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Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants

(Aug 03, 2020)

ERIE, Aug. 3 – Grant funding of $512,227 will help Erie’s postsecondary education organizations implement plans to keep students learning as schools resume operations this fall, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski, and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the grants -- part of a package of $28 million in federal funding to organizations statewide – include the following: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania -- $239,640. Erie Institute of Technology Inc. -- $11,797. Gannon University -- $106,418. Great Lakes Institute of Technology -- $20,900. Mercyhurst University -- $133,472. “With this funding, our universities and tech institutes will be able to implement plans and purchase equipment to keep students learning in the safest possible ways – whether that’s through online instruction, in-person classes, or a combination of both,” Harkins said. “The money can be used for a variety of resources, from protective and sanitizing equipment to structural modifications to online technology.” “Although learning is most effective when it takes place in a live, energetic environment with real-time questions and demonstrations, the practical concerns raised by the pandemic mean that we have to sacrifice some aspects of that model,” Merski said. “With this funding and creative planning by school administrators, though, Read more

 

Democrats in key states press for a more visible Biden campaign

(Aug 03, 2020)

“I want to see Democrats doing more to get one another excited for this race,” said Pennsylvania state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D), whose Erie County district split its vote in 2016, siding with him and Trump. Read more

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro ask governor to remove 25% capacity limit on restaurants

(Jul 28, 2020)

ERIE, July 28 – State Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, have joined fellow lawmakers in calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to lift a recent restriction limiting bars and restaurants to 25% indoor capacity. In a letter to the governor co-signed by other members of the Northwest Delegation, the Erie lawmakers said the restriction does little to improve public safety while jeopardizing the survival of key local businesses. “Requiring local restaurants and bars to adhere to a 25% capacity rule will make it incredibly difficult for them to meet operating expenses and survive,” Harkins said. “Instead of punishing all restaurant and bar owners for the transgressions of a few, we should be better enforcing safety violations by the few and leaving our responsible business owners alone so they can help our community make an economic recovery.” Merski agreed, saying “ Protecting the health of our residents doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the viability of the local businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy. There is no reason to believe slashing capacity will enhance public safety, and there is no point in doing so if it will not change the behavior of the few bad actors responsible for the violations. “We need to reinstate the 50% capacity guideline before more residents are forced to resort to crossing state lines to dine out.” Bizzarro said, “We Read more

 

Local Lawmakers Call on Gov. Wolf to Remove 25 Percent Capacity Limit on Bars, Restaurants

(Jul 28, 2020)

The lawmakers say the restriction does little to improve public safety while jeopardizing the survival of local businesses. Read more

 

New Pa. Tax Exemption Program Provides Incentive To Revitalize Blighted Properties

(Jul 20, 2020)

Act 61 of 2020 creates the Tax Exemption and Mixed-Use Incentive Program, which will give a tax break to property owners who plan to bring new life to old buildings. Read more

 

LECOM Announces NWPA Regional Response Health Collaborative

(Jul 20, 2020)

Program made possible through $6.2 million state grant Read more

 

Lawmakers Proposing Bill That Would Modify School Structure For Upcoming Year

(Jul 17, 2020)

Lawmakers Proposing Bill That Would Modify School Structure For Upcoming Year Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro bill would give school districts flexibility with required instructional days in cases of disaster, emergency declarations

(Jul 15, 2020)

HARRISBURG, July 15 -- In an effort to gives schools the flexibility to prioritize student and faculty safety during disaster and emergency declarations, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro introduced legislation that would give school districts the authority needed to adjust the 180-day instruction requirement. In the case of disaster or emergency declaration by the governor, House Bill 2704 would authorize individual school districts to request an exemption from the 180-day requirement. The bill would permit brick and mortar schools to include virtual education days in meeting the 180-day requirement. “Pennsylvania’s school districts need flexibility to quickly respond to emergent situations. Student safety and quality learning opportunities should remain at the forefront of decision making. My bill would allow schools to include online learning days as part of the 180-day requirement,” explained Bizzarro. “If necessary, they would also have the ability to reduce the number of required instructional days.” If enacted, a school district would submit an exemption request to the Pa. Department of Education for consideration. The Pa. Secretary of Education would then decide if the school district made bona fide effort to provide a reasonable number of instruction days. “A statewide response is not always reasonable and can put more children at a disadvantage. For example, each region of the state has Read more

 

Erie legislators laud Regional Response Health Collaboration Program grant

(Jul 14, 2020)

