Harrisburg, PA – The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) filed public assistance fraud charges against 52 individuals during January 2023. The restitution owed to the Commonwealth in these cases totals $349,835. Additional cost savings will be realized as the defendants will be temporarily disqualified from receiving public benefits in the programs they allegedly defrauded.

“We must protect the integrity of Pennsylvania’s public assistance programs, and that’s why OSIG is working to make sure only Pennsylvanians who qualify receive assistance,” said State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller. “I am proud of OSIG’s investigators who help ensure accountability with the Commonwealth’s public assistance programs.”

OSIG investigates and prosecutes public assistance fraud and conducts collection activities for the public benefits programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).

During January 2023, OSIG filed felony charges of fraudulently receiving public assistance against a total of 49 individuals and misdemeanor charges against three separate individuals. It is alleged that these individuals misrepresented themselves and fraudulently received taxpayer-funded public benefits to which they were not entitled.

If convicted, the maximum penalty defendants face for public assistance fraud is seven years in prison and a fine of $15,000. In the case of SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Subsidized Day Care fraud, defendants also face a mandatory disqualification period from the benefits program they allegedly defrauded.

All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anonymously report suspected welfare fraud on the OSIG website or call the Welfare Fraud Tipline: 1-800-932-0582.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 9, 2023 10:27 A.M.

(Center Township, PA) The contractor for the project was present at Wednesday night’s works session  and  gave the board  an update, and one of the key points was that the electrical work is done in the building, he explained the progress is being made in the other areas of the school.

AMBRIDGE, March 9 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement today in response to news that Texas energy company Vistra Corp. will acquire the Beaver Valley Power Station nuclear power plant:

“Vistra Corp. has a strong track record of success and a demonstrated commitment to Pennsylvania. They have been a good corporate citizen, not just in Beaver County but across our commonwealth.

“I look forward to working with them to ensure the continued safe and successful operation of Beaver Valley Power Station for our county and our region.”

Pittsburgh, Pa (March 9, 2023) – Allegheny Health Network (AHN)’s Allegheny General (AGH) and Forbes hospitals have earned distinguished three-star ratings from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD) for their lung cancer resection surgery program. The award is a top honor in the field of lung cancer surgery, making AHN Forbes and AGH the highest-ranked programs in Pennsylvania, and placing AHN among just 27 centers in the United States to receive the three-star designation.

Evaluated every six months, the network has received the three-star designation consecutively for 18 months.

“Our use of innovative, minimally-invasive techniques to treat lung cancer, paired with our remarkable clinical care teams, have once again earned us top honors from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons,” said Benny Weksler, MD, System Director of Thoracic Surgery at AHN. “Public reporting of STS rankings empowers patients to educate themselves on how their local lung surgery programs perform, and we’re beyond proud of our proven track record of the best possible patient outcomes and clinical excellence throughout Western Pennsylvania.”

The STS star rating system is one of the most sophisticated and highly regarded overall measures of quality in health care, rating the benchmarked outcomes of U.S. and Canadian thoracic surgery programs. The star ratings are derived by testing whether the participant’s scores on quality outcomes are significantly different from the overall STS average for resection for lung cancer performed by other GTSD participants.

“On behalf of the entire Cardiovascular and Thoracic Institute at AHN, we want to congratulate Dr. Weksler and the team of skilled clinicians that make this achievement all possible,” said Stephen Bailey, MD, Chair of the AHN Cardiovascular Institute and System Chair of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. “Their strategic multidisciplinary approach, advocacy for early detection and commitment to pioneering new medical advancements results in remarkable outcomes for lung cancer patients and their families, allowing them to return to their activities sooner with a better quality of life.”

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women, and cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer linked to roughly 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths.

Resection surgery is a common treatment for lung cancer, with treatment regiments also often including chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy. Types of resection surgeries may include lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection, depending on the size and location of the tumor.

At AHN and under the direction of Dr. Weksler, patients have access to a wide range of surgical therapies and detection approaches many of which are minimally invasive and assisted by the latest robotic technologies.

In October 2020, AHN announced it was the first healthcare provider in the Pittsburgh area to offer the Ion robotic lung biopsy system, an innovative new technology that helps physicians diagnose cancer at its earliest stages, when it is most curable. If patients are diagnosed and meet the appropriate criteria, they may also qualify for a da Vinci robot-assisted, minimally-invasive resection. This less invasive approach allows more than 95 percent of patients to return home in less than three days.

