Treasurer Stacy Garrity Applauds Senate for State Tax Appeal Reform Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity applauded the Senate for its bipartisan approval of Senate Bill 1051 yesterday, pro-taxpayer legislation sponsored by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) to streamline and improve the process of resolving tax disputes with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (DOR). SB 1051 will allow the Board of Finance and Revenue (BF&R) to accept late-filed applications in certain circumstances and to create a new independent, mediated settlement process for taxpayers as an alternative to the formal and lengthy court appeals process. “The current tax appeal process tends to be bureaucratic, cumbersome and inflexible,” Treasurer Garrity said. “It’s a huge burden on too many individuals and businesses with legitimate tax appeals – we need to improve this process. Sen. Hutchinson’s legislation will create an even playing field for Pennsylvania taxpayers, and it will help tax issues get resolved more quickly. I applaud the Senate for approving this commonsense, taxpayer-friendly legislation.” “My colleagues and I have found that, sometimes, the Department of Revenue can get a little overzealous when interpreting applicable tax law,” Sen. Hutchinson said. “Senate Bill 1051 gives taxpayers a little more time and some options when responding to assessments by the Department, while also benefiting our Commonwealth by resolving tax issues sooner and allowing tax liabilities to be collected more quickly. Plain and simple, SB 1051 is a taxpayer protection proposal that makes a complicated system clearer, simpler and taxpayer-friendly – it’s a win-win for all parties.” SB 1051 is supported by numerous organizations, including the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the NFIB, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and the Pennsylvania Society of Enrolled Agents. A companion bill, House Bill 1994, was introduced by Rep. Tim Briggs (D-29). Currently, taxpayers who disagree with a final decision made by DOR have a 60-day deadline to appeal the decision to BF&R. That often leads to cases being dismissed on a technicality rather than being decided on their merits. SB 1051 will allow BF&R to accept late-filed applications if good cause is shown by the taxpayer and neither party would be prejudiced. The bill also empowers BF&R to create an independent settlement process, which will allow more tax disputes to be resolved without a final Board decision – thus reducing litigation costs for taxpayers. Under current law, BF&R has no authority to direct a mediated settlement process. Treasury estimates that up to 500 cases annually could be resolved under this process. BF&R receives approximately 4,200 appeals annually. The Board must resolve each appeal within six months of its filing, absent an extension request; otherwise, the underlying DOR decision is upheld. Currently, only about 13 percent of eligible appeals are resolved through settlement prior to an appeal before the Commonwealth Court. BF&R is an independent administrative tax tribunal, administered by the State Treasurer, responsible for the second and final level of administrative appeal (with minor exceptions) before appealing to court. The Board consists of three members – two are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate; the third is the State Treasurer or her designee and serves as Chair.
Scranton Counseling Center New Psychological Assessment Hire Scranton Counseling Center recently hired Dr. Allison to provide Psychological Assessment services. Dr. Allison is a licensed psychologist and a graduate of Marywood University. She enjoys a variety of work-related activities including providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment for many types of presenting issues and engages in supervision of psychological trainees. She also has specialized training and experience in the treatment of serious mental illness and is a big proponent of the recovery model. Prior to joining the Scranton Counseling Center team, Dr. Allison worked at a community mental health agency outside of Kansas City, Missouri.
Keystone Mission’s Day of Planting Sprouts New Beginnings Keystone Mission’s guests, volunteers, and staff gathered to sow the fruits of their labor on May 31 to celebrate a day of planting for the Seeds of Hope Community Garden. This joyous occasion marked a milestone in the program’s journey to benefit the Scranton community by providing access to healthy foods, the ability to cultivate new relationships, and the promotion of fellowship among neighbors.The success of this day wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of numerous other volunteers who selflessly contributed their time and energy. “This has been a culmination of a lot of hard work and over six weeks of planning,” said Michael McAllister, a Seeds of Hope volunteer. McAllister donated numerous hours and resources to make the project possible. “This is going to be great!” Reggie, a guest from Keystone Mission’s Pathfinder Vocational Program, eagerly joined in the planting activities. His excitement mirrored the anticipation shared by all participants, especially those facing homelessness. Seeds of Hope represents an opportunity for personal growth and self-sufficiency. By actively participating in the planting process, individuals like Reggie become not only recipients but also contributors to the garden’s success.
