TOURING PROJECT, NEW OPPORTUNITY

I had the opportunity to tour the future home of MACC West with the Mercy Center for Women late last week – and it was incredible to see the progress firsthand. The Mercy Center for Women is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for individuals and families facing housing insecurity.

Phase 1 of construction is officially complete, marking a major step forward in transforming this space into something truly meaningful for our community!

This visit was especially personal for me. This building was once Sacred Heart School, where I attended elementary school. I hadn’t been back inside in nearly 30 years, and stepping through those halls brought back a wave of fond memories.

Projects like this are about more than construction; they’re about creating opportunity, stability, and support for people in need across our community. I’m grateful for the partnership and excited to see this vision continue to come to life.

TALKING DIRECTLY TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

PA is one of the top beer-producing states in the country but even a powerhouse industry isn’t immune to economic challenges.

I brought the House Majority Policy Committee to Philadelphia and met with brewers from across the state at the Craft Brewers Conference and World Beer Cup to talk about how legislation, including tax relief and updated regulations, could help them adapt and thrive.

I hosted a roundtable featuring Erie’s own Jason Lavery from Lavery Brewing Company as well as other brewers from around the state to help lawmakers learn more.

The industry is feeling the crunch of the affordability crisis, from tariffs that raise the price of steel and aluminum, to increasing shipping costs, to competing for dollars from a public that is also feeling the economic strain.

I’ve authored the Brews to Barns Act to turn waste into opportunity, allowing brewers to earn a tax credit when they donate spent grain to farmers for feed or soil additives.

CONSIDER YOUR ABILITY TO SAVE LIVES

My resolution that designated April Donate Life Month is deeply personal to me, and it's one measure I fight to pass every year. Earlier this week I spoke with Erie News Now's Mickenzie Robson on the importance of organ donation. Right now, there are 8,000 PA residents desperately waiting on organ transplants. If you haven't done so yet, please register to be an organ donor – sign up to SAVE LIVES.

ERIE SENIORS MAGAZINE LAUNCHES

Big congratulations to Jasmine Almeida and the team at Presque Isle Publications on the launch of Erie Seniors Magazine!

As Erie Seniors Magazine rolls out its first issue, it’s bringing a fresh, local resource dedicated to celebrating life after 55 — highlighting community stories, resources, and opportunities right here in Erie. Get your copy TODAY!

POLICY COMMITTEE ROAD TRIP TO PHILLY

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 issues and initiatives. We examine how policies are working for people across the state and identify opportunities to advance reforms that benefit even more residents.

Cannabis: On 4/20, the PA House Democratic Policy Committee talked criminal justice reform — because in PA, people can still go to jail for cannabis while other states have moved on. PA is almost surrounded by states that have legalized cannabis, and inaction in the Senate GOP is costing us jobs and revenue every day. It's time to stop letting lives go Up in Smoke over something that should already be legal and generating revenue.

Utility Prices: People are struggling to keep up with rising utility costs, often forced to choose which bill they can afford to pay each week. Since 2023, the state has set records each year for energy terminations. When essential services like electricity and gas keep climbing, we need to do more for the households forced to choose between paying for electricity, food or medicine. Lawmakers kept digging into what’s behind these rising utility costs at Wednesday's hearing at Temple University and are fighting for a Pennsylvania families and consumers can afford.

The committee has hosted 64 hearings with 45 hosts across 43 neighborhoods during this legislative session.

UP NEXT: The committee travels to Allentown on April 30.

JUSTICE FOR SURVIVORS

For more than a decade, grand jury reports have exposed child sexual abuse across Pennsylvania, but survivors are still waiting for a real path to justice.

The committee hosted a hearing in Harrisburg on Thursday to bring together survivors, advocates, and legal experts to once again call for action: a two-year retroactive window that would allow survivors to file civil claims, even if the statute of limitations has expired.

Three of four key reforms recommended in 2018 have been enacted. This one – the retroactive civil window – remains unfinished. The bill passed the House and sadly languishes in the PA Senate with no support from Republican leaders.

WE ARE READY TO HELP 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 host 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.

So far this year my dedicated team closed 7,136 cases — including 2,227 in March alone. We have completed nearly 650 rebates, returning $420,000 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 Monday. You can see how we voted on all pieces of legislation here.

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.

I will continue to fight for our region to receive its fair share from the state. I have helped secure more than $50.1 million in state funding this legislative session for projects and services that help people in the Erie region.

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.