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.

Legalizing Recreational Marijuana: What’s Your Opinion?

Jan. 22, 2019 /

Gov. Tom Wolf sparked a statewide debate last month when he tweeted that “it is time for Pennsylvania to take a serious and honest look at recreational marijuana.” Republican leaders in the Legislature quickly responded, calling the idea “reckless and irresponsible.”

Supporting Our Veterans During the Holiday Season

Jan. 01, 2019 /

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminds us that this is a great time to give to programs that support our state’s veterans, active military and their families.

Renew Your Dog’s License Now

Dec. 17, 2018 /

Did you know that every dog in Pennsylvania must be licensed? All dogs three months of age or older must be licensed on an annual basis in the Commonwealth. Owners who fail to license their dogs by Jan. 1 of each year could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed animal.

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.