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In this Update:
Second Harvest Marketplace Opens
My staff recently joined the ribbon cutting for the new Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA Marketplace inside the UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center on East Avenue. This neighborhood-style grocery store brings fresh, nutritious food directly into the community, helping families facing food insecurity. Income-eligible individuals can shop for free, including produce, meat, milk, and frozen foods—appointments are available by calling (814) 459-3663, ext. 117. Opening Day Could Move
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering moving the opening day of firearms deer season to the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I support this change because it gives families more time in the woods, eases the holiday crunch, and provides potentially warmer weather for hunters across the state. More time in the field also benefits local businesses that rely on hunting season. I encourage hunters to share their thoughts at the Board of Game Commissioners’ meeting on January 23–24. Erie Restaurant Week Returns
Erie Restaurant Week is back for its sixth year, January 22–31, 2026, with over 70 participating restaurants—the largest lineup yet! This 10-day event highlights Erie’s diverse dining scene, offering exclusive dishes and special menus at longtime favorites and 18 new restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, explore different cuisines, and support our local restaurants during one of the slower times of the year How I Can Help
Great constituent service doesn’t happen by accident. My incredible staff shows up every day ready to help, providing the high level of support you see when you call or stop by our office. If you have any state-related issue we can assist with, don’t hesitate to give us a call. I’m proud of this team and the work they do for our community. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like. U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I supported the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports. Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and is awaiting action in the state House of Representatives. 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions. Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here. Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:
Learn more about what to do if you lose power during the storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored and what utilities do to deal with storms here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here.
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