Dec. 06, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Redrawing Pennsylvania’s Legislative Districts]()
In the coming weeks, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will be looking at proposals to redraw the boundaries of state House and Senate districts. The boundary changes are necessary to ensure fair and equal representation for all citizens.
Nov. 29, 2021 /
![Deer Hunters Can Share Their Harvest]()
The state Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Game Commission are again encouraging hunters to consider sharing their deer harvest to provide thousands of pounds of venison to people in need.
Nov. 23, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Bill to Halt Bridge Tolling Plan Advances]()
The House of Representative has passed legislation to stop the current Wolf administration plan to toll nine interstate bridges across Pennsylvania, including several in our regions. Senate Bill 382 would also reassert the state Legislature’s oversight of any future tolling plans and provide for community involvement in the process.
Nov. 17, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Legislation to Support Pennsylvania’s Veterans]()
In recognition of Veterans Day, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives advanced a number of bills in support of the dedicated men and women of the Commonwealth who have served our country.
Nov. 08, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Reforming Pennsylvania’s Lobbying Laws]()
A package of lobbyist reform bills to improve openness and transparency, limit lobbyist influence and ensure ethical conduct of all lobbyists operating in Pennsylvania is advancing in the House of Representatives.
Oct. 25, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Heating Assistance Program Now Open]()
Residents who struggle with their home heating bills can now apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Oct. 14, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Do We Really Need All Those State Regulations?]()
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 500 state regulations were waived and/or suspended to help Pennsylvania residents and state government agencies address the challenges created by the ongoing health crisis.
Sep. 27, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![2021 Senior Expo a Success]()
After a one-year hiatus because of the pandemic, our Senior Expo returned to the Laurel Mall in Hazle Township on Thursday, Sept. 16.
Sep. 20, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![September is National Preparedness Month]()
September is National Preparedness Month and with Hurricane Ida having recently left a path of damage across Pennsylvania, it is an appropriate time to remind everyone to always have an emergency plan in place.
Sep. 13, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![PennDOT Emergency Programs Can Save Lives]()
Drivers are reminded of two voluntary programs available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) that are aimed at saving lives in emergency situations. Participation in both programs is free of charge.
Aug. 30, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Blood Donations Encouraged]()
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with leaders of five major blood banks across the state, are encouraging residents to consider donating blood if they are able. The department reports that blood donations have decreased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aug. 23, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Slow Down for School Buses]()
School bells will soon be ringing in the 116th Legislative District as the fall semester gets underway. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 23, in Berwick Area; on Monday, Aug. 30, in Northeast Area; and on Tuesday, Sept. 7, in Crestwood and Hazleton Area.
Aug. 16, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Federal Temporary Unemployment Benefit Programs to End Sept. 4]()
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) is reminding state residents that federal unemployment benefit programs, including Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), will end Saturday, Sept. 4.
Aug. 09, 2021 / Newspaper Columns
![Have Your Say in Congressional Redistricting Process]()
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is working to create the most fair and transparent congressional redistricting process in history. Hearings are now underway, and we are seeking your input, both online and in person.
Aug. 02, 2021 /
![Beware of Unemployment Compensation Fraud - By State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne)]()
Pennsylvania state officials are reminding residents to be vigilant of unemployment compensation (UC) fraud and about the steps to take if they become a victim.
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.