ERIE, Jan. 11 – New funding of $250,000 awarded to Early Connections will help smooth the path from the classroom to the workplace for Erie students, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding comes from the Schools-to-Work Program administered by the state Department of Labor and Industry. “Venturing out of the classroom and into a work environment is one of the best ways for students to discover how their skills and interests intersect with real-world workforce needs,” Merski said. “The new funding to Early Connections will help ensure Erie students continue receiving those opportunities.” Harkins said, “Pre-apprenticeship programs can make the path from high school to the workplace smoother and more successful for students. With this funding, Early Connections can help students get the workplace visits, mentorships, job shadowing and other tools that are such an important part of the process.” Early Connections serves Erie, Clarion, Crawford, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties. More on Labor and Industry grant programs is available here: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/Grant-Programs-at-LI.aspx . Read more
ERIE, Jan. 10 – New funding of $40,000 will help Mercyhurst University bolster security and keep the campus safe from the threat of sexual violence, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding comes from the It’s On Us PA Grant Program administered by the state Department of Education. “The college campus should be a supportive, nurturing place where students have the peace of mind they need to learn and mature into confident adults,” Merski said. “Today’s funding will help ensure Mercyhurst students have that sense of security and all the resources needed to ensure their safety.” Harkins said, “No student should ever have to fear for their safety on a college campus, and no parent or caregiver should ever have to worry when they send a child off to pursue a degree. The grant funding to Mercyhurst will help the school maintain a safe environment that encourages young adults to pursue their dreams.” It’s On Us PA is a statewide campaign that was launched in 2016. The program is designed to raise awareness about sexual assault; teach students that assault includes non-consensual sex, advise them on how to identify dangerous situations, and empower them to intervene; and foster an environment of support for sexual assault survivors. More on the campaign is available at Read more
ERIE, Jan. 9 – Nearly $60,000 in funding to several Erie organizations awarded under the state Department of Agriculture’s PA Farm Bill will support urban agriculture, provide farm-fresh food for preschoolers, and teach them about gardening and boost educational programs in food science and safety, state Reps. Rob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced. “The new funding is going to help boost preschooler nutrition and inspire young students to learn about urban gardening and the key role it can play in addressing food insecurity,” Merski said. “In addition to funding projects for younger students, the new grants will help strengthen urban agriculture projects and enrich programs that teach older students about food science and safety,” Harkins said. The lawmakers said the funding includes: $22,614 Agriculture and Youth matching grant to Northwestern Community Youth Center for equipment for raised beds and kitchen expansion. $14,883 Agriculture and Youth matching grant to Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network for urban agriculture project sites. $8,589 Farm to School grant to Early Connections Inc. for a project to incorporate gardening in the pre-K curriculum, add taste-testing of nutritious foods, and aid in procurement from local farms. $7,500 Agriculture and Youth direct grant Read more
ERIE, Jan. 4 – A new grant of $395,769 will fund intersection improvements to better protect Erie pedestrians with visual or hearing impairments and those in wheelchairs, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from PennDOT’s Automated Red-Light Enforcement program will allow the city to install 30 accessible pedestrian signal buttons. The devices, which are placed at a height that allows them to be used by pedestrians in wheelchairs, also include features for vision- and hearing-impaired pedestrians. “Simple modifications like adding accessible pedestrian signal buttons can make a huge difference for pedestrians in wheelchairs and those who are blind or have low vision or other disabilities,” Harkins said. “Mobility is a key component of independent living,” Merski said. “In addition to enhancing safety, the new equipment will make it possible for more Erie residents to find that independence.” Funding for ARLA grants comes from judgements for red light violations at 36 intersections in Philadelphia. The funding can be used for projects that improve safety, enhance mobility or reduce congestion. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, took the oath of office today in the state Capitol to begin his ninth term representing Pennsylvania’s 1st Legislative District. Harkins said stronger protections for workers will be among his top priorities in the year ahead. “The new session brings a new chance to accomplish legislative priorities, and for me, protecting workers’ rights and safety is high on that list,” Harkins said. “In the year ahead, I will be reintroducing legislation that would require the state to provide public workers with the same safety protections already available to workers in private companies. Public employees in many other states already have those protections, and Pennsylvania workers are no less deserving. “I will also be introducing legislation to punish dishonest employers who misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying them benefits and to protect employees victimized by workplace bullying. “Fixing our broken mental health system is another top priority, and I will be introducing a bill to start reforming the system, whose failings leave our prisons to take up the slack, force police officers to act as case workers and put lives at risk.” Harkins said that in addition to pursuing these and other legislative priorities, he is looking forward to resuming a leadership role in the Read more
