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Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants

(Aug 26, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, Aug. 26 – Saying it creates an unfair situation that arbitrarily rewards some workers but not others, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, are calling on officials to revisit the state’s hazard pay grant program, which they claim unfairly excluded thousands of essential workers. In a letter to Dennis Davin, secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the lawmakers and several other colleagues from the Northwest Democratic Caucus are demanding a new round of grants. “Hazard pay is designed to compensate workers for braving dangerous conditions on the job,” Harkins said. “With the advent of the pandemic, the risks may arise in different ways, but they all amount to the same basic danger: the possibility of contracting a potentially deadly illness. It’s illogical and irresponsible for the state to separate out some workers as more deserving of hazard pay than others.” “Essential workers are just that – essential to the commonwealth,” Bizzarro said. “Whether they are transporting a patient by ambulance, providing nursing care or dispensing a prescription, they are all serving acute needs and, in the process, knowingly exposing themselves to danger. By selectively designating some essential workers as eligible for hazard pay but not others, we are suggesting that some are more deserving than others when nothing Read more

 

Merski chairs House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on instructing students during COVID-19

(Aug 25, 2020) Merski

ERIE, Aug. 25 – Ensuring safe education during the pandemic was the topic of a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing chaired by state Rep. Bob Merski today at the state Capitol. Merski, D-Erie, requested the hearing to bring lawmakers up to date on school district preparedness and ongoing needs. “Many schools will be providing regular, in-class instruction as we begin the new year,” Merski said. “School administrators and educators have worked hard to put detailed safety plans in place; this hearing was an opportunity for us to hear details of those plans and also learn what actions we can take here in Harrisburg to ensure continuing school safety for the duration of the pandemic." Merski and other lawmakers heard testimony from: Richard Emerick, superintendent of Fort LeBoeuf School District, and Ian Roberts, superintendent of Millcreek Township School District – Both officials testified about measures schools have implemented – including daily temperature checks, hand sanitization stations, reduced class sizes, reconfigured classrooms and staggered dismissal times, among other measures – to keep students and staff safe. Aaron Chapin, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association – Chapin testified regarding PSEA’s recommendations for emergency legislation, including, among other measures, a bill Merski is Read more

 

Merski, Bizzarro Harkins: Nearly $190,000 to help students with special needs retain crucial skills during pandemic

(Aug 20, 2020) Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Aug. 20 – Funding of $189,895 to six area schools and districts will help ensure Erie students with special needs are not left behind during the pandemic, state Reps. Bob Merski, Pat Harkins and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced. “One of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic from a learning standpoint has been the loss of classroom learning,” Merski said. “All students benefit from in-person instruction, but for students with special needs, specifically designed instruction can be essential. This funding will help provide those extra services to ensure students with special needs don’t fall behind and are prepared to tackle the new year with skills intact.” “Our exceptionally dedicated teachers and special education staff are doing what they can to ensure students with special needs don’t fall behind during the pandemic,” Bizzarro said. “Nevertheless, gaps in classroom learning have posed special challenges requiring additional resources. This funding is going to put those resources into educators’ hands so they are able to supplement remote learning with real-time instruction and ensure vulnerable students continue to thrive.” “Inclusion is the key to ensuring our next generation is equipped to face the future and step into good-paying jobs,” Harkins said. “But that means giving all of our students an equal opportunity to advance. When Read more

 

Rep. Mark Longietti's Summer 2020 Newsletter

(Aug 19, 2020) Northwest Delegation

Read Rep. Mark Longietti's Summer 2020 newsletter online! Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: New project to transform Wayne School building will bring jobs, new community resources to Erie

(Aug 14, 2020) Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

ERIE, Aug. 14 – An old building will take on new life as a hub of community resources for Erie residents, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the largely vacant Wayne School building will be transformed into multi-use space, with tenants providing job training, courses, affordable health care and other services. Funding comes from a New Markets Tax Credit transaction of $9.5 million that the Commonwealth Cornerstone Group has completed with the Erie Center for Arts and Technology. “The new center is going to provide services and opportunities that make life easier for residents,” Merski said. “One anchor tenant will be the Wayne Primary Care Clinic operated by Primary Health Network, which offers medical treatment on a sliding scale for low-income patients. “Another anchor tenant – The Erie Center for Arts and Technology – offers adult job training programs and expanded high school classes in photography and digital arts. It’s especially exciting to know that new resources are on the way to help Erie residents develop marketable job skills.” Harkins said, “The project itself is going to offer our community economic benefits in the way of new jobs. The work is expected to create 32 temporary, full-time construction jobs and, after the building is occupied, tenant employers are expected to create 29 jobs and retain 38 jobs paying Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: More than $125,000 in funding to ensure all Erie students can access online, remote learning

