Don’t miss our online town hall next week celebrating Black History Month and community voices. Come for a conversation about history, policy, and community priorities.

To RSVP: please contact our district office and we will send you the event link.

See the above graphic for additional details.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson. I had the honor of meeting Rev. Jackson at the Pennsylvania Capitol last year. His commitment to civil rights and tireless advocacy for communities across the nation left a lasting impression that will be felt for generations to come.

As we reflect on his legacy, let us recommit to the values he championed — dignity, opportunity, and justice for all.

Many thanks to the League of Women Voters of the United States for organizing the Legislative Forum at the Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania.

We were glad to participate and hear from residents about education, immigration, and budget concerns. The questions and perspectives shared will help guide our work, and we appreciate the League’s continued efforts to engage citizens.

The Erie County Firefighters Association Dinner was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the dedicated firefighters and EMS personnel who serve our region. It was an honor to spend time with these public servants and hear about the challenges and successes they face every day.

Congratulations to all of the award winners — your service and sacrifice make our community safer and stronger. Thank you to UPMC and the Erie County Firefighters Association for hosting a meaningful evening of recognition and fellowship.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking input from Pennsylvanians on traffic safety and driving behaviors through an online survey that will be available through February 28 at pa.gov/dotsafety. The survey will help inform PennDOT on how to improve traffic safety and save lives across the Commonwealth.

This voluntary survey gathers information on drivers’ behavior behind the wheel to help guide PennDOT’s program planning. It covers a range of topics, including seat belt use, impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.

The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

Share your feedback here: pa.gov/dotsafety.

The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the Summer 2026 semester (June–August). Based in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg, the program places Legislative Fellows with House committees or leadership offices. Fellows receive compensation, may earn college credit, and gain hands-on experience presenting bills, working with public officials, and exploring Pennsylvania’s historic public spaces.

Qualified applicants will be:  

• University juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; 

• Attending a PA college/university, or a PA resident at an out-of-state institution; and 

• Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

If you are a college student or know of someone who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit www.pahousefellowship.us or submit an application by March 2 to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. Hope to see you in the Capitol! 

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