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In this Update:
Strong Turnout for Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Nearly 250 veterans and community members gathered at the Zem Zem Shrine Club for my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the service and sacrifice of local veterans. Attendees enjoyed a morning of fellowship, a warm meal, and an inspiring keynote address from Brigadier General Mark Goodwill, whose message highlighted the enduring strength and commitment of our nation’s military. A special thank you goes to the outstanding Zem Zem staff, whose hospitality and dedication to honoring veterans continue to make this event a success year after year. MBA Hosts Legislative Luncheon
Local business and community leaders gathered at the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) for a Legislative Luncheon and panel on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Panelists included Christine Blashock, Chief Diversity & Community Development Officer at Erie Insurance; U.S. Representative Mike Kelly; State Senator Dan Laughlin; and Tom Tredway, President of Erie Molded Packaging. The discussion focused on Opportunity Zones, the CRIZ, and tax reform. Fighting Back Against Unfair Water Bills in Mobile Home Parks
My office has received multiple reports from concerned residents and township supervisors about unusually high water bills impacting residents in several Erie County mobile home parks. These billing practices are unacceptable and may even be criminal. Taking advantage of people—many on fixed incomes—is something I will not tolerate. My office is actively working with the Office of Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Advocate, both of which are currently reviewing the issue. While there is no resolution timeline yet, I remain committed to holding these corporations accountable and ensuring residents are treated fairly. Supporting Students at the Countywide Job Fair
I attended the fourth annual Countywide Job Fair for high school seniors, hosted by Career Street, where employers from across Erie County met with students to discuss entry-level job opportunities available after graduation. There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success—but taking that first step matters, it was inspiring to see so many students eager to invest in their futures. Thank you to all the employers who participated and to the students who came ready to launch their careers. Engaging Conversations at the Knowledge Breakfast
I had a great time at the Knowledge Breakfast, hosted by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. These events are always a valuable chance to connect with local business and community leaders, and today was no exception. We had thoughtful conversations about the upcoming state budget, economic development, and the challenges and opportunities facing our region. I appreciated the honest dialogue and the chance to hear directly from those working every day to strengthen Erie’s economy. Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years. May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%. Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023. May 4-10 is Small Business Week
More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media. If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more. State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation
According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites. Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places. PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care. A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network. Learn more and submit a bill for review here. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling (717) 861–7767.
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