Fighting Back Against Spotted Lanternfly

Mar. 22, 2021 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Attention Pennsylvania Employers: How Can We Help?

Mar. 08, 2021 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Lawmakers Discuss COVID-19 Challenges for Schools, Students

Mar. 01, 2021 / Newspaper Columns

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.

Stay Alert for Unemployment Fraud

Feb. 22, 2021 /

State officials are again urging everyone to be alert to potential fraud in the wake of additional federal unemployment program funding, which has prompted increased attempts by scammers to steal people’s personal information.

Does Your Home Contain Radon?

Jan. 27, 2021 / Newspaper Columns

January is National Radon Action Month. An estimated 40% of Pennsylvania homes have higher levels of radon than national safety standards, due to the state’s geology. However, residents can perform a simple test to detect this gas, which is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Beware of COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Jan. 19, 2021 / Newspaper Columns

The Pennsylvania State Police issued a disturbing warning recently about scammers using the COVID-19 vaccine distribution program as a means to steal someone’s money and/or personal information.

Virtual Pennsylvania Farm Show Set for Jan. 9-16

Jan. 04, 2021 / Newspaper Columns

The Department of Agriculture has released the schedule for the virtual 105th Pennsylvania Farm Show. Traditionally held in Harrisburg, the department moved the show to an online event as the Commonwealth continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deadline Nears for Health Insurance Enrollment Through Pennie

Dec. 10, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Pennie, the state’s new health insurance marketplace, is approaching its first enrollment deadline. Tuesday, Dec. 15, is the last day for individuals and families to purchase health coverage to start January 2021. Current and potential customers are encouraged to select a plan by Dec. 15 to ensure continuous coverage.

Hunters Can Share Their Harvest

Nov. 19, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

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.