™ chiếu hợp lệ của đứa trẻrnï‚· Bản chính giấy rá»­a tá»™i có ghi ngày sinh của đứa trẻrnï‚· Bản sao được công chứng giấy chứng nhận rá»­a tá»™i hoặc xác nhận hợp lệ có ghi ngày sinh của đứa trẻrnï‚· Lời khai được công chứng của phụ huynh hoặc thân nhân xác nhận ngày sinh của đứa trẻ.rnï‚· Hồ sÆ¡ học bạ trÆ°á»›c đây có ghi ngày sinh.rn2) Hồ SÆ¡ Chủng Ngừa (phải ná»™p 1 trong những giấy tờ sau đây)rnCó thể chấp nhận những giấy tờ sau đây:rnï‚· Hồ sÆ¡ chủng ngừa của học sinh rnï‚· Văn bản của sở giáo dục trÆ°á»›c đây hoặc của văn phòng y tế xác nhận là học sinh đã hoặc Ä‘ang được tiêm những liều rnthuốc ngừa theo quy định. rnï‚· Lời nói của sở giáo dục trÆ°á»›c đây hoặc của văn phòng y tế cho biết đã hoàn tất những liều thuốc ngừa theo quy định và rnsẽ gởi hồ sÆ¡ đến sau.rnrnTrường Hợp Ngoại Lệ Đối Vá»›i Việc Chủng Ngừarn(a) Ngoại Lệ Về Sức Khỏe – Học sinh không cần phải chủng ngừa nếu bác sÄ© hoặc đại diện bác sÄ© của em xác nhận bằng rnvăn bản là việc chủng ngừa gây hại cho sức khỏe của đứa trẻ. Má»™t khi vị bác sÄ© xác định việc chủng ngừa không còn gây rnhại đến cho sức khỏe cho đứa trẻ thì ngoại lệ về sức khỏe này sẽ hết hiệu lá»±c và đứa trẻ phải được chủng ngừa.rn(b) Ngoại Lệ Về Tôn Giáo – Học sinh không cần phải chủng ngừa nếu phụ huynh hoặc giám há»™ viết thÆ¡ phản đối vì lý do rntôn giáo hoặc cho rằng đó là việc vi phạm nguyên tắc về đạo đức/luân lý.rnLÆ°u ý: Nếu học sinh vừa má»›i bắt đầu được tiêm ngừa liều thuốc đầu trong số má»™t loạt thuốc thì em có thể được cho ghi danh. rnHọc sinh phải Ä‘ang trong quá trình chích ngừa và giữ đúng hẹn vá»›i lịch chích ngừa (thí dụ nhÆ° học sinh má»›i được chích 1 rnliều thuốc và em sẽ được chích liều thứ 2 trong vòng 30 ngày kể từ liều thuốc thứ nhất). Xin nhấp vào đây để đọc Quy Định rnChích Ngừa TrÆ°á»›c Khi Nhập Học Của Sở Giáo Dục Philadelphia thuá»™c ChÆ°Æ¡ng Trình Chích Ngừa Phòng Chống Dịch Bệnh rncủa Phòng Y Tế Philadelphia. rn3) Giấy Xác Nhận Địa Chỉ (chỉ ná»™p hai (2) trong các giấy tờ sau đây)rnCó thể chấp nhận các giấy tờ sau đây: Các trường nên uyển chuyển trong việc xác minh giấy tờ thường trú và nên xem xét rnnhững giấy tờ nào hợp lý đối vá»›i tình trạng của gia đình.rnrnh.rn1. Bằng khoán nhà rn2. Thẻ chứng minh hợp lệ của Phòng Giao Thông Vận Tải (DOT)rn3. Giao Kèo Thế Chấp Nhàrn4. Hóa Ä‘Æ¡n thẻ tín dụng má»›i nhất rn5. Hóa Ä‘Æ¡n má»›i nhất (ga, Ä‘iện, cáp, Ä‘iện thoại)rn6. Thẻ chủ quyền xe hiện hànhrn7. Hóa Ä‘Æ¡n má»›i nhất của thuế bất Ä‘á»™ng sảnrn8. Thẻ Đi Bỏ Phiếu má»›i nhất có ghi địa chỉ hiện tạirn9. Bằng lái xe hợp lệ hoặc thẻ đổi địa chỉ vá»›i địa chỉ hiện tạirn10. Báo cáo tài khoản ngân hàng có ghi địa chỉ hiện tạirn11. ThÆ¡ của CÆ¡ Quan An Sinh Xã Há»™i có ghi địa chỉ hiện tạirn12. Báo cáo thuế IRS hoặc thuế lợi tức khác nhÆ° tờ W2, 1040, 1099rn13. ThÆ¡ của Văn Phòng Trợ Giúp Xã Há»™i vá»›i địa chỉ hiện tạirn14. Cùi séc lÆ°Æ¡ng có ghi địa chỉ hiện tạirn15. ThÆ¡ của Văn Phòng DHS, CÆ¡ Quan Nhận Con Nuôi/Nhà Trẻ cÅ©ng được chấp nhận để được ghi danh khi đứa rntrẻ Ä‘ang dÆ°á»›i sá»± chăm sóc của CÆ¡ Quan Nhận Con Nuôi/Nhà Trẻ.rn16. ThÆ¡ cấp chá»— ở cho người vô gia cÆ° hoặc thÆ¡ thường trú cÅ©ng được chấp thuận đối vá»›i học sinh vô gia cÆ°.rn17. Bản chính hợp đồng thuê nhà vá»›i tên của phụ huynh/giám há»™ pháp lý của đứa trẻrn18. Hợp đồng mua bán bất Ä‘á»™ng sản được ký tên, tiếp theo là bản chính của giấy tờ thanh toán trong vòng 45 rnngàyrnrn4) Lời Tuyên Thệ Xác Nhận Của Phụ Huynh Khi Ghi Danh (Được kèm theo trong Đơn Xin Nhập Học EH rn40 do trường cấp)rnrnĐể được thu nhận vào bất cứ trường nào, phụ huynh phải cung cấp tờ tuyên thệ xác nhận học sinh có bị đình chỉ hoặc rnÄ‘uổi học hay không vì những hành vi phạm tá»™i liên quan đến ma túy, rượu, vÅ© khí, gây thÆ°Æ¡ng tích hoặc bạo lá»±c trong rnkhuôn viên nhà trường. 24 P.S.§ 13-1304-A. Nhà trường không được từ chối hoặc trì hoãn việc cho má»™t học sinh nhập rnhọc dá»±a trên các thông tin trong hồ sÆ¡ ká»· luật hoặc tờ tuyên thệ. Tuy nhiên, nếu má»™t học sinh hiện Ä‘ang bị Ä‘uổi học vì rnphạm tá»™i sá»­ dụng vÅ© khí, trường có thể cung cấp cho học sinh dịch vụ giáo dục thay thế trong thời gian em này bị Ä‘uổi rnhọc. 24 P.S. § 13-1317,2 (Ä‘.1). Nếu hồ sÆ¡ ká»· luật hoặc lời tuyên thệ có ghi trÆ°á»›c đó học sinh đã bị Ä‘uổi học vì những lý rndo khác hÆ¡n là phạm tá»™i sá»­ dụng vÅ© khí thì nhà trường nên xét duyệt thành tích học tập và hồ sÆ¡ học bạ trÆ°á»›c đây của rnhọc sinh để xác định việc cung cấp các dịch vụ và há»— trợ khi ghi danh học tại Sở.rnrn5) Khảo Sát Về Ngôn Ngữ (Được kèm theo trong Đơn Xin Nhập Học EH 40 do trường cấp)rnrnTheo nhÆ° quy định của Văn Phòng Dân Quyền thuá»™c Bá»™ Giáo Dục Hoa Kỳ, tất cả các học sinh lần đầu tiên ghi danh vào rnmá»™t trường học sẽ trả lời những câu hỏi khảo sát ngôn ngữ mẹ đẻ. Việc ghi danh học sinh không thể bị trì hoãn để tiến rnhành khảo sát ngôn ngữ.rnrnXin vui lòng in và Ä‘Æ°a Ä‘Æ¡n này cùng vá»›i hồ sÆ¡ chủng ngừa của con quý vị cho vị bác sÄ© gia đình để xem con rnquý vị đã làm đúng theo quy định chủng ngừa cho việc ghi danh học hay chÆ°a. Hãy yêu cầu bác sÄ© của quý vị rncho giấy xác nhận để ná»™p cho trường khi đến ghi danh học cho con quý vị.

