Funding will assist with expansion loop in Ebensburg, Blacklick Read more
PENNVEST grants will help offset costs, keep rates low Read more
Burns previously worked with local residents to save area from windfarm Read more
HARRISBURG, April 21 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced will receive grants totaling $ 63,083 from the state's Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. “The great outdoors have given our community a reprieve from the difficulties of this past year and I am always happy to see state dollars come back to Erie. Investing in maintaining and improving outdoor space helps keep Erie healthy and thriving,” Bizzarro said. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will use their $63,083 grant to aid with invasive species control on high priority sites in Northwestern Pennsylvania including Erie County. The Commonwealth Financing Authority’s GTRP funds planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Read more
Grants ensure equality in state funding Read more
Grant to help with impacts of pandemic on program Read more
ERIE, April 14 – A $50,000 state grant will provide pandemic assistance to a critical Erie community development organization, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding to the Erie Downtown Partnership will allow the collaborative to replenish resources exhausted by the pandemic. “As COVID created new and immediate concerns for businesses and neighborhoods, community development organizations like Erie Downtown Partnership were forced to shift priorities from long-term revitalization and renewal to addressing more urgent community needs, and they are playing an important part in our recovery” Merski said. “This funding will help replenish resources for the collaborative so it can continue its vital role in rebuilding our downtown.” Harkins said: “Our business community and neighborhoods have faced unprecedented challenges over the past year, but Erie’s partnership of business and property owners, organizations and other stakeholders have been tireless in their resolve to get us back on the path to recovery. This funding is an investment that keeps us moving in that direction.” The grant is part of a package of nearly $2 million to 43 projects statewide that have been approved for funding under the COVID-19 Relief - Supporting Elm and Main program. The Read more
Grant will help expand access to STEM in rural areas Read more
ERIE, April 13 – Grant funding of $237,909 from the state Department of Education will bring a tech-enriched curriculum – including classes in robotics and coding – to students at Erie RISE Leadership Academy Charter School, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding under the PAsmart Advancing Grants program promises to help low-income and minority students compete in an increasingly tech-intensive modern workplace. “Being tech-savvy is no longer considered an added bonus in the workplace – it’s a required skill that employers are demanding for most high-paying, family-sustaining jobs,” Merski said. “Securing this funding is going to help level the playing field for students in underserved, low-income communities by teaching them skills that provide an entry into computer science and tech fields.” Harkins said, “The funding to Erie RISE is exciting because it will allow the school to add to its curriculum in ways that we know provide a pathway to good jobs. By teaching skills like robotics and coding, we’re giving kids a foundation in the kinds of concrete, tech-based subjects that allow them to compete later on. We’re also building a stronger pool of candidates for local employers and earners who can invest that money back into the community.” Read more
ERIE, April 12 – Erie anglers will enjoy enhanced fishing opportunities thanks to $804,200 in newly awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers – both members of the House Game and Fisheries Committee – said most projects are being funded through the Erie Access Improvement Grant Program, which was recently expanded based on legislation co-authored by Harkins and Erie colleague Rep. Parke Wentling. “Our legislation created greater flexibility to use the proceeds of fishing permit revenue by expanding permissible projects beyond access and habitat related projects to all public fishing-related projects,” Harkins said. “We wanted to see folks benefit more broadly from the fees they pay into the system. That flexibility is now there, and it’s terrific to see it yielding results for local anglers.” Merski said, “It’s great to see these dollars going back into funding projects to enrich recreational opportunities on the water. Projects like the pier are especially exciting because they will allow more residents – including veterans who may have mobility issues – to get there and cast their lines.” The lawmakers said the following projects are funded by the Erie Access Improvement program: $202,200 to Western Read more
HARRISBURG, April 12 – As Pennsylvania expands vaccine eligibility, the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from the manufacturers tirelessly working to develop safe and effective vaccines for global use. At a Policy Committee hearing today, testifiers included representatives from Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Pfizer, who provided details on the technology behind the development of the COVID-19 vaccines and how the United States can reach herd immunity. Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and state Reps. Patty Kim and Darisha Parker facilitated the hearing, where Amy Walker, director of Infectious Diseases Policy for Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Lisa Coen, senior director, Vaccine Public Affairs with Pfizer, shared insight into the science behind the creation of COVID-19 vaccines, ongoing research, development and trials. Walker shared that five presidents, both Democratic and Republican, have been vaccinated, highlighting that the vaccines have received bipartisan support. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have conversations based on science and fact. These vaccines will save lives and I encourage everyone eligible and interested to take the advice of scientists and medical professionals and help put this pandemic behind us,” Bizzarro implored. “It is important for us to hear this testimony today, especially for my constituents,” Parker said. “Communities of color have battled COVID extra Read more
Project will create multi-use area for school, community Read more
Bill provides fix for administrative error that sunk constitutional amendment Read more
HARRISBURG, April 7 – A measure to make changes to state law to allow small games of chance licensees, including veterans’ organizations, fire departments, and other nonprofit groups, to conduct online games and online transactions passed in the House today, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said H.B.290 will be a true lifeline to these organizations across Pennsylvania. “Many of our volunteer organizations in Centre County and across our state, who give so much of their time and support to our communities, have been gravely impacted during this ongoing pandemic,” said Conklin. “They rely on raffles and small games of chance to keep their doors open, and this bipartisan bill will allow them to stay in operation.” The bill now heads to the Senate for further action. Read more
Calls for ‘strategic investments’ by Johnstown, Cambria County Read more
Program helps offset costs of county recycling programs Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 – A newly introduced bill by state Rep. Bob Merski would assist the many Pennsylvania breweries, wineries and distilleries that have been hurt by the pandemic but are ineligible for relief under the current hospitality industry recovery program. Merski, D-Erie, said his H.B. 1069 would provide a helping hand to local alcohol producers that fail to qualify for relief under the existing COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program because they are not classified as businesses that provide accommodations or serve food or drink on the premises. “Pennsylvania’s breweries, wineries and distilleries play a vital role in the state’s economy, employing thousands and contributing billions annually in revenue,” Merski said. “Like so many industries, however, they have not escaped the impact of the pandemic. Despite creative strategies to counter the loss of sales from bar and restaurant closures, many – especially those with limited distribution channels – have struggled. “Because many wineries, distilleries and craft breweries do not have on-premises dining, they are not eligible for relief under the existing COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Relief Program. My bill would change that by ensuring that these important producers have access to a critical funding source.” Merski said the bill has been assigned to the House Liquor Control Committee and that he hopes to see it reach the full House Read more
More efficient diesel buses will improve air conditions Read more
Funding to help schools address academic loss due to pandemic Read more
ERIE, March 29 – Erie school districts and charter schools are expected to receive a combined $115.1 million in federal funding to ensure services and safety measures are in place as more students return to the classroom, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding will address a wide range of needs, from restoring gaps in learning during the pandemic to fulfilling the need for new supplies and materials. “The pandemic strained school budgets, tested the limits of online learning and left educators and school officials with a litany of new challenges,” said Merski. “This funding will allow schools to allocate resources where they are most needed to ensure programs can address gaps in learning, replenish shrinking supplies and guarantee the resources needed to ensure a safe and successful return to the classroom.” Harkins said, “Securing this funding is going to help ensure that our school buildings are safe, students are well supported and teachers and other staff have the resources needed to make our way back to traditional classroom learning without leaving anyone behind.” The lawmakers said schools in Erie’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Legislative Districts will receive the following: Erie City School District – $60.7 million. Fort LeBoeuf School District – $3.5 million. Millcreek Read more
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