Anytime we can cut red tape and put more money back in people's pocket is a reason to celebrate. I joined PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity Monday to announce the first round of "Money Match" – a program that will deliver nearly 8,000 households with checks totaling more than $1.7 million.
Most people receiving checks didn’t even know they were owed anything. This is thanks to unclaimed property legislation I sponsored in the House, and I'm not done yet!
I want to expand the program to help tackle Pennsylvania’s $4 billion in unclaimed property, so more of your money gets back in your pocket as soon as possible. Read more here.
If you need help with unclaimed property, contact my office and we can help today!
|
STATE INVESTS NEARLY $2 MILLION IN ERIE LAB
|
Jobs and the promise of better treatment for loved ones suffering from cancer paved the way for the state to invest nearly $2 million for the development of a new First Ascent Biomedical laboratory and office space located on the campus at Gannon University. I worked side-by-side with state officials, Gannon University officials and members of First Ascent’s team to help make this new lab a reality.
My interest and involvement in this program are two-fold. As a childhood cancer survivor, I have seen firsthand the medical advances that not only saved my life but continue to save lives, and as an Erie County resident and Gannon graduate, I know what the creation of this lab and medical research jobs would mean to our region.
Gannon University, Erie County and the state of Pennsylvania now have a foothold in cutting-edge medical innovation that is saving lives and helping families.
Led by co-founder and CEO Jim Foote, who lost his son to cancer, First Ascent’s mission is to change cancer treatment to match patients’ needs. The company has integrated artificial intelligence and genetic analysis to improve cancer treatment, and it estimates this lab will create 38 new jobs – all with salaries surpassing $60,000.
Read more here.
|
This week, the House returned to Harrisburg to vote on bills.
We passed a bill to protect young workers by increasing penalties for child labor violations, despite a disconcerting and growing number of Republicans voting against it in the face of a 43% increase in child labor cases in 2023. Other work included passing a bill that would make it easier for people with disabilities to renew their driver's licenses.
The House returns to session April 7. You can check how we voted on all bills here.
|
PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH CARE
|
As the chaotic and mistake-ridden actions in D.C. continue to multiply, the House passed bills to ensure essential health care protections remain in place for PA residents despite threats to dismantle programs at the federal level.
The PA House passed a bill to ensure parents can keep their children insured under their health plans until age 26 – one of the most popular government provisions created during the last quarter century. The state House also passed a bill that would stop insurance executives from capping coverage for essential benefits; we passed a bill that would protect coverage for pre-existing conditions; and we passed a bill to require health insurance policies to cover preventative services without cost-sharing.
Read more here.
|
We commemorated Women's Equal Pay Day this week, a reminder of the ongoing work to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work. I’m doing my part to help close the gap!
|
It was nice to meet with Haley Poe in Harrisburg this week. As Miss Pennsylvania Earth, Haley advocates for environmental issues here at home and across the globe and she's a finalist for Miss Earth USA. Her timing was excellent; Dr. Walter Iwanenko, president of Gannon University, was in for a visit. Haley is graduating from Gannon in the spring.
|
POLICY COMMITTEE WORK CONTINUES
|
As a member of the House Majority Leadership team, I travel the state as Chairman of the Policy Committee, hosting hearings with lawmakers, experts and advocates looking to improve lives. We've hosted 10 hearings this year across five ZIP codes, on our way to the typical 100+ hearings we host each session.
UP NEXT: The committee hosts a hearing on supporting federal workers Wednesday in Harrisburg and travels for a joint hearing with the Senate on supporting emergency services and first responders Thursday in Allegheny County. You can watch and read about the hearings here.
|
READY TO HELP YOU GET YOUR REBATE
|
My office helped more than 1,200 people receive their Property Tax & Rent Rebate last year. This state program helps older Pennsylvanians, widows, widowers and people with disabilities recover a portion of what they paid in property taxes or rent during the previous year. Contact us if you have questions or need help applying. Please remember, no appointments are necessary, if you need assistance stop by or contact us!
