Merski kicks off 2023 flag takeback program Read more
Second Chance Event this Thursday, Combatting Blight, – and more! Read more
HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., hosted a news conference in the state Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and called on legislators to fund school facilities in Pennsylvania. “We have a unique opportunity to finally invest in fixing toxic schools across Pennsylvania,” said Fiedler. “It’s long past time we prioritize the health of our students, teachers and school staff. We have some of the oldest schools in the nation right here in Pennsylvania, and many of them have unsafe conditions that are simply unacceptable. I am committed to investing state dollars to remediate and repair our schools.” Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, chair of the House Education Committee, reminded everyone that school buildings are learning environments. “The quality of a school building has a direct impact on a child's ability to learn,” he said. “This year's House budget begins to address our toxic schools, but there's much more work to be done. We can't delay any longer -- our children deserve better.” State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York County, commended the bipartisan support behind funding school facilities. “We are building bipartisan support for funding school facilities within this year’s budget,” she said. “The House sent a version of the budget to the Senate last week. Our proposal used Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal as a starting point Read more
HARRISBURG, June 13 – The PA House today passed state Rep. Bob Merski’s bill that would make it easier for cities to fight blight. Merski, D-Erie, said his legislation ( H.B. 255 ) – which passed by a vote of 124-79 – would create a grant program to allow cities to establish code enforcement programs or strengthen existing ones. “Today’s House action brings us a step closer to addressing a major urban enemy,” Merski said. “Vacant, distressed properties have been a persistent problem for Erie and other communities, but many lack a dedicated budget for code enforcement, so these efforts often go by the wayside. At the same time, the cost of failing to address the problem costs cities millions in lost property tax revenue and unrealized investments. “My bill would help us break that cycle by giving local governments the resources they need to turn things around. Cities could use the funding to establish new code enforcement programs or hire more code enforcement officers to fortify existing programs, all with an emphasis on upgrading or removing abandoned and structurally unsafe structures and dwellings. “Cities would also have the ability to join forces in fighting blight by entering into cooperative agreements.” The bill would establish the Municipal Property Maintenance Code Assistance Fund, administered by the Read more
“Housing stability plays a huge role in quality of life,” Merski said. "Today’s funding will help us make inroads by expanding housing options for residents in need and helping them to become more self-sufficient." Read more
Merski said, “The Mercyhurst campus is filled with exquisite architecture, including Gothic Revival buildings dating to the school’s founding in 1926. Securing this funding will support the work needed to nominate this beautiful campus for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places." Read more
ERIE, June 6 – Residents with prior nonviolent misdemeanors seeking to reenter the job market will find helpful information at a Second Chance Event co-hosted by state Rep. Bob Merski on Thursday, June 15. The event – which will feature a discussion on pardons, expungement and the state’s Clean Slate Law – will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ryan Hall’s Waterford Room at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. Attendees should enter on Lewis Avenue. “Pennsylvania has been a leader among the states when it comes to helping people with nonviolent convictions return to the job market,” Merski said. “Several years ago, we enacted a first-of-its-kind Clean Slate law allowing Pennsylvanians with nonviolent misdemeanor convictions to have their records sealed if they make restitution and stay out of trouble for 10 years. And just yesterday, the House passed a bill that, if enacted, would update and expand the law. “Not every conviction will qualify for clean slate however, which is why it’s important for folks to understand their options. I urge anyone seeking a second chance to visit our event, which will include an in-depth discussion and question-and-answer session on pardons, expungement and the Clean State law.” Merski is hosting the event in partnership with Mercyhurst University, Northwestern Legal Services, the Erie Read more
HARRISBURG, June 6 – County pension annuitants struggling to make ends meet are a step closer to more frequent cost-of-living adjustments after the PA House today passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said they introduced H.B. 298 – which would amend the county pension law to give boards more flexibility in setting COLAs – to help retirees feeling the effects of inflation. “Under our county pension law, when retirement boards provide a cost-of-living increase, it must be in accordance with the full consumer price index at the time of review,” Harkins said. “Although the law is well-intentioned, its rigid requirement means that our county pension boards often can’t afford to provide any adjustments at all because the index is simply too high. “Our bill would amend the law to allow boards to grant a COLA of any percentage up to, but not more than, the consumer price index. The change would help counties and benefit county retirees who under the current all-or-nothing system might not receive a COLA for several years. “We need to reward these seniors who helped build our community and keep them out of poverty. Ensuring that they receive timely cost-of-living adjustments would bring them greater retirement security and help them maintain the quality of life they deserve.” Merski said, Read more
“In Pennsylvania, 1 in 7 children face hunger, which means that they show up to class each day without the fuel they need to concentrate, retain information and learn,” Merski said. “At the same time, a large amount of food goes to waste every day in our schools. In a state with one of the nation’s strongest agricultural industries – and far too much food waste – we can turn this situation around." Read more
“My bill would allow communities to join forces in fighting blight and would bolster those efforts by providing the additional resources needed to enforce code violations.” 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
ERIE, May 11 – State Rep. Bob Merski introduced legislation today to standardize and streamline procedures for installing broadband cable across railroad tracks. Merski, D-Erie, said he introduced H.B. 1151 – which would establish uniform procedures for applications, approvals, fees and installation of cable – to prevent administrative and logical issues that can delay getting the needed infrastructure in place. “New funding and plans being deployed by our state broadband commission are laying the foundation for better connections in Erie and statewide. But as with any infrastructure project, there are roadblocks that threaten to slow the process,” Merski said. “One of those involves administrative snarls that can arise when fiber optic cable needs to be installed across railroad rights of way. “To help us address this proactively, I have introduced legislation that would create uniform procedures for broadband companies to use when they need to install cable across tracks. Having set standards in place for issues like obtaining railroad approval, setting licensing fees and installing the cable would help save taxpayer dollars and streamline the process so there are fewer delays in delivering these essential connections.” Merski’s bill would establish an application process for broadband providers and timelines for approval of Read more
"The funding will allow us to develop new evidence-based programs, expand those that are working, and broaden community outreach and education," Merski 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
“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." 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
“Infrastructure plays a key role in delivering services, and breakdowns in the system not only cost taxpayers but can jeopardize public safety and health,” Merski said. “Today’s funding will play a major role in keeping our streets safer, our water cleaner and our sewer systems functioning properly.” Read more
“The lakeshore benefits our region in so many ways, from recreation to tourism to commerce, but we have yet to tap another resource with tremendous potential – the capacity for wind generation,” Merski said in the announcement. Read more
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