ERIE, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Bob Merski is encouraging Erie residents to donate to “Coats and More for Kids” – a winter weather coat drive he is hosting Oct. 8-15 at his district office. Merski, D-Erie, said he is partnering with United Way of Erie to make sure every family has the warm-weather gear they need before the mercury starts plummeting. “Any parent or caregiver knows how quickly kids grow out of clothes,” Merski said. “That may be a simple nuisance for some households, but for others, keeping kids outfitted from year to year can be a real problem. “With another harsh Erie winter on the horizon, I’m encouraging residents to donate jackets, coats, scarves, caps, mittens, boots – even snow pants – to ensure every family has what they need to keep kids warm and protected.” Merski said residents should bring new or gently used items to his 3901 Liberty St. office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Friday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 15. Anyone with questions should call the office at (814) 455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Oct. 5 – To highlight National Hispanic Heritage Month, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, is hosting a virtual town hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 to highlight contributions by Erie residents of Hispanic heritage and discuss issues of importance to them. “Erie residents of Hispanic heritage have made our community infinitely richer through their diverse multicultural influences and contributions,” Merski said. “Our live online event Oct. 7 will give us a chance to hear from and celebrate some of those residents while also providing a forum to discuss issues of importance, including how Erie can be a more inclusive community. “I encourage everyone in the community to participate or tune in.” Those interested in attending the live online Teams event should send their name and e-mail address to Merski’s office by emailing RepMerski@pahouse.net or calling (814) 455-6319. The event will also be livestreamed on Merski’s Facebook page. For more information, those interested can contact Merski’s office at (814) 455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Oct. 5 – Pregnant and postpartum women recovering from substance use disorder will have greater support as they transition from treatment to the Erie community, thanks to $583,153 in funding, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding to Allegheny Health Network will help the organization provide pregnancy support services and make referrals for outpatient treatment. “Getting through recovery can be difficult enough, but for pregnant or postpartum women, the added health and financial challenges can be overwhelming,” Harkins said. “Securing this funding will provide these Erie residents the added support and outpatient treatment they need to make a healthy return to productive lives.” Merski said, “After inpatient recovery treatment ends, expectant or postpartum moms need ongoing support to make a successful transition to the community. The funding announced today will help ensure services are in place to help them navigate the health-related, logistical and financial issues that may arise as they embrace the responsibilities of parenthood.” The funding – administered by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – is part of a package of more than $12 million in grants announced today to help Pennsylvanians in recovery. That funding is part of a larger package of $55 million in federal money awarded to Pennsylvania Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 5 – Residents in Beaver and Allegheny counties recovering from substance use disorder will benefit from new supports, thanks to nearly $1.3 million in grant funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding will help several area organizations provide employment and pregnancy-related support services to Beaver and Allegheny County residents in recovery. “People recovering from substance use disorder work hard to get through treatment and return to productive lives, but their success depends on access to ongoing support,” Matzie said. “This funding will provide that support by helping residents in recovery get jobs and ensuring pregnant and postpartum women have the services they need for a healthy return to the community.” Matzie said the following organizations are receiving funding to serve residents in Beaver, Allegheny, and several other counties: Life’s Work of Western PA (employment support services) - $387,500. Allegheny Health Network (pregnancy/postpartum support services) – $583,153. Center for Community Resources Inc. (pregnancy/postpartum support services) – $296,092. In addition, Matzie said two organizations serving Allegheny County residents will receive $1.1 million. They include $700,000 to Sage’s Army, which provides community recovery and support Read more
ERIE, Oct. 1 – Grant funding of $198,000 will help level the connectivity playing field for students in the Fort LeBoeuf School District by ensuring they have access to the internet and tech resources they need to learn. Merski, D-Erie, said the funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund includes $144,000 to secure internet services and $54,000 for tech equipment. “Kids benefit greatly from online learning support outside the classroom, and access to internet and tech tools are key components of that support,” Merski said. “Unfortunately, providing that access can be difficult for some households. This funding is going to help close the digital divide by ensuring that all students stay connected.” Merski said the grant is part of a package of $20 million in funding to school districts statewide under the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a temporary fund created through the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Federal