PPL rates drawing attention in Harrisburg

(Mar 22, 2023)

From technical glitches to mysterious usage rates, questions about PPL's billing practices have the attention of lawmakers in Harrisburg. Representative Jim Haddock has taken many of the same phone calls that Newswatch 16 has over the past three months. Read more

 

Haddock: Over $2 million awarded to support several local improvement projects

(Mar 16, 2023)

HUGHESTOWN, March 16 – State Rep. Jim Haddock today announced 15 area projects in his district were awarded state funding totaling $2.04 million through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “This funding will provide significant improvements to several aspects of our infrastructure, parks and green space and community revitalization efforts,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “I want to thank my fellow northeast legislators and Senator Marty Flynn for working with me to secure this funding and recognizing the importance of these projects to improve the region for the residents and visitors alike.” According to Haddock, $1.54 million was awarded locally through the CFA Local Share Account: Pittston City - $500,000 to assist with blight remediation of six properties located in the city. Avoca Borough - $221,600 to renovate the Avoca Borough VFW building. Avoca Borough - $130,000 to renovate the Avoca Borough Community Center. Avoca Borough - $50,532 to purchase a new police cruiser. Dalton Borough - $105,000 to purchase a backhoe for public works. Dalton Borough - $38,427 to purchase police cameras and safety equipment. Dalton Borough - $33,847 to purchase a Kubota diesel tractor for the public works department. Dupont Borough - $100,000 to acquire and develop greenspace for the Dupont Public Park Enhancement Project. Duryea Borough - $25,200 to expand the storage facility for the Duryea Wildcats Junior Football Read more

 

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief

(Mar 09, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, introduced this week H.B. 113, to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians are struggling under high inflation to pay for basic necessities, especially housing,” Ciresi said. “I firmly believe that we must help our seniors and people with disabilities stay in the homes they’ve lived in for years for their own health and for community stability. Unfortunately, while inflation and cost of living has risen, PTRR’s income limits, rebate amounts and other provisions have not been updated to correspond with economic changes, so fewer people qualify for the program, and the rebates don’t provide the needed financial assistance.” “We must act now to expand PTRR as next year, thousands of seniors will lose eligibility because their Social Security cost-of-living adjustments will push them above the eligibility threshold,” Ciresi said. “It is time to make sure that our seniors can remain eligible, and that more individuals can seek assistance from this vital program.” The legislation would increase income limits for homeowners and renters to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, recognizing the impact inflation has had since the last increase in 2006. In addition, the legislation would permanently reinstate a provision that would ensure individuals are not deemed ineligible for Read more

 

Local legislators congratulate new Pa. House Speaker McClinton

(Mar 01, 2023)

“This is a historic vote as Speaker McClinton is the first woman speaker and I was excited to be a ‘yes’ vote on making history,” Haddock said. Read more

 

Haddock welcomes $226,000 in state funding for area schools

(Feb 22, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – State Rep. Jim Haddock today announced six grants totaling $226,669 have been awarded to enhance food safety and prepare healthy meals for students at local schools. “Access to regular and nutritious meals is key to nurturing students’ minds and keeping them on a path to success in school,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “This funding ensures these schools can continue providing healthy meals and food services to our students through the entire school year.” According to Haddock, the grants will benefit the following schools in his legislative district: Luzerne County: Pittston Area Senior High School - $128,439 for the purchase of a dishwasher. Pittston Area Middle School - $10,077 for the purchase of an electric convection oven. Wyoming Area Primary Center - $15,867 for the purchase of an electric tilting kettle. Wyoming Area Kindergarten Center - $8,684 for the purchase of an electric convection oven. Lackawanna County: Riverside Elementary School West - $33,512 for the purchase of an outdoor freezer. Riverside Junior Senior High School - $30,090 for the purchase of an indoor freezer. Added Haddock, “I would like to thank Governor Shapiro and the PA Department of Education for awarding this essential funding to these schools here in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties and to schools across the commonwealth.” Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Read more

 

Customers looking for answers in PPL billing issues

(Feb 13, 2023)

State Representative James Haddock says customers deserve to know what happened and what’s being done to prevent it from happening again. Read more

 

