My Bills Earn Unanimous Committee Support

Starting off this week’s eblast with encouraging news from Harrisburg! Both of my bills received unanimous committee approval and are now moving to the full House.

H.B. 1972 would strengthen the Public Adjuster Licensing Law by tightening licensure requirements, expanding required disclosures, updating bond and fee provisions, and adding new prohibitions and enforcement tools to better protect homeowners from conflicts of interest and excessive fees.

H.B. 1961 would allow Pennsylvania to join the PA Licensure Compact for physician assistants, streamlining licensure portability, expanding telehealth, reducing redundant applications and wait times, and improving access to care while preserving consumer protections.

Both bills were developed with input from regulators, consumer advocates, and industry stakeholders.

This Tuesday, Nov. 4 is election day. If you plan to vote by mail, please remember that your completed ballot must be received by the Erie County Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.  

Follow the ballot instructions, seal the yellow secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed outer envelope, and sign and date the outer envelope before returning it by the deadline. As a reminder, there is a 24/7 ballot drop box located outside the Erie County Courthouse at 140 W. 6th St. 

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day for those who prefer to vote in person.

We’re pleased to announce a new satellite office in Erie at 2808 State St., Suite 106 to make state services more accessible. The office is open for walk-ins Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; appointments are available for more complex matters.

We can assist with PennDOT services, veterans’ resources, licensing and benefits, and other state-related questions or casework. I look forward to meeting you and helping make government easier to navigate.

To learn more or schedule a visit, call 814-455-6319 or email RepMerski@pahouse.net.

Please join us in congratulating Sister Edith Langiotti and Sister Mary Louis Oslick of the Sisters of Mercy on their 75th year of religious life. Sister Edith served many years in education, including as a librarian at Mercyhurst Prep and Mercyhurst University, and she currently serves as groundskeeper at the motherhouse and as archivist.

Sister Mary Louis spent her entire career in education, including 37 years at St. George School, and retired from Mercyhurst University at age 90. Their decades of dedication to students, faith, and our community are an inspiration. 

A heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Tom Aleksa on receiving the Gold Legion of Honor Award from the Polish Falcons of America.

We were honored to present him with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives recognizing his achievement as the first chaplain in the organization’s history to receive this distinction. Thank you, Fr. Tom, for your dedicated service to our community.

The Fall 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 both here at home and in Harrisburg.

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

PA VETConnect is a central resource that connects veterans and their families with thousands of services across Pennsylvania, including local veteran centers, VA medical centers, and mental health support.

PA VETConnect can help you locate nearby providers, find housing and employment assistance, and connect with benefits and specialized programs. The site also provides contact information so you can reach service providers directly.

Halloween is a fun time for our community. Help keep it safe by following a few simple precautions.

• For pedestrians and trick-or-treaters: be visible to drivers, cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, use sidewalks when available, and carry a flashlight or other light source.
• For drivers: slow down in residential neighborhoods, eliminate distractions, be prepared to stop, and watch carefully for children who may dart into the street.
• Plan routes and set a meeting place so children know where to go and how to return safely.

For more pedestrian safety guidance, visit penndot.pa.gov/pedestrians.

Bob Merski

District Office

3921 Buffalo Rd.

Erie, PA 16510

(814) 455-6319

Pennsylvania State Capitol

221 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202002

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-4358