Pennsylvania Hunting Licenses Go on Sale June 19

Jun. 16, 2017 /

Pennsylvania hunting licenses for 2017-18 go on sale Monday, June 19, and are valid starting July 1. Hunters and trappers need to be aware of some important changes that have been implemented by the Game Commission.

Health and Safety Bills Advancing in Harrisburg

Jun. 13, 2017 /

I sometimes use this weekly column to answer your questions about matters relating to state government or any issue of concern. This week’s questions deal with a couple of bills that are currently moving through the Pennsylvania General Assembly that would enhance the health and safety of state residents.

Remembering and Honoring Our Veterans

May. 30, 2017 /

This is a time of year when we think about the men and women who have served in our nation’s military throughout the course of history. Memorial Day is a reverent day to honor those who never made it back from war, and Flag Day and the Fourth of July reignite our patriotism and remind us that none of the freedoms we enjoy in this country would be possible without the brave men and women serving in our military.

Enhancing Pennsylvania’s 2-1-1 System

May. 19, 2017 /

I recently joined my colleagues on the House Human Services Committee in unanimously supporting legislation that would enhance the statewide 2-1-1 system. House Bill 211, which I am co-sponsoring, will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.

Pennsylvania Tax Amnesty Program Now Open

May. 05, 2017 /

Pennsylvania residents and businesses that owe past-due state taxes now have a window of opportunity to pay them without being penalized. The tax amnesty program, administered by the state Department of Revenue, was adopted by the General Assembly as part of Act 84 of 2016.

PA House Passes Animal Protection Bill

Apr. 28, 2017 /

This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation that would be a comprehensive overhaul of the Commonwealth’s animal protection laws. House Bill 1238, which I supported, includes the provisions of Libre’s Law, which would strengthen the penalties for animal abuse. Libre is a Boston terrier whose story of severe neglect received widespread publicity last year after it was rescued from a puppy mill.

I Support Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Apr. 17, 2017 /

Legislation to restore mandatory minimum sentences for drug and gun offenses in Pennsylvania passed recently in the House of Representatives, with my support.

Raising Awareness about Organ Donation

Apr. 07, 2017 /

This week, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 209, legislation of mine that designated April 2017 as “National Donate Life Month” in Pennsylvania.

Restitution Bills Seek to Help Crime Victims

Mar. 31, 2017 /

To make it easier for Pennsylvania crime victims to receive the restitution owed to them, the state House of Representatives recently passed four bills designed to make sure criminals pay their legal obligations.

Raising Awareness about Intellectual Disabilities

Mar. 24, 2017 /

The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution, which I sponsored, that designates the month of March as “Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. House Resolution 132 aims to raise public awareness regarding the support of those individuals with intellectual disabilities and the services that improve their lives.

Seeking Money-Saving Solutions

Mar. 20, 2017 /

A new program has been launched in the continuing effort by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to restructure state government and save taxpayer dollars. The initiative, which is called “State Employees Achieving Savings” (SEAS), seeks input from government employees on how the state can rein in spending.

Free Safety Courses Available for Motorcyclists

Mar. 10, 2017 /

Spring is just around the corner, and that means motorcycle riders will be hitting the road. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) suggests that motorcyclists prepare for the upcoming riding season by taking one of several free training courses that are available through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP).

Gone Fishin’: Trout Stocking Schedules Available

Mar. 07, 2017 /

Trout season is just around the corner, and local anglers are now able to find out when their favorite stream will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The guides are available in print form at my district office in Hazleton, online at the PFBC website and on its FishBoatPA mobile app.

You Could be Eligible for a Property Tax or Rent Rebate

Feb. 24, 2017 /

Application forms for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are available for eligible residents to claim rebates for property taxes or rent payments they made last year.

Noteworthy Legislation Moving Through General Assembly

Feb. 17, 2017 /

The 2017-18 session is just underway in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, but several bills of note are moving quickly through the legislative process. All three bills were unanimously passed by the House last week and sent to the Senate for consideration.

Reforming Pennsylvania’s Adoption Process

Feb. 13, 2017 /

The Children and Youth Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, on which I serve, is committed to opening up more loving homes for young people. With that goal in mind, committee members this week sent a package of bills to the House floor that would reform the state’s adoption process.

Helping Mothers with Postpartum Depression and Their Babies

Feb. 03, 2017 /

This week, I reintroduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would assist mothers in Pennsylvania who are struggling with postpartum depression and their infants by making them eligible for Early Intervention services. During the 2015-16 session, I was the prime sponsor of a similar measure that stalled in committee.

Pennsylvania Granted Extension for REAL ID

Jan. 27, 2017 /

Pennsylvania was recently granted an extension by the federal government to comply with REAL ID. The Commonwealth now has until June 5 to fix state law to meet the requirements of the act.

Website Launched for PA ABLE Savings Account Program

Jan. 23, 2017 /

A new website has been launched for the state’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program. The website, www.paable.gov, provides quick and easy access to essential information on the upcoming program to give individuals with qualified disabilities a tax-free way to save for future expenses.

Stopping the Flu Starts with YOU

Jan. 13, 2017 /

We are in the middle of the flu season, making this a good time to issue a reminder to get a flu shot. The state Department of Health has launched an awareness campaign called “Stopping the Flu Starts with YOU” to encourage Pennsylvanians to protect themselves and their loved ones against seasonal flu by getting vaccinated annually and taking other preventative measures.