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
ERIE, May 29 – A $72,040 state grant will improve safety at four Erie railroad crossings, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today. The funding – from PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement program – will be used to upgrade fluorescent and incandescent railroad notification signs with LEDs at four Erie intersections. “I’m extremely glad to see that these upgrades we’ve been pushing for will be implemented,” Harkins said. “The safety of Erie motorists and pedestrians is one of our most important concerns, and crossing collisions are often the preventable result of human inattention. LED lighting that increases visibility of signage and helps catch the eye of approaching drivers and pedestrians can help prevent these tragic incidents.” Harkins said the grant will fund upgrades at the following intersections: Bayfront Parkway and E. 6th Street Bayfront Parkway and E 8th Street Bayfront Pkwy and E. 10th Street Bayfront Connector and McClelland Avenue Under state law, grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 30 intersections in Philadelphia. Municipalities submitted 134 applications, totaling almost $38 million in requests. Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on criteria such as benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact, and cost sharing. Read more
ERIE, May 20 – A $25,000 grant to the Iroquois School District will fund the purchase of security equipment, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today. Harkins said the funding, administered by the state Department of Education, will allow the district to complement existing safety measures in schools with a variety of equipment-based resources. “Effective school security relies on a mix of different resources, and those vary depending on the school,” Harkins said. “There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. What’s true across the board, however, is that a safe, secure environment is essential for students to learn. The grant announced today should go a long way in ensuring that Iroquois School District can purchase the security equipment it has determined it needs to keep students and school employees safe.” Harkins noted that the grant is part of a statewide package of 39 competitive Safe Schools Targeted grants awarded up to a maximum of $25,000 each. Districts may use the funding to purchase student, staff and visitor identification systems; surveillance and special emergency communications equipment; metal detectors; protective lighting; electronic locksets, deadbolts and theft control devices; and training for the use of security-related technology. The funding announced today is in addition to more than $47 million in competitive Safe Schools Targeted grants announced earlier this month. Read more
On the day he died , Jake Schwab went to work like he did on any other morning, looking forward to tackling the projects ahead of him. The 48-year-old Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority mechanic and avid motorcycle enthusiast was assigned to work on a bus from a different agency. Although he wasn’t familiar with the bus, Jake wasn’t daunted. He was good at his job, and, with 27 years’ experience, he was comfortable working on a range of vehicles. But then, a problem arose: The lift equipment Jake requested was unavailable, forcing him to use different equipment in its place. As he was working, the equipment malfunctioned, and the bus shifted. A component of the suspension exploded, striking Jake in the head. He died just days later, on November 9, 2014, leaving his widow and the love of his life, Tiffany, to celebrate Thanksgiving alone. lipping through the cracks As a mechanic for a public transit authority, Jake shared many things in common with private mechanics – except one: Unlike private-sector employees, Jake was not protected by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Pennsylvania has no state plan imposing comparable standards to protect public employees. As a result, there had been no safety training in Jake’s garage for more than nine years, and there was no public investigation and report detailing the safety problems leading up to his death. Instead, Tiffany battled to receive Read more
HARRISBURG, May 15 – The House today unanimously passed a bill that would remove outdated, derogatory language from the state’s Public School Code, according to the bill’s author, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie. “Our laws are a reflection of our values as a society,” Harkins said. “Pennsylvania has made measurable progress in updating our classrooms and educational programs to be inclusive of students with mental health issues and disabilities. At the same time, however, derogatory terms such as ‘defective’ and ‘handicapped’ remain in the Public School Code. “Language is powerful: Studies have shown that the use of certain words and phrases maintains the stigma surrounding mental health issues and disabilities. It is time to update our laws so that they keep pace with our advancement toward a more inclusive society. I’m extremely pleased that the House unanimously passed this legislation. Removing such language from our laws would go a long way toward eliminating it from speech, social interactions and perceptions.” The bill (H.B. 1196) now heads to the state Senate for consideration and a vote. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 8 – State matching grants totaling $65,335 will help 12 small businesses in Erie adopt greener practices, according to state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins, and Bob Merski, all D-Erie. The funding is provided by the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Small Business Advantage Grant program. “I’m extremely pleased that we were able to help these seven small businesses in our district procure funding,” Harkins said. “Taking steps to be more responsible stewards of the environment helps recover natural resources and also makes economic sense for businesses, because energy-efficient practices are more cost-efficient in the long run.” Merski agreed, noting, “Greener practices translate to less waste, a healthier work environment, and greater efficiency for these companies, which helps their bottom line. It’s an investment that pays off for everyone.” Bizzarro added that businesses that work to protect the environment set a good example for others. “Small businesses can be a positive force for change by inspiring other companies and private citizens,” Bizzarro said. “By ‘going green,’ small-business owners encourage others in the community to do the same. It sends a great message.” The grant recipients, projects and amounts, by legislative district, are as follows: First Legislative District: Two Penny Corporation – HVAC – $7,000 Read more
