$38M secured for water system upgrades; Oct. 27 vaccine clinic; public comment on Coke plant – and more! Read more
ERIE, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Robert Merski, D-Erie announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority has approved funding totaling $38 million – including $14 million in nonrepayable funding and $24 million in low-interest loans – to allow the Erie Water Authority to perform major projects including replacement of corroded, outdated lead piping for customers and construction of a new pumping station. “Erie County has seen substantial investments and a massive overhaul of its infrastructure over the last several years,” Merski said. “These improvements directly impact the quality of life for our residents and are a result of community leaders working in unison to deliver tangible results that will be felt for generations. “Good government initiatives are rooted in keeping more money in people’s pockets. Without this loan, user rates for those within the service area would have increased by a staggering 74%. That would have been unacceptable, and I am thrilled we were able to work toward a solution to ensure residents receive the high-quality water service they deserve.” The $18 million in funding for replacement of service connections includes approximately $14 million that does not need to be repaid, plus approximately $4 million in repayable loan funding. The funding will support replacement of nearly 2,500 service connections consisting of iron pipe attached Read more
ERIE, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Bob Merski will host a clinic offering both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines next Friday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at his new district office, 3921 Buffalo Road. Merski, D-Erie, said the clinic is a convenient way to protect oneself and those around you from severe illness. “Taking proactive measures for the health of yourself and your community is crucial in our collective fight against influenza and COVID-19. This clinic will provide a one-stop shop to get both your flu and updated COVID-19 shot. “We will be in the height of flu season before you know it, so I encourage all who are able to take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.” Merski said recipients must present a valid insurance card to receive the vaccinations. Pre-registration is not required, but visitors will be asked to complete a form on-site. Those wishing to complete the form in advance can pick up a copy at Merski’s 3921 Buffalo Road office. Anyone with questions should call Merski’s office at 814-455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Bob Merski will co-host a drive-through event this Saturday, Oct. 7 to help motorists learn whether they need a new license plate and to help them apply for a free replacement if it is determined to be illegible. Merski, D-Erie, said the event – which he is co-hosting with Pennsylvania State Police Troop E – will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the old Kmart plaza located at 4401 Buffalo Road. A license plate is deemed illegible and in need of replacement when one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet away, or if the plate is blistered, peeling, discolored or loses reflectivity, according to the state Transportation Department. Merski said, “Our office prides itself on providing outstanding constituent service, and this weekend’s license plate replacement event is another example of making state government conveniently accessible to the residents of Erie. “Our commonwealth’s law enforcement work tirelessly each day to ensure everyone’s collective safety on our roadways, and ensuring motorists’ license plates are legible allows them to concentrate their efforts on other safety issues pertaining to vehicular travel,” he said. Anyone with questions should call Merski’s office at 814-455-6319. Read more
License Plate Event this Saturday Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – Legislation passed by the House today would make it easier for police departments struggling with tight budgets to obtain used police vehicles, according to the bill’s author, state Rep. Bob Merski. Merski, D-Erie, said H.B. 251 would create a program that would allow local or regional police to purchase used state police pursuit vehicles – which are often used on the highway and recycled more frequently to avoid logistical issues that can arise if the vehicle breaks down – at a fixed price before they are auctioned to the public. “This legislation is a result of working with our local police departments in Erie County and their ideas for utilizing resources. We should be prioritizing and capitalizing on every opportunity to extend the life of taxpayer-funded initiatives. Programs like the one that would be created via my legislation would ultimately lessen the burden on taxpayers when it comes to vehicle replacements for local police departments. “Additionally, providing local police departments with options to upgrade their police vehicle fleet gives them another tool in their toolkit as they make community-based decisions with constrained budgets. This proposal is a win-win for local municipalities and Pennsylvania taxpayers, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the state Senate to get this proposal one step closer to becoming law.” The bill would Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Bob Merski announced today that he has been appointed to the PA House Finance Committee. Merski, D-Erie, said he is looking forward to working in a bipartisan fashion to make Pennsylvania a place that allows everyone to thrive and become the best version of themselves. “I want to thank Speaker McClinton for providing me with this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Chairman Samuelson and the committee members to bolster our commonwealth’s financial strength. We have the ability to continue making Pennsylvania a place that forges opportunities for people to live the life they want to lead.” Merski reiterated that a priority of his while he sits on the House Finance Committee will be to advocate for the passage of legislation that protects hardworking people across the commonwealth, and he will vote in accordance with initiatives that create family sustaining employment. Read more
We are thrilled to report that the Senior Fair was a resounding success and far exceeded our expectations! More than 600 seniors stopped by to check out all the state services and resources that are at their disposal. They were also provided with information on the latest products that aim to enhance seniors’ quality of life. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 27 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Bob Merski’s bill 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 passed by a vote of 202-0 – 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. “The income threshold that allows retirees to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee hasn’t been raised in 25 years,” Merski said. “Social Security payments received an 8.7% boost this year; however, a ramification of this increase is that it pushes retirees above income thresholds for certain government programs or benefits. “My bill would address this underlying issue by raising the income threshold to allow retirees to continue reaping the benefits that they have earned through their decades of being in the workforce . “We have an obligation to take care of seniors who have paid taxes their entire lives. Pennsylvania has recognized the need to assist our seniors on fixed incomes for quite some time by offering benefits to seniors below a certain income threshold. “This is a commonsense piece of legislation, and I thank my colleagues in the House for Read more
Senior Fair is next Friday, Sept. 22! Read more
ERIE, Sept. 13 – In an effort to connect local seniors with the services and programs they deserve, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, will co-host a senior fair from 10 a.m. to noon next Friday, Sept. 22 at the Harborcreek Social Hall located at 7275 Buffalo Road in Harborcreek. The senior fair will include assistance with applying for state programs such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and PACE/PACENET, Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs. Additionally, there will be door prizes and light refreshments, free senior bus passes and help with securing disability placards. Health screenings and flu shots will also be offered. Seniors should bring their insurance card if they would like a flu shot. “Bringing together the services that seniors rely on under one roof is an excellent way to ensure they are capitalizing on the state resources they need,” Merski said. “I have made it a cornerstone of my office to streamline assistance to our neighbors, and the senior fair expands on this fundamental principle. ” Harkins said, “Pennsylvania programs that are geared toward helping seniors are vast and wide-ranging. Conducting a senior fair provides the opportunity to refine the process of maximizing already utilized programs, while simultaneously offering the chance to navigate new services that may be beneficial to area seniors either now or in the future.” Read more
“As an educator, I know that the children who enter our doors every day are a product of their families and their communities,” Merski said. “This federal funding to the state Department of Health and Erie’s public schools will help us to integrate and collaborate to improve that mind-body connection. Read more
Ready to ride! Snowmobile trails receive funding Read more
"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
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3921 Buffalo Rd.Erie, PA 16510-2002
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Summit Township Municipal Building1230 Townhall Road W.Erie, PA 16509-5080
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9333 Tate Rd.Room 102Erie, PA, PA 16509-6055
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221 Irvis Office BuildingP.O. Box 202002Harrisburg, PA 17120-2002
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