“Although AHN is known for its innovative therapies and advanced technology in surgical applications, it’s critical to emphasize that our network also collectively recognizes that adhering to consistent screenings and early detection remains critically important,” continued Dr. Weksler. “Approximately 80% of people who get screened and found to have lung cancer early can be cured.”

In its commitment to early detection, AHN hosts numerous free cancer screening events throughout the year which include lung cancer screenings for those aged between 50-80 years with a prior history of smoking. The most recent event was held in Monroeville last month.

According to the latest data from the American Lung Association, the rate of new lung cancer cases in Pennsylvania is significantly higher than the national rate and less than 10 percent of those considered to be high-risk were screened in 2022.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 9, 2023 10:21 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, PA) A week- long penny collection at Hopewell Elementary  School for the American Heart Association was successful. The students raised $4,421.00, according to third grade teacher Nicole Ozimok who coordinated the event.  A representative from the heart association was present at the school to receive the donation on Tuesday afternoon. Principal Korri Kane reported that the third graders collected  the most pennies.
Congratulations third graders!!  You really have a heart!

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 9, 2023 10:19 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Ty Patillo, coordinator of the  proposed Aliquippa Food Co-op announced that there will be a meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. at the B.F. Jones Memorial Library.  The meeting  topic  is titled:: Discussion and Mission.

Austin Davis (Credit: Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus)

HARRISBURG – One day after Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled his 2023-24 budget proposal, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis chaired the administration’s first meeting of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), which would see significant funding increases to increase public safety under the governor’s plan.

“Every Pennsylvanian, no matter what they look like or where they live, deserves to be safe and feel safe in their neighborhood,” said Davis. “The governor’s budget strengthens our communities and improves our criminal justice system. It includes a historic investment in violence prevention and community-based solutions, and it also provides state funding for public defenders for the first time and adds resources for probation and parole programs to help returning citizens integrate back into the community.

“As I lead the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, we will focus on innovative, evidence-based violence reduction strategies, we will center the people who are most impacted, and we will listen to the local organizations who are engaged in this work. Governor Shapiro’s budget is an important first step toward combatting the epidemic of gun violence in our communities and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to public safety.”

The governor’s budget would:

• Invest a record $105 million in state funding for violence intervention and prevention grants through PCCD
• Provide $10 million through PCCD and the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for indigent defense
• Invest an additional $4 million in county adult probation and parole services through PCCD

At today’s meeting, the commission approved a local law enforcement support grant to Temple University for nearly $1.8 million for gunshot detection, license plate readers, retention and recruitment bonuses, training and CCTV cameras.

“The Shapiro-Davis administration supports the Temple University community as it is grieving the loss of Police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald,” said Davis. “This grant will help the Temple University Police Department to keep the campus and surrounding neighborhood safe for students and residents.” 

The results of AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey show that while there is still a high level of interest in partially automated vehicle technology, attitudes toward fully self-driving vehicles have become increasingly apprehensive. This year there was a major increase in drivers who are afraid, rising to 68% as compared to 55% in 2022. This is a 13% jump from last year’s survey and the biggest increase since 2020*. AAA believes automakers must be diligent in creating an environment that promotes the use of more advanced vehicle technologies in a secure, reliable, and educational manner. This includes the consistent naming of vehicle systems available to consumers today.

“This significant decline in trust of automated vehicles was not something we were expecting,” said Mike Hoshaw, vice president of automotive services, AAA East Central. “But when you consider the number of high-profile crashes that occur from over-reliance on current vehicle technologies, it’s not a complete surprise.”

Even with advancements made in recent years, these findings suggest improvements are still needed to build public trust and knowledge surrounding emerging vehicle technology. There is also a need to dispel confusion around automated vehicles. AAA’s survey found that nearly one in ten drivers believe they can buy a vehicle that drives itself while they sleep. Currently, there is no such vehicle available for purchase by the public that would allow someone to fully disengage from the task of driving.

This perception could stem from misleading or confusing names of vehicle systems that are on the market. AAA found that 22% of Americans expect driver support systems, with names like Autopilot, ProPILOT, or Pilot Assist, to have the ability to drive the car by itself without any supervision, indicating a gap in consumer understanding.

What are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)? Consumers aren’t entirely opposed to advanced vehicle technology. In fact, six in ten U.S. drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want these systems in their next car purchase.

