ERIE, Sept. 17 – New walkways and structures will allow Erie residents to more fully enjoy a popular community park, thanks to a $190,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today. Harkins said the grant to McClelland Park will fund multiple improvements, including the installation of an ADA-accessible land bridge to be constructed across a stream in the park’s eastern section, the construction of a 240-foot boardwalk to improve accessibility over wet ground, and the addition of two gazebos, two pavilions and signage. “I’m thrilled about this funding,” said Harkins. “McClelland Park is a very special place in our community – one that brings residents together to socialize, to exercise and to forge friendships. By funding new structures and creating easier access to park areas that were difficult to navigate, the grant will allow visitors to enjoy this special place from a new perspective.” Harkins noted that the funding was awarded by CFA under the state’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. The total project cost is $201,358, and the city will use the $82,671 land value as match. More information about the CFA is available at the agency’s website . Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 12 – State grants totaling $376,741 will bolster Erie programs aimed at reducing gun violence and supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – includes three grants totaling nearly $127,000 under the Victims of Crime Act and one grant of nearly $250,000 under the 2019/20 Gun Violence Reduction Initiative. “In addition to helping victims of domestic violence and abuse rebuild their lives, this funding will benefit our entire community by reducing gun violence and the shadow of fear it casts,” Bizzarro said. “The Gun Violence Reduction Initiative being funded is based on a deterrence model that has proven successful by targeting high-risk individuals and groups through direct communication, enforcement and outreach. I’m hopeful that we’ll see meaningful results in Erie.” Harkins added that the funding will also make a difference for those victimized by domestic violence or abuse. “More than anything, innocent residents whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence or abuse need to feel safe and free from the ongoing threat of violence,” Harkins said. “The PCCD funding will go toward programs that help victims free themselves from the specter of ongoing violence or abuse by obtaining protective Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, joined union leaders, legislators and workers’ rights advocates at Philadelphia’s City Hall today to rally on behalf of his legislation that would guarantee Pennsylvania’s public employees the same workplace safety protections afforded private sector workers. Harkins’ H.B. 1082 – the Jake Schwab Worker Safety Bill – would provide a state safety plan to protect Pennsylvania’s 570,000 public sector workers, who, unlike their counterparts in private industry, are not covered by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act. The bill is named for the 48-year-old Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority worker who died after equipment he was using malfunctioned. “It’s hard to fathom that our state’s public employees – including front-line rescue workers who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the rest of us in an emergency – are denied the same basic safety protections afforded private sector employees because Pennsylvania has yet to pass a workplace safety law protecting them,” Harkins said. “Jake Schwab should have gone home to his wife that evening. Instead, he has become a symbol in the fight for equal protection for public workers.” Harkins has been fighting to bring equal safety protections to the state’s public workers for nearly five years. He first introduced the bill the year after Jake Read more
ERIE, Aug. 30 – Fifty-two students in the Erie City School District will benefit from $18,605 in funding serving homeless children and displaced youth. The money comes from a federally funded program created to assist local educational agencies serving homeless children and youth displaced by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, or the 2017 California wildfires. “This funding is great news for students in our district whose families are facing extremely difficult circumstances that have disrupted their lives,” Harkins said. “As legislators, we want to do everything in our power to make sure all kids in Erie city schools have an equal chance to learn.” Merski agreed, noting, “As a former teacher, I’ve seen how difficult it can be for kids to learn and achieve when they’re facing homelessness or poverty. This funding should bring a measure of hope and peace of mind to these students that will reduce their stress and uncertainty and allow them to get back to the business of learning and thriving.” Grants were awarded to 17 school districts throughout Pennsylvania with displaced students ranging from 28 to 495 children. Read more
ERIE, Aug. 29 – A state grant of $168,750 will enable Erie International Airport to purchase additional vehicles and equipment needed for operations and maintenance, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The legislators noted the funding – which follows last year’s grant of $1.7 million for major renovations to the terminal building – is an important investment for the entire area. “Our airport has played – and continues to play – such an important role in our local economy, dating back to its roots early last century, when it became one of the nation’s first airports to be licensed for commercial operations,” Harkins said. “Today, it’s a thriving hub, supporting businesses, sustaining thousands of jobs, and connecting travelers with the rest of the state and the world. Investments that keep it running smoothly benefit the entire region.” Merski agreed, saying, “I’m delighted Erie International is receiving this grant, which will bolster efficient operations and enable better maintenance to the field’s turfed and paved areas. Travelers to and from our region deserve the safest, smoothest experience possible, and this funding will provide the resources needed to ensure that happens.” The funding is part of a package of grants to 29 airports statewide totaling $13.7 million and funded through the state Transportation Department's Aviation Read more
