Pennsylvania State House Passes Bill That Could Let Independents Vote in Primaries
The Pennsylvania State House passed a bill that would allow Independents to vote in the state’s primaries. House Bill 280, proposed by State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia), would allow an “unenrolled elector,” also known as an unaffiliated voter, to participate in primary elections by requesting either a Republican or Democratic Party ballot. Pennsylvania’s primary election system currently limits Republicans to vote for Republicans and Democrats to vote for Democrats, with no options for Independents or third-party voters. The bill passed the House in bipartisan fashion, with 16 Republicans joining all but four House Democrats.
Veterans Assistance Hours Available at Tina Pickett Offices
Veterans assistance hours are available in Sayre district office Representative Tina Pickett on the third Tuesday of each month and in her Tunkhannock district office on the first Wednesday of each month. Services available to veterans and their dependents include help with compensation, education, health care, benefits and much more. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the assistance hours, call the Sayre office at 570-888-9011 or the Tunkhannock office at 570-836-4777.
SNAP Benefits and Income Limits Rise in PA
Maximum SNAP benefits and income limits in Pa. are higher under an annual federal adjustment effective Oct. 1, according to the state Department of Human Services (DHS). The Shapiro administration announced the new SNAP income limits and maximum benefit amounts earlier this week. The adjustment accounts for food costs and inflation. DHS said the average increase for most recipients will be $18, and that no one will see a decrease in benefits because of the update.