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In this Update:
Flagship City Commons Marks Major CRIZ Milestone
I recently held a press conference with the Erie CRIZ Authority and the Erie Downtown Development Corporation to announce $10 million in CRIZ financing for Flagship City Commons, helping move this $31 million project across the finish line. With this approval, projects moving forward through the CRIZ now represent approximately $135 million in construction during the program’s first year. This is exactly what the CRIZ was designed to do, create the environment for private investment, redevelopment and long-term economic growth. We have accomplished a great deal in year one, and with nearly three decades of the CRIZ still ahead, we are just getting started. Honoring Our Purple Heart Recipients
On August 7th, Purple Heart Day, my staff joined Purple Heart recipients at the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie to recognize their courage and sacrifice. It was an honor to thank these brave veterans for their service to our nation. Their courage, commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Port of Erie Earns Prestigious Pacesetter Award
My staff recently attended the presentation of the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award to the Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, recognizing its increase in outbound international cargo during the 2025 shipping season. The Port of Erie and Carmeuse Erie Sand and Gravel handled more than 1 million tons of cargo last year. This marks the eighth time the Port Authority has received this prestigious award and is a testament to the hard work, safety and efficiency of everyone involved in Erie’s port operations. Supporting Local Day Cares and Preschools
My office recently delivered coloring books and other supplies to local day cares and preschools throughout Erie County. It was a great opportunity to visit with teachers and students while providing materials they can use in the classroom. Thank you to our local educators and childcare professionals for everything they do to help Erie County’s youngest learners grow and succeed. 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. Felony Murder Sentencing, PA Crime Highlighted at Senate, House Hearing
Law enforcement officers and other public officials shared the on-the-ground reality of their efforts to fight crime and how the General Assembly could support their mission during a joint public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and the House Republican Policy Committee. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday discussed sentencing for felony murder after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled mandatory life sentences for this crime are unconstitutional. He stated Senate Bill 1400, passed twice by the Senate, would provide an appropriate sentence for felony murder. But the House changed the bill, he said, “and in doing so provides a huge break to convicted murderers.” Sunday said, “Victims deserve better than legislative gamesmanship.” The committees learned that violent crime is down across the commonwealth, but drug offenses are on the rise, with the Bureau of Narcotics removing 56.5 million doses of fentanyl off the streets of Pennsylvania last year. Read more about the hearing and access video and testimony here. Empowering Parents with Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Last year, Congress established a new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit to create new learning opportunities for students. I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues this week to announce legislation that would ensure Pennsylvania families can benefit from this new program. The program would allow taxpayers to earn up to $1,700 in tax credits for contributions to non-profit Scholarship Granting Organizations. These organizations could use the funds to provide scholarships for education-related services at private or public schools, including tuition, fees, academic tutoring, special education services, technology services and classroom supplies. For students and families to be eligible for scholarships, a state must opt in with either an order signed by its governor or a law passed by the state legislature by Jan. 1, 2027. If a state does not opt in, taxpayers in that state will still be eligible for the tax credit, but the money will fund scholarships in other states. Our legislation would ensure Pennsylvania students in both public and private schools would have access to these new resources. Learn more about this opportunity for Pennsylvania students and families here. Understanding Digital Threats to Children
Aug. 17 – Aug. 23 is “Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania. This first-of-its-kind designation is designed to help parents, guardians and students better understand potential threats in the digital world, including cyberbullying, sextortion, AI-generated child sexual abuse material, grooming and other dangerous forms of abuse. Find a Back-to-School Checklist and more tips on social media safety at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. My legislative colleagues and I have worked to keep kids safe from dangers online. This includes laws criminalizing deepfakes, giving law enforcement tools to combat online abuse, creating the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age and more. The Senate has also passed legislation (pending in the House of Representatives) providing safeguards for AI chatbots, prohibiting “nudification” apps and protecting young people against AI-generated child abuse materials. Reporting Suspected Benefits Fraud
You can help eliminate fraud in benefits programs such as cash assistance, food stamps, childcare, home energy assistance and medical assistance. Suspected fraud can be reported to the Office of the State Inspector General. A complaint should be completed only if an individual has been issued benefits that you believe the individual was not entitled to receive. Report suspected fraud to the State Inspector General here. Getting Potholes Filled
If you spot a pothole on a Pennsylvania road, you can report it through the PennDOT Customer Care Center. If you notice an urgent issue, please check the list of district engineering offices and contact the one for the county in which the issue is found. For immediate safety concerns, call 1‑800‑FIX‑ROAD (1-800-349-7623), and always call 9‑1‑1 for emergencies. |
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