I'm a big supporter of public safety and the men and women who make it happen, which is why I joined the new House Law Enforcement Caucus this week. Representatives from both sides of the aisle are working together to provide police with the tools they need to solve public safety problems and build better relationships with the public.
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LEGISLATION TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE
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This week, the House passed my legislation that would help more than 40,000 Pennsylvania youth identified as homeless obtain a driver’s license for free, which they can use to enroll or transfer schools, make doctors' appointments, and enroll in food and housing assistance programs.
These are vital services that can help keep these youth connected to their schools and communities while their lives stabilize.
The bill, which had bipartisan support, now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more here.
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This week, the House voted to extend OSHA protections to public sector employees; we passed a bill to provide cost-of-living adjustments for longtime retired teachers and state employees who haven't received a COLA since eggs cost about $1; we passed a bill to add 911 operators as first responders so they can receive proper recognition & benefits; and the House passed a measure to modernize state law and remove a loophole so people disfigured – and not just those with serious injuries to their head, face and neck – are covered by the Workers' Compensation Act.
The House returns to Harrisburg Tuesday, April 22 to vote on more bills. You can see how we voted here.
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CUTTING TAXES FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
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Did you know that the median age of a first-time homebuyer in the U.S. has skyrocketed to 38? It’s the highest age since this figure has been recorded.
I have championed a tax cut to help a younger generation shut out from buying a house. Higher rent, housing shortages, and wealthier buyers with the ability to pay in cash, have kept a generation of potential buyers from experiencing the benefits of buying your first home – and realizing the American dream. My bill would open the door for first-time homebuyers to create a savings account for the purpose of buying a home, and it’s money that could be deducted from state income tax.
My bill advanced out of committee this week and advances for consideration to the entire House. Read more here.
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POLICY COMMITTEE TRAVELS NEXT WEEK
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As a member of the House Majority Leadership team, I travel the state as Chairman of the Policy Committee, hosting hearings with lawmakers, experts and advocates looking to improve lives. We've hosted 12 hearings this year across six ZIP codes and four counties, on our way to the typical 100+ hearings we host each session.
UP NEXT: The committee travels to Allegheny County April 14-16. You can watch and read about the hearings here.
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SAVING COMMUNITY PHARMACIES
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The federal government has mandated that a REAL ID or passport is required for any domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. This requirement will also be enforced at any federal building or military installation that requires an ID.
If you need a REAL ID, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is offering special dedicated time to help people get their REAL ID as part of REAL ID Days. They will take place at the Erie Driver License Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Mondays – April 14, April 28 and May 5.
- Erie Driver License Center: 7200 Peach St., Suite 480, Erie, PA 16509
- Costs: A one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee, which is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license and $42.50 for a photo ID.
Can't make it to Erie? Find other REAL ID days across the region.
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READY TO HELP YOU GET YOUR REBATE
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My office helped more than 1,200 people receive their Property Tax & Rent Rebate last year. This state program helps older Pennsylvanians, widows, widowers and people with disabilities recover a portion of what they paid in property taxes or rent during the previous year. Contact us if you have questions or need help applying. Please remember, no appointments are necessary, if you need assistance stop by or contact us!
My office in Millcreek Township is located in Peninsula Plaza at 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 213, Erie, PA 16505. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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If you are a veteran or live with a veteran, Second Harvest Food Bank provides food for households in need. You can find more information from their friendly staff at 814-459-3663 ext. 117. You will need to show ID on your first visit to the event.
This month’s event starts at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. Please do not arrive before 1 p.m. at Second Harvest Food Bank, 1507 Grimm Dr., Erie PA 16501.
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TAX FORMS AVAILABLE AT MY OFFICE
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REMINDER: The deadline to file personal federal and state income tax is next week. Returns must be filed by midnight, Tuesday, April 15. The federal, state and local tax forms you need are in my office! Stop by and pick them up at our office in Millcreek.
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When private for-profit schools and their dark money backers came after Fairview and Millcreek School Districts to siphon off taxpayer dollars to make a profit off taxpayers. I stopped them. We need to protect our high-performing schools!
My team and I deliver for local people & projects. We cut the red tape in Harrisburg to secure the support our region needs.
- When our schools need funding ...
- When our police officers need a new vehicle to preserve lives ...
- When our firefighters need funds for life-saving equipment ...
We delivered to the tune of more than $92 million during the 2023-24 legislative session.
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MY TEAM IS IN FAIRVIEW EVERY WEDNESDAY
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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.
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MONTHLY VETERANS SERVICE PROGRAM
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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, April 17
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 1101 Peninsula Drive
- Reserve a spot: 814-835-2880
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MULTIPLE WAYS WE CAN HELP
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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.
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MY TEAM & I CAN HELP YOU!
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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.
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SUBMIT REQUESTS ONLINE OR IN PERSON
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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.
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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
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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
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