INVESTMENT TO EXPAND SERVICES

I joined community leaders this week to celebrate the exciting transformation of the St. Paul’s Neighborhood Center. This $7 million investment will expand services, strengthen food access, and create an even greater resource for families across Erie.

A special thank you to Tim NeCastro for his leadership and vision in helping make this project a reality. Partnerships like this — bringing together the Mazzini Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Paul’s Neighborhood Center, and so many others — show what’s possible when our community works together.

Erie’s future is brighter because of investments like these, and I can’t wait to see the finished project next year.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

It was great spending Tuesday evening at National Night Out in Belle Valley and Fairview Township!

Thank you to everyone who came out, especially our police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and volunteers who work every day to keep our communities safe. It was great seeing so many families enjoying a fun evening together while strengthening the relationships that make our neighborhoods even stronger.

SAVE THE DATE, AUG. 17

I’m hoping you will join us for my Senior Fair on Monday, August 17th from 9 a.m. to noon.

It’s a one-stop-shop event. It connects seniors, caregivers, and families with valuable resources, services, nonprofit organizations, health information, veteran benefits, technology assistance, consumer protection support, and so much more.

Last year’s event brought out more than 1,400 attendees, and we’re looking forward to making this year even bigger and better.

Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, PA 16507

Please spread the word, or contact my office if your organization would like to participate.

HARRISBURG UPDATE

There has been a lot of lies and misinformation circulating about Pennsylvania’s felony murder sentencing decision. Let’s set the record straight.

No one convicted of second-degree (felony) murder and sentenced to life in prison is automatically being released. No one. When the legislative deadline passed, no prison doors opened. No one suddenly became eligible for parole. No one simply walked free. Instead, the issue now moves into what is expected to be a lengthy legal process involving individual court review unless and until the General Assembly enacts a new sentencing law.

It’s also important to understand why the Legislature was required to act. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that, in certain cases, automatically imposing life without parole on every person convicted of second-degree (felony) murder—without considering that individual’s specific role in the crime — violates the Pennsylvania Constitution. The Court directed the General Assembly to create a constitutional sentencing framework.

Even the legislation considered in Harrisburg would not have guaranteed anyone’s release. It established an extremely narrow pathway for only a limited number of individuals to even be considered for parole. They would have to meet strict statutory requirements, appear before a judge, and, if eligible, still convince the Pennsylvania Parole Board that they no longer pose a threat to public safety. Legal experts have consistently said that very few people currently serving life sentences for felony murder would likely qualify.

It’s disappointing — but not surprising — that some are choosing to weaponize misinformation to scare you. Public safety is far too important to be reduced to partisan scare tactics. If your strategy is built on misleading people about what the courts actually decided, maybe it’s time to find a better message. Pennsylvanians deserve honest leadership based on facts — not fiction.

STATEWIDE WORK CONTINUES

As chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, I serve on the House Majority Leadership team and tour the state listening to the concerns and issues facing people across PA. The committee has held 77 hearings across 52 neighborhoods so far this legislative session, with 52 different leaders hosting events.

This week, we traveled to Chester County to see the direct impact of state funding for career and technical education for students and programs. Lawmakers examined the challenges and successes of young people transitioning from school years to adulthood. We capped the three events with a roundtable discussion on artificial intelligence and safety regulations that could protect children.

UP NEXT: The committee returns to Erie County Aug. 17-18.

GATHERING NEW IDEAS FOR PA

Earlier this month, I attended the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and it was a great opportunity to gather new ideas and bring them to Pennsylvania. As Vice Chair of the NCSL Labor & Economic Development Committee, I’m learning what policies deliver results, what didn’t work in other states, and how we can build a stronger economy here at home.

It was especially rewarding to see the Brewers Association highlight my Brews to Barns legislation as a national model for supporting craft brewers while helping local farmers. Sharing innovative ideas and learning from colleagues across the country is how we create smarter, more effective public policy.

Pennsylvania was well represented in Chicago.

CHANGES ARE ON HORIZON

Big changes are coming to Medicaid. PA's Department of Human Services has published a lot of information to help people prepare for 2027. Pay attention to dhs.pa.gov/MedicaidChanges and review all letters you receive from DHS in the coming months.

Knowing that these changes are on the horizon:

Keep your contact information up to date with DHS.
Use the online COMPASS application for renewals to make sure paperwork doesn't get lost in the mail.
If you need help getting information to DHS, call my office.
If you get denial notices or requests for follow up information, work through my office to address those issues.

HOW WE VOTED

You can see how the House voted on every bill here.

INVESTING IN SCHOOLS, NEXT GENERATION

Building a stronger workforce starts with building stronger schools. This year's budget will continue to provide our high-performing schools and local students with the opportunity to thrive. We are investing in our future—and we did it without raising your taxes.

AMERICA 250 EVENTS IN ERIE

This year’s America250PA celebration continues with an August event:

🎉 The America250 Birthday Bash on the Bayfront on August 21st

You can learn more and stay updated by visiting eriecounty250.org.

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

So far this year my dedicated team has closed 23,200+ cases. We have closed 1,200+ PennDOT cases. We have completed more than 810 Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications in the first half of 2026, with $520,000 expected to be returned to the region in rebates.

If you need help filing your Property Tax/Rent Rebate or other state matters, 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.

MY OFFICE CAN 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.