Latest news with #JimHaddock
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: Rep. Haddock urges public to participate in UGI rate hike hearing
Apr. 5—WILKES-BARRE — State Rep. Jim Haddock is encouraging Northeast Pennsylvania residents to testify next week regarding the rate hike request sought by UGI Utilities Inc. at public hearings being held by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. —An in-person hearing begins at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 in City Council Chambers, 4th Floor, City Hall, 40 East Market St., Wilkes-Barre. —Two telephonic public input hearings will take place at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 10. "When I wrote to the PUC in February, I made it clear that UGI's third rate increase in the past four years is unacceptable and unaffordable for the hardworking people and businesses in Pennsylvania," said Rep. Haddock, D-Pittston Township. "I asked the PUC to hold a hearing in Northeastern Pa., and I am glad they are giving the people I represent the opportunity to have their concerns heard about this proposal." Haddock encourages UGI customers to file a formal complaint to the proposed rate increase. The form is available on the PUC website, or through their state representative's office. To testify at a telephonic public input hearing, people are encouraged to register by 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. Those who do not register may not be able to testify. To register, contact the judge's office at 412-565-3555 or mswarner@ and provide: —Your first and last name. —The date and time of the public input hearing at which you wish to testify. —The phone number you will be using to call into the public input hearing. —A phone number where you can be reached before the hearing in case you need to be contacted. —If an interpreter is required to testify, you should register as soon as possible. Haddock said people representing themselves are not required to have an attorney. People who do not wish to testify but want to listen to the hearing may call in using the same hearing information, as listed below: —Dial the toll-free number: 888-795-4352. —Enter a PIN number when instructed to do so: 72378378. —Speak your name when prompted and then the system will connect you to the hearing. In February, the PUC voted unanimously to investigate UGI's proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by $110.4 million (9.7%). Under the proposal, the average bill for a residential customer would increase from $104.47 to $115.74/month (10.8%). A final PUC decision is due by Oct. 28. Shapiro Administration extends LIHEAP season to April 18 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh this week announced the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been extended from April 4, to April 18. The LIHEAP Program is vital for more than 300,000 Pennsylvania families and is especially critical for older adults and low-income families so they can safely heat their homes during the colder months. Despite news of federal staffing cuts to the office that oversees LIHEAP, there are currently no changes to this season's program in Pennsylvania. Because DHS has adequate funding to continue the current season ending April 18, Secretary Arkoosh urged Pennsylvanians who are behind on or having trouble paying home heating bills to apply for LIHEAP Cash and LIHEAP Crisis benefits before the new April 18 deadline. "The LIHEAP season is now closing for the year on April 18, so Pennsylvanians who may still need help with their heating bills from this winter should apply now," said Secretary Arkoosh. "LIHEAP helps our community's most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet and keep their homes safer. If you are still having trouble paying your heating bills, please apply by April 18 so LIHEAP can help ease this burden." The minimum LIHEAP cash grant is $200 and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP at and for other public assistance programs online or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. Eligible veterans encouraged to apply for pension program The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants veterans who may qualify for a monthly pension through the state's Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program to apply now. The DMVA is helping to raise awareness as the Amputee Coalition recognizes National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in April. Pennsylvania veterans who qualify for the pension receive $150 per month. Currently, there are 2,400 veterans across the commonwealth enrolled in the program. "It is important that we never forget the sacrifices our service members make while in uniform," said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "Sometimes those sacrifices come in the form of life-long injuries. It is our responsibility to aid those with extreme loss and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension is one way we can do that." To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria: —Have been a resident of Pennsylvania upon entering the military. —Have received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge. —Have a service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher in each of two or more limbs (arms/hands or legs/feet) as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. To apply, Pennsylvania veterans should contact their County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county in which they reside. 2025 primary voter education efforts launched In preparation for the May 20 primary election, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt this week launched the Shapiro Administration's biannual voter education efforts to ensure Pennsylvanians are aware of key dates and deadlines ahead of the election, as well as how to cast a ballot for those who choose to vote by mail. "No voter should miss out on the opportunity to have their voice heard, so the Department provides clear, nonpartisan information about how Pennsylvanians can cast their ballot and have it counted," Schmidt said. Among the key dates: May 5: Last day to register to vote in the primary election May 13: Last day to apply for a mail ballot May 20: Primary Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 8 p.m. May 20: Deadline for your county elections office to receive your completed mail ballot. Because Pennsylvania has a closed primary, only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for their party's nominees in the primary election. However, all voters can vote on any local ballot questions, if applicable. Schmidt highlighted the Department's voter education toolkit, which provides ready-made graphics with election facts — in English, Spanish and Chinese — for stakeholders and the public to share online to further educate voters about the primary. Schmidt also reminded voters about redesigned mail ballot materials and redesigned online mail ballot application. The changes institute more uniformity in mail ballot materials across the Commonwealth's 67 counties, streamline the application process, provide clearer instructions for voters, and reduce the chances of voters making errors, Schmidt said. Schmidt said, "When most of these changes were introduced last year, we saw a 57% decrease in the number of mail ballots rejected for being improperly filled out." For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, including mail ballots, call the Department of State's year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA, visit or follow #ReadytoVotePA on social media. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
