The Gist
State Representative, 2nd District
Photo of Bob Merski
Bob MerskiOfficial portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Bob Merski

Candidate for State Representative, 2nd District

Democratic/RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative
Lives in
Erie

State representative for the 2nd District, first elected in 2018. Previously a teacher, most recently in the Erie City School District, and a seven-year member of Erie City Council.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

Public safety

  • Proposes letting local police departments buy used State Police vehicles at a fixed price before public auction.In office

    Co-sponsorship memo: Help Our Local Police – Sale of Used PSP Vehicles

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Dec 2, 2024 · palegis.us

    “selling used state police pursuit vehicles directly to our local and regional police departments at a fixed price prior to any public auction.”
    Report

Housing

  • Co-sponsored a law, signed in July 2026, creating county registries of property-owner contacts to address blight.In office

    Merski said the registry gives municipal code enforcement a responsible contact for every parcel.

    Merski leads effort to fight blight as Shapiro signs transparency reforms into law

    Public statement · Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus · Jul 20, 2026 · pahouse.com

    “Putting a responsible contact behind every parcel ends the runaround that lets neglect linger.”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Proposes requiring employers with 50+ workers to consider flexible work requests in good faith.In office

    Merski says the bill would not require employers to adopt such arrangements.

    Co-sponsorship memo: Flexible Working Arrangements Act

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Dec 3, 2024 · palegis.us

    “requires that employers with 50 or more employees in the Commonwealth consider in good faith the request of an employee for a flexible working arrangement”
    Report

  • Sponsored a bill tightening licensing and disclosure rules for public insurance adjusters; it passed the House.In office

    House unanimously passes Merski's measure to tighten rules for public adjusters

    Public statement · Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus · Feb 4, 2026 · pahouse.com

    “This bill brings needed clarity and accountability to the public adjuster profession so homeowners can get fair, transparent help when recovering from property loss.”
    Report

Environment & parks

  • Proposes leasing parts of the Lake Erie bed for hydropower, solar and wind energy projects.In office

    Under his bill, the state would receive royalty payments, and shipping lanes, nearshore areas and bird migration paths would be off-limits.

    Co-sponsorship memo: Lake Erie Energy Development Act

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Dec 5, 2024 · palegis.us

    “leased by the Commonwealth for the development of hydropower, solar, and wind energy generation systems.”
    Report

Health & human services

Government & transparency

  • Proposes requiring municipal and local authorities to publish board member names, terms and contact information online.In office

    Co-sponsorship memo: Transparency in Government Authorities

    Government record · Pennsylvania House of Representatives · Dec 2, 2024 · palegis.us

    “require public authorities to make certain information regarding their boards publicly accessible.”
    Report

All sources (12)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.