Latest news with #Pashinski
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill passes PA House incentivizing buying healthy food with SNAP
A bill incentivizing healthy eating and stretching SNAP dollars has passed in the PA House. House Bill 1096, called Food Bucks, is meant to enhance the SNAP program and is being championed by State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne). City of Erie seeking home rule charter candidates for Nov. election The legislation would establish a statewide program that provides benefit incentives of 40 cents for each dollar a SNAP participant spends on certain healthy foods. Representative Pashinski said a program like this can reduce hunger, support local farmers and improve the health of Pennsylvanians. Better bee-lieve it — Buzz at Copperleaf Cafe to host soft opening this weekend 'it is still our tax payer dollars and we have invest the wisely so as people look at this its not only taking care of the health espcially of the children and allowing them to learn to and grow but were also taking care of our agriculture industry the farmers the tranporters anybody and everybody thats involved in processing it and transporting the food to where we have to go,' Pashinski said. The bill now moves to the state senate for further consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Pashinski bill providing healthy eating, stretching SNAP dollars passes House
Jun. 3—WILKES-BARRE — Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said on Tuesday that the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program would support PA's agricultural economy while simultaneously increasing access to nutritious food at a time when many Pennsylvanians' budgets are tight. Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, celebrated the passage of his legislation establishing a statewide program to provide benefit incentives — called Food Bucks — to SNAP recipients purchasing qualifying fruits and vegetables. Rep. Pashinski said under the Pennsylvania Food Bucks program established by H.B. 1096, a Pennsylvania nonprofit would administer the program, providing benefit incentives of no less than 40 cents for each dollar a SNAP participant spends on certain healthy foods at participating retailers. Rep. Pashinski said that similar programs have been passed and implemented in other states and have been proven to improve diets through increased fruit and vegetable consumption. "SNAP nutrition incentive programs like this can reduce hunger, support local farmers and retailers, and improve the health of Pennsylvanians," Rep. Pashinski said. "I thank my colleagues for ensuring that Pennsylvania families who rely on SNAP have more consistent access to the essential fruits and vegetables needed for balanced nutrition and a healthy life." The incentives — often taking the form of a paper or digital coupon issued when a shopper pays with SNAP/EBT — would allow shoppers to purchase additional fruits and vegetables at participating food retailers. In addition to any state funds allocated, Rep. Pashinski said matching dollars may be available from the federal government to stretch these investments even further. House Bill 1096 is supported by Feeding Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, and The Food Trust — a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to delicious, nutritious food for all. "The Pennsylvania Food Bucks program would be a game-changer for our Commonwealth — delivering a triple win for families, farmers and the economy," said Mark Edwards, president and CEO, The Food Trust. "Pennsylvania's farmers stand to gain significantly — as families fill their tables with fresh, local food, farmers expand their customer base, increase revenue and scale up production." "The PA Food Bucks Program is a win for food retailers and families," said Alex Baloga, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. "It drives produce sales, increases SNAP customer traffic, and strengthens relationships between stores and their communities." Julie Bancroft, CEO, Feeding Pennsylvania, said, "Ensuring children, seniors and families have access to adequate nutrition is not a partisan issue. Access to healthy food items like fruits and vegetables is proven to reduce long-term health care costs, increase lifetime earnings, and will make Pennsylvania a healthier, better place to live." House Bill 1096 moves to the state Senate for further consideration. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Pashinski celebrates passage of HB-325 to strengthen Taxpayer Relief Act
Apr. 9—WILKES-BARRE — Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski on Wednesday said the passage of his legislation, HB-325, marks a significant step forward in providing clarity and fairness to taxpayers in Pennsylvania. Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, said HB-325 would amend the Taxpayer Relief Act to better clarify the amount and source of school property tax relief on school district tax notices received by taxpayers. "This important piece of legislation — which passed with overwhelming support in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives — would make crucial updates to the law governing how school district tax notices are issued and provide clearer definitions within the Taxpayer Relief Act, ensuring more effective and transparent communication with Pennsylvania taxpayers," Pashinski said. "The changes outlined in House Bill 325 are a direct response to concerns from both taxpayers and school districts about the transparency and effectiveness of property tax notices. By modernizing the language and procedures within the Taxpayer Relief Act, we are ensuring that taxpayers have the information they need to know that their Property Tax reduction check comes from the casino gaming industry." Pashinski expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their bipartisan support of his bill, noting that the unanimous passage is a clear example of the commitment to protecting taxpayers and improving government efficiency. "I am deeply thankful for the collaboration shown by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle," Pashinski said. "This bill is a direct reflection of our collective responsibility to create a fairer, more transparent tax system for the people of Pennsylvania." With the final passage of HB-325 in the House, Pashinski said the bill will now move to the state Senate for further consideration. Pashinski said he remains hopeful that the legislation will continue to receive strong support as it moves through the legislative process. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Pashinski announces food service equipment grant for Cheder Menachem
Apr. 7—WILKES-BARRE — State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski on Monday said ensuring that schools have the necessary tools and resources to provide healthy and nutritious meals for students is crucial. Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, announced that Cheder Menachem Inc., of Wilkes Barre, has been awarded a Food Service Equipment Grant in the amount of $26,303. Pashinski said the grant will be used to purchase a new tilting skillet, an essential piece of kitchen equipment that will help improve food service operations for students and staff. "I am proud to support Cheder Menachem in securing this grant, which will help them better serve their students, enhance their food service capabilities and ultimately contribute to the overall well-being of the children they educate," Pashinski said. Pashinski, said he has long been a strong advocate for local education and community services. He highlighted the importance of such investments in supporting the region's educational institutions. Pashinski said the Food Service Equipment Grant — provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Education — is designed to assist schools and intuitions like Cheder Menachem with purchasing equipment that meets modern food safety standards and improves efficiency in meal preparation. Pashinski said he remains committed to advocating for resources that support local schools and the districts' ability to provide a quality educational experience. He encourages other community organizations to explore similar opportunities that can enhance their operations and better serve the residents of the 121st Legislative District.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre to hold Legislative Breakfast March 22