PA Game Commission sets CWD meeting for Thursday at PSU Hazleton
Feb. 26—WILKES-BARRE — Sportsmen and landowners in Luzerne County are invited to attend an informational meeting Thursday in Hazleton regarding chronic wasting disease, according to state Rep. Jim Haddock. The public meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Penn State Hazleton, 76 University Drive, Graham Building Room 115 (Parking lot F). Chronic wasting disease, according to according to the CDC, affects deer, elk, moose and similar animals. It has been reported in the United States and other countries. "No CWD infections in people have ever been reported," according to "And it's not known if people can even get infected with CWD. However, CWD is related to another prion disease in animals that does infect people. So, it is considered a theoretical risk to people. "Some studies in monkeys suggest they can get CWD by eating meat or brain tissues of infected deer or elk. These studies raise concerns CWD may also pose a risk to people." Cases of CWD have been discovered in southern Luzerne County and, more recently, in Carbon County. "As a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, I encourage hunters and landowners with questions about how upcoming regulations could affect them and how chronic wasting disease affects deer to make time to attend this important meeting," said Haddock, D-Pittston Township. The free event, hosted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will include an informational session on CWD and a question-and-answer period. Contact the Game Commission's CWD Hotline at 1-833-INFOCWD or email INFOCWD@ or visit for information. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National literacy program launched at Riverside elementary school
MOOSIC — A national program providing free books to students was launched at Riverside Elementary East. Officials from publishing company Scholastic joined area legislators Thursday afternoon to kick off United States of Readers, a national literacy program run by Scholastic giving students in grades pre-K to eight in underresourced schools access to books of their choosing. Students get to select 10 books a year, with teachers receiving 25 books for their classroom. The books are free to all students. Judy Newman, Scholastic's chief impact officer, congratulated the assembled crowd of students in grades three to six and their teachers on being the first school district in the state to have the program and thanked state Rep. Jim Haddock, D-118, Pittston Twp., and state Sen. Marty Flynn, D-22, Dunmore, for their support. Both lawmakers stressed the importance of reading and shared their excitement about the program with the students. Haddock said reading and access to books are crucial for students to read at their grade level. The program will also encourage students to read for fun. 'You get to pick what you're going to read,' Flynn said. Children's book author Jerry Pallotta offered a presentation detailing his career, which began with reading to his four children. He also described how the ocean, fishing and boating trips in his native Massachusetts, as well as travels around the world, inspired his books — including his 'Who Would Win' book series, which compares the abilities of different animals. Pallotta told the students they can learn lots of information from books. The presentation concluded with teachers passing out copies of his book 'Who Would Win: Lobster vs. Crab' after the presentation, and Haddock, joined by students, unveiling boxes of books. Sixth graders Isabella Castro and London Ephraim are excited to have free books in their school. * State Sen. Marty Flynn speaks to students at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * State Sen. Marty Flynn speaks to students during the program at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * State Sen. Marty Flynn and state Rep. Jim Haddock listen to the program at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * State Rep. Jim Haddock greets third-grade student Michael Thorne before the program at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * State Rep. Jim Haddock speaks to students at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Childrens author Jerry Pallotta speaks to students at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Childrens author Jerry Pallotta speaks to students at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Students cheer during the program at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 8 State Sen. Marty Flynn speaks to students at Riverside Elementary School in Moosic Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand 'It's giving a lot of kids who don't have the money to buy books an opportunity to read what they want,' Castro said. They also like that it exposes them to different kinds of books. Officials at Scholastic launched the program in the fall, initially starting in Massachusetts, and plan to expand it to other districts in the state that receive federal Title I funds. Haddock said after the presentation he set aside $200,000 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for the program. Riverside Superintendent Paul Brennan said the program, which started at Riverside Elementary East and West last month, has been good for the district. 'This is a really important literacy program. Senator Flynn and Representative Haddock really went out and found some funding for us to kick-start some of the literacy initiatives that the school board and myself and the principals have had,' he said. 'It's all high-quality books, and there's no price tag, which is the best.' Lawmakers have taken steps to help school districts provide better reading instruction, approving a bill last fall providing reading curriculums, screenings and teacher trainings in the science of reading.
