MORE THAN $18.5 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING SECURED

Securing more than $18.5 million in state funding is a major win for Erie County and all the people who call this region their home. These investments will ensure safe water and efficient service. At the same time, the state continues to invest in what keeps our communities strong. We’re supporting violence prevention efforts and new opportunities for kids to learn, grow and stay active.

This legislative session, my dedicated team and I have helped secure more than $50.1 million in state funding for projects and services across Erie.

HOUSE ADOPTS MY RESOLUTION, BRINGS AWARENESS FOR ORGAN DONATION

The House adopted my resolution designating April as Donate Life Month, helping to raise awareness and knowledge about the critical need for organ donors. Read more here.

I’ve seen firsthand how organ, tissue and cornea donation transforms lives – offering hope, healing and second chances for countless people and families. One selfless decision truly has the power to transform and save lives. This month, I encourage everyone to learn more, register as an organ donor and have important conversations on becoming a donor with your loved ones. The gift of life is the greatest gift we can give.

POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING CENTERS ON HOLDING HOSPITALS ACCOUNTABLE

After being discharged from the hospital while in labor, Mercedes Wells shared how she gave birth along a road in a Chevrolet Silverado after her health concerns were dismissed by health care professionals. At a House Majority Policy Committee hearing hosted by the Black Maternal Health Caucus, lawmakers highlighted the disparate outcomes facing Black mothers, who are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers.

It’s the latest Policy Committee hearing on the need to pass reforms from the PA Momnibus 2.0. The Momnibus is a comprehensive legislative package consisting of 12 bills – including five that have already passed the House and await action in the Senate.

The Policy Committee has now hosted 60 hearings with 44 hosts across 40 neighborhoods during the 2025–26 legislative session.

As Chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee and a member of the House Majority Leadership team, I travel across the state with the Policy Committee to hear from workers, seniors, advocates, business leaders, and officials on emerging topics and initiatives. We examine how policies are working for people across the state and identify opportunities to advance reforms that benefit even more residents.

UP NEXT: The committee travels to Philadelphia before heading to Cumberland County on Thursday.

WORKING FOR YOU

No one should miss out on money they're entitled to. My dedicated team and I travel the district to help our neighbors get the support they deserve.

We have hosted Property Tax & Rent Rebate events to make it easier for seniors and residents to apply, ask questions, and get real help — right at the table.

If you missed us, don't worry — my team and I are always here to help.

For the first quarter of 2026, my dedicated team closed 5,535 cases — including 2,227 in March alone. So far, we have completed nearly 500 rebates, returning $315,000 to the region. If you need help filing your Property Tax/Rent Rebate, trust the professionals — we’re here to make it easy.

Stop by our Millcreek office or contact us if you have questions. A member of my team can also be reached at the Fairview Township Building on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HOW WE VOTED

The House will return to Harrisburg on April 27. This week, the House passed numerous pieces of legislation. Most importantly, we passed a budget proposal with investments in education, health care, public safety, affordable housing, mass transit, and more—and this proposal would not raise taxes. The final budget will still need to be negotiated and agreed to by the Senate, but we are hopeful that this effort in April will help speed up the process in the other chamber.

We voted to pause the sale of future municipal water and sewer systems to examine rate hikes that often accompany such sales; we held data center developers accountable by requiring disclosure of their energy and water usage; we also passed a bill providing communities with an optional approach to zoning data centers, which can be especially helpful for smaller communities that may not have the resources or tools to otherwise prepare; we voted to require baby diaper-changing stations in new or fully renovated public restrooms, and we also passed a bill to strengthen consumer protections by updating the law requiring utilities to provide customer assistance programs to people who fall behind on payments. You can see how we voted on all pieces of legislation here.

RE-INTRODUCING MY BILL TO PROHIBIT PRICE GOUGING AT THE PUMP

Too many oil companies are participating in price gouging and exploiting instability in the Middle East, and it’s having a real impact here at home. While their profits grow year after year, Pennsylvanians are feeling the pinch on their wallets. These are unconscionable practices that need to be reined in. I re-introduced my bill to ban price gouging this week.

Many people are quick to point the finger at our state’s gas tax, but I voted against the gas tax. It was passed under a Republican governor with a Legislature led by a Republican-controlled Senate and Republican-controlled House. I was a “no” on the gas tax, and I remain a “no” on price gouging.

COMMEMORATING THE HOLOCAUST

I joined the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and Rep. Dan Frankel at the annual Civic Commemoration of the Holocaust. We gathered to remember the 6 million Jews and millions of others murdered during the Holocaust—victims of hatred fueled by systematic dehumanization and violence. Honoring their memory is a commitment to ensuring such atrocities never happen again.

William Penn founded our Commonwealth on principles of tolerance and acceptance. It is on all of us to stay vigilant—standing up to hate, supporting one another, and working toward a more inclusive Pennsylvania.

STUDENT PHARMACISTS

Laurel Beckman joined me in the Capitol on Tuesday — a McDowell graduate now studying pharmacy at Pitt. She joined hundreds of pharmacists and student pharmacists who traveled to Harrisburg to talk to lawmakers about issues facing their industry.

Pharmacy benefit managers, which act as intermediaries in the pharmacy supply chain, are a major issue in the pharmacy industry and one of the main reasons for dozens of closures of pharmacies across the state. It's been the topic of PA House Democratic Policy Committee hearings in recent years -- and state lawmakers are trying to find solutions to keep valuable community pharmacies and the services they provide open.

VISITING WITH ERIE STUDENTS

One of the best parts of my day is meeting with young people who are passionate, engaged, and willing to put in the work to advocate for themselves.

This week, I met with students from the High School Democrats of Pennsylvania, including Makena and Julia, who traveled down from Erie. We had a great conversation about expanding opportunities for youth—everything from civics to the cost of higher education to the availability of internships, apprenticeships, and job training.

Their energy and commitment give me a lot of hope for the future.

MY OFFICE CAN HELP WITH GRANTS

My office can work alongside schools, first responders, law enforcement, nonprofits, and local businesses to secure state funding through Pennsylvania grant programs. If you have any questions or issues with applying for a grant, my office can help. Reach out to us with any questions.

We have also updated the online Grant & Resource Directory for 2026. The directory provides an overview of state grant programs.

HELPING ERIE GROWERS

Our local grape growers are facing real economic uncertainty, and this industry has been part of Erie County’s identity for generations. I am working with growers, processors, and other leaders to find both short-term relief and long-term solutions that protect jobs, preserve farmland, and keep this vital part of our economy strong. We are not giving up on our grape belt.

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE

May 4 is the last day to register to vote or update your address. It only takes a few minutes to register. Don't wait, do it today at PA’s Voter Registration Application page.

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

If you need assistance with state programs, my office can help!

Last year, we:

helped 1,200+ people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program,
resolved 4,500+ issues with PennDOT, and
completed 38,000+ items of casework.

Trust the professionals! Bring your issues to my team, we can help.