News & Notes, February 2020
DFA News
Government Accountability task force. Leon Reed's op-ed on the census, “Let’s Make Sure #Adams County Counts” was published in the Gettysburg Times. Reed commented: “Adams County typically has an undercount of about 20-25%. Imagine if we could cut that shortfall in half. That would make a huge difference to the schools and to groups like SCCAP, the Housing Authority, etc.” He noted that there are many reasons for people not to reply but that mistrust in government is probably the main reason. “In reality, the information you share with the Census is far safer than the information you share with your bank or credit card company.”
The task force met on Wednesday, February 12 and discussed plans to complete the Poverty in Adams County study, and a possible agenda of activities to take a more direct role in the political process, including possibly reviewing political financial disclosure statements or monitoring activities of councils or school boards.
Health Care task force. On January 13, Jeanne Duffy and Baird Tipson and other grassroots members of the Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) participated in a press briefing in Harrisburg to announce Rep. Dan Frankel's House bill on prescription drug pricing. Frankel’s bill, HB 2212, the "Pharmaceutical Advisory Board Act," would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The board would determine whether certain drugs pose affordability burdens, and it would cap the amount that pharmaceutical companies can charge for necessary drugs. The bill would also establish a Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program to be used when shortages of medically necessary drugs occur. Legislation for similar programs has passed in Maine, Florida, Colorado, and Vermont. Frankel pointed out that similar to electricity, home heating, and clean water, medication is an absolute necessity for many people. HB 2212 had broad bi-partisan support coming out of Committee. The Media Room was full of newspaper reporters, as well as radio and television people with cameras. Along with about 10 others, Jeanne and Baird stood on the stage behind Rep. Frankel, holding up signs in support. It was an energizing event!
Health Care Op-ed. Mary Frances Colvin's op-ed “Surprise!”, an analysis of surprise medical billing, was published on January 9. She concluded, “Typically, the surprise medical bills come from anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, emergency room physicians, as well as some behavioral health specialists. … The rates for the services of these practitioners is much higher than the negotiated rates by the insurance company for similar services. The patient receives a bill for the service because the provider was not part of the insurer network or an employee of the hospital—Surprise!”
DFA supporter Mark Berg wrote two interesting op-eds in January. “War, war, war – and More War” appeared on January 21. Berg reviewed how deception was used to get us involved in Vietnam and in Iraq and then contended “Now we’re supposed to believe a war in Iran may be necessary. Who said those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it?”
Separately, Berg offered “Minorityism, or the Tyranny of the Minority” on January 9. This article showed how minorities of the country’s population can control both Houses of Congress as a result of the nature of population distribution and Senate representation and high precision gerrymandering in the House.
Community
Gettysburg Rising task force on school board accountability. The Gettysburg Rising task force on school board accountability held its kickoff meeting on Tuesday Feb 18, at 7 pm, in the second floor meeting room of the library. We will keep readers apprised as this important group moves forward.
Reentry Coalition. The VERA-Institute funded Prison Reform task force held a community breakfast on January 28 to discuss the developing “Coming Home” initiative. More than 80 people attended the breakfast. Follow up actions are being taken to develop a feasible initiative.
Project Gettysburg-Leon held its annual Nicaragua Night dinner and auction on January 18. The gross income for “Nicaragua Night” on January 18 was close to $38,000, a pretty good total given the inclement weather that day. Organizer Gretchen Natter expressed thanks to Gettysburg College for the services it provides to support the auction.
Greg Bowles, PGL’s In-Country Coordinator also reported that the Talolinga Water Project should be underway within the next month. Finally, the grand mural that covers a long wall outside the public school in the León, Nicaragua neighborhood of Xuchialt is currently being restored by a team of persons, including artists from the Xuchialt School for the Arts that Project Gettysburg/León has supported for many years. The colorful mural depicts Nicaraguan history and culture.
Book clubs
A number of individuals and groups have taken the initiative to organize book clubs on serious and interesting books. Book clubs represent an excellent way to get involved: you get a chance to read an interesting book and discuss it with interesting people.
February 14: Green Gettysburg will have the first of five discussions of the book What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Climate Change. Later meetings will be Feb 21, 28, March 9 and 20. There will also be opportunities to participate in online discussions.
March 18: Gettysburg Rising discussion of Tightrope: Americans Searching for Hope, 7-8 pm, Waldo’s
Events
February 13: Gettysburg Rising, how to be a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, Sterner Building, 6:30-7:30.
March 8: First Annual Hanover for Progress fundraising dinner, 5 p-m, Cross Keys Banquet Hall, 6110 York Rd., New Oxford