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
“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
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