Wayne Bank Promotes Among its Wealth Management and Trust Division Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Trust Operations Officer, Marianne McConeghy, to Assistant Vice President. McConeghy joined the Bank in 2014 as a Trust Associate and was promoted to Trust Operations Officer in 2016. With over 35 years of banking experience, McConeghy oversees the daily operations of the Wealth Management and Trust Services Division of Wayne Bank. Mr. Donnelly stated, “Marianne’s extensive knowledge and experience in wealth management and trust have made her well-deserving of this promotion. She continues to build strong customer relationships while giving exceptional customer service to our current client base.” McConeghy holds an associate degree from Keystone College. She resides in Waymart, PA with her husband, Tom. They have one daughter.
Geisinger Neurologist Explains When a Headache is More Than Just a Pain Geisinger Neurologist, Abigail Chua, explains that if you have headaches, you know how debilitating and intense they can be. Sometimes, an over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to dull the pain. But what if you need more? There are actually hundreds of different types of headaches, all with different causes and treatments. It’s also important to remember that headaches can occur in children as well, not just adults. When you understand the type of headache you have, you can treat it more effectively. Here are some of the common headache types and what treatments may work for each one. Tension headache A tension or stress headache is the most common type of headache. These headaches cause noticeable pressure and tightness on both sides of your head, can occasionally be caused by stress and the pain comes and goes. Tension headaches are typically treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people also find relief by exercising, taking a hot shower or taking a short nap. Migraine A migraine is a neurologic disease that causes painful headaches as well as other symptoms. Migraine symptoms can include: Pounding, throbbing pain Visual changes, like blurred vision or bright flashing lights Pressure in your face that feels like a sinus infection Sensitivity to light or sound Nausea or vomiting Some migraine attacks are associated with triggers, including: Changes in the weather Lack of sleep Fatigue Emotional stress Loud noises Strong smells Missing a meal A change in caffeine, alcohol or chocolate consumption If a migraine is caught early, it can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, some people with migraine headaches may also require treatment with prescription medications. Cluster headache Cluster headaches are considered the most severe type of headache, and people typically have piercing or stabbing pain behind one eye when they have an attack. People with cluster headaches usually feel restless during their attacks and can’t sit still. Treatment for cluster headaches can include injected medications, inhaled oxygen or steroids. Preventive medications can help in some cases. Rebound headache Rebound headaches, also called medication-overuse, or medication adaptation, headaches, can develop because of regular, long-term use of medications that treat headaches, including migraine. Taking pain relievers to treat headaches on a regular basis for a longer period, usually three months or more, can actually trigger daily rebound headaches. The good news? Once you stop taking the medication causing your headaches, the rebound headaches usually subside. However, people with a rebound headache can also have a migraine, so the migraine attacks may continue to occur. When to worry about headache pain While most headaches are treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, there are some symptoms and warning signs that may need more attention. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you notice: A sudden or significant change in the pattern of your headaches. Headaches that are accompanied by weight loss, slurred speech, vision change, weakness, numbness, seizures or cognitive dysfunction. A headache along with a stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion or decreased alertness. Headaches following a blow to the head. Always seek medical attention immediately if you experience this. Exceptionally bad pain that you haven’t felt before. Headaches when you wake up that get worse when you move, cough or lift weights. While it’s rare to have any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them if you feel your headache isn’t normal. They could indicate medical emergencies that need immediate care. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A doctor will conduct the appropriate tests to confirm whether your headache is just a headache or something more. For more health and wellness tops, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Governor’s Office Announces Improved Online Experience on 511PA The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) today announced that 511PA – Pennsylvania’s free, statewide travel information service – has been upgraded with a new website, mobile app, and phone system. This announcement comes just days after Governor Shapiro launched a new PA.gov meet Pennsylvanians where they are online, deliver human-centered digital experiences, and make Commonwealth services easier to find. “Each year, nearly 100 billion vehicle miles are traveled on Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The Shapiro Administration continues to improve Commonwealth services, so they are easier to find, more accessible, and readily available. The more information we can make available to the traveling public, the better. We’re proud of these enhancements and encourage travelers to check out the improved 511PA and ‘know before they go.’” Launched in 2009, 511PA is a statewide travel information service operated by PennDOT and PA Turnpike that helps reduce congestion and improve safety on Pennsylvania roadways. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. Through the “Driving Mode” feature, motorists can receive these alerts hands-free so they can focus on safely driving. “We are committed to the safety of the 550,000 customers who choose the PA Turnpike daily and know that unforeseen incidents can happen on any road at any time,” said PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. “We are excited that these changes to 511PA will improve the customer experience. This additional tool readily assists drivers before they get on the road with real-time information so they can stay informed with what is happening on the roadways.” Here are some of the updates users can expect: The redesigned 511PA mobile app has several new features, including the ability to limit alerts to your route, a new “My Cameras” feature and the option for alternate routes. The updated website has been completely redesigned to be more user-friendly and includes new personalization and customization to make it even easier to access the information users most care about. The phone system now provides a more streamlined menu to get callers the information they need faster. Users can also sign up for personalized travel alerts on the website. Current 511PA personal-alert subscribers need to create a new account in the updated system and set up their preferences to continue receiving alerts. A transformed 511PA app is part of the new system, so users will need to update their Apple or Android app to access the latest version. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in your county at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/RegionalOffices. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. The PA Turnpike’s mission is to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. Find resources and planned construction projects at Traveling on the PA Turnpike | PA Turnpike.
