News Center

Merski, Harkins: More than $350,000 in grant funding will bring fresh produce to Erie elementary schools

(Aug 04, 2021) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, Aug. 4 – Erie elementary school students will see more fresh fruits and vegetables on the menu, thanks to $354,705 in grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said funding under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes $311,870 to elementary schools in the Erie City School District and $42,835 to the Iroquois School District. “Decades of studies show a direct link between nutrition and kids’ ability to focus and learn, and it’s something I have seen firsthand during my years in the classroom,” Merski said. “Securing this funding is going to help ensure Erie’s grade-schoolers have access to those dietary benefits, regardless of household income." Harkins said, “I’m thrilled we were able to secure this funding. In addition to staving off hunger and providing the kinds of healthy menu options kids need to do well in class, fresh fruits and vegetables are key to boosting the immune system and fighting disease. That’s more important than ever this year.” The lawmakers said the grants are part of a package of more than $7 million awarded to 288 elementary schools statewide under the FFVP. Funding priority was given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $500,000 awarded to fight blight, boost urban renewal in Erie

(Aug 02, 2021) Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

Erie, Aug. 2 – State grant funding of $482,251 will boost projects to clear blight and revitalize Erie’s urban landscape, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said three grants awarded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development under the Keystone Communities Program are: $229,251 to the City of Erie for the West Eighth Street Anchor Buildings Project. $150,000 to the Erie Redevelopment Authority for the City of Erie Blight Reduction Project. $103,000 to the PA Route 6 Alliance for the PA Route 6 Façade Program in the Great Lakes. “The grant to the city for the West Eighth Street Anchor Buildings Project is extremely exciting because it will build on investments and projects already underway to renew and regrow Erie’s commercial corridor,” Merski said. “With the additional funding, the city can continue efforts to anchor revitalization of this key section of the city with new residential and commercial spaces that draw families, businesses and jobs.” Harkins said the funding to the redevelopment authority will allow it to continue battling blight. “The redevelopment authority has been working hard to acquire abandoned and distressed properties and demolish or renovate them,” Harkins said. “While those efforts are Read more

 

Erie Delegation to tour LECOM Tuesday

(Aug 02, 2021) Policy Committee

ERIE, Aug. 2 – State Representatives Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro are welcoming members of the House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour of Lake Erie College of Medicine, the nation’s most applied-to medical school. The tour will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 3 at 1858 W. Grandview, Blvd., Erie. The media is encouraged to attend and can submit inquiries to policy@pahouse.net . A roundtable discussion will follow the facility tour, aimed at learning more about LECOM’s impact on education, medical care and Erie’s economy. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro, Policy Committee to tour Presque Isle State Park Monday

(Jul 30, 2021) Policy Committee

ERIE, July 30 – In an effort to highlight the economic and environmental beauty that is Presque Isle State Park, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is welcoming DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour of the 3000+ acre state park. The tour will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, August 2 at Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr., Tom Ridge Center. The media is encouraged to attend. Inquiries may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net . Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Burns: Cambria County must receive fair share of opioid pharma settlement

(Jul 23, 2021) Northwest Delegation

County among the hardest hit by pill dumping, overdoses Read more

 

Nomination period for annual Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award extended

(Jul 23, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Deadline for nominations extended until Aug. 2 Read more

 

Merski hosting grant seminar for small businesses, nonprofits

(Jul 22, 2021) Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, July 22 – Area businesses and nonprofits can get expert tips on tapping into state funding opportunities by attending “A Guide to Pennsylvania Grants” – an Aug. 5 seminar co-hosted by state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The event will be held at 10 a.m. in the Admiral Room of the Blasco Library, at 160 E. Front St. “With so many small businesses and nonprofits still hurting from the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to know what funding opportunities are out there and how to tap into them,” Merski said. “Our seminar will feature expert tips and a question-and-answer session to help business owners and organizations maximize their chances for success.” Merski said participants will receive a copy of the updated grant guide and state literature with contact information. Attendance is limited, so those interested should RSVP in advance by calling 814-455-6319. Anyone who cannot attend but would like a copy of the updated grant guide can pick one up at Merski’s 3901 Liberty St. office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Read more

 

Burns’ Blue Lives Matter Caucus welcomes Rigby as GOP chairman

(Jul 20, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Bipartisan effort centered in Cambria County Read more

 

Matzie urges DEP to deny Penn Energy petition to source water from Big Sewickley Creek

