STATE GRANT TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES

The Erie Downtown Development Corporation has been awarded an $850,000 grant through the Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development to restore a portion of Flagship City Commons on North Park Row into 40,000 square feet of affordable retail and office space. This space will be used to create a small business incubator, where new businesses will have a chance to establish and grow their services.

The Flagship City Commons has played an important role in bringing new life and opportunity to downtown Erie. Establishing a small business incubator in this highly visible area will help create a space where entrepreneurs can turn their ideas into successful businesses, helping drive long-term economic growth across the ENTIRE region.

AMERICA 250 EVENTS IN ERIE

I was proud to join Erie County Executive Christina Vogel, County Councilmembers, ECGRA, and community partners this week to unveil Erie County’s exciting America250PA celebration plans as we prepare to mark our nation’s 250th anniversary.

This year’s celebration lineup includes:

🎶 A sold-out FREE concert with The Fray on June 6th

⚾ A SeaWolves game and fireworks on June 12th

🎨 The America250 Arts & Music Festival in Wattsburg on June 14th

🎉 The America250 Birthday Bash on the Bayfront on August 21st

Additional events throughout the year will feature library reading challenges, local history programming, trivia nights, and more as Erie County celebrates our shared history while bringing communities together for the future.

You can learn more and stay updated by visiting eriecounty250.org.

HONORING OUR HEROES

On Monday, we honored the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedoms. It was a privilege to join the Pennsylvania Soliders & Sailors Home and the American Legion in remembering our fallen heroes and reflecting on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

We will never forget their service and sacrifice.

MORE TIME TO FILE PROPERY TAX/RENT REBATES

You now have more time to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program thanks to a deadline extension from the Shapiro Administration. Applications for the program can now be filed through December 31.

This program helps reimburse eligible applicants for a portion of rent or property taxes the year before. Last year, more than 513,000 Pennsylvanians received over $315 million in rebates through the program.

If you need help filling out a PTRR application or have questions about the program, my team and I are ready to help. Give us a call at 814-835-2880 or stop by our office in Peninsula Plaza, 1101 Peninsula Dr., Suite 213, Erie, PA.

FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM VOUCHERS

Voucher distribution events for the Farmers Market Nutrition program will take place over the next few weeks. This program helps provide WIC recipients and low-income seniors aged 60 and older with fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The first distribution events in our region will be on Friday, June 5 at both the GECAC Northwestern Senior Center (9 Academy St., Albion) and the GECAC Union City Senior Center (27 Johnston St., Union City) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Seniors are asked to bring proof of age and residency and cannot have already received vouchers this year. Proxy forms may be accessed here. See below for a full list of upcoming voucher distribution events.

AMTRAK ERIE ELEVATOR OUTAGE

Passing along some important information from our friends at the Erie Amtrak station as summer travel plans get underway. The elevator at the train station is out of service and will remain unavailable until further notice due to required repairs.

At this time, the only way to access the train platform is via a steep staircase. It’s important to note that Erie is an unstaffed station, meaning on-site assistance is not available.

Passengers who may have difficulty using stairs or who are traveling with heavy luggage are encouraged to make alternative travel arrangements. We will keep you updated with the latest information on the repairs.

You can read the message we received from Amtrak below:

HOW WE VOTED

The House returns to session to vote on bills in Harrisburg on June 1. You can see how the House voted here.

The House passed a bipartisan proposed budget on April 14, but the House will continue to work with the state Senate to deliver a balanced budget on time – that serves workers and strengthens Pennsylvania.

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 hosted 71 hearings with 49 hosts across 47 neighborhoods during this legislative session.

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

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.

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.