News Center

Matzie urges DEP to deny Penn Energy petition to source water from Big Sewickley Creek

(Jul 19, 2021) Northwest Delegation

AMBRIDGE, July 19 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, has written to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection urging it to deny Penn Energy’s request to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek. In a July 16 letter to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie expressed his opposition to the permit application, which would allow Penn Energy to withdraw 3 million gallons of water daily from the creek. Read more

 

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs

(Jul 08, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, July 8 – The runaway costs of prescription medication will be the focus of a virtual hearing of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People hosted by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 12. The media and public are invited to watch online at www.pahouse.com/policy or on the committee’s Facebook page--@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Pashinski, D-Luzerne, will be joined by Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss innovative approaches to reducing drug costs, providing pathways to low-cost prescriptions, and how drug costs factor into Pennsylvania’s healthcare framework. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Conklin announces spotted lanternfly mitigation grant for Penn State

(Jul 01, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, July 1 – Pennsylvania State University has been awarded $69,767 in state funds to mitigate the impacts of spotted lanternfly in the hardwood ornamentals industry, state Rep. Scott Conkin announced. Conkin, D-Centre, said the Pennsylvania Specialty Crop Block Grant program, part of the historic PA Farm Bill , supports projects to help grow and protect high-priority crops, including hardwoods. “Thirty-four counties in our state, including Centre, are battling this invasive pest,” Conklin said. “If it isn’t contained, the spotted lanternfly could potentially drain our state economy of at least $324 million each year, and it has quite the appetite for many of our economically vital plants, including maple, black walnut, birch, willow and other trees. This grant will be extremely helpful in supporting Penn State’s efforts to curb the insect’s spread.” The state Specialty Crop Block Grant program was created to enhance the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant program by establishing a state program for crops that are either not currently eligible for federal support, or that are designated as high-priority specialty crops. In addition to hardwoods, high priority crops include hemp, hops and honey; and barley, rye, and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting. Projects aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research to Read more

 

Burns urges libraries to apply for state grant program

(Jun 30, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Money could be used for development, technical assistance Read more

 

Harkins, Merski announce nearly $103,000 in fire, EMS grants

(Jun 30, 2021) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, June 30 -- State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced that fire and rescue crews in their districts will be receiving $102,670 in state grant funding for equipment, training and other needed resources. “Our fire and EMS companies really took a hit during the pandemic,” Harkins said. “In addition to dealing with new risks and logistical issues, departments lost critical fundraising income because of shutdowns and restrictions. This grant funding should ease the burden a bit for those who work so hard at the front lines.” Merski said: “Departments have been dealing with recruitment, retention and funding issues for years, but the past year added a whole new layer of challenges. This funding won’t solve the longstanding issues, but it will at least allow departments to upgrade aging equipment, perform building repairs and ensure crews have the ongoing training and other resources they need to stay safe on the job.” The lawmakers said the funding includes : Belle Valley Fire Department Inc. – fire company, $12,767. City of Erie Fire Department – fire company, $15,000. EmergyCare Inc. – EMS, $8,993. Lawrence Park Volunteer Fire Department – fire company, $11,698. Lawrence Park Volunteer Fire Department – EMS, $8,993. Perry Hi-Way Hose Co. – fire company, $15,000. Perry Hi-Way Hose Co. – EMS, $8,993. Read more

 

Burns: Local fire companies receive $296,000 in state grants

(Jun 29, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Burns urges fire, EMS companies to get agreements in before deadline Read more

 

Merski: Budget full of missed opportunities

(Jun 26, 2021) Rep. Robert Merski

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Saying that it fell “far short of what the moment requires,” state Rep. Bob Merski cast a “no” vote Friday for the Pennsylvania budget plan. Merski, D-Erie, cited multiple missed opportunities to fully fund education and provide meaningful assistance to small businesses and working families. “Although I was glad to see a $7 million increase to the Erie School District, it's merely 10% of what the governor proposed in his budget,” Merski said. “We had a chance to be bold and finally fully fund education, something we've been talking about for decades now. “We also had an opportunity to invest in our small businesses, including my bill to provide assistance to our local gyms, fitness centers and dance schools, but we left those small businesses hanging while they are still hurting and not fully recovered from the pandemic.” Merski acknowledged that there are some positive aspects to the new state spending plan. “While the shortfalls made it impossible for me to vote for the budget, there are some encouraging aspects to the plan,” Merski said. “Importantly, it holds the line on taxes so it will not add any new burdens on residents, and it will provide rent and utility assistance. "And while education funding fell far short of the full, fair funding we need, the Read more

 