(Jul 19, 2021) Northwest Delegation

AMBRIDGE, July 19 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, has written to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection urging it to deny Penn Energy’s request to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek. In a July 16 letter to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie expressed his opposition to the permit application, which would allow Penn Energy to withdraw 3 million gallons of water daily from the creek. Read more

 

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs

(Jul 08, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, July 8 – The runaway costs of prescription medication will be the focus of a virtual hearing of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People hosted by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 12. The media and public are invited to watch online at www.pahouse.com/policy or on the committee’s Facebook page--@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Pashinski, D-Luzerne, will be joined by Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss innovative approaches to reducing drug costs, providing pathways to low-cost prescriptions, and how drug costs factor into Pennsylvania’s healthcare framework. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Conklin announces spotted lanternfly mitigation grant for Penn State

(Jul 01, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, July 1 – Pennsylvania State University has been awarded $69,767 in state funds to mitigate the impacts of spotted lanternfly in the hardwood ornamentals industry, state Rep. Scott Conkin announced. Conkin, D-Centre, said the Pennsylvania Specialty Crop Block Grant program, part of the historic PA Farm Bill , supports projects to help grow and protect high-priority crops, including hardwoods. “Thirty-four counties in our state, including Centre, are battling this invasive pest,” Conklin said. “If it isn’t contained, the spotted lanternfly could potentially drain our state economy of at least $324 million each year, and it has quite the appetite for many of our economically vital plants, including maple, black walnut, birch, willow and other trees. This grant will be extremely helpful in supporting Penn State’s efforts to curb the insect’s spread.” The state Specialty Crop Block Grant program was created to enhance the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant program by establishing a state program for crops that are either not currently eligible for federal support, or that are designated as high-priority specialty crops. In addition to hardwoods, high priority crops include hemp, hops and honey; and barley, rye, and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting. Projects aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research to Read more

 

Burns urges libraries to apply for state grant program

(Jun 30, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Money could be used for development, technical assistance Read more

 

Harkins, Merski announce nearly $103,000 in fire, EMS grants

(Jun 30, 2021) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, June 30 -- State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced that fire and rescue crews in their districts will be receiving $102,670 in state grant funding for equipment, training and other needed resources. “Our fire and EMS companies really took a hit during the pandemic,” Harkins said. “In addition to dealing with new risks and logistical issues, departments lost critical fundraising income because of shutdowns and restrictions. This grant funding should ease the burden a bit for those who work so hard at the front lines.” Merski said: “Departments have been dealing with recruitment, retention and funding issues for years, but the past year added a whole new layer of challenges. This funding won’t solve the longstanding issues, but it will at least allow departments to upgrade aging equipment, perform building repairs and ensure crews have the ongoing training and other resources they need to stay safe on the job.” The lawmakers said the funding includes : Belle Valley Fire Department Inc. – fire company, $12,767. City of Erie Fire Department – fire company, $15,000. EmergyCare Inc. – EMS, $8,993. Lawrence Park Volunteer Fire Department – fire company, $11,698. Lawrence Park Volunteer Fire Department – EMS, $8,993. Perry Hi-Way Hose Co. – fire company, $15,000. Perry Hi-Way Hose Co. – EMS, $8,993. Read more

 

Burns: Local fire companies receive $296,000 in state grants

(Jun 29, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Burns urges fire, EMS companies to get agreements in before deadline Read more

 

Merski: Budget full of missed opportunities

(Jun 26, 2021) Rep. Robert Merski

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Saying that it fell “far short of what the moment requires,” state Rep. Bob Merski cast a “no” vote Friday for the Pennsylvania budget plan. Merski, D-Erie, cited multiple missed opportunities to fully fund education and provide meaningful assistance to small businesses and working families. “Although I was glad to see a $7 million increase to the Erie School District, it's merely 10% of what the governor proposed in his budget,” Merski said. “We had a chance to be bold and finally fully fund education, something we've been talking about for decades now. “We also had an opportunity to invest in our small businesses, including my bill to provide assistance to our local gyms, fitness centers and dance schools, but we left those small businesses hanging while they are still hurting and not fully recovered from the pandemic.” Merski acknowledged that there are some positive aspects to the new state spending plan. “While the shortfalls made it impossible for me to vote for the budget, there are some encouraging aspects to the plan,” Merski said. “Importantly, it holds the line on taxes so it will not add any new burdens on residents, and it will provide rent and utility assistance. "And while education funding fell far short of the full, fair funding we need, the Read more

 

