New Law Protects Our Four-Legged Friends

Dec. 11, 2018 /

Did you know that on an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 99 degrees in just 10 minutes, 109 degrees within 20 minutes and 114 degrees within 30 minutes? Those extreme heat conditions can be a death sentence for an animal left inside the vehicle, or at the very least it can cause irreversible organ and brain damage, or heat stroke.

Share the Harvest Program Helps to Feed the Hungry

Nov. 27, 2018 /

Since 1991, the Hunter’s Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program has provided venison donated by hunters to families and individuals in need throughout Pennsylvania. HSH works with food banks, food pantries and charitable organizations in playing a critical role in filling the gaps for those at risk of hunger.

Thanking Our Veterans

Nov. 14, 2018 /

Throughout the nation this weekend, communities are paying tribute to veterans with a variety of parades, ceremonies and dedications.

Driver’s Beware, Deer are on the Move

Nov. 07, 2018 /

With deer becoming increasingly active and daylight saving time now in effect, putting more vehicles on the road during the hours when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is advising motorists to slow down and stay alert.

Home Heating Assistance Program to Open Nov. 1

Oct. 29, 2018 /

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin to accept applications on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. 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.

Improving Pennsylvania’s Organ Donation Law

Oct. 22, 2018 /

Pennsylvania became a leader in organ donation advocacy in 1994 with the passage of landmark legislation that created a set of best practices. That law would get a much-needed update under a measure that has been sent to Gov. Tom Wolf by the General Assembly.

Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence

Oct. 09, 2018 /

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, making it a fitting time for Pennsylvania to take an important step to protect victims. That step is House Bill 2060, legislation which would take guns out of the hands of their abusers.

Foster Children Face Challenges in Transition to Adulthood

Oct. 01, 2018 /

I recently joined other lawmakers at a public hearing convened by the House Human Services and Children and Youth committees to learn about the challenges faced by children in foster care as they transition into adulthood.

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.