ERIE, Dec. 20 – A new grant of $24,250 will fund development of a neighborhood improvement plan for Erie’s East Avenue Commercial Corridor, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said that the funding to Erie Center for Arts and Technology – awarded through the Keystone Communities Program – will lay the groundwork for major improvements. “Improvements to the commercial corridor are greatly needed, but having a comprehensive plan in place is a critical first step,” Merski said. “With this funding, Erie Center for Arts and Technology can develop a blueprint to ensure that the improvements made will best suit the community and that future money invested will be used in the most cost-effective and productive way possible.” Harkins said, “Getting this planning underway is exciting. It’s the first step in a project that will transform the corridor in ways that will invite new residential and commercial traffic to the area.” Keystone community grants are administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development for projects such as business facades, accessible housing, public infrastructure and other community-strengthening projects. The grants are part of a package of nearly $8 million in funding for 51 projects statewide. More information is available at: Read more
ERIE, Dec. 15 – Three Erie organizations were awarded combined grant funding of $81,750 to strengthen security, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers said the funding includes $42,500 to the Multicultural Community Resource Center, $24,250 to Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Parish and $15,000 to the Islamic Cultural Center of Erie. “No resident should ever have to feel afraid where they live, work, worship or gather for any other reason,” Harkins said. “The resources funded by these grants will keep members and visitors of these organizations safer while also giving them greater peace of mind.” Merski said, “Although we would prefer to believe every organization naturally enjoys a safe and secure place in our community, the reality is that some have felt the need for enhanced security. The new funding will meet that need by funding security equipment, upgrades and any related resources the organizations feel they need.” The lawmakers said the funding may be used for a variety of security measures, including: safety and security planning and training, and threat-awareness and response training. equipment and technology such as metal detectors, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, deadbolts, trauma kits and theft-control devices. Read more
ERIE, Dec. 14 – Erie railroads today received two grants totaling $779,000 for upgrades, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding approved by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission includes $509,000 to IRG Erie to construct a rail siding to a new plastic recycling plant and $270,000 to West Erie Short Line to rehabilitate approximately 1 mile of track. “Rail upgrades are essential to keep goods moving smoothly through the supply chain,” Merski said. “The funding awarded today will allow West Erie Short Line to make needed upgrades to a portion of its track by performing tie replacement and drainage improvements.” Harkins said, “The grants awarded today will allow Erie’s rail infrastructure to keep pace with industry expansion in our district, including rail components to service the new plastic recycling plant. It’s an investment in progress.” The funding was awarded through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program. More information on the funding is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/wolf-administration-invests-26-million-in-rail-infrastructure-supporting-business-development-and-more-than-340-jobs-statewide/ Read more
ERIE, Dec. 14 – More than $7 million in new funding will enhance Erie County law enforcement resources, bolster investigation and prosecution of gun crimes and strengthen services and supports for crime victims, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding comes from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “The new funding will advance crime detection, investigation and prosecution by putting new tools into the hands of law enforcement,” Merski said. “Our officers will benefit from technology such as 3-D scene mapping software, mobile forensic tools, advance surveillance equipment and other resources to keep our communities safer.” Harkins said, “I’m encouraged that the new funding includes more than $1.5 million for investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. The new grants will fund advanced equipment such as gunshot detection technology, new evidence processing equipment and special software to aid in gun crime investigations. At the same time, the new funding will enable us to provide additional supports for crime victims and more comprehensive services and advocacy for child abuse victims.” The lawmakers said the funding includes: $1.6 million to the City of Erie for City Police LLE Support. $1.37 to the City of Erie for enhanced gun violence investigation. $1.2 million Read more
ERIE, Dec. 13 – Newly awarded funding of $12,000 will strengthen key programs for Erie veterans, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the grants from the state Veterans’ Trust Fund includes $10,000 to the Warriors to Washington Program and another $2,000 to the Erie County Office of Veterans Affairs to support the county’s veterans’ courts. “The Warriors to Washington program offers a terrific way to back to those who served by allowing veterans to travel to the U.S. Capitol and tour Arlington Cemetery and monuments like the Vietnam and WWII memorials,” Harkins said. “The trips are therapeutic, provide opportunities for veterans to bond and remind them of all that came from their service. Securing additional funding will help ensure the program can continue locally.” Merski said the funding to the veterans’ courts strengthen an important justice resource. “Service comes with costs, and frequently, those include post-traumatic stress and other conditions that can lead to substance abuse and other problems,” Merski said. “By providing mentoring, support and supervision, veterans courts provide those who served with an alternative to incarceration that can lead them back to productive lives. Today’s funding is going to boost those vital services.” Read more
