This week, the PA House voted unanimously for H.B. 811—a bipartisan bill I co-sponsored to ban AI “deepfake” ads that impersonate candidates without their consent.

This legislation would protect voters from deceptive campaign content by prohibiting unauthorized AI-generated impersonations. It safeguards the integrity and transparency of our elections and ensures every Pennsylvanian receives accurate, trustworthy information about the candidates on their ballots.

Additionally, the PA House voted unanimously for H.B. 1403, a bill I was proud to have co-prime sponsored. Under this bill, teachers who move into “voluntary inactive” status would no longer face a reactivation fee, and their continuing-education requirements are paused while they’re out of the classroom. When they decide to return, they can meet recertification through in-service days provided by their school, speeding their path back to teaching.

By removing these financial and administrative barriers, we’ll get experienced educators back into our schools faster. Click here to watch a video of me speaking on the House Floor about the importance of this legislation.

Shout out to my colleague, state Rep. Lisa Borowski for her dedication to getting this bill across the finish line in the PA House. Next stop: the PA Senate!

House Bill 1610 also passed the PA House this week, and I proudly voted YES to send it to the state Senate.

This legislation would close corporate tax loopholes by requiring combined reporting, preventing large chains from shifting profits out of state to dodge their fair share. It would also accelerate our planned reductions to the Corporate Net Income Tax, making Pennsylvania more competitive and driving new job growth across the commonwealth. Finally, it updates key tax rules and equips the Department of Revenue with stronger tools to ensure revenue stays right here at home.

By leveling the playing field for small businesses, investing in our infrastructure, and promoting economic growth, H.B. 1610 delivers real benefits to our communities.

I’m thrilled to share that Governor Shapiro has presented the 2024 Thanksgiving Snowstorm Team—David Donikowski, Kurt Dowler, Aaron Fox, Easton Ray, Todd Saltsman, Timothy Scott, James Shaut, Lindsay Sipes, Monica Wesner, Daniel Whetzel, and Jesse Williams—with a Governor’s Award for Excellence.

This PennDOT crew tackled a record-breaking snowstorm in Erie County—clearing thousands of miles of road and up to seven feet of snow—to keep our neighbors safe and emergency vehicles moving. Their dedication truly embodies the best of public service in Pennsylvania.

Please join me in thanking them for their outstanding commitment to our communities.

Our staff was on hand for the 125th Mercyhurst University Police Academy graduation—congratulations to all the new officers!

Our law enforcement professionals are vital to keeping our neighborhoods safe, responding in our darkest hours, and building trust every day.

Thank you for your commitment to protect and serve Pennsylvania.

We want to alert you to a new “inheritance” scam circulating in our Commonwealth. Fraudsters are posing as state employees and sending fake emails that mimic official Pennsylvania addresses.

Please stay vigilant. If you receive an unsolicited message offering money or prizes, ignore it—and always check that official state emails come from “@pa.gov.” Never share personal information or send money to someone you don’t know. And if anything about an email or call feels off, report it immediately.

To report a scam or get more information: • Call 1-866-PAComplaint (1-866-722-2654) • Visit pa.gov/consumer • Contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-441-2555 or attorneygeneral.gov

Please share this warning with friends and family. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our office.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in style next year with the new Liberty Bell license plates. Plates will be available for standard vehicles and trucks, including personalized plates. If you have a specialty plate (military, special fund, or organization plate), switching to the new plate will replace it with a standard plate.

You can also take this opportunity to request a new personalized plate.

Don’t forget - Pennsylvania also offers Special Fund, Specialty,  Military and Special Organization license plates, the majority of which can be personalized. All available license plates can be found here.

College juniors, seniors, and graduate and law school students are invited to apply for a PA House Fellowship for Fall 2025. Fellows can be any student enrolled at a PA institution, or PA residents enrolled in out-of-state institutions.  Applications are due July 1.

Check out this link for additional details and to apply.

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