HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, Majority Chairman of the bicameral Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, announced that the commission met yesterday and accepted the independent audit of the General Assembly’s finances for 2022. Harkins, D-Erie, said that as majority chairman, he will continue to ensure the commission fulfills its responsibility of keeping the public informed about the General Assembly’s finances. “I have had the honor of co-chairing the commission with Chairman Dunbar over the years, and I appreciate and respect his insight and knowledge with regard to budgets and finances,” Harkins said. “As the new majority chairman, I will strive to make sure we continue to keep the public fully informed about the finances of the Pennsylvania House and Senate.” Harkins said the audit the commission reviewed – conducted by the independent certified public accounting firm Boyer & Ritter LLC – revealed a $261.5 million reserve as of June 30, 2022. The LAAC is responsible for conducting the annual financial audit under Article VIII, Section 10 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. In addition to Harkins, other commission members include State Rep. George Dunbar, R- Westmoreland; state Sens. Maria Collett, D-Bucks/Montgomery, and Chris Gebhard, R-Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon; public members Peter Barsz and Phil Rudy (appointed by the House); and public members Gregory Jordan and Ira Weiss (appointed Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Pat Harkins announced today that he has been appointed majority chairman of the PA House Gaming Oversight Committee. “I’m excited to lead the committee because gaming revenue plays such an important role in funding commonwealth projects and programs, from economic development to tax relief,” said Harkins, D-Erie. “At the same time, we need responsible oversight to make sure those funds are invested wisely and also that there are supports in place for treatment and prevention of compulsive gambling, especially as the internet and sports betting have broadened the reach of gaming. “I’ll be working hard as committee chair to ensure that any legislation we advance furthers those goals.” The Gaming Oversight Committee works with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Revenue to evaluate bills that affect gaming in Pennsylvania. This includes the kinds of gaming allowed in the commonwealth, as well as rules for casinos and using the proceeds of gaming in Pennsylvania. Harkins previously served as Democratic chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee in the 2017-18 Legislative Session. He then served as Democratic chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee for two years before returning as Democratic chairman of the Gaming Oversight Committee during the 2021-22 session. Read more
ERIE, March 7 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address today: “As I listened to the governor outline his budget priorities, several messages resonated with me. The governor spoke about making a significant down payment on equitable public school funding. For decades, Erie students have been forced to compete with fewer resources than students in other parts of the state, all because the state has failed to commit a fair share of funding. I was encouraged to hear the governor recognize the need for a major investment in our public schools and a collective effort to devise a fairer system. “As co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Caucus, I was also reassured to hear the governor speak about the importance of early learning and investment in programs like Pre-K Counts. A recent poll showed nearly all Pennsylvanians believe early education is important and that a majority support greater investments in these programs, which are so essential for giving kids the right start in life. “At the other end of the educational spectrum, the governor outlined plans to invest more in career and tech ed. Erie’s labor force has been shrinking, and we have a growing skills gap we need to address. We can do that by expanding public-private workforce development programs that attract and equip young job seekers. With federal Read more
ERIE, March 3 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins today announced $896,000 in new grant funding to expand support for Erie businesses served by the Innovation Beehive Network – a partnership among Erie universities and the Erie County Public Library that provides specialized services to area businesses and entrepreneurs. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding – awarded by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority – includes $200,000 each to Edinboro University Foundation, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University and Penn State University and $96,000 to Erie Regional Library Foundation. “Erie’s reputation as a favorable business destination has been expanding nationally thanks in part to innovative partnerships like the Beehive Network, which provide specialized services to help young businesses grow,” Merski said. “The network already has a track record of success thanks to the talented folks involved. Today’s funding will help it continue to grow so it can attract and serve more businesses.” Harkins said, “Our library and universities have amazing resources and talented people committed to this network. I’m excited about today’s funding, which is going to enhance those resources and strengthen the collaborative as a whole. Like all startups, the young businesses served by the beehive face special financial and logistical Read more
ERIE, Feb. 24 – A new state grant of $41,608 will fund improvements to the Erie County Public Library, state Reps. Bob Merski, and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding was awarded under the Keystone Grants for Library Facilities, which is administered by the state Department of Education. “Our Erie Public Library serves the community in so many ways,” Merski said. “Beyond the books, it’s a place where neighbors can connect for events and classes, where kids are inspired by the power of storytelling and where residents with limited access can find the resources they need. I’m thrilled we were able to help secure more funding for this essential Erie resource.” Harkins said, “Every new investment in our library helps ensure that this amazing community center can keep its door open to the students, families and neighbors who have come to rely on it. It brings us together, and we need to ensure that it remains the powerful resource it is.” The grant is part of a package of more than $4 million in competitive grants to 21 public libraries statewide funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. The state Department of Education administers the public library portion of this program, which is funded from a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax. Grants pay up to 50% of Read more
