State Funding Awarded to Support Development in Downtown Hazleton, Says Toohil

Nov. 15, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – The Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress today was awarded $80,000 through the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, according to Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne). Toohil played a key role in securing the state funds.

Home Heating Assistance Program Now Open

Nov. 06, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began to accept applications on Nov. 1. Funded by the federal government but administered at the state level, LIHEAP provides cash and crisis grants to eligible participants who need some help in paying their heating costs during the winter.

Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes

Oct. 29, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

With the declining number of volunteer emergency responders reaching critical levels, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week took up a “Helpers and Heroes” package of legislation designed to assist with recruiting and retention efforts of volunteer fire and ambulance companies across the state.

Toohil to Co-Host Senior Scam Seminar at Hazleton Laurel Mall

Oct. 23, 2019 /

HAZLETON – In an effort to prevent older residents from becoming the victims of fraud, Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), Pennsylvania State Police Troop N and the Area Agency on Aging will co-host a Senior Scam Seminar on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Laurel Mall, 106 Laurel Mall Drive in Hazle Township. The free event will take place outside of Dunham Sports.

Toohil, Heffley Take Part in Hearing on Planned Closures of White Haven, Polk State Centers

Oct. 22, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – As members of the House Human Services Committee, Reps. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) and Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) on Monday participated in a joint public hearing at the state Capitol with the House Health Committee to examine the recent decision by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to close the White Haven (WHC) and Polk state centers and move residents into community-based settings.

Protect Yourself Against the Flu

Oct. 21, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

The state Department of Health is urging residents to get a flu vaccine before the end of the month to protect against this potentially deadly illness. Last year, the Commonwealth reported 122,000 cases of flu and 258 deaths.

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Oct. 15 - By State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne)

Oct. 15, 2019 /

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is reminding Medicare beneficiaries that the open enrollment period starts on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 7. During this time, you may make changes to your current Medicare coverage, as well as join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage plans.

Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes

Sep. 30, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

Legislation is currently working its way through the House of Representatives that would support Pennsylvania’s fire and ambulance services. The bills are designed to address staffing and funding challenges facing these vital public safety organizations.

Help Stop the Spread of Spotted Lanternfly

Sep. 24, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

Fourteen counties in southeast Pennsylvania are currently included in the spotted lanternfly quarantine zone identified by the state Department of Agriculture. Officials are urging the public to help prevent the spread of the invasive insect by making sure they are not transporting the spotted lanternfly to other parts of the Commonwealth. Vigilance is especially important as the pest’s egg-laying season is now here.

Toohil, Heffley to Seek Committee Meeting on Pending White Haven Center Closure

Sep. 13, 2019 /

HAZLETON – After attending Thursday’s public hearing regarding White Haven Center (WHC) conducted by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Reps. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) and Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) announced they are working with the chairman of the House Human Services Committee, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), to hold an urgent meeting regarding the pending closure of the facility for the physically and mentally challenged.

Toohil Issues Statement on Proposed Closure of SCI Retreat

Aug. 29, 2019 /

HAZLETON – Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) issued the following statement in response to the announcement by the Department of Corrections (DOC) of the proposed closure of SCI Retreat in Newport Township. The prison employs about 400 men and women, including many who reside in the 116th Legislative District, which Toohil represents.

PA ABLE Savings Program Shows Rapid Growth

Aug. 26, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

A state program designed to help people with qualified disabilities save for future disability-related expenses has more than doubled its assets in just one year, reflecting the high level of popularity and need for this savings option.