We’re excited to share some great news from this year’s state budget — a plan that puts students at the center and delivers real, measurable benefits for our community’s classrooms.

Local districts are seeing major boosts in funding:
• Erie City School District: +$12.7 million (7.8%)
• Iroquois School District: +$755,000 (5.3%)
• Fort LeBoeuf School District: +$710,000 (6.1%)
• Harbor Creek School District: +$496,000 (3.7%)
• Wattsburg Area School District: +$346,000 (3.4%)

These increases continue the momentum of the past four years — years defined by steady, growing investments in public education. The budget keeps our constitutional commitment front and center: every child deserves a high-quality education. Funding is directed where it’s needed most to ensure students can learn in safe, supportive, well-resourced schools.

Statewide, the impact is just as significant. Across Pennsylvania, this budget strengthens public education with a $670 million overall increase. Of that total, $565 million is dedicated to improving adequacy and supporting students, schools, and taxpayers who have gone too long without the resources they need.

In addition, the budget invests more than $50 million in basic education and more than $50 million in special education, helping ensure that every student — no matter where they live or what challenges they face — has access to the tools needed to succeed.

The 2026–27 state budget provides important support for the public servants who spent their careers strengthening Pennsylvania’s schools and communities. This year’s plan increases resources for retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters.

Retired school employees will receive a long-awaited supplemental annuity to help offset rising living costs. Retired municipal police officers and firefighters will also receive a special postretirement benefit in recognition of their service.

To protect both retirees and taxpayers, the budget improves oversight of state pension systems through regular stress testing and stronger reporting. It also creates the Veterans' Trust Fund Board to ensure better management and distribution of grants that support housing, behavioral health care, and other essential services for veterans and their families. Finally, increased funding for the Paralyzed Veterans Pension ensures continued support for those who sacrificed for our nation.

We recently stopped by Mercy Terrace Apartments for the Sounds of Summer Music Series, which brings local musicians to older adult communities throughout our area. It was a fantastic evening filled with great music, plenty of toe-tapping, and a wonderful sense of togetherness.

A big thank-you to the residents, organizers, and performers for creating such an enjoyable event. We’re grateful for the chance to share in these moments that strengthen our community.

We want to alert you to a growing scam targeting Pennsylvania veterans. Some scammers are charging “application fees” or offering paid “consulting services” to help veterans access their benefits.

These benefits should always be free to apply for, and legitimate help from Pennsylvania County Directors of Veterans Affairs and Accredited Veterans Service Officers never costs anything.

You can find trusted, no-cost assistance at: https://www.dmva.pa.gov/vetconnect

If you think you’ve encountered pension poaching, report it immediately:

• Call 717-783-1944

• Email PAvets@attorneygeneral.gov

• Visit https://www.attorneygeneral.gov and select “Submit a Complaint”

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is here to assist veterans who have lost their DD Form 214 or other military documents. This crucial paperwork verifies your military service and is necessary to access benefits, retirement, employment opportunities, and veterans’ organizations.

If you need help locating your DD-214 or correcting it with a DD-215, DMVA’s accredited veteran service officers are ready to support you. You can call toll-free at 1-800-547-2838, or email RA-REQ@pa.gov.

Over 1,300 veterans have received help from DMVA in the past year—don’t wait to get the documents you need! For more information or to sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, visit www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

The PA Office of Homeland Security is offering a free webinar for older adults, caregivers, and family members on avoiding online financial scams that often target seniors. The session will take place on Wednesday, September 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature several speakers sharing practical tips to help you stay safe online.

To learn more and register, click here.

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