Working with my constituents here in our region has been an honor and humbling experience. Helping you with issues and concerns on a local level is extremely rewarding, but it’s only half the job. The other half is representing your interests, and your family’s interests, at the state Capitol. Whether it involves saving accounts for first time homebuyers or treatment court for our military’s veterans, when I go to Harrisburg, I’m working toward broad-based solutions to the issues that affect you, our region and the nearly 13 million people across Pennsylvania. I’m also working to make sure that as our region and commonwealth continue to change, grow and thrive, and that our laws remain modern, relevant and balanced. Over the past several years, I’ve introduced a number of bills designed to keep pace with those changes. Here’s a brief look at some of them and what they’re designed to accomplish. To find out more about the status of each bill, I have attached a link in each headline. Give it a click or contact my office for more information. Animal cruelty . Signed into law in 2017, language from my House Bill 13 was incorporated into Libre’s Law – a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s animal cruelty legislation. This legislation was inspired by a Boston terrier puppy named Libre who was rescued from a Lancaster County farm in 2016 after suffering severe neglect. The bill creates clearer animal Read more
The Erie SeaWolves today praised congressional efforts to save Minor League Baseball. A task force has been created by members of Congress to prevent Major League Baseball from eliminating 42 Minor League franchises. Read more
Erie, Dec. 4 -- State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said he is introducing a resolution calling on Major League Baseball to reconsider eliminating select Pennsylvania minor league baseball teams. According to a recent announcement from MLB, Pennsylvania teams at stake are the Erie SeaWolves, State College Spikes and the Williamsport Crosscutters. Bizzarro cited the economic and community benefits these teams bring to their regions, specifically Erie. “I was taken aback that the MLB would even consider eliminating these teams. They offer an affordable experience for baseball enthusiasts and families, create jobs, boost economic activity and community revitalization. The economic impact to downtown Erie, including restaurants and hotels, could be more than $10 million annually,” Bizzarro explained. Erie Events, UPMC Park facility manager, was recently awarded $12 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for much-needed upgrades to the ballpark. The total project costs will tally $16 million. “The state made great investments in UPMC Park, and it’s important that this team stay open for our community to fully realize the benefits of that investment.” Read more
Not that long ago, humane officers would have had scant legal recourse in the case of Izzy, an 11-month-old Erie Labrador retriever beaten so severely in October she had to be euthanized.But in 2017, state lawmakers advanced and Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Libre’s Law, a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s animal cruelty laws.Named after Libre, a starving Boston terrier left for dead in Lancaster County, it made animal abuse resulting in severe injury or death a felony, and toughened other aspects of the law, including the conditions under which dogs could be left tethered outside. State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Dist., was a co-sponsor. Read more
Gov. Tom Wolf is going to bat for three Pennsylvania minor league baseball teams that could lose their affiliations as Major League Baseball looks to trim the ranks of those feeder clubs. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced the unanimous passage of his House Resolution 608 designating Nov. 22, 2019 as Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. Bizzarro, D-Erie, championed the resolution to draw attention to the heroes communities across Pennsylvania have lost as well as those who may continue to be lost if this public health epidemic goes unaddressed. The date further serves as a reminder of the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide daily. “Our nation’s veterans have served our country and we have an obligation to serve and support them. I want each and every veteran to know there are resources available to help them heal from the scars of war,” expressed Bizzarro. The resolution urges family members and care providers to initiate free and confidential conversations with Veterans Health Administration Providers via the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, online at veteranscrisisline.net/chat or via text to 838255. “The United States loses more than 8,000 veterans to suicide each year. That is more than the number of veterans who died in combat deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. We have to work earnestly to make sure these men and women who have given our nation so much know there is no shame in seeking help and make it easy for vets and their families to reach out,” Bizzarro explained. “In an effort to be a Read more
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro pushed for resolution designating Nov. 22 as Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today unanimously adopted Rep. Ryan Bizzarro's resolution designating November 2019 as National Epilepsy Awareness Month in the commonwealth. Epilepsy is known for the recurring seizures this neurological disorder causes. More than 3.4 million Americans have epilepsy, and more than 50,000 people die each year as a result of epilepsy. "Epilepsy is a serious condition, but it is treatable. That's why it is so important that we support those affected and recognize those who help bring awareness and educate the public on how to respond to those experiencing a seizure. That knowledge can help save lives," Bizzarro said. The resolution (H.B. 570) notes that the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central Pennsylvania and the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania lead the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy. "Even in today's world, misinformation and misperceptions about epilepsy still remain," Bizzarro said. "Education and awareness programs seek to combat stigma in the hope of improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy, and I am hopeful that with today's adoption of this resolution we may contribute to that effort in some small way." Read more
ERIE, Nov. 15 – A number of redevelopment projects in the Erie region will benefit from $26.5 million in tax credits, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced today. The projects Bizzarro advocated for range from arts and culture, to emergency housing and health. “These tax credits will further encourage businesses and programs to continue to invest in our region,” Bizzarro said. “I am excited to see the state continue to support the good work that has already been done to revitalize and reinvigorate the greater Erie community.” Although a number of tax credits were awarded for projects throughout the Erie Region, these are the recipients and amounts that Bizzarro was directly involved with: Erie Philharmonic -- $30,250 to develop a concert experience for students in third through fifth grades in the Erie School District. Teachers will follow a curriculum that ties in music with classroom learning and engages students in the arts. Erie Center for Arts and Technology -- $82,500 to add pharmacy service to Wayne School area, making it easier for families to reach a pharmacy for needed medication. Mother Theresa Academy -- $20,625 to make needed roof repairs. Erie Zoological Society -- $11,000 to make renovations with the goal of expanding the zoo campus to accommodate increased crowds. SafeNet --$24,750 to create shelter housing and handle repairs and maintenance, which will make the Read more
Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Dist., helped secure $1.5 million in House funding, while state Sen. Dan Laughlin of Millcreek, R-49th Dist., secured Read more
Report will include feasibility study for birding visitors center at Presque Isle Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced today that the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved $2.5 million from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to Millcreek Township. “I am proud to have worked to secure $1.5 million in House funding for this MultiModal Grant for Millcreek,” Bizzarro said. “Senator Dan Laughlin secured $1 million in Senate funding to bring the grand total to $2.5 million. This was a bipartisan effort to maximize state investment in Erie. Our community has been seeking support to improve public safety and access to Presque Isle and this grant will help make that happen. Cyclists, pedestrians and public transit will all benefit from this investment. It will especially improve safety between the Sara’s Complex and residential condos by improving sidewalk access on Peninsula Drive.” “This is good news for pedestrians and bicyclists who travel along Peninsula Drive between the Tom Ridge Center and Presque Isle,” Senator Laughlin said. “Currently those walkers and bikers must use the roadway shoulders. That is a heavily traveled four-lane highway, which makes it a dangerous proposition. This grant will truly improve the safety aspect for everyone, walkers, bikers and motorists included.” Millcreek will use the funding to construct a multipurpose trail from Presque Isle State Park to Tom Ridge Environmental Center, improving Read more
An effort to protect the biodiverse French Creek Watershed – home of the Eastern Hellbender, Pennsylvania’s official amphibian – in Erie, Crawford, Mercer and Venango counties has been awarded a state conservation grant Read more
I want to send out a friendly reminder regarding tomorrow’s Firearm Safety Seminar, where area residents can learn how to properly handle a firearm. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said he was honored to vote for legislation providing more support to fire companies and emergency medical service providers across the state. The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program would be extended until 2024 via House Bill 1834. Program revisions under the bill would allow for grant funds to be used for membership recruitment efforts and building new facilities. “Volunteer fire services keep our families and neighbors safe and while you can’t put a price tag on that, their volunteer services save an estimated $10 billion annually. It’s imperative that we provide support to volunteer emergency service providers to help them secure and retain volunteers; have appropriate safety equipment and safe facilities to work in,” explained Bizzarro. Bizzarro said in addition to expansion of the grant program, the House unanimously approved the following legislation that would provide additional support to organizations: S.B. 146: Would make online training more readily available to current and prospective first responders. H.B. 1448: Would expand the career and volunteer loan assistance program for career and volunteer fire and ambulance agencies. H.B. 1838 : Would increase funding available to EMS delivery systems. H.B. 1758 : Would provide police vehicle accident reports to fire and EMS companies free of Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, today cast his vote against a bill that would eliminate the option of straight ticket voting during elections. This bill, Bizzarro said, would result in voters taking longer to cast their ballot and could have unintended consequences on down-ballot races. "Voters already have the option of selecting each candidate one by one, or they can choose to make their selection all at once through straight ticket voting," Bizzarro said. "The goal of voting laws should be making it easier for people to vote. This bill does the opposite. This bill reduces choices, will create longer lines at polling precincts and leaves many questions unanswered.” Bizzarro said that after North Carolina eliminated straight ticket voting in 2013, polling place wait times went up dramatically, having the longest