ERIE, May 18– State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced he is partnering with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office to host a live webcast even to help participants avoid falling victim to fraud and scams related to the novel coronavirus. The live webcast will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 20. Information will be provided on treatment, supply and provider scams, and more. “This is a great event to ensure you’re protecting yourself from those looking to take advantage of citizens in this vulnerable time. It’s unfortunate that these people exist, especially in these times, but arming yourself with this information will help,” Bizzarro said. Participation is limited to the first 100 participants and registrations should be sent to coalitionpathwaysinc@gmail.com . Confirmed participants will receive a link with a passcode for admission to the event. Pennsylvanians who believe they have fallen victim to a scam can submit online complaints to www.attorneygeneral.com/covid19 . Read more
HARRISBURG, May 14 – In support of local businesses and to stimulate Pennsylvania’s economy, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro today voted for legislation that would issue waivers to the Governor’s business closure to select essential businesses in compliance with CDC guidelines in response to COVID-19 reopening efforts. “I voted ‘yes’ because I believe these businesses can resume operations while practicing the CDC recommended guidelines for safety in mitigating COVID-19. I’m willing to let companies reopen as long as they do their best to keep employees and customers safe. This is not a blank check for ReOpen PA to run all over without masks. People must use their best judgement when they go out and about. Wearing a mask, continuing to practice social distancing, washing hands are all going to help keep everyone healthy and safe,” Bizzarro said. House Bill 2388 would immediately issue a waiver to the Governor’s business closure order to the following businesses: vehicle dealers lawn and garden centers cosmetology salons barber shops messenger service and agent service activities animal grooming services manufacturing operations Businesses would be required to adhere to social distancing practices and mitigation efforts recommended by the CDC. CDC guidelines include employers, employees and patrons wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, Read more
Bizzarro hoped law enforcement in Jefferson County would have pushed for felony charges allowed by bill he sponsored. Read more
ERIE, May 7 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is urging regional school districts to apply for federal funding that will help them navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pennsylvania Department of Education submitted an application to the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. School districts will need to apply for funding upon approval of the state’s application. PDE anticipates approval from the U.S. Department of Education in approximately a week and is working to ensure application processes are streamlined for quick issuance to eligible districts. “As our communities adjust to a new way of educating Pennsylvania’s children, there are many needs to ensure our schools have the tools they need from health and safety supplies to technology. Our teachers and school staff have a whole new set of challenges ahead of them and these funds will help them to prepare,” Bizzarro said. Bizzarro noted that General McLane School stands to receive $269,750 and Millcreek Township $1,055,041 under the CARES school emergency relief fund. Additional information is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Education-Details.aspx?newsid=842 Read more
ERIE, May 7 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced the Department of Labor and Industry Pandemic Unemployment Assistance site for self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers and those not typically eligible for unemployment compensation is fully operational. The site, which launched April 18, is now prepared for applicants to file weekly claims dating back to the first week of unemployment. If approved, filers will receive one lump sum of backdated payments to Jan. 27, or the first week workers were unable to work due to COVID-19, whichever date is later. The department will automatically issue the extra $600 per week from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program separately from the PUA payments. Backdated FPUC payments will also be paid in one lump sum. “I realize the frustration and sheer inconvenience these delays have caused workers. I am happy to report that progress has been made and that the workers who need this money the most will soon see relief,” Bizzarro said. Bizzarro urged residents to visit his website at www.pahouse.com/bizzarro for a list of COVID-19 resources including a direct link to the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation site . Read more
Legislation critical to ensuring public safety and stopping the spread of coronavirus Read more
Today State Representative Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, voted to expand critical COVID-19 testing as Pennsylvania heads into a new phase in its ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
ERIE, May 1 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said he is ready for Erie to proceed with great caution to return to a new normal as the Wolf administration today announced Erie will move to the yellow phase of reopening efforts effective May 8. According to the administration’s website, the following restrictions will be in place in the Yellow Phase: Work and congregate setting restrictions will include: Telework Must Continue Where Feasible. Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business and Building Safety Orders. Child Care Open Complying with Guidance. Congregate Care and Prison Restrictions in Place. Schools Remain Closed for In-Person Instruction. Social Restrictions: Stay-at-Home Order Lifted for Aggressive Mitigation. Large Gatherings of More than 25 Prohibited. In-Person Retail Allowable, Curbside and Delivery Preferable. Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain Closed. Restaurants and Bars Limited to Carry-Out and Delivery Only. “As our region reopens, it’s important that we remain vigilant, wear masks, wash hands and continue to practice social distancing. It’s Read more
HARRISBURG , April 30 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said the state House today voted on legislation that would authorize local lawn and garden centers to reopen by providing them a waiver to the governor’s business closure order. H.B. 2429 provides for worker safety precautions and would allow community businesses to provide lawn and garden equipment and supplies during the pandemic. “I understand the need to implement mitigation and public safety efforts; but our local businesses should be extended the same opportunities to operate as some of the big-box and chain stores currently operating in our communities. They deserve to stay afloat during this pandemic and this bill would do just that,” expressed Bizzarro. “Our friends, family and neighbors will be able to get back to work in a safe environment and we can keep our business local when possible. That means more now than ever.” The bill would require lawn and garden centers that open to implement safeguards, including following social distancing requirements, providing workers with personal protective equipment and other safety measures, and regular cleaning of facilities. The bill now awaits state Senate consideration. Read more
