National Guard Academy for At-Risk Youth Set to Open in PA The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is currently accepting applications for its first-ever cadet class. Created in 2018 by legislation I co-sponsored, the academy is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education and learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility, with the goal of building a brighter future. As a former educator and guidance counselor, I fully understand the viability and worth of such a program. The award-winning National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective and cost-efficient initiatives for targeting high school dropouts or young people who are at the greatest risk for not satisfactorily progressing, or becoming unemployed or under employed. Since its inception in 1993, more than 179,000 young people have completed the program. KSCA will be located at Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG) in Lebanon County, joining 40 other sites in 31 states and territories operated by the program. The academy is open to 16- to 18-year-old male and female Pennsylvania residents. Applicants must be drug free, have no felony convictions and make a voluntarily commitment to attend. The program lasts for 17 months, with the first five months consisting of residential training at FTIG followed by one year of mentorship back in the community. Graduates often receive high school credits, credentials or a GED. There is no tuition cost to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge. I look forward to learning more about KSCA on March 2, when the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which I chair, will hold an informational meeting at the state Capitol to hear from academy officials about their plans. Additional information on KSCA is available on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website at www.dmva.pa.gov.
House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Advances Proposals to Benefit Female Veterans and Children of Military Families Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Monday led a voting meeting at which six pieces of legislation to benefit Pennsylvania’s military members, veterans and emergency responders were unanimously approved. The proposals included House Resolution 129, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery), which would require the Joint State Government Commission to study and report findings and recommendations on prominent issues facing female veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and alcohol and substance abuse. “Pennsylvania’s more than 71,000 women veterans often have different needs and issues when it comes to their health care. Whether it be how they process and deal with trauma and other mental health issues, they are not being adequately served under the current male-focused health care model in place,” Pennycuick told the committee. “This legislation is long overdue. Our female veterans deserve the same kind of quality health care benefits as their male counterparts,” said Boback. “I am pleased we were able to move this important bill through the committee and look forward to its consideration in the House.” Boback is the prime sponsor of House Bill 1867, legislation that would establish the Purple Star School Program. Under the proposal, 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. The program is voluntary. “This program would recognize schools that provide strong services for any educational transition issues encountered by military families and their children, who may experience multiple moves during their school-aged years,” Boback explained. “The Purple Star designation would signal that a school supports the social and emotional well-being of military children who are adjusting to new schools.” Other measures advanced by the committee include: House Bill 1962, sponsored by Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair), which would place a Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association member on the state 911 Advisory Board.House Bill 2096, sponsored by Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks) which would authorize certain medals and awards to be presented to civilians and military members of a friendly foreign nation.House Resolution 166, sponsored by Boback, which would urge the State Council on Interstate Education Opportunity for Military Children and the National Compact Commission to make National Guard/reserve members eligible for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact.Senate Bill 739, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), which would authorize the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association, Department of Community and Economic Development secretary or designee, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary or designee, as voting members of the application review committee for the state Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program. All six measures will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.
Rep. Boback Announces State Funds for Lackawanna Trail School District Building Project The Lackawanna Trail School District today was awarded $500,000 for a major building project through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), announced Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) who played a key role in securing the state funding. “I am a strong supporter of this community improvement project and am pleased the governor approved it for funding,” said Boback. “The Lackawanna Trail School District has always been a hub of activity for the area, sponsoring various events to benefit students, as well as nonprofit organizations. This multi-purpose facility will enhance the district’s ability to continue that important community outreach and I look forward to its completion.” Specifically, the RACP grant will go toward the construction of a free-standing, energy-efficient educational facility at the high school complex. It will consist of a technology center, physical education classrooms, exercise rooms and educational support rooms for the community that lacks adequate broadband and technology infrastructure. The building will use energy efficient lighting, HVAC and building envelope materials to satisfy green technology standards. Funding for this RACP grant and others was authorized by lawmakers in the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act. RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects with a focus on job creation.
