Liquor Privatization Plan Moving Through Legislature
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On April 4, Rep. Tarah Toohil attended the Government Contracting Showcase in Hazle Township, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA). The informational event offered a variety of educational training and workshops that focused on increasing awareness of the government marketplace and connecting large contractors and government agencies with the small business community. Also pictured (from left) are Jeffrey Box, NEPA president and CEO; U.S. Congressman Lou Barletta; Rep. Doyle Heffley; and Donna Palermo, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce president. On April 5, Rep. Tarah Toohil participated in a trout stocking event along Nescopeck Creek in Luzerne County conducted by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Saturday, April 13, is the opening day of trout season in most of the Commonwealth, including Luzerne County. On March 27, Rep. Tarah Toohil was the guest speaker at the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast, which was held at the Sand Springs Country Club in Drums. Toohil provided chamber members with a legislative update and discussed local issues. On March 8, Rep. Tarah Toohil was one of six recipients of the Hazleton YWCA’s 2012 PEARL Award, which honors outstanding business and professional women in the area. Joining Toohil at the awards dinner in McAdoo were (from left) Debi Reznick, Toohil’s district office manager; Melia Molinaro, district office staff member; Barbara Toohil, Toohil’s mother; Jennifer DeLeo, district office staff member; and Gayle Lukas, district office volunteer. On Feb. 27, Rep. Tarah Toohil presented a citation from the House of Representatives to Gage Shaffer of Sugarloaf for earning his Eagle Scout award. Gage is a member of Troop 27. For his Eagle Scout project he constructed a split rail fence for the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails program. On Feb. 27, Rep. Tarah Toohil presented a citation from the House of Representatives to Tyler Palma of White Haven for earning his Eagle Scout award. Tyler is a member of Troop 473. On Jan. 30, Rep. Tarah Toohil spoke to a seventh-grade civics class at Heights Terrace Elementary Middle School in Hazleton about her job as a state legislator. On Jan. 1, Rep. Tarah Toohil took the oath of office for her second term during the swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol. Joining Toohil in Harrisburg were her daughters, Alexandra and Abigail. On Dec. 5, Rep. Tarah Toohil visited Valley Elementary/Middle School in Sugarloaf and talked to a 7th grade civics class about her job as a state representative. On Nov. 29, Rep. Toohil visited United Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (URS) in Hazleton, which provides job training to developmentally-handicapped individuals. Toohil is pushing to restore the cuts in URS’s state funding, which will allow the organization to continue its important work. On Nov. 20, Rep. Toohil and a group of volunteers painted over the graffiti on playground equipment at Arthur Street Elementary School in Hazleton. The goal of the project was to show the community is united in bringing an end to such vandalism. On Oct. 25 in Harrisburg, Rep. Toohil joined Gov. Tom Corbett, other lawmakers and police officers for the signing of Act 200 of 2012. The new law enhances the penalties for gang-related crime and creates an offense that targets gang recruitment. Members of the Masterbone family of Drums were Rep. Toohil's guests at the state Capitol on Oct. 17. They were present on the House floor when a resolution was adopted designating November as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The Masterbones’ son, Louis III, died in 2010 from complications related to the disease, which is characterized by the development and growth of clumps of inflamed tissue, known as granulomas, in different areas of the body. Pictured (from left) are Adam Blank, Rebecca Masterbone, Patricia Masterbone, Toohil and Louis Masterbone. On Sept. 11, Rep. Toohil visited with fourth-graders at Holy Family Academy in Hazleton and talked with them about what happened on that day eleven years ago. She also presented the students with a U.S. flag for their school. Rep. Toohil participated in a public hearing on jobs in Carbon County conducted by the House Majority Policy Committee, which has held similar events around the Commonwealth in recent months to find out how state government can help the private sector to spur economic growth. Testimony was provided by local business and education leaders, who focused on concerns related to workforce development in the region. Rep. Toohil donated a computer to Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area, which helps children learn to read and speak English. Also pictured is organization member Pedro Martinez. Rep. Toohil discussed state issues and local concerns with constituents in West Hazleton during one of the Legislative Coffee Breaks she hosted in August. On June 7, Rep. Toohil co-chaired a public hearing in Williamsport on the state police complement in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania's Northern Tier. Testimony focused on the recent decision to close a state police aviation unit and the declining number of troopers statewide. The joint public hearing was held by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections and the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Rep. Toohil helped children enrolled in the Hazleton YMCA Daycare program unveil their summer vegetable garden. Rep. Toohil hosted members of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce during the group’s annual legislative trip to Harrisburg. They were introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives and then attended a luncheon where they heard from Education Secretary Ron Tomalis, Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch and a representative from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Christina and Brent Tompkins of Nanticoke and their children were Rep. Toohil's guests on the House floor when her resolution was approved that designates June as Cockayne Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Toohil is holding their daughter Juliann, who was diagnosed last year with the rare, and always fatal, genetic disease. To learn more about CS, visit www.cockaynesyndrome.net/main. Rep. Toohil and members of her staff joined about 80 other volunteers who spent a recent Saturday cleaning up downtown Hazleton. The effort was organized by the local chapter of Professionals Organized and Working to Enrich the Region (POWER). Similar cleanup projects in other area communities are planned. Rep. Toohil was one of the guest speakers at the opening reception for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition photo exhibit at the Hazleton Health and Wellness Center. Rep. Toohil was pleased to welcome (left) Anthony Ciccini, Troy Healthcare president, and (right) Todd Peck, Peck Motorsports, to the state Capitol on June 5 for 2012 Motorsports Day, an annual legislative tribute to the racing industry and its impact on Pennsylvania's economy. Rep. Toohil helped to rededicate the Jewish War Veterans Memorial in Hazleton. Volunteers and local veterans cleaned up the site and repaired the flagpole. The memorial was dedicated in 1959. Rep. Toohil presented Angelo and Anna Bellucci, owners of Angelo's Italian House in Hazleton, with a citation from the House of Representatives to mark the restaurant's 21st anniversary. Rep. Toohil helped celebrate National Nursing Home Week with employees and volunteers at Mountain City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hazle Township. Rep. Toohil visited with children at the Hazleton YMCA Daycare during a tour of the facility. Rep. Toohil took part in a ceremony to announce the partnership between Troy Healthcare of Hazleton and Peck Motorsports and NASCAR driver Todd Peck. The logo of the company's Stopain product will be displayed on Peck racing cars as part of an effort to increase public awareness about arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation. Rep. Toohil visited with a group of fourth-graders and teachers from Drums Elementary School during their tour of the State Capitol. Fourth-graders and teachers from Drums Elementary School toured the State Capitol during a visit to Harrisburg. Rep. Toohil joined with her House Republican colleagues in unveiling a package of bills to create jobs and attract businesses to Pennsylvania. A news conference was held in the Capitol rotunda to announce the EmployPA initiative. Rep. Toohil joined Gov. Tom Corbett and others at the Luzerne County Courthouse for a ceremony to sign into law Senate Bills 815 and 818. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), will require that an attorney be present at juvenile delinquency hearings for children under 14 and require a judge to state why each juvenile received the disposition they were given. The new laws grew out of the "Kids for Cash" scandal that resulted in federal prison sentences for two Luzerne County Judges. Also pictured are (bottom left) Sen. Baker, (bottom right) President Judge Thomas Burke and (top left) Rep. Karen Boback (R-Luzerne/Columbia/Wyoming). Rep. Toohil welcomed Christopher Fein and Jessica Linkchorst from Bayada Nurses in Hazleton to the House floor during a recent visit to the State Capitol. Rep. Toohil talked to students at Drums Elementary Middle School during a seminar about bullying and cyber bullying that included a presentation by a special agent from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Rep. Toohil met with students from Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke during their visit to the State Capitol. Also pictured on the right is Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon). In March, Rep. Toohil was the keynote speaker at the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast. Rep. Toohil recently read to students at the Helping Hands Society in Hazleton. Rep. Toohil met with students from the Serento Gardens Power of Ten organization at Hazleton Area High School, which organized a Kick Butts Day assembly at Freeland Middle School about the dangers of smoking. Pictured left to right: Leeca Baran, Student Board President; Ashley Dudinyak, Board Member; Rep. Toohil; Nancy Zola, Board Member; and Eileen Panzarella, Student Board Advisor. Rep. Toohil welcomed students and teachers from the McCann School of Business and Technology in Hazleton to the State Capitol. Rep. Toohil took part in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and banquet in Freeland. Rep. Toohil took part in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and banquet in Freeland. Rep. Toohil visited with Super Bowl Champion Henry Hynoski of the New York Giants, who was at the State Capitol to receive a citation from the House of Representatives for his accomplishments on the football field. Hynoski is a Pennsylvania native and an alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh. Rep. Toohil recently testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about her Juvenile Justice Bill, which would require that juvenile court data be collected and analyzed to identify trends in order to ensure the kind of problems associated with Luzerne County's "Kids for Cash" scandal are not repeated. House Bill 1546 was unanimously approved by committee members and sent to the full Senate for consideration. Rep. Toohil recently took part in Read Across America Day by reading to 5th graders at Hazle Elementary School in Hazleton. Rep. Toohil participated in the opening ceremony for the Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania Expo at the Kingston Armory. In Nov. 2011, Rep. Tarah Toohil toured St. Jude School in Mountaintop and read a book to kindergarten students. In Jan. 2012, Rep. Tarah Toohil read to students at the Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool in Hazleton. In Jan. 2012, Rep. Tarah Toohil met with a group of seniors at the Conyngham Senior Center. Rep. Toohil recently toured Brenner Recycling in Hazleton, which has been in business more than 85 years. Also pictured is company president Paul Brenner. Rep. Toohil was recently inducted into the Rotary Club of Hazleton. From left to right: Michelle Fisher, sponsored by Neal DeAngelo (not present); Dr. Mike Portonova and sponsor Donna Barna; past Rotary Club President Lew Dryfoos, installing officer; and Rep. Toohil and her sponsor, Rotary Club President Jerry Benz. On Dec. 20, Rep. Toohil joined other state lawmakers and state police troopers at Gov. Tom Corbett's signing ceremony for legislation that closes loopholes in Megan's Law and brings Pennsylvania in compliance with the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. On Dec. 16, Rep. Toohil met with constituents during a town hall meeting in Drums. In December, Rep. Toohil met with constituents during a town hall meeting in Sugarloaf. Rep. Toohil met with constituents during a recent town hall meeting in Weston. On Dec. 1, Rep. Toohil toured the new Joseph A. Turri Library at MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, which was partially funded with a state grant. From left to right: MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty, MMI Chairman of the Board of Directors Llewellyn Dryfoos III, MMI President Thomas Hood, Toohil and Sen. John Yudichak. On Nov. 21, Rep. Toohil presented a $5,000 check from the Bridge Educational Foundation to the Hazleton Trinity Nursery and Kindergarten School. The scholarship funds are made possible through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. Rep. Toohil welcomed Stephen Valente and Miranda Milillo to the House Floor on Nov. 16. Both are seniors at Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua and were "shadowing" Rep. Toohil for the day. Rep. Toohil welcomed Stephen Valente and Miranda Milillo to the House Floor on Nov. 16. Both are seniors at Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua and were "shadowing" Rep. Toohil for the day. Also pictured are (left) House Speaker Sam Smith and (right) Rep. Jerry Knowles. On Nov. 16, 