The State of the Union is strongest when it’s rooted in truth – and the American people deserve nothing less.
I spoke to JET24 about it.
|
To see how we voted on all measures, go here. Following weeks of budget hearings and Policy Committee hearings in Harrisburg, the House is scheduled to return to session in March, unless recalled sooner by the Speaker of the House.
|
SAFEGUARDS IN COUNSELING & PROTECTING SENIORS FROM ONLINE SCAMS
|
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.
This week the Policy Committee returned to Harrisburg for the first of three weeks of hearings, and we began our work by examining artificial intelligence in counseling and the growing number of scams targeting seniors.
REGULATING AI IN COUNSELING: The use of AI continues to increase, so does the need to protect users, especially those who are vulnerable. Lawmakers and testifiers discussed the need to implement safeguards for AI use in counseling services across PA. There’s no way to replace the evidence-based care that licensed professionals provide to patients, but testimony shows AI and mental health chatbots are being used more for these services.
We were joined by professionals, including Erie's Dr. Curtis Taylor.
“It’s clear that individuals will continue to confide in AI systems and seek relationship advice or personal reflection. However, there must be a clear regulatory distinction between general advice platforms and licensed counseling,” said Dr. Curtis Taylor, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Erie, PA. “AI systems must not market or brand themselves as mental health providers, partner with insurance companies as therapeutic alternatives, or present themselves as substitutes for licensed care.”
Read more here.
ONLINE SCAMS: As older Pennsylvanians navigate rising costs and inflation, another threat to their financial security has been growing at an alarming rate. Bad actors are using social media and AI to target senior citizens and scam them out of billions of dollars. The number of scams and money being stolen is skyrocketing.
Older adults deserve to live with dignity, not fear or vulnerability. As online scams continue to grow more sophisticated, we have a responsibility to protect seniors from financial exploitation and emotional harm. That means implementing more safeguards and holding social media platforms responsible for allowing fraud to run rampant.
Older Americans reported $12.5 billion in losses from internet scams, a 25% increase from the year before. Experts added that tech-enabled scams are design & business choices that prioritize profits and engagement over user safety. Testifiers recommended that lawmakers work to pass legislation that would require social media companies to implement stronger default privacy settings, thoroughly vet all advertisers, and empower users to report fraud through easy-to-use tools. Read more here.
In the 2025–26 session, the Policy Committee has now held 51 hearings across 38 communities. We have had 42 representatives serve as hosts of hearings and roundtables, providing unique perspectives from around the state.
UP NEXT: The committee will host hearings on universal pre-K and protecting consumers from dynamic pricing.
|
KEEPING ERIE CONNECTED FOR CONTINUED GROWTH
|
Earlier this month, I joined lawmakers and local officials as the Fly Erie Fund of the Erie Regional Chamber provided legislators and city officials an update on the state of air service at Erie International Airport - ERI. We were proud to share the latest developments alongside Derek Martin, Executive Director of ERI, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand service and strengthen connectivity across our region.
Strong air service keeps Erie competitive, connected, and positioned for continued growth—and the Fly Erie Fund is proud to advocate for expanded opportunities for air travel in our community.
To learn more, go here.
|
AGREEMENT APPROVED BY MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP GENERAL AUTHORITY
|
After years of planning, the Gateway District development took another important step forward. This has been a project years in the making, including my work to help secure a $3.5 million investment from the state.
Earlier today, the Millcreek Township General Authority (MTGA) voted to approve a pre-development agreement with Millcreek Momentum, LLC for the redevelopment of the Authority’s Gateway District properties at West 8th Street and Peninsula Drive. The approval marks the beginning of a pre-development phase that will allow the developer and MTGA to conduct due diligence, refine project design, evaluate financial and regulatory considerations, and negotiate the terms of a final development agreement.
|
LATEST EDITION OF BIZZ REPORT
|
If you receive the latest edition of the Bizz report, let me know what you think — and as always, reach out anytime if my dedicated team and I can help! WE HELP EVERYONE.
You can also find an online copy of my newsletter 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 CAN HELP YOU GET YOUR REBATE
|
Just a reminder, we will once again be helping people apply for their Property Tax & Rent Rebate this year. My dedicated staff and I will be working to help seniors, widows, widowers and people with disabilities apply to receive their rebates.
We will once again travel through the community to help people apply. Whether you used us in the past or need us for the first time, we want to help you. Contact us, and we will let you know how the program works and how we can help!
|
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.
|
MY TEAM IS IN FAIRVIEW EVERY WEDNESDAY
|
I wanted to remind folks that my team and I hold Wednesday office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairview Township Building, 7471 McCray Road, Fairview, PA 16415.
The cornerstone of my office is service to you, our neighbors. By holding office hours at the township, we're making it easier for folks to reach us, so we can help them.
|
MONTHLY VETERANS SERVICE PROGRAM
|
On the third Thursday of each month, my team and I are proud to host a Veterans Service Officer from the VFW to be available to members of our community.
I am happy to help provide this assistance to our area veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our nation. The next appointments will be:
- Thursday, March 19
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 1101 Peninsula Drive
- Reserve a spot: 814-835-2880
|
MULTIPLE WAYS WE CAN HELP
|
Do you or does someone you know need help accessing state programs or services? Have a question about a state program or law and don’t know where to go? My team and I stand ready to help on a range of issues, including:
- Unemployment or the PUA system.
- FREE notary (excludes title transfers).
- Property Tax/Rent Rebates for seniors.
- Voter registration and vote by mail.
- Problems with the Department of Human Services (food stamps, medical and income assistance).
- Car registrations, special tags, handicap placards, titles and driver’s license applications.
- Information on financial assistance for higher education.
- Obtaining and completing state forms of all kinds.
- Birth and death certificates.
- Pennsylvania income tax questions or problems.
- Complaints or questions about utilities and the Public Utility Commission.
- Complaints and problems with insurance companies.
- Renewal of state-issued licenses or certifications.
- Problems or questions about the state lottery.
- PACE cards for senior citizens.
- Consumer complaints.
For help, or to speak with me or a staff member about an issue, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
|
MY TEAM & I CAN HELP YOU!
|
Helping people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and all the PennDOT services they need are just two of the ways my team and I serve the community. We help thousands of people each year. We can help you fill out the forms you need and get them to Harrisburg for FREE.
If you have any state government-related questions, stop by and let us help you.
|
SUBMIT REQUESTS ONLINE OR IN PERSON
|
My team and I are always working for you! My Millcreek office at 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 213, Erie is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also call 814-835-2880 or email RepBizzarro@pahouse.net if you need help with state government concerns.
Have questions outside of office hours? We have an online form – the Community Help Center – so that you can submit your request(s) for help with state-related programs and services 24/7. This form is available by clicking below or visiting my website – www.repbizzarro.com.
|
Rep. Bizzarro's Erie District Office
Monday through Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Peninsula Plaza
1101 Peninsula Dr. | Suite 213
Erie, PA 16505-4169
(814) 835-2880
|
Fairview Satellite Office
Every Wednesday | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairview Township Building
7471 McCray Road
Fairview, PA 16415-2401
(814) 835-2880
|
|
%20(2).gif)
%20(8).gif)
%20(2).gif)
%20(2)%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
%20(2).png)
.png)
