Merski measure to help retirees with vehicle registration fees signed by Shapiro

(17 hours ago)

HARRISBURG, July 16 – A proposal championed by state Rep. Bob Merski that would raise the annual income threshold for retirees to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee has received Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature. Merski, D-Erie, said the language of his legislation raising the qualifying income cap from $19,200 to $29,906, allowing more retirees to renew their annual vehicle registration for only $11, was included in an omnibus transportation bill that was enacted by Gov. Josh Shapiro Monday. “The enactment of my proposal will ease the financial burdens associated with vehicle ownership for retirees living on a fixed income,” Merski said. “The recent boosts to Social Security payments pushed many retirees above the income threshold to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee. The legislation signed into law today fixes that problem, demonstrating our ability to work in a bipartisan fashion to solve the complex issues facing Pennsylvanians. “We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all our citizens, and the enactment of my proposal honors the contributions of our retirees. They have given so much to our community, and it is only fitting that we give back in ways that acknowledge their needs and financial realities.” Merski noted that the legislation also ties future annual adjustments to the Consumer Price Index. Read more

 

Historic Increases in Education Funding for Erie Schools

(Jul 12, 2024)

Historic Increases in Education Funding for Erie Schools Read more

 

Merski measure to analyze AI adopted by House

(Jul 03, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 3 – Lawmakers would get a detailed report on the functionality of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on our day-to-day life under a resolution the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted today, according to the resolution’s sponsor, state Rep. Bob Merski. Merski, D-Erie, said H.R. 170 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee with the objective of exploring the ramifications of AI and delivering a comprehensive report detailing the committee’s findings and recommendations. “We must be vigilant and proactive in preventing the misuse of AI by bad actors, ensuring that this powerful technology is harnessed for the benefit of all, not the few,” Merski said. “It is imperative that we implement robust guardrails for AI to ensure it serves the common good, fostering innovation and progress while protecting our citizens, and this House resolution gets us one step closer to accomplishing that goal.” Merski has previously advocated for steering AI away from nefarious actors and directing it toward being a beneficial, useful source for good in our society. Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $700,000 awarded to increase availability of safe, affordable housing

(Jun 14, 2024)

ERIE, June 14 – Grant awards totaling nearly $700,000 have been awarded to entities with a focus on ensuring residents in Erie County have access to safe, affordable housing, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. These grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 to provide the mechanism by which certain allocated state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside sources, would be used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the commonwealth. The local awards and recipients are as follows: $135,000 - GMA Development Group, LLC. $100,000 - City of Erie. $100,000 - Community of Caring. $100,000 - Erie DAWN. $100,000 - Mercy Center for Women. $75,000 - Erie County Department of Human Services. $50,000 - St. Martin Center, Inc. “Safe, affordable housing is more than just a basic human need; it is a critical foundation for the well-being of our families and the stability of our communities,” Harkins said. “These grants will foster environments where children can thrive in their educational pursuits, where health outcomes can improve due to reduced stress and better living conditions, and where the cycle of poverty can be broken as families are able to Read more

 

Democratic lawmakers to introduce bill increasing transparency for institutions of higher education

(Jun 13, 2024)

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., and Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that they will be introducing legislation to help prevent abrupt closures of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. This announcement comes roughly one week after the sudden closure of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This legislation would require colleges or universities to provide financial information yearly if they receive commonwealth funds or federal funds distributed by the commonwealth. The lawmakers believe that this proposal would ensure transparency for the commonwealth, students, and staff of higher education institutions and continued good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The University of the Arts is located in Waxman’s legislative district, covering center city Philadelphia. “When I heard about UArts’ closure, I immediately shared feelings of anger and disappointment with the students who won’t have the same school to attend and faculty who will be losing their jobs,” Waxman said. “I want to ensure no student or school faculty member in Pennsylvania has to go through what those at UArts are going through right now. By requiring these schools to regularly notify us of their financial information, we can create greater accountability and transparency across the board.” The lawmakers say that having this information from schools on a yearly Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: $200,000 in grants secured to promote digital literacy

(Jun 13, 2024)

