Merski, Harkins: Erie schools awarded $443,952 for fresh fruit, vegetables

(Aug 15, 2023)

ERIE, Aug. 15 – Expanding on their joint effort to provide Erie schools with healthy, fresh food options, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today that schools throughout the county will be receiving $443,952 through the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. “Expanding on the availability of fresh, healthy food for our students will provide the nourishment they need to prosper both physically and academically,” Merski said. “This program will also provide the opportunity to establish healthy eating habits early in these students’ lives .” Harkins said, “Providing students the option to ditch the sugary snacks for more wholesome fruits and vegetables is a vital aspect of healthy living. Every child deserves the chance to maximize their present and future health, and this funding helps make that a possibility.” The funding comes from the National School Lunch Program and is in addition to the universal free breakfast program that was championed by Merski and Harkins as a part of the 2023-24 state budget. Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $4 million secured for Erie traffic signal upgrades

(Aug 11, 2023)

“Updating the electronic equipment that controls our busy city intersections is critical for safety and also for keeping traffic moving efficiently,” Harkins said. “Securing this new funding means motorists are going to see smoother traffic and everyone is going to stay safer on our streets.” Read more

 

A great turnout for National Night Out

(Aug 04, 2023)

A great turnout for National Night Out Read more

 

CHIP provides health insurance for PA kids

(Jul 21, 2023)

CHIP provides health insurance for PA kids Read more

 

Funding secured for Erie Police Department

(Jul 14, 2023)

Funding secured for Erie Police Department Read more

 

Bolstering Erie’s education & social services funding

(Jul 07, 2023)

Bolstering Erie’s education & social services funding Read more

 

Funding secured for housing, advancing policies that help all Pennsylvanians, & update on Erie recovery hub

(Jun 30, 2023)

Funding secured for housing, advancing policies that help all Pennsylvanians, & update on Erie recovery hub Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Cancer screenings for firefighters will save lives

(Jun 28, 2023)

Harkins, Merski: Cancer screenings for firefighters will save lives Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub

(Jun 27, 2023)

Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects

(Jun 27, 2023)

Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects Read more

 

Focusing on families; reducing the cost of living, investing in critical services, and more!

(Jun 16, 2023)

Focusing on families; reducing the cost of living, investing in critical services, and more! Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $67K awarded for Erie historical preservation projects

(Jun 07, 2023)

"The Erie Land Lighthouse needs substantial repairs to address decay caused by moisture intrusion, and immediate action is needed to pervent future deterioration," Harkins said. "This new funding is going to allow us to address this problem and preserve this unique landmark for future generations." Read more

 

Harkins calls for investments to stop ‘mass exodus’ from early childhood education field

(Jun 06, 2023)

ERIE, June 6 – Concerned by the sharp decline in early childhood education teachers, state Rep. Pat Harkins joined fellow lawmakers at the state Capitol today to call for greater investments in early childhood education. Harkins, who is co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Caucus, told those gathered for the “workforce behind the workforce” rally that a mass exodus from the field threatens to affect the quality of critical pre-K programs throughout the state. “The statistics are grim – they show that early education teachers on average make just $12.43 per hour and that 44% have had to use a payday loan or borrow from friends or family to cover basic expenses,” Harkins said. “Not surprisingly, half of all early ed teachers surveyed said they are thinking of leaving the field within the next five years. “Earlier this year, the governor spoke about the importance of early education and the need to invest in programs like Pre-K Counts, and a poll showed that nearly all Pennsylvanians agree that early education is important. “We need to make these investments a priority now and ensure we can pay teachers a living wage. If we can’t attract and retain early childhood educators for quality programs that give kids the right start, we’re going to feel the ripple effects all throughout our workforce and economy.” Read more

 

