Gov. Shapiro launches new consumer protection tools to help report scams

May 3--WILKES-BARRE -- Gov. Josh Shapiro this week launched a new, centralized consumer protection hotline, website and email address to make it easier for Pennsylvanians to report scams, resolve financial and insurance issues and access help from the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvanians can call 1-866-722-6675, visit pa.gov/consumer or email [email protected] to report financial, insurance and consumer concerns.

"As Attorney General, I created a Consumer Financial Protection Unit to crack down on predatory lenders and protect vulnerable Pennsylvanians -- seniors, students, and military families," Shapiro said. "Here in Pennsylvania, we have some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country. That means agencies like the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and the Department of Banking and Securities have the power to stand up for consumers when they get ripped off or scammed. Whether it's a denied insurance claim, a payday loan trap, or a student loan scam, these agencies are empowered to take action and deliver real results for the people of Pennsylvania."

The initiative connects consumers with the appropriate state agencies, including:

--Department of Banking and Securities -- Protecting against financial exploitation, predatory lending and banking issues.

--Pennsylvania Insurance Department -- Resolving disputes over insurance claims, coverage and unfair practices.

--Other agencies, including those regulating utilities, student loans and professional licensing.

PID handled nearly 17,000 consumer complaints in 2024, up from 14,000 in 2023. More than 6,000 complaints involved auto insurance and more than 5,000 involved health insurance. PID also oversaw over 650 eligible external health insurance review requests -- the first year the Commonwealth held this authority -- helping Pennsylvanians get unfairly denied claims reconsidered.

Watro, Argall announce $150K in STEM grants

A total of $150,000 in grants to support computer science and science, technology, engineering and math education have been approved for schools in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville.

"The Luzerne Intermediate Unit and Mahanoy Area School District have each received $75,000 through the state Department of Education's PAsmart program," Watro said. "These grants will support the development and expansion of Career and Technical Education in STEM and computer science in our communities to ensure our students are prepared with the skills they'll need to succeed in the future."

"This highly competitive funding will help teach our students career-defining skills and connect them with in-demand jobs in our area," Argall said. "I'm committed to supporting and expanding career and technical education programs across Pennsylvania."

PAsmart is an initiative with the goal to expand inclusion in STEM and computer science teaching and learning, to help ensure students across Pennsylvania have the skills to meet the economic needs of the dynamic Pennsylvania economy.

Since 2018, more than $60 million has been secured and strategically invested in education and workforce development through the initiative.

Pashinski hosts successful Medicare 101 seminar

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, hosted a well-attended and informative Medicare 101 Seminar on April 30 aimed at helping seniors and their families navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage options.

The seminar, held at Pashinski's Wilkes-Barre office, drew a group of community members to learn about their health care options and how to make informed decisions regarding Medicare enrollment.

"Medicare is a critical program that provides essential health care services to millions of Americans, especially our seniors," Pashinski said. "I am proud to have hosted this event to help answer questions and ensure that our residents have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their health care."

The seminar featured a comprehensive overview of Medicare, including details about the different parts of the program, eligibility requirements, enrollment periods and how to choose the best plan. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized assistance from experts, ensuring that they left with a better understanding of their options.

"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Terri Flowers and the United Way for partnering with us in this effort," Pashinski said. "Their commitment to helping our community members access vital resources, especially seniors, is truly commendable."

Mastriano honors anniversary Vietnam War end

Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-33, this week honored the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War by recognizing the brave men and women who served with valor and sacrifice during one of the most difficult chapters in American history.

Mastriano also highlighted the passage of Senate Bill 1160 in 2024 -- now enacted as Act 124 -- which he sponsored to formally recognize and commemorate Vietnam veterans across the state.

"Fifty years may have passed, but our gratitude remains as strong as ever," Mastriano said. "The men and women who served in Vietnam did so with courage, conviction and an unwavering commitment to our nation. Many did not return home. Others came back to a country still divided by war. It was important that we, as a state, take formal steps to honor them."

Act 124 officially recognizes the courage and valor of these men and women. The legislation ensures that the stories, service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans are preserved and appreciated for generations to come.

"This act is more than a piece of legislation -- it's a promise to never forget those who gave so much for our freedom," Mastriano said.

Primary Voters Guide published

The League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre will publish a Voters Guide in advance of the May 20 Primary Election.

The guide contains the candidates' positions for state offices who participated in the National League of Women Voters Education Fund Vote 411 survey.

The League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre emailed a separate survey to candidates in the races for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and Luzerne County Council.

--The Voters Guide will be published and distributed by the Times Leader on Sunday

, May 4

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LWVWBA will provide printed copies of the Voters Guide to libraries in the Luzerne Public Library System. A free electronic version is available at lwvwba.org.

Founded in 1944, The League of Women Voters of the Wilkes-Barre Area is a nonpartisan organization that presents citizens of the Wilkes-Barre area with educational tools about issues and candidates so they can make informed decisions on Election Day.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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