Winning Philly311 Widget contest app now available. rnrnPhiladelphia, August 7, 2014– The City of Philadelphia released a new widget, the After School Activities widget, which enables users to learn more about after school activities and programs in their neighborhoods. As the winning idea for the 2013 Philly311 Widget Contest, the After School Activities widget is accessible through the Philly311 Mobile App.rnrn“In the face of so many daunting challenges around education, it’s great that technology can help spread the word about vital after school programs to help our children make progress and further their education,” said Managing Director Richard Negrin.rnrnThe After School Activities widget was created by Chris Alfano, a Code for Philly Brigade Captain, in collaboration with the After School Activities Partnership (ASAP), which compiled the after school program data from program providers for the app.rnrn“At Code for Philly, we’re always looking for ways technology can amplify the hard work already being done by Philadelphians to improve our community,” Chris Alfano said. “We know a mobile app widget can’t replace the shortage of resources facing Philly students. But we can at least help those working to close the gap, by making their programs easy to access and easy to discover by students and their parents.”rnrnThe After Schools Activities widget is interactive and easy to search, filtering programs by grades served, available hours and ASAP clubs, including chess, debate, drama and Scrabble. Users can also view a map of available programming or enable the widget to use their geographic location to show nearby activity locations.rnrn“Philadelphia has an abundance of high-quality after school activities that offer safe and engaging opportunities for youth of all ages and interests. To help families find the right program for their child, ASAP’s directory looks to share information on all of these activities – from Arts & crafts to Zumba – in a format that is comprehensive yet easy-to-use,” said Justin Ennis, Executive Director, After School Activities Partnership. “The launch of the new After School widget on the City’s 311 mobile platform represents a huge leap forward in ASAP’s effort to provide families quick access to this vital information so that they can make informed decisions.”rnrnThe Philly311 Mobile App, which houses the After School Activities widget, is available for free download on any iPhone, Android or Blackberry device.rnrn###rnrnAfter School Activities PartnershiprnrnASAP aims to provide safe and supervised after school programming for youth in Philadelphia, and supports chess, Scrabble, drama, and debate clubs for students of all ages. The organization was created in 2002 at the request of City leaders to bring to public awareness the dangers of the afternoon hours for unsupervised youth in Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.phillyasap.org.rnrnCode for PhillyrnrnCode for Philly is volunteering 2.0. It creates opportunities for citizens to modernize Philadelphia through the power of the web. Founded under Code for America’s inaugural Brigade Program in 2012, Code for Philly currently hosts a weekly meet-up and participates in a number of hack-a-thons and web-based City projects. Code for Philly is non-partisan and non-political. For more information, visit codeforphilly.org.

Philadelphia, August 6, 2014 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter testified before the Pennsylvania Senate Committee on Appropriations in Philadelphia City Council Chambers this morning. His prepared remarks follow, check against delivery.rnrn“Good morning Chairman Hughes, members of this esteemed committee, and all the members of the Pennsylvania Senate. Thank you for being in Philadelphia this morning, and a special thank you to the members who do not directly represent Philadelphia – thank you for your interest in our schools and our children.rnrnThank you for the opportunity to testify on this critical issue facing all of us in Philadelphia, southeastern Pennsylvania, and the entire Commonwealth.rnrnI am honored to sit next to Dr. William Hite this morning. He is a true champion of children.rnrnLet me start by stating a simple truth: without enactment of the cigarette tax, the School District of Philadelphia does not have the necessary revenue to open schools on time, safely, and for the entire year.rnrnThat is unacceptable. It would mean Philadelphia’s children will not have their right to a quality education delivered to them – not because of anything they have done, but because of the actions – or in this instance, the inactions – of adults.rnrnLet me also be clear that this catastrophe will not only impact the children in our district-operated schools but also in our charter-operated schools.rnrnWe are in this place today not because of a lack of aggressive action by the School District leadership, the SRC, or their staffs.rnrnThese are the facts:rnrnThe District has taken monumental actions in an attempt to compensate for cuts in state funding and rapidly increasing costs in areas like pensions and other costs of the largest school district in Pennsylvania. The District has cut over 5,000 positions; it has closed 32 schools and slashed its administrative costs by over 50%.rnrnI can point to no other public institution across this Commonwealth that can equal this level of sacrifice. The District has had no choice.rnrnIt had to take those steps just to avoid running out of money, but those cuts have meant that students have not