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Dear Neighbor,
We are wrapping up a busy district work period crisscrossing our beautiful region! From Erie to Butler and everywhere in between, it has been a productive week meeting with so many folks. Let's recap our work period!
In this week's newsletter:
- Supporting local volunteer fire departments
- Historic tax refunds as Tax Day nears
- An update on military operations in Iran
- Congrats to the Gannon Men's Basketball Team!
Supporting local volunteer fire departments
During the district work period, we met with three local volunteer fire departments to present the latest round of Community Project Funding. My team and I secured this funding during the fiscal year 2026 budget process.
I believe it's important for everyone to remember: This isn't the government's money. These are taxpayer dollars at work in our local communities!
Below, you can find more information about each stop:
Butler County -- On March 30, the Harmony Fire District received $1.2 million for a critical public safety project benefitting the Zelienople and Harmony communities. Funding for this project will be used to replace aging apparatus and front-line response vehicles, including a rescue engine, to ensure more reliable and efficient emergency response capabilities. The Harmony Fire District serves four municipalities, two of which rank among the top five fastest-growing communities in Pennsylvania. The investment aims to support the district’s ability to meet increasing service demands and enhance safety for both residents and first responders.
Watch coverage of the event on WTAE-TV!
Crawford County -- On April 3, West Mead #1 Volunteer Fire Department received more than $400,000 in Community Project Funding that my team and I secured in the FY2026 budget. The money will be used for the department's new pumper/tanker. These funds will help the department continue to serve West Mead Township, Meadville, and all Crawford County.
Watch coverage of the event on Erie News Now!
Erie County -- On March 31, the Greenfield Twp. Vol. Fire Company received $975,000 for a critical public safety project benefitting North East and communities in northeastern Erie County. This project would construct a new fire station for the Volunteer Fire Company in Greenfield Township. The existing fire station was built in the 1940s when fire engines were much smaller. The station is also on a busy 50-mph highway, which presents traffic safety issues when entering and leaving the station. A new station will allow the fire company to safely provide critical emergency services.
Watch coverage of the event on WJET-TV!
Historic tax refunds as Tax Day nears
When my colleagues and I were crafting the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) last spring, we knew the potential this legislation could have for hardworking Americans. It would include President Trump’s plans for “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime.” It would invest in America’s children. It would boost small businesses and strengthen our Nation’s families.
Not only would the Working Families Tax Cuts save Americans money, but it would also extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts and prevent a 22% tax increase for the average American taxpayer, one of the largest tax increases in modern American history.
Today, as we near the end of the tax filing season, we are seeing clear evidence that the Working Families Tax Cuts are a success. The latest numbers prove it.
By the end of March, more than 20 million taxpayers claimed the new overtime deduction, according to U.S. Treasury data. More than 4.6 million taxpayers claimed the new deduction on tipped income. Nearly half of all filers benefited from at least one of the new signature provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. Altogether, tax refunds are up more than 10% from one year ago.
This is what the Working Families Tax Cuts law is designed to do – to reward hard work today while allowing you to save money for tomorrow. It's a game changer for so many Americans.
An update on military operations in Iran
This week, the United States has agreed to pause planned military action toward Iran for a period of two weeks. This pause is intended to serve as a temporary ceasefire and provide time for continued negotiations. U.S. officials believe that many key objectives have already been met, and that both sides are close to reaching a broader agreement that could promote long-term stability and peace in the region.
Iran has proven time and time again it should not have nuclear weapons. Iranian leaders should work with U.S. officials to reach a diplomatic deal as soon as possible. America’s belief in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is what makes our nation the greatest and the envy of the world. As long as I represent Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, I will continue to defend these unalienable rights, and I'll work to protect the rights of the most vulnerable among us and those abroad.
I will continue to monitor this situation closely and keep your priorities in mind as developments unfold.
Congrats to the Gannon Men's Basketball Team!
Congratulations are in order for the Gannon University Men's Basketball Team after their historic Division II National Championship on Sunday! Gannon defeated Lander (SC) 84-61 to bring the title to Erie.
This week, during a tour of the university with President Walter Iwanenko, I had the chance to meet with Head Coach Easton Bazzoli and I personally congratulated him on the big win.
The team has made our entire region incredibly proud!
As always, my team and I are here to serve you. If you need assistance with a federal agency, please contact us -- we are just one call or email away.
See you in the community, and God Bless America!
Sincerely,
Mike Kelly
Member of Congress
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