PA ABLE Savings Program Shows Rapid Growth

Aug. 26, 2019 / Newspaper Columns

A state program designed to help people with qualified disabilities save for future disability-related expenses has more than doubled its assets in just one year, reflecting the high level of popularity and need for this savings option.

FCC Takes Next Step in Battle Against Robocalls, Spoofing

Aug. 14, 2019 /

Recognizing the frustration and potential danger posed by spam calls and spoofing, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced new rules that will ban malicious caller ID spoofing of text messages and foreign calls.

Supporting Foster and Adopted Children in PA

Aug. 05, 2019 /

During the current legislative session in the House of Representatives, the House Children and Youth Committee, on which I serve as vice-chair, has made it a priority to focus on policy initiatives that improve Pennsylvania’s foster and adoption systems. I believe these children deserve nothing less.

New Law Protects Pets Left in Hot Cars

Jul. 29, 2019 /

The recent heat wave can be a death sentence for an animal left unattended in a hot vehicle, where the temperature can reach triple digits in just a matter of minutes. Did you know that Pennsylvania has a new law to help prevent dogs and cats from suffering that kind of abuse?

Funding Pennsylvania’s Road and Bridge Projects

Jun. 24, 2019 /

I sometimes use this weekly column to answer your questions about matters relating to state government or any issue of concern. This week’s question deals with state funding for road and bridge projects.

Beware of Financial Aid Scams Targeting Students

Jun. 17, 2019 /

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is warning students and borrowers to be wary of financial aid scams that could expose them to identity theft and significant financial loss.

Explore Summertime Fun in Pennsylvania

Jun. 10, 2019 /

Pennsylvania has thousands of places to visit for summertime fun, and the Happy Traveler Guide is a great tool to help you plan. The guide is available online at www.visitpa.com.

Free Produce Available to Area Seniors through State Program

Jun. 03, 2019 /

Eligible seniors living in the 116th Legislative District to take advantage of a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture program that provides vouchers worth $20 that can be used to purchase produce at participating farmers markets and roadside stands.

Goal of Bill Package is to “Energize PA”

May. 06, 2019 /

This week, I joined some of my colleagues in the House of Representatives at a Capitol news conference to unveil the Energize PA bill package, which is designed to put more Pennsylvania residents to work without imposing new fees or taxes.

State Dog Wardens to Canvass Luzerne County in May

Apr. 29, 2019 /

The Department of Agriculture announced that state dog wardens will conduct dog license and rabies vaccination checks in Luzerne County during the month of May. This program aims to raise awareness of the importance of up-to-date dog licenses, and rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats to the health and safety of Pennsylvania communities.

Bill would Preserve Pennsylvania’s Nuclear Energy Industry

Apr. 15, 2019 /

This week in Harrisburg, the House Consumer Affairs Committee held a public hearing to gather testimony on the pros and cons regarding the Keep Powering Pennsylvania Act (House Bill 11), legislation that would preserve Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy industry and prevent the pending closure of two of the state’s nuclear power plants.

Protect Yourself Against Lyme Disease

Apr. 08, 2019 /

With longer days and warmer spring weather on the way, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a reminder to be aware of Lyme disease and ticks as we spend more time outdoors.