Haddock calls for investigation, public hearing into PPL billing issues

(Feb 10, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – Today, state Rep. Jim Haddock sent a letter to the PA House Consumer Affairs Committee regarding ongoing billing issues with PPL Electric Utilities: The text of the letter reads: “I am respectfully requesting a hearing by the House Consumer Affairs Committee on the recent billing debacle by PUC Electric and their subsequent response. “Since the week of January 16, 2023, my district office has been overwhelmed with phone calls from constituents regarding their unusually high PPL bills. Many stated it was a financial hardship and they could not get through to PPL by phone. “I personally called PPL Customer Service and received a message that the hold time would be 22 minutes. In fact, I was on hold for over an hour – both times I called. “On January 25th, I placed a call with the PPL State Government relations representative about this issue. I asked simple questions, such as what caused the billing issue and how many people were affected both in my Legislative District and statewide? I also expressed my dissatisfaction with the customer services response to this issue relative to the ratepayers. I followed my phone call with an email on January 27th. I still, as of today, have not received a response to my inquiry or answers to my questions. “What is of an additional concern is that PPL was recently approved for an 18% rate increase by the PUC. This adds insult to injury to the affected customers. Read more

 

Haddock calls for investigation, public hearing into PPL billing issues

(Feb 10, 2023)

Haddock said he believes this continuing matter deserves to be examined in a public forum. Read more

 

Haddock: Listening Tour Has Been Informative

(Feb 07, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Jim Haddock attended House Speaker Mark Rozzi's Listening Tour in Wilkes-Barre to hear from area residents about their concerns around how the legislature operates. Haddock says he was impressed with everyone's passion and insight and is hopeful the issues raised will help bring about much needed change in Harrisburg. Read more

 

Haddock lauds nearly $280,000 in grants for local fire and EMS companies

(Feb 06, 2023)

HUGHESTOWN, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Jim Haddock congratulated several fire companies and emergency medical services within the 118th Legislative District on receiving grant funding to continue to support their ability to provide emergency response, support and treatment. “Our first responders answer the call every day and go above and beyond to keep our communities safe,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “I am pleased to see these companies receive this essential funding so they can do everything necessary to protect us and provide emergency aid.” Haddock said the grants awarded locally included: Lackawanna County: Dalton: Dalton Fire Company - $13,335 Moosic: Greenwood Hose Company No. 1 - $15,000 Old Forge: Eagle McClure Hose Company No. 1 Station 93-3 - $14,563; Old Forge Hose and Engine Company - $13,580 Taylor: Taylor Fire and Rescue - $14,317 Luzerne County: Avoca: Avoca Hose Company No. 1 - $14,808; Avoca Ambulance Association – EMS - $10,000 Dupont: Dupont Vol. Hose Company No. 1 - $11,861 Duryea: Excelsior Hose Company No. 2 - $14,317; Germania Hose Company - $14,808 Laflin: Laflin Volunteer Fire Department - $13,335 Pittston: Eagle Hose Company No. 1 - $26,063; Greater Pittston Ambulance & Rescue Association - EMS - $30,000 Hughestown: Hughestown Hose Company No. 1 – Fire - $14,071; Hughestown Hose Company No. 1 – EMS - $10,000 Jenkins Township: Jenkins Township Read more

 

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities

(Feb 01, 2023)

Here are some of the latest state programs now open for applications. Read more

 

Rep. Haddock's 2023 Capitol Scenes Calendar

(Jan 11, 2023)

There’s a digital calendar available featuring scenes from the state Capitol throughout the year. Read more

 

NEPA's state lawmakers discuss priorities amid divided Pennsylvania General Assembly

(Jan 09, 2023)

Haddock, a former Pittston Area school director, said he will pursue more funding for school districts, charter school funding reform and “meaningful property tax reform.” Read more

 

Haddock takes oath of office for first term in PA House of Representatives

(Jan 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Jim Haddock was sworn in today to his first term representing the 118th Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “It is a great honor to be representing the residents of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties and be their advocate in Harrisburg,” said Haddock. “I am excited to get to work on the legislation and initiatives which will benefit our district and our region and enrich our commonwealth.” Haddock said his legislative priorities include fighting for good jobs, fair public education funding, property tax relief for homeowners, safe roads and infrastructure, pursuing clean air and water and serving the people of the 118th District. Haddock added, “My Hughestown office can help with a variety of state-related services, including LIHEAP (home heating), children’s health care, PennDOT matters, prescription drug programs and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance.” His office is located at 42 Center St., Hughestown, 18640-3000. The phone number is 570-655-4883. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information is available by visiting his website www.RepHaddock.com . Haddock is one of 26 new Democratic members to join the Pennsylvania House this session. It is the largest class of incoming legislators to the House Democratic Caucus in over a decade. He said he looks Read more

 

Haddock lauds $524,000 funding for county rail infrastructure improvement project

(Dec 15, 2022)

