Emergency relief distributed to local food banks, Medicare Open Enrollment, Celebrating Community Milestones, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski November 7, 2025 | 2:42 PM

Emergency Funds Sent to Second Harvest in Erie

We wanted to begin this week’s eblast with a quick update on emergency food assistance in response to the federal government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding SNAP payments. Governor Shapiro announced $5 million in emergency relief through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, and Feeding Pennsylvania has received those funds and is distributing them to local food banks.

In our area, Erie County received $131,300, which has been allocated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA.

If you or your family need food assistance, help is available. You can find local food pantries and meal programs across Pennsylvania at Feeding Pennsylvania’s locator: https://www.feedingpa.org/find-food/local-food-pantries/.

Also, a reminder that PA Navigate is a powerful tool that helps you access essential services right here in our community. This free, user-friendly website brings together information on dozens of programs, everything from food and housing assistance to mental health support, childcare resources, transportation options, and more.

Finally, if you or someone you know needs assistance, please remember that our office is here to help.

Welcoming Benchmark Family Services

We are pleased to welcome Benchmark Family Services to Erie. Benchmark operates a network of professional therapeutic foster homes and employs committed staff who provide stable out-of-home placements for children in need. Their work gives even the most traumatized and troubled children a safe, supportive, and consistent home environment.

If your family or organization is interested in learning more about Benchmark’s services, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support foster families in our community, please contact our office and we will help connect you.

Celebrating GECAC’s 60 Years of Service

Please join us in congratulating GECAC on 60 years of dedicated service to the Erie community. It was an honor to attend their celebration and to see the many award winners recognized for their work. I was also pleased to see my former colleague Donna Bullock serve as the keynote speaker.

Thank you to GECAC staff, volunteers, and partners for six decades of commitment to our neighbors. Here’s to the next 60 years of impact and service.

America250PA “Bells Across PA” unveiling

We were honored to participate in yesterday’s unveiling of America250PA’s “Bells Across PA” public art project, which will place at least one Liberty Bell in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Thank you to FirstEnergy for sponsoring Erie’s bell and congratulations to Nicholas Cordell Gore on being selected as the artist.

Erie’s bell will be displayed at the Children’s Museum this winter and will be installed on French Street as public art in the spring. We’re grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to our community and look forward to seeing the bell become a part of Erie’s cultural landscape.

Honoring our Veterans

This upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. We invite you to join us in honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice protect the freedoms we enjoy, and we owe them our gratitude.

Please take a moment on Veterans Day to thank a veteran, attend a local observance, or support organizations that assist veterans and their families. If your organization is holding a community event or you know of local services for veterans, our office is happy to share that information with constituents.

Thank you to all who have served. Your service means so much to our community.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period is Underway

Medicare beneficiaries have until Sunday, Dec. 7 to sign up for or change Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans; any new coverage or changes will take effect January 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides free, unbiased counseling through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight.

Local PA MEDI counselors at Area Agencies on Aging can compare plans, assist with enrollment or plan changes, and evaluate eligibility for Pennsylvania’s Medicare cost-savings programs. If you need help, our office can connect you with local PA MEDI resources and guide you through the process.