Together with State Rep. Pat Harkins, we secured grant funding to purchase new SWAT vehicles for Erie County. This investment upgrades critical emergency response capacity and ensures our local first responders have safer, more reliable equipment when seconds matter. 

If your license plate is unreadable, join us for a drive-through License Plate Replacement Event with the PA State Police.

Event details:

• When: Thursday, October 2, 4:00–6:00 PM
• Where: 9333 Tate Rd., Erie
• What to bring: Your current license plate and a valid photo ID

This service is quick and convenient — please tell a neighbor who might benefit.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact my office at 814-455-6319 or RepMerski@pahouse.net.

We recently attended the Fairfield Hose Company Volunteer Fire Department Open House. The event was both informative and interactive, with activities for families and people of all ages. We had the opportunity to observe firsthand the rigorous training our volunteers complete to stay prepared for rescues and emergencies.

Please join us in thanking the Fairfield Hose Company VFD volunteers for their dedication and service to our community. Their commitment keeps our neighborhoods safe.

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue warns of a phishing scam where fraudulent texts impersonate Revenue officials and ask for banking or personal information. Do not click links, reply, or provide your Social Security number or bank details.

Verify refund status only at myPATH or by calling 1-888-PATAXES. Report suspicious messages to the Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267 or visit revenue.pa.gov.

PennDOT is proposing to replace the Route 5 Bridge (East Lake Road) over Six Mile Creek in Harborcreek Township (between Rockledge Drive and Ledwick Street).

The project would install new steel beams and a concrete deck, plus minor paving, updated guiderail, and roadway striping, with work expected in the 2027 construction season.

Review the handout, digital plans, and submit comments online by clicking here.

Questions? Call our office at 814-455-6319.

PennDOT’s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is offering a complimentary Infrastructure Management training session right here in our region on Monday, October 6, 2025. This workshop is designed for municipal officials, engineers, and public works professionals who oversee local roadways and transportation assets.

During the course, you’ll delve into vital roadway maintenance and safety topics tailored to the needs of our communities. LTAP has trained over 7,000 local leaders each year, equipping them with practical tools and best practices—whether you attend in person or virtually.

To view full course details and secure your spot, please visit this website and click “Sign Up.”

Click on the video below for an overview of how LTAP classes help municipalities access the knowledge and tools they need to fulfill their public safety and infrastructure missions.

Several Northeastern states and New York City have formed the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a voluntary regional coalition of public health agencies and leaders created to share expertise, improve coordination, and strengthen our capacity to respond to public health challenges.

The Collaborative will share resources and best practices across jurisdictions to improve public health services. It will coordinate on preparedness and emergency response, vaccine access and recommendations, data collection and analysis, infectious disease surveillance, and laboratory capacity.

The group also aims to advance community health, build public trust in science-based medicine, and work to ensure equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and services.

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year.

Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2026–27 academic year may apply. Twenty-five scholarships, each valued at $10,000, will be awarded.

Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details, including matches by partner institutions, can be found here.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania is hosting a free Virtual Archaeology Month series every Friday in October. Each 20-minute lunchtime session will highlight current work in Pennsylvania archaeology and explain efforts to preserve our cultural heritage. Registration is required for each program.

Sessions begin at 12:15 p.m. and include a short Q&A. You can register and find more information at https://statemuseumpa.org/pa-archaeology/

This Saturday is Natonal Hunting & Fishing Day! Spend the day outdoors with family and friends, celebrate our sporting traditions, and support the conservation efforts that protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

Whether you plan to cast a line or simply enjoy the scenery, we hope to see you out there.

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