ERIE, Jan. 22 – Two grants totaling $169,700 are being awarded to help Erie’s dedicated public servants continue to provide high-quality service to their communities, announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grants from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will help offset the cost of replacing the city’s code enforcement vehicles, while also assisting the city’s police department in upgrading motorcycle equipment. “Providing the necessary tools and resources to public servants who dedicate their careers to keeping our communities safe is always a sound investment,” said Harkins. “These grant dollars will have a direct effect on Erie’s perpetual quest to enhance the quality of life for its residents.” "As a fomer city councilman, I understand the financial constraints of the city budget," said Merski. "Grants such as these allow the city to improve its fleet and to do their work efficiently and effectively without having to raise taxes on local property owners. I'm proud to work with Representative Harkins and the city to bring these resources back to Erie." Anyone with questions about these grant awards may contact Harkins’ office at 814-459-1949 or Merski’s office at 814-455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Jan. 10 – A $3.12 million grant will give a jolt of electricity to Erie by replacing a large swath of the city’s refuse collection trucks with electrically powered vehicles, announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program will help offset the cost of replacing five of the city’s existing trucks with modern, efficient battery-powered electric trucks. “The importance of receiving this multimillion-dollar grant is twofold in that it modernizes critical public services while lessening the burden on taxpayers,” said Harkins. “Making the switch to electric trucks will save money on expensive repairs, vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. The switch to electric vehicles should be met with enthusiasm as they will play a key role in Erie’s success story.” Merski said: Electric vehicles are the way of the future, and Erie taking the initiative to be a step ahead demonstrates our ability to adapt to an ever-changing world. In addition to the benefits of less noise, pollution, and carbon emissions, this $3 million investment in the city’s refuse fleet doesn’t have to come out of local property taxes. This is a win-win for every Erie resident.” This Medium- and Read more
ERIE, Jan. 8 – In a collaborative effort to help bolster the city of Erie’s local economy, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced the introduction of legislation that would create a City Revitalization Improvement Zone for Erie. The lawmakers said the of the legislation, H.B. 1949 , would help spur new economic growth within the city by reshaping certain sects of the downtown and creating new family sustaining employment for Erie residents. “The city of Erie has tremendous opportunity for growth and rejuvenation,” said Harkins. “Establishing a CRIZ for Erie would give the city a leg up in preparing to compete economically for the next half-century and beyond. “We have seen staggering investments in Erie ranging from various infrastructure projects to strengthening our offerings for tourism and recreation, and adopting this plan would expand our ability to continue prioritizing the economic development of our region,” he added. “The upward trajectory of Erie’s economic standing is the result of community and business leaders banding together and putting in the work for the betterment of our entire area,” Merski said. “While we have made great strides in this collective endeavor, there is no time for stagnation and complacency. Establishing a CRIZ is the appropriate response to continue this Read more
Making home ownership attainable Read more
ERIE, Jan. 5 – A $308,098 grant to Gannon University will help ensure both the university and surrounding neighborhoods have enhanced, efficient stormwater infrastructure announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener Program will fund the implementation of stormwater best management practices on the university’s campus. “Protecting our watershed and addressing wastewater and nutrient and sediment reduction is vitally important in Erie County,” said Harkins, who is a member of the Great Lakes Commission. “Properly investing in Erie’s stormwater infrastructure will directly impact the health, safety, and fiscal solvency of our community. These ‘forward-thinking’ type projects will help ensure the next generation of Erie County residents have a solid foundation to continue building upon.” Merski said: “Being proactive when it comes to stormwater infrastructure is a sound investment as it prevents devastating flooding that could not only result in tremendous damage costing millions of dollars, but also put members of our community in harm’s way. Unfortunately, flooding due to poorly designed and managed stormwater infrastructure is becoming more prevalent across the country. Thankfully, this grant will help ease the stress on our Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 28 – The Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee cleared a bill sponsored by state Rep. Bob Merski that would raise the annual income threshold for retirees to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee. Merski, D-Erie, said his legislation ( H.B. 250 ) – which was unanimously reported out of the Senate committee – would raise the qualifying income cap from $19,200 to $29,906, with future annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index. This would allow more retirees to renew their annual vehicle registration for only $10. “This recent action in the state Senate brings us one step closer to ensuring more retirees are able to register their vehicles at a reduced rate,” Merski said. “When this measure unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House in late September, I reiterated that I would continue to champion this initiative until it reached the governor’s desk and was signed into law. “This vital piece of legislation would account for the boosts in Social Security payments and increase the income threshold for retirees to continue taking full advantage of reduced vehicle registration fees. “Getting this bill across the finish line would be exceptionally helpful to seniors living on fixed incomes who have worked and paid taxes their entire lives. Ensuring this bill is enacted into law will remain a key priority for 2024.” Read more
Nearly $2 million in state grant funding has been awarded to several Erie County organizations, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced Tuesday. Read more
Merski measure to analyze AI heads to House Read more
Two Erie County historical organizations have been awarded grants through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merksi, all D-Erie, announced Monday. Read more
Congratulations to Fairfield Hose Company on the opening of Hose Company 27! Read more