HARRISBURG, July 14 -- State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, today announced LECOM Health and UPMC Community Provider Services will receive $13.6 million to support COVID-19 readiness and response planning in long-term care facilities. The grants, awarded through the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program approved by the General Assembly, will help improve quality care related to infection prevention and allow long-term care facilities to expand COVID-19 testing to include asymptomatic staff and residents in facilities. “I am thrilled to see this investment in the fight against COVID-19 and protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” Bizzarro said. “Long-term care facility workers and residents need resources to help keep safe and mitigate the spread of this virus. When our health systems work together and the most innovative minds join forces, we can make meaningful progress in preserving the well-being of our community,” he explained. “It’s critically important to get this collaborative effort underway,” Merski said. “The pandemic’s effect on our long-term care facilities has been devastating, and we can’t attack the problem in a vacuum. By combining forces and pooling the best possible resources, professionals and information, we can help these facilities implement the kind of long-term planning and strategies they need to mitigate the Read more

 

$13.6 million in grants for COVID-19 readiness

(Jul 14, 2020)

Leaders in the community are taking strides to ease the spread of coronavirus in Erie County. Read more

 

Erie legislators laud Regional Response Health Collaboration Program grant

(Jul 14, 2020)

State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, today announced LECOM Health and UPMC Community Provider Services will receive $13.6 million to support COVID-19 readiness and response planning in long-term care facilities. Read more

 

Bizzarro vote prioritizes environment, jobs

(Jul 08, 2020)

ERIE, July 8 – Citing his support for giving communities a voice to preserve energy options, family-sustaining jobs and protecting Pennsylvania’s environment, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement on his vote for House Bill 2025 today: “House Bill 2025 is necessary because Pennsylvanians deserve a voice when it comes to navigating energy decisions and their impact on our environment and economy. This legislation gives the General Assembly the ability to look out for the communities we represent and make sure that their livelihood and families are considered before we limit energy choices and cut jobs. “Stable, affordable, and diverse energy sources are needed. We must continue to rely on electricity, clean coal and natural gas while expanding on wind and solar resources. Now is not the time to cut resources and jobs without having a plan to properly transition our workforce into these industries. “Pennsylvania should be taking an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach to ensure we have a robust energy portfolio that keeps our economy thriving and continues to prioritize our air, water supplies and public health. “Energy-sector jobs provide family-sustaining wages that have far-reaching impacts on our communities. Amidst a global pandemic is not the time to slash our energy portfolio and good-paying jobs for hardworking Pennsylvanians. “My Read more

 

Bizzarro: COVID-19 Fire, Rescue and EMS Grants Available

(Jul 07, 2020)

ERIE, July 7 – State Rep Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced tod ay that fire companies and emergency service providers throughout Pennsylvania are now eligible to apply for state funding through the Fire Company, Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. The program, administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, will provide financial support to first responders facing operational challenges due to COVID-19. “First responders are consistently on the front lines of the most challenging and dangerous scenarios. COVID-19 is no exception. I’m proud Pennsylvania is committing to the brave women and men who keep us safe with grant funding that will ensure they have the facilities, equipment and training needed to do just that,” Bizzarro said. Eligible paid and volunteer fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads will have until Aug. 7 to apply for the grant to fund operational expenses, cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting equipment and career fire departments may use funds for overtime costs during the COVID-19 emergency. The OSFC will post information regarding submission and approval procedures at www.osfc.pa.gov . Bizzarro urged eligible emergency service providers and fire companies to apply for these funds. Registration questions can be directed to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, 1310 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, by calling 1-800-670-3473 or Read more

 

Emergency service grant program for fire companies and emergency services

(Jul 07, 2020)

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced today that fire companies and emergency service providers throughout Pennsylvania are now eligible to apply for state funding through the Fire Company, Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. Read more

 

Bizzarro, Merski, Harkins: Nearly $10,000 in pandemic relief to local arts and cultural organizations

(Jul 06, 2020)

