Jul. 26, 2021 /
![New Laws in Place to Curb Human Trafficking and Protect Victims - By State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne)]()
Human trafficking frequently victimizes women and children and is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world. It is also one of the fastest growing and it is happening right here in Pennsylvania.
Jul. 19, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Pennsylvania’s Budget Plans for the Future]()
The new state budget that was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Tom Wolf in June keeps spending in check while funding the core functions of government without raising taxes or adding new fees.
Jul. 12, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![New State Laws Protect Children, Seniors and Those with Addictions]()
Several new laws are now on the books in Pennsylvania after their recent enactment. One of the laws will help stop child abuse by simply improving communications among agencies charged with investigating the crime.
Jul. 06, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Do You Have Unclaimed Property? Visit PA’s Improved Website]()
The Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed property website is improved after some major system upgrades. The updated website features new tools to make it easier for state residents to claim their unclaimed property.
Jun. 28, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![A Scam Warning for Veterans]()
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is warning veterans to be aware of people trying to poach their pension. Pension pouching is a financial scam targeting veterans, survivors and their families who are potentially eligible for VA benefits.
Jun. 22, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Application Deadline Extended for State Rebate Program]()
The deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program for tax year 2020 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31.
Jun. 14, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Honoring Those Who Served]()
Recognizing the dedication of Pennsylvania’s veterans, the House of Representatives last week approved a package of bills supporting those who served us and our country.
Jun. 07, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Produce Vouchers Available to PA Seniors, WIC Recipients]()
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is once again offering its Farmers Market Nutrition Program to low-income seniors and people receiving benefits through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
May. 28, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Honoring Our Heroes on Memorial Day]()
Monday, May 31, is Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor the more than 1.1 million Americans who have died in wars which the United States has fought over the last 245 years.
May. 24, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Summer Focus on Traffic Safety]()
With Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approaching, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police are urging drivers to keep traffic safety top of mind when behind the wheel.
May. 10, 2021 /
![Voters to Decide Question on Fire Company Loans - By State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne)]()
In addition to three questions on proposed amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution, the May 18 primary election ballot also features a referendum regarding low-interest loans for municipal fire and ambulance companies staffed with paid personnel.
May. 03, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![REAL ID Deadline Postponed to 2023]()
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it was again postponing the enforcement date for REAL ID until May 3, 2023, citing ongoing pandemic restrictions that have impacted states’ ability to process and issue the enhanced driver licenses and identification cards.
Apr. 26, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Learn More About the May 18 Ballot Questions]()
Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls on May 18 for the primary election. There will be more than just candidates on the ballot, as four questions – three constitutional amendments and one referendum – are slated to appear as well.
Apr. 13, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Addressing Pennsylvania’s Economic Recovery]()
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives last week continued its work to help the Commonwealth recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with the passage of several bills aimed at supporting employers, schools and more.
Apr. 06, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![COVID Restrictions Loosened at State Parks, Museums and Historic Sites]()
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it will resume outdoors programming at state parks and expand occupancy limits within park and state forest buildings effective Sunday, April 4.
Mar. 29, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Emergency Rental Assistance Program Now Open]()
Luzerne County residents at risk of eviction or loss of utility service due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
Mar. 22, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Fighting Back Against Spotted Lanternfly]()
With more than half of Pennsylvania’s counties, including Luzerne County, now in a quarantine zone due to infestation by spotted lanternfly, the state Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension are again encouraging all of us to be on the lookout for the invasive insect.
Mar. 15, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Hospitality Businesses Urged to Apply for Grants]()
Restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses in our region can now apply for financial assistance through the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP).
Mar. 08, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Attention Pennsylvania Employers: How Can We Help?]()
The Majority Policy Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is seeking input from small business owners in our region and across the state for the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Business Survey it launched last month. The goal is to gather feedback for use by our Economic Recovery Task Force as it works to develop and implement policies to restore the Commonwealth’s struggling economy.
Mar. 01, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Lawmakers Discuss COVID-19 Challenges for Schools, Students]()
The House Education Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives met last week to discuss the ongoing challenges facing schools and students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first hearing focused on elementary and secondary education, while the second hearing highlighted the challenges for higher education.