Harkins votes for new budget, citing strong investments in education

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement after the House and Senate Friday evening passed the new Pennsylvania budget: “I voted to support the budget because it holds the line on taxes and makes critical investments in education, including an increase of $300 million in funding for basic education. From that funding, the budget plan will allocate $100 million to the state’s most grossly underfunded school districts, including the Erie City School District. That investment is long overdue, and it should go a long way in helping to level the playing field and help our students compete for good, family-sustaining jobs. “I am also encouraged by the budget’s investment of nearly $5 million to help support the startup, growth and operation of the new Erie Community College as it attracts students and jobs to the area and builds our workforce. “Finally, the budget allocates $450 million in rent and utility assistance and provides funding to bolster public transit – a vitally important resource for working families. “Despite these investments, the budget contains a number of missed opportunities. For years, residents have been carrying the burden of property taxes without seeing the benefits, and I believe the spending plan missed an important opportunity to provide that relief for taxpayers. Read more

 

Conklin issues 2021-22 budget statement

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, June 25 - State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement on the passage of the state’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget: “This budget will send much-needed education funding to our local schools, one of the key components of the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan that I have supported over the last few months. “We are investing $300 million in K-12 funding, with a third of that set aside for our most underfunded districts. This will help level the playing field and continue our work toward allowing every student – regardless of zip code, a chance to succeed. “The budget also provides an additional $350 million to help students rebound from the disruptions of the past year, due to the pandemic. "While this is good news for our schools, our children and our families, today's budget is, once again, a missed opportunity. This budget does not provide any asisstance to the local businesses impacted during the state COVID-19 shutdown, including restuarants, gyms, salons, and barber shops. It's baffling that, after more than a year of claiming to support small businesses during the pandemic, this budget contains nothing to help them on a path to recovery. We were sent billions of dollars to help our local businesses, and we should be using it, not letting it sit in savings. “And like last year, this year’s budget does not contain a minimum wage increase, Read more

 

Burns backs no-tax bipartisan budget deal

(Jun 25, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Rep. Frank Burns voted to pass a no-tax bipartisan budget that invests in education while saving money for the future. Read more

 

Burns: House approves two bridge-naming proposals

(Jun 25, 2021) Northwest Delegation

WWII veteran, first responder immortalized Read more

 

Conklin announces hemp production grant for Penn State

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Scott Conklin has announced a $126,730 grant to Pennsylvania State University to support its hemp production efforts. Conkin, D-Centre, said the Pennsylvania Special Crop Block Grant, part of the historic PA Farm Bill , would fund the university’s project, which is focused on optimizing genotype selection and hemp production management practices. “Thanks to the PA Farm Bill, this grant will be beneficial to support this high-priority specialty crop and further support our strong agriculture sector,” Conklin said. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program assists with the growth, certification of seed and marketing of eligible crops, including hemp, hardwoods, honey and hops; and barley, rye and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting purposes only. More information on the grant program can be found at this link: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Specialty-Crop-Block-Grant-Program.aspx . Read more

 

Burns: $10 billion excess should fund property tax relief

(Jun 24, 2021) Northwest Delegation

State flush with cash, hardworking taxpayers deserve break Read more

 

Conklin: House Bill 1300 is nothing but ‘smoke and mirrors’

(Jun 21, 2021) Northwest Delegation

STATE COLLEGE, June 21 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement on H.B. 1300 : “This bill is disguised as an effort to protect voter integrity and security but, in reality, it is designed to drive down voter turnout and make it harder and more complicated for Pennsylvanians to cast their vote. “Our past two elections in the commonwealth were fairly run, free and transparent. So, why are Republicans pushing for election audits for each county following an election? Why do they want each voter to have a special ID in order to cast their ballot, severely limit drop boxes and put an end to voting by mail? It’s because they want to silence your voice and your right to vote freely and fairly. That should make you very angry and, rest assured, I will fight this bill. “This is an attempted power grab, plain and simple, by the Republican party. This bill would also add unnecessary barriers to your right to vote, put more governmental bureaucracy upon counties and needlessly delay election results. “I’m truly disappointed that, once again, the leadership in the House is playing politics with a bill that will never be signed into law. We should be focused on how best to use the billions of surplus dollars to provide property tax relief and quality education for our residents. Instead, we are wasting valuable time posturing for corporate donors. It’s time to dispense with the rhetoric and focus on Read more

 

Burns named co-leader of House Steel Caucus

(Jun 21, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Looks forward to working with GOP counterpart Read more

 

Merski kicks off 2021 ‘flag takeback’ program

(Jun 14, 2021) Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, June 14 – As the nation celebrates Flag Day, state Rep. Bob Merski announced that he is kicking off his annual flag takeback program, providing Erie residents an easy way to retire their worn, torn or faded American flags. Merski, D-Erie, is sponsoring the program in partnership with Summit Township to help residents prepare for the July 4 holiday. “If you’re preparing to fly your flag this Fourth and find that the colors are faded or the cloth is a bit worn or tattered, you can bring it to our office, and we will retire it for you,” Merski said. “You can rest assured that we will dispose of it properly, with the respect and dignity Old Glory deserves.” Merski said residents can drop off flags at the following office locations: District office - 3901 Liberty St., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summit office - 1230 Townhall Road W., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. The program will run through July 16. Read more

 

