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In this Update
More Than $5.1 Million Awarded for Erie County Projects
I’m proud to announce more than $5.1 million in Local Share Account funding for 18 projects across Erie County. These investments will support critical road equipment, water system upgrades, public safety gear and other important improvements for our townships, boroughs and first responders. Read more about the funded projects. Klein Elementary – Start With Hello Week
It was a great morning welcoming students to Klein Elementary School as they kicked off the ninth annual Start With Hello Week. This nationwide effort encourages students to reach out to classmates who may feel left out, alone or invisible. Something as simple as saying hello, offering a high five or inviting someone to join in can help every student feel seen, accepted and included. Thank you to Klein’s students, teachers and staff for creating such a welcoming environment and making everyone feel like part of the Klein family and the greater Harborcreek community. AEM Manufacturing Express Visits Erie Strayer
I was pleased to join Erie Strayer Company as it welcomed the AEM Manufacturing Express, a national tour highlighting the people, technology and innovation powering America’s equipment manufacturing industry. Founded in 1912, Erie Strayer is a fourth-generation, family-owned company that designs and manufactures concrete batch plants used across the country. It was great to meet the hardworking employees behind this Erie success story and see their work firsthand. Manufacturing remains essential to Erie County’s economy. We must continue supporting local employers while preparing the next generation of skilled workers to carry that proud tradition forward. PAL HOPE ASPIRES Launches in Erie
My staff recently attended the launch of PAL HOPE ASPIRES—Housing Opportunities for the People of Erie After-School Police Initiative for Residential Educational Support—at the Eagle’s Nest Athletic Center. Supported by a three-year, $500,000 state BOOST grant, the new program will bring Police Athletic League programming to students in grades 3–5 who live in Erie Housing Authority properties. Through activities with the Erie Police Department’s COPPS Team, students will have opportunities to build positive, personal relationships with local law enforcement officers. Celebrating AmeriCorps Seniors in Erie County
My staff recently attended a local celebration recognizing the tremendous contributions of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers throughout Erie County. Through programs including RSVP and Foster Grandparents, adults age 55 and older support children and youth, help older residents maintain their independence and assist nonprofit community partners. In 2025 alone, 383 Erie County volunteers contributed nearly 61,000 hours of service across 41 community sites. As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, it was fitting to recognize these dedicated volunteers and the lasting difference they continue to make across Erie County. Supporting the Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania
I recently attended a community breakfast hosted by the Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania to learn more about the state of vision loss in Pennsylvania and the organization’s important work. The program highlighted the Sight Center’s efforts to prevent blindness, provide vision rehabilitation and social support, and help individuals maintain their independence through assistive technology and other services. Thank you to Executive Director Linda Moore and the entire Sight Center team for the difference they make throughout our region. How I Can Help
If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing state programs or services, or if you have questions about a law or government program and aren’t sure where to turn, my team and I are here to help. We can guide you through the process, connect you with the right resources, and provide support on a wide range of issues to make things easier for you. Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations
Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more. Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly. More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here. I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page. Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here. Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others. Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late. Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app. Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15
When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support. Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15. Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page. “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours. Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates. “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here. |
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