Rep. Robert Merski March 27, 2026 | 1:40 PM
Protecting Disabled Veterans
I’m proud to share that the Pennsylvania House has passed H.B. 1257, legislation I co-sponsored to expand property tax relief for our veterans.
The bill would exempt all veterans rated 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from property taxes, regardless of combat service, and would explicitly protect surviving spouses. It also moves certain program details into statute so the General Assembly can update rules more quickly as veterans’ needs evolve. Importantly, the bill contains no income or means test — eligibility would be determined by VA disability rating or federal compensation status, not household income.
This is an important step to remove outdated barriers and provide financial relief to those who sacrificed so much for our country.
Family Fishing Opportunities
This Saturday, March 28, is Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day across Pennsylvania. Youth anglers under 16 may participate with a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. Learn more and get your permit or license here.
Trout season begins Saturday, April 4. If you plan to fish, please purchase any required licenses and permits and prepare your gear. For details, regulations, and online purchases, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or use the FishBoatPA mobile app.
Please share this with young anglers and families — it’s a great way to introduce kids to fishing and the outdoors.
Keeping Erie Moving
We’re pleased to share some great news for Erie transit riders. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) has introduced a new fleet of buses featuring state-of-the-art tap-to-pay fare systems and built-in USB charging ports for passengers’ devices, all while maintaining some of the most affordable fares in the Commonwealth.
These upgrades will make daily travel more convenient and reliable for riders across our community. Congratulations to Jeremy Peterson, EMTA’s Executive Director, and to the EMTA staff and board for their leadership in bringing these improvements to Erie.
Help With Heating Bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is accepting applications through May 8. Whether you rent or own, you may qualify for a cash grant of $200–$1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant and does not need to be repaid.
Need help or have questions about eligibility or the application? Call our office at (814) 455-6319. You can also apply online at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
Reminder: Tax Deadline April 15 — You May Qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
A friendly reminder that the April 15 tax-filing deadline is approaching. If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you are automatically eligible for Pennsylvania’s new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC).
The WPTC may return up to $805 when you file your state taxes. For details and eligibility information, please visit pa.gov/WPTC.
Safeguarding our Veterans Webinar
You’re invited to join the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for a free webinar: Safeguarding our Veterans
When: Wednesday, April 8 | Time: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
What you’ll learn: challenges Pennsylvania veterans face; protective services and how to report concerns; how to spot scams like pension poaching; and resources available to veterans and families.
To register, click here.
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
Update Email Preferences
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Robert Merski.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
3921 Buffalo Rd.Erie, PA 16510-2002
P*: (814) 455-6319
F*: (814) 455-6593
Hours of Operation - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Summit Township Municipal Building1230 Townhall Road W.Erie, PA 16509-5080
Hours of Operation - noon - 4 p.m. Wednesdays ONLY, or by appointment.
9333 Tate Rd.Room 102Erie, PA, PA 16509-6055
Hours of Operation - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mondays ONLY or by appointment
2808 State StreetErie, PA 16508-1830
221 Irvis Office BuildingP.O. Box 202002Harrisburg, PA 17120-2002
P*: (717) 787-4358
F*: (717) 780-4774