My Bill Becomes Law, Erie Secures $12M to Fuel Economic Growth, Stepping up for Older Adults, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski July 24, 2026 | 11:33 AM

Governor Signs My Bill into Law

I’m excited to share that the Governor has signed my bill, H.B. 858, into law. Pennsylvania will now create a single, county-run contact registry for property owners. This means accurate names, phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses will be kept in one place, making it easier for local officials to reach the right person quickly when issues arise and to prevent properties from falling into neglect.

By improving communication between counties, municipalities, and property owners, we can address problems faster, reduce blight and abandonment, and strengthen neighborhood safety and stability. Over time, these improvements will help protect property values across Pennsylvania.

Strengthening Erie

Good news as Erie builds on its momentum and growth: Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is committing $12 million to projects that will strengthen the regional economy and elevate key community assets.

This investment will move the Bayfront Place Market House forward, providing space for seasonal and year-round vendors along with areas for public events. It will also allow Mercyhurst University to replace aging roof systems at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center with durable, weather-resistant materials, protecting a vital campus facility.

Additionally, support for the Mercantile Building will transform its long-vacant third floor into a modern, flexible office space designed to encourage collaboration and spark new business opportunities.

Health & Wellness Fair

On Saturday, our office participated in the 2nd Annual Health & Wellness Fair at Erie’s Second Baptist Church. We were honored to participate and appreciated the welcoming environment you created for community members to learn, connect, and access helpful resources.

Pennsylvania Steps Up for Older Adults

The 2026–27 Pennsylvania state budget makes significant investments in prescription savings, community-based aging supports, LIFE program providers, and statewide services that help older Pennsylvanians remain healthy, supported, and independent.

These investments will reduce the cost of essential medications, strengthen local resources that help people age in place, expand the capacity of LIFE providers to deliver coordinated, person-centered care, and bolster statewide services that connect seniors with nutrition assistance, transportation, caregiver support, and wellness programs.

Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Delivers Millions in Relief

Pennsylvania’s new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit has already delivered nearly $217 million in tax relief to more than 876,000 Pennsylvanians during the 2025 tax filing season. As additional tax returns are processed, the Shapiro Administration expects the program to provide approximately $220 million to as many as 940,000 residents by the end of the year.

Created as part of the 2025-26 state budget, the WPTC is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and provides eligible working families with a state tax credit equal to 10% of their federal EITC, worth up to $805 in its first year.

The credit is helping families cope with rising everyday costs by putting more money back into their pockets. The Department of Revenue streamlined the application process by automatically calculating the credit for many online filers and has launched an online eligibility calculator to help more Pennsylvanians determine whether they qualify.

Contact our office for more information about the WPTC or any other state program or issue.

Submit Your FAFSA by Saturday, Aug. 1

Important student aid deadline! If you’re a first-time applicant planning to attend a community college, trade school, or another eligible institution, you must submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid by Saturday, August 1, 2026 to be considered for a Pennsylvania State Grant for the 2026–27 academic year.

The PA State Grant Program – offered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency – provides grant funding to eligible undergraduate students that does not need to be repaid. Completing the FAFSA is the key step to determine your eligibility.