Grants can be used to fund safety equipment, programs Read more
ERIE, Feb. 8 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, issued the following statements in response to Tuesday’s landmark decision by Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer declaring Pennsylvania’s public school funding system unconstitutional. “Tuesday’s decision promises to be a game changer for public school funding in Pennsylvania,” Merski said. “I saw firsthand the inequity from district to district in my two decades in education. For years, our state system underfunded school districts, forcing local property owners to pick up the tab. “Affluent areas and growing communities paid the difference for quality schools, but it left thousands of students in landlocked and less affluent districts like Iroquois and Erie at a huge disadvantage. This week’s ruling declaring the state funding system unconstitutional is a mandate to provide equity across the entire system – and a huge victory for families and students across Pennsylvania.” Harkins said, “Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but for years, Erie students and families have known a very different reality, thanks to a system that has left our public schools grossly underfunded and our taxpayers footing the bill for that broken system. “Tuesday’s decision opens the door to change all that. Now, we take up the gauntlet and Read more
ERIE, Feb. 3 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins today congratulated local fire and EMS companies who were selected to receive more than $240,000 in state funding. “This funding is going to help ensure our first responders have the equipment and training they need to stay safe and continue their lifesaving work,” Merski said. “Funding can be extremely tight for departments, and I am glad we were able to secure these dollars to get more resources into the hands of those who protect us.” Harkins said, “Our firefighters put their lives on the line for us every single day, and the work can be extremely stressful and dangerous. It’s my hope that this funding will make their work just a little safer.” Grants awarded locally included: Department Fire / EMS City Awarded Amount Belle Valley Fire Dept. Fire Erie $14,317.55 Brookside Vol. Fire Co. Fire Erie $14,317.55 Brookside Vol. Fire Co. EMS Erie $10,000 City of Erie Fire Dept. Fire Erie $15,000 Emergycare Inc. EMS Erie $10,000 Kearsarge Fire Dept. Fire Erie $13,826.29 Kuhl Hose Company Inc. EMS Erie $10,000 uhl Hose Company Inc. Fire Erie $15,000 Lake Shore Fire Dept. EMS Erie $3,000 Lake Shore Fire Dept. Fire Erie $12,598.14 Lawrence Park Vol. Fire Read more
ERIE, Feb. 2 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, issued the following statement in response to news that EmergyCare EMT Michael Harrington died unexpectedly yesterday: “It is always heartbreaking to hear about the loss of a first responder,” Merski said. “Michael’s death is a somber reminder of the stresses and risks these workers face every day and that it’s our job, as public officials, to ensure they have the best possible resources. “I hope Michael’s loved ones can find some solace in knowing that he lived a life devoted to caring for and protecting others.” Harkins said: “I was saddened to hear about Michael Harrington’s death yesterday. Although most of us realize that emergency response work can be dangerous and stressful, we also want to believe that those who willingly shoulder those burdens are invincible. My deepest sympathy to Michael’s family, the Greenville community and the entire team at EmergyCare, who lost one of their own yesterday.” Harrington worked for EmergyCare’s Greenville division. Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered U.S. and Pennsylvania state flags in Erie and Mercer counties to be flown at half-staff. More on that order is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-shapiro-orders-us-commonwealth-flags-to-half-staff-in-honor-of-erie-county-emt/ Read more
ERIE, Jan. 18 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, is reminding residents on the state’s annual mail-in ballot list that they must still officially apply for mail-in or absentee ballots each year in order to receive them from the state. “There is some confusion regarding the state’s annual mail-in ballot list,” Harkins said. “We get a lot of folks asking, ‘If I am already on the list, do I still need to reapply for a ballot every year?’ The answer is yes. “Every February, voters who are on the annual mail-in ballot list will receive a form from the state asking if they want to continue voting by mail or absentee ballot in the year ahead. A voter who wants to continue using the mail option should complete the form and send it back. Once the state receives and processes the form, the voter will automatically receive ballots for all 2023 elections. “For voters who decide they want to vote in person, the form also contains an option allowing voters to cancel their annual mail voter status and be removed from the list.” Harkins said more information – including how to become an annual mail voter – is available by visiting www.vote.pa.gov and scrolling down to the link titled “Annual Mail-in Voter List.” Read more
ERIE, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement in response to news that the state has completed a feasibility study on extending Occupational Safety and Health Act workplace standards to Pennsylvania’s public-sector workers. “Today’s news is extremely encouraging, because it is a concrete step toward finally bringing Pennsylvania’s thousands of public-sector employees the protections they deserve. “For decades, public-sector employees – from maintenance workers to mechanics to public transportation workers and so many others– have faced unnecessary risks on the job simply because the state does not require public employers to abide by the same OSHA safety standards as private companies. “In many cases, public workers are doing the same kinds of jobs with the same dedication and the same expectations of safety. Yet for years, they have suffered unnecessary injuries because their job sites are not as safe. “Jake Schwab – an Erie public transit mechanic – was one of those workers. Jake died because the equipment he needed was unavailable at his workplace, leading to a fatal explosion. In nearly a decade since his death, more public workers have died or been injured unnecessarily. “While I am hopeful that completion of this study is a step in the right direction, I hope the state will move quickly to implement these critical protections, which I call Read more