ERIE, May 6 – The Erie Fire Department is receiving a grant of $14,811, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced. The grant is provided by Pennsylvania's Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. “Our firefighters never hesitate to be on the front lines, regardless of the emergency, and even while having to work under tight budget constraints,” Harkins said. “These first responders deserve the best for their courageous service, and this funding will help address some of the financial challenges they are facing.” Harkins added that in addition to funding equipment and training, the money can be used for repairing, building or renovating facilities and for repaying debt related to equipment purchases or facility building and maintenance. Read more
ERIE, May 3 – A $200,000 state grant will provide on-the-job training to Erie job seekers while strengthening the talent pool for regional manufacturers, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The funding to Erie Regional Manufacturer Partnership will allow it to partner with workforce development boards to create WorkAdvance – a short-term manufacturing training program that will provide job-training skills tailored to workforce needs as well as placement assistance for the Erie County region. “As the manufacturing industry continues to advance and incorporate new technologies such as robotics, it’s essential that our region has qualified workers who can step into these high-tech jobs,” Bizzarro said. “Programs such as WorkAdvance are extremely helpful because they address that potential manufacturing workforce gap and help ensure that our regional industries remain competitive.” Harkins agreed, noting, “While we are always looking for new business opportunities, it’s also essential to make sure we are doing all we can to strengthen our current industries. The funding for this program will help ensure that our local manufacturers have the pool of skilled workers they need to keep pace and remain competitive in today’s business world.” Merski added that the program will fund a range of services for area job seekers. “The program will be a terrific Read more
HARRISBURG, April 25 – Vowing to fight for patient health care choice, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, have signed onto a legal brief filed yesterday by the House Democratic Caucus in support of the state attorney general’s lawsuit against UPMC. That suit is seeking to modify and indefinitely extend the UPMC-Highmark Health consent decrees that are set to expire on June 30. “Expiration of these consent decrees strikes at the very heart of patient choice and patient care,” Harkins said. “By refusing to extend the decrees, UPMC is effectively cutting off patients’ access to the providers with whom they have developed trusted, long-term relationships. I’m hearing from residents – including those who work at public safety jobs putting their lives on the line for us – who are deeply distressed about the thought of losing this access. We can’t stand by and allow that to happen.” Merski agreed, noting that members of the Erie community are particularly impacted. “So many in our community depend on these relationships that they’ve developed over the years with their chosen providers,” Merski said. “It’s reasonable to expect UPMC to abide by its responsibilities as a charitable organization. Unfortunately, UPMC does not appear to see it as an obligation, despite the fact that it is funded by patients’ taxpayer dollars.” Attorney General Josh Read more
HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, pledged to protect Pennsylvania’s workers as he joined union leaders, workers’ right advocates and fellow legislators for a rally today on the front steps of the state Capitol. Harkins and fellow legislators took the “Keystone Worker Protection Pledge,” affirming their commitment to protecting workers’ safety and their support for legislation that promotes workers’ rights – including the right to receive a living wage and the right to join and participate in unions. “I’m encouraged to see so many of my fellow legislators turn out today,” said Harkins, who is Democratic chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “We can’t afford to be silent on the issue of worker protections, and we can’t remain neutral when it comes to policies that help Pennsylvania’s working families. Our commonwealth is only as strong as the workers whose efforts build our economy and the working families who sustain it. When they succeed, we all succeed. “As part of my pledge today, I also want to reaffirm my commitment to working for the passage of Jake’s Law – my bill that would extend workplace protections under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act to the state’s public employees. Currently, those standards apply only to private-sector and federal workers. My bill is named for Jake Schwab Read more
ERIE, March 27 – New housing is on the horizon for Erie County individuals with disabilities, thanks to $1 million in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The money will be used to fund the EHCA New Community Homes project, which will construct group homes for Erie County residents with physical and intellectual disabilities. “The many individuals in our area who live with disabilities are integral members of our Erie community,” Bizzarro said. “They’re our friends, our families, and our coworkers, and they have remarkable achievements to contribute. The funding announced today will ensure that they have housing that provides them with both the independence and support they need to thrive.” “I’m very pleased about this funding,” Harkins said. “The money will allow for construction of group homes that provide Erie County’s individuals with disabilities a true home environment while also providing the necessary medical, social and emotional support they need to live with dignity.” Merski said: “The measure of a community is how it provides for all residents of all abilities. The funding announced today will make sure our community is an inclusive one that offers the benefits of a warm, supportive living environment for all residents.” RCAP is administered by the Office of the Read more
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