(Aug 07, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, Aug. 7 – Erie schools are receiving $125,100 in grant funding to ensure all students have the tools they need to access online and remote learning programs, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding – administered by the state Department of Education through the Continuity of Education and Equity Grant program – includes the following grants: Erie City School District – $45,000 Iroquois School District – $37,850 Perseus House Charter School of Excellence – $24,250 Erie Rise Leadership Academy Charter School – $18,000 “As the pandemic continues and many families remain reluctant to let their students to return to the classroom, remote learning is proving critical to keeping students engaged,” Harkins said. “Unfortunately, it is only effective if students have the tools they need to access the curriculum. This funding is going to help make that happen by allowing our schools to purchase laptops, tablets, mobile hot spots and other resources for students needing them.” Merski said, “Although online learning can’t provide the social and developmental benefits that come with an actual school environment, it’s the best possible resource we have right now to ensure our kids continue learning. But it’s critical that no student gets left behind because they can’t afford the Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $300,000 in funding to help Erie career and technical education resume safely

(Aug 06, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, Aug. 6 – Erie High School and Erie County Technical School are on track to receive $298,920 in federal funding to help both schools resume instruction while keeping students and staff safe, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The funding – including $182,819 to Erie High School and $116,101 to Erie County Technical School – comes from the CARES Act, which authorizes governors to determine the educational use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds. “Knowing this funding is on the way will give peace of mind to students and their families,” Harkins said. “I have received many calls from worried parents wanting to know if steps are being taken to ensure that their students will be safe. Thanks to this funding, the schools will be able to implement plans they have developed to ensure the safest possible environments.” Merski said, “The funding is coming at a critical time for our many students who are on paths to high-tech careers and the many employers who depend on a well-trained, talented pool of applicants. These grants will allow our students to resume learning in safe surroundings as they hone their skills for the modern workforce.” The funds may be used for a variety of resources, including protective equipment, hand sanitizer and cleaning products, equipment or technology to take classrooms online; installation of barriers or other Read more

 

Merski: Medical marijuana dispensary to create 24 new jobs in Erie

(Aug 06, 2020) Northwest Delegation

ERIE, Aug. 6 – A new medical marijuana dispensary will bring 24 new jobs to the area, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today. Merski said the state Department of Health yesterday approved Goodblend Pennsylvania LLC as the eighth and final clinical registrant of Pennsylvania’s first-in-the-nation medical marijuana research program. One of the company’s two dispensaries will be located on Erie’s West Side, with the other in Pittsburgh. “The health department’s approval yesterday brings the best possible news for our community because the dispensary is expected to create 24 full-time-equivalent jobs with family-sustaining wages,” Merski said. “It’s also exciting to know that we will be playing a role locally in a unique new program to research the health benefits of medical marijuana for patients with cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder and other serious medical conditions.” Merski said the new dispensary is expected to be located at 2178 W. 38 th Street in Erie. Companies participating in the new research program hold both growing/processing and dispensary permits and will partner with academic institutions around the state. Goodblend will be partnering with the University of Pittsburgh. Earlier this year, another participant, CannTech PA, LLC, contracted with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Read more

 

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski: $13,000 in COVID emergency relief to Erie Art Museum, Historical Society

(Aug 05, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, Aug. 5 – The Erie Art Museum and Erie Historical Society will receive $13,000 in federal funding to help with operations impacted by the pandemic, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The grants include $7,000 to the historical society and $6,000 to the art museum. “As we reopen, rebuild and restructure to adapt to life during the pandemic, it’s critical that we continue supporting these special places that showcase and preserve our unique Erie history and culture,” Merski said. “The artwork and documents they protect and display serve as a chronicle for future generations about how our community persevered and survived -- even during times of adversity. Keeping them operating is as important now as ever." Harkins said, “In addition to collecting and preserving unique and important art and artifacts, our Erie Art Museum and Historical Society do so much to keep our community educated and engaged through learning, community programs, classes and events. This funding will help ensure that these important community centers can continue operating to provide these services now and in the months to come.” Bizzarro said, “Through their exhibits and displays, our Erie Art Museum and Historical Society play an important role in attracting visitors and tourists to our area, which is important to our local economy. This funding is going Read more

 

Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants

(Aug 03, 2020) Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

ERIE, Aug. 3 – Grant funding of $512,227 will help Erie’s postsecondary education organizations implement plans to keep students learning as schools resume operations this fall, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski, and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the grants -- part of a package of $28 million in federal funding to organizations statewide – include the following: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania -- $239,640. Erie Institute of Technology Inc. -- $11,797. Gannon University -- $106,418. Great Lakes Institute of Technology -- $20,900. Mercyhurst University -- $133,472. “With this funding, our universities and tech institutes will be able to implement plans and purchase equipment to keep students learning in the safest possible ways – whether that’s through online instruction, in-person classes, or a combination of both,” Harkins said. “The money can be used for a variety of resources, from protective and sanitizing equipment to structural modifications to online technology.” “Although learning is most effective when it takes place in a live, energetic environment with real-time questions and demonstrations, the practical concerns raised by the pandemic mean that we have to sacrifice some aspects of that model,” Merski said. “With this funding and creative planning by school administrators, though, Read more

 

Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants

(Aug 03, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Aug. 3 – Grant funding of $512,227 will help Erie’s postsecondary education organizations implement plans to keep students learning as schools resume operations this fall, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski, and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the grants -- part of a package of $28 million in federal funding to organizations statewide – include the following: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania -- $239,640. Erie Institute of Technology Inc. -- $11,797. Gannon University -- $106,418. Great Lakes Institute of Technology -- $20,900. Mercyhurst University -- $133,472. “With this funding, our universities and tech institutes will be able to implement plans and purchase equipment to keep students learning in the safest possible ways – whether that’s through online instruction, in-person classes, or a combination of both,” Harkins said. “The money can be used for a variety of resources, from protective and sanitizing equipment to structural modifications to online technology.” “Although learning is most effective when it takes place in a live, energetic environment with real-time questions and demonstrations, the practical concerns raised by the pandemic mean that we have to sacrifice some aspects of that model,” Merski said. “With this funding and creative planning by school administrators, though, Read more

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro ask governor to remove 25% capacity limit on restaurants

(Jul 28, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, July 28 – State Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, have joined fellow lawmakers in calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to lift a recent restriction limiting bars and restaurants to 25% indoor capacity. In a letter to the governor co-signed by other members of the Northwest Delegation, the Erie lawmakers said the restriction does little to improve public safety while jeopardizing the survival of key local businesses. “Requiring local restaurants and bars to adhere to a 25% capacity rule will make it incredibly difficult for them to meet operating expenses and survive,” Harkins said. “Instead of punishing all restaurant and bar owners for the transgressions of a few, we should be better enforcing safety violations by the few and leaving our responsible business owners alone so they can help our community make an economic recovery.” Merski agreed, saying “ Protecting the health of our residents doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the viability of the local businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy. There is no reason to believe slashing capacity will enhance public safety, and there is no point in doing so if it will not change the behavior of the few bad actors responsible for the violations. “We need to reinstate the 50% capacity guideline before more residents are forced to resort to crossing state lines to dine out.” Bizzarro said, “We Read more

 

Harkins clarifies which workers are eligible for new hazard pay program

(Jul 21, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

ERIE, July 21 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, is hoping to resolve questions regarding which workers are eligible for hazard pay under a newly announced program providing $50 million in CARES Act funding to compensate frontline workers for job-related risks. “Since the new hazard pay program was announced, many people in the district have been asking me which workers qualify,” Harkins said. “I want to clarify that the program is designed to compensate direct, full-time and part-time employees in life-sustaining industries who earn less than $20/hour, excluding fringe benefits and overtime.” Harkins said employers must apply for the grants, which are available for the following industries: healthcare and social assistance ambulatory health care services hospitals nursing and residential care facilities transit and ground passenger transportation food manufacturing food retail facilities security services for eligible industries listed above and commercial industries that were not closed under the governor’s business closure order janitorial services to buildings and dwellings “I’m urging businesses, agencies, non-profits and Certified Economic Development Organizations with employees in any of these industries to apply,” Harkins said. “Our frontline workers risk their health and the health of their Read more

 