ERIE, June 13 – $200,000 in new funding was awarded to two Erie-based entities to enhance digital literacy, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Digital-Literacy Grants Program, which awarded $4.9 million to 50 community-based organizations throughout Pennsylvania in this most recent round of funding. This grant program provides funding to organizations in communities that teach residents how to effectively navigate platforms used in the job-search process and the workplace, including digital fundamentals, digital citizenship, and understanding digital information – especially in communities lacking access to broadband infrastructure and high-speed internet. The local awards and recipients are as follows: $100,000 - Afghan Community of Erie Pennsylvania $100,000 - Gannon University “In our rapidly changing world, digital literacy skills are becoming an essential component of many careers,” Harkins said. “This new funding will ignite a digital literacy revolution, ensuring that every individual, regardless of age or background, has the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world.” Merski said, “These new resources will help bridge the digital divide, providing access and opportunities for all to Read more

 

Merski bill would ban misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns

(Jun 11, 2024)

“The freedom to go into the voting booth and choose candidates who reflect our values and beliefs is at the very heart of our democracy,” Merski said. “But the proliferation of AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ impersonating public officials and political candidates to spread disinformation threatens to undermine the whole point of free and fair elections.???????“We have to act now to protect the sanctity of our elections by erecting sensible guardrails for how generative AI may be used in campaigns. Fourteen other states have already recognized the threat and passed legislation. It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up and do the same.” Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Over $100,000 secured for indigent defense in Erie

(Jun 10, 2024)

ERIE, June 10 – A total of $102,023 in new funding was awarded to Erie to bolster indigent defense, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s newly enabled Indigent Defense Advisory Committee. The new grant program aims to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of indigent defense services in Pennsylvania. This will be achieved by recruiting and retaining staff, improving data collection and reporting, providing necessary training, professional development and technical assistance, and addressing any other needs identified by the county in collaboration with indigent defense service providers. “In a monumental step forward, our commonwealth has affirmed its commitment to justice for all by awarding significant grant funding to bolster indigent defense,” Harkins said. “This investment gets us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of financial standing, has access to fair representation in our legal system.” Merski said, “We celebrate this achievement not as a victory for a few, but as a foundational pillar in our pursuit of a more equitable society. “Let us continue to work together to uphold the right to counsel as a basic human right, unwavering in our dedication to Read more

 

Merski: Nearly $100,000 secured for Wesleyville Borough police vehicles, in-car computers

(Apr 29, 2024)

“Our police deserve state-of-the-art vehicles equipped with technology that can make their jobs safer, easier and more effective,” Merski said. “In addition to the latest safety technology, having vehicles equipped with in-car computers will allow officers to complete tasks like filling out paperwork, recording witness statements and uploading crime scene photos right on site, which will speed their work and strengthen investigations.“I’m grateful to DCED for the funding, because Wesleyville’s finest deserve the finest resources we can provide.” Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: $1.4 million awarded to install ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps in Erie

(Apr 26, 2024)

ERIE, April 26 – A total of $1.4 million in new funding was awarded to the City of Erie to install ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. This money will go toward the revamping of areas within the city that currently lack accessible sidewalks for those living with a disability. Additionally, this funding will also include the installation of high visibility crosswalks and signage. “The grant awarded for the construction of ADA-compliant sidewalks is not just an infrastructure improvement—it's a statement that we value every member of our community,” Harkins said. “These sidewalks are a step towards ensuring that individuals with disabilities can navigate our city with the same ease and independence as everyone else,” Merski said. “This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a world where limitations are recognized and accommodated, not ignored or overlooked.” The grants were awarded through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside and administered by the state Transportation Department. The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside provides funding for projects and activities defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $1.4 million secured to bolster safety, mental health resources in Erie schools

(Apr 26, 2024)

ERIE, April 26 – New funding of nearly $1.4 million will be earmarked to improve safety, security, and mental health supports for students and staff at schools across Erie, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. “These additional grant dollars showcase our dedication to creating an environment where every student can learn without fear, and where mental health support is not a luxury, but a given,” Harkins said. “This funding will enable us to equip our schools with the necessary tools to nurture a generation that is both academically accomplished and emotionally resilient,” Merski said. “These grants represent not just a monetary investment, but a profound commitment to the well-being and future of our children.” More about the funding, which was awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is available here. This most recent round of funding completes the $155 million school safety grants program package appropriated in the bipartisan 2023-24 state budget and issued by the School Safety and Security Committee in January 2024. Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: $710,000 in funding secured to improve water quality

(Apr 25, 2024)

