Pandemic Unemployment Assistance site fully operational

(May 07, 2020)

ERIE, May 7 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced the Department of Labor and Industry Pandemic Unemployment Assistance site for self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers and those not typically eligible for unemployment compensation is fully operational. The site, which launched April 18, is now prepared for applicants to file weekly claims dating back to the first week of unemployment. If approved, filers will receive one lump sum of backdated payments to Jan. 27, or the first week workers were unable to work due to COVID-19, whichever date is later. The department will automatically issue the extra $600 per week from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program separately from the PUA payments. Backdated FPUC payments will also be paid in one lump sum. “I realize the frustration and sheer inconvenience these delays have caused workers. I am happy to report that progress has been made and that the workers who need this money the most will soon see relief,” Bizzarro said. Bizzarro urged residents to visit his website at www.pahouse.com/bizzarro for a list of COVID-19 resources including a direct link to the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation site . Read more

 

Bizzarro votes to expand COVID-19 testing as state heads back to work

(May 04, 2020)

Legislation critical to ensuring public safety and stopping the spread of coronavirus Read more

 

Bizzarro votes to expand COVID-19 testing as state heads back to work

(May 04, 2020)

Today State Representative Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, voted to expand critical COVID-19 testing as Pennsylvania heads into a new phase in its ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro: Erie to begin reopening efforts May 8 per Wolf administration guidelines

(May 01, 2020)

ERIE, May 1 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said he is ready for Erie to proceed with great caution to return to a new normal as the Wolf administration today announced Erie will move to the yellow phase of reopening efforts effective May 8. According to the administration’s website, the following restrictions will be in place in the Yellow Phase: Work and congregate setting restrictions will include: Telework Must Continue Where Feasible. Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business and Building Safety Orders. Child Care Open Complying with Guidance. Congregate Care and Prison Restrictions in Place. Schools Remain Closed for In-Person Instruction. Social Restrictions: Stay-at-Home Order Lifted for Aggressive Mitigation. Large Gatherings of More than 25 Prohibited. In-Person Retail Allowable, Curbside and Delivery Preferable. Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain Closed. Restaurants and Bars Limited to Carry-Out and Delivery Only. “As our region reopens, it’s important that we remain vigilant, wear masks, wash hands and continue to practice social distancing. It’s Read more

 

Bizzarro lauds House passage of bill to reopen local lawn and garden stores

(Apr 30, 2020)

HARRISBURG , April 30 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said the state House today voted on legislation that would authorize local lawn and garden centers to reopen by providing them a waiver to the governor’s business closure order. H.B. 2429 provides for worker safety precautions and would allow community businesses to provide lawn and garden equipment and supplies during the pandemic. “I understand the need to implement mitigation and public safety efforts; but our local businesses should be extended the same opportunities to operate as some of the big-box and chain stores currently operating in our communities. They deserve to stay afloat during this pandemic and this bill would do just that,” expressed Bizzarro. “Our friends, family and neighbors will be able to get back to work in a safe environment and we can keep our business local when possible. That means more now than ever.” The bill would require lawn and garden centers that open to implement safeguards, including following social distancing requirements, providing workers with personal protective equipment and other safety measures, and regular cleaning of facilities. The bill now awaits state Senate consideration. Read more

 

Bizzarro: More than $720,000 in emergency funding headed to Erie County

(Apr 24, 2020)

The grants represent the first round of emergency funding being directed to local communities Read more

 

REP. BIZZARRO: RITE-AID Expands COVID-19 Testing Efforts in Erie

(Apr 20, 2020)

ERIE, April 20 - - State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D- Erie, announced that Rite-Aid will expand on-site testing to the 5430 Peach St. location in Erie. Testing will be available at no cost to eligible individuals. Patients are required to provide a government issues identification, be at least 18 years of age and must pre-register online at www.riteaid.com to schedule a time slot for testing. Tests will not be administered without an appointment. “I have been working with Rite-Aid and other pharmacies to ramp up testing in our region. Expanding testing capacity will strengthen Erie’s efforts in combating COVID-19. The more testing sites available, the easier it will be for our family, friends and neighbors to get tested and determine a plan of action in getting healthy,” Bizzarro said. According to Rite aid, testing will take place in via drive-up in the store’s parking lot. A self-swab nasal test will be administered. Eligibility for testing will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. “As testing expands, and our ability to navigate COVID-19, I still encourage everyone to stay home and stay safe. Going out unnecessarily will only extend the hold this virus has on our community.” Bizzarro urges residents to visit his website www.pahouse.com/bizzarro - for information on COVID-19. Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro aims to support Pa. Dept. of Labor and Industry amidst COVID-19 strains

