Noteworthy Legislation Moving Through General Assembly

Feb. 17, 2017 /

The 2017-18 session is just underway in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, but several bills of note are moving quickly through the legislative process. All three bills were unanimously passed by the House last week and sent to the Senate for consideration.

Reforming Pennsylvania’s Adoption Process

Feb. 13, 2017 /

The Children and Youth Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, on which I serve, is committed to opening up more loving homes for young people. With that goal in mind, committee members this week sent a package of bills to the House floor that would reform the state’s adoption process.

Mobile Veterans Center to Visit Hazleton Feb. 14, Says Toohil

Feb. 06, 2017 /

HAZLETON – State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) today announced the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Mobile Veterans Center (MVC), which provides free outreach and counseling services to veterans and their families, is scheduled to visit Hazleton on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The MVC will be located at the Laurel Mall, 106 Laurel Mall Road in Hazleton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. It will remain in place until all veterans in attendance are served.

Helping Mothers with Postpartum Depression and Their Babies

Feb. 03, 2017 /

This week, I reintroduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would assist mothers in Pennsylvania who are struggling with postpartum depression and their infants by making them eligible for Early Intervention services. During the 2015-16 session, I was the prime sponsor of a similar measure that stalled in committee.

Pennsylvania Granted Extension for REAL ID

Jan. 27, 2017 /

Pennsylvania was recently granted an extension by the federal government to comply with REAL ID. The Commonwealth now has until June 5 to fix state law to meet the requirements of the act.

Toohil Statement Regarding Wolf Administration’s Prison Closure Decision

Jan. 26, 2017 /

HAZLETON – Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) issued the following statement regarding the Wolf administration’s announcement that the Department of Corrections will close SCI Pittsburgh by June 30. The decision means the three prisons located in northeast Pennsylvania – SCI Retreat, SCI Frackville and SCI Waymart – will remain open.

Website Launched for PA ABLE Savings Account Program

Jan. 23, 2017 /

A new website has been launched for the state’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program. The website, www.paable.gov, provides quick and easy access to essential information on the upcoming program to give individuals with qualified disabilities a tax-free way to save for future expenses.

Stopping the Flu Starts with YOU

Jan. 13, 2017 /

We are in the middle of the flu season, making this a good time to issue a reminder to get a flu shot. The state Department of Health has launched an awareness campaign called “Stopping the Flu Starts with YOU” to encourage Pennsylvanians to protect themselves and their loved ones against seasonal flu by getting vaccinated annually and taking other preventative measures.

Farm Show to Highlight Veterans’ Connections to Agriculture

Jan. 06, 2017 /

The 101st edition of the Pennsylvania Farm Show gets underway on Saturday, Jan. 7, in Harrisburg and runs through Saturday, Jan. 14. In addition to celebrating agriculture, this year’s event will highlight veterans’ connections to the Commonwealth’s No. 1 industry.