ERIE, Oct. 1 – In a landmark move for the health and safety of firefighters, the Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee has approved a bill banning the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighter gear, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The proactive legislation, which was introduced by Harkins and Merski, aligns with the growing awareness and scientific understanding of the dangers posed by PFAS chemicals. These substances, commonly found in firefighting foams and gear, have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, and their elimination from firefighting equipment represents a proactive approach to mitigating these risks. “Ensuring the safety of our firefighters is not just a duty but a solemn vow to those who risk their lives for us,” Harkins said. “ House Bill 1541 stands as a testament to this commitment, seeking to ban harmful chemicals in firefighting gear that can cause life-threatening illnesses. “Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and it is our duty to ensure that they are not exposed to unnecessary risks in the course of their duties.” Merski said, “Eliminating PFAS from firefighting gear safeguards those who safeguard us, ensuring that their heroism isn't marred by the invisible threat of chemical harm. As they put their lives on the line for our Read more
ERIE, Sept. 18 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, will co-host a senior fair beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Harborcreek Social Hall, 7275 Buffalo Road in Harborcreek. The senior fair will include assistance with applying for state programs such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and PACE/PACENET, Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs. Additionally, there will be door prizes and light refreshments, free senior bus passes and help with securing disability placards. Health screenings and flu shots will also be offered. Seniors should bring their insurance card if they would like a flu shot. “I am thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all seniors for an engaging and informative day at our upcoming Senior Fair,” Merski said. “This event is specially designed to bring valuable resources and services directly to you, in one convenient location. “From health screenings to assistance with state programs, we are committed to supporting our senior community. Join us for a day of connection, support and community. Harkins said, “Join us as we celebrate the golden years of our community at the upcoming Senior Fair. It will a day dedicated to our seasoned citizens, offering a wealth of resources and fun under one roof. This is always one of our favorite events of the year, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.” Read more
“Crime has long-lasting effects, in our community and for the survivors who live through it,” said state Rep. Pat Harkins, who represents portions of the city of Erie and Lake Erie and Lawrence Park townships. “This funding will help ensure when crime happens, survivors and their families have trusted and safe places to turn to receive the services they need – not just to survive but remain strong and productive role models in our community.” Read more
“There are numerous reasons why a community experiences hardships, so its recovery must focus on multiple areas of redevelopment – and that’s exactly what we are seeing,” state Rep. Pat Harkins said. Read more
“Family farms power Pennsylvania agriculture, and we were able to take an afternoon to learn more about the economic benefits of a multi-generation farm and just a few of its benefits – including sustainability, community connections and family traditions,” state Rep. Pat Harkins said. Read more
ERIE, Sept. 9 – In a continued effort to bring about real enhancements for Erie County, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, today announced the awarding of two grants equaling $41,094 to Erie City and Harbor Creek School Districts. The funds from these grants are designated to help defray the costs associated with improvement projects in each of the district's buildings. “Investing in our schools is investing in our future,” Harkins said. The awarding of these dollars marks a pivotal step forward for our local school district, enabling vital infrastructure improvements that will benefit our students for generations to come. “I am thrilled to see the positive impact this will have on our community, and I am proud to support initiatives that foster such essential growth and development.” Merski said, “These grants will be strategically utilized to improve infrastructure, ensuring that our schools are not only safe but also conducive to the learning and growth of every student. This means updated facilities, more resources for teachers, and ultimately, a better educational experience for our students. “Our educators have long advocated for environments that reflect the quality of teaching within their walls and, today, we make significant strides in bringing that vision to life.” Read more
ERIE, Aug. 28 – Marking another milestone in their commitment to tangible improvements for Erie County, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, today announced a $410,000 grant has been awarded to Erie County Community College. This grant is designated for a significant window replacement project that will span the entire campus. “This investment is not just in glass and frames, but in the future of our institution, providing a brighter, warmer, and more inviting learning environment for our students,” Harkins said. “As we replace the old with the new, we are also renewing our commitment to educational excellence and community development . “My colleague, Bob Merski, and I are proud to have played a significant role in making this project a reality, ensuring that our educational facilities reflect the high standards we hold for academic excellence.” Merski said, “As a former educator, I have seen firsthand how the environment in which students learn has a direct impact on their overall success. This grant is a promise to Erie County Community College students and faculty that we will continue to support and improve their educational spaces, ensuring that Erie County remains a beacon of opportunity and innovation. “Let us celebrate this achievement and continue to work together for the betterment of our educational systems and our community at Read more
