With 38 days to go until Election Day, President Joe Biden's senior advisor Tom Perez took a bus tour of Erie, to highlight some of the projects made possible through American Rescue Plan funds.
"As a result of these investments from the American Rescue Plan, we've been able to touch people's lives in critical ways," said Perez. "I was here to listen, learn, and talk about the value of partnership."
Perez got to see some of the work being done at Velocity Network, The Eagle's Nest, and the ongoing construction at the former EMI building, before touring Penn State Behrend to learn more about Project RESOLVE.
"This is partnership in work," said Perez. "If people are wondering, where do my tax dollars go, your tax dollars have gone into enhancing public safety here, into helping schools, helping childcare centers expand, helping communities grow, and that's what it is all about."
Perez then met with local Democrats to help build party momentum ahead of November 5.
Perez' visit comes just two days before former President Donald Trump makes a campaign stop in Erie.
Erie News Now asked Perez if his visit on Friday, is an indication that Vice President Kamala Harris will soon make a stop in Erie.
"That will be up to the vice president," said Perez. "I know she wants to get back to PA, and I don't make her schedule right now. As you know, she's been in PA a number of times, including earlier this week."
Meanwhile, Perez--a Buffalo native who has family ties to Erie--says the projects in Erie are a clear sign of progress.
"I was born in Erie County, New York," said Perez. "To come here to Erie and to see the remarkable progress is really inspiring."