GOV. SHAPIRO SIGNS BUDGET

The budget signed by Gov. Shapiro Sunday puts people first by lowering costs, investing in schools, creating good-paying jobs, and building safer communities — all while putting more money back into the pockets of working families and seniors. At the end of the day, this budget is about making Pennsylvania more affordable, creating opportunity, investing in our kids, and keeping our communities safe. It's a responsible plan that grows Pennsylvania's economy by investing in the people who make it strong.

Lower costs.
Better schools.
More jobs.
Safer communities.

And we do it all WITHOUT RAISING YOUR TAXES.

STATE INVESTS $12.5 MILLION IN ERIE PROJECTS

Growing the regional economy, bringing in new jobs, and supporting the people already living here—that is the motivation behind the millions of state grant dollars awarded to four projects in Erie County on Thursday.

Our region won big this round, thanks to strong proposals that are already improving our region, and strong support from Harrisburg for the Erie area. The announced projects include $9.5 million for the Erie County Convention Center Authority for a Bayfront Market House and $500,000 for FRC, a cybersecurity firm, for redevelopment of the Mercantile Building in mid-town Erie. Read about all the projects here.

During this legislative session, I have helped secure more than $62.9 million in state investments for local projects and services across the community.

RECAPPING PA’S BALANCED BUDGET

I had the chance to sit down with Erie News Now this week to talk about how this year's budget is making a difference for the people in Erie and across Pennsylvania. This year's budget delivers for working families, seniors, students and our communities.

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. It invests in our future—and we did it without raising your taxes.

SAVE THE DATE, AUG. 17

Join us next month on Monday, August 17th from 9 a.m. to noon for a one-stop-shop event connecting seniors, caregivers, and families with valuable resources, services, 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.

AIR QUALITY: LIMIT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

A Code Purple Air Quality Alert has been issued for Erie County. Air quality is very unhealthy. If you can, stay indoors, limit outdoor activity, and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable - especially those suffering from respiratory or heart conditions.

More than 100 wildfires in Canada have affected air quality across a large section of the Midwest and Northeast - including PA. The smoke is spreading in part because the heat dome that created high temps in the Midwest and the Northeast has trapped the smoke close to the ground. Check www.airnow.gov for conditions in your area.

Local parks, the Erie Zoo and outdoor pools have closed because of the conditions.

HOW WE VOTED

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

STATEWIDE WORK WITH POLICY COMMITTEE

As Chairman of the PA House Democratic 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 would help even more residents.

The committee has held 71 hearings across 47 neighborhoods so far this legislative session, hosted by 49 different leaders.

UP NEXT: The committee kicks off eight weeks of summer and fall travel when we host events in Allegheny County Monday through Wednesday. The committee then travels to southeast PA Aug. 3-5.

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 closed 13,139 cases during the first half of 2026, including 3,729 in June. We have completed more than 800 Property Tax & Rent Rebate applications in the first half of 2026, with $500,000 expected to be returned to the region in rebates.

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.

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.