![Beware of Advance Fee Scams]()
Dec. 09, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
December is the busiest time of year for shopping, and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is urging the public to be aware of criminals that gain a victim’s trust and then steal their money.
![A Warning for Dog Owners]()
Dec. 02, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is warning dog owners looking to purchase new or renewal licenses of a fraudulent website selling them online.
![Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program]()
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.
![Prepare Now for Winter Weather]()
Nov. 18, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
Freezing temperatures arrived this week, reminding us all of the importance of preparing for colder weather and winter travel.
![Standing Against Communism Should be a No-Brainer]()
Nov. 12, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
The recent events in Hong Kong and its people’s plight for freedom has once against shown the spotlight on the oppressive means in which communist regimes rule the people unfortunate enough to have been born in a communist country.
![Pennsylvania Guard Members Encouraged to Enroll in New Education Program]()
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.
![Protecting Pennsylvania Taxpayers]()
Nov. 07, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
I’ve written and spoken about Pennsylvania’s budget many times. We know the issues; there is never enough money regardless of how much revenue is generated and Pennsylvania’s spending perpetually outpaces the economy of our state.
![Home Heating Assistance Program Now Open]()
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.
![Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes]()
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.
![Protect Yourself Against the Flu]()
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.
![REAL ID Deadline Now One Year Away]()
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.
![Supporting Pennsylvania’s Helpers and Heroes]()
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.
![Help Stop the Spread of Spotted Lanternfly]()
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.
![Committee Focuses on Tick-Borne Diseases]()
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.
![Encouraging and Aiding Suicide Won’t be Tolerated]()
Sep. 12, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
I was horrified to read news articles about people who assist and encourage others to commit suicide. There is no way I can even begin to understand what goes through someone’s mind when he or she encourages or aids another person to commit suicide.
![Toohil to Host Senior Expo Thursday at Laurel Mall]()
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.
![Discussing the Issues with Residents]()
Sep. 03, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
The 2019-20 Legislative Session has been a busy one thus far. In Harrisburg, we passed numerous bills out of the House that will impact every Pennsylvanian. While a lot of work does get done in the Capitol, I spent much of my summer talking with residents and listening to them tell me how bills we passed, and those we are poised to address this fall, would impact them.
![PA ABLE Savings Program Shows Rapid Growth]()
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.
![Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits for Children]()
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.