Among the many bills we championed and passed in the House this week, I wanted to draw attention to one in particular that aims to keep more money in the pockets of working families across Pennsylvania.

I voted YES on H.B. 2224 because affordability matters. Too many families are juggling rising grocery, childcare, and utility bills. I’ve heard from parents who skip small comforts and seniors who worry about choosing between medicine and heat. This bill is a commonsense step to ease that pressure.

H.B. 2224 limits excessive utility profits and strengthens accountability so companies can’t put profits ahead of people. By reining in unfair practices and promoting fairer returns, the goal is to help lower utility costs and protect household budgets.

I was honored to have my family with me as Speaker Joanna McClinton introduced us in the House Chamber. Having them there made a meaningful moment even more special, and I’m deeply thankful for their support.

Their encouragement reminds me every day why I serve: to represent and fight for our neighbors in Erie. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work on behalf of our community and will continue to do everything I can to deliver results for working families.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s CLASS Act Award winners. Your dedication and achievements make our community proud. Also, a sincere thank you to the teachers, families, and program organizers who support and encourage our young people.

This past weekend’s Juneteenth Celebration in downtown Erie was a wonderful tribute to freedom and the rich diversity that strengthens our nation. It was inspiring to see our community come together to honor this important day.

Thank you to Angela McNair and everyone who planned and carried out the events — your hard work made the celebration meaningful and memorable for all who attended.

Wesleyville Community Day was a wonderful day of music, mingling, and celebrating everything that makes Wesleyville special. Thank you to all of the sponsors and event organizers whose efforts brought our community together for such a joyful occasion.

We love Wesleyville and appreciate everyone who helped make the day a success.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Greene Township Parks and Recreation Summer Concert. It was a wonderful evening of music and local food trucks and a great chance for our community to come together.

Greene Township has received multiple state grants that our office helped secure to enhance local parks and trails. These investments are already improving recreational opportunities for residents.

Applications for the Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program are due this upcoming Wednesday, July 1.

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 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.

The PA ABLE Savings Program has expanded its age limit, allowing thousands more Pennsylvanians with disabilities to save tax free for their futures. Individuals whose disability began before age 46—up from the previous limit of 26—can now open an account without jeopardizing essential benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Since 2017, more than 11,500 Pennsylvanians have saved nearly $185 million through PA ABLE. Participants can contribute up to $20,000 annually, use funds for a wide range of disability-related expenses, and deduct contributions from Pennsylvania state income taxes.

To learn more, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

We're pleased to share that Pennsylvania’s Mature Driver Improvement Courses are available for drivers aged 55 and older. These courses help sharpen driving skills and enhance road safety while also qualifying you for at least a 5% insurance discount—no written or behind-the-wheel tests required.

Refresher courses every three years ensure your skills stay current. For more details or to find an approved course, please visit: Mature Driver Improvement Course | Driver and Vehicle Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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