ERIE, Dec. 7 – The Erie County Historical Society and expERIEnce Children’s Museum were awarded nearly $20,000 in state funding to help support their operations, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said that funding from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission includes $24,500 to the Erie County Historical Society and $5,029 to the expERIEnce Children’s Museum. “Historic preservation can be painstaking work, but it ensures that the story of our past is not lost to future generations,” Merski said. “Securing this funding will help ensure that staff at the Erie County Historical Society have the resources to continue collecting, preserving and showcasing the documents and artifacts that tell that story.” Harkins said, “Kids need a place where they can build on classroom learning through hands-on exhibits that engage their senses, and the expERIEnce Children’s Museum provides that opportunity with interactive displays and exhibits. The funding will help ensure that the museum can continue providing those real-life lessons.” The grants were awarded under the Cultural and Historical Support program, which is designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency Read more
ERIE, Nov. 15 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, were unanimously elected today to continue in leadership roles in the state House’s Northwest Democratic Delegation, with Merski re-elected to serve as chairman and Harkins elected to serve as secretary for the 2023-24 legislative session. Both lawmakers said they plan to continue steering the delegation in ways that will help the region’s working families. “It is an honor to be unanimously chosen to lead the Northwest Delegation as chairman,” Merski said. “We are ready to work for the region and the commonwealth to deliver for workers, families, seniors and businesses. The northwest region is the farthest from Harrisburg, but we are a strong voice collectively for the people of northwest Pennsylvania.” Harkins said, “We are anxious to get to work with Governor Josh Shapiro and to go to bat for the people of the commonwealth, and particularly the Erie region. Issues affecting our region’s working men and women, including job safety and working conditions, will be among our top priorities.” In addition to Merski and Harkins, the Northwest Delegation includes state Reps. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, who was unanimously elected to serve as treasurer, and state Rep.-Elect Paul Takac, D-Centre, who was unanimously elected to serve as vice chair. The delegation is a coalition of House lawmakers representing Erie and northwest Pennsylvania. Read more
ERIE, Nov. 4 – The Erie Police Department will add five new motorcycles to their fleet thanks to $100,000 in new funding, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding will support needed upgrades to the current fleet. “The new motorcycles will be a much-needed, much-appreciated addition for the Erie Police Department,” Harkins said. “I last secured funding for motorcycles for the department more than 10 years ago, and the current fleet is aging. The new motorcycles – which will offer advanced safety technology like upgraded ABS braking systems and better emergency lighting – will go a long way toward helping Erie’s finest stay safe on the job.” Merski said, “The Erie PD protects and serves the community with vigilance 24/7, and they deserve the best, safest equipment we can provide. We’re proud to support them by securing funding that will allow the department to upgrade the fleet with five new motorcycles.” Read more
ERIE, Nov. 3 – Tax credits worth $2 million will leverage investments in Erie projects to help working families and spur revitalization in distressed areas, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the tax credits were awarded under the Neighborhood Assistance Program. “The tax credits we secured are going to leverage investments in projects that breathe new life into distressed areas through programs that fight blight, renovate buildings, and create jobs,” Merski said. “Creative revitalization projects – including projects that establish new, mixed-used spaces -- attract businesses and more investors, and they keep the momentum going on renewal efforts. It’s going to be exciting to see how the new funding changes the landscape and spurs new economic growth for Erie.” Harkins said, “In addition to revitalizing distressed areas, these tax credits are going to leverage investment in projects that improve real-life opportunities for residents, provide safer places for kids to play and socialize, expand affordable housing, and bring more families access to child care and early pre-K programs. Investments in improving people’s lives are the best ones we can make in our communities.” The lawmakers said the funding includes: $567,050 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania to help the food bank strengthen its Read more
ERIE, Oct. 31 – Two Erie projects will be receiving $8 million in funding, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program includes $5 million to IRG Erie Inc., to support development of a $200 million waste plastic recycling facility on 25 acres in a high-unemployment area of Erie City and $3 million to Enterprise Development Center of Erie County for largescale renovations and construction at the former EMI property. “The IRG recycling facility will put Erie on the map as a leader in plastics and recycling and create hundreds of jobs for the Erie community,” Merski said. “This project has the potential to be a game changer for the East side. This private-public partnership will reuse an industrial site, help the environment and employ people in a growing industry. “In addition, the funding to the Enterprise Development Center will help spur additional economic development by supporting large-scale renovations and construction at the former EMI property. The project is going to help expand our manufacturing and industrial base and invite new industry. Both projects will continue to expand Erie’s footprint as a key region for high-tech manufacturing.” Harkins said, “Both projects are in areas of the city that need a boost. They are former sites where blue-collar jobs Read more