ERIE, April 25 – A $471,795 low-interest loan and a $238,205 grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will further efforts to improve water quality in Erie County, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. "Investing in water infrastructure it is a critical cornerstone for our future prosperity,” Merski said. “Every dollar spent on water systems generates a manifold return in economic vitality, public health and environmental sustainability.” “I stand firmly behind the commitment to ensure that every community has access to clean, safe and reliable water,” Harkins said. “Securing this funding reinforces our dedication to building smarter water systems that can withstand the challenges of the 21st century.” The lawmakers said the project will involve the replacement of existing wrought iron service lines, decreasing potential lead contamination in the system and reducing water loss due to pipe leakage. Pennvest specializes in funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania. Pennvest’s low-cost financial assistance helps make the water that is consumed every day by thousands of Pennsylvanians safe to drink. Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $700,000 secured to improve broadband access in Erie County

(Apr 19, 2024)

ERIE, April 19 – The availability of reliable, high-speed broadband access across Erie County received a big boost thanks to funding from the Broadband Infrastructure Program totaling nearly $700,000, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority which aims to expand the availability of high-speed internet for all Pennsylvanians in an effort to close the digital divide. “It is our duty to bridge the digital divide and invest in infrastructure that will carry our commonwealth into a future where everyone can thrive in a digitally connected society,” Harkins said. “In today's rapidly evolving world, the availability of high-speed internet is not just a convenience, it is a vital resource that fuels innovation, education and economic growth,” Merski said. The full list of recipients through this round of funding is available here. Additional funding from Windstream Pennsylvania LLC will bring total project funding to over $920,000. Read more

 

Merski bill that prioritizes clean energy passes full House

(Apr 16, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 16 – The Pennsylvania House passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Bob Merski that would allow for the lease of land on Lake Erie for the purpose of harnessing clean energy solutions for Pennsylvania. Merski, D-Erie, said his legislation ( H.B. 254 ) -- which passed the House along party lines -- represents a beacon of innovation, a path to sustainable economic growth, and a commitment to the stewardship of our environment for future generations. “When everyone is brought to the table, we can bridge the gap between good-paying jobs and renewable energy,” Merski said. “This bill brought stakeholders from labor, environmental groups, the Fish and Boat Commission, Department of Community and Economic Development and Department of Environmental Protection together to make sure we continue protecting our environment in our efforts to bring jobs to Pennsylvania and help make America energy independent. “By investing in clean energy, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also catalyzing innovation, creating jobs and ensuring energy security for generations to come. Additionally, this would be a safeguard for Erie County, protecting our natural resources while ensuring profits from this endeavor are brought back home to benefit us locally.” The bill now heads to the full state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $80,000 awarded to fight veteran hunger, food insecurity

(Apr 12, 2024)

“Erie veterans put everything on the line to keep us safe and secure,” Merski said. “Now, some of them are facing hardship that threatens their own health and safety, and they need our help. One way we can give back is by working to make sure they don’t have to worry about keeping nutritious food on the table for themselves and their families. Securing this funding helps ensure that these heroes who fought for us don’t have to fight hunger or food insecurity.” Read more

 

Merski: House passes AI content disclosure bill

(Apr 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 10 – Pennsylvanians are one step closer to crucial safeguards concerning artificial intelligence after the House today passed legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. Bob Merski that would require a disclosure on content generated by artificial intelligence. Merski, D-Erie, said the legislation ( H.B. 1598 ) is needed to protect the public as proliferation of false information becomes more widespread . “Although artificial intelligence can be a force for good in many areas, including medical research and disease diagnosis, it also poses potent risks, particularly in the hands of bad actors determined to spread disinformation,” Merski said. “And the danger has increased in recent years as the technology has become more sophisticated, making it impossible for viewers to tell the difference between real and fake content. “Our legislation would not ban use of artificial intelligence but would simply require those using it to add a disclosure that the content has been generated by AI. In the digital age, where so much information we use comes from online sources, those controls are absolutely critical to ensure Pennsylvanians have the transparency needed to make informed decisions. Merski noted that amended bill also criminalizes AI-generated child pornography. Merski introduced the bill with several colleagues, including state Reps. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, and Read more

 

Merski proposal to determine feasibility of early retirement clears House committee

