Boback Named as One of Pennsylvania’s Most Influential Female Leaders Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) has been named one of the Commonwealth’s 100 most influential female leaders by City & State Pennsylvania Magazine, which released its inaugural “Power of Diversity: Women 100” list. The magazine’s honorees include “female public servants, business executives, nonprofit leaders, advocates, academics and others who meet at the intersection of politics and policy.” “It is truly amazing to be recognized in such magnitude at the end of my legislative career,” said Boback. “To be considered one of the 100 most influential women leaders in our state is nothing short of extraordinary.” Boback holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and taught in the public school system for 33 years. She served as majority chairman of the House Children and Youth Committee and currently serves as majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Boback sponsored and helped to initiate a myriad of legislative measures that make Pennsylvania a better place to live and raise children. Boback will retire on Nov. 30 after serving eight terms in the state House of Representatives
Representative Karen Boback News Boback Announces District Office Changes Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) today announced that her district office in Dallas only has limited services available at this time, as it is scheduled to permanently close on Wednesday, Nov. 30, due to redistricting. The district office staff can no longer be reached by telephone or email. However, residents are still able to stop by the office, located at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, for assistance with any state government-related issue until the closure date. Meanwhile, Boback’s district office in Tunkhannock remains fully operational. The phone number there is 570-836-4777. Located at 133 W. Tioga St., Suite 4, the office will remain open after Nov. 30 under Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), who will serve the newly created 110th Legislative District, which includes Wyoming County. Boback Takes Part in Signing Ceremony for Her Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day Legislation Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Tuesday took part in a ceremonial bill signing with Gov. Tom Wolf for legislation she sponsored to designate March 29 of each year as “Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day” in Pennsylvania (Act 138 of 2022). Three members of the Tuskegee Airmen were also in attendance, including (seated from left): Dr. Eugene Richardson Jr., fighter pilot; Alma Bailey, cadet nurse; and Nathan Thomas, operations. The Tuskegee Airmen was the first group of African-American military aviators and served during World War II. They were known for fighting with exemplary courage and distinction despite facing racial adversity. Nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen are originally from western Pennsylvania.
Karen Boback Named Legislator of the Year Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, has been named the 2022 Legislator of the Year by the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania (AAP). The award is in recognition of her “dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of emergency medical services in Pennsylvania.”
Representative Karen Boback News Boback’s Bill Commemorating Tuskegee Airmen Needs Governor’s Signature to Become Law A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) that would designate March 29 of each year as “Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day” in Pennsylvania passed unanimously in the Senate last week. House Bill 2586 now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. “Nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen came from western Pennsylvania, more than any other region in the nation,” Boback said. “It is important that we both remember and honor this group of outstanding state residents who put their lives on the line for our nation and Commonwealth, all while in the face of racial adversity.” The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of African-American military aviators, fighting with exemplary courage and distinction during World War II. Despite facing rigid racial barriers and constant segregation, these airmen were among the most accomplished and effective pilots of the entire war. Upwards of 900 pilots who graduated from Tuskegee Airfield flew 1,578 missions and 15,533 sorties, destroying 261 enemy aircraft and earning themselves more than 850 medals, collectively. The bill also would require an annual proclamation from the governor encouraging all public schools and educational institutions to observe and conduct exercises recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen and their sacrifices. The governor has 10 days to sign, veto or allow the bills to become law without his signature. If signed, the new law would take effect in 60 days. Boback’s Bill to Assist Older Foster Youth Awaits Governor’s Signature After Senate Approval – A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) aimed at helping older foster youth in Pennsylvania find more permanent family connections passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday. House Bill 1866 now awaits the governor’s signature to become law. “It is imperative that we do all we can to help foster youth in Pennsylvania find a permanent family before reaching adulthood and, if that doesn’t happen, to ensure they at least have positive family and community connections,” said Boback. “My bill helps these young people to make the often difficult transition into adulthood with a support system in place. I am so pleased we were able to get it across the finish line before the end of the current legislative session.” House Bill 1866 builds on existing state requirements that foster youth receive counseling and other services as they grow older, including the identification of family members who may be willing to assume a primary caretaker or other supportive role. The measure also ensures those requirements are fully and effectively implemented. If signed, the new law would take effect in 60 days.