ERIE, Jan. 12 – A $3.3 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will allow the city of Erie to rehabilitate the Garrison Run and McDannell Run stormwater systems, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. "The Garrison Run stormwater infrastructure is at the end of its useful life and recently suffered a catastrophic failure, creating a sinkhole that damaged a nearby residence,” Harkins said. “Securing the new funding to allow the city to upgrade both the Garrison Run and McDannell Run systems will help safeguard public health and safety and also eliminate the risk of future property damage.” “We are constantly looking for ways to improve infrastructure in Erie County, and upgrading our decades-old stormwater systems is a major priority,” Merski said. “The new loan funding will allow the city to make major upgrades to the Garrison Run and McDannell Run systems to ensure that this critical infrastructure serving nearly 40,000 residents is in safe working order.” The lawmakers said the first stage of the project will involve relining sections of the Garrison Run’s original 96-inch piping with at least 2,700 feet of invert shotcrete; creating connections to 54 in-feeds, 7 manholes and other appurtenances; and repairing an existing concrete headwall located at the discharge Read more
ERIE, Jan. 12 – Nearly $1 million in new funding from the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will support projects to restore a severely degraded Erie stream and help protect the Lake Erie watershed, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The funding includes: $589,886 to Penn State University from the DEP Growing Greener Fund to restore a severely degraded portion of Cascade Creek in the city of Erie; and $335,000 in DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program Tree Planting Grants to fund installation of riparian forest buffers, meadows and trees along waterways in the Lake Erie watershed, and the development of a tree inventory and tree-care workshops. “Nurturing the health of our Lake Erie watershed is critical to our community as well as our economy,” Harkins said. “Among other things, the new funding is going to allow the city to install about two acres of riparian forest buffers and three acres of meadows and trees along waterways. Those measures – which will help reduce pollution, control erosion and protect delicate ecosystems – are vitally important to the health of our entire lake environment.” Merski said, “Our communities have a special relationship with the lake and special responsibilities to preserve the delicate balance between land and water. One Read more
ERIE, Jan. 11 – A $50,000 grant to the Erie County Redevelopment Authority will help fund new urban agricultural resources for Erie, including aquaponics and aquaculture facilities in the Joyce A. Savocchio Business Park, state Reps. Rob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the 2022-23 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture grant program also includes $1,679 to Wild Field Urban Farm. “Urban gardens – which can thrive in city areas such as vacant plots, rooftop spaces and indoor farms – are a critical tool for combating food insecurity ,” Harkins said. “Today’s grant will help fund aquaponics and aquaculture facilities in Savocchio Park that will be used for cultivating fish, produce and other nutritious foods for residents in need.” “No family should ever have to worry about keeping healthy food on the table,” Merski said. “The funding awarded today will help fund Erie’s efforts to transform a once-vacant and blighted area into a place of growth and productivity that helps fight hunger.” More about all the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1290 . Read more
ERIE, Jan. 11 – New funding of $157,888 to the Youth Leadership Institute of Erie will help the organization continue successful programs to help at-risk youth and reduce violence, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. “Securing this new funding for the Youth Leadership Institute of Erie will support the organization’s vital “Connected in 5” program,” Harkins said. “The program helps high school students discover and develop their unique strengths and talents, putting them on the path to a productive future and steering them away from violence.” “Youth Leadership Institute’s programs are a critical supplement to classroom learning for so many at-risk teens,” Merski said. “In addition to providing practical learning like developing interpersonal skills, prepping for college entrance exams and creating a resume, the program helps high school students develop self-confidence and understand how they can be a strength to their community. “The result is more productive young adults and less community violence.” More about the funding, which was awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is available here: Read more
ERIE, Jan. 11 – Mercyhurst University has been awarded $20,000 to help fight student hunger and food insecurity, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the Hunger-Free Campus grant program will help address a problem that still plagues campus life for some students. “Hunger is a huge obstacle to learning, whether the student is age 8 or 18,” Merski said. “Securing this funding for Mercyhurst University will ensure that hunger and food security do not stand in the way of Erie’s young adults as they pursue higher education and careers.” Harkins said, “Food insecurity doesn’t just affect families in households. It can follow students to the classroom and be a barrier as they work to obtain a degree. This funding is going to allow Mercyhurst University to knock down those barriers by ensuring students have the nutrition they need.” More on the funding is available here: http://governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-and-first-lady-announce-1-million-in-pa-hunger-free-campus-grant-funding-for-28-colleges-and-universities/ . Read more
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
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