(Apr 08, 2020)

ERIE , APRIL 8 -- State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro reached out to Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Gerard Oleksiak to discuss the department’s capacity to expeditiously handle unemployment claims in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Erie County legislator said he is hoping to help ensure the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry has the resources needed to process unemployment claims in a timely manner for the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians applying. “Our Commonwealth is facing unprecedented times. My office is fielding hundreds of calls on how this pandemic is impacting their lives and livelihood. The UC system has been pushed beyond capacity and I want to make sure that the Department of Labor and Industry has what they need from the legislature to process claims with as little delay as possible,” explained Bizzarro. “It is my hope that we can alleviate challenges faced by the department and the delays to Pennsylvanians applying for unemployment compensation.” A copy of the letter is available here . Read more

 

Frustrations are building up with unemployment claims

(Apr 08, 2020)

Joblessness is being felt all around the region with more than a million unemployment claims being filed in Pennsylvania.Frustrations are mounting while bills are piling up. Here is how local residents are dealing with the process. Read more

 

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro speaks out against Wabtec

(Apr 01, 2020)

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro is demanding action to be taken against Wabtec following images that surfaced showing their “sanitation stations.” Read more

 

County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper provides daily COVID-19 update for Erie County

(Apr 01, 2020)

In today’s report County executive Kathy Dahlkemper confirms that Erie County has no new confirmed cases of COVID-19. This leaves the number at 16 cases. Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro Issues Statement on Congressman Mike Kelly Coronavirus Diagnosis

(Mar 27, 2020)

ERIE, MARCH 27 -- Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement following news that Congressman Mike Kelly tested positive for COVID-19: “I’m saddened to learn that our Congressman Mike Kelly tested positive for COVID-19. This disease does not discriminate and it’s imperative that we follow recommendations to stay home and stay safe, practice social distancing and only go out if absolutely necessary. Coronavirus is extremely serious, and we must adhere to the strict mitigation efforts if we are going to beat this and protect our family and friends from this terrible virus. “My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time. I hope that no one is further negatively impacted as a result of his diagnosis.” Read more

 

Wabtec upgrades safety procedures

(Mar 27, 2020)

A Wabtec spokeswoman detailed new procedures that she said not only follow, but exceed CDC guidelines. Read more

 

Bizzarro: Emergency School Code Relief bill provides support to districts, teachers and staff

(Mar 25, 2020)

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said today the Pa. House voted in support of emergency School Code relief in response the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 751 provides authority to the secretary of education to close all schools until the pandemic comes to an end and increase the number of allowable flexible institution days. The measure applies to school districts, intermediate units, career and technical, charter and cyber charter schools. Schools must make good-faith efforts to maintain continuity of education to students throughout PDE closures, submitting plans to PDE and posting to their website. The bill also extends the current continuing education deadline by one year for teachers and school leaders. “I am happy to see my recommendation to waive the 180-day requirement for all schools has been included in this legislation. It also guarantees that school cleaning staff will have the materials and protective supports needed to stay safe, as recommended by the CDC,” Bizzarro explained. “In the face of adversity and uncertainty, it’s imperative that we continue to support those who keep our educational system going and enact measures that help our educators and students bounce back quickly from these challenging times.” The bill now moves to the Senate for concurrence. Read more

 

Bizzarro calls on Wabtec to consider public safety over profit amidst COVID-19 pandemic

(Mar 23, 2020)

ERIE, March 23 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC guidelines and do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “The decision by Wabtec to remain open without properly protecting its workforce during this pandemic shows a lack of judgement and general disregard for its employees and our greater Erie community, as we all work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Employee health, proper workplace disinfecting per the CDC guidelines, and social distancing should be fundamental concerns facing each and every business across Pennsylvania, particularly as non-life-sustaining entities. My office has received constituent calls from management and hourly employees about a lack of sanitizing protocols that could facilitate unnecessary spread of the COVID-19 virus. “While the PA Governor’s office has granted a waiver to Wabtec, with the health of our community in mind, I am calling Wabtec officials to take efforts to test every employee that arrives to work at the Erie County plant, sanitize the facility per CDC guidelines, and take the necessary steps to prepare the facility for employees to return to work safely (per CDC guidelines) and without anxiety of unnecessary exposure to them and their community. This virus outbreak is not a time for corporate America to put profits above people. These are our neighbors and families, and we must consider Read more

 

Erie County COVID-19 Newsroom Alerts

(Mar 23, 2020)

