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In this Update:
Do You Know an Erie County WWII Veteran?
Erie County is proud to honor the heroes of the Greatest Generation. If you are, or if you know a World War II veteran living in Erie County, we want to hear from you. On Flag Day, June 14, during the annual Flag Day Concert at the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, WWII veterans will be recognized with a special medal from the Pennsylvania State Senate. To receive the medal, the veteran must be present at the ceremony. To register a veteran, please contact Suzanna at smitkowski@eriecountypa.gov or 814-451-6265. Let’s give these heroes the recognition they deserve. Good Life. Great Lake.
I’m thrilled to see VisitErie’s new brand come to life, Good Life. Great Lake. It perfectly captures who we are as a community and the incredible experiences Erie has to offer. From our beautiful shoreline to our thriving local culture, this fresh identity will help shine a brighter spotlight on everything that makes our region so special. Bright Future for ECTS
Big news for Erie County Technical School! The school has been awarded a $400,000 Solar for Schools grant to support the installation of solar energy systems on campus. This investment will help lower long-term energy costs, reduce the school’s carbon footprint, and create new opportunities for students to learn about renewable energy technologies. It’s a smart move for sustainability, a valuable educational tool, and a win for taxpayers. I’m proud to see Erie County leading the way in energy innovation and workforce development. Stronger Neighborhoods, Brighter Futures
The PA Department of Community and Economic Development visited Erie for an event at the Second Harvest Food Bank to highlight the impact of the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), and the results speak for themselves. In Erie County, NAP has been a driving force behind efforts to fight blight, expand access to safe housing, and support the nonprofits working every day to lift families out of poverty. It’s a powerful example of how targeted investment and public-private partnerships can strengthen communities and create lasting opportunity. I’m proud to support this program and the difference it’s making for neighborhoods across our region. Building Momentum for Erie’s Future
The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership hosted a Knowledge Breakfast, where local business and community leaders came together to focus on the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) initiative. CRIZ has been one of the most impactful efforts I’ve had the privilege to support as State Senator. I truly believe it holds the potential to be the most transformational project for the City of Erie in my lifetime. The energy and commitment in the room were a powerful reminder that when we work together, big things happen. I’m excited to keep pushing forward as momentum builds for a stronger, more vibrant Erie. Senate Votes to Improve Communication About School Safety Issues
To empower parents and increase transparency, the Senate passed legislation to improve reporting requirements about potentially dangerous situations at schools. Senate Bill 246 would require parental and employee notification when there is a weapon on any school property that violates its weapons policy, as well as when there are cases of harassment and bullying. It would apply to public, non-public and private schools. Current law does not require school districts to inform parents about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The bill is part of a larger Senate Republican initiative to empower families and foster safe communities. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Grants Available for Firefighting Equipment and Training
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner has two grant programs that are accepting applications through May 29. Both programs distribute grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Applications should be submitted online. The Emergency Training Center Capital Grant Program awards funds that can be used to establish or modernize facilities, acquire or renovate structures and repair or purchase equipment. Emergency service training centers, community colleges, county-owned facilities, municipal or fire department-owned facilities and nonprofit, countywide associations are eligible. The Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program awards money to municipal fire departments to improve structures and firefighting equipment in the commonwealth. PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program. Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6
As a result of a bankruptcy announcement, Rite Aid will accept gift cards, coupons and other Rite Aid rewards through June 6. Returns and exchanges will not be accepted after June 4. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday encourages any consumers who experience issues redeeming their Rite Aid points, coupons or unused gift cards or with returning merchandise to Rite Aid to submit an online complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection. They may also contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. Read more. Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown To all the men and women who selflessly gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we hold dear, thank you. To the families who are missing a loved one from their lives, please know that loss was not in vain. We remember, and we appreciate the sacrifice.
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