House passes Harkins-Merski bill to help retirees on county pensions

(Jun 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 6 – County pension annuitants struggling to make ends meet are a step closer to more frequent cost-of-living adjustments after the PA House today passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said they introduced H.B. 298 – which would amend the county pension law to give boards more flexibility in setting COLAs – to help retirees feeling the effects of inflation. “Under our county pension law, when retirement boards provide a cost-of-living increase, it must be in accordance with the full consumer price index at the time of review,” Harkins said. “Although the law is well-intentioned, its rigid requirement means that our county pension boards often can’t afford to provide any adjustments at all because the index is simply too high. “Our bill would amend the law to allow boards to grant a COLA of any percentage up to, but not more than, the consumer price index. The change would help counties and benefit county retirees who under the current all-or-nothing system might not receive a COLA for several years. “We need to reward these seniors who helped build our community and keep them out of poverty. Ensuring that they receive timely cost-of-living adjustments would bring them greater retirement security and help them maintain the quality of life they deserve.” Merski said, Read more

 

Committee approves Harkins resolution to make Patriots’ Day federal holiday

(Jun 05, 2023)

“Our neighbors to the northeast in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine commemorate these battles on the third Monday of April each year as Patriots’ Day. It’s time for Pennsylvania and the rest of nation to join them in recognizing the crucial role these events played in our nation’s independence," Harkins said. Read more

 

Harkins appointed to Veterans’ Home Advisory Council for Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home

(May 17, 2023)

“Service and sacrifice are more than a calling for these residents – they are a way of life," Harkins said. "Now, as they enjoy their golden years, it’s incumbent on us to make sure they have the quality of life they deserve. I’m thrilled to be working with fellow council members and the home’s dedicated staff and administrators to keep that legacy of care and respect going.” Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: up to $400,000 secured to help residents battling substance use disorders

(May 09, 2023)

"The additional DDAP funding will allow us to expand resources like medication-assisted treatment, recovery and peer supports and other program that can help return more folks to their families," Harkins said. Read more

 

House passes Harkins bill to bring OSHA safety protections to public workers

(May 02, 2023)

"Today, the House took a critical step toward better protecting hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania workers." Read more

 

Erie County school districts awarded nearly $343K for dual credit programs

(May 01, 2023)

“For high school students contemplating career paths, the chance to enroll in postsecondary education classes can be a great way to explore emerging interests and gain confidence in their academic and technical skills." Read more

 

House unanimously passes Harkins’ bill to rid School Code of offensive language

(Apr 26, 2023)

“Hurtful, stigmatizing language has no place in our public law books,” Harkins said. Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Erie schools awarded $443,952 for fresh fruit, vegetables
Aug 15, 2023

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $4 million secured for Erie traffic signal upgrades
Aug 11, 2023

A great turnout for National Night Out
Aug 04, 2023

CHIP provides health insurance for PA kids
Jul 21, 2023

Funding secured for Erie Police Department
Jul 14, 2023

Bolstering Erie’s education & social services funding
Jul 07, 2023

Funding secured for housing, advancing policies that help all Pennsylvanians, & update on Erie recovery hub
Jun 30, 2023

Harkins, Merski: Cancer screenings for firefighters will save lives
Jun 28, 2023

Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub
Jun 27, 2023

Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects
Jun 27, 2023

Focusing on families; reducing the cost of living, investing in critical services, and more!
Jun 16, 2023

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $67K awarded for Erie historical preservation projects
Jun 07, 2023

Harkins calls for investments to stop ‘mass exodus’ from early childhood education field
Jun 06, 2023

House passes Harkins-Merski bill to help retirees on county pensions
Jun 06, 2023

Committee approves Harkins resolution to make Patriots’ Day federal holiday
Jun 05, 2023

Harkins appointed to Veterans’ Home Advisory Council for Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home
May 17, 2023

Merski, Harkins: up to $400,000 secured to help residents battling substance use disorders
May 09, 2023

House passes Harkins bill to bring OSHA safety protections to public workers
May 02, 2023

Erie County school districts awarded nearly $343K for dual credit programs
May 01, 2023

House unanimously passes Harkins’ bill to rid School Code of offensive language
Apr 26, 2023