Tributes to Arlen Specter


PA House Speaker’s State- ment on the Death of Arlen Specter


S


peaker of the House Rep. Sam Smith (R-Punxsutaw-


ney) released the following statement upon learning of the death today of former Sen. Ar- len Specter:


“Arlen Specter was always a fighter who loved the battle over public policy. He loved Pennsylvania, and he loved public service.


“While I did not always


agree with some of Senator Specter’s decisions, he was always willing to listen about local problems and try to help fix them. He was a strong ad- vocate for the state’s interests while in Washington, and the Commonwealth lost one of its


most dedicated public servants to- day.


“I share my thoughts and prayers with Senator Specter’s family and friends at this difficult time.”


Statement From The Consulate General Of Israel


On The Passing Of Former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter


T


he Consulate General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region is deeply saddened by the death of Former U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter who represented Pennsylvania in the United States Senate from 1981 to 2011. A distinguished statesman, a passionate and dedicated leader, and a true friend of Israel, he lived each day of his robust career with integrity.


Consul General Yaron Sideman stated, “The people of Israel deeply


public servant with a great passion for justice. The enduring legacy of his contributions to democratic values, human justice and freedom, will have an indelible effect on gen- erations to come.”


Former U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter


mourn the passing of Sen. Specter, a friend in the truest sense of the word. Understanding the com- plexities of the Middle East, he pro- tected U.S. interests and showed immense dedication and commit- ment to securing and enhancing the U.S.-Israel bond. He was a staunch advocate for peace and a devoted


Senator Specter was a respected voice in foreign affairs Among the many causes he championed, he strongly advocated on behalf of Soviet Jews suffering religious persecution, served as watchdog on international terrorism, raised alarms over Iran’s nuclear and military ambitions, and supported U.S.-Israel energy resource cooper- ation and development. A centrist champion, the Senator fought to safeguard individual liberties and combated hate crimes. “Our sincere condolences to the


family,” said Consul General Side- man. “Senator Specter’s friendship, support and tireless efforts at at- taining peace in the Middle East and relentless dedication to the


continued on page 4 October 17, 2012


State wants jobs, but at what cost?


By Melissa Daniels PA Independent


Philly’s restaurant industry is hot, but its jobs are not, report says


Te city’s restaurant industry enjoyed explosive growth over the last decade, but workers report low wages, poor morale and sick leave policies that endanger public health.


By Sandy Smith Special to the Weekly Press


M


eet Diana Allinger, a 24-year-old waitress at a fine dining restaurant in Center City whose identity she wishes to keep confidential. She has worked at this restau- rant for a year, and in Phila- delphia’s restaurant industry for nearly five. “It’s definitely difficult to support myself work- ing in the industry,” she said. “However, I’ve been working in better restaurants now. I now make enough to support myself at this point, but when I was 21, I couldn’t.”


She manages because she is single, with no dependents, and lives with roommates in West


HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania wants jobs, so much so that law- makers are considering allowing employers to keep tax dollars. But some fear the policy could be abused at the common- wealth’s expense. The Promoting Employment


across Pennsylvania proposal, which would allow participating employers to collect 95 percent of their new employees’ per- sonal income tax dollars, passed the House of Representatives on Monday in 142 to 55 vote. State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, the primary sponsor, has promoted the bill as a boon for job creation.


He said the commonwealth will benefit from dollars that it otherwise wouldn’t see, and unemployed residents would get good-paying jobs. He cited a similar proposal in Kansas that’s created upwards of 10,000 jobs. “The bottom line is, taxpayers don’t have to put a single dime out for this program as many other job-creation programs have done,” he said.


Philadelphia. Even with all this, her ability to make it as a restaurant worker remains precarious, as it depends on her getting enough work hours. “Right now, I’m working about 30 hours a week, but I know restau- rants where people can’t get more


than 20. I’m never secure with the hours I get each week, because the owner is constantly hiring and turning over people. It’s unfair because I’ve been working there for a while now and my seniority doesn’t affect the hours I get.” Allinger is fortunate in that she


earns enough to support herself, but in most other aspects, her job and her employer are typical of most jobs in Philadelphia’s restau- rant industry. That industry has experienced vigorous growth, with employment rising nearly 50 per-


continued on page 2


House Majority Leader Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, called the proposal an “innovate ap- proach” designed to promote private-sector job growth. But not all were satisfied with what the bill could for economic development. State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, said she was


continued on page 4


617 South 24th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19146 Mobile & Home Electronics


FROM $200 INSTALLED!!!


REMOTE STARTERS


IPOD/IPHONE INTEGRATION


FROM $175 INSTALLED!!! ASK ABOUT OUR WINTER TINT SPECIALS


215-545-5293 215-545-5293


SEE OUR YELLOW


PAGE SERVICE DIRECTORY PAGE 15


*offers expire 12-31-20


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16