On Friday, we welcomed Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to our community, where he announced new funding for the YMCA Teen Center and the United Way of Erie County.

Putting resources into youth programs and safe, constructive activities is a proven way to prevent juvenile delinquency and keep young people engaged. This funding will help expand opportunities and services that help steer kids toward positive paths and stronger futures.

This week we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week — a moment to honor the dedication, creativity, and care teachers bring to our classrooms every day. As a former educator, I’ve seen firsthand how the long hours, creative problem-solving, and steady encouragement teachers offer shape futures and strengthen our communities.

Thank you, teachers — for the lessons, the encouragement, and the countless ways you show up.

State Reps. Ed Neilson, Pat Harkins, Anita Kulik, and I met in Harrisburg with officials from the Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority to discuss the new abandoned boat law and other bay and lakefront concerns.

We reviewed the law’s implementation, shared local perspectives on shoreline and waterfront management, and explored opportunities for collaboration to address public safety, environmental concerns, and community access. The conversation was productive, and we agreed to continue working together to ensure the law supports our waterfront communities.

At the Teamsters’ annual conference, I joined several colleagues to meet many members who traveled from Erie. They spoke about the challenges they face and the long-range strategy they’re pursuing.

Listening to local workers reminded me why I’m dedicated to working with labor partners to support quality jobs and stronger communities.

Thank you to Alivia Haibach, CEO of MHEDS (Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System), for coming to Harrisburg to advocate for health care for marginalized people and for services in underserved areas. The richest country in the world should have healthy citizens and healthy communities.

We are working with MHEDS and other local health care providers to fill gaps in care and expand access so everyone can receive the medical services they need.

State health and EMS leaders visited EmergyCare to highlight recent investments in emergency medical services.

The $6 million statewide boost is helping local agencies upgrade patient-lifting gear, video laryngoscopes, IV pumps, and other critical equipment that improves patient care and responder safety during the more than 2.2 million emergency calls EMS answers each year.

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