received the level of education to which they are entitled as Pennsylvanians. The District simply does not have the resources to provide the type of education its students deserve.rnrnWithout the cigarette tax, the District will not even be able to provide the current inadequate level of education it provided during the last school year.rnrnAt the end of the last school year, I had the opportunity to visit a number of schools to talk to children, teachers, parents and administrators about how they were affected by the lack of funding for their schools. One of those schools was Bartram High School.rnrnThere is only one nurse at Bartram. They have gone from four counselors to two. They have seen a reduction in total staff from 166 positions to only 97 positions in just the last three or four years. That’s almost 40% less staff – adults whose job it was to support the education of children. This is unacceptable.rnrnThis potential catastrophe is also not due to a failure of Philadelphia residents to support their schools. Since 2011, Philadelphia’s taxpayers have increased their support of the School District by more than $325 million recurring annually.rnrnTo put that funding increase in context, that $325 million is more than the amount that the City has budgeted this fiscal year for our Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, and the Free Library of Philadelphia combined.rnrnWe have raised taxes on our citizens time after time for our students.rnrnDespite all of that effort by the School District and Philadelphia’s taxpayers, the school year is still in peril. As we sit here this morning, we do not know if schools will open safely and on time in September.rnrnThe District faces a recurring structural gap between its revenues and its expenditures, in large part because the revenues it receives from the state have been slashed and economic stimulus money expired at the same time that costs in areas like pensions, healthcare and debt service have risen rapidly.rnrnAnd in spite of the constant state of crisis, the Philadelphia School District – and more importantly, our students – has still increased graduation rates by 11 percent in the last seven years and sought to generate opportunities to innovate, even with its wholly insufficient resources.rnrnThe District will be opening three schools in North Philadelphia to deliver a highly personalized proficiency-based education similar to many popular magnet and lottery-based charter schools, but targeted to students in surrounding neighborhoods.rnrnAnd through the School Redesign Initiative, the District has invited local stakeholders, including educators, parents, community groups, and universities, to propose innovative, transformative ideas to fundamentally redesign existing schools.rnrnWe must also recognize the efforts of committed parents, students, teachers, and advocates throughout the City who have stepped into the breach to alleviate some of the effects of the crisis with their own talents, resources, time, and commitment.rnrnPositive as these things may be, they simply cannot make up for the fundamental resource gap from which our school system suffers.rnrnThe legislature can take action that will ensure that Philadelphia’s school children can attend school safely as scheduled on September 8th and for a full school year – return to Harrisburg and enact the cigarette tax as quickly as possible.rnrnThe cigarette tax would in fact generate about $83 million in its first full year. That means that each month the tax would generate about $7 million and that any delay in implementation means millions of dollars in support our students that they will never receive.rnrnMerely advancing funds that the District was already including in its budget for the current fiscal year anyway does not compensate for that loss. The District needs NEW revenue to close its $81 million budget gap – merely getting money earlier in the year does nothing to close the gap.rnrnYou have probably heard people question the $83 million estimate for the cigarette tax.rnrnWhile no one can guarantee how much revenue a new tax will generate, let me assure you that our Health Department based its estimates on reviewing literally decades of research on the impact of increases in the costs of cigarettes, including the impact of cigarette taxes in New York and Chicago.rnrnYes, the tax will result in a reduction in the number of people who smoke – and that’s actually a positive element. And, yes, some people may buy their cigarettes elsewhere to avoid the tax. The Health Department built all of these factors into its projections.rnrnThose arguments about how much the tax will generate are just a distraction. No matter what actually happens, we know the tax will generate desperately needed revenue, revenue that is critical simply to maintain the current, inadequate level of functioning.rnrnDelay equates directly to further painful losses for our students. It is that simple. The legislature needs to take action and it needs to take that action as quickly as possible. The task is not difficult, but it is vital.rnrnEach house must come back for one day, one hour, and take one vote to finally pass the enabling legislation that both houses have actually already agreed to. We need them to go back to work so our children can go back to school.rnrnThe actions the legislature can take now will impact the education of 200,000 students here in Philadelphia now and in the future.rnrnThat concludes my testimony and I’m happy to take any questions you may have.”