Representative Karen Boback News Boback’s Bill to Rename a Wyoming County Bridge in Honor of Veterans and First Responders Awaits Governor’s Signature A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) to rename a Wyoming County bridge in honor of local veterans and first responders was sent to the governor’s desk for his signature after its unanimous final approval by the House of Representatives on Tuesday. “As majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I have a great understanding of the sacrifices made by our veterans and first responders,” said Boback. “Now everyone who travels over this bridge will forever be reminded of their contributions to our country and communities.” Boback’s measure designates the bridge carrying State Route 29 over the Susquehanna River in Tunkhannock Borough and Eaton Township, Wyoming County, as the “Wyoming County Veteran and First Responder Bridge of Valor.” The bill also directs PennDOT to erect and maintain signs in both directions displaying the new name of the bridge. Boback’s legislation was one of two dozen bridge or highway renaming proposals included in House Bill 2637. Boback Receives Guardian of Small Business Award Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) was honored to receive the Guardian of Small Business award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The award is based on a voting record which encourages the success of small and independent businesses. Pictured with Boback are, from left, Jeff Wakeen and Warren Hudak, NFIB Pennsylvania Leadership Council members. Boback Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from City & State Pennsylvania Magazine Nearing the end of her eighth and final term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from City & State Pennsylvania Magazine. The award was presented during a ceremony last week in Philadelphia. In its latest issue, the magazine honored 50 of the “most prominent leaders in Pennsylvania government, advocacy, labor, business, academia and media who are over the age of 50.” Ten of them, including Boback, were also Lifetime Achievement Award winners, “who have made lasting contributions to Pennsylvania by helping shape their communities through successful business endeavors, civic engagement and service to local and state government.” “What a surprise to be recognized in this way for a lifetime of accomplishments, including my years in the Legislature,” said Boback. “This is certainly a highlight in my life!” Boback holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and taught in the public school system for 33 years. She served as majority chairman of the House Children and Youth Committee and currently serves as majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Boback sponsored and helped to initiate a myriad of legislative measures that make Pennsylvania a better place to live and raise children.
Boback Meets Discusses School Mental Health Initiative Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) met recently with Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, who wanted to acknowledge her work to create a new School Mental Health Initiative for Pennsylvania’s public schools. Barden’s 7-year-old son, Daniel, was one of the 26 victims of the mass school shooting in Newtown, Conn., nearly 10 years ago. His nonprofit organization works to advance legislation that promotes gun safety, youth mental health and violence prevention training. “So at the Sandy Hook Promise, we have long been on a mission, plain and simple, to prevent other families from having to endure the pain of losing a loved one to preventable violence,” Barden said. “We know that evidence-based violence prevention programs are effective. We have a growing database of interventions, where school shootings have been prevented, along with other acts of violence such as suicides, so we know that this works.” Boback was the prime sponsor of House Bill 540, a proposal included in the 2022-23 state budget that provides $100 million for the initiative. “The School Mental Health Initiative is modeled after ideas developed by Mark’s organization, and I am proud of my role in bringing it to our schools,” said Boback. “Under the new program, every school district in the Commonwealth will receive a grant of at least $100,000 to address the mental health needs of students.” “When we can partner with champions and leaders like Rep. Boback to get this legislation done, it is from the bottom of my heart that I come here and offer my deepest appreciation,” added Barden.
Boback, Pickett, Fritz to Co-Host Gun Law Seminar In their continuing effort to better inform the public regarding Pennsylvania’s firearms laws, Reps. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) and Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) are co-hosting a Gun Law Seminar in Laceyville on Thursday, May 5. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Black Walnut American Legion, 328 Route 6 Road. Doors will open to attendees at 5:30 p.m. “If you already have a concealed carry permit, or are thinking of obtaining one, please consider attending our seminar,” said the legislators. “There are some misconceptions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry law out there and we’re co-hosting this event in an effort to lay out the facts for gun owners, with the help of our panel of experts.” The seminar will be conducted by Wyoming County Sheriff Robert Roberts and Wyoming County District Attorney Joseph Peters, who will also take questions from the audience. “Even if you are not a gun owner, the information that will be provided regarding the concealed carry law and Castle Doctrine is helpful for everyone to know,” added the co-hosts. Attendees are required to register for the seminar. They can do so by calling Boback’s office at 570-836-4777 or RSVP online at www.repboback.com/events; Pickett’s office at 570-265-3124 or www.reppickett.com/events; or Fritz’s office at 570-278-3374 or www.repfritz.com/events.
