A quick reminder that your voice truly matters in the upcoming November 3 General Election. With several key deadlines approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re ready to participate.

The most important date to keep on your radar is Monday, October 19 — the last day to register to vote. If you haven’t registered yet, or if you need to update your information, please take a moment to do so.

Additional upcoming deadlines:
• October 19: Last day to register
• October 27: Last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot
• November 3: Election Day

You can check your registration status or make changes at vote.pa.gov.  

Osteopathic medical schools continue to supply many of Pennsylvania’s family physicians, and institutions like LECOM in Erie play an especially important role in training doctors who choose to practice in our region.

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me in Harrisburg recently to discuss strategies for increasing the number of family physicians across the Commonwealth, particularly in our “medical deserts.”

We’re pleased to share wonderful news from Erie Homes for Children and Adults. After years of vision, collaboration, and hard work, the new Medical Community Home on Cascade Street has officially opened its doors.

This moment marks a significant step forward for the individuals EHCA serves. The new home reflects a long-standing commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have access to meaningful choices, supportive environments, and high-quality, personalized care.

October gives us an important opportunity to honor those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer and to highlight the critical importance of early detection. Raising awareness and encouraging regular screenings truly saves lives.

To mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we lit the Pennsylvania Capitol fountain pink last week—a visual reminder of our commitment to supporting survivors, families, and everyone affected by this disease.

Calling all creative Pennsylvania high school students! PennDOT wants your big ideas to help stop over-height vehicles from hitting bridges and tunnels — and the statewide winning team will take home a cash prize.

Team up, unleash your creativity, and enter the PennDOT Innovations Challenge. Your idea could make travel safer across Pennsylvania.

Learn more and get all the details here.

Medicare Open Enrollment officially begins today, and it’s the perfect time to make sure your coverage still meets your needs.

Pennsylvanians can access free, unbiased guidance through PA MEDI. Their trained counselors can walk you through your options, explain plan differences, and help you compare costs—always without selling or promoting any specific products.

If you’d like assistance, you can:
• Locate your local PA MEDI office or view upcoming events on the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s website
• Call the PA MEDI Helpline at 1-800-783-7067, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open Enrollment runs through December 7, so now is a great time to review your choices and ensure you’re getting the coverage that fits you best.

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