Boback Announces the Unanimous Passage of Veterans Bills Package by the House Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, announced the unanimous passage of the Veterans Day package of bills through the House today. “Just in time for tomorrow, Veterans Day, we took action this week in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to support our veterans and their families,” said Boback. “This package of bills that passed through the House today will enhance the lives of our veterans community across the Commonwealth. “The package seeks to improve professional licensure provisions, increases the blind and paralyzed veteran pension program and provides for improvements to the Pennsylvania National Guard Life insurance program. It also allows for further protections in military discharge records and the care of veterans graves. Additionally, we took action to create a recognition day for veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism, in which many of my House and Senate colleagues valiantly served. Lastly, we passed a resolution I authored with the minority chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee to commemorate Veterans Day 2021 in Pennsylvania. “I am grateful to my colleagues in the House for their support of the legislation that was before us this week. I look forward to continuing to provide veterans throughout Pennsylvania with the benefits and services they so rightfully deserve.” The Veterans Day package of bills includes House Bills 1055, 1220, 1612, and 1868; House Resolution 153; and Senate Bills 248 and 550. For more information on the legislation, go to www.legis.state.pa.us.
Rep. Boback Announces Drive-Through Veterans Expo at Luzerne County Fairgrounds Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, announces a first-ever drive-through Veterans Expo to be held on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas. “This year, due to the ongoing pandemic, I have decided to hold my first-ever drive-through Veterans Expo at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds,” said Boback. “This format gives us the opportunity to comply with any mitigation orders and allow us to continue to serve and thank the veterans of the 117th Legislative District. The event will go on rain or shine, and we are thankful to Luzerne County Fairgrounds for their hospitality. I hope to see all of our veterans there!” Simply follow the signs, placed at the fairgrounds and each attendee will be given a bag filled with information and materials from groups and agencies specific to veterans. American Legions throughout the 117th Legislative District will be at the event with collection boxes for discarded or faded flags. There is no cost to attend and no need to RSVP. For more information, contact Boback’s Dallas district office at 570-675-6000.
Boback Announces Patriot Day Ceremony Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), in conjunction with the Tunkhannock Area School District is hosting a Patriot Day ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Tunkhannock Area High School Football field.“As we have reached the 20th anniversary of those horrific attacks, it is imperative that we continue to honor and remember every single life we lost in the name of freedom,” said Boback. “I am honored that I am able to hold this event in conjunction with the Tunkhannock Area School District to offer the community the opportunity to spend time with one another on this Patriot Day. Twenty years ago, we vowed to never forget the 2,977 lives that we lost on that Tuesday morning, and I am grateful that our town is ensuring that we never forget.” The ceremony will include the Post 457 Dennis Strong American Legion Colors, rifle salute and TAPS, Tunkhannock Area High School brass quintet and a ceremonial bell ringing with the Triton Fire Company.
Boback Announces Veterans Assistance Appointments Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) welcomes veterans assistance appointments back into her district offices in Dallas and Tunkhannock from the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. The Dallas district office located at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive hosts both a service officer from the American Legion and a representative from the Disabled American Veterans Outreach. On the fourth Tuesday of every month starting in August, veterans can schedule an appointment with the American Legion service officer, Brian Stolarski from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the fourth Thursday of every month a representative from the Disabled American Veterans Outreach is in the office from noon to 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment at the Dallas district office, please call 570-675-6000. The Tunkhannock district office located at 133 W. Tioga Street, Suite 4, hosts the American Legion service officer, the first Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment at the Tunkhannock district office, please call 570-836-4777. Veterans or their dependents can schedule a meeting for a veterans assistance appointment to discuss issues and have questions answered about benefits and services for which they may be eligible. Services available to veterans and their dependents include assistance with compensation, pension, death benefits, education, and health care. Veterans do not need to be a member of the organizations to receive these services. Appointments are necessary and space is limited.
