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My Latest Op-Ed: Goliath Twists the Tale on Skill Games

It’s a tale as old as time in Harrisburg, but for those who read about skill games for the first time, an obvious question often remains – how is this different from gambling?

In simplest terms, skill games are interactive, where, with hand-eye coordination and a little intellectual acuity, the player can affect the outcome on every play. Games can be won by the player’s own skill. On the other hand, casino and lottery games are won by chance. The player has no input as to the spin of the slots, the roll of the dice, the cards dealt or when the roulette wheel stops.  The outcome is pre-programmed.

Skill games are not found in glitzy casinos. Skill games are specifically designed to provide supplemental income to small businesses. They’re found in our neighborhood convenience stores, our American Legions, our VFW posts, volunteer fire companies and local taverns.

The story of skill games and the casino and lottery industry is, quite literally, David vs. Goliath. Read more HERE…

Events Continue to Highlight Importance of Skill Games

I’ve spoken to operators, business owners, veterans and first responders at several events across the state to highlight the importance of skill games, including one last week in East Stroudsburg.

Skill games help small businesses and veterans’ organizations pay their staff, pay their bills, maintain their establishments and pay for donations to help their communities. But now, extreme new tax proposals have put the supplemental income from the games at risk.

That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 626, which protects these organizations from devastating taxes they can’t afford.

I asked attendees at each event to tell their senators and representatives how skill games have helped their organizations and ask them to support Senate Bill 626. Read more HERE.

Funding for Wysox Community Park Boat Launch

Last week, I was pleased to join State Rep. Tina Pickett (R-110) to announce $205,600 recently awarded in Bradford County for the rehabilitation of the Wysox Community Park Boat Launch along the Susquehanna River. The funding was approved through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Boating Facility Grant Program.

Read more HERE.

Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now

Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID.

You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable).

While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification.

Local Students Visit Capitol

Thank you to the students from White Deer and Myers Elementary Schools for stopping by our beautiful State Capitol for a tour during your visits to Harrisburg!

Wellsboro’s MetalKraft Receives Business of the Year Award

Pictured L to R: Glenn Poirier, MetalKraft COO, Aaron Singer, MetalKraft CEO, Cynthia Traore, NTRPDC Business Development Administrator and Nate Singer, MetalKraft Quality Control.

MetalKraft, a family-owned powdered metal products manufacturing business in Wellsboro, recently received the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Business of the Year Award. MetalKraft specializes in powdered metal gears, sprockets and bearings. Congratulations!

Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years.

May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%.

Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023.

May 4-10 is Small Business Week

More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies.

When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media.

If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more.

State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation

According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer.

Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites.

Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places.

PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills

The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care.

A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network.

Learn more and submit a bill for review here.

Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth

Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-8437.

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