ERIE, Aug. 6 – A $75,000 state grant will help Gannon University develop cutting-edge residency programs that will provide advanced training to teachers, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education is one of 11 grants awarded to universities statewide to support teacher and principal residency programs. The goal is to bolster and diversify the state’s educator workforce to better serve high-need areas. “Teacher training is a dynamic area, and like many other professionals, teachers in training benefit greatly from real-world experience,” Merski said. “My own training as a teacher began with the hands-on cadet teacher program, which builds in-classroom experiences from day one alongside teacher education courses.” Harkins added, “Historically, so many of our communities have faced problems attracting and retaining good teachers. The funding announced today will allow Gannon University to develop the best possible clinical residency programs to turn out educators who are well-equipped to serve in our most high-need areas.” Clinical residency programs must be developed in partnership with at least one high-need local education agency that serves high rates of historically underserved students or demonstrates chronic, multiple teacher shortages in key certification areas, including special education and English as a second language. The Read more
ERIE, Aug. 1 – State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today that $10.5 million in grants have been awarded under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to fund projects around the region. The legislators noted that the grants will provide benefits for generations to come. “I’ve always been a proponent of regional representation and understand the value of community assets that go beyond legislative district boundaries,” Bizzarro said. “I am proud to have worked diligently with my colleagues, House leadership, administrative leadership and community innovators to secure this funding for our community. “These grant benefits will extend far beyond the individual campus, facility or neighborhood project receiving the investment – they will enhance learning, living, shopping and economic opportunities for residents and generations to come in each of our legislative districts.” “These grants are incredible news for Erie,” Harkins said. “I’m especially pleased that we were successful in our efforts to help secure $2 million in funding for the project to expand Saint Vincent. My wife and I – and all three of our children – were born there, and we have many friends who work there. It is truly a regional investment.” Merski agreed, saying, “These state investments in the city of Read more
HARRISBURG, July 29 – Grant funding of $1 million is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to help small businesses and farms “grow green” and become more energy efficient while reducing operating costs, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced. The grants – which will be awarded through the DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant program – will fund projects to promote energy efficiency, pollution prevention and natural resource protection. “I urge local small businesses to take advantage of this grant opportunity, which is a terrific way for them to make improvements that boost efficiency and cut operating expenses, making them more competitive while at the same time helping to protect the environment,” Merski said. Harkins agreed, noting, “The funding is especially valuable because it allows small business owners to make equipment-related improvements such as HVAC and boiler upgrades, installation of solar-powered or high-efficiency LED lighting, improved recycling systems and acquisition of auxiliary power units that can minimize truck engine idling time.” Funding is also available for projects that protect natural resources through construction of riparian buffers, streambank fencing to keep livestock from streams, and stormwater systems to reduce sediment in waterways. Small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible, and the Read more
ERIE, July 15 – Erie County elementary school students will see more fresh fruits and vegetables on the school menu thanks to $251,047 in grants awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced today. “The nutrients in fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for ensuring kids’ healthy growth and bolstering their immune systems, which is so important in a school setting, where kids are in constant close contact,” Harkins said. “I’m so glad we were successful in our efforts to secure this funding.” Merski agreed, noting, “As an educator for many years, I have seen how proper nutrition improves memory skills and boosts academic performance. I’m delighted that our students will be seeing this incredibly important addition to the school menu.” Bizzarro added that the grants help start healthy patterns, saying, “By introducing kids to fresh fruits and vegetables at an early age, we’re helping them understand that healthy eating is a choice that’s available to them and that it feels better than junk food, hopefully a lesson they’ll carry with them for life.” The grants to the First, Second and Third Legislative Districts, by school district, are as follows: Erie City School District Diehl Elementary School – $29,440 Edison Elementary School – Read more
ERIE, July 12 – Erie County projects to expand affordable housing and reduce blight will receive $450,000 through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement fund, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. “This funding is critically important for members of our community in need of housing – particularly those who may be homeless or struggling to make ends meet,” Harkins said. “It’s especially good to know that our efforts to help secure funding were successful because the organizations benefiting, such as Mercy Center for Women, do such vital work in helping residents regain productive lives.” Bizzarro agreed, noting that projects to expand affordable housing are good for the community on multiple levels. “These projects will not only expand affordable housing options for the working families of Erie, they will create jobs and spur increased economic activity,” Bizzarro said. “The projects will open doors for residents in so many ways.” Merski pointed out that the funding will also bolster efforts to revitalize vacant, blighted areas. “It’s great to see part of this funding go toward breathing life back into blighted, vacant areas of our community,” Merski said. “During my years on city council, I drafted the ordinance creating the city land bank for this very purpose. With this funding, the land bank can Read more