Communications Commission. The fund helps schools and libraries cover costs associated with digital devices such as laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, educators and library patrons who currently lack sufficient access to broadband and connected devices. More about the awards is available here . The grant is part of the first wave of ECF Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 1 – More than $140,000 in grant funding will help close connectivity gaps for students in the Ambridge Area School District by ensuring all students have access to internet and technology resources, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund will help schools and libraries ensure students have equal access to tech tools that are so important for off-campus learning. “Digital access is key to helping reinforce what kids learn in the classroom, but for some, access to those tools is not a given,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help us close the digital divide and ensure all kids have the access they need to achieve, regardless of household income.” Matzie said the program will help schools and libraries cover costs associated with digital devices such as laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, educators and library patrons who currently lack sufficient access to broadband and connected devices. The funding is part of a package of $20 million in funding to school districts statewide under the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a temporary fund created through the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Federal Communications Commission. More about the awards is Read more
ERIE, Sept. 30 – With flu season fast approaching, state Rep. Bob Merski is partnering with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to host a drive-through flu shot clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at his 3901 Liberty St. office. Merski said the clinic will provide a quick and easy way for residents to strengthen their immunity before flu activity intensifies. “Although it’s hard to predict the exact timing and intensity of flu season on any given year, we know influenza activity usually starts increasing in October and grows more widespread as the season wears on, peaking between December and February,” Merski said. “I’m encouraging Erie residents to get an early jump on protection now, by visiting my October 6 clinic.” Merski said participants must bring their insurance cards to get a shot. Pre-registration is not required, but participants will be asked to complete a form on-site. Residents wishing to complete the form in advance can pick up a copy at Merski’s 3901 Liberty St. office. Residents with questions should call the office at (814)-455-6319. Read more
Funding comes from Veterans Trust Fund, donations from Pa. residents Read more
Legislation would guarantee in-state tuition for military families Read more
Local bridge named for man who gave his life in service of his nation Read more
ERIE, Sept. 10 – With classes back in session at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, LECOM students and staff are benefiting from a new K-9 unit supported in part by a $50,000 state grant, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the grant will enhance security for the campus and the entire region. “Like other campuses that host year-round speaking events and community activities, LECOM will benefit greatly from the added security of a K-9 unit,” Merski said. “Police dogs do an incredible job of rooting out suspicious packages containing weapons or explosives, which is important as larger gatherings resume on campus and in the community. “The campus and the entire surrounding community are going to be safer thanks to the new addition to the force.” Harkins said: “The K-9 unit is a great addition to LECOM’s security because it adds an important layer of protection for students and staff and enhances peace of mind for everyone – including the officers responsible for campus safety. It’s great to know that the campus is joining so many others across the country that have added police dogs to their security arsenal.” The lawmakers said LECOM is assisting with startup costs for the program, which total about $80,000. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 9 – A bill recently introduced by state Rep. Bob Merski would make it easier for municipalities to battle blight by creating a grant program to fund code enforcement efforts. Merski, D-Erie, said that under H.B. 1827 , municipalities would be able to apply for grants to help them launch new property maintenance code enforcement programs, hire inspectors for those programs or add more staff to fortify existing programs. “We need to make it easier for municipalities to break the vicious cycle that occurs when vacant, blighted properties reduce tax revenues available for public services like code enforcement, leading to further vacancies, declining property values and more people leaving the area,” Merski said. “Even before the pandemic, municipalities were struggling to keep code enforcement programs funded. COVID-19 only aggravated those problems by stretching budgets to the max. “The grant program created by my bill would give critical code enforcement efforts a shot in the arm by providing local governments the resources needed to respond to complaints, proactively root out trouble spots and carry out enforcement efforts.” Merski said the competitive grant program would be administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, and municipalities would be required to provide matching funds. The bill has been referred to the House Urban Affairs Committee. Read more
