I proudly supported Rep. Pat Harkins' bill to extend OSHA safety protections to public sector employees, which successfully passed in the House. Public sector workers deserve the same safety standards as everyone else, and this legislation is a vital step toward ensuring that.

But the journey isn’t over — there’s still work ahead to ensure every public sector employee receives the safety protections they deserve. I'm honored to stand with my colleague and advocate for worker safety.

Just a friendly reminder — our community event with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office is coming up in less than two weeks! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the Greene Township Municipal Building (9333 Tate Road, Erie, PA).

We'll be diving into your rights and responsibilities as a legal firearm owner. It's the perfect chance to get informed, ask questions, and ensure you're equipped with the knowledge to stay safe and compliant. See you there!

We had the distinct privilege of honoring the remarkable Ms. Gwendolyn White as she retires after an outstanding 40-year career at Erie Insurance. Her tireless efforts and steadfast dedication have made a deep, lasting impact on our community, and we remain profoundly grateful for all she has done — and continues to do.

We were ecstatic to present her with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, formally acknowledging her stellar career and inspiring service. Recognizing and honoring our constituents is at the heart of our work, and today we cheered for a true community champion.

I recently connected with Steven and Stephanie from the French Creek Council to explore ways to boost youth involvement with Scouting America.

We exchanged ideas on transforming screen time into immersive adventures in the great outdoors. Our shared vision is to unlock a world of natural wonder and impart timeless lessons through hands-on exploration.

State Rep. Pat Harkins and I recently visited Iroquois High School in Lawrence Park to see firsthand the incredible work being done by Elevate Education. This forward-thinking program empowers students for future challenges through a blend of rigorous academic preparation and practical life skill development.

What struck me most was the energy and enthusiasm in the room. Watching the students engage so dynamically with the presenters was a powerful reminder of the impact that innovative and interactive educational initiatives can have.

I am deeply saddened and outraged by the recent act of violence at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence. This attack, which endangered Governor Shapiro, his family, and others, is a stark reminder of the challenges we face as a commonwealth. While no one was physically harmed, the emotional toll and damage to our sense of safety are undeniable.

I stand firmly against such acts of hatred and terror. Violence has no place in our society, and we must work together to foster understanding, compassion, and resilience. I commend the swift actions of law enforcement and first responders who ensured the safety of everyone involved.

Let us use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to unity and peace.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Office of Public-Private Partnerships is accepting private sector proposals for transportation projects until 11:59 PM on April 30. Detailed submission instructions and an overview of the review process are available on the P3 website.

This initiative invites innovative ideas for improving our roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and port infrastructure — not only for PennDOT-owned projects but also for non-PennDOT assets reviewed by the P3 Board. Another submission period opens in October.

I encourage you to share this opportunity with business leaders and innovators eager to enhance our state’s transportation network.

There’s still time to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), but don’t delay — the application deadline is tomorrow, April 18! LIHEAP provides vital cash grants to help cover heating bills and offers crisis grants for emergencies such as broken heating systems or fuel shortages.

Key Details:

• Grant Range: $200 to $1,000, determined by household size, income, and fuel type.
• Eligibility: Both renters and homeowners can apply — even if you don’t have overdue bills or receive public assistance.
• How to Apply: Visit COMPASS or contact your local County Assistance Office. For assistance, call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095.

Make sure to get your application in by this Friday, April 18, to take advantage of this opportunity to keep your home warm and safe. Feel free to share this information with anyone who could benefit.

Bob Merski

Pennsylvania State Capitol

221 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202002

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-4358

District Office

3921 Buffalo Rd.

Erie, PA 16510

(814) 455-6319