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.

State Releases Child Abuse Report

Mar. 25, 2019 /

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recently released a study of child abuse fatal and near-fatal cases in the Commonwealth from 2015-16. The report outlines and analyzes data from these years and makes recommendations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Trout Season is Just Around the Corner

Mar. 11, 2019 /

It is almost time to head for that favorite fishing hole, as trout season will open across Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 13. Anglers can find out when area streams will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) by checking the 2019 stocking schedules. The schedules are available online at the PFBC website and on its FishBoatPA mobile app. Hard copies can be obtained at my district office in Hazleton, located at 1 W. Broad St.

Creating Good Jobs for Pennsylvania

Mar. 04, 2019 /

A key to Pennsylvania’s economic success is to ensure its students and workers are prepared to fill the good-paying jobs of today and tomorrow.

Sunday Hunting Bill Advancing in General Assembly

Feb. 25, 2019 /

Earlier this month, legislation that would allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to lift the long-standing ban on most Sunday hunting was reported out of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee by a vote of 8-3. It was the first step in a long process that was cheered by proponents of the proposal.

Applications Now Available for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Feb. 05, 2019 /

Application forms for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available for eligible seniors and people with disabilities to begin claiming rebates for property taxes or rent payments they made last year.