ERIE DAY IN HARRISBURG

Erie is gaining momentum — and Harrisburg is paying attention.

This week, dozens of business, government, and community leaders packed the Capitol for Erie Day, showcasing the Infinite Erie vision and making one thing clear: investing in Erie strengthens all of Pennsylvania.

From housing and economic redevelopment to transforming our waterfront into a premier destination, leaders across every sector are working together to build a stronger, more vibrant Erie.

I am proud to stand with partners who are committed to the work and united in making our voice heard where it counts.

PROUD TO REPRESENT YOU

I’ve always been Erie’s biggest cheerleader, and I’m not slowing down.

I’m in Harrisburg making sure our region has a seat at the table and a strong voice in every decision. I work my hardest to bring back the most for our region, but I can't do it alone. It was great to see so many familiar faces in Harrisburg, everyone striving for the same outcome.

PUTTING ERIE IN TOUCH WITH STATE LEADERS

This year, Erie showed up in force: standing tall, speaking up, and fighting for our fair share. I was happy to introduce Erie leaders to the Speaker of the House Rep. Joanna McClinton and House Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford for a roundtable discussion.

HOW WE VOTED

The House returned to session to vote on bills in Harrisburg this week. You can see how the House voted here.

This week, we protected kids by requiring mandated reporters to report suspected child sexual abuse materials or AI child sexual abuse materials (HB 2474); we improved prosecution of internet crimes against children (HB 1098); we also helped kids by setting up a new state commission that will develop a plan to provide vision exams and glasses at little or no cost for all students who need them (HB 1077); and we cut costs for tenants by capping rental application fees (HB 558).

BRINGING MONEY BACK TO ERIE

This week, the state approved a $250,000 grant to launch a pre-apprenticeship program for students looking to earn hands-on experience to work in-demand jobs in the HVAC industry.

On the same day, the state also approved a $30,555 tax credit to meterEZ to help this Erie company expand and improve its innovation.

Economic development is an aspect of my job I take seriously. This state funding will create family-sustaining jobs and help local businesses grow. My dedicated team and I have helped secure nearly $50.5 million in state funding for projects and services across the community during this legislative session.

CATCHING UP WITH ERIE VISITORS

Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority CEO Jeremy Peterson met with me to discuss the needs for transit in our region and the challenges facing mass transit across the state. EMTA works to provide safe, efficient and effective transportation for Erie County, making sure people, like seniors and veterans, can get to their medical appointments.

Neighbors from Erie, Dauphin and Cumberland counties representing Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and PennFuture met with my team this week to talk about environmental issues across the state, including clean water and data center accountability.

PA LIFE Providers Alliance talked with us about LIFE programs, or Living Independence for the Elderly. They explained their challenges and they explained more about their long-term services and support to residents who wish to continue living independently.

I also had a great time catching up with former Millcreek teacher Mike Fiorelli of the American Lung Association, alongside a group of students from Iroquois High School in Erie County. We had an important conversation about the Clean Indoor Air Act and investing in education to help keep kids away from smoking and vaping.

POLICY COMMITTEE WORK CONTINUES

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 and identify opportunities to advance reforms that benefit even more residents.

The committee has hosted 69 hearings with 49 hosts across 45 neighborhoods during this legislative session, including four events across the state this week – hosting events in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

UP NEXT: The committee will join the Senate Democratic Policy Committee for a joint hearing in Philadelphia on Monday.

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

Helping people navigate tough situations is the most important part of this job—and it means everything when folks take a moment to say thank you.

We’ll keep showing up, doing the work, and fighting for YOU every single day.

So far this year my dedicated team closed more than 7,100 cases. We have completed nearly 650 Property Tax & Rent 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.

PROTECTING ANIMALS

Animals deserve better.

My Beagle Freedom Bills would protect animals used in labs—requiring healthy dogs and cats to be released to rescues and adopted into loving homes

Crack down on abusive breeders
Protect whistleblowers
Give research animals a second chance

I joined the Animal Protection Caucus this week on the steps of the Capitol to push for action: Let’s get this done.

You can find my bills here.

JOIN LISTENING TOUR IN ERIE, TAKE THE SURVEY

Women across the Commonwealth - your voice matters. Two stops on the statewide listening tour are scheduled for Erie, including Monday, May 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Erie Center for Arts & Technology and Tuesday, May 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Erie Insurance Center at the Firehouse.

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is writing a State of the Woman Report for Pennsylvania, and we want to hear directly from you.

The commission also has a 20-minute survey open to all women and girls in the state age 13 and older. It is your chance to share your experiences, priorities, and challenges – no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to.

Take the survey and help shape the future for women in Pennsylvania.

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.