Dear Neighbor,

I want to make sure you’re aware of a local scam involving a Bitcoin machine that was recently reported in The Citizens’ Voice. The article stated:

“City police are investigating a theft that took place Sunday on South Main Street.
Police were dispatched to an unidentified business around 3:12 p.m. for a report of a theft.

Upon arriving, the complainant said he received a phone call from a man who identified himself as the new owner of the business. The complainant told police the man directed him to go to a business with a Bitcoin machine and deposit the money from the cash register.

The complainant informed police that he proceeded to deposit nearly $800 into a Bitcoin machine before realizing it was a scam.”

As always, I encourage everyone to remain vigilant when it comes to financial decisions. For tips on avoiding possible fraud and scam, please click here.

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and the House Education Committee held a joint hearing on H.B. 1768, the Keystone Fresh Act.

Introduced by state Reps. Danilo Burgos and Jonathan Fritz, this bipartisan legislation would expand access to fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals while supporting Pennsylvania farmers and strengthening local economies. This legislation is both timely and important: millions of Pennsylvania students rely on school meals, yet only 9% of school food budgets currently go toward local products.

As we heard, the Keystone Fresh Act would provide funding for schools to purchase more local foods and resources for farmers to meet school market needs. Research shows that for every $1 spent on local food purchasing initiatives, $1.40 circulates back into local economies. With Pennsylvania’s diverse agricultural sector, this program would improve student nutrition, stimulate the farm economy, and strengthen connections between rural and urban communities. Click here to watch the full hearing.

Tuesday’s hearing demonstrated how integrating local foods into school meals helps instill healthy eating habits in children while introducing them to the people and places their food comes from. The Keystone Fresh Act would be a significant step toward connecting more schools with Pennsylvania farmers and producers—helping open more markets for Pennsylvania products and educating our children about the love and labor that go into growing, harvesting, and producing the foods we all enjoy.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of our testifiers for sharing their experiences and expertise on this subject with the committees, including a special shout-out to Gage Monroe (pictured above), a Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School student, who did a great job sharing his experiences and the many positive and practical outcomes this program produces – click here to view the full agenda and read submitted testimony.

And remember, one thing we can all do to support our Pennsylvania farmers and producers is to buy PA Preferred. When you see the PA Preferred or PA Preferred Organic label, it means: Made in PA. Buy PA. PA Preferred – PA Proud!

After 100 days of Senate Republicans putting politics ahead of people and refusing to negotiate in good faith on a state budget, House Democrats have had enough.

To show our true commitment to Pennsylvanians, I was proud, once again, on Wednesday to cast my vote for a state budget that clearly demonstrates an ability to govern through thoughtful compromise.

The first bipartisan budget plan the House sent to the Senate (H.B. 1330) on July 14 was met with silence. On Wednesday, we in the House again raised our voices and our votes, demanding that Senate leaders take this seriously.

And it is serious. Schools, counties, and organizations—like rape crisis centers and Head Start programs—are all feeling the effects of Senate inaction. Many have been forced to cut services or take out loans to cover expenses that should be paid through normal budget operations.

What the Senate is doing isn’t governing—it’s weakness.

Please join me in calling on Senate Republican leaders to end the misinformation and pass the House state budget—one that funds schools and essential services, does not increase taxes, and is built on thoughtful compromise and a genuine commitment to govern.

This proposed budget does not raise taxes. Period. Pennsylvania is fortunate to have approximately $10 billion in our combined Budget and Reserve Fund.

Seniors: Medicare Open Enrollment begins on Oct. 15. You can receive free, one-on-one assistance through Pennsylvania’s Medicare Education & Decision Insight (PA MEDI) program. Counselors are available to answer questions about different plans and help you choose the one that best meets your needs.

Call the PA MEDI helpline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-800-783-7067, or visit this page to learn more.

Don’t forget: This November, voters in our community will choose leaders for critical positions that impact on daily life, including:
• School Board Directors
• Township Supervisors and Borough Council Members
• Mayors
• County Offices
• Judges for the County Court of Common Pleas

Across the Commonwealth, voters will also weigh in on state judicial retention votes, as well as elections for a State Superior Court judge and a Commonwealth Court judge.

Historically, municipal elections have had low voter turnout — which is unfortunate, because it means many people are opting out of deciding who represents them in areas ranging from our schools, law enforcement, and open space preservation to local taxation, zoning and development, and the administration of justice.

Make no mistake: the results of the upcoming election on November 4th will matter for years to come.

• Register to vote or update your registration: vote.pa.gov/Register.
• Sign up to vote by mail: vote.pa.gov/ApplyMailBallot.
• Contact your county’s election officials: vote.pa.gov/County.
• Find your polling place: vote.pa.gov/Polls.

Your vote is your voice and your power to make elected officials understand your concerns.

Make sure your voice is heard loud and clear on November 4th – Vote – it’s your responsibility and your power.

What: National Prescription Drug Take Back & Child Car Seat Safety Check Event
When: Saturday, October 25 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Luzerne County Courthouse

(rear parking lot)
200 North River Street

Wilkes-Barre, PA

This event helps keep our communities safe by responsibly disposing of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications. Simply drive up and drop them off! The Northeast Highway Safety Program’s Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand to provide free child seat fittings.

Please be advised that my district and Harrisburg offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, in honor of Native American Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Regular business hours will resume at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14.

Let us continue to work together to build a stronger and safer America by searching for the TRUTH and finding the FACTS to guide our words, and our actions. Please, STAY STRONG and SAFE! Our democracy needs us to come together for the good of all.

Sincerely,

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski

121st Legislative District