News Center

Bizzarro introduces resolution designating Nov. 22 as Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day

(Sep 24, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro introduced a resolution in the PA House of Representatives designating November 22nd as Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro upholds support of schools setting rules on sports and spectators

(Sep 23, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

HARRISBURG, Sept. 23 -- State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro affirmed his support of high school sports, and Pennsylvania school districts’ authority to make decisions regarding whether or not sports-related activities will resume, with a vote to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of H.B. 2787. The vote was 130-71, five votes short of the number needed to override the governor’s veto. “The Pennsylvania Department of Education came to the conclusion that schools are capable of making their own decisions regarding a return to sports. The governor’s interjection and failure to listen to his own administration’s recommendation leave me puzzled,” Bizzarro resolved. “While no doubt, the governor’s efforts have saved lives in the beginning of this pandemic, we now know more about COVID-19 and how to carry out mitigation efforts that help us have some sense of a new normal.” “Districts across the state are better equipped to determine how safety measures, including wearing masks and social distancing, can be done in their stadiums and gyms. We trust them with the care of Pennsylvania’s children every day they go to school; they should be trusted in their efforts to maintain some normalcy in what’s been a trying time for our communities,” Bizzarro explained. Read more

 

Eighth annual Senior Health Expo taking place

(Sep 21, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Today, State Representative Ryan Bizzarro is holding his eighth annual Senior Health Fair, and like many events in 2020, this year’s health expo is going to look a little different. Read more

 

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro holds annual Senior Health Fair

(Sep 21, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro held his eighth annual Senior Health Fair.This year those who participated in the Senior Health Expo did not have to leave their car Read more

 

Local butcher receives $350,000 in funding to expand store into a boutique market

(Sep 18, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

A local butcher is receiving $350,000 in funding to continue serving the Erie area. Read more

 

Senior Health Expo 2020 to be held as a drive-thru event

(Sep 18, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro will modify his 8th annual Senior Fair by hosting it as drive-thru event. Read more

 

REP. BIZZARRO: Gordon’s Butcher & Market to receive $350,000 Fresh Food Financing grant

(Sep 17, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said he is thrilled to announce Gordon’s Butcher Market is set to receive $350,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Food Financing Initiative. The FFFI is a statewide public-private financing program investing in new or expanding grocery and healthy food retail outlets in Pennsylvania, especially those serving low-income communities. Gordon’s Butcher & Market is one of 115 recipients selected statewide. “Gordon’s has been vital to several in our community by providing access to quality meat, produce, dairy and essential supplies. Even during this pandemic, they’ve continued to supply essential, high quality life-sustaining goods and services to all in our community safely,” said Bizzarro. Gordon’s announced the grant on the market’s Instagram account saying, “We cannot thank Ryan Bizzarro enough for his efforts on helping us attain this initiative and we promise the investment will be so amazing for the area and everyone in the neighborhood.” Gordon’s Butcher & Market will use the grant to expand and improve their footprint in a struggling underserved local market, expanding the store into a boutique market called “Gordon’s South Market” offering affordable high-quality meats, seafood, produce, and essential goods. “Having Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro resolution designates September 2020 ‘Light the Night Walk’ Month

(Sep 17, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – The state House today unanimously adopted state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro’s H.R. 978 recognizing the importance of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s ‘Light the Night Walk’ events. Bizzarro, a leukemia survivor, introduced H.R. 978, which designates September 2020 as “Light the Night Walk Month” in Pennsylvania, raising awareness of blood cancers and support of survivors and their families. “Light the Night walks help to bring light to the darkness of cancer, showing support of those living with cancer and bringing awareness to blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma,” Bizzarro said. “These events are a community display of care to those living with cancer – and their families – and a way to remember those who lost their battle.” The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society reports the events have generated more than $1.3 billion to critical research initiatives aimed at identifying treatments and potential cures for blood cancers. As a result of COVID-19, 2020 Light the Night events will be held virtually. Bizzarro said he encourages those interested in participating to visit www.lightthenight.org for information. Read more

 

Gordon's Butcher & Market to Receive $350,000 Fresh Food Financing Grant

(Sep 17, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Gordon's Butcher Market is the recipient of a $350,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI), state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced Thursday. Read more

 

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski: Nearly $257,000 in grants to bolster Erie arts, cultural, natural science attractions impacted by pandemic

(Sep 15, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Sept. 15 – Four grants totaling $256,916 will help key Erie arts, cultural and natural science attractions offset revenue losses caused by the pandemic, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the grants approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority include $125,052 to the Erie Zoological Society, $63,179 to the Erie Philharmonic, $43,685 to the Erie Playhouse and $25,000 to the expERIEnce Children’s Museum. “Erie has a wealth of unique resources, from our community of talented artists, musicians and performers to our museums and zoo,” Bizzarro said. “Unfortunately, the organizations that showcase those resources – and enhance area tourism – have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. Securing this funding will help them offset losses and regain strength so they can resume their role in enriching our community and stimulating our economy.” Harkins said, “Like other businesses and organizations, many of the attractions that make our Erie community special – our philharmonic, playhouse, children’s museum and zoo – have felt the impact of empty concert halls and exhibit rooms. Our unique zoo – which has served our region for more than 90 years and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually – has lost more than $1.6 million in revenue. These grants will help bolster these beloved Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro to host drive thru senior fair Sept. 21

