Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge Area School District is seeking a referendum from the PA Department of Education to  increase taxes above the 4% limit because it may be  required to balance the 2021-2022 budget. The  approval is  required  under an   Act 1 referendum.  Currently, the district’s school tax  millage is the highest in the county at 83.4709 mills.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Pittsburgh,Pa.) Friday night PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro  announced the  arrest of a Pittsburgh man who acted as a ringleader of a  gun and drug trafficking organization. Dennis Alexander, 28  was arrested  as a result of a 10-month investigation  by OAG  agents  in partnership  with the New Brighton Police Department  and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department .

Cutler, Benninghoff Comment on Boockvar Resignation

HARRISBURG – Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) made the following on the resignation of Secretary of the Commonwealth Kathy Boockvar:

“Today is a sad day for victims. For the last 12 months, our caucus has raised serious concerns about this administration’s ability to competently manage the basic functions of state government. Today, our worst fears were realized by the revelation that incompetency in the Department of State may stand in the way of victims being able to seek justice.

“Also troubling is the unconstitutional interference of Pennsylvanians being able to determine their own form of government by amending their Constitution. The executive branch’s role is ministerial – and their failure to carry out these simple functions directly threatens the provisions of Article XI of our Constitution.

“We are also mindful that just a few weeks ago, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court struck down a constitutional amendment to strengthen victims’ rights due to a technicality.

“That amendment was overwhelmingly supported in favor of victims by the voters who actually adopted it at the ballot box. That majority popular vote was set aside by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and now years of additional delay will result for victims in our state.

“While we appreciate the governor’s swift action in seeking Secretary Boockvar’s resignation, it will not undo further delay of justice for victims of child sexual abuse and the harm the administration has caused to people’s faith in their ability to carry out the basic processes of our government.

“Pennsylvanians deserve better. Much better.”

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf is announcing changes at the Department of State after it failed to advertise a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend retroactively the timeline for victims to file civil actions against their abusers. Because of the error, the process to amend the constitution must now start from the beginning, unless the General Assembly pursues this initiative through the bill process.

Effective Feb. 5, Kathy Boockvar is leaving the administration following three years with the department, including two years as secretary of the commonwealth. The department is also immediately instituting new controls, including additional tracking and notifications of constitutional amendments, to ensure similar failings do not occur in the future. The governor has asked the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General to review the situation and make additional recommendations to improve the department’s process for handling constitutional amendments.

“This change at the Department of State has nothing to do with the administration of the 2020 election, which was fair and accurate,” said Gov. Wolf. “The delay caused by this human error will be heartbreaking for thousands of survivors of childhood sexual assault, advocates and legislators, and I join the Department of State in apologizing to you. I share your anger and frustration that this happened, and I stand with you in your fight for justice.

“The progress that you have made through your bravery and activism is remarkable, and I urge all of the advocates, including Sen. Lisa Baker, Rep. Jim Gregory, Rep. Mark Rozzi, Attorney General Josh Shapiro and all others, to keep up this fight. Your voices still must be heard.”

The proposed amendment, which is in response to the child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, first passed the legislature as House Bill 963 in November 2019. The Department of State was constitutionally required to advertise the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment in two newspapers in every county, in each of the three months before the next general election when members of the General Assembly are elected. That advertising did not occur before the 2020 general election.

Proposed constitutional amendments must pass in two consecutive sessions of the state legislature, after which the proposal is put to the voters in a statewide referendum. The General Assembly was set to begin the process for second passage of the amendment this week. In preparing for the potential passage, DOS staff noticed late last week that the amendment was not previously advertised.

The governor would commit to working with the General Assembly to reach a legislative resolution, if the General Assembly wants to pursue a bill creating a civil “window” for victims to file child sexual abuse claims.

The governor thanked Boockvar for taking responsibility for the department’s error and praised her leadership over the past three years to provide a fair election last year under tremendously challenging circumstances.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Secretary Boockvar. “I’ve always believed that accountability and leadership must be a cornerstone of public service. While I only became aware of the mistake last week, and immediately took steps to alert the administration to the error, I accept responsibility on behalf of the department.”

Accomplishments during Boockvar’s service include:

• Implementation of Act 77, the most sweeping election law reforms in over 80 years, which, for the first time, allowed all Pennsylvanians to vote by mail and to vote early;
• A free, fair, and secure 2020 election with transparency and unparalleled voter registration and turnout, despite a pandemic;
• Certification and deployment of new voting systems meeting the highest standards of security and accessibility, including voter-verifiable paper ballots, in every county in the state;
• Pioneering of new election security and integrity measures such as piloting risk-limiting audits; and,
• Rapid development of several licensure waivers, allowing health care and other professionals and facilities to respond to the COVID-19 disaster declaration.

“Thanks in part to Kathy’s leadership, Pennsylvania voters either cast ballots using modern voting machines or securely voted by mail for the first time,” said Gov. Wolf. “It is through her commitment to helping the counties administer a fair election that we can all have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the recent election results.”

