Veterans Assistance Program, PA State Police Internship, Harborcreek’s Sounds of Summer Concert, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski July 30, 2026 | 3:23 PM

Thank you, Harborcreek!

What a great time at Harborcreek Township’s Summer Concert! We ran into so many wonderful people, and the weather was absolutely perfect.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to the event organizers for putting together such a fantastic evening. Your hard work and hospitality made it a night to remember.

Meet & Greet at Summit Township Senior Center

Thank you to everyone who joined our meet and greet at the Summit Township Senior Center. Your voices, ideas, and stories guide our work.

We remain focused on keeping life affordable, lowering prices, and providing excellent services for you—delivering practical, concrete solutions to everyday challenges.

Veterans Assistance Program

No veteran should face hardship alone. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' Veterans Temporary Assistance program offers eligible veterans and surviving dependents support for essentials—food, shelter, fuel, clothing—up to $1,600 in a 12-month period.

Since the program's launch, it has delivered $8.6M in aid to 9,650+ service members, veterans, and families. To learn more, click here.

Erie Set for Major Tourism and Economic Boost

Erie is poised for a notable upswing in tourism and economic vitality. Victory Cruise Lines has confirmed Erie as a port of call on its Great Lakes route beginning July 21, 2028, bringing thousands of cruise guests to the shores of Lake Erie.

Great Lakes cruising generated an estimated $300 million in regional economic impact in 2026. With each vessel carrying about 190 seasoned travelers, Erie’s restaurants, shops, attractions, and hospitality partners are well-positioned to see meaningful gains in both revenue and visibility.

This addition gives Erie a prime stage to showcase its distinctive culture, natural beauty, and homegrown businesses—creating memorable experiences that inspire visitors to return long after the voyage ends.

New Pathways to Become a Pennsylvania State Trooper

The Pennsylvania State Police is expanding opportunities for students and aspiring law enforcement professionals through partnerships with colleges and universities across Pennsylvania. Through the Academy Internship Program, eligible college seniors can complete their final semester at the PSP Academy, earn academic credits, and begin their careers as Pennsylvania State Troopers after successfully completing cadet training. Interested students must apply by Sept. 30, 2026.

The 2026-27 state budget provides funding for approximately 380 new cadet appointments, reinforcing efforts to strengthen public safety and recruit the next generation of troopers.

PSP now partners with 27 colleges and universities through the Academy Internship and Law Enforcement Academic Partnership (LEAP) programs, which help students earn credit for academy training and support troopers pursuing higher education.

Help for Families Supporting Loved Ones with Substance Use Disorder

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs recently launched a new, free online resource designed to help families of loved ones with substance use disorder find support for themselves as they navigate their family member’s treatment and recovery.

Caregiver Connection is a website for parents, grandparents, siblings and others supporting a loved one with substance use disorder. It’s a one-stop shop of resources that can help with locating a local or online support group, finding the closest county drug and alcohol office, locating free Narcan, and more. Visit this page for more information.

Do you have Unclaimed Property?

Did you know that roughly one in ten Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property? It could include money from old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance benefits, rebates, or other assets you may have forgotten about.

The Pennsylvania Treasury's Money Match program is working to reunite residents with these funds by matching records and sending payments directly to their rightful owners—no complicated claims process required. If you receive a Money Match letter from the Pennsylvania Treasury, don't throw it away. It confirms you've been matched with unclaimed property, and your check should arrive within approximately 45 days.

If you want to double-check or learn more, call 800-222-2046 or visit https://www.patreasury.gov/money-match/.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended

A friendly reminder that the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline has been extended until December 31, 2026. This program, which is eligible to older adults and people with disabilities 18 years or older, supports homeowners and renters across PA with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000.

The forms are available for pick up in our district office! If you need assistance filling out an application, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

For more information, other ways to apply, and to check your eligibility please visit: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/incentives-credits-and-programs/ptrr.html.