Erie legislators laud Regional Response Health Collaboration Program grant

(Jul 14, 2020) Erie Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 14 -- State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, today announced LECOM Health and UPMC Community Provider Services will receive $13.6 million to support COVID-19 readiness and response planning in long-term care facilities. The grants, awarded through the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program approved by the General Assembly, will help improve quality care related to infection prevention and allow long-term care facilities to expand COVID-19 testing to include asymptomatic staff and residents in facilities. “I am thrilled to see this investment in the fight against COVID-19 and protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” Bizzarro said. “Long-term care facility workers and residents need resources to help keep safe and mitigate the spread of this virus. When our health systems work together and the most innovative minds join forces, we can make meaningful progress in preserving the well-being of our community,” he explained. “It’s critically important to get this collaborative effort underway,” Merski said. “The pandemic’s effect on our long-term care facilities has been devastating, and we can’t attack the problem in a vacuum. By combining forces and pooling the best possible resources, professionals and information, we can help these facilities implement the kind of long-term planning and strategies they need to mitigate the Read more

 

Merski, Harkins remind area grocers, food retailers about COVID-19 relief fund

(Jul 10, 2020) Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

ERIE, July 10 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, want to be sure area grocery stores and other food retailers are aware of a new program designed to provide relief to these businesses impacted by the pandemic. The lawmakers said the Fresh Food Financing Initiative COVID-19 Relief Fund will support impacted businesses providing access to fresh, perishable and staple foods and will prioritize assistance to businesses located in and serving low-income communities. “Our small local grocers, food retailers and nonprofit distributors provide our community with critical access to fresh, nutritious foods – a resource that is more important than ever as residents strive to stay healthy during the pandemic,” Merski said. “But just as it has affected all businesses, COVID-19 has made it harder for these critical food retailers to continue operating. Harkins said, “This funding will help ensure that our community – and especially lower-income households –maintain access to the fresh, healthy food they need while also helping these key businesses contribute to our community’s economic health. We are urging all eligible local food retailers to apply.” Merski and Harkins said the program applies to traditional retailers as well as non-profit and cooperative entities such as corner stores and farmers markets. The applicant must: Read more

 

Harkins issues statement to resolve questions about REAL ID postponement

(Jul 08, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

ERIE, July 8 – Seeking to clear up confusion over postponement of the REAL ID deadline, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement: “I have been receiving a lot of calls from residents who have heard that the REAL ID enforcement deadline has been postponed to Oct. 1, 2021, but are confused about what this means and how it impacts them, so I am hoping to eliminate that confusion. “In response to 9/11, t he federal government passed the REAL ID Act to improve security and make it more difficult for terrorists or others intending harm to obtain a fake ID. The act tightened the requirements for getting a driver’s license or identification card that federal authorities would accept by requiring the person applying to meet a higher standard for showing proof of identity. “States are still free to issue – and residents are still free to get – standard driver’s licenses and identification cards that are not based on those more rigorous proof requirements. “Once enforcement of the act begins on Oct. 1, 2021, however, residents will no longer be able to use those standard licenses or ID cards as proof of identification for certain activities, including boarding a domestic commercial flight or visiting a military base or other high-security federal facility. Instead, people will have to present either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or will have Read more

 

Bizzarro, Merski, Harkins: Nearly $10,000 in pandemic relief to local arts and cultural organizations

(Jul 06, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, July 6 – Five local organizations dedicated to arts, culture and behavioral health will receive $9,650 in CARES Act funding to help stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The Erie lawmakers said the organizations – the Erie Philharmonic, the Erie Playhouse, the Erie Art Museum, Erie Arts & Culture and Stairways Behavioral Health – will each receive $1,930. “These grants will help support the arts in our community and ensure they maintain their position as economic drivers,” Bizzarro said. “The arts are a vital part of our state, and many Pennsylvanians go on to play a role in the industry globally. It’s key that we make sure our arts organizations have the support necessary to bounce back from this pandemic and continue to create and inspire.” Merski said, “The arts enrich our Erie community in so many ways. They bring us together across cultural lines through shared enjoyment of performances, and they encourage expression of diverse stories. They inspire young minds, and they stimulate economic growth by drawing other businesses and commercial activity to the area. Our arts, cultural and behavioral health organizations have been hit hard by the pandemic, and this funding will help provide support they need to continue operating.” Harkins said, “Arts and cultural institutions Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Extended benefits available for those who have exhausted other UC benefits

(Jun 30, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, June 30 – Pennsylvanians who have exhausted their regular unemployment compensation and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits may qualify for an additional 13 weeks of extended benefits, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today . The lawmakers said the additional payments are available under the state’s Unemployment Compensation Extended Benefits Program, which becomes available when Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate reaches a certain level determined by law. “The extended benefits program was put in place to help working families who find themselves in severe financial straits through no fault of their own,” Harkins said. “The eligibility requirements are the same as for regular UC benefits, and applicants who qualify may receive half the amount of regular UC for which they were eligible. That means an applicant who was financially eligible for 26 weeks of UC may receive 13 weeks of EB payments.” Merski said, “Extended benefits can provide critical assistance for Erie families at a time like this. The benefits become payable only after an applicant has exhausted current PEUC benefits, but I urge anyone who may qualify to learn more about the program now. The Department of Labor and Industry will also be mailing information to those who potentially qualify.” The legislators said that to be eligible, an applicant must: Be totally or Read more