Burns seeking nominations for annual Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award

(Jun 14, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Award celebrates individual’s outstanding service to their communities Read more

 

Harkins: Nearly $1 million awarded to fight homelessness, fund home repairs, building improvements

(Jun 10, 2021) Northwest Delegation

ERIE, June 10 – Grant funding of $985,000 will help some of Erie’s most vulnerable residents find housing while ensuring others can obtain needed safety repairs, s tate Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today. Harkins said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – will support programs to help residents at risk of homelessness secure housing and find paths to financial independence; assist low-income seniors needing home repairs; and allow the city housing authority to complete energy efficiency and security improvements to city buildings. “The pandemic has intensified hardships for Erie’s most vulnerable residents, including those who don’t have a safe place to call home,” Harkins said. “The funding awarded today is going to create new opportunities for our most vulnerable residents by giving them a path to housing and self-sufficiency. “Additional funding is going to help low-income seniors with essential housing repairs that can pose safety hazards and create safe, affordable housing for residents in need.” Harkins said the grants include the following: $160,000 to Greater Erie Community Action Committee for Senior Housing Improvement Program. $100,000 to Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: More than $1 million awarded to bolster Erie County probation services, substance abuse treatment and education

(Jun 09, 2021) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, June 9 – More than $1 million in grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will improve Erie County probation services, help offenders transition to productive lives in the community and bolster resources for residents battling substance abuse, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the county will use some of the funding to boost programs that cut recidivism rates by offering effective alternatives to jail time. “Court-ordered treatment programs can sometimes accomplish much more than incarceration by addressing addiction, mental illness and other root causes of crime,” Harkins said. “That gives offenders a better chance of returning to the community in productive roles rather than landing back in prison. It also saves taxpayers the costs of incarceration, reunites families and puts people back to work so they can contribute to the economy.” Merski said, “In addition to strengthening probation services and court-ordered treatment programs, some of the funding awarded today will bring new hope for residents battling substance abuse by allowing the county to implement family behavior therapy. These intensive programs include in-home intervention that can rebuild lives and restore family relationships, creating benefits that flow to the whole community.” The grants – which also provide Read more

 

Merski bill to revitalize fitness industry heads to House chamber

(Jun 09, 2021) Rep. Robert Merski

HARRISBURG, June 9 – The House Commerce Committee today unanimously approved a bill that would pump new life back into Pennsylvania’s hard-hit fitness industry, state Rep. Bob Merski announced today. Merski, D-Erie, said his H.B. 1438 would establish a COVID-19 recovery grant program for gyms, spas, dance studios and other fitness-related businesses to speed relief to an industry that was brought to a standstill during the pandemic. “The pandemic created hardships for all local businesses, but for fitness-related businesses like gyms, spas and dance studios, the impact of prolonged shutdowns has been devastating,” Merski said. “These businesses play an important role in local communities, helping people stay healthy and forging social bonds while boosting the local economy. “During the pandemic, gym owners faithfully complied with mitigation orders, shuttering venues and drastically reducing capacities. Now, it’s time to help them get back on their feet and moving again. By restoring the vitality of the industry, we help our entire economy grow stronger.” Merski said the COVID-19 Community Fitness Business Grant Program would allow fitness-related businesses with less than $1 million in annual gross receipts to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to help cover losses. Businesses would need to provide proof of losses and a plan for how the money will be used. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

Matzie urges DEP to deny Penn Energy petition to source water from Big Sewickley Creek
Jul 19, 2021

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs
Jul 08, 2021

Conklin announces spotted lanternfly mitigation grant for Penn State
Jul 01, 2021

Burns urges libraries to apply for state grant program
Jun 30, 2021

Harkins, Merski announce nearly $103,000 in fire, EMS grants
Jun 30, 2021

Burns: Local fire companies receive $296,000 in state grants
Jun 29, 2021

Merski: Budget full of missed opportunities
Jun 26, 2021

Harkins votes for new budget, citing strong investments in education
Jun 25, 2021

Conklin issues 2021-22 budget statement
Jun 25, 2021

Burns backs no-tax bipartisan budget deal
Jun 25, 2021

Burns: House approves two bridge-naming proposals
Jun 25, 2021

Conklin announces hemp production grant for Penn State
Jun 25, 2021

Burns: $10 billion excess should fund property tax relief
Jun 24, 2021

Conklin: House Bill 1300 is nothing but ‘smoke and mirrors’
Jun 21, 2021

Burns named co-leader of House Steel Caucus
Jun 21, 2021

Merski kicks off 2021 ‘flag takeback’ program
Jun 14, 2021

Burns seeking nominations for annual Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award
Jun 14, 2021

Harkins: Nearly $1 million awarded to fight homelessness, fund home repairs, building improvements
Jun 10, 2021

Harkins, Merski: More than $1 million awarded to bolster Erie County probation services, substance abuse treatment and education
Jun 09, 2021

Merski bill to revitalize fitness industry heads to House chamber
Jun 09, 2021