What is a government authority and why do we need them?

Last week, Allegheny County Council member Chuck McCullough (R-Upper St. Clair) proposed forming a volunteer commission to review and evaluate the performance of five major county authorities. There is still some disagreement about whether the panel is necessary. It should be an interesting debate. So just what is an authority? What is its function? How much control does it have?

Read more . . . . http://www.examiner.com/public-policy-in-pittsburgh/what-is-a-government-authority-and-why-do-we-need-them

Power of 32 innovative strategy includes all of us - Pittsburgh Public Policy | Examiner.com

Power of 32 innovative strategy includes all of us - Pittsburgh Public Policy Examiner.com

Celebrate National Women's Equality Day - Pittsburgh Public Policy

Celebrate National Women's Equality Day - Pittsburgh Public Policy

Dr. Laura and the first amendment - Pittsburgh Public Policy | Examiner.com

Dr. Laura and the first amendment - Pittsburgh Public Policy Examiner.com

Get your message to your legislators - Pittsburgh Public Policy

Get your message to your legislators - Pittsburgh Public Policy

Republicans threaten to amend the Constitution

Republicans threaten to amend the Constitution

We must change the way we handle disasters

On Monday, a massive methane gas explosion rocked Massey Energy Company’s Upper Big Branch coal mine near Whitesville, West Virginia. At this writing, 25 miners are confirmed dead and four are still missing.
Once again, we stand vigil for a coal mine disaster in our region. Once again, we wait, we hope, many pray, for at least some good news. We don’t yet know all of the details; the authorities will investigate. But we do know that once again, the corporations and the government are handling the situation poorly. Our procedure for managing communications in disasters is cruel and unconscionable, but we can correct it easily.

CONTINUE . . . .

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14931-Pittsburgh-Public-Policy-Examiner~y2010m4d8-We-must-change-the-way-we-handle-disasters

Pittsburgh mayor endorses public negligence

As Greater Pittsburghers dig out from under our once-in-a-generation snowfall, some observations come to mind. As usual, the city has done a barely mediocre job of clearing the snow and restoring normalcy. Yes, I know it’s bad weather. Yes, I know it’s a difficult job. But with just a smidgen of common sense and planning, we all could get through the next one much more easily. The city’s failures are tiresome and have always been unnecessary. And the latest stunt takes the cake.

Local agencies offer free income tax preparation

Once again, it’s tax season. Since 1969, the Internal Revenue Service has sponsored free tax preparation sites through its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program. Volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS, prepare basic tax returns for low and moderate-income households. The United Way of Allegheny County works with more than 50 sites in various community locations through its Money in Your Pocket Coalition.




Taxes are a necessary evil. If we want paved streets, street lights, schools, police departments, public parks, interstate highways, courts, a national defense, safe food and medicine, clean air and water, safe and healthy workplaces, and everything else, then we have to pay for them. The government has to get its money somewhere.

January 14 is Joni Rabinowitz Day in Pittsburgh

On Thursday, January 14, city council members Bill Peduto and Doug Shields presented a proclamation declaring January 14 “Joni Rabinowitz Day” in Pittsburgh. After 25 years, Joni has retired as the Co-Director for Public Policy Advocacy at Just Harvest, a nonprofit center for action against hunger and poverty located in the South Side. Of course, those who know her know that every day is Joni Day, wherever she is.

CONTINUE . . . .

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14931-Pittsburgh-Public-Policy-Examiner~y2010m1d14-January-14-is-Joni-Rabinowitz-Day-in-Pittsburgh