ERIE, July 6 – Five local organizations dedicated to arts, culture and behavioral health will receive $9,650 in CARES Act funding to help stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The Erie lawmakers said the organizations – the Erie Philharmonic, the Erie Playhouse, the Erie Art Museum, Erie Arts & Culture and Stairways Behavioral Health – will each receive $1,930. “These grants will help support the arts in our community and ensure they maintain their position as economic drivers,” Bizzarro said. “The arts are a vital part of our state, and many Pennsylvanians go on to play a role in the industry globally. It’s key that we make sure our arts organizations have the support necessary to bounce back from this pandemic and continue to create and inspire.” Merski said, “The arts enrich our Erie community in so many ways. They bring us together across cultural lines through shared enjoyment of performances, and they encourage expression of diverse stories. They inspire young minds, and they stimulate economic growth by drawing other businesses and commercial activity to the area. Our arts, cultural and behavioral health organizations have been hit hard by the pandemic, and this funding will help provide support they need to continue operating.” Harkins said, “Arts and cultural institutions Read more

 

Nearly $10,000 in pandemic relief to local arts and cultural organizations

(Jul 06, 2020)

Five local organizations dedicated to the arts, culture and behavioral health will receive $9,650 in CARES Act funding to help them stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. Read more

 

Arc of Erie 'Be A Hero' Run to Go Virtual This Year

(Jul 03, 2020)

The annual event benefits The Arc of Erie and the Epilepsy Project. Read more

 

Local small businesses respond to interest in COVID-19 relief funds

(Jul 02, 2020)

Ryan Bizzarro and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority are giving a helping hand during the pandemic. Read more

 

Bizzarro calls for committee consideration of fireworks safety legislation

(Jun 30, 2020)

HARRISBURG, June 30 -- With Independence Day on the horizon, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D- Erie, is calling on the legislature to move a bill that would revise Pennsylvania’s Fireworks law for the well-being of all Pennsylvanians. In a letter to House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Martin Causer, Bizzarro requested that House Bill 1687 receive a hearing and committee vote to move the measure to the House Floor quickly. “I’m cosponsoring this bill because while fireworks are a great display of celebration, there are unintended consequences to the recently loosened restrictions. This bill takes into consideration the impact on those who suffer from PTSD, our veterans, parents and small children and pets,” Bizzarro said. The legislation would provide specific guidance to local governments, allowing them to implement reasonable regulations regarding the sale and use of fireworks and implement constraints on when fireworks can legally be discharged. In the meantime, Bizzarro encourages residents to adhere to the current Fireworks Law ( https://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/Pages/fireworks-safety.aspx ) and be considerate of neighbors when celebrating the upcoming holiday. Read more

 

Uptick in Fireworks Complaints Leads to Renewed Push for Changes in Pa.

(Jun 30, 2020)

Harrisburg, Pa. (WENY)-- An uptick in complaints about fireworks in communities across Pennsylvania is leading to a renewed push for legislation to implement more restrictions on consumer-grade fireworks. Read more

 

Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants
Aug 03, 2020

Democrats in key states press for a more visible Biden campaign
Aug 03, 2020

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro ask governor to remove 25% capacity limit on restaurants
Jul 28, 2020

Local Lawmakers Call on Gov. Wolf to Remove 25 Percent Capacity Limit on Bars, Restaurants
Jul 28, 2020

New Pa. Tax Exemption Program Provides Incentive To Revitalize Blighted Properties
Jul 20, 2020

LECOM Announces NWPA Regional Response Health Collaborative
Jul 20, 2020

Lawmakers Proposing Bill That Would Modify School Structure For Upcoming Year
Jul 17, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro bill would give school districts flexibility with required instructional days in cases of disaster, emergency declarations
Jul 15, 2020

Erie legislators laud Regional Response Health Collaboration Program grant
Jul 14, 2020

$13.6 million in grants for COVID-19 readiness
Jul 14, 2020

Erie legislators laud Regional Response Health Collaboration Program grant
Jul 14, 2020

Bizzarro vote prioritizes environment, jobs
Jul 08, 2020

Bizzarro: COVID-19 Fire, Rescue and EMS Grants Available
Jul 07, 2020

Emergency service grant program for fire companies and emergency services
Jul 07, 2020

Bizzarro, Merski, Harkins: Nearly $10,000 in pandemic relief to local arts and cultural organizations
Jul 06, 2020

Nearly $10,000 in pandemic relief to local arts and cultural organizations
Jul 06, 2020

Arc of Erie 'Be A Hero' Run to Go Virtual This Year
Jul 03, 2020

Local small businesses respond to interest in COVID-19 relief funds
Jul 02, 2020

Bizzarro calls for committee consideration of fireworks safety legislation
Jun 30, 2020

Uptick in Fireworks Complaints Leads to Renewed Push for Changes in Pa.
Jun 30, 2020