Policy Committee Hearings

As the chairman of the Policy Committee, I am privileged to travel the state and take government direct to the people where they live, and take their concerns back to Harrisburg.

Need for New Blueprint for Higher Education - February 14, 2024

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, the Majority Chairman of the House Policy Committee, joins Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and others at Erie County Community College to highlight a new blueprint for higher education funding for community colleges and state system universities.

Annual Senior Fair - August 21, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro hosts his annual Senior Fair & Older Living Expo, where he and special guest U.S. Sen. John Fetterman talked to Erie County seniors about what services their offices can provide for older Pennsylvanians.

Lt. Gov. Davis Surprise Baby Shower - June 22, 2023

There was a brief pause in the hustle and bustle of Harrisburg to shower some love and diapers on Lt. Governor Austin Davis and his wonderful wife Blayre as they wait on their daughter, due in September.

Interns Visit State Capitol - June 21, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro welcomes his Chief of Staff, PJ Monella, as well as Adam and Anthony, students from Fairview Township and interns in the Erie District Office, to the state Capitol.

Minimum Wage Press Conference - June 20, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro and colleagues from the House Majority Democratic Caucus honor a commitment to voters and sent a bill to the state Senate that will raise Pennsylvania’s $7.25 per hour minimum wage. The bill increases the minimum wage in PA to $11.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2024; $13.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2025; $15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage would be indexed to inflation.

Bizzarro Awarded Honorary LECOM Doctorate

Celebrating his contributions to the greater Erie community, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded Rep. Ryan Bizzarro with an honorary doctor of science degree during the college’s Spring 2023 commencement.

House Floor Voting Session Images - May 23, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, the Democratic Chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee, discusses legislation on the House Floor with fellow Democrats that deals with protecting kids, fights discrimination, improves elections, cuts healthcare costs and supports the working class.

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership - May 3, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro welcomes members of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership to the Capitol to talk growth and opportunity for our region.

Voices For Independence - May 2, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro meets with Erie's Shona Eakin to discuss her tireless work to advocate for people with disabilities to live independently and become involved in their communities. Shona is the CEO of Voices For Independence, and during May -- National Nurses Month -- she continues to highlight the issues affecting PA's health care and the needs in our community and across the state.

PACT Students

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro meets with students and young people who are interested in government and working to advocate for a cause. On May 2, 2023, he met with students from Erie County who help make up the hundreds of students and young adult advocates supporting the American Lung Association, Tobacco Resistance Unit - TRU, and PACT (Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco) during their annual day at the Capitol.

National Donate Life Month - April 2023

National Donate Life Month is celebrated each April to honor the lives saved through donation and to encourage people to register as an organ donor in order to provide the gift of life. On April 25, 2023, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro welcomed representatives from the Center for Organ Recovery and Education, where he serves on the board, to encourage his colleagues and all PA residents to register as organ donors.

Beagle Freedom Bills News Conference - April 22, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro was joined by fellow animal advocates, local and state shelters, and families, at a reunion for beagles that were rescued in 2022 from a mass breeding facility in Virginia and unveiled his legislation to protect animals from inhumane tests and abuse. During the reunion event, Bizzarro unveiled his Beagle Freedom Bills, meant to protect animals being bred and used for research in animal testing laboratories and from kennels and dealers who face serious or multiple citations under the Animal Welfare Act.

Swearing In Ceremony - January 3, 2023

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, the Democratic Chairman of the House Policy Committee, takes the Oath of Office and is sworn in to represent the 3rd Legislative District in Erie County.

Fire Ops - September 7, 2022

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro and colleagues participate in fire fighter training.

Millcreek Township Police Department Check Presentation

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro presents a check to the Millcreek Township Police Department for $312,000 to help the township pay for an armored vehicle, allowing the men and women of law enforcement to remain safe while they keep the community safe.

2022 Senior Fair and Older Living Expo

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro hosts his annual Senior Fair and Older Living Expo at McDowell Intermediate High School on August 22, 2022.

Erie Beer Company Visits Harrisburg

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro welcomes Beth McCormick Rajakovich from Erie Beer Company to the state Capitol to talk about the billion dollar impact that beer has in Pennsylvania. Her family-owned business was founded at the end of Prohibition and today distributes brands big and small across Northwest Pennsylvania and beyond.

Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, along with his Erie County colleagues and House Democratic whip Jordan Harris, welcome members of the Jefferson City Leadership Academy to the state Capitol for a tour and discussion.

Pennsylvania Health Care Association Meeting

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro meets with representatives from the Pennsylvania Health Care Association to talk about the long-term care crisis in Pennsylvania, and what the state can do to support seniors once they no longer can fully care for themselves.

Northwest Pennsylvania Superintendents Summit Meeting

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro meets with school officials from Intermediate Unit 5 and districts in NWPA as part of the Northwest Pennsylvania Superintendents Summit, who were advocating for the 200,000 public school students in NW PA, including charter/cyber charter reform, additional education funding, and improving the educator pipeline between schools.

Millfair Recycling Center Ribbon Cutting

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony to signify the opening of the Millfair Recycling Center for the 2022 season, which services both Millcreek and Fairview Townships and is open to any resident from early Spring to late Fall.

Bizzarro Presents Citations To State Champs

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro presents citations to the McDowell Coed Competitive Cheer Team. In 2021, the team won the statewide PIAA Competitive Spirit Championship.

Brewers of Pennsylvania

Members of the Brewers of Pennsylvania traveled to Harrisburg on February 7, 2022 to advocate for the craft beer industry. Erie-area brewers were welcomed by Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who heard their ideas and concerns about pending legislation before giving them a tour of the House of Representatives.

Jefferson Educational Society Visit

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro welcomes members of the Jefferson Educational Society during a visit of the state Capitol on September 27, 2021.

Ninth Annual Senior Fair and Older Living Expo

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro welcomes seniors and their caregivers to his Ninth Annual Senior Fair and Older Living Expo at McDowell Intermediate High School, where more than 50 vendors and exhibitors were on site to share valuable information with Erie’s senior residents on vital state information, programs and services.

2020 Drive Thru Senior Fair

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro hosts a Drive Thru Senior Fair to help keep seniors and their caregivers connected with state programs (September 21, 2020).

Working For You

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro continues to serve as a powerful voice for his constituents during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2020 Farm Show

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro attends the 2020 PA Farm Show.

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro's 5th Annual Edinboro Senior

The 5th Annual Senior Fair & Older Living Expo Rep. Rep. Ryan Bizzarro co-hosted with Sen. Michele Brooks on Sept. 27, 2019 was a huge success. Seniors got flu shots and health screenings, browsed dozens of exhibits, and collected information on state programs and services.

Gov. Wolf Visits Erie

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro joins Gov. Tom Wolf and other elected officials at a press conference on Charter School Reform and a tour of the US Brig Niagara.

Rep Ryan Bizzarro’s 7th Annual Senior Fair & Older Living Expo Aug. 19, 2019

Rep Ryan Bizzarro’s 7th Annual Senior Fair & Older Living Expo on Aug. 19, 2019, at McDowell Intermediate High School attracted nearly 1,700 visitors and offered area seniors a wealth of hands-on resources, from dozens of exhibitors to state program information to free health screenings.

D-Day 75th Anniversary

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro honors the bravery and sacrifices of surviving veterans who stormed the beaches at Normandy on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

Rep. Bizzarro meets McKean boy scouts and cub scouts

On Feb. 7, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro sat down with McKean Boy Scout Troop #73 at St. Francis Xavier to discuss public service, his path to becoming a state representative and the importance of public service.

Rep. Bizzarro speaks to students at Youth Leadership Institute

At a Feb. 7 event at the Erie Downtown YMCA, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, speaks to the students of the Youth Leadership Institute about public service, state government and the future of Erie.

2019-20 swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, attends the swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, as he prepares to begin his fourth term representing the commonwealth's 3rd Legislative District.

2018 Senior Fair

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro hosts his 6th annual Senior Fair.

Rep. Bizzarro highlights the First Time Homebuyers Savings Account Program during a rally at the Capitol

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, along with co-sponsor Rep. Rosemary M. Brown, R-Monroe/Pike, welcomed the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors to discuss his homeownership bill during a rally at the Capitol’s Rotunda on May 1, 2018.

