Merski, Harkins: Nearly $4 million secured for Erie traffic signal upgrades

(Aug 11, 2023)

“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

 

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial

(Aug 10, 2023)

“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

(Aug 03, 2023)

National Night Out brings out the best in Erie Read more

 

Merski’s back-to-school supply drive aims to help area families

(Aug 02, 2023)

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

(Jul 27, 2023)

Forge a legacy to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary Read more

 

Summer nights in the community

(Jul 14, 2023)

Summer nights in the community Read more

 

Budget boosts education & social services funding

(Jul 07, 2023)

Budget boosts education & social services funding Read more

 

Funding awarded for recovery hub; cancer screenings for firefighters; relieving medical debt, and more!

(Jul 05, 2023)

Funding awarded for recovery hub; cancer screenings for firefighters; relieving medical debt, and more! Read more

 

Rep. Bob Merski's Summer 2023 Newsletter

(Jul 03, 2023)

Rep. Bob Merski's Summer 2023 Newsletter Read more

 

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House

(Jun 29, 2023)

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

(Jun 28, 2023)

Harkins, Merski: Cancer screenings for firefighters will save lives Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub

(Jun 27, 2023)

Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects

(Jun 27, 2023)

Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects Read more

 

Merski kicks off 2023 flag takeback program

(Jun 16, 2023)

Merski kicks off 2023 flag takeback program Read more

 

Second Chance Event this Thursday, Combatting Blight, – and more!

(Jun 14, 2023)

Second Chance Event this Thursday, Combatting Blight, – and more! Read more

 

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget

(Jun 14, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., hosted a news conference in the state Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and called on legislators to fund school facilities in Pennsylvania. “We have a unique opportunity to finally invest in fixing toxic schools across Pennsylvania,” said Fiedler. “It’s long past time we prioritize the health of our students, teachers and school staff. We have some of the oldest schools in the nation right here in Pennsylvania, and many of them have unsafe conditions that are simply unacceptable. I am committed to investing state dollars to remediate and repair our schools.” Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, chair of the House Education Committee, reminded everyone that school buildings are learning environments. “The quality of a school building has a direct impact on a child's ability to learn,” he said. “This year's House budget begins to address our toxic schools, but there's much more work to be done. We can't delay any longer -- our children deserve better.” State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York County, commended the bipartisan support behind funding school facilities. “We are building bipartisan support for funding school facilities within this year’s budget,” she said. “The House sent a version of the budget to the Senate last week. Our proposal used Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal as a starting point Read more

 

House passes Merski bill to help Pennsylvania fight blight

(Jun 13, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 13 – The PA House today passed state Rep. Bob Merski’s bill that would make it easier for cities to fight blight. Merski, D-Erie, said his legislation ( H.B. 255 ) – which passed by a vote of 124-79 – would create a grant program to allow cities to establish code enforcement programs or strengthen existing ones. “Today’s House action brings us a step closer to addressing a major urban enemy,” Merski said. “Vacant, distressed properties have been a persistent problem for Erie and other communities, but many lack a dedicated budget for code enforcement, so these efforts often go by the wayside. At the same time, the cost of failing to address the problem costs cities millions in lost property tax revenue and unrealized investments. “My bill would help us break that cycle by giving local governments the resources they need to turn things around. Cities could use the funding to establish new code enforcement programs or hire more code enforcement officers to fortify existing programs, all with an emphasis on upgrading or removing abandoned and structurally unsafe structures and dwellings. “Cities would also have the ability to join forces in fighting blight by entering into cooperative agreements.” The bill would establish the Municipal Property Maintenance Code Assistance Fund, administered by the Read more

 

Merski: Nearly $500K awarded to address homelessness, boost housing stability

(Jun 09, 2023)

“Housing stability plays a huge role in quality of life,” Merski said. "Today’s funding will help us make inroads by expanding housing options for residents in need and helping them to become more self-sufficient." Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $67K awarded for Erie historical preservation projects

(Jun 07, 2023)

Merski said, “The Mercyhurst campus is filled with exquisite architecture, including Gothic Revival buildings dating to the school’s founding in 1926. Securing this funding will support the work needed to nominate this beautiful campus for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places." Read more

 

Merski to host Second Chance Event June 15

(Jun 06, 2023)

ERIE, June 6 – Residents with prior nonviolent misdemeanors seeking to reenter the job market will find helpful information at a Second Chance Event co-hosted by state Rep. Bob Merski on Thursday, June 15. The event – which will feature a discussion on pardons, expungement and the state’s Clean Slate Law – will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ryan Hall’s Waterford Room at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. Attendees should enter on Lewis Avenue. “Pennsylvania has been a leader among the states when it comes to helping people with nonviolent convictions return to the job market,” Merski said. “Several years ago, we enacted a first-of-its-kind Clean Slate law allowing Pennsylvanians with nonviolent misdemeanor convictions to have their records sealed if they make restitution and stay out of trouble for 10 years. And just yesterday, the House passed a bill that, if enacted, would update and expand the law. “Not every conviction will qualify for clean slate however, which is why it’s important for folks to understand their options. I urge anyone seeking a second chance to visit our event, which will include an in-depth discussion and question-and-answer session on pardons, expungement and the Clean State law.” Merski is hosting the event in partnership with Mercyhurst University, Northwestern Legal Services, the Erie Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $4 million secured for Erie traffic signal upgrades
Aug 11, 2023

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial
Aug 10, 2023

National Night Out brings out the best in Erie
Aug 03, 2023

Merski’s back-to-school supply drive aims to help area families
Aug 02, 2023

Forge a legacy to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
Jul 27, 2023

Summer nights in the community
Jul 14, 2023

Budget boosts education & social services funding
Jul 07, 2023

Funding awarded for recovery hub; cancer screenings for firefighters; relieving medical debt, and more!
Jul 05, 2023

Rep. Bob Merski's Summer 2023 Newsletter
Jul 03, 2023

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House
Jun 29, 2023

Harkins, Merski: Cancer screenings for firefighters will save lives
Jun 28, 2023

Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub
Jun 27, 2023

Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects
Jun 27, 2023

Merski kicks off 2023 flag takeback program
Jun 16, 2023

Second Chance Event this Thursday, Combatting Blight, – and more!
Jun 14, 2023

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget
Jun 14, 2023

House passes Merski bill to help Pennsylvania fight blight
Jun 13, 2023

Merski: Nearly $500K awarded to address homelessness, boost housing stability
Jun 09, 2023

Harkins, Merski: Nearly $67K awarded for Erie historical preservation projects
Jun 07, 2023

Merski to host Second Chance Event June 15
Jun 06, 2023