Reading man arrested for role in fraud

HONESDALE, PA — Wayne County District Attorney A.G. Howell announced the arrest of Christopher Mauricio, III, 20, of Reading for scheming $9,000 away from the victim. The defendant is charged with theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and criminal use of a communication facility, all third-degree felonies.

The complaint alleges that the defendant and others took part in a scheme pretending to be the victim’s son, who was supposedly charged with crimes in another state and needed bail money. The victim provided $9,000 cash in the belief she was helping her son. Thankfully, the victim’s son was OK and not in trouble.

Rules change for pay statewide

ALBANY, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul on December 21 signed legislation (S.9427A/A.10477) establishing a statewide pay transparency law in New York State. Legislation S.9427A/A.10477 requires employers to list salary ranges in advertisements or postings for job opportunities and promotions.

A release from Hochul’s office states that, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, women made 83 cents for every dollar made by men in 2020; these disparities are even greater among Black women (64 cents) and Hispanic women (57 cents). “This historic measure will usher in a new era of fairness and transparency for New York’s workforce and will be a critical tool in our efforts to end pervasive pay gaps for women and people of color,” said Hochul.

On the same day, Hochul announced that New York State will continue with the $15 minimum hourly wage phase-in for upstate counties on December 31, 2022. Workers outside of New York City, Long Island and Westchester County will see an increase by $1 per hour, from $13.20 to $14.20, following a statutorily required economic analysis conducted by the New York State budget division. Additionally, the minimum wage for home-care aides, which took effect on October 1, will also increase by $1 to $16.20 per hour in counties in upstate New York.

Frack ban coalition dissatisfied

DELAWARE RIVER WATERSHED — On December 21, the Delaware River Frack Ban Coalition organizations denounced the Delaware River Basin Commission’s (DRBC) December 7 adoption of amendments to its regulations that will allow the importation of wastewater produced by fracking into the Delaware River Watershed. The amendments will also allow water from the watershed to be exported to support fracking operations elsewhere.

The coalition highlights one important proposed prohibition, included in the draft rules, that remained in the final adopted rule. This prohibits the discharge to water or land of wastewater produced by high volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF or “fracking”). This provision received broad public support; the coalition considered it an absolute necessity and spoke in strong support of this proposal. While the coalition applauds its inclusion in the final rules, the coalition said it was making clear that the prohibition only goes part way toward the protection needed for the watershed and its communities.

Flu-related cases and hospitalizations continue to rise

ALBANY, NY — As flu cases continue to climb across the state, the New York State Department of Health reminds New Yorkers to take preventive action, including getting a flu shot. A new report shows a 19 percent week-over-week jump in lab-confirmed cases across New York and a six-percent increase in flu-related hospitalizations.

“As winter begins and we enter the holiday season, New Yorkers are battling the triple-demic of flu, RSV and COVID-19, yet we can take steps to prevent serious complications from the flu. The flu vaccine is a good match this year and the best way to avoid serious illness is to get vaccinated,” state health commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said.

Enrollment open for veterans

KINGSTON, NY — On December 16, U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan joined Castle Point VA leadership and local veterans to discuss the PACT Act and enroll veterans in VA health care. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veteran health care and benefits in decades; for post-9/11 combat veterans who separated or discharged between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, the special enrollment period runs until October 1, 2023. Enrollment is free, there are no annual costs, and care could be free as well. To learn more, visit VA.gov/PACT.

“This crucial legislation ensures that the up to 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals can access the health care services they need. This issue is personal for me, having served two combat tours in Iraq, I just signed up for coverage myself. To all my fellow veterans, regardless of separation date or previous eligibility, I encourage you to do the same. You put your lives on the line for this country, and these are benefits you’ve more than earned,” said Ryan.

Half a million for Wayne Memorial CHC

WASHINGTON, DC — On December 21, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced that five northeastern Pennsylvania community-based health centers will receive $1.5 million from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand access to COVID-19 vaccinations for low- to middle-income Pennsylvanians.

The full list of awardees includes Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, Wayne County, $514,849; the Wright Center Medical Group, Lackawanna County, $343,588; Scranton Primary Health Care Center, Lackawanna County, $183,055; Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County, $164,560; and Caring Community Health Center, Luzerne County, $282,154.

E-bikes allowed in PA state parks

HARRISBURG, PA — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced an internal policy on the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on DCNR lands is now final and effective immediately in state parks and forests. An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider when they are pedaling.

The policy allows e-bikes to be used on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed. E-bike users must propel their e-bikes by pedaling on non-motorized trails; the use of the throttle-only functionality is not permitted on non-motorized trails managed by DCNR. E-bikes will be allowed on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public-use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes.

Commissioners adopt 2023 budget

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners on December 22nd unanimously adopted the 2023 General and Debt Service Budget, which lowers the current 2022 millage rate for taxpayers from 5.23 to 3.24 in 2023 because of the recently completed county-wide reassessment.

The 2023 budget was approved for $38,924,046.57, an increase of $ 1,369,666.09 or 3.6 % increase from last year, based mostly on slight salary increases, increased benefits costs, and increased cost of materials and services.

For 2023, the Wayne County Commissioners committed to a revenue neutral reassessment, meaning that the total of county taxes collected in 2022 would be the same in 2023. Because property values increased significantly since the last reassessment in 2004, the millage rate was decreased to 3.24, a decrease of 1.99 mills from the 2022 rate.