Boback and Committee Review Military-Related Programs Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Wednesday led an informational meeting to review three programs over which the committee has oversight. “These commissions and institutions perform excellent work on programs and policy matters concerning our military and veteran community across Pennsylvania,” said Boback. “We value their contributions to the Commonwealth and strive to remain good stewards of these valuable programs by highlighting their many accomplishments.” The programs include the Pennsylvania Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), which supports military-connected children. “We work to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents,” explained Barbara Clemmer, MIC3 commissioner. Officials from the Keystone State Challenge Academy (KSCA) updated committee members on plans to accept its first class of cadets this summer at Fort Indiantown Gap. KSCA is one of 40 academies operated by the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, which is designed to guide at-risk teenagers in furthering their education and setting a path to a brighter future. “The KSCA is currently preparing facilities, hiring staff, and acquiring equipment and supplies to start the residential phase in July,” said Stephen Radulski, KSCA director. “The initial goal is a total of 200 graduates during our first year.” Finally, the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission (PMCEC) works to support and enhance the military value of a military installation in an effort to prevent its closure. Currently, there are 12 major military bases in the Commonwealth, which employ more than 57,000 people. “To counteract a potential Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), we must be forever vigilant and make sure we are doing our utmost to not only preserve our military installations, but to modernize them and to bring in new business,” PMCEC Executive Director Nancy Lescavage told committee members. A video recording of the hearing is available for viewing at www.RepBoback.com/video.
Boback’s Bill to Establish Purple Star School Program Legislation to establish the Purple Star School Program in Pennsylvania, sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, advanced to the Senate after its unanimous passage in the House of Representatives today. “A child in an average military family may move up to nine times during their school-age years, creating a unique set of challenges,” said Boback. “The Purple Star School Program would make the Commonwealth’s service members aware that a school is dedicated to responding to the special needs their children face during transitions to a new community.” Under House Bill 1867, Pennsylvania schools would be designated as Purple Star campuses if they demonstrate military-friendly practices and meet certain requirements such as: having a military liaison staff member; a webpage that includes resources for military students and families; and professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students. Boback noted the program is voluntary for school districts. Pennsylvania would join 27 other states that have Purple Star designation programs if Boback’s bill becomes law.
Boback Announces First Responder Grants Twenty-five fire and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations in the 117th Legislative District were awarded more than $331,000 in funding support through the 2021-22 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) announced today. “They answer the call day and night. We truly appreciate the life-saving services these hard-working and dedicated volunteers provide for our communities,” said Boback. “I am so pleased these fire and EMS companies continue to apply for this state support every year, which helps to offset their operating costs.” Following is a list of organizations in the 117th Legislative District that received grants and the amount of the awards: Lackawanna County Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company of Benton Township – $15,000. Luzerne County Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS Inc. (EMS) – $16,655.Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS Inc. (fire) – $30,000.Fairmount Township Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company (EMS) – $8,325.Fairmount Township Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company (fire) – $15,000.Harveys Lake Fire & Ambulance Company (EMS) – $8,325.Harveys Lake Fire & Ambulance Company (fire) – $15,000.Hunlock Creek Volunteer Ambulance Association Inc. – $8,325.Hunlock Creek Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.Jonathan R. Davis Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.Kunkle Fire Company Inc. (EMS) – $8,325.Kunkle Fire Company Inc. (fire) – $15,000.Lake Silkworth Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.Sweet Valley Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000. Wyoming County Factoryville Fire Company (EMS) – $8,325.Factoryville Fire Company (fire) – $15,000.Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.Lake Winola Fire Company 1 (EMS) – $8,325.Lake Winola Fire Company 1 (fire) – $15,000.Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Company (EMS) – $8,325.Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Company (fire) – $15,000.Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.Noxen Community Ambulance Association – $8,325.Noxen Volunteer Fire Company – $15,000.Tunkhannock Community Ambulance Association – $8,325. Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training and education, recruitment and retention, or debt reduction. Funds may also be used to supplement operational expenses incurred by the lack of fundraising opportunities resulting from the pandemic. The ongoing funding program was created by the General Assembly. All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds, and not General Fund tax revenue. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
