Ryan Bizzarro and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority are giving a helping hand during the pandemic. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 30 -- With Independence Day on the horizon, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D- Erie, is calling on the legislature to move a bill that would revise Pennsylvania’s Fireworks law for the well-being of all Pennsylvanians. In a letter to House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Martin Causer, Bizzarro requested that House Bill 1687 receive a hearing and committee vote to move the measure to the House Floor quickly. “I’m cosponsoring this bill because while fireworks are a great display of celebration, there are unintended consequences to the recently loosened restrictions. This bill takes into consideration the impact on those who suffer from PTSD, our veterans, parents and small children and pets,” Bizzarro said. The legislation would provide specific guidance to local governments, allowing them to implement reasonable regulations regarding the sale and use of fireworks and implement constraints on when fireworks can legally be discharged. In the meantime, Bizzarro encourages residents to adhere to the current Fireworks Law ( https://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/Pages/fireworks-safety.aspx ) and be considerate of neighbors when celebrating the upcoming holiday. Read more
Harrisburg, Pa. (WENY)-- An uptick in complaints about fireworks in communities across Pennsylvania is leading to a renewed push for legislation to implement more restrictions on consumer-grade fireworks. Read more
At one point in the video, the victim's hair catches on fire. Read more
The commonwealth is extending unemployment benefits for 13 more weeks. Read more
Lawmakers plan to address unintended consequences of changed law. Read more
Starting at 7 p.m. on June 29th, State Representative Ryan Bizzarro and the Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority will partner together to host a zoom town hall in order to help small businesses with COVID-19 relief funds. Read more
On June 29th starting at 7 P.M., State Representative Ryan Bizzarro and the Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority are partnering to host a Zoom town hall to help small businesses with COVID-19 relief funds. Read more
ERIE, June 26 – Small business relief is available in the form of state grants and state Representative Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, is partnering with the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority to host a Zoom town hall connecting local businesses with relief opportunities. The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 29 via Zoom. The meeting ID is 991 9658 6146 and the password is 648682. The meeting can also be accessed via this link: https://zoom.us/j/99196586146?pwd=KytHSkNtMjBQYStrV1Z1dFo4TTQ1QT09 “This workshop will help Erie’s local businesses apply for grants that will help them recover from the hit taken as a result of COVID-19. I encourage business owners to apply as soon as possible to give them the best chance at getting a grant,” Bizzarro said. There is a total of $200 million available for small, main street businesses that closed or were negatively impacted by COVID-19. Businesses with less than $1 million in revenue and fewer than 25 employees are eligible to apply Grants will be awarded through local community development financial institutions and based on a percentage of revenue and will be awarded in amounts from $5,000 to $50,000. “It’s terrific to see the value and purpose of CDFIs being put into action to help our small businesses recovery across PA,” said Perry N. Wood, EdD., executive director of ECGRA. “We salute Rep. Bizzarro for organizing Read more
Erie County is finally in the Green Phase. But as more businesses reopen, lawmakers urge residents to be cautious. Read more
Fireworks can be a great display of celebration, but there are unintended consequences to the recently loosened restrictions. We must remember to be good neighbors and especially consider our veterans whose PTSD may be triggered. I’m a cosponsor of House Bill 1687 that addresses concerns for our veterans, parents with small children and pets. I think revisiting reasonable controls including time restrictions can allow people to enjoy fireworks without causing stress or harm to our community. The July Fourth holiday is just around the corner and my office has received calls regarding concerns about firework activity. Our frontline workers, specifically those who are called upon to protect and serve, from our police departments to fire companies, have already seen an increase in demand for their services as our communities continue to come back to life amid a global pandemic. As such, the added burden placed by the uptick in pyrotechnics across our communities is not making their jobs any easier, or our streets any safer. I recently read of an incident in the Bronx where police officers responded to what was reported as gunshots only to find a teenager had been struck in his chest while lighting off fireworks. While fireworks are available for legal purchase by Pennsylvania residents, there are regulations and laws that limit where they can be used. Those who are caught violating existing use laws do face citations but Read more
ERIE, June 19 – State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Robert Merski and Pat Harkins, all D-Erie, issued the following statements in response to news that Erie County will be moving to the green phase of the state’s reopen plan on Friday, June 26. “To say that this has been a trying period for Erie is an understatement,” Bizzarro said. “It’s hard to remember a time when our community’s endurance and patience were tested more severely, or for so long. “Our delegation fought hard to move Erie to green, but ultimately, it was the people of Erie, doing their part to slow the spread of the virus, that made the difference. To be sure, we face a long road ahead. But with the rest of our businesses soon free to reopen, a community ready and willing to support them and a small business grant program on the horizon, we will soon be forging a path to revitalization.” Merski said, “We fought for weeks to move Erie to green, and the announcement today that this is finally happening is the best possible news we could have received. The pandemic and related shutdowns stopped our economy in its tracks, placed a huge burden on business owners and working families, and left many in our community feeling isolated. Getting into the green will help change all that by lifting most restrictions. “Businesses already running at 50% occupancy will be able to run at 75% occupancy; barbershops and hair Read more
Local lawmakers are thrilled that the state is finally permitting Erie County to enter the Green Re-Opening Phase Read more
But they warn the virus is still very much alive and well, and the people of Erie cannot let down their guard. Read more
State Representative Ryan Bizzarro ‘Optimistic’ Over Erie County’s Possible Move into Green Phase This Friday Read more
ERIE, June 10 – Erie law enforcement will be able to apply for up to $154,780 in emergency funding to address challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – will fund critical protections for workers and the communities they serve. “I know from my work as a victim/witness coordinator and victims’ rights advocate how much of our criminal justice system depends on face-to-face, time-sensitive work such as interviewing witnesses and supporting and treating crime victims,” Bizzarro said. “ This funding is going to help address the added challenges staff face in carrying out those essential duties safely in the midst of the pandemic.” Harkins said, “Law enforcement agencies and staff already face a host of challenges, and the pandemic has added another whole layer of logistical problems. Containing the spread of COVID-19 – whether in our county jails, juvenile detention centers, courthouses or the general community – requires resources and planning. This funding will help our agencies implement infection control and keep our dedicated criminal justice workers safe in the field.” Merski said the funding will support a broad Read more
ERIE, June 5 – Joined by fellow Erie lawmakers on the steps of the county courthouse, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski, and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, expressed deep frustration that Erie is not among the counties moving to the green phase of the state’s reopen plan Friday, June 12. “We had a conference call with one of the governor’s staff, and it did not go well,” Harkins said. “Secretary Levine was on the call. We presented the numbers we are working from, and we asked for additional information. We never received it. “As I was on the phone most of last evening, my line was blowing up with calls from residents and business owners I totally sympathize with. Then, this morning, after we had a press call arranged with the governor, he jumped off the call. “I ran for this office 14 years ago to speak for people who don’t have a voice in Harrisburg. Now, I feel like we don’t have a voice. I worked with the Teamsters and with UPS for 25 years, and I have never experienced anything like this. I have supported Tom Wolf and worked well with him, but this is uncalled for. We need to stick together and do what we have to do to move Erie green.” Merski said, “Today, from the data we received from the state, there are five new cases. We’re keeping this county closed for five new cases. This is ridiculous. “I have stuck with the governor and I Read more
"I am urging businesses to operate as if they were under the green phase today," Bizzarro said. Read more
Leaders of both parties say Erie County should move to green phase Read more
In 2019, Rep. Bizzarro was the primary sponsor of 11 bills that were passed by both the House and the Senate. Read more
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