ERIE, Sept. 8 – Grant funding of $299,733 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will continue an Erie pilot program to educate students about opioid dangers and help families keep kids safe, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding to Family Services of NW PA will support the Erie Opioid Misuse Prevention Project – one of five pilot programs statewide that are providing evidence-based strategies to reduce risk factors that lead kids to substance abuse and other problems. “The statewide Opioid Disaster Declaration recently expired after the Republican-controlled legislature failed to extend it,” Harkins said. “At the same time, the numbers are showing that opioid overdoses spiked during the pandemic. It’s a bad combination and highlights why it is so critical to keep youth education and prevention programs going.” Merski said, “The pilot programs are evidence-based and have been working to make sure kids understand the risks of opioid use and help families develop strategies to keep kids safe and steer them away from drug use and other risky behaviors. Thanks to this funding, those programs are going to continue for another year.” The lawmakers said Erie’s program, like the other pilots, is part of the Opioid Misuse Prevention Project and operates through partnerships among counties, school Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 8 – More than $390,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will keep Beaver County students learning about the risks of opioids and help families develop the skills to keep kids safe, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding includes $370,805 to Community Health Challenge of Southwestern Pennsylvania to continue the Beaver County Opioid Prevention Project – one of five pilot programs statewide that team counties with school districts, local nonprofits and the community. “The Beaver County programs are teaching students in the Aliquippa, New Brighton and Rochester Area school districts how to recognize and avoid the dangers of opioid abuse,” Matzie said. “The programs are also helping families develop skills to protect kids from the risks of substance abuse and other factors that can lead them into trouble. “The programs have already helped many students and families in our district over the past two years. Securing this funding will allow them to continue for another year.” Matzie said that a second grant of $22,313 to The Prevention Network will fund the Project Towards No Drug Abuse, which supports at-risk youth. Both grants were recommended by the PCCD’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee and come from federal State Opioid Response funds. Read more
Children’s book program made possible thanks to state grant Read more
Says his office stands ready to support local police Read more
ERIE, Aug. 19 – State Rep. Pat Harkins announced today that he has been reappointed Democratic chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee. Although he is not new to the role – Harkins served as Democratic chair of the committee during the 2017-18 legislative session – he said he is especially excited to be returning now, at a time when state gaming revenue is setting new records. “Pennsylvania’s gaming industry is shattering records,” said Harkins. “This week, the state Gaming Control Board reported that combined total revenue for July from all forms of gaming topped $423 million – the highest monthly revenue recorded for regulated games. That’s on top of last month’s news that gaming brought a record $3.9 billion over the past fiscal year.” Harkins said casino revenue showed especially strong gains from last summer to this one, with Erie’s own Presque Isle Downs and Casino reporting a 40% increase. “It’s great to see casinos rebounding after being shuttered by the pandemic, especially because gaming funds so many critical areas, from property tax relief to seniors’ programs to local government services and contributions to the state’s General Fund,” Harkins said. “But there are issues – including protecting those vulnerable to the risk of addiction and rooting out competition from illegal, unlicensed machines – that require attention. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has recently been appointed by House Democratic leadership to serve as the Democratic chair of the House State Government Committee. This committee primarily reviews legislation on issues ranging from voting and elections to campaign finance reform and oversees various state agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of State, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the Public Employees’ Retirement System, the State Employees’ Retirement System and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. “I am hopeful that we can bring an honest conversation to the table when it comes to governing and specifically how this committee operates,” Conklin said. “My goal is that we leave partisanship at the door and lead a committee that works for all citizens of Pennsylvania in a dignified, honest and forthright manner.” More information on the House State Government Committee, including upcoming hearings, can be found at the following link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=36&CteeBody=H . Read more
ERIE, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement in response to news that AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has died: “I was shocked and saddened to learn that labor leader Richard Trumka has died. “I attended a labor event with Richard in Pittsburgh two years ago, and I was taken by the depth of his insight, the passion of his commitment to workers’ rights issues, and how gracious he was with his time. “Richard was truly old-school labor, and he worked tirelessly to make life better for Pennsylvania workers – both union and non-union alike. “My heartfelt condolences go out to Richard’s family. The commonwealth has lost a great asset to labor and a true champion of workers’ rights.” Read more
Grant program to expand fruit, vegetable offerings in schools Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.