Rep. Bizzarro attends Democratic Policy Committee roundtable discussion on Tuesday, March 20.

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, attends Democratic Policy Committee roundtable discussion on workplace safety on Tuesday, March 20. The discussion, hosted by Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, was one in a series of meetings across the state on House Democrats' Plan4PA that includes putting people first, good jobs, quality schools and fair taxes.

Rep. Bizzarro highlights House Democrats' Plan For PA

Rep. Bizzarro highlights House Democrats' Plan For PA

5th Annual Senior Fair and Older Living Expo

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro hosts his annual Senior Fair at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

Freeing Pa. voters by enacting same-day voter registration

Free Pa. voters by enacting same-day voter registration

2017 Veterans' Expo

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro hosts his first Veterans Expo, which featured services available to military veterans, their families and caregivers, including Veterans’ Assistance Program information, programs available through dozens of area vendors, legal and financial services and access to local, state and national social services through the Network of Care program.

2017-18 Budget Address and Response

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is encouraged by the governor’s strong commitment to increasing education funding, enhancing drug treatment proposals, creating a severance tax on natural gas drilling, and raising the minimum wage to $12 an hour.

Rep Bizzarro and Erie County Delegation pay tribute to Erie County Team USA gold-medal-winner

Trevon Jenifer was honored for being a member of Team USA's gold-medal-winning wheelchair basketball team in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Trevon, James Glatch, head coach at Edinboro University and Trevon's family were all present for the House citation presentation.

Personal Assistance Service Providers Public Hearing

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro welcomes the House Democratic Policy Committee to Erie to gather information regarding issues surrounding personal assistance service providers.

2016 Edinboro Senior Fair and Older Living Expo

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro teamed up with state Senator Michele Brooks to co-host a free Senior Fair and Older Living Expo for residents of Edinboro and the surrounding area, allowing local residents the opportunity to gather information on PACE, veteran's benefits, property taxes, and other services.

2015 Senior Fair

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro hosted his 3rd annual Senior Fair August 31, 2015 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie.

Grant Presentation at Local Fire Department

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro teamed up with state Sen. Sean Wiley and U.S. Rep Mike Kelly at West Lake Fire Department in Erie to highlight a federal grant awarded to the organization. The department received a $143,305 grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The grant will help provide custom-made equipment including jackets, pants, gloves, boots and helmets for 45 firefighters; a washer and dryer; and two new thermal imaging cameras.

Joint News Conference on Veterans' Court Legislation

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro held a joint news conference with state Sen. Rob Teplitz on the reintroduction of their legislation to expand veterans' treatment courts statewide. Bizzarro's H.B. 887 would establish a court in any county that doesn't currently have one.

Calling for Background Check Fee Waivers for Emergency Responders

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro hosted a news conference at West Lake Fire Department on June 4, 2015, calling for the exemption of emergency responders in paying for state and federal background check clearances.

Rep. Bizzarro Co-Hosts Public Hearing on Jobs

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro, vice chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, co-hosted a public hearing on jobs and how to build the economy in Pennsylvania. The hearing was held March 25, 2015 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie. Business leaders and community members from Northwest Commission, Visit Erie, All Aborard Erie, and Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership were on hand to testify about ways to help grow jobs in Erie and across the commonwealth.

House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on Education Funding

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro participated in a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on March 23, 2015. The hearing was co-hosted by state Rep. Pat Harkins and was held at the Barber National Institute in Erie. Lawmakers heard from school superintendents and other community members about education funding and Governor Tom Wolf's "Schools that Teach" plan.

Tour of Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro, along with other Democratic members of the House of Representatives, toured the Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair facility in Erie in March 2015. The tour was part of a set of House Democratic Policy Committee hearings on how to help boost manufacturing jobs and economic development both regionally and across the state.

Grand opening of Millcreek Sheetz

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro attended the grand opening ceremony of the new Sheetz in Millcreek.

2015-16 Swearing-In Ceremony

State Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for a second term. Bizzarro represents the 3rd Legislative District, which includes McKean and Washington townships, Edinboro and McKean boroughs, and part of Millcreek Township.