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Franklin County Free Press
Franklin County Literacy Council Seeks Volunteer Tutors Throughout the County
The Franklin County Literacy Council, established in 1985, is actively seeking volunteers to serve as tutors across the county. The council’s service area encompasses Chambersburg, Fort Loudon, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Residents of these areas who have obtained a high school diploma and are interested in giving back...
Gary E. Harbaugh 1963-2024
Gary E. Harbaugh, 60, of Fairfield, PA passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the Gardens of Gettysburg. Born September 27, 1963 to the late Roy D. Harbaugh, Sr. and Charity “Millie” (Bobo) Harbaugh in Gettysburg, PA. Gary graduated from Fairfield High School in 1983. He worked...
Kathryn A Banville 1953-2024
Mrs. Kathryn A Banville (Ryan), 71, of Waynesboro, PA passed away Sunday morning, June 30, 2024 at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Born May 15, 1953 in Manhattan, New York City, NY, she was the daughter of the late Jeremiah Ryan and Anne (Dolan) Moore. She grew up in Bronx, NYC and later moved to New Jersey.
Richard Allen Downin 1964-2024
Mr. Richard Allen Downin, 59, of Waynesboro, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024. Born August 19, 1964 in Waynesboro, he was the son of Mrs. Patricia (Barnes) Downin, a resident of Quincy Village and the late Mr. Richard E. “Dick” Downin who passed away May 2, 2024. Richard...
Martin J. “Sonny” Bigler, Jr. 1943-2024
Martin J. “Sonny” Bigler, Jr., 80, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Monday, July 1, 2024, at his home. He was born on September 14, 1943, in Shippensburg, a son of the late Martin J. and Josephine (Hockenberry) Bigler, Sr. Sonny married Judy Eyer on...
Shifts in Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Landscape
During the pandemic, state governments, including Pennsylvania, experienced an influx of tax revenues and federal support. However, this financial boost is tapering off as federal aid diminishes and expenditures surpass tax revenue growth. A recent report by the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) indicates that over the past five years, Pennsylvania’s General Fund revenues increased by 30%, while spending escalated by 33%. Notable revenue increases include a 66% rise in corporate net income tax and a 56% increase in inheritance tax revenues.
Pennsylvania House Advances Bill to Regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers
The Pennsylvania state House has approved a bill aimed at regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to ensure fair competition and address prescription pricing pressures affecting independent pharmacies. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jessica Benham, seeks to counteract the dominance of major PBMs—Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum—which control over 90% of U.S. prescription volume. These companies benefit from vertical integration, profiting at multiple stages of patient care.
Pennsylvania Senate Committee Advances Bill to Empower Nurse Practitioners
A Pennsylvania Senate committee has passed Senate Bill 25, which aims to increase healthcare access in rural areas by granting certified nurse practitioners the authority to provide primary health care services. Under the bill, nurse practitioners would be able to operate independently after completing a three-year, 36-hour collaborative agreement with a physician.
Recall Alert: Salmonella and Listeria Concerns Prompt FDA to Issue Product Recalls
In recent updates from the FDA, two significant recalls have been issued due to potential health hazards in pet food products. Both recalls involve concerns about bacterial contamination that could affect both animal and human health. The first recall, announced on July 1, 2024, involves Sunseed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food,...
Pennsylvania’s PA 529 Plan Achieves Gold Rating from Morningstar
Morningstar awarded the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Investment Plan (IP) a Gold Rating, distinguishing it as one of only two plans nationwide to achieve this highest rating. The award was given in recognition of the Treasury’s aggressive negotiations that led to lower fees and more positive investor experiences, as well as its effective advocacy for investors.
Ghost Writer LLC Raises Over $10 Million for Nonprofits
Licensed fundraising counsel Ghost Writer LLC has now connected nonprofit and for-profit clients with over $10 million. This is the result of roughly 500 grants, RFPs, tax credit programs, sponsorship requests, direct mail campaigns, and other revenue streams the company has submitted on behalf of over 30 clients nationally and globally.
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