wait times in the country, even though the state also had early voting. "At a time when so many working individuals are struggling to carve time out of their busy day to vote amid their already hectic work schedules and family responsibilities, longer wait times pose an unnecessary burden. "Additionally, when you factor into that the unfamiliarity with the new voting machines that we in Erie County, and many other counties throughout the commonwealth, will be using for the first time next year, voting wait times are only going to get longer. Unfortunately, I foresee many people Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, will host a free Firearm Safety Seminar next week for area residents to learn more about how to safely handle firearms. "The ability to own a gun is one of our rights under the Constitution, but with it comes the responsibility of knowing how to safely handle and store firearms," Bizzarro said. "My seminar will utilize experts in the field to inform attendees about firearm laws and how to keep firearms out of the hands of children." The seminar will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 in the Edinboro Borough Building, 124 Meadville St., with instruction provided by the Erie County District Attorney's Office and the county sheriff's Office of Firearms. The seminar will include such topics as firearm safety, storage and laws pertaining to personal ownership, conceal carry, and self defense. All local adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Bizzarro's office at 814-835-2880 . Read more
ERIE, Oct. 22 – State grants of more than $264,000 will fund projects to protect and restore the Lake Erie Coastal Zone and preserve other area resources, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced today. The grants – from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – will fund multiple projects related to bluff erosion, shorebird monitoring and research of geographic sources of E. coli contamination at Presque Isle State Park beaches, among other projects. “Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park are natural gems that provide unique recreational and tourism opportunities, but they’re also more than that,” Bizzarro said. They’re natural features that define our regional identity. That’s why it’s so important to protect them for future generations. “That’s not a simple task – it involves monitoring and preserving delicate ecosystems, land structures and wildlife. In some cases, it also involves eliminating dangers, such as harmful bacteria that has at times restricted swimming at Presque Isle. The funding announced today will allow us to continue being good stewards of the lake while also addressing and overcoming these challenges.” Bizzarro said the grant money will go to the following recipients for the following projects: Erie County $70,000 for coordination and technical assistance with Lake Erie Coastal Zone Read more
Grants awarded Tuesday will pay for shorebird monitoring at Presque Isle State Park, the restoration of a stream that runs through Millcreek Township and to research the sources of E. coli contamination in Lake Erie beaches. Read more
ERIE, Oct. 18 – Millcreek Township School District will receive a grant of $9,000 to fund safety-related programs, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced today. “No parent should ever have to worry about sending their child off to school, and no student should feel at risk walking in school halls or sitting in class,” Bizzarro said. “Unfortunately, the realities of the modern world demand that we be proactive and take steps to ensure students and the staff who work with them stay safe. The grant announced today will fund programs that allow Millcreek students to continue learning in a secure, nurturing environment free of fear.” The grant is part of a package of $7.2 million in competitive 2019-20 Safe Schools Targeted Grants from the state Department of Education. The funding – awarded to both public and non-public schools throughout the commonwealth – is designed to help schools prevent or curb violence, purchase safety and security-related equipment, and provide for the training and compensation of school resource and police officers. A list of grant recipients and amounts is available by visiting the Office for Safe Schools webpage on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website . Read more
ERIE, Oct. 16 – A $32 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will ensure that Erie residents continue to enjoy reliable access to safe drinking water, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The loan to Erie City Water Authority will fund projects that enhance service for more than 57,000 residents. “Ensuring a safe, reliable water supply depends on smooth, coordinated functioning of multiple systems, from pumps and chlorination equipment to treatment, testing and storage facilities,” Merski said. “This funding is essential to help us address long-standing issues such as pump stations that are at the end of their useable lives and an 80-year-old treatment plant building long overdue for upgrades.” Harkins agreed, noting, “The water authority has already invested more than $60 million in upgrading filtration equipment and standby power. The new financing builds on those improvements by addressing plant infrastructure issues, remedying code violations and expanding water storage to ensure Erie and surrounding towns have a plentiful, continuous supply.” Bizzarro added that the funding allows Erie to continue to fulfill its most important duties to residents. “Safeguarding public and community health is the No. 1 priority for government,” he said. “The Read more
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Peninsula Plaza,1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 209Erie, PA 16505
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McKean Township Municipal Building9231 Edinboro RoadMcKean, PA 16426
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324 Main Capitol BuildingP O Box 202003Harrisburg, PA 17120-2003
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