HARRISBURG, June 28 – A $2,955 mini grant to Gannon University will help support Erie Earth Day Festival 2020 and its efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues such as air and water quality, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced. “The grant announced today is great news for Erie because it supports an annual event attended by so many in our community who are concerned about the environmental impact of issues like climate change,” Merski said. “Funding for the event is especially important in light of the many students who attend. As the need for conservation and protection become more evident each year, environmental education becomes an increasingly important supplement to classroom learning.” Harkins agreed, noting that the event generates community-wide involvement. “It’s important that we face critical, time-sensitive issues like climate change, water conservation and air quality as a community because they impact all of us,” Harkins said. “Events like the festival – which bring together local green businesses, advocates, organizations and colleges – are a great way to educate the community, generate energy, and inspire everyone to become involved.” The grant is one of a package of Environmental Education mini grants awarded by DEP to encourage environmental awareness in students and adults. Projects receiving priority include those that educate and Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski both cast “yes” votes for the budget bill today, saying they believed that, although not perfect, the bill (H.B. 790) would make sound investments in the commonwealth’s future. “Although the budget is not everything I wanted, I believe it would invest our resources wisely and would not increase the burden on taxpayers,” Harkins said. “I’m especially encouraged about the substantial increases for public education and pre-K resources – including increased funding for my school districts – and additional funding for nursing homes and home health care operations. “Finally, I’m pleased the new budget would make a sizeable increase to the Rainy Day Fund. Having served in lean years, I understand how important that will be for the commonwealth moving forward and how it will help with our bond rating over the long term.” Merski was likewise pleased about the budget’s emphasis on education and protecting the state’s vulnerable populations, though he has some concerns. “This budget would increase funding for every school district I represent,” Merski said. “It also would increase investments in Pre-K Counts to give our kids the best possible start, and in nursing facilities to help protect our seniors and most vulnerable citizens. Best of all, it would do all of this without raising taxes. “Of course, Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins, and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, lauded today’s news that UPMC and Highmark have entered into a 10-year contract, beginning July 1, that will provide Highmark customers continued access to all UPMC doctors and facilities. “News of this agreement to preserve Highmark customers’ access to UPMC doctors and facilities for the next decade comes as a tremendous relief to the millions of Pennsylvanians who were living under the specter of losing access to the trusted relationships they had formed with chosen providers,” said Bizzarro. “As lawmakers, we were prepared to do whatever was necessary – including crafting a legislative solution – to preserve those relationships, but thanks to the efforts of both sides and work of the attorney general in helping to bring them together, Pennsylvanians won’t have to worry and wonder any longer because the promise of continued care has been restored.” Harkins agreed, saying, “Today’s agreement comes as the best possible news for the people of western Pennsylvania. The possibility of Erie residents losing access to their chosen care providers has been foremost on my mind since the clock began ticking on this consent decree nearly five years ago. I’ve received hundreds of calls and emails from constituents worried about how this was going to negatively impact health care options for themselves and their Read more
HARRISBURG, June 19 – The House today unanimously passed a bill that would give Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry more flexibility in drawing down funding allocated for modernizing the state’s Unemployment Compensation benefits delivery system, according to the prime sponsor, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie. The funding in question comes from Act 60 of 2017, which provides the Labor and Industry Department $115 million over four years to help underwrite the cost of operating the state’s UC system and completing a technology-modernization project to improve the department’s benefits delivery system. Harkins said that although the act provides a specific timeline for the funding, the department needs added flexibility when acting to protect the state taxpayers’ investment. “My bill would give the Labor and Industry Department the flexibility it needs as it works to oversee the project to modernize the state’s benefits delivery system,” Harkins said. “The department recently encountered a situation in which a project vendor failed to meet a certain timeframe. The department withheld payment to enforce the contract and ensure successful implementation of the project. “Although the department acted the way we expect agencies to act to protect taxpayer dollars, the language in the current law could require it to forfeit some of the money allocated for the project simply because it enforced the Read more
ERIE, June 18 – Several historic buildings in downtown Erie will see new life as residential apartments thanks to a $500,000 tax credit, which will leverage nearly $5 million to cover construction costs, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. Merski said the project – to rehabilitate four Second Empire houses in the West Sixth Street Historic District located at 328-332 W. 6th St. into market-rate apartments – will bring multiple benefits for the community and the local economy. “This tax credit is great news because it’s an investment in our past as well as our future,” Merski said. “We’re preserving the history and character of our neighborhood while at the same time creating jobs and expanding housing options for residents, which in turn will attract more business to the area.” Harkins agreed, noting, “We’re not just rehabilitating buildings, we’re revitalizing the social and economic landscape, as well, by opening the door to new residents and stimulating investment in the community. It’s a win-win for everyone.” The tax credit for the Erie project is one of 24 projects throughout the state receiving $3 million in tax credits, which are expected to leverage an estimated $113 million in construction projects. The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered by the Department of Community & Economic Development and Pennsylvania Read more