My office in Millcreek Township is located in Peninsula Plaza at 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 213, Erie, PA 16505. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
|
If you are a veteran or live with a veteran, Second Harvest Food Bank provides food for households in need. You can find more information from their friendly staff at 814-459-3663 ext. 117. You will need to show ID on your first visit to the event.
Second Harvest has not yet posted their April events. They are located at 1507 Grimm Dr., Erie PA 16501.
|
TAX FORMS AVAILABLE AT MY OFFICE
|
The federal, state and local tax forms you need are in! Stop by and pick them up at our office in Millcreek.
|
When private for-profit schools and their dark money backers came after Fairview and Millcreek School Districts to siphon off taxpayer dollars to make a profit off taxpayers. I stopped them. We need to protect our high-performing schools!
My team and I deliver for local people & projects. We cut the red tape in Harrisburg to secure the support our region needs.
- When our schools need funding ...
- When our police officers need a new vehicle to preserve lives ...
- When our firefighters need funds for life-saving equipment ...
We delivered to the tune of more than $92 million during the 2023-24 legislative session.
|
MY TEAM IS IN FAIRVIEW EVERY WEDNESDAY
|
I wanted to remind folks that my team and I hold Wednesday office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairview Township Building, 7471 McCray Road, Fairview, PA 16415.
The cornerstone of my office is service to you, our neighbors. By holding office hours at the township, we're making it easier for folks to reach us, so we can help them.
|
MONTHLY VETERANS SERVICE PROGRAM
|
On the third Thursday of each month, my team and I are proud to host a Veterans Service Officer from the VFW to be available to members of our community.
I am happy to help provide this assistance to our area veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our nation. The next appointments will be:
- Thursday, April 17
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 1101 Peninsula Drive
- Reserve a spot: 814-835-2880
|
MULTIPLE WAYS WE CAN HELP
|
Do you or does someone you know need help accessing state programs or services? Have a question about a state program or law and don’t know where to go? My team and I stand ready to help on a range of issues, including:
- Unemployment or the PUA system.
- FREE notary (excludes title transfers).
- Property Tax/Rent Rebates for seniors.
- Voter registration and vote by mail.
- Problems with the Department of Human Services (food stamps, medical and income assistance).
- Car registrations, special tags, handicap placards, titles and driver’s license applications.
- Information on financial assistance for higher education.
- Obtaining and completing state forms of all kinds.
- Birth and death certificates.
- Pennsylvania income tax questions or problems.
- Complaints or questions about utilities and the Public Utility Commission.
- Complaints and problems with insurance companies.
- Renewal of state-issued licenses or certifications.
- Problems or questions about the state lottery.
- PACE cards for senior citizens.
- Consumer complaints.
For help, or to speak with me or a staff member about an issue, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
|
MY TEAM & I CAN HELP YOU!
|
Helping people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and all the PennDOT services they need are just two of the ways my team and I serve the community. We help thousands of people each year. We can help you fill out the forms you need and get them to Harrisburg for FREE.
If you have any state government-related questions, stop by and let us help you.
|
SUBMIT REQUESTS ONLINE OR IN PERSON
|
My team and I are always working for you! My Millcreek office at 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 213, Erie is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also call 814-835-2880 or email RepBizzarro@pahouse.net if you need help with state government concerns.
Have questions outside of office hours? We have an online form – the Community Help Center – so that you can submit your request(s) for help with state-related programs and services 24/7. This form is available by clicking below or visiting my website – www.repbizzarro.com.
|
Rep. Bizzarro's Erie District Office
Monday through Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Peninsula Plaza
1101 Peninsula Dr. | Suite 213
Erie, PA 16505-4169
(814) 835-2880
|
Fairview Satellite Office
Every Wednesday | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairview Township Building
7471 McCray Road
Fairview, PA 16415-2401
(814) 835-2880
|
|