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
Celebrating Read Across America Week Read more
ERIE, Feb. 16 – Erie County fire and EMS departments are getting a boost thanks to a slew of grants administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program will be utilized to upgrade necessary equipment for both fire and EMS services. “Erie’s firefighters and paramedics, many of whom are volunteer, embody the spirit of selfless public service,” Harkins said. “They willingly dedicate their time to keeping our communities safe, and aiding them in reducing operational expenses is a good government initiative that everyone can support.” “Our dedicated first responders risk their lives every day to protect our communities from fires, accidents, and other emergencies,” Merski said. “They deserve our gratitude and our assistance, and we thank the commonwealth for recognizing the vital role of our volunteer fire and EMS departments and for investing in their future." Recipients in the 1 st and 2 nd Legislative Districts received a combined total of $191,794 in grant funding. These recipients include: Brookside Fire/EMS: $30,006. City of Erie Fire Department: $16,951. Emergycare, Inc.: $15,000. Fairfield Hose Company VFD: $14,034. Harborcreek Fire/EMS: $30,201. Kul Hose Company Read more
Artificial intelligence was the topic of vast discussion at a House Majority Policy Committee hearing Tuesday morning, including how it’s already impacting everyday life and what comes next. Read more
“When it comes to delivering a high-quality education for students seeking a career in a trade, there is no substitute for hands-on, real-world experience,” state Rep. Bob Merski said. “This grant funding will assist our area’s tech schools in offering the latest training to propel these students into a fulfilling career.” Read more
ERIE, Jan. 30 – New grant funding of $55,000 will fund the replacement of 201 city-owned streetlights along the Bayfront Connector, 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 replace and upgrade streetlights along a vital section of roadway in Erie. “Motorists and pedestrians alike will be safer thanks to the upgrading of streetlights along one of our area’s busier corridors,” Harkins said. “Enhancing visibility along the Bayfront Connector will have a direct impact on the safety and well-being of all who utilize this roadway,” Merski said. Funding for ARLE grants comes from fines for red light violations at 34 intersections in Philadelphia. The funding can be used for projects that improve safety, enhance mobility or reduce congestion. Since 2010, ARLE has awarded $141.5 million, funding 576 transportation enhancement projects. More information about this round of funding through the ARLE program is available here. Read more
ERIE, Jan. 24 – Grant funding of $268,048 from the state Department of Environmental Protection will support efforts to protect and preserve Lake Erie’s coastal zone region and fund related projects, state Reps. Bob Merski, Pat Harkins and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the grants will fund technical support and assistance for ongoing efforts to manage and protect the Lake Erie watershed; tracking the habits of Yellow Perch migration between Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie; establishing a Lake Friendly program to address marine debris; and other projects. “Erie County is blessed with abundant natural resources and remains a premier destination for recreational and outdoor activities,” said Harkins, who is a member of the Great Lakes Commission. “Lake Erie is a vital resource for our commonwealth, and we must continue to be diligent in protecting it from existential threats. This funding is going to help us preserve Lake Erie for generations to come.” Merski said: “Lake Erie is woven into the fabric of our community, enriching the lives of millions who have had the privilege to explore its vast offerings. From fishing for Steelhead or Yellow Perch, to taking a walk along its miles of pristine shoreline, Lake Erie has always been there for us. These investments in wide-ranging initiatives will ensure the lake remains the focal point of cultural Read more
ERIE, Jan. 23 – New grant funding of $40,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will help Gannon University bolster security and keep the campus safe from the threat of sexual violence, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding comes from the It’s On Us PA Grant Program administered by the state Department of Education. “Keeping our colleges and universities safe places for students to learn is paramount, and this grant will help Gannon University implement and build upon prevention programs and services to educate students, teachers and administrators, but also provide the vital resources and services to help survivors of sexual assault,” Harkins said. Merski said, “As a former educator, I believe that every student deserves a safe and respectful learning environment, and that we must end the culture of silence and impunity that enables sexual violence. This grant funding will help ensure Gannon University students maintain a safe environment that encourages young adults to pursue their dreams.” The grant will provide funding through May 2025 to help implement strategies on campus to address goals of the It’s On Us PA campaign, including improving prevention, reporting, and response systems regarding sexual violence incidents on college campuses and removing barriers that prevent survivors from Read more
ERIE, Jan. 22 – Two grants totaling $169,700 are being awarded to help Erie’s dedicated public servants continue to provide high-quality service to their communities, announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grants from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will help offset the cost of replacing the city’s code enforcement vehicles, while also assisting the city’s police department in upgrading motorcycle equipment. “Providing the necessary tools and resources to public servants who dedicate their careers to keeping our communities safe is always a sound investment,” said Harkins. “These grant dollars will have a direct effect on Erie’s perpetual quest to enhance the quality of life for its residents.” "As a fomer city councilman, I understand the financial constraints of the city budget," said Merski. "Grants such as these allow the city to improve its fleet and to do their work efficiently and effectively without having to raise taxes on local property owners. I'm proud to work with Representative Harkins and the city to bring these resources back to Erie." Anyone with questions about these grant awards may contact Harkins’ office at 814-459-1949 or Merski’s office at 814-455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Jan. 10 – A $3.12 million grant will give a jolt of electricity to Erie by replacing a large swath of the city’s refuse collection trucks with electrically powered vehicles, announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program will help offset the cost of replacing five of the city’s existing trucks with modern, efficient battery-powered electric trucks. “The importance of receiving this multimillion-dollar grant is twofold in that it modernizes critical public services while lessening the burden on taxpayers,” said Harkins. “Making the switch to electric trucks will save money on expensive repairs, vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. The switch to electric vehicles should be met with enthusiasm as they will play a key role in Erie’s success story.” Merski said: Electric vehicles are the way of the future, and Erie taking the initiative to be a step ahead demonstrates our ability to adapt to an ever-changing world. In addition to the benefits of less noise, pollution, and carbon emissions, this $3 million investment in the city’s refuse fleet doesn’t have to come out of local property taxes. This is a win-win for every Erie resident.” This Medium- and Read more
