Scam Warning: Beware of Phony Unpaid Tax Notices

Sep. 17, 2018 /

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has issued a warning about a mail scam in which con artists have tried to defraud individuals by threatening them with legal action or criminal prosecution if they don’t pay an illegitimate tax debt immediately.

Toohil to Host Senior Expo and Health Walk

Sep. 10, 2018 /

I want to remind older residents in the Hazleton area about our upcoming Senior Citizens Expo. This free event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Boscov’s wing of Laurel Mall, 106 Laurel Mall Road in Hazle Township.

REAL ID Pre-Verification Process to Begin

Sep. 10, 2018 /

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 4, eligible Pennsylvania residents who wish to obtain a REAL ID may begin the pre-verification process. Customers who received their first license before September 2003 and want to obtain a REAL ID will need to bring the required documents to a PennDOT Driver License Center so they can be verified in person.

We Need to Rip Off the Cloak of Silence

Aug. 30, 2018 /

The grand jury report detailing the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests released last week by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro is horrifying and beyond criminal. The fact that victims were coerced to protect the institution is heart-wrenching.

Parents Urged to Get Students Vaccinated

Aug. 21, 2018 /

As students prepare to head back to school, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is urging parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated for protection against life-threatening diseases.

Rainy Summer Raises Concern for West Nile Virus

Aug. 14, 2018 /

Receding floodwaters and heavy rains are creating a perfect storm of conditions that have contributed to the highest level of West Nile virus activity in the state’s mosquito population since the disease was first discovered here in 2000, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Deadline Approaching to Apply for Gulf War Bonus

Aug. 06, 2018 /

The Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs is reminding eligible Gulf War veterans that they have until Aug. 31, 2018, to apply for a special one-time payment to honor their service and sacrifice.

Budget Invests in Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Industry

Jul. 30, 2018 /

Helping to ensure that agriculture remains one of Pennsylvania’s top industries and continues to help feed the world, the 2018-19 state budget, which took effect July 1, made several critical investments to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.

PA Budget Addresses Critical Health Needs

Jul. 24, 2018 /

Lyme disease is a top health concern in Pennsylvania, which leads the nation in the number of cases. Funding was included in the 2018-19 state budget, which took effect July 1, to help combat the spread of Lyme disease and treat those affected by the debilitating illness.

Making Pennsylvania Schools Safer

Jul. 10, 2018 /

The tragedies at Columbine, Sandy Hook and Parkland have turned the issue of school safety into a national concern. No child should have to fear going to school, no educator should have to confront a gunman and no parent should have to worry his or her child won’t come home.

New Law Benefits Young Crime Victims

Jul. 02, 2018 /

Legislation was recently signed into law that provides additional educational support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to children who are victims of violent crime, or who lose their parents as the result of a violent crime. I am a co-sponsor of Act 42 of 2018, formerly House Bill 1929, which ensures these young people benefit from the First Chance Trust Fund. The prime sponsor of the new law is Rep. Ron Marsico of Dauphin County, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Saving Pennsylvania’s Ambulance Services

Jun. 26, 2018 /

With ambulance companies in urban, suburban and rural communities across Pennsylvania struggling to keep their doors open, lawmakers and EMS personnel gathered at the state Capitol in Harrisburg recently and issued a call to action on legislation to help ensure fair reimbursement for services provided.

Bills Would Ban Vaping Products for Teens

Jun. 11, 2018 /

The evidence is mounting about the negative health effects of vaping, which unfortunately is a growing trend among teenagers. Legislation is advancing in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that would help to keep electronic, or e-cigarettes, and other vaping products out of the hands of young people.

CHIP Provides Quality Health Care for Pennsylvania Kids

Jun. 04, 2018 /

State officials recently launched a public awareness campaign to bring more attention to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides a vital health service to thousands of families across Pennsylvania.

Property Tax Reform Update

May. 28, 2018 /

Q: I haven’t heard much talk lately about eliminating our school property taxes? Have any bills been introduced in Harrisburg lately related to this issue?

Watch for the Spotted Lanternfly

May. 25, 2018 /

Even though there has been no sign to date of the Spotted Lanternfly in Luzerne County, state officials are urging residents to be vigilant and watch for the highly-invasive insect.

Watch for the Spotted Lanternfly

May. 21, 2018 /

Even though there has been no sign to date of the Spotted Lanternfly in Luzerne County, state officials are urging residents to be vigilant and watch for the highly-invasive insect.

Helping First-Time Homebuyers

May. 14, 2018 /

Legislation is moving through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that would help state residents realize the dream of home ownership. The toughest part for many prospective homebuyers is taking the first step, and House Bill 1981 would enable them to do just that.

Welfare Reform Bill Would Establish Work Requirements

May. 07, 2018 /

We all know someone who is dealing with a challenge in their lives, be it job loss, illness or injury. Any of these circumstances can happen to anyone at any time, and it is human nature to want to lift people up and get them back on their feet.