Bill O’Boyle: Casey introduces legislation to keep guns away from hate crime offenders

Sep. 17—WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Sen, Bob Casey, D-Scranton, this week introduced the Disarm Hate Act to prevent individuals convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from purchasing or possessing firearms.

Casey said the bill would address the "dangerous gap" in current federal law by providing that individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor-level hate crime, or received an enhanced sentence for a misdemeanor crime after a judicial finding that they acted with hate or bias motivation, are prohibited from buying or possessing guns.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maxwell Frost (D-FL).

"People who have been convicted of hate crimes should not have access to firearms — it's that simple," Casey said. "I'm introducing the Disarm Hate Act because it's commonsense to keep guns out of the hands of people seeking to commit acts of hateful violence."

Nick Wilson, Senior Director of Gun Violence Prevention, Center for American Progress, said violent extremists and hate-motivated offenders pose serious threats to the safety of historically marginalized communities, and easy access to firearms makes it more likely that a hate crime will have a fatal outcome.

"Hate-motivated offenders have committed some of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history and even when they do not fire guns, they consistently use them to threaten, intimidate, and humiliate their victims," Wilson said.

Kris Brown, President of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, said over 10,000 hate crimes are reported annually and are on the rise.

"Hateful ideology undermines the very principles of equality our nation is built on and is lethal when combined with firearms," Brown said. "It is past time that individuals who have been convicted of hate crimes are prohibited from accessing guns."

DMVA announces panel discussion, resource fair about veterans benefits

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will hold a veterans resource fair and in-person benefits discussion called "Let's Talk, Vet 2 Vet" on Wednesday, Sept. 27, during the Bloomsburg Fair at 620 West 3rd St., Bloomsburg (behind the Education Building and Stuart Tank display).

The resource fair will go from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the panel discussion from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

A featured topic during the panel discussion will be on the new federal Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The Act expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The discussion will provide veterans and their advocates with a convenient platform to learn and ask questions about eligibility and applying for benefits related to the PACT Act.

"We are excited to celebrate Veterans Appreciation Day at the Bloomsburg Fair by hosting an in-person discussion about programs and services for veterans," said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "It's important to meet veterans in the communities where they live."

Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, DMVA deputy adjutant general, Veterans Affairs, will provide opening remarks. Jennifer Spitler, DMVA regional program outreach coordinator, will moderate.

Panelists for this event are:

Bridget Kingston, Columbia County Office of Veterans Affairs

Chip Gilliland, DMVA Division of Reintegration and Outreach,

Faith Bigelow, Pennsylvania National Guard Family Programs

Denise Carey, Scranton Vet Center

Christine Parsons, Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center

Watro, Cabell, Argall to co-host Senior Expo Sept. 21 at Laurel Mall

In a continuing effort to improve the quality of life for older residents in the Hazleton area, Reps. Dane Watro, R-Kline Township, Mike Cabell, R-Butler Township, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Schuylkill County, will co-host a Senior Citizens Expo on Thursday, Sept. 21.

The free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside Laurel Mall, 106 Laurel Mall Road in Hazle Township.

"This annual senior expo has become very popular, and we thought it was important for us to continue that tradition," said Watro. "Our event makes it easier and more convenient to learn of programs and services available to seniors in our area by bringing everyone together under one roof."

"There's no better place to go if you're looking for information about senior programs," Argall said. "We'll have representatives from dozens of organizations and businesses available to answer any question you may have."

"We encourage seniors and their caregivers to make plans to join us Sept. 21 at Laurel Mall and take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity," added Cabell.

The expo will feature exhibitors from nonprofit agencies; local, state and federal governments; and area businesses that will provide information on benefits and services available to older residents on a wide range of topics, including health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning, fraud protection, government and personal safety.

Free health screenings will also be offered, courtesy of area health care providers, including glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and colon cancer. Please note the blood-work and glucose tests will be performed from 9-10 a.m. Participants are reminded to refrain from eating after midnight.

The Drop the Drugs Van will once again be on site for seniors to dispose of their unwanted or expired medications. The Drums Lioness Club will also be collecting new or used eyeglasses.

Rep. Meuser co-sponsors bill to protect archery, hunting programs for students

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week co-sponsored H.R. 5110 — the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act — which states that school programs that train "students in archery, hunting, or other shooting sports" are eligible for federal funding.

In June 2022, Congress passed an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) regarding federal school funding. This amendment to the ESEA stated that federal funds could not be used to provide any person with a dangerous weapon or to provide "training in the use of a dangerous weapon."

Using this simple terminology, the Biden Department of Education interpreted that amendment to mean that no federal funding can be used for any possible instruments that can be determined as a "weapon" — instruments such as arrows and hunting rifles — thus targeting archery and hunting safety courses in schools.

"The Biden Administration's clear misinterpretation of this amendment has had a significant impact on schools across Pennsylvania and the country," Meuser said. "Many school Districts in our region participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program, and this decision by the Department of Education will limit opportunities for students to participate in the sport they have come to love."

Pa. underscores importance of preparedness for seniors during National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) to encourage citizens to spend a moment thinking about emergency preparedness and the unique challenges emergencies pose to the older adults in their lives.

"Building more resilient communities begins long before the news is discussing a threat on the horizon," said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. "While man-made and natural disasters have become more common, they've likewise become less predictable — underscoring the importance of planning for a variety of hazards that could present themselves. Recognizing possible threats early and being prepared can make a huge difference in how effective we are in our response and recovery efforts."

This year's theme, "Take Control in 1, 2, 3," highlights the importance for older adults to prepare by taking three essential steps — assess your needs, create a plan, and engage your support network.

Assess your needs: An individual's needs during a disaster are not always the same. It is important to assess your needs and the needs of each of your family members so you can make a plan that works for you.

Make a plan: After assessing your needs, or those of your loved ones, it's time to make sure you have a plan in place that addresses those needs. It can be helpful to practice!

Engage your support network: Having assessed your needs and gathered all your information and supplies, consider pulling others into your plan. Start by creating a support network of family, friends, and others who can assist you during an emergency.

"When a disaster strikes, seconds count for older adults to evacuate their home and get themselves and loved ones to a safe place," said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.

Pennsylvania is currently home to over 3.5 million individuals who are age 65 or older, and the Commonwealth's fastest growing demographic is those who are age 85 and older. While older Pennsylvanians have many of the same needs as others, they often face additional challenges including reliance on medical equipment, accessibility and mobility issues, and access to needed prescription medication.

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