Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Now Available

Feb. 10, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Application forms for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available at my district office for eligible seniors and people with disabilities to begin claiming rebates for property taxes or rent payments they made last year.

Reforms Proposed for State System Universities

Jan. 29, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Last week in Harrisburg, a group of legislators joined officials with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in calling for a series of reforms aimed at updating and improving operations within the system. A package of bills was introduced in the House of Representatives that would implement the changes.

Combatting Human Trafficking in Pennsylvania

Jan. 21, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Pennsylvania is ranked 10th in the nation for human trafficking, and according to the latest report from 2018, 621 human victims were identified, along with 215 traffickers and 101 trafficking businesses. The numbers are troubling and continue to grow.

Beware of Advance Fee Scams

Dec. 09, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

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.

A Warning for Dog Owners

Dec. 02, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Home Heating Assistance Program Now Open

Nov. 06, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes

Oct. 29, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Protect Yourself Against the Flu

Oct. 21, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Oct. 15 - By State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne)

Oct. 15, 2019 /

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.

Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes

Sep. 30, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Help Stop the Spread of Spotted Lanternfly

Sep. 24, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

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.