For 47 years, Matt Deforce has been an East Side institution, offering free boxing training to youth through the Lower Eastside Fighting Eagles without government assistance. Representative Harkins and I were honored to recognize his nearly five decades of dedication with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Matt’s commitment has provided countless young people with discipline, mentorship, and opportunity. His work is a powerful example of community service that strengthens families and builds a safer, healthier neighborhood.

The deadline to register to vote in the May 19 primary is a few days away! If you are not yet registered, please complete your registration by this upcoming Monday, May 4, to ensure your voice is heard.

If you prefer to vote by mail, request a mail-in or absentee ballot by May 12, but you must be registered first.  

It was a privilege welcoming advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association of Erie to the Pennsylvania House to promote new legislation to require specialized EMT training for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

They explained that the proposed training would help first responders better recognize dementia-related symptoms, use de-escalation and communication techniques, and apply best practices for safe transport and handoff to medical or social services. It would also make emergency responses safer by equipping EMTs to recognize dementia symptoms and respond more effectively.

On Tuesday, with bipartisan support, the Pennsylvania House passed a pair of common-sense bills that would give drivers the option to carry their driver’s license and vehicle registration digitally. If enacted, these measures would join Pennsylvania with 21 other states that already offer digital ID options.

These bills are designed to make everyday life easier and more convenient for Pennsylvanians while maintaining security and privacy protections. The digital option would be voluntary — residents could continue to use physical cards if they prefer.

Both bills now move to the state Senate for consideration.

Wesleyville Borough is a special community. Last week, we celebrated Arbor Day at Hinkler Park by planting trees, each dedicated by a community member in memory of a loved one. It was a meaningful way to honor those we’ve lost and to improve our public spaces.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to all who help keep our parks welcoming for everyone.

The Older Artists of PA Showcase 2026 is now open for entries! If you are age 60 or older and live in Pennsylvania, we invite you to submit your artwork for this juried exhibition. This year’s Showcase will proudly highlight the creative contributions of older adults living with dementia, and we especially encourage submissions from artists in that community.

Artists may enter in one of three categories:

• Professional
• Non-professional
• Artist Over Age 60 Living with Dementia

To learn more and submit your entry, click here.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Most students must submit their FAFSA by tomorrow, Friday, May 1 to be considered for federal aid for the coming academic year.

Get started here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

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