Rite Aid layoffs: State to host online meeting to support affected employees

WILKES-BARRE — On Wednesday, May 14, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) will host a virtual Rapid Response Information Meeting (RRIM) for employees affected by the recently announced Rite Aid layoffs which affected hundreds of workers in Pennsylvania.

The session will provide important information to help impacted workers during this career transition, like PA CareerLink services, Unemployment Compensation guidance, health insurance enrollment and additional local and state resources.

The meeting will take place online from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and registration is required. Impacted workers can sign up online.

“Suddenly losing employment and having to determine your next move can feel overwhelming and intimidating,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “But L&I is here to help during this challenging time. Our Rapid Response team is working to ensure those impacted by Rite Aid’s layoffs have access to the resources and support they need to help them transition to meaningful employment opportunities that offer family-sustaining wages.”

L&I encourages workers to reach out to their local PA CareerLink for more information and services.

Topper: Flawed process created flawed legal marijuana bill

Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, this week said the flawed process leading to House Bill 1200 — legislation legalizing marijuana for recreational use in Pennsylvania — resulted in a flawed bill that demanded opposition.

The legislation passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Wednesday on a party-line vote of 102-101.

“The bill to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania was introduced at the end of the day Sunday and then rushed through a committee vote on Monday afternoon — a move that stifled debate and potential amendments,” Topper said. “That flawed process led to a seriously flawed piece of legislation that creates an unnecessary government monopoly over the sale of marijuana, contains significant constitutional concerns, and fails to deliver on promised state revenue by cannibalizing the sales of legalized marijuana into new programs and state giveaways.”

Topper said House Bill 1200 massively expands government by creating a government monopoly over the sale of marijuana by vesting sale and regulatory authority with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which estimated $260 million in costs to ramp up sales of marijuana. In addition, during the amendment process, Democrats unanimously rejected a Republican proposal that would have allowed municipalities to opt-out of having marijuana sales take place within their borders.

“If Democrats were serious about getting this legislation done, the process they used would have reflected that,” Rep. Topper said. “Unfortunately, this product was too rushed, too deeply flawed, and too far-ranging to garner any support from the House Republican Caucus.”

House Bill 1200 now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate.

Structured literacy, PASS scholarship bills advanced

The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland, this week advanced legislation to implement evidence-based reading instruction and establish the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship Program — both of which aim to provide students with resources for learning and advancing in and out of the classroom.

“Structured literacy is a top priority for me as Chair of the Education Committee, as we have students in all grades that are not able to read at grade level,” Culver said. “Methods used in recent years for teaching letters, words, and reading comprehension are doing a disservice to an entire generation, and research backs the need for change.”

• Senate Bill 700 — requires schools to implement evidence-based reading instruction, conduct reading screenings for K–3 students and provides grant funding to support literacy development.

“Under-performing schools are also doing our students a disservice,” Culver said. “PASS Scholarships allow parents and students to determine the best learning environment for them.”

• Senate Bill 10 — uses state testing performance metrics to identify the bottom 15% of schools, in order for parents to qualify for PASS scholarships that could be used to attend an alternative school.

The committee also approved the following additional legislation:

• Senate Bill 114 — expands the availability of long-term care training programs and nurse aide certification opportunities to address workforce shortages.

• Senate Bill 127 — requires schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations, and post related resources online.

•Senate Bill 227 — applies the Right-to-Know Law to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, increasing transparency in school governance.

Senate Bill 246 — requires notification to parents and school staff when a weapon is found on school property to promote communication and safety.

Senate Bill 310 — establishes a requirement for students to complete the FAFSA or an opt-out form as a condition for public high school graduation, supporting college and career readiness.

For information, visit www.pasenategop.com.

Pugh to hold concealed carry event

Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, this week announced she will host a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday, May 15.

The event will be held at the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, 66 Tener St., Luzerne, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Many people have questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine,” Pugh said. “I’m hopeful this event will help provide answers and clarity about firearm owner rights.”

The seminar, led by Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County district attorney, will provide information on state laws and a time to ask questions. No concealed carry permits will be offered.

Reservations are required by calling 570-283-1001 or visiting www.RepPugh.com/events.

Walsh to host seminar on financial exploitation of seniors

Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free seminar on the financial exploitation of seniors at noon Friday, May 16, at the Meadows Manor Community Room, 200 Lake St., Dallas.

Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with a complimentary lunch provided at 11:30 a.m.

David Shallcross, director of senior protection at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will lead a presentation on spotting and preventing financial exploitation among older adults.

“Fraudsters and scammers are constantly changing their tactics to prey upon unsuspecting victims,” Walsh said. “Awareness is our best defense against financial exploitation. I am happy to offer this free seminar to help my constituents learn the red flags and protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to financial fraud schemes.”

Registration is required. Call Walsh’s Dallas office at 570-675-6000 for information or to reserve a seat.

House approves bill to increase pension payments for disabled veterans

The state House of Representatives has approved legislation that would increase pension payments for veterans who are blind and for veterans who have lost limbs or are paralyzed due to their military service, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, one of the bill’s prime sponsors.

“It’s been 26 years since these pension payments made by our Commonwealth were adjusted, and it’s long past due we make this change to support our disabled veterans,” Watro said.

House Bill 1144 seeks to raise the pension amount from $150 per month to $200 per month for both the Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

“This $50 increase per month is the first step in right-sizing these programs for the deserving veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country,” Watro said. “I hope the Senate acts quickly on this important legislation.”