Nov. 26, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Older adults and individuals with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2018 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my office is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance.
Nov. 18, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Freezing temperatures arrived this week, reminding us all of the importance of preparing for colder weather and winter travel.
Nov. 12, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard are encouraged to take advantage of the new Military Family Education Program, or PA GI Bill, which is now open for enrollment.
Nov. 06, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began to accept applications on Nov. 1. 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.
Oct. 29, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
With the declining number of volunteer emergency responders reaching critical levels, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week took up a “Helpers and Heroes” package of legislation designed to assist with recruiting and retention efforts of volunteer fire and ambulance companies across the state.
Oct. 21, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
The state Department of Health is urging residents to get a flu vaccine before the end of the month to protect against this potentially deadly illness. Last year, the Commonwealth reported 122,000 cases of flu and 258 deaths.
Oct. 15, 2019 /
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is reminding Medicare beneficiaries that the open enrollment period starts on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 7. During this time, you may make changes to your current Medicare coverage, as well as join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage plans.
Oct. 07, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
PennDOT is reminding Pennsylvania residents that in one year federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act will begin at airports and secure federal facilities nationwide.
Sep. 30, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Legislation is currently working its way through the House of Representatives that would support Pennsylvania’s fire and ambulance services. The bills are designed to address staffing and funding challenges facing these vital public safety organizations.
Sep. 24, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Fourteen counties in southeast Pennsylvania are currently included in the spotted lanternfly quarantine zone identified by the state Department of Agriculture. Officials are urging the public to help prevent the spread of the invasive insect by making sure they are not transporting the spotted lanternfly to other parts of the Commonwealth. Vigilance is especially important as the pest’s egg-laying season is now here.
Sep. 16, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Working to address the ongoing threat of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the Commonwealth, the House Health Committee held a public hearing in East Stroudsburg this past week.
Sep. 09, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
In my continuing effort to improve the quality of life for older residents in the Hazleton area, we are once again hosting a Senior Citizens Expo.
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.
Aug. 26, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Proper nutrition is so important, especially among school-aged children. We’d like to offer some healthy tips now that the new school year is underway, so students are eating right and succeeding in the classroom.
Aug. 19, 2019 /
A new helpline is available to help connect thousands of grandparents in Pennsylvania who are raising their grandchildren to the resources and programs available to them.
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.
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.
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?
Jul. 15, 2019 /
Jul. 08, 2019 /
A number of bills have been signed into law that help to support crime victims in Pennsylvania and ensure justice is served.