ERIE, Aug. 9 – Building on their collaborative initiative to ensure Erie schools are supplied with nutritious, fresh food choices, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced that schools across Erie County will receive $441,672 via the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. “Every child deserves access to nutritious food, and this initiative is a giant leap toward that goal,” Merski said. “We are not just nourishing bodies; we are nurturing minds. This is an investment in our youth, in our community, and in the very fabric of our society .” Harkins said, “By ensuring access to nutritious food, we are setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy choices and academic excellence. Our children deserve the best, and I am proud to say that, with this funding, we are delivering just that." The funding is provided by the National School Lunch Program, supplementing the $46.5 million boost already obtained for the universal free breakfast program, a key initiative advocated by Merski and Harkins in the 2024-25 state budget. Since its inception, the program has delivered over 23 million breakfasts to students throughout the Commonwealth. Read more
ERIE, July 24 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, are supporting a conditional loan of up to $182.6 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, aimed at enhancing the operations of IRG Erie Inc. The loan is intended to fund the establishment of a plastics recycling plant in Erie, which will transform around 160,000 tons of post-consumer plastic waste annually into roughly 100,000 tons of recycled plastic. These materials are set to substitute virgin plastics. Moreover, the project is expected to generate 334 construction jobs, with 304 of these positions located at the Erie facility. “This substantial investment would catalyze the construction of a state-of-the-art plastics recycling facility, positioning Erie as a national leader in sustainable practices and innovation,” Harkins said. “The ripple effects of this project are profound, promising to create over 300 local jobs, drive economic growth, and significantly reduce our carbon footprint by recycling 160,000 tons of plastic annually. “I would like to extend my personal gratitude to the Biden-Harris administration for their investment in Erie. Their willingness to bring forward ideas that contribute to our economic growth while also safeguarding the environment is greatly appreciated,” Harkins added. Merski said, “This initiative is a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener Read more
Lawmakers tout pharmaceutical industry reform to help patients, local pharmacies Read more
ERIE, June 14 – Grant awards totaling nearly $700,000 have been awarded to entities with a focus on ensuring residents in Erie County have access to safe, affordable housing, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. These grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 to provide the mechanism by which certain allocated state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside sources, would be used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the commonwealth. The local awards and recipients are as follows: $135,000 - GMA Development Group, LLC. $100,000 - City of Erie. $100,000 - Community of Caring. $100,000 - Erie DAWN. $100,000 - Mercy Center for Women. $75,000 - Erie County Department of Human Services. $50,000 - St. Martin Center, Inc. “Safe, affordable housing is more than just a basic human need; it is a critical foundation for the well-being of our families and the stability of our communities,” Harkins said. “These grants will foster environments where children can thrive in their educational pursuits, where health outcomes can improve due to reduced stress and better living conditions, and where the cycle of poverty can be broken as families are able to Read more
ERIE, June 13 – $200,000 in new funding was awarded to two Erie-based entities to enhance digital literacy, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Digital-Literacy Grants Program, which awarded $4.9 million to 50 community-based organizations throughout Pennsylvania in this most recent round of funding. This grant program provides funding to organizations in communities that teach residents how to effectively navigate platforms used in the job-search process and the workplace, including digital fundamentals, digital citizenship, and understanding digital information – especially in communities lacking access to broadband infrastructure and high-speed internet. The local awards and recipients are as follows: $100,000 - Afghan Community of Erie Pennsylvania $100,000 - Gannon University “In our rapidly changing world, digital literacy skills are becoming an essential component of many careers,” Harkins said. “This new funding will ignite a digital literacy revolution, ensuring that every individual, regardless of age or background, has the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world.” Merski said, “These new resources will help bridge the digital divide, providing access and opportunities for all to Read more
ERIE, June 10 – A total of $102,023 in new funding was awarded to Erie to bolster indigent defense, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s newly enabled Indigent Defense Advisory Committee. The new grant program aims to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of indigent defense services in Pennsylvania. This will be achieved by recruiting and retaining staff, improving data collection and reporting, providing necessary training, professional development and technical assistance, and addressing any other needs identified by the county in collaboration with indigent defense service providers. “In a monumental step forward, our commonwealth has affirmed its commitment to justice for all by awarding significant grant funding to bolster indigent defense,” Harkins said. “This investment gets us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of financial standing, has access to fair representation in our legal system.” Merski said, “We celebrate this achievement not as a victory for a few, but as a foundational pillar in our pursuit of a more equitable society. “Let us continue to work together to uphold the right to counsel as a basic human right, unwavering in our dedication to Read more