Boback Bill Amending Flood Plain Management Act Becomes Law Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) announces the enactment of Act 70 of 2021, that includes her House Bill 1598, which amends the Flood Plain Management Act by placing the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) as the lead agency for the program. “I am thankful to see the bill that I was the prime sponsor of get placed in the Administrative Code and receive support and enactment,” said Boback. “My bill specifically amended the Flood Plain Management Act by placing PEMA as the lead agency to oversee this program rather than the Department of Community and Economic Development. This change in oversight would increase the Commonwealth’s receipt of federal hazardous mitigation funding from 15% to 20%, according to PEMA projections. With many flood prone regions in my district, I am grateful to see the quick action and passage of this bill to provide Pennsylvanians with results.” “Flooding touches every county in the Commonwealth and is one of the most frequent disasters that affects the state,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Having responsibility for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) moved to PEMA will provide for greater continuity of the program and integration with other Federal Emergency Management Agency programs that our agency coordinates with the local municipalities. It will also assist us in obtaining an Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan which will lead to additional federal funding in the future to lessen the impacts of future disasters to citizens of the Commonwealth.” House Bill 1598 was enacted under the Administrative Code from House Bill 336, which would amend the Administrative Code to provide budget language implementation. For more information on Act 70 of 2021, please visit www.legis.state.pa.us.
‘For Those Who Served’ Package of Bills Gains Traction in the House, Aims to Assist Veterans Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, joined by members of the committee and other House members, along with Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), stand in support of the ‘For Those Who Served’ package of bills aimed at assisting veterans and their families. “We stand here today in this beautiful setting of Soldier’s Grove to honor the men and women who served our country honorably and heroically as members of our armed forces,” said Boback. “The bills were reported out of my committee just before Memorial Day. With the remembrance of D-Day, June 6, 1944, coupled with the upcoming 4th of July celebration, we felt that it was paramount to work together on behalf of our veteran community throughout the Commonwealth. The committee came together, in a bipartisan fashion, to produce a package of bills that will truly assist our veterans and their families. “I know that there is more to do, and I assure you other bills will follow later in the year, but this package of bills will improve the lives of veterans across Pennsylvania. The package increases funding for our Act 66 Veterans Service Office Program, as well as our Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund. Additional funding is also increased for our Veteran Honor Guard Programs at Pennsylvania’s three national cemeteries and increases our State Blind and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Programs. “The committee worked to additionally enhance college admission criteria, create greater protections for veterans discharge papers, update our veterans’ outreach and service programs and membership criteria for various veterans and military commissions. There is legislation also focused on establishing Pennsylvania as a partner in the ‘National Medal of Honor Highway’ and a resolution to call on the United States Congress to embrace new therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress injuries. “We must always search for solutions and assistance for those who have suffered trauma, injuries and loss on our behalf – they truly deserve the best care they can receive. I am grateful for the sponsors of the legislation and the committee members and I look forward to seeing their passage through the General Assembly.” ‘For Those Who Served’ package of bills included House Bills 164, 490, 941, 995, 1055, 1057, 1091, 1220, 1389, 1421, and 1427; House Resolution 103; and Senate Bill 155. For more information on the legislation, go to https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/bills/. The press conference can be viewed here.
‘Duty to Report Disappearance of a Child’ Bill Passes Judiciary Committee Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) announced the passage of her legislation by the House Judiciary Committee that would require a report about a missing child be made within 24 hours after his or her whereabouts became unknown. The bill does offer protection for guardians who have a legitimate reason to believe the child is safe with someone else. “This bill was a response to the highly publicized trial of Casey Anthony. Ms. Anthony was acquitted of the murder of her child, even though the evidence showed she failed to report the child missing for nearly a month,” said Boback. “The legislation is written to ensure a parent could not be prosecuted for an innocent mistake, but only under circumstances where the conduct is completely unjustifiable.” House Bill 488 would require proof that a parent’s silence exhibited a reckless disregard for a risk of harm to a child, or for the child’s health, safety or welfare under the circumstances. The requirement that the parent act with recklessness would, for example, protect a divorced parent who may not have knowledge of their child’s whereabouts, but who has a reason to believe the child is with the other parent or a friend. The duty will extend to natural parents as well as stepparents, adoptive parents, guardians and custodians. A violation would be a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to seven yearsconfinement and $15,000 fine. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
