NEARLY $150,000 INVESTED IN LOCAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

This afternoon the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approved five grant recipients in Erie for projects totaling $149,983.

Investing in educational programs is investing in Erie’s future. These programs get people and children out of the classroom and into our communities, studying our environment along the shoreline, in our creeks and in hands-on workshops. These programs provide an opportunity to learn more about our environment and play a role in protecting the place we call home.

Read details about our Environmental Education Grant award winners here.

SUPPORTING ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

Nearly 300,000 people in PA are living with Alzheimer's, and the impact reaches far beyond those diagnosed, affecting families, caregivers and communities. In 2025 alone, Medicaid costs tied to this disease exceeded $4.5 billion. Advocates from the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, including Erie residents, met with me earlier this week.

Together with the Alzheimer's Association, AIM pushes for stronger investments in dementia research and the resources families need to navigate this devastating disease.

CONGRATULATIONS TO A LOCAL SCHOLAR

Congratulations to Fairview High School senior Katherine on earning a $10,000 Semi Quincentennial Scholarship for the Community College of Allegheny County.

Out of more than 1,800 applicants statewide, Katherine was selected as one of just 25 recipients — an incredible achievement!

Applicants submitted essays on the evolution of citizenship over the past 250 years, and winners were chosen for their leadership, service, and strong understanding of civic values. Katherine will also be recognized at a special luncheon at the governor’s residence — a well-deserved honor.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for you, Katherine — your future is bright!

Per America250PA's request, we have agreed not to share the full names of scholarship recipients for privacy reasons.

HOW WE VOTED

This week, members of the House returned to session to vote on legislation. The House will reconvene in the House chamber in Harrisburg on Monday.

You can always see how we voted here.

This week, we voted on measures to modernize PennDOT services, allowing the department to issue electronic driver's licenses and state IDs (HB 1970) and electronic vehicle registration cards (HB 2210); we passed protections for communities to require data centers to report estimated water usage prior to construction (HB 2246); we voted to cap rental application fees (HB 558) and passed requirements for landlords to disclose parking fees in the lease (HB 344). We also passed a measure to protect survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as stalking by requiring the changing of locks and improving the ease of terminating a lease (HB 72); we passed bills to make media literacy information available in our schools (HB 2176), and altered requirements so schools must notify parents when their child is involved in or experiencing bullying (HB 830), and we ensured students have better access to school counselors (HB 2218). The House also ensured all people have equal rights (HB 2103). This bill would ban organizations that restrict membership based on race, color, national origin or ancestry from denying equal access to housing, employment or public accommodations. We also leveled the playing field for student athletes by allowing the PIAA to create multiple playoffs and championships for public schools and private schools (HB 41).

POLICY COMMITTEE CONTINUES WORK

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 benefit even more residents.

The committee has hosted 65 hearings with 46 hosts across 44 neighborhoods during this legislative session, including a legislative roundtable this morning in Allentown.

UP NEXT: The committee will host an informational briefing in Harrisburg on Tuesday. The committee will then host a series of events across the state on Thursday.

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

No one should miss out on money they're entitled to. My dedicated team and I travel the district to help our neighbors get the support they deserve.

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

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

So far this year my dedicated team closed 7,136 cases — including 2,227 in March alone. We have completed nearly 650 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.

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.

I will continue to fight for our region to receive its fair share from the state. I have helped secure more than $50.1 million in state funding this legislative session for projects and services that help people in the Erie region.

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.