My Bill Passes House, $193 Million in Relief for PA Families, Info on Scam targeting Vets, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski November 21, 2025 | 2:19 PM

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My Bill to Expand PA Licensure Portability Passes House

Starting off this week’s eblast with great news! The Pennsylvania House has passed my bill, H.B. 1961! This bipartisan measure would let Pennsylvania join a multistate licensure compact for physician assistants, making qualifying PA licenses portable across member states and cutting redundant applications and long wait times.

Joining the compact will make it easier for PAs to practice across state lines and deliver telemedicine, expanding access to care for patients across the Commonwealth. It also boosts the value and marketability of a Pennsylvania PA license, helping recruit and retain talented clinicians for our regional health systems.

H.B. 1961 now moves to the state Senate. I’ll keep you posted, and you can watch my House chamber remarks on the bill in the video below.

$193M in Earned-Income Relief Passed in State Budget

The bipartisan state budget includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which puts immediate money back into the pockets of Pennsylvania families.

This earned-income tax credit will deliver $193 million in statewide tax relief to help with groceries, rent, child care, and other everyday needs. I supported this commonsense measure because it rewards work and strengthens families across our communities.

Fraudulent Postcard Targeting Pennsylvania Veterans

A fraudulent direct-mail postcard claiming a ‘PA Veteran Savings Program 2025’ and offering $160 per month is circulating in Pennsylvania. The mailing has no return address and lists a fake phone number, 855-600-2411. Do not call or provide any personal information.

If you receive suspicious mail, email, or calls promising benefits or money, do not respond. Verify legitimacy by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at 800-547-2838 or an accredited Veteran Service Officer for free assistance.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Approaching

We’re encouraging all eligible older Pennsylvanians and adults 18 and older with disabilities to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program — an important source of relief for property taxes or rent paid last year. With this year’s income-eligibility ceiling raised to $46,520, more households may qualify.

Anyone who is an older Pennsylvanian or an adult 18 and older with a disability and meets the income limits may apply; the income limit for this filing year is $46,520. Rebates typically range from $380 to $1,000 depending on income and what you paid in property taxes or rent, and households with the greatest need may qualify for a supplemental payment that can raise the total benefit up to $1,500. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2025.

Supporting Erie’s Medical Students and Local Health Care

Did you know the largest medical school in the country is right here in Erie? LECOM plays a vital role in our community — training future clinicians, keeping medical education affordable, and partnering with the Commonwealth to expand access to care in rural Northwest Pennsylvania.

The LECOM Scholarship Fund Auction supports medical students and helps make LECOM one of the most affordable private medical schools in America. By contributing, we help remove financial barriers for students who often go on to serve our region’s hospitals, clinics, and rural communities.