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.

Farm Show to Highlight Veterans’ Connections to Agriculture

Jan. 06, 2017 /

The 101st edition of the Pennsylvania Farm Show gets underway on Saturday, Jan. 7, in Harrisburg and runs through Saturday, Jan. 14. In addition to celebrating agriculture, this year’s event will highlight veterans’ connections to the Commonwealth’s No. 1 industry.