Belfanti back in action


Font size: [A] [A] [A]

HARRISBURG - Rep. Robert Belfanti gave a humor-filled speech to colleagues Wednesday marking his return to the House floor after five months of absence because of serious health problems.

Standing on the floor and using a cane for support, Mr. Belfanti, D-107, Mount Carmel, talked about his bout with acute pneumonia in February that left him in a coma and required extensive hospital stays and physical therapy.

Mr. Belfanti, 60, was airlifted from his Mount Carmel residence to Hershey Medical Center in critical condition. He has also been a patient at Shamokin Area Community Hospital.

He told lawmakers that a TV station aired a mistaken report he had died. His wife, Cecilia, saw the broadcast and panicked, he added.

Referring to his loose-fitting clothes, Mr. Belfanti said "I lost 50 pounds. I put five of it back."

He discussed receiving support from fellow lawmakers, including letters on a daily basis from Rep. Tim Seip, D-125, Pottsville.

In recent weeks, Mr. Belfanti has indicated he planned to return to Harrisburg in time to vote for the state budget legislation and would arrive on a stretcher if necessary.

He provided a key vote this week to help House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-116, Hazleton, win House passage of legislation to expand the state-subsidized health care program for uninsured adults.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com







Be the first to comment on this article!

Half Off Nepa

1/2 OFF NEPA

Today's Feature: Steve Pronko Diamond and Fine Jewelry - Card Value: $50 Sale Price: $25. - Earning Your Trust Since 1928!

Home for the Holidays Contest

Answer the trivia questions for your chance to win 4 tickets to the NEPA Philharmonic's "Home for the Holidays" concert.

Manhunt ends in West Scranton

A chaotic manhunt through West Scranton that started with state police firing shots at a suspect ended Friday night with the apprehension of a wanted man who two days earlier allegedly led authorities on a high-speed chase through the Midvalley. Derek


 

Manhunt ends in West Scranton

A chaotic manhunt through West Scranton that started with state police firing shots at a suspect ended Friday night with the apprehension of a wanted man who two days earlier allegedly led authorities on a high-speed chase through the Midvalley. Derek