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC guidelines and do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19."The decision by Wabtec to remain open without properly protecting its workforce during this pandemic shows a lack of judgment and general disregard for its employees and our greater Erie community, as we all work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Read more

 

Erie County: Partly open for business

(Mar 23, 2020)

Business owners and their employees in Erie and across the state continued to seek answers Monday about how Gov. Tom Wolf would define non-life-sustaining business. Read more

 

State Rep. Bizzarro calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC COVID-19 guidelines

(Mar 23, 2020)

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today regarding the safety and health of Wabtec employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: Read more

 

Bizzarro announces more than $178k in state grant funding coming to Erie

(Mar 18, 2020)

ERIE, March 18 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced today that organizations throughout Erie County will receive state grant dollars totaling $178,225 for business development and 2020 Census efforts. GR8T Manufacturing was awarded $168,946 in PASmart Next Generation Industry Partnership grant funding from the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry. The funds will be used to improve community business to business partnerships, promote manufacturing careers and branding the region. Census 2020 Outreach grants were awarded to Edinboro Community and Economic Development Corp., and Culture, Arts, Festival, and Events of Erie in the amounts of $4,279 and $5,000 respectively. The grants, awarded through the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development may be used for census-related outreach including local media buys, community census events, and event-related costs. “It’s important that in this time, we continue to work together to invest in our community. I’m excited to see how GR8T Manufacturing uses this grant to improve business partnerships and career opportunities in our region,” Bizzarro said. “Now, more than ever, it’s time to ramp up efforts to ensure our community’s voice is heard in the 2020 census. I urge everyone to make sure they fill out the Census when it becomes available and answer those nine questions. They will have an impact on how our community is represented and Read more

 

Bizzarro to close district office to the public starting Tuesday

(Mar 16, 2020)

ERIE, March 16 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced today that effective midnight tonight his legislative offices will be closed to the public until further notice. “We must take this pandemic seriously and act in the best interest of our most vulnerable populations. My staff will be available by phone to assist with state-related issues and we will be practicing social distancing,” Bizzarro said. “There is a lot of information coming from state resources, including recommended restrictions and unemployment compensation. We have to look out for our neighbors as well as ourselves in this time.” Bizzarro also called on residents to avoid going to non-essential businesses including: Community and recreation centers. Gyms including yoga, barre and spin facilities. Hair salons. Nail salons. Spas. Casinos. Concert venues. Theaters. Bars. Automobile dealerships. Sporting event venues. Golf courses. Retail facilities including shopping malls. At the recommendation of Gov. Wolf, restaurants are urged to only offer carry-out and delivery. “By avoiding these places, we can help mitigate the spread of this highly contagious virus. Please limit public exposure to trips to the pharmacy, grocery store or healthcare providers if necessary. While there are no confirmed cases in Erie at this time, it’s important that we stay Read more

 

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance site fully operational
May 07, 2020

Bizzarro votes to expand COVID-19 testing as state heads back to work
May 04, 2020

Bizzarro votes to expand COVID-19 testing as state heads back to work
May 04, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro: Erie to begin reopening efforts May 8 per Wolf administration guidelines
May 01, 2020

Bizzarro lauds House passage of bill to reopen local lawn and garden stores
Apr 30, 2020

Bizzarro: More than $720,000 in emergency funding headed to Erie County
Apr 24, 2020

REP. BIZZARRO: RITE-AID Expands COVID-19 Testing Efforts in Erie
Apr 20, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro aims to support Pa. Dept. of Labor and Industry amidst COVID-19 strains
Apr 08, 2020

Frustrations are building up with unemployment claims
Apr 08, 2020

State Representative Ryan Bizzarro speaks out against Wabtec
Apr 01, 2020

County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper provides daily COVID-19 update for Erie County
Apr 01, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro Issues Statement on Congressman Mike Kelly Coronavirus Diagnosis
Mar 27, 2020

Wabtec upgrades safety procedures
Mar 27, 2020

Bizzarro: Emergency School Code Relief bill provides support to districts, teachers and staff
Mar 25, 2020

Bizzarro calls on Wabtec to consider public safety over profit amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Mar 23, 2020

Erie County COVID-19 Newsroom Alerts
Mar 23, 2020

Erie County: Partly open for business
Mar 23, 2020

State Rep. Bizzarro calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC COVID-19 guidelines
Mar 23, 2020

Bizzarro announces more than $178k in state grant funding coming to Erie
Mar 18, 2020

Bizzarro to close district office to the public starting Tuesday
Mar 16, 2020