ERIE, Oct. 26 – A $3 million state grant will fund construction of a new veterinary center at the Erie Zoo, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the grant to the Erie Zoological Society – supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program – will fund work on comprehensive facilities to ensure animal health. “The funding we helped secure today will support a landmark area attraction – our amazing Erie Zoo – by funding a state-of-the-art veterinary center,” Harkins said. “Once constructed, the new center will contain animal treatment, quarantine, and isolation spaces; surgical and imaging suites; veterinary offices; drug storage facilities; and even some limited public viewing areas. It’s going to be exciting watching the new facility take shape.” Merski said, “The Erie Zoo delights and teaches kids of all ages, attracts thousands of visitors, and generates substantial tourism revenue for our region. But maintaining hundreds of animals outside of their natural habitat brings critical responsibilities. The funding awarded today for the new veterinary center will ensure those animals receive the best possible care. We are proud to have the zoo in our district and to have helped secure this funding." Read more
ERIE, Oct. 19 – Safer drinking water is on tap for more Erie residents, thanks to new funding of $18 million that will allow the Erie City Water Authority to replace more of the city’s lead-containing water service connections, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority – which includes a $14.9 million grant and a $3.1 million low-interest loan – will allow the water authority to continue eliminating a serious potential hazard in the water supply. “The most critical infrastructure investments we make are the ones that eliminate health and safety risks,” Merski said. “Last year, we secured Pennvest funding for the first phase of a project to remove lead-containing service connections from the water system. More of those lead-containing components remain, however, and their rapid corrosion continues to threaten the safety of our drinking water. The new funding will allow the water authority to replace another 2,700 connections serving nearly 7,000 residents.” Harkins said, “Lead-based components in the water system pose a health threat – even at low levels – and the risk is especially dangerous to children. In this case, the danger comes from aging lead gooseneck pipe fittings, which can leach lead into the system as they deteriorate. The funding awarded today Read more
ERIE, Oct. 17 – A $50,000 grant will fund a broadband expansion feasibility study to help Erie identify coverage gaps and develop ways to expand internet to address those gaps, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the Erie Area Council of Governments will contract with an expert to perform the study and with the Erie County Department of Planning and Community Development to provide economic impact data and Geographic Information System services. “I’m encouraged that we have funding in place to study which areas of the county are still facing unreliable internet access,” Merski said. “Even as access has improved in many places, residents and business owners in the eastern and southern parts of the county have continued to struggle with spotty coverage and access. It’s critical for us to pinpoint where strong connections are lacking so they can be brought up to speed.” “Fast, reliable internet isn’t a luxury – it’s an essential connection that opens doors to jobs, education, and community connections,” Harkins said. “We need to make sure all those connections are in place so communities have the access they need.” The project will serve 16 communities over the course of a year. The funding is part of a package awarded under the Appalachian Regional Commission, Power Initiative Grants. More Read more
ERIE, Sept. 20 – Two Erie watershed restoration projects are receiving $400,000 in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said two grants of $200,000 each to the city of Erie will fund projects to restore Garrison Run and Cemetery Run streams, both designated as impaired by the state Department of Environmental Protection because of excessive sediment pollution. “Pollution in tributaries that empty into Presque Isle Bay can have broad consequences beyond the immediate stream banks, and Garrison Run is a stream with a long history of sediment pollution,” Merski said. “Reducing the sediment load is critical to improving water quality, protecting the health of delicate ecosystems and curbing the pollutants that flow through to the bay and lake. “The new grant will help the city achieve those goals by funding restoration work on approximately 1,200 linear feet of Garrison Run on the fenced property of the Erie Wastewater Treatment Plant along Port Access Road.” Harkins said a second grant will help the city address sediment pollution in Cemetery Run Stream. “So much of our region’s health depends on the health of our watershed,” Harkins said. “Improving water quality in our streams and tributaries means less impact to the shoreline, safer recreation and fishing for Read more
ERIE, Sept. 13 – State Rep. Pat Harkins issued the following statement in response to news that striking nursing home employees at facilities owned by Comprehensive Healthcare, Priority Healthcare, and Shenandoah Heights Healthcare have reached contract agreements: “Reports that Pennsylvania nursing home workers have reached a deal with management is the best possible news and a testament to what workers can achieve when they stand together. “When hundreds of employees walked off the job earlier this month, they had reached a breaking point after years of attempting to care for too many residents with insufficient staff and resources. Many had warned that conditions were jeopardizing residents’ safety and health and that the lack of a living wage made it impossible to recruit and retain desperately needed staff. “Tackling these issues was the very reason I joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to commit $600 million in the new state budget to strengthen nursing home care. “By joining forces and making their voices heard, these workers brought management to the table, and both sides scored a victory by putting aside their differences and coming together to put those dollars to the use for which they were intended. “The new contract agreements should ensure more staff time for residents and better wages and benefits for recruitment and retention of staff. “Laying this Read more
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