The governor will appoint Veronica Degraffenreid to serve as acting secretary of the commonwealth. Degraffenreid was the department’s special advisor on election modernization. She has over 12 years of experience in election administration and was the former Director of Election Operations for the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Her bio is online.

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Two men from Western Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for their alleged roles in a drug-related gang.

Federal Prosecutors said in a statement that Brandon Quinn, 32, of Beaver Falls and Jeremiah Irving, 31, of New Castle are accused of plotting to sell large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine in the region.

If convicted, each faces a minimum of five and a maximum of up to 40 years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerome M. Moschetta is prosecuting the case with help from the FBI and local authorities.

Pittsburgh, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on interstates 279 and 376 in the region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following interstates:

1. Interstate 279 in Allegheny County
2. Interstate 376 between I-79 in Allegheny County and the Route 151/Hopewell exit (Exit 48) in Beaver County

Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.

PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

PennDOT also reminds citizens that downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.Ready.PA.gov or by downloading the free ReadyPA app for Apple or Android devices. Citizens can also find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the ReadyPA website.

For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter.

Motorists Urged to Avoid Travel if Possible

Harrisburg, PA – In response to winter weather conditions through much of the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are implementing additional restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roadways around the state, which will begin at 9:00 AM and remain in place until conditions warrant their removal. Motorists are urged to avoid travel if possible.

Effective at 9:00 AM, vehicle restrictions are anticipated on the following roadways at Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:

• Interstate 76/276/95 (PA Turnpike mainline) from Interstate 81 (Carlisle Interchange, Exit 226) to the New Jersey border;
• Interstate 80 from Interstate 99 to Interstate 81;
• The entire length of Interstate 81 in both directions;
• The entire length of Interstate 83 in both directions;
• Interstate 283 in both directions;
• Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 276 (PA Turnpike mainline) to Interstate 78 (Lehigh Valley Interchange, Exit 56); and
• Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 80 (Pocono Interchange, Exit 95) to Interstate 81 (Clarks Summit Interchange, Exit 131).

On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

Effective at 9:00 AM, vehicle restrictions are anticipated on the following roadways at Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:

• Route 22 from Interstate 78 to the New Jersey border;
• The entire length of Route 33 in both directions;
• The entire length of Interstate 78 in both directions;
• Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 to the New Jersey border;
• The entire length of Interstate 84 in both directions;
• The entire length of Interstate 380 in both directions; and
• Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 78 (Lehigh Valley Interchange, Exit 56) to Interstate 80 (Pocono Interchange, Exit 95).

On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

Tier 1 restrictions remain in effect on the following roadways:

• Interstate 70 in both directions from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) to the Maryland state line;
• Interstate 76 (PA Turnpike mainline) from Breezewood Interchange, Exit 161, to Interstate 81 (Carlisle Interchange, Exit 226)
• Interstate 80 in both directions from Interstate 99 to Interstate 79; and
• The entire length of Interstate 99 in both directions.

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

• Tractors without trailers;
• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers;
• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;
• Enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV;
• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers;
• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes;
• School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches not carrying chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATD’s); and
• Motorcycles.

Additional speed and vehicle restrictions on these and other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511pa.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on www.511pa.com by clicking on “Personal Alerts” in the left-hand menu.

PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel during the storm if possible. But if travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. High winds and freezing temperatures are expected during this event, so motorists should be aware of blowing and drifting snow, which can cause icy areas on roadways, including overpasses and bridges. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the “Check My Route” tool.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.gov/safety.

Follow the conversation by using #PAWinter on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and visit the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has become aware of multiple attempts by fraudsters to obtain individuals’ personal and confidential information through fake Facebook pages and is reminding Pennsylvanians to never provide their information to anyone over social media.

“Unfortunately, the availability of new federal unemployment money is causing a surge in fraud attempts,” said L&I Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier. “L&I does not communicate directly with individuals over social media, including Facebook.”

L&I operates a Facebook page under the name “PA Department of Labor & Industry” and handle “@PALaborIndustry.” Several similarly named pages have appeared over the past few days, and some scammers have posted on L&I’s legitimate page pretending to be L&I employees.

Important tips

• L&I’s Facebook page has a blue check box next to the name that identifies it as a verified page.
• Comments by the legitimate L&I page also have a blue check box next to them indicating it as a verified page. If a comment or page does not have this check box, it is a fraudster posing as L&I.
• L&I does not post responses directly to claimants, send private messages, or ask for a private message to be sent.
• L&I also will not ask individuals to call or text a phone number. The only phone numbers for unemployment are:
  • 1-888-313-7284 (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants)
  • 1-855-284-8545 (for PUA claimants)
• L&I will not ask for individuals to send an email. The only email addresses for unemployment are:
  • uchelp@pa.gov (for UC/PEUC/EB claimants)
  • ucpua@pa.gov (for PUA claimants)

L&I is working with its partners, including Facebook and law enforcement, to quickly identify and remove fraudulent pages. Individuals who encounter a suspicious page or post are asked to flag it for staff review.

For more information on identifying fraud, what to do if you believe you have been a victim of fraud, or how to report fraud, visit L&I’s website.