Mercyhurst University is set to receive a $400,000 boost, while Erie County Technical School earns $75,000 through PAsmart Advancing Grants. These funds will spark innovative projects that expand computer science and STEM opportunities for both students and adults alike.

This targeted investment not only supports cutting-edge programs but also ensures that every learner in our community is equipped to excel in the fields driving our commonwealth’s growth.

The Spring 2025 Newsletter is now making its way to mailboxes throughout our district. To ensure you have easy access, we've made a digital version available—simply click here for updates detailing our work here at home and in Harrisburg.

We hope you enjoy this edition and find the information valuable!

Together with my colleague, Rep. Pat Harkins, we have secured a significant win for our community. The Pennsylvania House has passed H.B. 754—a vital piece of legislation that would empower county pension boards to tailor supplemental benefit increases based on local fiscal realities.

This change would ensure that our county retirees will continue to receive the necessary support, all while keeping taxpayer impacts in check. It's a critical balance that contributes to the long-term stability and prosperity of our community.

Click here for all the details on this vital legislation.

This week, I attended the meeting of the PA State Association of Township Supervisors in Hershey. I took the opportunity to visit with our dedicated township supervisors and local officials to express my gratitude for their unwavering commitment to advancing and strengthening our local communities.

Their hard work is essential to our community’s progress, and I am thankful for all they do on our behalf.

The Erie community is buzzing with new beginnings! We had the distinct honor of stopping by Crumbl Cookies to present a citation celebrating their grand opening.

Of course, we couldn’t resist sampling the flavors of the week, each bite offering its own unique twist on what makes their cookies so irresistible. Welcome to the community — it's great to have you in Erie.

We want to bring your attention to a significant new initiative from the Shapiro Administration. They have recently launched a centralized consumer protection hotline, website, and email to make it easier for every Pennsylvanian to report scams and resolve financial or insurance issues.

As federal oversight declines, our state’s robust consumer protection laws continue to stand strong. If you ever experience a denied claim, a suspicious transaction, or any other consumer concern, please remember that you have powerful tools at your disposal.

You can call the consumer protection hotline at 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675), visit pa.gov/consumer, or email consumer@pa.gov for assistance.

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