Mar. 9—WILKES-BARRE — Rep. Jim Haddock said this week he will attend the upcoming League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre Area Legislative Brunch, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at Wilkes University. "I have responded to the League I will attend," said Haddock, D-Pittston Township. "I attended last year as well. I feel events like this give myself a chance to learn what is on the mind of our community. Conversations like this forum provides is invaluable to me as a legislator." Also planning to attend the forum is Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, who also attended the 2024 event with Rep. Haddock. According to the League of Women Voters leadership, Haddock and Pashinski will be the only two state legislators at this year's forum — for the second straight year. "At this time, only the two Democrats — Rep. Haddock and Rep. Pashinski — have responded 'yes' to our invitation," said Laine Little, a member of the League's Board of Directors. "People want to know that their elected officials are listening to their concerns and taking them to Harrisburg or Washington, DC. People also want someone to explain to them in plain language what the state and federal government is doing to make their lives more affordable and even prosperous." The League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre will hold its annual legislative brunch from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 22, in the Jean and Paul Adams Commons (JPAC), Henry Student Center on the Wilkes University campus. The league has invited all local State Senators and State Representatives to attend. Free parking is available directly behind the building, accessible from South Franklin and South River streets. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The event is free to high school and college students if accompanied by a school adviser. Advance registration is required by Monday, March 17. To register or for information, visit or call 570-675-3429. According to the League of Women Voters, there is still time for legislators to respond and accept the invitation to participate in the forum, which is expected to have college students and general public in attendance, in addition to League members. However, only Rep. Haddock and Rep. Pashinski have accepted. The Times Leader reached out to legislators and asked if they intend to participate in the League's forum and if not, why they declined. Here are the responses the newspaper received: —Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Township — declined due scheduling conflict. —Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township — declined due to scheduling conflict. —Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township — declined due to a commitment with her grandchildren. The League of Women Voters provided the following on the other legislators: —Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Scranton and Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, did not respond. —Sen. Linda Culver, R-Northumberland; Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton; Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville; all declined. Jane Elmes Crahall, a member of the League and past moderator of the Legislative Brunch, said for many years all, or almost all, of the local legislators attended the annual brunch. Elmes Crahall also was a professor at Wilkes University. "Last year's very limited participation was disappointing," Elmes Crahall said. "The League, which is nonpartisan, focuses on policy issues of immediate interest to the local citizens. We do not endorse any candidates, but we do make issues and their stand on issues the topic of our public discussion." Elmes Crahall said the League believes informed voters make the best citizens because they consider the facts and credibility of candidates before making their choice in voting. "For many years I moderated these forums and always found the most relevant questions came from the audience," she said. "There were times when audience members made their Representatives aware of major issues of concern. The chance to have a face-to-face discussion with our local representatives is rare and very important." So why, then, Elmes Crahall asked, have so many legislators declined the League's invitation to participate? "They need to explain their positions and should be welcome to learning the concerns of all voters in their districts," Elmes Crahall said. "When I was moderating, I thought it might help to know that legislators often gained genuine insights into relevant issues via the conversations. I remember some heated discussions at the Brunch/brunch tables between voters and their Representatives. Also, some of the people who gained the most from these events were our students who were first-time voters." Laine Little said the League just started a series on its website called "Democracy 101" that explains the basic workings of government, such as "What are Presidential Executive Orders?" "We would like to help people understand the hard work that our legislators do to benefit our region," Little said. "And so, we offer a warm and friendly nonpartisan event in which friends and neighbors discover once again that we're all just people who want a government that doesn't interfere in our pursuit of freedom, health and happiness." Little said the League members are still working on the questions, but all the questions are vetted by LWV staff to make sure they are nonpartisan and conversational. "We hope legislators will tell us what they're working on currently," she said. "I expect people will want to know what needs to happen before we see a decrease in our grocery bills. We hope legislators will be prepared to talk about cost and access to education for students, especially in light of the recent news about Keystone and the PSU system. This would include both students of traditional age and students already in the workforce that need continuing education to further or switch careers." Little added, "On the campaign trail, some of the candidates addressed different school and career options following high school graduation, so I hope they'll be prepared to discuss attracting new industries and job opportunities to this area. And they may be asked about infrastructure development." About the League of Women Voters Founded in 1944, the League of Women Voters of The Wilkes-Barre Area (LWVWBA) is a nonpartisan organization that presents citizens of the Wilkes-Barre area with educational tools about issues and candidates so they can make informed decisions on election day. Activities include publishing a government directory and voter guides, voter registration drives, and hosting events where constituents can meet their elected officials. Entirely run by local volunteers, League membership is open to all, regardless of political affiliation or gender. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
