Jan. 13, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
![Applications for PA House Scholarship Now Available]()
High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can apply now for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship. The application deadline is March 1.
Jan. 09, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
![Shopping for Energy Suppliers Can Help Cut Costs]()
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers about the potential for large winter energy cost increases for electric customers who do not shop for competitive electric suppliers.
Dec. 30, 2019 /
![Criminal Justice Reforms Focus on Offenders - By State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne)]()
Pennsylvania has the second highest number of people on probation or parole in the country. In fact, many with criminal records are working alongside or interacting with us every day and we may not even know it.
Dec. 16, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Putting Pennsylvania on the Path to Better Health]()
The House of Representatives recently advanced the #HealthierPA legislative package which is designed to deliver affordable and accessible health care options for Pennsylvania’s families.
Dec. 09, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Beware of Advance Fee Scams]()
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.
Dec. 02, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![A Warning for Dog Owners]()
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.
Nov. 26, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program]()
Older adults and individuals with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2018 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my office is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance.
Nov. 18, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Prepare Now for Winter Weather]()
Freezing temperatures arrived this week, reminding us all of the importance of preparing for colder weather and winter travel.
Nov. 12, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Pennsylvania Guard Members Encouraged to Enroll in New Education Program]()
Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard are encouraged to take advantage of the new Military Family Education Program, or PA GI Bill, which is now open for enrollment.
Nov. 06, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Home Heating Assistance Program Now Open]()
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.
Oct. 29, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes]()
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.
Oct. 21, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Protect Yourself Against the Flu]()
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.
Oct. 15, 2019 /
![Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Oct. 15 - By State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne)]()
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.
Oct. 07, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![REAL ID Deadline Now One Year Away]()
PennDOT is reminding Pennsylvania residents that in one year federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act will begin at airports and secure federal facilities nationwide.
Sep. 30, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes]()
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.
Sep. 24, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Help Stop the Spread of Spotted Lanternfly]()
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.
Sep. 16, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Committee Focuses on Tick-Borne Diseases]()
Working to address the ongoing threat of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the Commonwealth, the House Health Committee held a public hearing in East Stroudsburg this past week.
Sep. 09, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Toohil to Host Senior Expo Thursday at Laurel Mall]()
In my continuing effort to improve the quality of life for older residents in the Hazleton area, we are once again hosting a Senior Citizens Expo.
Aug. 26, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![PA ABLE Savings Program Shows Rapid Growth]()
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.
Aug. 26, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
![Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits for Children]()
Proper nutrition is so important, especially among school-aged children. We’d like to offer some healthy tips now that the new school year is underway, so students are eating right and succeeding in the classroom.