NET Credit Union Awards Scholarships NET Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to two local recipients at our Annual Meeting. Each recipient won a $5,000 scholarship. Each applicant must be a NET Credit Union member, have proof of a B average or better, proof of attendance, and must submit a 1,000 word essay with a cover page answering the scholarship question. This year’s scholarship question included: What does “next generation banking” mean to you? How does NET Credit Union’s digital banking relate to it?
NAMI Northeast PA Earns Leadership Certificate NAMI Services Leader Katie Spencer recently completed a certificate in the Leadership Fellows Academy, which is an eight-month course offered through The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) in collaboration with the University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Public and International Affairs and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. This was offered to leaders of nonprofit organizations that provide peer support services and/or mental health crisis services, and it is the first time this program was offered in the state of Pennsylvania. Leadership Fellows Academy (LFA) is a transformational cohort learning experience that seeks to enhance the capacities of the mental health ecosystem across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, leaders, organizations, and communities are especially challenged by a need to be adaptive and innovative to solve the grand challenges of our time. LFA creates a community of such adaptive leaders to face these challenges and feel empowered to work together to expand access to mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. In addition to a few in-person sessions, over the course of eight months, Katie attended weekly webinars and had the opportunity to work with an executive coach via Zoom every three weeks. Katie learned about a variety of topics to help her become more effective and resourceful in her position with NAMI in the Northeast Region of PA. Some of the topics included: understanding the non-profit sector, building an effective board of directors, program growth and development, conflict resolution, negotiation and marketing strategies, networking and relationship building, influencing public policy and internal policies and much more. Katie says, “The Leadership Fellows Academy has reignited my passion to help others. Throughout the eight-month program I had the opportunity to build upon my leadership skills and was reminded how unique and important a peer perspective can be. I’m eager to continue to help others battling mental health conditions here in Northeast PA and beyond.”
Keystone Mission Recipient of Leadership Lackawanna’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Grant Keystone Mission has been selected as a grant recipient for Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, a leadership program comprised of high school juniors in Northeastern PA, for their 2024 grant cycle. In conjunction with Scranton Area Community Foundation, administrator of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Fund since 2007, a check was presented to Keystone Mission’s Scranton Pathfinders Program. Pathfinders is a workforce development program used to teach and train “guests” on the needed on-the-job skills while connecting them with sustainable employment. Since its inception, we have seen over 320 individuals come through the program, gaining skills and sustainable employment. As the program continues to grow in popularity among those whom Keystone Mission serves, the program will begin offering certifications in areas like ServSafe, Peer to Peer, Flaggers, Certified Nursing Assistant, and more. “Keystone Mission is honored to have been selected as a recipient of this year’s SACF and Leadership Lackawanna Tomorrow’s Leaders Today grant. We believe in the work that is done to help prepare our young people and will have an indelible impact on their lives for many years. We wish the class of 2024 the very best in their current and future endeavors,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director.
The Wright Center Announces Fellowship Dr. Ivan Cvorovic, a board-certified internal medicine hospitalist at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been elected a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the society of internists. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine, the specialty of adult medical care. Dr. Cvorovic was elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. He may now use the letters “FACP” after his name in recognition of this honor. Dr. Cvorovic sees adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health – Scranton Counseling Center, 329 Cherry St., where he is accepting new patients. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Cvorovic is also a core faculty member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. A graduate of the University of Belgrade School of Medicine, Dr. Cvorovic completed his internal medicine residency training at Icahn School of Medicine in New York, where he served as the chief resident. Dr. Cvorovic and his wife, Dr Kristina Tanovic, live in Scranton, with their daughter Iskra Cvorovic. The Wright Center, headquartered in Scranton, operates 10 community health centers in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. Its locations offer affordable, high-quality, indiscriminate whole-person primary health services, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. ACP is the largest medical specialty organization and the second physician group in the United States. ACP members include 143,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. For more information about ACP, go to acponline.org.
