So, after controlling the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 24 of the last 28 years and controlling the state Senate nonstop since 1995 — 1995! — and delivering a record of failure the Washington Generals would mock, Republicans are claiming they want sanity and compromise. Read more
“People with disabilities drive, and – like many of us – they have concerns and needs,” Bizzarro said. “Unfortunately, until this bill is signed into law, people with disabilities do not always have a seat at the table when it comes to PennDOT’s Medical Advisory Board. This bill would provide more equal representation, and it would ensure the needs and concerns of drivers with disabilities are heard at the state level.” Read more
“Having a broad range of programs and services is key to keeping our area’s active seniors engaged and connected, and the center does a terrific job with plenty of classes and activities of all kinds,” Conklin said. Read more
“Motorists will have an opportunity to fill out the MV-44 application for a replacement plate, and a state trooper on site will sign off on the form if the plate qualifies," Merski said. Read more
“Service and sacrifice are more than a calling for these residents – they are a way of life," Harkins said. "Now, as they enjoy their golden years, it’s incumbent on us to make sure they have the quality of life they deserve. I’m thrilled to be working with fellow council members and the home’s dedicated staff and administrators to keep that legacy of care and respect going.” Read more
Having set standards in place for issues like obtaining approval, setting fees and installing the cable would help save taxpayer dollars and streamline the process," Merski said. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, May 11 – New funding of up to $400,000 will boost Centre County resources to fight substance use disorder, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding from the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will allow Pinnacle Treatment to expand programs for residents in Centre and Washington counties. “Although existing programs and outreach have made inroads in the fight against substance use disorder, too many residents and the families who love them still feel the devastating impact of addiction,” Conklin said. “Securing this funding will allow us to expand the kinds of evidence-based treatment programs, recovery and peer supports, education and other resources that can get more folks back on the path to productive lives.” The funding – which is provided from the opioid settlement funds appropriated to DDAP by the General Assembly – is for a 12-month period beginning July 1, through June 30, 2024. Funds may be applied to a range of activities, including building infrastructure, staffing and evidence-based programming. More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DDAP_details.aspx?newsid=275 . Read more
ERIE, May 9 – New funding of up to $400,000 will expand resources for area residents battling substance use disorders, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will go to Bethany Christian of Western PA to expand resources for residents in Erie and Crawford counties. “Despite dedicated professionals and a supportive community network, we still are not making the inroads we need to be making when it comes to fighting substance use disorders,” Merski said. “The new funding – along with recently announced funding for development of a recovery hub – brings reason for hope because it will allow us to develop new evidence-based programs, expand those that are working, and broaden community outreach and education.” Harkins said, “As important a role family and community can play, we need to be bringing additional resources to this fight. The additional DDAP funding will allow us to expand resources like medication-assisted treatment, recovery and peer supports and other programs that can help return more folks to their families and productive lives in our community.” The funding – which is provided from the opioid settlement funds appropriated to DDAP by the General Assembly – is for a 12-month period beginning July 1, through June 30, 2024. Funds may Read more
"Today, the House took a critical step toward better protecting hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania workers," Harkins said. Read more
“For high school students contemplating career paths, the chance to enroll in postsecondary education classes can be a great way to explore emerging interests and gain confidence in their academic and technical skills." Read more
“Hurtful, stigmatizing language has no place in our public law books,” Harkins said. Read more
"By giving election workers the time they need to tabulate votes, my bill would expedite the process and help eliminate the delays that can slow or obstruct a fair, democratic process.” Read more
“People with disabilities deserve the opportunity to have their needs recognized and their voices heard,” Bizzarro said. “My bill would ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table when it comes to obtaining a driver’s license. We are one step closer to guaranteeing more equal representation for the needs and concerns of all Pennsylvania residents.” Read more
ERIE, April 12 – The Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse will have access to as much as $500,000 in grant funding for establishing a regional recovery hub, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. “Recent data comparing counties statewide shows a comparatively high rate of overdose deaths for Erie,” Merski said. “Bringing these numbers down will require a full-scale effort to increase access to education, specialized treatment programs and other state and local resources that can break the cycle of dependence and promote recovery. “The new funding to support a recovery hub is a great step forward because it will allow a comprehensive approach that promotes multiple paths to recovery.” Harkins said, “Recovery hubs are a promising strategy for combatting substance use disorder and returning folks to productive places in our community. The new funding will allow the county to assess our region’s needs and work with other local organizations to develop a plan that combines recovery services, peer and family supports and other resources that engage the community.” The funding comes from the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and is part of a package of $4 million awarded to organizations statewide to establish regional recovery hubs. Grants will be awarded for the 15-month period beginning July 1, 2023, through September 29, 2024. Read more
“A college education is not the perfect fit or even a possibility for every student,” said Rep. Roni Green, who hosted the hearing. “I am a product and living proof of that reality, having graduated from Dobbins Technical School, and I can honestly say the education and skills I learned in technical education have helped me throughout my life.” Read more
“With more and more people voting by mail-in ballot, tabulating ballots and releasing election results is taking county boards of elections much longer,” Conklin said. Read more
The lawmakers said the funding will allow the department to purchase several new vehicles and electric bicycles. Read more
“Our committee will be reviewing and selecting ‘legacy’ projects – infrastructure improvements and similar projects designed to welcome regional, national and international tourists," Merski said. “It’s an exciting assignment for what is going to be an amazing celebration." Read more
“State grant funding can be a lifeline for small businesses and nonprofits, but it's critical to know how to tap into that funding,” Merski said. “Our workshop will help participants learn about the different funding sources and how to maximize their return.” Read more
“We have heard the outcry that municipalities can’t afford this, and my response has always been, what price are we placing on human life?” Rep. Pat Harkins said. “It’s truly a shame if we can’t afford to protect our workers. Where is the justice and where is the opportunity for justice? That’s why I’m pushing House Bill 299.” Read more
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