Encourages Philadelphia youth to participate in free summer meals and the Summer Reading ChallengernrnPhiladelphia, August 1, 2014– Mayor Michael A. Nutter participated in a tour of free summer meals sites in the Kensington community as part of the 2014 Fun Safe Philly Summer campaign, an initiative that connects youth and their families to free and low-cost summer programming and promotes access to free summer meals. During the portion of the tour at McPherson Square Library, Mayor Nutter promoted the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Summer Reading: 30-Million-Minute Challenge encouraging kids, teens and adults to continue reading throughout the summer.rnrn“Fun Safe Philly Summer collaborates with partners across Philadelphia to ensure that young people have a meaningful summer, filled with access to free and low-cost programming and free meals funded by the United States Department of Agriculture,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “As we begin August, it is critical that our young people continue to eat nutritious meals and keep their minds and bodies healthy so that when they return to a structured learning environment they are ready to excel.rnrnTo start the tour, Mayor Nutter visited a Playstreet located on the 700 block of E. Willard Street. Playstreets are Philadelphia Parks & Recreation sponsored meal sites where tertiary streets are closed to traffic during the day for children to receive free meals and a safe space to play. There are more than 500 Playstreets throughout the city.rnrnMayor Nutter also visited McPherson Square Library because it hosts summer meals and summer reading for youth. The Summer Reading: 30-Million-Minute Challenge, hosted by the Free Library, provides kids, teens and adults with incentives and prizes for participating in summer reading. By signing up for a library card and checking-out books, participants are entered into a drawing for prizes. Upcoming prize drawings will be on August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27 and September 3.rnrn“The Free Library of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation offer children fun physical, social and educational opportunities,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor of Environmental and Community Resources. “Through Fun Safe Philly Summer, we are able to expose youth in Kensington to enjoyable, enriching experiences, creating opportunities for them to learn, connect and share in safe spaces.”rnrnSiobhan A. Reardon, Free Library President and Director, added, “Maintaining good reading habits over the summer months helps you grow stronger as a reader—and it’s also a lot of fun. The Free Library’s 30-Million-Minute Challenge is a big goal, but I am confident that Philadelphians of all ages will not only meet but exceed it. With Mayor Nutter and Deputy Mayor DiBerardinis’s help at McPherson Square Library today, we’re 75% of the way there!”rnrnYouth and parents can text “MEALPA” to 877877 or call 1-855-252-MEAL to find locations for free summer meals in their community.rnrnIn addition, Fun Safe Philly Summer will host two remaining “Pop Up” events in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Philadelphia Soul and other partners. The two remaining 2014 Fun Safe Philly Summer “Pop Up” events will be hosted from 5-8pm. Upcoming dates and locations are:rnrnWednesday, August 6th – Ice Skating at Scanlon Ice Rink, 1099 E. Tioga Street; andrnWednesday, August 13th – Pump & Jump at the Pumptrack, 53rd and Parkside Avenue.rn###rnrnFun Safe Philly Summer is an Office of Mayor Michael A. Nutter, city-wide, partnered initiative to provide Philadelphia youth with programming and opportunities to stay active and engaged all summer long. To find, available programming, fun, free activities and a summer meal location near you, log on towww.funsafephillysumer.com or follow FSPS on Twitter @PhillySummer.