(Apr 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 10 – Lawmakers would get a detailed report on the feasibility of potential early retirements of state and public school employees under a resolution the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee advanced on Tuesday, according to the resolution’s sponsor, state Rep. Bob Merski. Merski, D-Erie, said H.R. 028 would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a cost analysis study of early retirement for members of the State Employees’ Retirement System, referred to as SERS, as well as the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, known as PSERS. Merski noted that this study would analyze those who are 55 or older or have at least 30 years of service. “We have an obligation to be good stewards of pension funds and look at all cost-saving measures to preserve pensions for state employees,” Merski said. “Continuing to kick the can down the road is no longer an option. “We must be exploring avenues to alleviate this funding crisis, and my resolution will provide us with a clearer picture of the best way to go about tackling this issue in a strategic, pragmatic fashion.” His resolution now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

Merski: AI content disclosure bill clears House committee

(Apr 02, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 2 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee has approved a bill co-sponsored by state Rep. Bob Merski that would require a disclosure on content generated by artificial intelligence. Merski, D-Erie, said the legislation ( H.B. 1598 ) would help individuals decipher if content was generated by AI by requiring a disclosure, thus allowing them to make more informed decisions regarding content they view, read or hear. “AI content generation platforms are utilizing their vast capabilities to produce digitally altered text, videos and audio,” Merski said. “This has made it increasingly difficult to discern genuine, authentic content created by humans from AI generated content. “This bill would help even a tilted playing filed by requiring content that is generated by AI to conspicuously disclose that AI was utilized in its creation. We live in an extremely fast-paced world nowadays, and this simple measure would help people avoid the pitfalls of being misled by dangerous disinformation.” The bill now heads to the full state House for consideration. Read more

 

Bizzarro, Merski, Harkins tout $835,000 grant for violence intervention and prevention efforts

(Mar 27, 2024)

Erie County has been awarded grant funding to help bolster public safety and violence prevention efforts, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, all D-Erie, announced Wednesday. Read more

 

Merski measure prioritizing clean, renewable energy clears House committee

(Mar 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 22 – The Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Bob Merski that would allow for the lease of land on Lake Erie for wind, water (kinetic), and solar power generation. Merski, D-Erie, said his legislation ( H.B. 254 ) -- which was reported out of the House committee along party lines -- would help diversify Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio while prioritizing the use of clean, renewable energy to efficiently power Pennsylvania without increasing utility prices for consumers. “The Erie region has a tremendous opportunity to be a leader in the development of green energy,” Merski said. “This bill would put us in a position to rise to the occasion by creating a vast, reliable energy network that will reduce our carbon footprint. “Additionally, the economic impact of this legislation would be a boon for the Erie area as the projects would be an incredible source of family sustaining jobs. This is a win-win for our region, and I look forward to championing this vital bill throughout its legislative journey.” The bill now heads to the full state House for consideration. Read more

 

Merski measure to help retirees with vehicle registration fees signed by Shapiro
17 hours ago

Historic Increases in Education Funding for Erie Schools
Jul 12, 2024

Merski measure to analyze AI adopted by House
Jul 03, 2024

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $700,000 awarded to increase availability of safe, affordable housing
Jun 14, 2024

Democratic lawmakers to introduce bill increasing transparency for institutions of higher education
Jun 13, 2024

Harkins, Merski: $200,000 in grants secured to promote digital literacy
Jun 13, 2024

Merski bill would ban misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns
Jun 11, 2024

Harkins, Merski: Over $100,000 secured for indigent defense in Erie
Jun 10, 2024

Merski: Nearly $100,000 secured for Wesleyville Borough police vehicles, in-car computers
Apr 29, 2024

Harkins, Merski: $1.4 million awarded to install ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps in Erie
Apr 26, 2024

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $1.4 million secured to bolster safety, mental health resources in Erie schools
Apr 26, 2024

Merski, Harkins: $710,000 in funding secured to improve water quality
Apr 25, 2024

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $700,000 secured to improve broadband access in Erie County
Apr 19, 2024

Merski bill that prioritizes clean energy passes full House
Apr 16, 2024

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $80,000 awarded to fight veteran hunger, food insecurity
Apr 12, 2024

Merski: House passes AI content disclosure bill
Apr 10, 2024

Merski proposal to determine feasibility of early retirement clears House committee
Apr 10, 2024

Merski: AI content disclosure bill clears House committee
Apr 02, 2024

Bizzarro, Merski, Harkins tout $835,000 grant for violence intervention and prevention efforts
Mar 27, 2024

Merski measure prioritizing clean, renewable energy clears House committee
Mar 22, 2024