Toohil Announces State Grant for Water System Improvements in Hazleton

Mar. 29, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) today announced the awarding of a $155,000 state grant for a water system improvement project in Hazleton. Toohil played a key role in securing the funding through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s small water and sewer grant program.

Toohil to Host Panel Discussion on Postpartum Depression

Mar. 29, 2017 /

WHAT: Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) will host a public panel discussion on postpartum depression and early childhood development. The primary focus will be House Bill 200, legislation Toohil is sponsoring that supports mothers experiencing postpartum depression and their babies. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Raising Awareness about Intellectual Disabilities

Mar. 24, 2017 /

The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution, which I sponsored, that designates the month of March as “Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. House Resolution 132 aims to raise public awareness regarding the support of those individuals with intellectual disabilities and the services that improve their lives.

Mobile Veterans Center to Visit Hazleton Canceled, Says Toohil

Mar. 20, 2017 /

HAZLETON – The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Mobile Veterans Center (MVC), which provides free outreach and counseling services to veterans and their families, will not visit Hazleton on Tuesday, March 21, as previously announced, said Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne).

Seeking Money-Saving Solutions

Mar. 20, 2017 /

A new program has been launched in the continuing effort by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to restructure state government and save taxpayer dollars. The initiative, which is called “State Employees Achieving Savings” (SEAS), seeks input from government employees on how the state can rein in spending.

Mobile Veterans Center to Visit Hazleton March 21, Says Toohil

Mar. 13, 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, March 21.

Free Safety Courses Available for Motorcyclists

Mar. 10, 2017 /

Spring is just around the corner, and that means motorcycle riders will be hitting the road. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) suggests that motorcyclists prepare for the upcoming riding season by taking one of several free training courses that are available through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP).

Gone Fishin’: Trout Stocking Schedules Available

Mar. 07, 2017 /

Trout season is just around the corner, and local anglers are now able to find out when their favorite stream will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The guides are available in print form at my district office in Hazleton, online at the PFBC website and on its FishBoatPA mobile app.

Toohil Demands Reconsideration of Costly Cut to Hazleton Schools

Mar. 02, 2017 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) is asking Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to reconsider nearly $613,000 that will be slashed from the Hazleton Area School District’s current budget. The move comes as the result of a change to the state’s basic education funding formula that was implemented last year.

You Could be Eligible for a Property Tax or Rent Rebate

Feb. 24, 2017 /

Application forms for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are available for eligible residents to claim rebates for property taxes or rent payments they made last year.

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.