Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Now Available

Feb. 10, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Application forms for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available at my district office for eligible seniors and people with disabilities to begin claiming rebates for property taxes or rent payments they made last year.

Reforms Proposed for State System Universities

Jan. 29, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Last week in Harrisburg, a group of legislators joined officials with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in calling for a series of reforms aimed at updating and improving operations within the system. A package of bills was introduced in the House of Representatives that would implement the changes.

Combatting Human Trafficking in Pennsylvania

Jan. 21, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Pennsylvania is ranked 10th in the nation for human trafficking, and according to the latest report from 2018, 621 human victims were identified, along with 215 traffickers and 101 trafficking businesses. The numbers are troubling and continue to grow.

Beware of Advance Fee Scams

Dec. 09, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

December is the busiest time of year for shopping, and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is urging the public to be aware of criminals that gain a victim’s trust and then steal their money.

A Warning for Dog Owners

Dec. 02, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is warning dog owners looking to purchase new or renewal licenses of a fraudulent website selling them online.

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.