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.

New Wave of Unemployment Benefit Fraud

Sep. 28, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced this week that due to an alarming spike in suspicious applications for unemployment benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, additional anti-fraud and identity verification measures will be put in place.

Watch for Swarms of Spotted Lanternfly

Sep. 21, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

Spotted Lanternfly have grown into adults over the summer and are now beginning to swarm. They hunt for tall structures such as trees and houses in preparation to launch themselves into the wind, look for food and find a safe place to lay their eggs. The Spotted Lanternfly poses no harm to humans; however, they disrupt outdoor activity and feed off several types of trees.

Help Protect Children From Abuse

Sep. 01, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

As vice-chair of the Children and Youth Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I am reminding everyone it is critical that we help protect children from abuse and neglect during the current COVID-19 public health emergency by being more vigilant.

Food Program Available for Students During COVID-19 Crisis

Jul. 29, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a plan to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to students who are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals at school through the National School Lunch Program. This program, known as Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), will be temporary and is designed to bridge the gap left by school closings and help families who may have strained resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Be Smart When Shopping for Energy Suppliers

Jul. 20, 2020 / Newspaper Columns

With the summer cooling season in full swing, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding consumers of the opportunity to switch energy suppliers to help save money on their monthly electric bills. A quick visit to www.PAPowerSwitch.com allows consumers in most areas of the state to choose who supplies their electricity, based on price or other factors, such as renewable energy.