Latest news with #Pashinski
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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. Featured Local Savings Featured Local Savings Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- 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
04-06-2025
- 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.
