STORM RECOVERY

A powerful storm moved through our region last night, resulting in widespread power outages, significant storm damage and hazardous conditions. I am in contact with local elected officials offering state support. I am working with Penelec, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for any assistance they can provide.

Penelec customers can report outages in three ways:

Text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS). Note: If you haven't used this service before, text REG to 544487 to register. You will need your utility account number and ZIP code.
Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
Use the FirstEnergy Outage Portal to submit a report online.

Penelec does NOT offer a grocery replacement fund or reimburse customers for food spoilage. Many standard homeowners or renters’ insurance policies include food spoilage coverage. Policies often cover up to $500 in lost groceries resulting from power interruptions.

To report downed trees:
- City of Erie — Call the Erie Streets Department directly at (814) 870-1340.
- Millcreek — During normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM), call the Township offices at (814) 833-1111.

To report flooding:
- City of Erie — Call the Bureau of Sewers at (814) 870-1350 to report active street flooding, severe pooling, or clogged storm water drains.
- Millcreek — Call (814) 833-1111 to report localized street flooding or compromised infrastructure to the Public Works Department.

Presque Isle update: Power is out from the Stull Center through the back of the park. Officials are estimating the park is at least two days out from power being restored. Multiple poles and lines are down at multiple locations across the park that will require major tree removal to get power poles and lines reset. Park maintenance crews are working to clean up down trees in locations where it is safe, in anticipation of the power company bringing in their tree removal services for their power line repairs. The park has no reservations for pavilions today, but a handful tomorrow and more for Sat/Sun/Mon. The park may be able to open the head of the park to Stull Center this afternoon and swim Beaches 1 and 3 since we have power to the lift station at Beach 1. Beyond that, Presque Isle will have to remain closed until power is restored for sewage, regardless of tree debris cleanup.

MY LATEST NEWSLETTER

The latest Bizz Report is here, and my newsletter is hitting mailboxes this month.

Our Fall 2026 edition highlights the work we’re doing to lower costs, strengthen our schools, support working families, and deliver results for Erie County.

Always working for you. Always putting people first.

If you’d like to read it, you can find an online copy here.

HONORING WORKERS

My district office will be closed Friday and Monday in recognition of Labor Day — a day to honor working people and remember the sacrifices American workers made to secure fair pay, safer workplaces, reasonable hours, and the dignity of a job well done.

The rights and protections workers have today were not simply given to them. They were fought for—and, in too many cases, workers gave their lives for them. The eight-hour workday and other basic workplace protections came from generations of people who organized, stood together, and demanded better.

Pennsylvania has a particularly powerful—and painful—place in that history. From the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Homestead Strike of 1892 to the Lattimer Massacre of 1897 and the McKees Rocks Strike of 1909, Pennsylvania workers risked—and lost—their lives fighting for safer conditions, fair treatment, and a voice on the job.

We should remember that history not simply as something that happened in the past, but as a reminder that the rights workers have today came at a cost.

Pennsylvania was also among the first 10 states in the nation to establish Labor Day as a holiday.

This Labor Day, let’s honor the workers who came before us by remembering their sacrifices—and by continuing the work of building an economy where every worker can earn a fair wage, work in safety, and come home at the end of the day.

FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE SEPT. 18

LECOM Health is partnering with my office to host a vaccine clinic on Friday, Sept. 18 in Millcreek to help seniors and residents receive the flu shot and vaccines they need. If you have questions, please call us for details.

POLICE ACADEMY RECRUITING

The Mercyhurst University Police Academy is accepting applications. You can apply and find more information at policeacademy.mercyhurst.edu.

FAIRVIEW FALL FEST

Mark your calendars to attend the FREE Fairview Fall Fest on Sunday, Oct. 18. It’s a kid-friendly event with hay rides, free games, trick-or-treating and much more. Learn more here.

CRISSCROSSING THE STATE

As chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, I serve on the House Majority Leadership team and crisscross the state listening to members of our local communities and working on solutions that make it easier for working families. The committee has held 79 hearings across 54 neighborhoods so far this legislative session, with 52 different leaders hosting events.

UP NEXT: Traveling to Philadelphia Tuesday.

HOW WE VOTED

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

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

So far this year my dedicated team has closed 24,200+ cases. We have closed 1,200+ PennDOT cases. We have completed 810+ Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, 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.