Investor Education and Consumer Outreach staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) will host a series of free educational events across Pennsylvania in March to help seniors, veterans, and members of the public protect themselves from financial fraud, identity theft, and scams.

The March outreach events will provide practical guidance on recognizing warning signs of fraud, protecting personal information, and knowing where to turn for help. All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted.

To learn about the free, non-commercial financial education programs or request a customized presentation, visit the DoBS Events Calendar or contact the team at 1-800-PA-BANKS or via email at [email protected].

You can visit pa.gov/dobs, subscribe to the department newsletter, or follow DoBS on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.

Garrity: PA ABLE assets exceed $200M

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity this week announced that the PA ABLE Savings Program has surpassed $200 million in assets.

PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are a tax-free way for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families to save and invest without impacting eligibility for important benefits such as Social Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

“Reaching $200 million in assets is an incredible achievement and a testament to how important PA ABLE is for people across the Commonwealth,” Garrity said. “PA ABLE empowers Pennsylvanians with disabilities by providing the opportunity to build financial security, plan for the future, and live more independently.”

States were authorized to create ABLE programs following the passage of federal ABLE legislation in 2014. PA ABLE was enacted in 2016 following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, with the first account opening in 2017.

Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown to more than 12,000 accounts, with assets exceeding $200 million. Over this same period, PA ABLE account owners have used approximately $76.7 million to help pay for disability-related expenses, like groceries, rent, healthcare, transportation, and longer-term expenses, including education and assistive technology.

PA ABLE offers multiple savings and investment options. Account owners can contribute up to $20,000 per year, with higher limits available for certain employed individuals. Contributions (up to $19,000) are deductible from Pennsylvania state income taxes, and account growth is tax-free when used for qualified withdrawals.

To learn about eligibility or to open an account, visit paable.gov, email [email protected], or call 855-529-2253.

VFW available at Baker’s offices

Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, invites veterans to schedule an appointment to meet with a VFW Service Officer at her Dallas or Nanticoke office.

Sen. Baker encourages veterans of all ages and from all eras of service to use the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officer Network to obtain free information and assistance with government benefits.

This assistance may include VA healthcare, compensation, pension, education, and dependent benefits. Surviving spouses can also use these Service Officers at no charge to learn about their eligibility for VA benefits.

“Veterans are the heart and soul of America, and we appreciate their many sacrifices to make this nation a beacon of freedom and hope,” Sen. Baker said. “During challenging economic times, many veterans continue to need our assistance. I encourage any veteran or spouse with questions regarding benefits to schedule a time to meet with a Service Officer.”

• Dallas office

Appointments with a service officer are available at no charge on the second Friday of every month.

On Friday, March 13, the VFW Service Officer will be available for scheduled appointments at Sen. Baker’s office, 22 Dallas Shopping Center, Memorial Highway, Dallas.

All veterans, not just VFW members, can request appointments between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment at this location, call 570-675-3931.

• Nanticoke office

Appointments with a service officer are available at no charge on the third Wednesday of every month.

On Wednesday, March 18, the VFW Service Officer will be available for scheduled appointments at Sen. Baker’s office, 50 N. Walnut St., Suite 105, Nanticoke.

All veterans, not just VFW members, can request appointments between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment at this location, call 570-740-2432.

Shapiro orders flags to half-staff on March 7

Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff on Saturday, March 7, in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away earlier this month.

This tribute will coincide with the last day of the memorial services scheduled for Jackson.

Jackson was a civil rights activist and Baptist minister who championed the civil rights movement. Throughout his life of service, Jackson made countless visits to Pennsylvania, advocating for labor rights and civil rights across the Commonwealth — from Pittsburgh and Erie to Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

On one of his last visits to the Commonwealth, in October 2024, Jackson was hosted by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. While in the Capitol, Jackson was recognized by the General Assembly for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advocates for civil rights, economic equality, voting rights, and social justice.

In a post on X, Gov. Shapiro said:

“Rev. Jesse Jackson was a change maker, a boundary breaker, and a passionate and unrelenting crusader for civil rights, equality, and opportunity. To be around him felt like you were experiencing history. It was an honor to share the pulpit with him back in September of 2016 at Sharon Baptist Church in West Philly. I hung on his every word and could feel how much his presence meant to the congregation. Lori and I are praying for his wife, Jacqueline, his family, and everyone he inspired over the years. May the memory of Rev. Jesse Jackson be a blessing.”

The flags shall remain lowered until sunset on March 7.

Liquor Control Board returns nearly $2M

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has announced the return of nearly $2 million in licensing fees to 1,089 municipalities in which licensees are located, providing financial support for local government initiatives.

Twice a year, as required by law, the PLCB returns liquor license fees paid by PLCB-approved licensees to the municipalities where those licenses are located. Municipalities have flexibility in allocating and spending the returned license fees to meet local needs.

The PLCB oversees the regulation of about 15,000 retail liquor licenses statewide, including restaurants, clubs, and hotels. Licensees pay liquor license fees ranging from $125 to $700, depending on the type of license and the population of the municipality in which the license is located, as part of the annual license renewal or validation process, as well as in conjunction with approval of certain new applications.

The dispersal period represents fees paid from Aug. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31. In all, 41 cities, 405 boroughs, and 643 townships will receive payments ranging from $25 to $735,000.

Complete lists of license fee distributions by county and municipality are available on the PLCB website.

Over the last five fiscal years, the PLCB returned nearly $17.6 million in licensing fees to local municipalities.

For information about the PLCB, visit pa.gov/lcb.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on X @TLBillOBoyle.