ERIE, Jan. 8 – In a collaborative effort to help bolster the city of Erie’s local economy, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced the introduction of legislation that would create a City Revitalization Improvement Zone for Erie. The lawmakers said the of the legislation, H.B. 1949 , would help spur new economic growth within the city by reshaping certain sects of the downtown and creating new family sustaining employment for Erie residents. “The city of Erie has tremendous opportunity for growth and rejuvenation,” said Harkins. “Establishing a CRIZ for Erie would give the city a leg up in preparing to compete economically for the next half-century and beyond. “We have seen staggering investments in Erie ranging from various infrastructure projects to strengthening our offerings for tourism and recreation, and adopting this plan would expand our ability to continue prioritizing the economic development of our region,” he added. “The upward trajectory of Erie’s economic standing is the result of community and business leaders banding together and putting in the work for the betterment of our entire area,” Merski said. “While we have made great strides in this collective endeavor, there is no time for stagnation and complacency. Establishing a CRIZ is the appropriate response to continue this Read more
Making home ownership attainable Read more
ERIE, Jan. 5 – A $308,098 grant to Gannon University will help ensure both the university and surrounding neighborhoods have enhanced, efficient stormwater infrastructure announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener Program will fund the implementation of stormwater best management practices on the university’s campus. “Protecting our watershed and addressing wastewater and nutrient and sediment reduction is vitally important in Erie County,” said Harkins, who is a member of the Great Lakes Commission. “Properly investing in Erie’s stormwater infrastructure will directly impact the health, safety, and fiscal solvency of our community. These ‘forward-thinking’ type projects will help ensure the next generation of Erie County residents have a solid foundation to continue building upon.” Merski said: “Being proactive when it comes to stormwater infrastructure is a sound investment as it prevents devastating flooding that could not only result in tremendous damage costing millions of dollars, but also put members of our community in harm’s way. Unfortunately, flooding due to poorly designed and managed stormwater infrastructure is becoming more prevalent across the country. Thankfully, this grant will help ease the stress on our Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 28 – The Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee cleared a bill sponsored by state Rep. Bob Merski that would raise the annual income threshold for retirees to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee. Merski, D-Erie, said his legislation ( H.B. 250 ) – which was unanimously reported out of the Senate committee – would raise the qualifying income cap from $19,200 to $29,906, with future annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index. This would allow more retirees to renew their annual vehicle registration for only $10. “This recent action in the state Senate brings us one step closer to ensuring more retirees are able to register their vehicles at a reduced rate,” Merski said. “When this measure unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House in late September, I reiterated that I would continue to champion this initiative until it reached the governor’s desk and was signed into law. “This vital piece of legislation would account for the boosts in Social Security payments and increase the income threshold for retirees to continue taking full advantage of reduced vehicle registration fees. “Getting this bill across the finish line would be exceptionally helpful to seniors living on fixed incomes who have worked and paid taxes their entire lives. Ensuring this bill is enacted into law will remain a key priority for 2024.” Read more
Nearly $2 million in state grant funding has been awarded to several Erie County organizations, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced Tuesday. Read more
Merski measure to analyze AI heads to House Read more
Two Erie County historical organizations have been awarded grants through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merksi, all D-Erie, announced Monday. Read more
Congratulations to Fairfield Hose Company on the opening of Hose Company 27! Read more
ERIE, Nov. 21– Expanding on their joint effort to bolster Erie based services, facilities, and educational opportunities, with a distinct focus on reinvigorating neighborhoods, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today that Erie County will receive $3.3 million worth of state tax credits. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced earlier this week that 26 projects across Erie County will be supported by these tax credits through an array of funding mechanisms via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. Tax credits worth $500,000 were awarded to renovate the Renaissance Center in Downtown Erie with plans to convert the historic landmark into a 200-room hotel that would serve as a destination for occasions ranging from weddings to work conferences. Tax credits worth $206,205 will be earmarked to support renovations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, including a replacement of the facility’s roof, along with a complete kitchen upgrade. Additionally, Gannon University will receive tax credits of $247,000 that will be utilized to fund initiatives aimed toward combatting housing and food insecurity, crime, and blight. “Receiving these community-influenced tax credits is a game changer and will have a direct, positive influence on our local economy, neighborhoods and tourism industry right here in Erie County,” Merski said. “We continue Read more
Paying homage to our Veterans Read more
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