The grants represent the first round of emergency funding being directed to local communities Read more
ERIE, April 20 - - State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D- Erie, announced that Rite-Aid will expand on-site testing to the 5430 Peach St. location in Erie. Testing will be available at no cost to eligible individuals. Patients are required to provide a government issues identification, be at least 18 years of age and must pre-register online at www.riteaid.com to schedule a time slot for testing. Tests will not be administered without an appointment. “I have been working with Rite-Aid and other pharmacies to ramp up testing in our region. Expanding testing capacity will strengthen Erie’s efforts in combating COVID-19. The more testing sites available, the easier it will be for our family, friends and neighbors to get tested and determine a plan of action in getting healthy,” Bizzarro said. According to Rite aid, testing will take place in via drive-up in the store’s parking lot. A self-swab nasal test will be administered. Eligibility for testing will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. “As testing expands, and our ability to navigate COVID-19, I still encourage everyone to stay home and stay safe. Going out unnecessarily will only extend the hold this virus has on our community.” Bizzarro urges residents to visit his website www.pahouse.com/bizzarro - for information on COVID-19. Read more
ERIE , APRIL 8 -- State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro reached out to Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Gerard Oleksiak to discuss the department’s capacity to expeditiously handle unemployment claims in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Erie County legislator said he is hoping to help ensure the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry has the resources needed to process unemployment claims in a timely manner for the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians applying. “Our Commonwealth is facing unprecedented times. My office is fielding hundreds of calls on how this pandemic is impacting their lives and livelihood. The UC system has been pushed beyond capacity and I want to make sure that the Department of Labor and Industry has what they need from the legislature to process claims with as little delay as possible,” explained Bizzarro. “It is my hope that we can alleviate challenges faced by the department and the delays to Pennsylvanians applying for unemployment compensation.” A copy of the letter is available here . Read more
Joblessness is being felt all around the region with more than a million unemployment claims being filed in Pennsylvania.Frustrations are mounting while bills are piling up. Here is how local residents are dealing with the process. Read more
State Representative Ryan Bizzarro is demanding action to be taken against Wabtec following images that surfaced showing their “sanitation stations.” Read more
In today’s report County executive Kathy Dahlkemper confirms that Erie County has no new confirmed cases of COVID-19. This leaves the number at 16 cases. Read more
ERIE, MARCH 27 -- Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement following news that Congressman Mike Kelly tested positive for COVID-19: “I’m saddened to learn that our Congressman Mike Kelly tested positive for COVID-19. This disease does not discriminate and it’s imperative that we follow recommendations to stay home and stay safe, practice social distancing and only go out if absolutely necessary. Coronavirus is extremely serious, and we must adhere to the strict mitigation efforts if we are going to beat this and protect our family and friends from this terrible virus. “My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time. I hope that no one is further negatively impacted as a result of his diagnosis.” Read more
A Wabtec spokeswoman detailed new procedures that she said not only follow, but exceed CDC guidelines. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said today the Pa. House voted in support of emergency School Code relief in response the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 751 provides authority to the secretary of education to close all schools until the pandemic comes to an end and increase the number of allowable flexible institution days. The measure applies to school districts, intermediate units, career and technical, charter and cyber charter schools. Schools must make good-faith efforts to maintain continuity of education to students throughout PDE closures, submitting plans to PDE and posting to their website. The bill also extends the current continuing education deadline by one year for teachers and school leaders. “I am happy to see my recommendation to waive the 180-day requirement for all schools has been included in this legislation. It also guarantees that school cleaning staff will have the materials and protective supports needed to stay safe, as recommended by the CDC,” Bizzarro explained. “In the face of adversity and uncertainty, it’s imperative that we continue to support those who keep our educational system going and enact measures that help our educators and students bounce back quickly from these challenging times.” The bill now moves to the Senate for concurrence. Read more
ERIE, March 23 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC guidelines and do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “The decision by Wabtec to remain open without properly protecting its workforce during this pandemic shows a lack of judgement and general disregard for its employees and our greater Erie community, as we all work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Employee health, proper workplace disinfecting per the CDC guidelines, and social distancing should be fundamental concerns facing each and every business across Pennsylvania, particularly as non-life-sustaining entities. My office has received constituent calls from management and hourly employees about a lack of sanitizing protocols that could facilitate unnecessary spread of the COVID-19 virus. “While the PA Governor’s office has granted a waiver to Wabtec, with the health of our community in mind, I am calling Wabtec officials to take efforts to test every employee that arrives to work at the Erie County plant, sanitize the facility per CDC guidelines, and take the necessary steps to prepare the facility for employees to return to work safely (per CDC guidelines) and without anxiety of unnecessary exposure to them and their community. This virus outbreak is not a time for corporate America to put profits above people. These are our neighbors and families, and we must consider Read more
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC guidelines and do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19."The decision by Wabtec to remain open without properly protecting its workforce during this pandemic shows a lack of judgment and general disregard for its employees and our greater Erie community, as we all work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Read more
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