Presque Isle Sand Replenishment Funding, $1.45M for Erie County affordable housing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses on Sale Monday, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski June 18, 2026 | 4:24 PM

House Approves Bill to Require AI Disclosure in Ads

The House has passed H.B. 95, and I stood with colleagues as a co-sponsor to strengthen consumer protections around AI in ads.

As artificial intelligence becomes more capable, it’s increasingly difficult to tell authentic content from material created or altered by machines. H.B. 95 would require that any advertisement containing AI-generated or AI-modified elements include a clear, noticeable disclosure so you can tell when AI played a role before making a decision.

This bill is a common-sense step toward greater transparency in advertising, and I’ll keep working to see it through the legislative process.

Federal Dollars Freed for Presque Isle

We’re pleased to share that $1.5 million in federal funding has been secured to restore sand at Presque Isle State Park. This restores the federal share of the roughly $3 million annual effort that places about 40,000 cubic yards of sand to protect the peninsula from erosion caused by Lake Erie.

Our sincere thanks to John Fetterman for his leadership in helping secure these funds. After a two-year gap, local, state, and federal partners came together to unlock this support.

$1.45M Boost for Erie County Affordable Housing

Great news for Erie County: $1.45M from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund is coming to our community to preserve and create affordable housing.

This funding will repair homes, address blight, and open doors to homeownership—supporting local families in securing safer, healthier, and more stable lives. I remain committed to ensuring these resources are put to work where they are needed most.

Welcoming Oakwood Pizzeria to the East Side

Oakwood Pizzeria has opened on East 38th Street, bringing together two longtime Erie favorites — The Oakwood Cafe and Colony Pub and Pizza. This new restaurant is a great addition to the East Side and a boost for local dining.

Please consider stopping in to support this small business and help keep our neighborhood thriving.

Hunting and Trapping Licenses on Sale Mon. June 22

New hunting and trapping licenses for the 2026–27 season will go on sale Monday, June 22 at 8:00 a.m. The license year begins July 1, so a valid, current license is required before heading afield.

Licenses can be purchased starting Monday at any license issuing agent or online at HuntFish.PA.gov. Before you go, please review season dates, bag limits, and safety requirements.

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 in Harrisburg. Fellows are placed with House committees or leadership offices, are paid for their work and may also earn college credit. They 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.

Share Your Input on PA’s 2027 Transportation Plan

Public comment is now open for the 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, and we want to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the future of Pennsylvania’s roads, transit, bike and pedestrian safety, and freight connections.

Please share your thoughts by June 30.

Honoring Juneteenth

Tomorrow we honor Juneteenth — a day of remembrance, resilience, and progress. Let’s reflect on the work ahead to end inequality and recommit to liberty and justice for all.

Our office is closed tomorrow to observe this important day.

Celebrating Father’s Day

Wishing a joyful Father’s Day to all the dads, grandfathers, and father figures in Erie! Your guidance, sacrifice, and encouragement shape tomorrow’s leaders.