2011, Rep. Tarah Toohil welcomed a group from White Haven Leadership Development to the State Capitol. On Oct. 30, 2011, Rep. Toohil presented a citation from the House of Representatives to the Black Creek United Methodist Church in Sugarloaf in observance of the congregation's 200th anniversary. Also pictured is the church's minister, Pastor Gene Boyer. Rep. Tarah Toohil joined lawmakers from throughout northeastern Pennsylvania on Nov. 7 for a meeting with business and industry leaders coordinated by the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board to get an update on initiatives throughout the two counties. From left: Mark Grochocki, representing Sen. John Yudichak (D-14); Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne); Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne); Martha Herron, Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board chair; Lucyann Vierling, L/S WIB executive director; Sen. John Blake (D-22); and Edward Kleha, representing Rep. Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill). Rep. Tarah Toohil recently rode along on a home health visit with the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance to the home of Vincent and Frances Filoreto. Toohil got to experience first-hand how the new tele-health system benefits local residents. Rep. Tarah Toohil recently rode along on a home health visit with the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance to the home of Vincent and Frances Filoreto. Toohil got to experience first-hand how the new tele-health system benefits local residents. On Nov. 14, 2011, Rep. Tarah Toohil welcomed students and teachers from the McCann School of Business in Hazleton to the State Capitol. Rep. Toohil held a news conference at the State Capitol to discuss her legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania's laws protecting children. House Bill 1841 would change the crime of providing false information to police to a third-degree felony. The Caylee Anthony case in Florida underlined the need for the measure. Rep. Toohil recently attended the 34th Polish-American Heritage Ball, which was held at Genetti Best Western Inn and Suites. Pictured, left to right, in the front row are Professor Zbigniew J. Witczak, Ph.D., Wilkes University; Wanda Hanna Witczak, guest speaker; Tom Kopetskie, president of Polonaise Society; Luzerne County Commissioner Stephen A. Urban; and Sylvia Witek, Class of 2011 Father Garbacik Memorial Scholarship Fund award winner. Pictured, left to right, in the back row are Rev. Lorian Janicki, OFM, Holy Dormition Monastery; Toohil; and Jordan Kolbush, scholarship fund recipient. It was a pleasure to join with Pennsylvania's first Lady, Susan Corbett, other lawmakers and some of the Commonwealth's most active scouts to honor the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in the United States. At a recent Continuum of Care meeting at Greater Hazleton Health Alliance, Rep. Toohil (center) presented a state legislative update. Pictured with Toohil are Dr. Jim Nelson, director or risk management and regulatory compliance, and Andrea Andrews, director of quality management at Greater Hazleton Health Alliance. Those in attendance at the meeting included personal care homes, nursing homes and home health agencies. Rep. Toohil recently joined the UNICO Club of Hazleton in honoring Frank Ciampi for 50 years of service to the organization. Pictured, left to right, are Dan DeMelfi, president of UNICO Hazleton; Tony Persico, chairman of the event; Frank Ciampi, honoree; Toohil; and Ann Marie Ciampi, Frank’s wife. Rep. Toohil had her photo taken with two of the participants at the Oct. 1 Kids Fun Run for Season’s Change. Toohil handed out medals to all the day’s participants. State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), third from left, recently volunteered with the Valley Regional Fire Rescue and the Sugarloaf Volunteer Fire Company delivering donations of food, furniture, clothing, bedding and toys to the Mocanaqua Fire Department, which is located in one of the more severely impacted flood areas resulting from Tropical Storm Lee. Rep. Toohil recently had the pleasure of speaking at the graduation of students from Keystone Jobs Corps. Pictured with Toohil is Jim McGee, director of the center. Rep. Toohil recently met with (pictured left to right) Mark Snyder and Tanner Pitman. Both boys are working toward their Eagle Scout badge, which requires meeting with a public official. Rep. Tarah Toohil recently joined Gov. Tom Corbett for part of a kayak trip through northeast Pennsylvania highlighting the state’s abundant natural resources and recreational opportunities. Photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services. On Aug. 3, Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) spoke to the Rotary Club of Hazleton to update its members on the status of legislation in Harrisburg and provide them with insight about the state budget process. Pictured with Toohil are Dr. Jerome Benz, Rotary president; and Connor Scalleat, an intern in her office and a student at Wyoming Seminary. Rep. Toohil congratulates constituent Daniel Gentile on his promotion to Lieutenant following the recent promotion ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Rep. Toohil congratulates her constituent Gregg Mrochko on his promotion to Lieutenant following the recent promotion ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) recently presented five “Yield to Pedestrian” road markers to be used at the crosswalks on Main Street in Conyngham.  Rep. Toohil stated "We are pleased that these signs will be displayed in Conyngham downtown. Conyngham’s pool, park, and shops are bustling. We are working to ensure that children and pedestrians are safe when walking about this high traffic area.”  Pictured are (from left):  Conyngham Mayor Joe Carrelli, Toohil, and Sam Galante from PennDot. Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) attended the bill signing House Bill 40, which establishes the Castle Doctrine as Pennsylvania’s legal standard for the use of force in self-defense. Rep. Toohil recently attended the opening of the new BMX track at Louis Schiavo Memorial Park in Hazleton. Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) recently addressed the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce’s Red Carpet Breakfast. Rep. Toohil presented a certificates of recognition to members of the Hazleton YMCA swim team congratulating them on qualifying for the state swim meet. Rep. Toohil welcomes the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Mobile Veterans Center, to the Laurel Mall in Hazleton. Rep. Toohil welcomes Chief Donald Leshko of the Hazleton City Fire Department to the House floor. Rep. Toohil speaks at a ceremony welcoming the Patriot Flag to Hazleton. The flag, a tribute to the armed forces, first responders, second responders, the 9/11 families and the fallen of the attacks on America, is touring the United States to remind Americans of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Rep. Toohil reads to children at the Hazleton Public Library to commemorate the Patriot Flag’s visit to Hazleton. The flag, a tribute to the armed forces, first responders, second responders, the 9/11 families and the fallen of the attacks on America, is touring the United States to remind Americans of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Lieutenant Gov. Jim Cawley recently visited the 116th District to discuss the state budget. Rep. Toohil participated in the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup on Saturday, April 16 at Whispering Willows Park in Conyngham. Rep. Toohil recently attended the dedication ceremony for Hazleton Fire Department’s new ladder truck. Pictured are (from left): Hazleton Mayor Joe Yannuzzi, Lou Patance, Toohil and Chief Donald Leshko. Rep. Toohil presents an American flag to Freeland Mayor Tami Martin. Rep. Toohil recently spoke to the Partners in Education Student Advisory Committee meeting. Partners in Education is a working partnership between business, education and students that is dedicated to building a qualified workforce. In recognition of Read Across America Day, Rep. Toohil visited Arthur Street Elementary School in Hazleton to read to students and discuss the importance of reading. In recognition of Read Across America Day, Rep. Toohil visited Future Scholars Learning Center in Hazleton to read to students and discuss the importance of reading. Rep. Toohil recently attended the Helping Hands Society of Lower Luzerne, Carbon & Schuylkill County's Diamond Drop. The Helping Hands Society is a non-profit organization serving special needs children and their families by providing educational and therapeutic services. Rep. Tarah Toohil takes the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Rep. Toohil recently visited Butler Senior Center to help senior citizens complete their applications for the Property Tax/ Rent Rebate program. Rep.-elect Toohil recently participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the veterans memorial outside Drums American Legion Post 795 in remembrance of the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces during the holiday season. Pictured are (from left): Drums American Legion Post 795 Commander Robert Ray, Toohil, and Chaplain Walter James. Twenty-one new Republican legislators will join the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 2011-2012 session.
 
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