HUGHESTOWN, Dec. 15 – Funding for a critical rail infrastructure improvement project in Luzerne County has been approved through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and Rail Freight Assistance Program , according to state Rep.-elect Jim Haddock. “This funding allows necessary repairs to be made to our railway system, which means not only will products keep heading to store shelves without disruption, but also creates new job opportunities right here in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “I would like to thank Governor Tom Wolf and state Senator Marty Flynn for recognizing the importance Northeast Pennsylvania plays in Pennsylvania’s freight distribution and their support for this project.” According to Haddock, the funding was approved for the following project in Luzerne County: Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County - $524,000 for the rehabilitation of approximately 2.5 miles of track in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties by replacing ties and switches and improving grade crossings. This project was one of 24 rail freight projects approved for funding across the state. More information on the funding is available at the Governor’s website . Read more

 

McClinton applauds, welcomes newest members to House Democratic Caucus

(Dec 08, 2022)

“In January, the House Democratic Caucus will proudly swear in the largest and most diverse class of freshmen legislators in over a decade,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. Read more

 

Career/Technical Training, School Safety and Security, and Arts and Culture Funding Opportunities

(Dec 05, 2022)

Here are some of the latest state programs now open for applications. Read more

 

Haddock announces district office open and ready to serve constituents

(Dec 02, 2022)

HUGHESTOWN, Dec. 1 – On his first day of serving the 118th Legislative District, state Rep.-elect Jim Haddock today announced he has a district office open and ready to serve residents. “I am truly honored to be chosen as your representative and be the voice of the great people of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties in Harrisburg,” said Haddock. “I invite anyone who needs assistance to visit our Hughestown Office and discuss how I can best serve you as your state representative.” Haddock’s current district office is located at 42 Center St., Hughestown. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and the phone number is 570-655-4883. Haddock said in the near future he intends to open a district office in Lackawanna County, as well. Haddock was elected to serve the 118th District in the 2022 General Election. He replaces state Rep. Mike Carroll, who did not seek another term after 16 years of service. While his term starts today, Haddock will be formally sworn into office on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The 118th Legislative District is comprised of the city of Pittston, the townships of Jenkins and Pittston, and the boroughs of Avoca, Dupont, Duryea, Hughestown, Laflin, West Pittston and Yatesville in Luzerne County; and the townships of Glenburn, La Plume, Newton, Ransom and West Abington, and the boroughs of Dalton, Taylor, Old Forge and Moosic in Lackawanna County. Haddock recommended following his social media at Read more

 

Need help heating your home? Apply to LIHEAP this winter.

(Dec 01, 2022)

Pennsylvanians in need of energy assistance are encouraged to apply to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for 2022-2023 winter heating season. To see if you qualify, view the table via the link above, and click here to apply online using COMPASS. A paper application can also be found here . Everyone should be able to keep warm during the coldest months of the year, and LIHEAP is a true security blanket for those who are in need. Read more

 

PA Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property

(Dec 01, 2022)

Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts Uncashed checks, including paychecks Lost stocks and bonds Contents of safe deposit boxes Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies Expired gift cards/gift certificates To find out if you have unclaimed property, search your name in the Unclaimed Property database at https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/ or call 1-800-222-2046. There is NO CHARGE to claim your unclaimed property. Read more

 

PPL rates drawing attention in Harrisburg
Mar 22, 2023

Haddock: Over $2 million awarded to support several local improvement projects
Mar 16, 2023

Ciresi, Haddock introduce legislation to expand property tax, rent relief
Mar 09, 2023

Local legislators congratulate new Pa. House Speaker McClinton
Mar 01, 2023

Haddock welcomes $226,000 in state funding for area schools
Feb 22, 2023

Customers looking for answers in PPL billing issues
Feb 13, 2023

Haddock calls for investigation, public hearing into PPL billing issues
Feb 10, 2023

Haddock calls for investigation, public hearing into PPL billing issues
Feb 10, 2023

Haddock: Listening Tour Has Been Informative
Feb 07, 2023

Haddock lauds nearly $280,000 in grants for local fire and EMS companies
Feb 06, 2023

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities
Feb 01, 2023

Rep. Haddock's 2023 Capitol Scenes Calendar
Jan 11, 2023

NEPA's state lawmakers discuss priorities amid divided Pennsylvania General Assembly
Jan 09, 2023

Haddock takes oath of office for first term in PA House of Representatives
Jan 03, 2023

Haddock lauds $524,000 funding for county rail infrastructure improvement project
Dec 15, 2022

McClinton applauds, welcomes newest members to House Democratic Caucus
Dec 08, 2022

Career/Technical Training, School Safety and Security, and Arts and Culture Funding Opportunities
Dec 05, 2022

Haddock announces district office open and ready to serve constituents
Dec 02, 2022

Need help heating your home? Apply to LIHEAP this winter.
Dec 01, 2022

PA Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property
Dec 01, 2022