I was honored to stand alongside fellow community leaders as we announced more than $1.17 million in state funding dedicated to strengthening our neighborhoods.

These investments will support safer fire stations, enhance community policing efforts, and improve our streets with the addition of a new public works milling machine.

This is teamwork in action—working together to invest in Erie and deliver meaningful results for the communities we serve.

Great news! The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded $828,400 to enhance recreational spaces and support conservation projects throughout Erie County.

This funding will help expand green spaces, improve local parks, protect natural areas, and strengthen outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.

We were honored to recognize the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwest Pennsylvania as they celebrated their jubilees of religious life. Please join us in congratulating the following Sisters for their years of dedicated service:

80 Years
• Sister Lucille DeStefano

75 Years
• Sister Mary Carol Hoke
• Sister Barbara Ann Zakutney

70 Years
• Sister Marie Stephen Kebort
• Sister Catherine Manning
• Sister Margaret O'Brien

60 Years
• Sister Phyllis DiFuccia
• Sister Susan Herzing

We celebrate each of these remarkable women and extend our heartfelt gratitude for their lifelong commitment to serving our community.

Pennsylvanian voters have until Monday, October 19, to register and be ready to vote in the General Election occurring on Tuesday, November 3.

You can register, check your status and update your voting information today by visiting vote.pa.gov! Below are a few more key dates. 

• Monday, Oct. 19: Last Day to Register to Vote 

• Tuesday, Oct. 27: Last Day to Apply for Mail-In/Absentee Ballot 

• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day 

We’re pleased to share that the Erie School District has been awarded a total of $362,304 through the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This support will help ensure students have greater access to fresh, nutritious foods throughout the school day.

Across Pennsylvania, 249 schools received a combined $7.3 million in grant funding aimed at strengthening school nutrition programs and encouraging healthier eating habits that benefit children now and in the future.

If you’d like to see the full list of funded schools, you can view it here.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has announced updates that will help more families access healthy food. SNAP income limits and monthly benefit amounts are increasing, which means more Pennsylvanians may now qualify — and current recipients could see a boost in their benefits.

These changes are designed to better reflect the rising cost of living and ensure children, seniors, and households across the Commonwealth can afford nutritious meals.

If you or someone you know may qualify, please consider checking eligibility and applying through DHS. As always, our office is happy to help connect you with resources.

The Pennsylvania fall hunting season is here! The above graphic summarizes key updates for the 2026–27 statewide season.

Highlights include expanded Sunday hunting (with exceptions for migratory game birds), updated CWD guidance on transporting deer and disposing of high-risk parts, small-game seasons remaining open during the regular firearms deer season, and a snapshot of key dates for deer, bear, pheasant, and squirrel.

For WMU-specific opportunities, details on additional species, and license requirements, please review the 2026–27 Hunting & Trapping Digest.

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