We’re pleased to share that two grants totaling $185,000 have been awarded to support public safety and municipal services in Erie County. Working with Representative Pat Harkins, we secured funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to help local governments maintain the tools they need to serve our community.

These grants will help offset the cost of replacing the City of Erie’s code enforcement vehicles and will assist Wesleyville Borough in purchasing a new police vehicle. Investments like these strengthen community safety, improve response capabilities, and reduce the burden on local taxpayers.

We recently had the honor of celebrating Ms. Helen’s 90th birthday — what a joy to mark such a wonderful milestone with a member of our community. If you know someone who is reaching a special birthday, anniversary, or other milestone, please call our office at (814) 455-6319 and we will gladly prepare a state citation to recognize them.

This is also a good reminder that many state services are available to seniors. If you or a loved one needs help accessing benefits, programs, or resources, contact our office and we’ll connect you with the right information and assistance.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is reminding older adults that the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is underway. This period, running from Jan. 1 to March 31, allows beneficiaries to switch to a different plan or to original Medicare.

The Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, or PA MEDI, program offers free, unbiased counseling to help seniors make informed health insurance decisions. This initiative ensures that older adults can optimize their cost savings and access to health care.

Find local program phone numbers by clicking here.

How can artificial intelligence make work zones safer? That’s the question the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is asking high school students across the Commonwealth in its latest Innovations Challenge.

If you have a student in grades 9–12 who’s interested in technology, design, or public safety, encourage them to form a team and submit an entry by Jan. 30 for a chance to win prizes and showcase their ideas. This is a great opportunity for young people to apply creativity and technical skills to a real-world problem that affects workers and drivers across Pennsylvania.

For submission details and official rules, click here.

As a friendly reminder, our Erie satellite office at 2808 State St., Suite 106, is open to help you access state services. We’re on-site and ready to assist Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome for routine matters, and appointments are available for more complex issues. We assist with PennDOT services, veterans’ resources, licensing and benefits, and other state casework.

To schedule or ask questions, call (814) 455-6319 or email RepMerski@pahouse.net. We look forward to meeting you and making government more accessible.

This upcoming Monday we will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership inspired a movement for equality and service that continues to guide us today. We will take time to remember his commitment to justice, compassion, and the dignity of every person.

Each day provides us the opportunity to reflect on how we can advance fairness, protect civil rights, and lift up every neighbor in our community. Whether through volunteer service, supporting local organizations that promote equity, or simply reaching out to someone in need, our collective actions will carry forward Dr. King’s message.

In recognition of the holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, Jan 19. We will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

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