My Bill Passes House, Grant $ Secured for Erie Students, PA House Fellowship Program, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski June 4, 2026 | 5:03 PM

House Passes My Bill to Modernize Game Code

Big news: The Pennsylvania House has passed H.B. 2363, a bill I authored to modernize the Game Code and clarify tagging, reporting, transport, and possession rules for big and small game.

The bill would authorize the Game Commission to offer an electronic tagging option while requiring a free physical tag if electronic tagging is implemented. It would also update shipping and transport rules for big game and possession rules for small game, and streamline reporting to improve enforcement clarity and protect hunters without reliable electronic access.

I drafted H.B. 2363 with input from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hunting groups, and local stakeholders to ensure the reforms are practical and enforceable. The bill is now with the state Senate for consideration, and I will keep you updated on its progress.

New Equipment Grants for Erie Schools

We’re pleased to share that new state funding of $154,417 will expand hands-on career and technical education opportunities for Erie students. The awards come through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Competitive Equipment Grants program. Erie City School District will receive $69,417 and Erie County Technical School will receive $85,000 to purchase industry-aligned equipment for approved CTE programs.

Putting modern, employer-grade equipment into our schools helps students build real skills, earn credentials and prepare for in-demand local jobs. These grants can support a wide range of purchases, from healthcare training equipment to trade-specific machinery and public safety simulators.

Erie Advocates Visit the State Capitol

It was a busy week in Harrisburg, and one highlight was meeting with Erie County United and the Coalition of Graduate Employees, organized by the UAW at Penn State.

Hearing directly from residents and workers helps me represent you better and shapes the work I do in the legislature.

Meeting with Pre-K Leaders on Funding for Early Education

Early childhood education matters for our children, their parents, and workforce stability. When children have safe, high-quality learning environments, parents can work with greater peace of mind.

As a member of the Early Childhood Caucus, I’m committed to increasing funding for adequate staffing, professional pay scales and consistent standards so our children can learn and parents can earn a living.

Apply Now — PA House Legislative Fellowship

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 semester. I would greatly appreciate your help recruiting strong candidates from our community. Applications are due July 1, 2026.

The Fellowship is based in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are placed with House committees or leadership offices, are paid for their work (and may earn college credit), and gain hands-on experience drafting legislation, meeting public officials, and touring historic Commonwealth sites.

Eligible applicants include:

College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law students
Students enrolled at a Pennsylvania college or university, or Pennsylvania residents enrolled out-of-state
Students in any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

If you know a student who would benefit from this opportunity, please encourage them to visit www.pahousefellowship.us and apply.

Compare Electricity Plans and Save with PA Power Switch

We want to make you aware of a helpful resource for comparing electricity options in Pennsylvania: PA Power Switch. This official website, managed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, makes it easy to compare electricity rates and plans — including options that can save you money while sourcing energy from 100% renewable suppliers.

PA Power Switch verifies offers so you can be confident they are legitimate, and the site clearly displays the terms and duration of each plan to help you make an informed choice. In addition to unbiased comparison shopping, the site explains your rights as a utility consumer and includes a helpful guide to understanding your electric bill so you can see which costs are within your control.