• Examples of ADAS include blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Check out AAA’s Clearing the Confusion, which provides naming and descriptions of ADAS in a consistent, easy-to-understand manner.
• Active driving assistance (ADA) is also considered ADAS. However, it differs in its functionality from other systems. ADA combines braking, accelerating, and steering through a combined use of adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. This technology actively assists the driver versus other ADAS that only turns on when needed. ADA is also the only ADAS classified as Level 2 automation as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers.  

What is a fully self-driving vehicle?

• A vehicle capable of operating without human involvement. A human driver is not required to control the vehicle at any time, nor required to be present in the vehicle while moving. These vehicles are not available for purchase by consumers and are classified as Level 5 automation as defined by the SAE.

AAA seeks to partner with automakers to create greater consistency across the industry. Consumers need to understand the type of technology their vehicle has along with how, when and where to use these systems.

*AAA has conducted its annual Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Survey since 2016; data not comparable to years prior to 2021 due to change in methodology.

Methodology

The survey was conducted January 13-17, 2023, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online; consumers without Internet access were surveyed over the phone.

A total of 1,140 interviews were completed among U.S. adults, 18 years of age or older, of which 949 qualified for the study. The margin of error for the study overall is 4.3% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 70 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

HARRISBURG –  The Pennsylvania Senate voted today to confirm Michelle A. Henry, a life-long public servant and former First Deputy Attorney General, to serve as Pennsylvania Attorney General. Today’s vote follows Monday’s unanimous decision by the Senate Judiciary Committee to recommend and advance her nomination.

“This is a powerful vote of confidence in our work and I am humbled to lead the dedicated team in the Office of Attorney General on behalf of every Pennsylvanian,” said Attorney General Henry. “Consumers, victims, and our partners in law enforcement now rely on the Office in record numbers, and with this vote, we can continue to be the independent, fearless, and trusted voice Pennsylvanians have come to expect. There will be big challenges over the next two years, and, as your Attorney General, I promise we will step up and always have Pennsylvanians’ backs.”

The Attorney General is the state’s top law enforcement officer and operates with a wide range of responsibilities to protect and serve the citizens and agencies of the Commonwealth. The Attorney General leads a staff of several hundred prosecutors, attorneys, investigators, agents and support staff in offices across the state, divided into four divisions: the Criminal Law Division, the Public Protection Division, the Civil Division and the Operations Division.

“Michelle Henry has the experience, talent, and dedication to the pursuit of justice that Pennsylvania needs in the Attorney General’s office – and that’s why I nominated her to serve out the remainder of my term,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “By confirming her nomination, the Senate has guaranteed that Pennsylvanians have an Attorney General who will fight for them. I look forward to working with Attorney General Henry to build safer communities and protect the rights of Pennsylvanians.”

A prosecutor for more than 26 years, Henry rose from intern in the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office to now serve as the chief law enforcement officer for the Commonwealth. She is a graduate of Allegheny College and the Widener University School of Law, worked for the Westmoreland County Legal Aid Office, and clerked for now retired Lancaster County President Judge Michael Georgelis.

Before serving as First Deputy Attorney General, Michelle dedicated over 20 years of her career to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office – taking on critical jobs including Chief of Major Crimes, Chief of Child Abuse, and First Assistant. She was appointed Bucks County District Attorney with a bipartisan vote in 2008. Michelle has been a leading advocate for children throughout her career, prosecuting major child abuse cases and launching Bucks County’s children’s advocacy center. She has pushed major initiatives and took a leading role in educating junior prosecutors from across the Commonwealth.

As First Deputy Attorney General under former Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Henry was responsible for overseeing all of the Office’s legal matters, including criminal cases to seek justice for victims, civil suits representing the Commonwealth and public protection cases fighting for the rights of Pennsylvania consumers. During her tenure, Henry was admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America; and received the Widener University Commonwealth Law School’s 2017 Excellence in Public Service Alumni Award for her “extraordinary contributions” to public service.

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that he has been appointed majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said he is looking forward to continued leadership as the majority chairman and the role he can play in developing and promoting bills to better protect the state’s consumers.

“I appreciate the confidence House leadership has shown in me by appointing me to lead the committee for the next two years,” Matzie said. “Whether protecting consumers, overseeing broadband deployment, keeping tabs on new technologies or monitoring energy generation, our committee’s purview touches on many aspects of daily life in all corners of our state. I’m ready to work.”

Formerly known as the House Consumer Affairs Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee has jurisdiction over the Public Utilities Commission and reviews bills related to a broad range of consumer matters, including, but not limited to, consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and other technology-related issues.