We’re thrilled to announce that Erie County Community College has received a $1 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program. This funding will expand dual credit opportunities for high school students—allowing them to earn college credits and accelerate their academic futures.

This initiative strengthens our local educational offerings and prepares students for the competitive workforce of tomorrow.

For all the details on this transformative announcement, click here.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, and PA State Police for their invaluable contributions to our first-ever Rights and Responsibilities of Firearm Ownership event. Their presentations shed light on the critical balance between the rights of firearm ownership and the responsibilities that come with it, leaving attendees better informed and empowered.

For those who couldn’t attend, we still have a limited supply of literature and a few gun locks available. Please don’t hesitate to call my office, and we’ll arrange a convenient time for you to pick them up.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safety and responsibility in our community.

The 2025 Municipal Primary is fast approaching, and we wanted to ensure you’re ready to make your voice heard.

May 5 - Last day to register to vote in the municipal primary. vote.pa.gov/register.

May 13 - Last day to apply for a mail ballot. vote.pa.gov/applymailballot.

May 20 - Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. vote.pa.gov/polls.

May 20 - Completed mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. vote.pa.gov/returnballot

This is a friendly reminder that federal enforcement of Real ID goes into effect next Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

After this date, Pennsylvanians will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or photo ID card—or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport or military ID—to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Optional: Real ID is not mandatory, but it is required for specific situations like air travel and accessing federal buildings.

• How to Apply: Visit your local PennDOT Driver License Center or use PennDOT’s Real ID online wizard to organize your documents.

• Cost: A one-time fee of $30, plus the standard renewal fee for your license or ID.

Visit Pennsylvania’s REAL ID website for more information: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.

May is National Teacher Appreciation Month, a time to honor the incredible educators who shape the future of our community. As a former teacher, I deeply understand the transformative power of dedicated educators and the lasting impact they have on our lives. Teachers inspire, guide, and empower our students, and their dedication deserves recognition.

We invite you to nominate an outstanding teacher from the Erie community who has made a meaningful impact. Whether it’s their innovative teaching methods, unwavering support for students, or commitment to excellence, let’s celebrate their contributions.

Here’s where you can help! Send in the following information to RepMerski@pahouse.net:

• Choose your favorite teacher!

• Send your teacher’s information to RepMerski@pahouse.net.

• We will need their first and last name, and the grade, subject and school they teach at (or taught at) – plus please let us know why this teacher is making a difference!

We recently celebrated AHN Saint Vincent’s 150-year legacy of providing outstanding healthcare in Erie. The event was a vibrant reminder of the unwavering commitment our community has to quality care.

A special thank you goes to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Their visionary leadership in founding the hospital—and guiding it for over 125 years—has been instrumental in shaping a healthcare institution that continues to serve us with excellence.

Early Childhood Education is essential to our economy and the growth and development of our children. Rep. Harkins and I had the privilege of meeting with dedicated teachers at an event held at the Erie County Technical School.

We are proud to support Early Childhood educators and programs that make a lasting impact on our community.

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