Philadelphia’s Nonprofit Center is offering 60 new classes for nonprofit staff and board to help them make an impact in their communities.rnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) August 04, 2014nnThe nonprofit sector’s commitment to making an impact on the people and communities they serve is the inspiration for nearly 60 new classes for nonprofit professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region from The Nonprofit Center at La Salle University’s School of Business.nnrnnnNonprofit staff and board members can now register online for classes in fundraising, governance, management, human resources, financial management, planning, evaluation, marketing, communications, and social media. Classes are offered in center city and suburban Philadelphia beginning in September.nnrnnn“While we continue to offer full-day in-depth classes and certificate programs, this year we are adding two-hour “Impact Sessions,” said Laura Otten, Ph.D., director of the Nonprofit Center, designed to be sharply focused, bite-sized learning opportunities. In addition, more webinars are being added to the schedule to accommodate people’s busy schedules.”nnrnnnThe Nonprofit Center is presenting summer classes for the first time, offering four of its fundamental classes in July 2105.nnrnnn“Continuing a trend for increased emphasis on educational credentials, we are offering four non-degreed certificate programs, in nonprofit management, fundraising and marketing/communications and a customized curriculum, “Otten said. “These provide in-depth skills development through a progression of classes, in addition to the bonus of continuing education units from The Nonprofit Center at La Salle University School of Business,” she addednnrnnn“With donors supporting the value of a well-trained staff with the credentials to back it up, certificate programs continue to gain in popularity in the nonprofit sector,” Otten said.nnrnnnOnline registration for Nonprofit Center classes is available at http://www.lasallenonprofitcenter.org/courses/.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) announced today that Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) in his Philadelphia-area district has received a National Science Foundation grant to help increase STEM educator retention. The grant for $299,552 will support the Phase II Noyce Scholarship Monitoring and Evaluation project at SJU, which explores the factors that influence secondary teacher retention rates in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.rnrn”I applaud the ongoing research efforts at Saint Joseph’s University to increase and retain the number of high quality educators teaching in the STEM fields—especially in high-need urban schools,” Congressman Fattah said. “STEM skills are increasingly critical in a 21st century economy. The Noyce Scholarship Program has been incredibly successful at attracting and encouraging more teachers to enter STEM fields, but efforts like this are critical to continuing to ensure our students are learning from the best professionals in these subjects.”rnrnThe program will launch with eight current Noyce Scholars employed at public, charter and private schools throughout the City of Philadelphia. Additional scholars will be added to the project throughout its duration. The research and findings will be used to help inform and support undergraduate teacher preparation programs and early career professional development initiatives in the STEM fields.rnrnThrough his work as the lead appropriator for the country’s science agencies, including NSF, Congressman Fattah has been a vocal advocate for STEM and a longtime supporter of the Noyce Scholarship program. In June he spoke to more than 500 Noyce educators, administrators, and faculty at the program’s annual conference in Washington.rnrn For additional information on individual projects via the NSF Award Abstracts database, please visit: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/.rnrnSOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka FattahrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.fattah.house.gov

Pennsylvania Teamsters Support Candidate Who Will Fight for Middle ClassrnnnrnrnnnrnPHILADELPHIA, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Democratic candidate for governor, Tom Wolf joined representatives from the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters and the Carpenters Union today to accept their endorsements in his gubernatorial race against incumbent Gov. Tom Corbett.rnrnWolf, who won the Democratic primary with nearly 58 percent of the vote, holds more than a 20-point lead over Corbett in recent polls. His campaign promotes reform in Harrisburg and he has pledged to rebuild the state’s economy which has suffered under Corbett’s administration.rnrn”We all saw what Gov. Corbett’s failed policies have done to Pennsylvania,” said William Hamilton, Teamsters Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters President and Eastern Region International Vice President. “We went from seventh in the nation in job creation to 47th on Corbett’s watch and saw him push through legislation that is designed to attack public employees. It’s time for positive change and Tom Wolf is the right man for the job. As a successful business owner, he knows what it will take to create jobs and turn our state around.”rnrnWolf echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, promising a new direction for the state.rnrn”I am pleased to have the support of the Carpenters and Teamsters, and look forward to working with them as we head toward November,” Wolf said. “Under Tom Corbett’s failed policies, our schools are suffering, our economy is stagnant, and middle-class families are shouldering an unfair burden. The people of Pennsylvania are ready for a fresh start because they know it’s time to restore funding to our schools and rebuild our economy so it works for everyone.”rnrn”I am proud to endorse Tom Wolf for Governor today,” Edward Coryell Sr., Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Carpenters Local Union 8. “We need new leadership for Pennsylvania. Tom Wolf is a man of vision with a proven track record in both the public and private sectors. I believe Tom Wolf will hit the ground running and start moving Pennsylvania in the right direction.”rnrnFounded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto. The Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters represents more than 95,000 members and 40,000 retirees statewide. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.rnrnLogo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGOrnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters