Harkins elected vice chairman of Northwest Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, has been elected to serve as vice chairman of the House Democrats’ Northwest Delegation – a coalition of lawmakers representing Erie and surrounding counties in the state’s Northwest region.

Harkins previously served as secretary and said he is looking forward to continuing an active role in the delegation.

“We empower our community by making sure their voices are heard in Harrisburg,” Harkins said.

“Residents are counting on us to make sure the issues that matter – jobs that pay a living wage, affordable housing and health care, better-funded schools – make it to the top of the legislative agenda.

“As a delegation, we can bring a stronger, more unified voice to make sure those issues get the attention they deserve.”

Harkins said he is looking forward to working with the new chairman, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, and the rest of the delegation.