LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: Sen. Baker's electronic payroll modernization bill advances out of committee
Jun. 10—WILKES-BARRE — The State Senate Labor and Industry Committee unanimously approved Sen. Lisa Baker's electronic payroll modernization legislation, co-introduced by Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th District.
Senate Bill 581 provides employers the option to utilize either payroll cards or direct deposit for the electronic payment of their employees.
"This is not a new issue," said Baker, R-Lehman Township. "The time has come for modernizing payroll delivery in Pennsylvania, benefiting both employees and employers alike while offering important protections from fraud. Last session, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the legislation, and we're hopeful the bill will advance to the governor's desk this year."
Baker said the legislation would provide employers with the option to pay employees electronically with a modern and secured method. She said payroll cards provide strong consumer protections, offering employees the access to utilize banks, ATMs and online purchases with cash-back at a point of sale.
In addition, the payroll cards will not overdraw or expire and include fraud protections that consumers are familiar with.
"As technology continues to evolve, we need to improve existing payment options that make it easier for individuals to access their wages promptly and efficiently," said Miller. "With living costs rising across the Commonwealth, we are working to improve affordability on multiple fronts. Ensuring timely and reliable wage distribution is one way we can ensure employees can access their hard-earned money in a timely fashion, especially during unexpected disruptions."
Pashinski hosts senior fair
State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, recently hosted a very well-attended senior fair at the Wyoming Valley Mall, providing Luzerne County seniors and their families with a comprehensive array of resources and services designed to enhance their quality of life.
The free event, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featured 40 vendors offering a wide range of services, including free health screenings, legal advice, caregiver resources, and transportation information. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from state and local agencies, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and senior living communities.
"Lots of folks don't even know some of the resources that are available to them," Pashinski said. "That's why this one-stop-shop kind of concept gives them a very good idea of what's out there. We had so many great conversations during this event and everyone was happy — very happy to be able to have a face-to-face conversation to answer their questions and to receive so many handouts related to their concerns."
The senior fair also provided information on health care services and insurance options, senior discount programs, resources for care-giving, housing, and transportation, as well as educational materials on state and federal assistance programs.
For those who were unable to attend, Pashinski encourages residents to contact his office at 570-825-5934 in Wilkes-Barre and 570-301-6158 in Plains Township for assistance in connecting with available services.
"My staff and I are looking forward to the next senior fair in 2026," Pashinski said.
Walsh to host grant seminars
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, will host two seminars for municipalities and community organizations to learn about applying for grant funding.
Walsh will be joined by Paul Macknosky, Regional Director, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; and Tyler Day, community and economic development manager, Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance.
The evens will be on Thursday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-4 p.m. a two sites — Back Mountain Regional E.M.A. Building, 3593 State Route 118, Dallas; and Sugarloaf Township Municipal Building, 858 Main St., Sugarloaf.
Bresnahan announces U.S. Service Academy nomination application process
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr.. R-Dallas Township, has announced the opening of the application process for nominations to the United States Service Academies for the Class of 2030.
Young men and women from Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District are encouraged to apply to serve our nation and receive a world-class education at one of the nation's leading service academies.
"Service academies offer unparalleled opportunities for education, leadership, and service to our country. I am honored to help open the doors for the next generation of leaders who will serve both in the military and as public servants," said Bresnahan. "These institutions are training tomorrow's leaders, and I look forward to working with local students to help them achieve their dreams."
Applications are now being accepted for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Nominations are required for each of these institutions — (the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination) — and Bresnahan is committed to ensuring that talented students from our community have access to these incredible opportunities.
For information on eligibility requirements, the application process, and an upcoming information session, visit Bresnahan's website. Additional details and instructions are available to help guide students through the nomination process.
Rep. Haddock measure celebrates U.S. Army's 250th birthday
The state House of Representatives unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township, recognizing the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army on June 14.
"Today, between active duty, reserve, National Guard and civilian personnel, more than 1.2 million individuals ensure that our Army is prepared to protect our country," said Rep. Haddock, a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "I introduced this resolution to recognize their selfless service and sacrifice, as well as that of those who have served before them."
Rep. Haddock said he asked 10 House colleagues who served in the Army to be co-prime sponsors of this measure, "because those who serve in our Armed Forces don't recognize party affiliation and that is the way it should be. I think if George Washington was alive today, he would be proud of us for coming together in a bipartisan way to approve this resolution."
On June 14, 1775, the U.S. Continental Army was established to represent the original 13 colonies in the war for independence. At their core, this force was largely composed of riflemen hailing from Pennsylvania. Following the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Continental Army was renamed the Army of the United States. Since then, the U.S. Army has served in every major conflict of the United States.
With nearly 700,000 veterans living in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth is home to the fifth-largest population of veterans in the country.
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Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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