May. 01, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Our office is a “catch all” for state government information, which we then disseminate to our constituents. Right now, three out of four calls are from unemployed people trying to figure out where they are in the process of applying for compensation. They don’t contact us to hear “Did you try…” or “I don’t know…” But until Harrisburg starts focusing on these people who are hurting, the level of anger and frustration is only going to escalate.
Mar. 26, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Mar. 23, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Pennsylvania voters are reminded that if they have concerns about coronavirus and wish not to vote in their polling place during the April 28 primary election, they can instead request a mail-in ballot, the Commonwealth’s new voting option that allows voters to vote by mail without having to provide a reason.
Mar. 18, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Mar. 16, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) recently announced an expansion of its PA Forward Student Loan Program, offering borrowers a more streamlined way to manage their debt by combining all their federal and private student loans into a single monthly payment.
Mar. 13, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Mar. 05, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
With the Commonwealth’s April 28 primary election about two months away, the Department of State has launched 67 new webpages – one for each county – where voters can learn specifics about their county’s voting system and how to use it.
Feb. 24, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Spring is just around the corner and anglers are starting to make plans for the opening day of trout season statewide on Saturday, April 18.
Feb. 18, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Since Oct. 31 of last year, the General Fund has been operating with a negative balance. Almost every day since Halloween, the Commonwealth has been forced to borrow from itself to pay its own bills.
Feb. 18, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Comprehensive reforms designed to encourage greater participation in Pennsylvania’s elections will be in place for the upcoming April 28 Primary Election.
Feb. 10, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Application forms for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available at my district office for eligible seniors and people with disabilities to begin claiming rebates for property taxes or rent payments they made last year.
Jan. 29, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Last week in Harrisburg, a group of legislators joined officials with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in calling for a series of reforms aimed at updating and improving operations within the system. A package of bills was introduced in the House of Representatives that would implement the changes.
Jan. 21, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
Pennsylvania is ranked 10th in the nation for human trafficking, and according to the latest report from 2018, 621 human victims were identified, along with 215 traffickers and 101 trafficking businesses. The numbers are troubling and continue to grow.
Jan. 13, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can apply now for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship. The application deadline is March 1.
Jan. 09, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is alerting consumers about the potential for large winter energy cost increases for electric customers who do not shop for competitive electric suppliers.
Jan. 06, 2020 / Newspaper Columns
On Jan. 1, Pennsylvanians awoke to not only a new year, but a new decade. Little did they know, on New Year’s Eve the checking account of the Commonwealth was overdrawn by $904 million.
Dec. 16, 2019 / Newspaper Columns
The House of Representatives recently advanced the #HealthierPA legislative package which is designed to deliver affordable and accessible health care options for Pennsylvania’s families.
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.
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.
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.