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PA Family Update

by Newsletter

FAMILY UPDATE

Volume 4, Issue 167

July 3, 2008

The Pennsylvania Family Institute's weekly update to concerned citizens.
Michael Geer, President

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Happy Independence Day to you and your family!
Quote of the Week
" We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion."
– John Adams

Pennsylvania News
$28.2 Billion Budget Goes to Vote This Weekend. Gov. Rendell and Republican leaders struck a tentative agreement for next year's state budget. The budget borrows billions of dollars to repair dams, bridges, roads, sewer systems, and alternative energy sources. It also appears that schools will receive significantly more funding. Overall, spending will increase by 3.6%; the details are still unclear. Tuesday, the House suspended a rule that requires an "advertisement period" to review the budget, cutting debate short in an attempt to get a vote by Friday. But this means our legislators would vote to spend billions without seeing or debating the details. Then late on Wed., a failure to get a three-quarters vote to suspend the 11 pm curfew meant the budget bill could not be passed until Friday or Saturday.

One in Six Pennsylvanians Gambles at Slot Machines? That's according to new data from the PA State Health Department, which routinely conducts surveys to track risk behaviors and health problems. Families of all income levels gambled; women played 2-3 times more often than men. 1-3% of Americans have serious gambling problems. Our Health Department should be concerned, as thousands more Pennsylvanians now have access to this unhealthy activity.
No Free Speech for Philly Tour Guides. According to a new law, only "licensed" tour guides will be allowed to operate in the city, which means that anyone giving a tour for compensation must take an exam to receive government permission – or face a $300 fine. This is ridiculous, in light of the hundreds of tours that are given in Philadelphia, interpreting a wealth of historical and cultural sites and lore. A nonprofit law firm is challenging the law.
City on the Hill Registration Deadline Extended to Thursday July 10th! There are still scholarships available. Download an application at www.pafamily.org/coth.php.
National News
US Senate Committee Votes to Cut Abstinence Education Funding by 25%, while significantly increasing funding for the distribution of birth control. The plan continues to fund Planned Parenthood with $300 million a year through the Title X family planning programs. Funding will likely be debated in the Senate next month, and if it passes, President Bush may veto it. This news comes as 22 States are Refusing Millions of Dollars for Abstinence Education in the coming year. Planned Parenthood has been campaigning hard to convince liberal governors that abstinence education is not in the best interest of the teens.

US Representatives Defeat Two Gambling Expansion Bills. The House Committee on Financial Services voted against legalizing internet gambling; and the full House voted against allowing Tribal-operated gambling to expand off of Tribal Lands. Our Representatives should be commended for voting wisely to protect families from gambling expansion.

South Dakota's "Informed-Consent" Law Upheld. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Woman's Right to Know law, which Planned Parenthood has viciously fought. This law requires doctors to educate women about the risks of abortion and the life that will be destroyed, before they perform the procedure.
Marriage News
Arizona Citizens will Vote on Marriage Amendment this Fall! After narrowly failing to pass the Senate last week, hard work from the Center for Arizona Policy Action and concerned citizens revived the issue and brought the amendment up for vote again – this time passing, and securing an opportunity for AZ citizens to vote on the issue. Polls show 65% of Arizonans support marriage as defined only between one man and one woman. This victory is an inspiration to pro-family groups across the nation who are fighting to pass marriage amendments in each state, so court rulings like the California one do not overturn this vital social institution. Pennsylvanians must continue to work for a marriage amendment that we can vote on too!
Federal Judge Protects Right for Christians to Share Faith at St. Louis Gay "PrideFest." In 2006, the Christian group "Apple of His Eye" was threatened by officers for sharing Christianity at the PrideFest. This year, the group appealed for a court order which requires the city to allow the group to speak freely.
Read more Marriage news daily at www.PA4Marriage.org.
PFI News
July 18-19 – Truth Project training with Dr. Del Tackett of Focus on the Family at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills (Philly area). You can register through Focus at www.truthproject.org.
July 20-26, 2008 City on the Hill Youth Leadership Conference! City on the Hill is for high-school students, ages 15-18. Download an application! APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 10!!!
Save the Date! PFI 2nd Annual Golf Tournament to benefit City on the Hill Youth Leadership Conference is on September 15 at the exclusive Bent Creek Country Club. Look for sponsorship opportunities coming soon to www.pafamily.org!
Don't miss Michael Geer's "The Common Good" & "Family Update" Radio Shows on Christian Stations throughout PA, and online through our podcasts. This Week's Guest: Randy Hicks, Pres. of Georgia Family Council. Topic: The Cost of Divorce & Unwed Parenting on State Budgets, & How Strong Families Save Government Money.
Pennsylvania Family Institute is a non-profit organization made possible through your financial donations. To donate to Pennsylvania Family Institute, go to: www.pafamily.org/donate