Harkins votes for new budget, citing strong investments in education

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement after the House and Senate Friday evening passed the new Pennsylvania budget: “I voted to support the budget because it holds the line on taxes and makes critical investments in education, including an increase of $300 million in funding for basic education. From that funding, the budget plan will allocate $100 million to the state’s most grossly underfunded school districts, including the Erie City School District. That investment is long overdue, and it should go a long way in helping to level the playing field and help our students compete for good, family-sustaining jobs. “I am also encouraged by the budget’s investment of nearly $5 million to help support the startup, growth and operation of the new Erie Community College as it attracts students and jobs to the area and builds our workforce. “Finally, the budget allocates $450 million in rent and utility assistance and provides funding to bolster public transit – a vitally important resource for working families. “Despite these investments, the budget contains a number of missed opportunities. For years, residents have been carrying the burden of property taxes without seeing the benefits, and I believe the spending plan missed an important opportunity to provide that relief for taxpayers. Read more

 

Conklin issues 2021-22 budget statement

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, June 25 - State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement on the passage of the state’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget: “This budget will send much-needed education funding to our local schools, one of the key components of the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan that I have supported over the last few months. “We are investing $300 million in K-12 funding, with a third of that set aside for our most underfunded districts. This will help level the playing field and continue our work toward allowing every student – regardless of zip code, a chance to succeed. “The budget also provides an additional $350 million to help students rebound from the disruptions of the past year, due to the pandemic. "While this is good news for our schools, our children and our families, today's budget is, once again, a missed opportunity. This budget does not provide any asisstance to the local businesses impacted during the state COVID-19 shutdown, including restuarants, gyms, salons, and barber shops. It's baffling that, after more than a year of claiming to support small businesses during the pandemic, this budget contains nothing to help them on a path to recovery. We were sent billions of dollars to help our local businesses, and we should be using it, not letting it sit in savings. “And like last year, this year’s budget does not contain a minimum wage increase, Read more

 

Burns backs no-tax bipartisan budget deal

(Jun 25, 2021) Northwest Delegation

Rep. Frank Burns voted to pass a no-tax bipartisan budget that invests in education while saving money for the future. Read more

 

Burns: House approves two bridge-naming proposals

(Jun 25, 2021) Northwest Delegation

WWII veteran, first responder immortalized Read more

 

Conklin announces hemp production grant for Penn State

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Scott Conklin has announced a $126,730 grant to Pennsylvania State University to support its hemp production efforts. Conkin, D-Centre, said the Pennsylvania Special Crop Block Grant, part of the historic PA Farm Bill , would fund the university’s project, which is focused on optimizing genotype selection and hemp production management practices. “Thanks to the PA Farm Bill, this grant will be beneficial to support this high-priority specialty crop and further support our strong agriculture sector,” Conklin said. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program assists with the growth, certification of seed and marketing of eligible crops, including hemp, hardwoods, honey and hops; and barley, rye and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting purposes only. More information on the grant program can be found at this link: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Specialty-Crop-Block-Grant-Program.aspx . Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: More than $350,000 in grant funding will bring fresh produce to Erie elementary schools
Aug 04, 2021

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $500,000 awarded to fight blight, boost urban renewal in Erie
Aug 02, 2021

Erie Delegation to tour LECOM Tuesday
Aug 02, 2021

Rep. Bizzarro, Policy Committee to tour Presque Isle State Park Monday
Jul 30, 2021

Burns: Cambria County must receive fair share of opioid pharma settlement
Jul 23, 2021

Nomination period for annual Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award extended
Jul 23, 2021

Merski hosting grant seminar for small businesses, nonprofits
Jul 22, 2021

Burns’ Blue Lives Matter Caucus welcomes Rigby as GOP chairman
Jul 20, 2021

Matzie urges DEP to deny Penn Energy petition to source water from Big Sewickley Creek
Jul 19, 2021

Kinkead, Pashinski to discuss driving down drug costs
Jul 08, 2021

Conklin announces spotted lanternfly mitigation grant for Penn State
Jul 01, 2021

Burns urges libraries to apply for state grant program
Jun 30, 2021

Harkins, Merski announce nearly $103,000 in fire, EMS grants
Jun 30, 2021

Burns: Local fire companies receive $296,000 in state grants
Jun 29, 2021

Merski: Budget full of missed opportunities
Jun 26, 2021

Harkins votes for new budget, citing strong investments in education
Jun 25, 2021

Conklin issues 2021-22 budget statement
Jun 25, 2021

Burns backs no-tax bipartisan budget deal
Jun 25, 2021

Burns: House approves two bridge-naming proposals
Jun 25, 2021

Conklin announces hemp production grant for Penn State
Jun 25, 2021