ERIE, June 14 – The Commonwealth Court’s ruling today that it could not intervene to prevent dissolution of the UPMC-Highmark consent decree set to expire June 30 is terrible news for the state’s health consumers, according to state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie. “Today’s ruling is exceedingly disappointing,” Bizzarro said. “In light of UPMC’s refusal to step up to the plate and do the right thing by the state’s health care consumers, we were hoping the court might provide some relief,” Bizzarro said. “Although the ruling is appealable, that’s small comfort for the thousands of patients, particularly here in western Pennsylvania, who stand to lose access to their trusted, chosen providers." Harkins agreed, noting that UPMC’s position is especially troubling in light of its status as a charitable organization. “As a charitable organization receiving funding from taxpayer dollars, it’s unfortunate that UPMC does not see its obligations to the state’s patients as a compelling reason to extend its relationship with Highmark,” Harkins said. “As legislators, it’s our top priority to ensure that those patients are protected, which is why I’m supporting legislation that will ensure charitable companies like UPMC behave in the public interest.” Merski shared his colleagues’ disappointment, saying, “We had Read more
HARRISBURG, June 14 – Nearly $1.33 million in grants will fund programs and services to reduce crime, assist victims, address substance abuse and support at-risk youth in Erie County, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – includes eight grants to various Erie County criminal justice, protection and advocacy, and community service agencies. “Our community thrives when all of us thrive,” Bizzarro said. “By funding evidence-based projects and pilot programs, these grants will help us reach those in our community who are at risk, whether they’re residents struggling with substance abuse, family members living with the threat of domestic violence or youth who are falling into crime or delinquency.” Harkins said he was especially encouraged by the funding to advocacy and victims’ agencies. “Our safety as a community is important, but it’s also critically important to ensure that those who have been victimized by domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or other violent crimes receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” Harkins said. “This funding will help provide essential protective services, counseling and most importantly – hope – to residents whose lives have been turned upside down by violent crime.” Merski noted that the grants Read more
ERIE, June 13 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, Democratic chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee, issued the following statement in response to news that members of UE Locals 506 and 618 yesterday ratified a four-year labor agreement with their new employer, locomotive manufacturer Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp., after 128 days of negotiations and a nine-day strike: “I’m exceedingly proud of the union for having the fortitude and determination to stand up and fight for its members. The negotiation process required the union to rewrite its entire contract from scratch, which was a long and difficult path with a lot riding on the outcome. Through it all, union leaders stood their ground to ensure Wabtec workers receive the benefits and protections they deserve. “I’m especially pleased that the new contract will provide workers with improved health and welfare benefits; five-year recall rights for laid-off workers; a commitment for new work equivalent to 100 full-time employees by the end of the contract; and a continued policy of volunteer, as opposed to mandatory, overtime, among other protections. It’s also a step in the right direction to see that new workers will be able to increase their wages over a 10-year period until they are on-par with the legacy employees. The negotiations proved that, in this day and age, labor and management can co-exist. “Most of all, I know members are relieved to return to Read more
ERIE, June 6 – A low-interest loan will enable an area employer to expand its operations and retain jobs, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today. Harkins said the real estate development entity Sites Bros Holdings, LLC, was approved for a $400,000, 15-year loan at a 3.5% rate through the Enterprise Development Center of Erie County. The loan will allow for acquisition of a 12,850-square-foot Erie building currently occupied by XPO Logistics Freight, Inc., and will enable the company to retain 30 jobs over the next three years. “I’m excited to see that our efforts to help secure this loan were successful,” Harkins said. “Our regional businesses provide the pulse of our economy, and a favorable loan that permits a business to expand stimulates economic activity and promotes job retention. It’s an investment that yields multiple, healthy returns for families, businesses, and the entire community.” The loan was part of a package of loans approved through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority for businesses in eight counties statewide. The loans are designed to help businesses at various stages of development – from startups to established businesses seeking to expand – and are projected to create or retain 324 jobs across the commonwealth. Read more
ERIE, June 4 – A $400,000 grant will permit Mercyhurst University to offer afterschool academic supports and other enrichment programs for students attending three Erie elementary schools, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. Harkins and Merski said the federally funded grant – part of a package of 21st Century Community Learning Center grants administered by the state Department of Education – will benefit students of Grover Cleveland, Jefferson, and Jo Anna Connell elementary schools. “I’m thrilled that our attempts to secure this funding were successful, because the programs funded will help level the playing field for students who may be at a disadvantage based on income barriers or academic obstacles,” Harkins said. “Every student deserves a chance to succeed.” Merski agreed, noting, “As a former teacher, I have seen firsthand the benefits of additional programs that boost learning and reinforce core concepts for grade school age children. Investing in a strong start early on for these students yields tremendous benefits later, in terms of greater confidence, greater engagement and future success.” Competitive, 21st CCLC grants fund the establishment of community learning centers that provide students with academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities. The opportunities must occur during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session and help Read more
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