“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
ERIE, March 16 – More than $7.3 million in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help fund multiple transportation and infrastructure projects in Erie, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. “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.” Harkins said, “Investments in our infrastructure are some of the most important we can make because they enhance quality of life, I’m thrilled to see this funding come back to benefit residents and our community.” The funding includes: $500,000 to the City of Erie for four traffic signals along State Street. $1,000,000 to the City of Erie for improvements to the Erie Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection System. $1,000,000 to the Erie City Water Authority for a water system expansion and consolidation project located in Greene Township. $966,260 to the Fairview Township Water Authority for a sanitary sewer line installation project along Canal Road, Lakeview Ave., Rupert Drive and Jacob Lane. $986,310 to Lake City Borough to upgrade and replace waterlines on Rice Avenue. $500,000 to Read more
Projects include street improvements, Mo Valley EMS Read more
Funding will help Croyle Township repave two roads Read more
Projects range from floodwall repairs & public pool renovations to police cruiser purchase 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
ERIE, March 14 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, has introduced legislation to develop areas of Lake Erie for wind generation, allowing the region to reap the economic benefits of this clean, renewable energy source. “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. Plans have been approved in Ohio for a pilot project to build several wind turbines about 8 miles off the Cleveland shoreline. I believe it’s time for Pennsylvania to harness this powerful resource that would bring family-sustaining jobs and new revenue to our region. “Of course, it is critical that we remain good stewards of the land. With careful planning and design, I believe we can minimize any risk to the natural environment and cut our carbon footprint at the same time.” Merski said his H.B. 254 would establish the Lake Erie Wind Energy Development Act, to create a competitive process and award a permit lease to develop certain areas of the lakebed for wind energy generation, with a 2% royalty on gross revenue going to Erie County and several other government entities for lake- and county-related projects. The bill is in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Read more
Position puts lawmaker on frontlines of democracy, election reforms Read more
Says ‘Traci’s law’ could save lives, protect families Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address Tuesday: “As always, the governor’s budget proposal acts as a framework to be debated and negotiated in the coming months. But, in my judgment, it’s a solid foundation with several key areas that I support. “This budget calls for no new taxes, cuts business taxes and eliminates the cell phone tax. It expands eligibility and increases rebate amounts for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. It contains significant funding opportunities and increases for police, fire and EMS. It implements a new tax credit for those who want to become cops, nurses and teaches, and would also raise the state’s minimum wage. “Perhaps most importantly, there are education increases across the board, from pre-K through higher ed, that would bring tens of millions of additional dollars to Beaver County schools. All while keeping $5 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. “I was further encouraged to hear the governor highlight his support for bringing a hydrogen hub to Southwest PA and reaffirm his commitment to assisting those affected by – and holding Norfolk Southern accountable for – the recent train derailment. “Again, this is just the first step in what may be a long process, but Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, Majority Chairman of the bicameral Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, announced that the commission met yesterday and accepted the independent audit of the General Assembly’s finances for 2022. Harkins, D-Erie, said that as majority chairman, he will continue to ensure the commission fulfills its responsibility of keeping the public informed about the General Assembly’s finances. “I have had the honor of co-chairing the commission with Chairman Dunbar over the years, and I appreciate and respect his insight and knowledge with regard to budgets and finances,” Harkins said. “As the new majority chairman, I will strive to make sure we continue to keep the public fully informed about the finances of the Pennsylvania House and Senate.” Harkins said the audit the commission reviewed – conducted by the independent certified public accounting firm Boyer & Ritter LLC – revealed a $261.5 million reserve as of June 30, 2022. The LAAC is responsible for conducting the annual financial audit under Article VIII, Section 10 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. In addition to Harkins, other commission members include State Rep. George Dunbar, R- Westmoreland; state Sens. Maria Collett, D-Bucks/Montgomery, and Chris Gebhard, R-Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon; public members Peter Barsz and Phil Rudy (appointed by the House); and public members Gregory Jordan and Ira Weiss (appointed Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that he has been appointed to serve on the House Professional Licensure Committee and reappointed to seats on the House Gaming Oversight, Game and Fisheries and Insurance committees. “I am excited by the chance to serve on the Professional Licensure Committee,” Merski said. “Licensing is a critical part of so many trades and professions, and the committee is the starting point for important laws like the one enacted last year to make the process run more smoothly for veterans. We will also be working with Governor Josh Shapiro on his recent executive order to make the licensing process more efficient and improve response times. “I am also looking forward to returning to the House Insurance Committee. The insurance industry is not only an important economic driver for our region, but a topic that ultimately impacts every family that calls our community home. We will be working to advance legislation and policies that promote continued good business practices here at home and throughout the state.” Merski said an important part of his work on the Game and Fisheries and Gaming Oversight committees will entail reviewing legislation to ensure that revenue from some of the state’s most popular recreational activities is invested back into programs that benefit residents. “It’s important to make sure this revenue comes back to Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Pat Harkins announced today that he has been appointed majority chairman of the PA House Gaming Oversight Committee. “I’m excited to lead the committee because gaming revenue plays such an important role in funding commonwealth projects and programs, from economic development to tax relief,” said Harkins, D-Erie. “At the same time, we need responsible oversight to make sure those funds are invested wisely and also that there are supports in place for treatment and prevention of compulsive gambling, especially as the internet and sports betting have broadened the reach of gaming. “I’ll be working hard as committee chair to ensure that any legislation we advance furthers those goals.” The Gaming Oversight Committee works with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Revenue to evaluate bills that affect gaming in Pennsylvania. This includes the kinds of gaming allowed in the commonwealth, as well as rules for casinos and using the proceeds of gaming in Pennsylvania. Harkins previously served as Democratic chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee in the 2017-18 Legislative Session. He then served as Democratic chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee for two years before returning as Democratic chairman of the Gaming Oversight Committee during the 2021-22 session. Read more
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