 

Merski, Harkins support bill to permit fireworks regulation

(Jun 30, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, June 30 – Citing growing frustration by residents over neighborhood fireworks noise, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, have signed on to legislation that would permit municipalities to regulate their use. “While most of us understand the well-loved tradition of celebrating warm-weather holidays with fireworks, the unintended consequence of expanding firework sales a few years back has been the chronic disruption of entire neighborhoods, especially in urban areas,” Merski said. “This legislation would help address the problem of fireworks in urban areas at all hours of the day and night and would strike a balance between permitting their safe, responsible use on one hand, and preserving residents’ right to peace and calm on the other.” Harkins said, “This issue has been simmering for some time, with residents calling to complain about terrified pets, disrupted sleep schedules and even traumatized loved ones who suffer from post-traumatic stress. This bill would bring some commonsense measures – including time-of-day limitations prohibiting fireworks use after certain hours – to help solve the problem.” According to the co-sponsorship memorandum , in addition to permitting municipalities to set and enforce regulations, the bill would limit fireworks use to between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday Read more

 

Harkins, Wentling measure to cast wider net for Lake Erie fishing permit funding options lands on governor’s desk

(Jun 26, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

ERIE, June 26 - On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House once again approved a measure introduced by Reps. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, and Parke Wentling, R-Crawford/Erie/Lawrence/Mercer, which would broaden the allocation of proceeds from Lake Erie fishing permits or stamps issued by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. “Put simply, the purpose of our legislation is to expand the types of fishing-related projects, such as marina improvements, installing additional fish cleaning stations and many other angler attracting incentives, that can be funded through revenue generated by the sale of Lake Erie fishing permits,” said Wentling. “Once enacted, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission would have greater flexibility in determining the best ways to invest these funds to improve and expand public fishing opportunities at Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries.” Originally introduced as House Bill 1187, the language of the bill was inserted into House Bill 808 which was concurred by the House and sent to the governor’s desk. “We have been working on this legislation for the last six years and it is great to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel,” said Harkins. “It has been a pleasure to work with the many stakeholders to make sure that their wishes and concerns are considered. There is always a great need along the shores of Lake Erie to make sure our sportsmen and women Read more

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants
Aug 26, 2020

Merski chairs House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on instructing students during COVID-19
Aug 25, 2020

Merski, Bizzarro Harkins: Nearly $190,000 to help students with special needs retain crucial skills during pandemic
Aug 20, 2020

Rep. Mark Longietti's Summer 2020 Newsletter
Aug 19, 2020

Merski, Harkins: New project to transform Wayne School building will bring jobs, new community resources to Erie
Aug 14, 2020

Merski, Harkins: More than $125,000 in funding to ensure all Erie students can access online, remote learning
Aug 07, 2020

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $300,000 in funding to help Erie career and technical education resume safely
Aug 06, 2020

Merski: Medical marijuana dispensary to create 24 new jobs in Erie
Aug 06, 2020

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski: $13,000 in COVID emergency relief to Erie Art Museum, Historical Society
Aug 05, 2020

Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants
Aug 03, 2020

Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants
Aug 03, 2020

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro ask governor to remove 25% capacity limit on restaurants
Jul 28, 2020

Harkins clarifies which workers are eligible for new hazard pay program
Jul 21, 2020

Erie legislators laud Regional Response Health Collaboration Program grant
Jul 14, 2020

Merski, Harkins remind area grocers, food retailers about COVID-19 relief fund
Jul 10, 2020

Harkins issues statement to resolve questions about REAL ID postponement
Jul 08, 2020

Bizzarro, Merski, Harkins: Nearly $10,000 in pandemic relief to local arts and cultural organizations
Jul 06, 2020

Harkins, Merski: Extended benefits available for those who have exhausted other UC benefits
Jun 30, 2020

Merski, Harkins support bill to permit fireworks regulation
Jun 30, 2020

Harkins, Wentling measure to cast wider net for Lake Erie fishing permit funding options lands on governor’s desk
Jun 26, 2020