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
A Wabtec spokeswoman detailed new procedures that she said not only follow, but exceed CDC guidelines. Read more
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
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
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
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. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today regarding the safety and health of Wabtec employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: Read more
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
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
Millcreek township is the recipient of over $100,000 in grant money from the department of community and economic development. Read more
ERIE, March 13 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement commending Gov. Tom Wolf for closing Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools: “Each school district across the state faces a different level of threat and challenges. I applaud Governor Wolf for recognizing the threat that COVID-19 poses to public health and safety and for taking action that prioritizes Pennsylvania’s children, teachers and school staff. “Earlier today, I circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation that would allow school districts to request a waiver for the 180 days of school mandate. Hearing the governor include in his announcement today that school districts will not be penalized for not meeting the requirement is a sigh of relief for all Pennsylvania districts. “I still plan to pursue support for my legislation calling for districts to work in concert with the Department of Education so that requests to adjust the mandated school days can be handled quickly. Enacting this legislation will ensure that this pandemic and any future disruptions do not tie the hands of our educators and impact Pennsylvania children’s educational experience.” Read more
ERIE, March 12 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development awarded a $130,000 grant to Millcreek Township. The Department issued the grant via its Strategic Management Planning Program and funds will match investment from Millcreek Township that will be used to purchase updated financial software and develop a sub-area plan. “This grant will help Millcreek with their comprehensive plan, Embrace Millcreek. The funding will allow for improved software vital to township operations and get the ball rolling on projects to help determine redevelopment options for Presque Isle. Erie is growing and I’m proud to work with Millcreek to help capitalize on our region’s valuable resources,” expressed Bizzarro. The Strategic Management Planning Program is administered by DCED and provides matching grant funds to help municipalities develop comprehensive financial plans to establish short- and long-term financial objectives. Read more
ERIE, March 13 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, today announced he will cancel Tuesday’s Unclaimed Property Treasury Hunt in accordance with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the Pa. Department of Health. “Out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of our community, Tuesday’s Unclaimed Property Treasury Hunt is cancelled. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the commonwealth and country, the CDC recommends practicing social distancing strategies and as a public official, I feel it’s important that my staff and I lead by example,” explained Bizzarro. Bizzarro urges Erie residents to visit the Pa. Department of Health’s website for up-to-date information about COVID-19. Read more
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement on Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to close Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools: Read more
Harrisburg, PA (WENY)-- Late last year, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed the biggest election reform in state history in more than 80 years. But some Democrats say the job still isn’t done, and more reform is needed. Read more
ERIE, March 5 – Area students and young job seekers will benefit from new internship opportunities, thanks to a $90,189 grant from the state Department of Labor and Industry, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The grant to the Northwest Workforce Development Board will fund summer internships that pay a minimum of $10.35 an hour for students and young adults from 16 to 24. “Internships provide a perfect way for students and young adults to get a jump on career readiness by giving them an early, real-world look into the modern workplace,” Bizzarro said. “Those experiences can go a long way toward building confidence in young job seekers, familiarizing them with new technology and making the modern work setting seem more familiar and less daunting.” Harkins agreed, noting, “No amount of classroom training can substitute for actual workplace experience. Summer internships open so many doors: they help young job seekers understand whether their skills are a good match for a given field, they introduce them to the climate and expectations of a modern workplace, and they provide real-time exposure to the latest technology and techniques in rapidly changing modern job settings.” Merski added that the benefits flow both ways, helping employers, as well. “In addition to exposing young job seekers to new skills and learning experiences, Read more
A state grant is providing students and young adults with real work experience and a paycheck. Read more
ERIE, Mar. 4 – Two state grants totaling $19,528 will benefit the Erie County Historical Society and the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said that the Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Society grants include $12,029 to the historical society and $7,499 to the museum. “Securing this funding for the Erie County Historical Society is so important because it’s an investment in preserving our shared history,” Bizzarro said. “With these resources, our region’s dedicated historians can continue preserving the documents, artifacts, structures and other historical items that keep Erie’s unique history alive for future generations.” Harkins said that he agreed and added, “Our historical society’s invaluable work preserving the past gives us insight into how our community has changed and evolved over time. It also gives us a way to pass that history and shared knowledge on from generation to generation so that we don’t lose touch with our past.” Merski added that the funding will bring educational benefits, as well. “Keeping the link to our past alive through physical exhibits is critically important from a learning perspective because real-life objects that can be seen and touched form an impression on kids in ways that textbooks can’t,” he said. “In much the same way, the Read more
In my latest newsletter: what you need to know about the UPMC/Highmark 10-year agreement; connecting veterans with the services they've earned; saving the SeaWolves and much more. Read more
Some of the topics discussed included redistricting, the environment, education, and voting law changes. Read more
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