"An extended season for winter sports like snowmobiling is one of our area’s unique attractions. But maintaining safe trails is costly,” Merski said. “The new funding will help ensure that our area organizations have the equipment they need to keep the trails groomed and maintained on a regular basis.” Read more
Opening Doors for PA High School Students Read more
“Having antiquated signals in some of the busier areas of the city opens the door to delays, accidents and frustration – particularly as these areas are seeing increased traffic," Merski said. "Updating these intersections with advanced technology is going to go a long way toward keeping folks safer and making commutes smoother.” Read more
ERIE, Aug. 17 – Broadening the ability for job seekers to attain the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today that Erie County received funding for two projects through the Digital Literacy and Workforce Development grant program. The funding was awarded to the Greater Erie Community Action Committee and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants/Erie Field Office. “Digital literacy isn’t just a plus on a job resume – for many employers, it’s a requirement. This new funding will help ensure more job seekers in Erie have critical tech skills that provide a foundation for a successful career,” Merski said. He added, “GECAC has been on the forefront of providing training and services to people in the Erie area for years. This funding will be earmarked towards providing lessons on critical tech skills that will help sharpen an employee’s skillset.” Harkins said, “The challenges and language barriers facing folks who arrive in our country seeking to start a new life for themselves and their families can be formidable – especially when it comes to securing work. The new funding will help make that process easier by providing linguistic and cultural instruction for individuals seeking to enter the workforce.” More information on the grant funding for the two Erie projects can be Read more
Healthy habits encouraged through $440K award to Erie schools Read more
ERIE, Aug. 16 – Building upon their already solidified pro-labor record, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today that a $90,000 grant has been awarded to Steamfitters Local 449. The grant aims to broaden the registered apprenticeship program by hiring 25 new apprenticeships with the underlying goal of ensuring long-term systemic change. Additionally, the program will update Steamfitter Local 449's affirmative action plan and implement a new diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. “Throughout my time being a legislator, I have worked closely with Steamfitters Local 449 to advance and enhance the life-changing opportunities they provide for so many in our region,” Harkins said. “I am thrilled they are continuing to create pathways that provide an upward trajectory to a successful career .” Merski said, “The building trades are a pathway to the American dream. This funding will provide opportunities so more people have access to the trades by garnering the skills they need for middle-class, family-sustaining jobs. Enabling underrepresented communities access to this training is a goal worthy of our support. When we build people up, we build our community as well.” The grant was federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Read more
ERIE, Aug. 15 – Expanding on their joint effort to provide Erie schools with healthy, fresh food options, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today that schools throughout the county will be receiving $443,952 through the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. “Expanding on the availability of fresh, healthy food for our students will provide the nourishment they need to prosper both physically and academically,” Merski said. “This program will also provide the opportunity to establish healthy eating habits early in these students’ lives .” Harkins said, “Providing students the option to ditch the sugary snacks for more wholesome fruits and vegetables is a vital aspect of healthy living. Every child deserves the chance to maximize their present and future health, and this funding helps make that a possibility.” The funding comes from the National School Lunch Program and is in addition to the universal free breakfast program that was championed by Merski and Harkins as a part of the 2023-24 state budget. Read more
“Our transportation infrastructure needs to keep pace with the latest safety developments,” Merski said. “Today’s funding is going to help further that goal by making sure our intersections are equipped with the most advanced technology needed to protect motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.” Read more
“I’m honored to sit on the committee, and I was inspired by testimony we heard today about proposed projects here at home and in surrounding regions, from interpreting the history of Three Forts Presque Isle, to bringing Wi-Fi connectivity to the Erie Zoo, to projects that highlight the rich historical culture that Grove City has to offer in our area," Merski said. Read more
National Night Out brings out the best in Erie Read more
ERIE, Aug. 2 – As the calendar turns to August and a new school year is on the horizon, state Rep. Bob Merski is kicking off his annual back-to-school supply drive today. Merski, D-Erie, said donations will help alleviate the financial strain that is often associated with the beginning of a new school year, while helping area students focus on adjusting to their new class schedules and academic expectations. “As a community, we have the opportunity to band together to help our area students begin their school year off right, while assisting families to avoid having to break the bank to ensure their children have the supplies they need to succeed,” Merski said. “The outpouring of support from past supply drives encapsulates the overwhelming generosity of our community, and I encourage those who are able to consider donating again this year.” Merski said the following new items are especially helpful: Markers, including highlighters, color markers, dry-erase markers and permanent markers. Pencils, erasers (pencil top and large pink erasers), colored pencils, pencil boxes and pens. Crayons, student scissors and sticky notes. Backpacks, three-ring binders, folders and lined paper. Tissues and hand sanitizer (large, classroom-size bottle). Personal care items such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and hair ties. Socks. Items may be brought to Read more
Forge a legacy to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary Read more
Summer nights in the community Read more
Budget boosts education & social services funding Read more
Funding awarded for recovery hub; cancer screenings for firefighters; relieving medical debt, and more! Read more
Rep. Bob Merski's Summer 2023 Newsletter Read more
HARRISBURG, June 29 – Local and regional police departments would face fewer obstacles making critical fleet upgrades under legislation the House State Government Committee advanced unanimously on Wednesday, according to the bill’s maker, state Rep. Bob Merski. Merski, D-Erie, said H.B. 251 would require the state Department of General Services -- which sells used Pennsylvania State Police vehicles at public auctions -- to create a program for selling used police pursuit vehicles directly to local and regional police departments at a fixed price before auctioning them to the public. “Every dollar we can save government is a windfall for taxpayers, and that includes large-ticket expenditures like police fleet upgrades, which can pose major obstacles for stretched department budgets,” Merski said. “By giving local and regional police departments a means for purchasing used pursuit vehicles at a fixed price before they go to auction, my bill would help departments meet critical public safety demands while saving taxpayers – a win for everyone.” Merski said the program would allow police departments to submit a “wish-list” of desired state police vehicles to DGS so it can be notified if such a vehicle becomes available for sale. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. A prior version of the bill was voted out of committee in March 2021. Read more
Harkins, Merski: Cancer screenings for firefighters will save lives Read more
Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub Read more
Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects Read more
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