HARRISBURG, May 14 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today that a $65,589 grant has been awarded to the John F. Kennedy Senior Center in Erie. This award was one of 45 competitive grant awards for Senior Community Centers throughout 26 counties within the commonwealth. The grant funding is appropriated by the General Assembly with proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery. “This grant award is not just an investment in the center; it's an investment in the heart and soul of our community, ensuring that our older residents live their lives with the dignity, joy, and companionship they have earned,” Harkins said. “These funds will significantly enhance the quality of life for our esteemed elders, providing them with more opportunities for social interaction, learning, and wellness. “Our seniors have contributed immeasurably to the fabric of our society, and it is only fitting that we support them in their golden years.” For more information on other services and programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians, visit the Department of Aging’s website . Read more
ERIE, April 26 – A total of $1.4 million in new funding was awarded to the City of Erie to install ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. This money will go toward the revamping of areas within the city that currently lack accessible sidewalks for those living with a disability. Additionally, this funding will also include the installation of high visibility crosswalks and signage. “The grant awarded for the construction of ADA-compliant sidewalks is not just an infrastructure improvement—it's a statement that we value every member of our community,” Harkins said. “These sidewalks are a step towards ensuring that individuals with disabilities can navigate our city with the same ease and independence as everyone else,” Merski said. “This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a world where limitations are recognized and accommodated, not ignored or overlooked.” The grants were awarded through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside and administered by the state Transportation Department. The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside provides funding for projects and activities defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced Read more
ERIE, April 26 – New funding of nearly $1.4 million will be earmarked to improve safety, security, and mental health supports for students and staff at schools across Erie, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. “These additional grant dollars showcase our dedication to creating an environment where every student can learn without fear, and where mental health support is not a luxury, but a given,” Harkins said. “This funding will enable us to equip our schools with the necessary tools to nurture a generation that is both academically accomplished and emotionally resilient,” Merski said. “These grants represent not just a monetary investment, but a profound commitment to the well-being and future of our children.” More about the funding, which was awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is available here. This most recent round of funding completes the $155 million school safety grants program package appropriated in the bipartisan 2023-24 state budget and issued by the School Safety and Security Committee in January 2024. Read more
ERIE, April 25 – A $471,795 low-interest loan and a $238,205 grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will further efforts to improve water quality in Erie County, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. "Investing in water infrastructure it is a critical cornerstone for our future prosperity,” Merski said. “Every dollar spent on water systems generates a manifold return in economic vitality, public health and environmental sustainability.” “I stand firmly behind the commitment to ensure that every community has access to clean, safe and reliable water,” Harkins said. “Securing this funding reinforces our dedication to building smarter water systems that can withstand the challenges of the 21st century.” The lawmakers said the project will involve the replacement of existing wrought iron service lines, decreasing potential lead contamination in the system and reducing water loss due to pipe leakage. Pennvest specializes in funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania. Pennvest’s low-cost financial assistance helps make the water that is consumed every day by thousands of Pennsylvanians safe to drink. Read more
ERIE, April 19 – The availability of reliable, high-speed broadband access across Erie County received a big boost thanks to funding from the Broadband Infrastructure Program totaling nearly $700,000, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority which aims to expand the availability of high-speed internet for all Pennsylvanians in an effort to close the digital divide. “It is our duty to bridge the digital divide and invest in infrastructure that will carry our commonwealth into a future where everyone can thrive in a digitally connected society,” Harkins said. “In today's rapidly evolving world, the availability of high-speed internet is not just a convenience, it is a vital resource that fuels innovation, education and economic growth,” Merski said. The full list of recipients through this round of funding is available here. Additional funding from Windstream Pennsylvania LLC will bring total project funding to over $920,000. Read more
“The sacrifices our veterans made were never small ones," Harkins said. "They risked their lives and gave up precious time with loved ones to protect and defend our nation. Some faced trauma and still live with the after-effects. I am deeply grateful for their courage and selflessness, and also thankful for the funding that will help make their lives a bit easier.” Read more
“The new funding will allow Gannon students to team with local manufacturers on innovative projects that will yield new industry methods and techniques,” said state Rep. Pat Harkins, who represents portions of the city of Erie as well as Lake Erie and Lawrence Park townships. “It’s the kind of work that will shape progress in the region and keep Erie business and industry highly competitive – both here at home and globally. I’m excited to see what the future will bring, and I’m thankful to DCED and to our state and local partners who helped bring this funding home.” Read more
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