GOV. SHAPIRO VISITS ERIE

It was great to welcome my friend, Governor Josh Shapiro, back to Erie this month!

He stopped at the Jefferson Educational Society for a community conversation, as part of his book tour, to talk about leadership, today’s political climate, and the importance of bipartisan solutions—while highlighting continued investments in communities like ours.

HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED FOR CONCERTS

Proud to work alongside Gov. Shapiro, local officials and America250PA to help deliver the Fray as Erie's headliner for this summer's FREE concert.

SECURING FUNDS FOR ERIE

In case you missed it, late last week the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority helped secure grant money for our region to bankroll the Erie County Concert Challenge, America 250PA concert series and Erie250 celebrations.

More than $275,000 will be invested in Erie. See the details here.

WORKING FOR YOU

No one should miss out on money they're entitled to. Today was all about helping our neighbors get the support they deserve.

We hosted a Property Tax & Rent Rebate event to make it easier for seniors and residents to apply, ask questions, and get real help — right at the table.

If you missed it, don't worry — my team and I are always here to help.

For the first quarter of 2026, my dedicated team closed 5,535 cases — including 2,227 in March alone. So far, we have completed nearly 500 rebates, returning $315,000 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 returns to Harrisburg on Monday. You can always see how we voted here.

FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID

PHEAA is reminding students and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

This allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.

But, since some aid is limited, you MUST meet the deadlines!

For all FIRST-TIME applicants enrolled in a community college, business school, trade or technical school, hospital school of nursing, designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution, or nontransferable two-year program, applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2026, midnight Central Time (CT).

All other applicants must apply by May 1, 2026, midnight CT.

HONORING JOHN’S RETIREMENT

John Stehlin might be done forecasting our weather with Erie News Now, but he's staying in Erie. Expect him to keep doing great things in our community.

I caught up with him earlier this month to present him with a citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Well-deserved, my friend!

GANNON IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The Golden Knights made history, capturing their first NCAA national championship on Sunday in Indianapolis. Gannon navigated the 64-team NCAA Division II bracket to win the men’s championship.

This is the first team national championship in Gannon’s history, and it marked Gannon’s first appearance in an NCAA championship basketball title game since it fell in the final in 1987.

Congratulations to our national champions!

We’re all proud of you!

POLICY COMMITTEE ON THE ROAD

The committee has hosted 59 hearings with 44 hosts across 40 neighborhoods during the 2025–26 legislative session. We hosted a roundtable and tour in Berks County this week.

As the House Majority Policy Committee Chairman, and a member of the House Majority Leadership team, I travel the state with the Policy Committee to hear from workers, seniors, advocates, business leaders, and officials on emerging topics and initiatives. We examine how policies are helping people across the state or learn how we can pass reforms to help even more people.

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.

FREE TAX FORMS

Tax season is here, and we’ve got you covered! If you file the traditional way, stop by our Millcreek office at Peninsula Plaza, 1101 Peninsula Drive, to pick up state and federal tax forms and schedules.

We’re always happy to help—just swing in and grab what you need!

WORKING FOR YOU

I will always advocate for you and local projects in Harrisburg. Our region is vital to the state’s economy, so I’ve gone to work to secure the state funding we need for local schools, seniors, veterans, improved housing and local businesses. This legislative session, state funding for projects in our region has surpassed $31.5 million.

You sent me to Harrisburg to make sure our region has a voice at the table and receives the funding it needs to thrive.

SCAM ALERT

Please be aware, there are scams involving an email or text message impersonating individuals you know. In many cases, the scammer will request that the recipient urgently purchase gift cards. Then, they ask the recipient to reply with the gift card numbers/PINs or send pictures of the card.

If you have been targeted by this scam, you can report scams here.

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.