(Sep 15, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said he is modifying his eighth annual senior fair to make it safer for seniors and their caregivers to gain access to vital state information, programs and services. The eighth annual senior fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 at the Waldameer Park parking lot off Peninsula Drive as a drive-thru event. “It’s important that we continue this annual tradition of connecting senior residents with the information they need on state programs available to them,” Bizzarro said. “COVID-19 added an additional challenge to the planning, but this drive-thru format will reduce the risk and still allow us to connect with our senior residents.” More information is available by calling Bizzarro’s office at 814-835-2880 or visiting the office at 1101 Peninsula Dr., Suite 213, in Peninsula Plaza. Read more

 

Reps. Bizzarro, Harkins and Merski announce $74,000+ grant to LECOM

(Sep 10, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, Sept. 10 – Erie state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski and Pat Harkins today announced $74,376 was allocated to Lake Erie College of Medicine to improve educational services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant, awarded through the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds, aims to help schools and other educational agencies implement public health and safety plans to resume safe operations this fall. “Students deserve access to a quality educational experience and through these unprecedented times, this funding will help LECOM continue to provide that. This pandemic has caused many life disruptions, but it’s also shown us a resiliency and determination to come out stronger, smarter and more considerate. These resources will help LECOM prepare a whole new workforce that will be equipped for the challenges of tomorrow,” Bizzarro said. Merski said, “As a former teacher, I know that the safety of our students and staff is paramount as we educate during the pandemic. This grant will help LECOM and our local education providers develop the best plans to resume teaching while at the same time ensuring that students enjoy the safest possible learning environment.” Harkins said, “LECOM’s dedicated educators and administrators are committed to providing exceptional training for young adults, but the pandemic has made that more complicated. Securing this funding Read more

 

LECOM awarded $74000 grant to improve educational services during COVID-19 pandemic

(Sep 10, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

State Representatives Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced that a total of $74,376 was allocated to LECOM to “improve educational services amidst the COVID-19 pandemid,” according to a news release Thursday afternoon. Read more

 

Bizzarro: All Frontline Workers Deserve Hazard Pay

(Aug 27, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Pa. state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is fighting for more support for our state’s frontline workers, many who have yet to receive hazard pay. Read more

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants

(Aug 26, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

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

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants

(Aug 26, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Pa. state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is fighting for more support for our state’s frontline workers, many who have yet to receive hazard pay. Read more

 

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

(Aug 20, 2020) 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

 

Several Local Schools to Receive Funding to Help Special Needs Students Amid Pandemic

(Aug 20, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Several Local Schools to Receive Funding to Help Special Needs Students Amid Pandemic Read more

 

Fall 2020 Newsletter

(Aug 18, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

A summary of how Rep. Bizzarro is working for the community in Erie and Harrisburg. Read more

 

Hazard Pay Grants will help bolster Erie frontline worker pay

(Aug 17, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

Hazard Pay Grants will help bolster Erie frontline worker pay HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 -- Thanks to the COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grants, Erie businesses will receive $331,800 to boost pay to front-line workers helping the community through the pandemic announced Erie state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski. The following Erie-based service providers were awarded grants through the program to help boost essential workers’ pay from Aug. 16 through Oct. 24: $183,600 - LifeServices Management Corp., Westlake Woods Assisted Living Community, Southwoods Assisted Living Community, Hawthorne Woods Assisted Living Community, Richland Woods Assisted Living Community, and The Winds at Mattern Orchard Assisted Living Community. $169,440 - The Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center. “These grants will help front-line workers earn a living wage as they jeopardize their, and their family’s, health and safety by going to work, keeping shelves stocked, caring for children, keeping health care facilities clean, transporting our neighbors and more,” Bizzarro said. “Specifically, the workers of Erie’s care facilities have faced many challenges caring for our most at-risk population and their hard work and dedication more than deserves this boost in pay.” “Since the start of the pandemic, assisted living and nursing care workers have shown up day after day – under the Read more

 

Bizzarro introduces resolution designating Nov. 22 as Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day
Sep 24, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro upholds support of schools setting rules on sports and spectators
Sep 23, 2020

Eighth annual Senior Health Expo taking place
Sep 21, 2020

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro holds annual Senior Health Fair
Sep 21, 2020

Local butcher receives $350,000 in funding to expand store into a boutique market
Sep 18, 2020

Senior Health Expo 2020 to be held as a drive-thru event
Sep 18, 2020

REP. BIZZARRO: Gordon’s Butcher & Market to receive $350,000 Fresh Food Financing grant
Sep 17, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro resolution designates September 2020 ‘Light the Night Walk’ Month
Sep 17, 2020

Gordon's Butcher & Market to Receive $350,000 Fresh Food Financing Grant
Sep 17, 2020

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski: Nearly $257,000 in grants to bolster Erie arts, cultural, natural science attractions impacted by pandemic
Sep 15, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro to host drive thru senior fair Sept. 21
Sep 15, 2020

Reps. Bizzarro, Harkins and Merski announce $74,000+ grant to LECOM
Sep 10, 2020

LECOM awarded $74000 grant to improve educational services during COVID-19 pandemic
Sep 10, 2020

Bizzarro: All Frontline Workers Deserve Hazard Pay
Aug 27, 2020

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

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

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

Several Local Schools to Receive Funding to Help Special Needs Students Amid Pandemic
Aug 20, 2020

Fall 2020 Newsletter
Aug 18, 2020

Hazard Pay Grants will help bolster Erie frontline worker pay
Aug 17, 2020