Dec. 22—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) this week announced the approval of 30 freight rail improvement projects that will improve freight mobility while creating or retaining 344 jobs across Pennsylvania.
“Expanding and improving Pennsylvania’s rail freight network will support jobs for families and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy, while strengthening local economic development,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments will create opportunities for future generations of Pennsylvanians and provide important mobility across the Commonwealth.”
Pennsylvania has 65 railroads, which is more than any other state. PennDOT is committed to working with private railroad operators and rail companies to build new rail lines and help maintain and improve Pennsylvania’s approximately 6,000 miles of freight lines.
The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $55 million for the following projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
The following are approved rail freight projects in Luzerne County:
—Mericle River Road, LLC: $742,000 to construct a new main line switch and a new 2,100-foot truck to connect to the Luzerne & Susquehanna Railroad.
—Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority: $693,000 to rehabilitate two at-grade intersections and replace connectors on two bridges.
Treasurer Garrity encourages Pennsylvanians with disabilities to save with PA ABLE
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity celebrated the 10th anniversary of federal Stephen Beck, Jr. this week. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act – or ABLE Act – by encouraging Pennsylvanians with disabilities to learn more about the PA ABLE Savings Program.
Passage of the ABLE Act paved the way for programs like PA ABLE to help people with disabilities achieve financial goals by providing access to tax-advantaged savings options without impacting eligibility for essential federal benefits like supplemental security income and medical assistance.
“Before ABLE, saving for the future was impossible for too many Pennsylvanians, which was a shame,” said Treasurer Garrity. “Fortunately, Americans with disabilities can now live more independently and save for the future. I am grateful that this great program has expanded opportunities for people with disabilities and their families for a decade, and I encourage everyone to learn more about PA ABLE.”
The ABLE Act was championed by U.S. Senator Bob Casey and was signed into law on December 19, 2014. Since then, 46 states plus Washington DC have established ABLE programs. More than 187,000 ABLE accounts have been opened nationwide, saving more than $2.0 billion for future needs.
“I have fought my entire career to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full, healthy and independent lives. ABLE is a common sense, two-pronged program that serves as a lifeline to financial independence for thousands of people across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Casey.
PA ABLE was passed as Senate Bill 879 and signed into law in 2016 with instrumental support from Senator Lisa Baker and former Representative Bernie O’Neill. The first PA ABLE account opened in 2017. PA ABLE is now one of the largest programs in the country, with nearly 10,000 accounts and more than $143 million saved.
“Everyone who has had a hand in creating this program feels a sense of joy at how many Pennsylvania families have had the opportunity to open doors for loved ones with disabilities,” said Senator Baker. “ABLE is a wonderful example of what kind of public good can emerge when officials at every level of government work together to meet an important community need.”
PA ABLE offers multiple investment options and account owners can contribute up to $18,000 annually. No federal or state income tax is paid on the growth of the account if it is used for qualified expenses such as everyday expenses like groceries and rent, as well as long-term expenses such as assistive technology, adaptive vehicles and more.
Senator Baker, Representative Walsh plans VFW service officers to assist veterans
Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, invites veterans to make an appointment to meet with a VFW service officer at her office locations in Nanticoke and Dallas.
Senator Baker invites veterans to make an appointment to meet with a VFW service officer at her office in Dallas on the second Friday of each month, free of charge.
“Veterans are the heart and soul of America and we appreciate their many sacrifices to make this nation a beacon of freedom and hope,” said Senator Baker. “During difficult economic times, many veterans continue to need our help. I encourage any veteran or spouse with questions about benefits to make an appointment to meet with a service officer.”
On Friday, January 10, 2025, the VFW Service Officer will be available for scheduled appointments at Senator Baker’s office, 22 Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway, Dallas.
All veterans, not just VFW members, can request an appointment between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To make an appointment at this location, please call 570-675-3931.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the VFW Service Officer will be available for scheduled appointments at Senator Baker’s office, 50 North Walnut St., Suite105, Nanticoke. To make an appointment at this location, please call 570-740-2432.
A representative from MyCIL (Northeast PA Center for Independent Living) will be at Senator Baker’s Dallas office on Friday, January 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. Information and resources will be offered to people with disabilities and their families to help them find a home and community-based services, transportation, housing and other assistance to promote greater independence in the community.
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, also announced he will provide free assistance to area veterans on the third Wednesday of every month, starting Jan. 15, at his district office in Sugarloaf.
Senator Baker and Representative Walsh encourage veterans of all ages and eras of service to take advantage of the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officer Network to receive free information and assistance for government benefits. This assistance may include VA health care, compensation, retirement, education, and dependent benefits. Surviving spouses can also use these Service Officers at no charge to inquire about their eligibility for VA benefits.
Walsh said he is pleased to provide this assistance through the American Legion to every veteran living in the 117th Legislative District.
“They are encouraged to take advantage of this free service to discuss benefits or programs they may qualify for,” Walsh said.
A veteran American Legion service officer will be available to meet with veterans or their family members at Walsh’s office, 669 State Route 93, Suite 3, in Sugarloaf.
Call 570-359-2138 to make an appointment. Veterans do not have to be members of the American Legion to participate in the program.
Appointments for veterans will also be available at Walsh’s Dallas office when it opens in the coming weeks.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