ERIE, Nov. 21– Expanding on their joint effort to bolster Erie based services, facilities, and educational opportunities, with a distinct focus on reinvigorating neighborhoods, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today that Erie County will receive $3.3 million worth of state tax credits. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced earlier this week that 26 projects across Erie County will be supported by these tax credits through an array of funding mechanisms via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. Tax credits worth $500,000 were awarded to renovate the Renaissance Center in Downtown Erie with plans to convert the historic landmark into a 200-room hotel that would serve as a destination for occasions ranging from weddings to work conferences. Tax credits worth $206,205 will be earmarked to support renovations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, including a replacement of the facility’s roof, along with a complete kitchen upgrade. Additionally, Gannon University will receive tax credits of $247,000 that will be utilized to fund initiatives aimed toward combatting housing and food insecurity, crime, and blight. “Receiving these community-influenced tax credits is a game changer and will have a direct, positive influence on our local economy, neighborhoods and tourism industry right here in Erie County,” Merski said. “We continue Read more
Paying homage to our Veterans Read more
$38M secured for water system upgrades; Oct. 27 vaccine clinic; public comment on Coke plant – and more! Read more
ERIE, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Robert Merski, D-Erie announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority has approved funding totaling $38 million – including $14 million in nonrepayable funding and $24 million in low-interest loans – to allow the Erie Water Authority to perform major projects including replacement of corroded, outdated lead piping for customers and construction of a new pumping station. “Erie County has seen substantial investments and a massive overhaul of its infrastructure over the last several years,” Merski said. “These improvements directly impact the quality of life for our residents and are a result of community leaders working in unison to deliver tangible results that will be felt for generations. “Good government initiatives are rooted in keeping more money in people’s pockets. Without this loan, user rates for those within the service area would have increased by a staggering 74%. That would have been unacceptable, and I am thrilled we were able to work toward a solution to ensure residents receive the high-quality water service they deserve.” The $18 million in funding for replacement of service connections includes approximately $14 million that does not need to be repaid, plus approximately $4 million in repayable loan funding. The funding will support replacement of nearly 2,500 service connections consisting of iron pipe attached Read more
ERIE, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Bob Merski will host a clinic offering both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines next Friday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at his new district office, 3921 Buffalo Road. Merski, D-Erie, said the clinic is a convenient way to protect oneself and those around you from severe illness. “Taking proactive measures for the health of yourself and your community is crucial in our collective fight against influenza and COVID-19. This clinic will provide a one-stop shop to get both your flu and updated COVID-19 shot. “We will be in the height of flu season before you know it, so I encourage all who are able to take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.” Merski said recipients must present a valid insurance card to receive the vaccinations. Pre-registration is not required, but visitors will be asked to complete a form on-site. Those wishing to complete the form in advance can pick up a copy at Merski’s 3921 Buffalo Road office. Anyone with questions should call Merski’s office at 814-455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Bob Merski will co-host a drive-through event this Saturday, Oct. 7 to help motorists learn whether they need a new license plate and to help them apply for a free replacement if it is determined to be illegible. Merski, D-Erie, said the event – which he is co-hosting with Pennsylvania State Police Troop E – will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the old Kmart plaza located at 4401 Buffalo Road. A license plate is deemed illegible and in need of replacement when one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet away, or if the plate is blistered, peeling, discolored or loses reflectivity, according to the state Transportation Department. Merski said, “Our office prides itself on providing outstanding constituent service, and this weekend’s license plate replacement event is another example of making state government conveniently accessible to the residents of Erie. “Our commonwealth’s law enforcement work tirelessly each day to ensure everyone’s collective safety on our roadways, and ensuring motorists’ license plates are legible allows them to concentrate their efforts on other safety issues pertaining to vehicular travel,” he said. Anyone with questions should call Merski’s office at 814-455-6319. Read more
License Plate Event this Saturday Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – Legislation passed by the House today would make it easier for police departments struggling with tight budgets to obtain used police vehicles, according to the bill’s author, state Rep. Bob Merski. Merski, D-Erie, said H.B. 251 would create a program that would allow local or regional police to purchase used state police pursuit vehicles – which are often used on the highway and recycled more frequently to avoid logistical issues that can arise if the vehicle breaks down – at a fixed price before they are auctioned to the public. “This legislation is a result of working with our local police departments in Erie County and their ideas for utilizing resources. We should be prioritizing and capitalizing on every opportunity to extend the life of taxpayer-funded initiatives. Programs like the one that would be created via my legislation would ultimately lessen the burden on taxpayers when it comes to vehicle replacements for local police departments. “Additionally, providing local police departments with options to upgrade their police vehicle fleet gives them another tool in their toolkit as they make community-based decisions with constrained budgets. This proposal is a win-win for local municipalities and Pennsylvania taxpayers, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the state Senate to get this proposal one step closer to becoming law.” The bill would Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Bob Merski announced today that he has been appointed to the PA House Finance Committee. Merski, D-Erie, said he is looking forward to working in a bipartisan fashion to make Pennsylvania a place that allows everyone to thrive and become the best version of themselves. “I want to thank Speaker McClinton for providing me with this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Chairman Samuelson and the committee members to bolster our commonwealth’s financial strength. We have the ability to continue making Pennsylvania a place that forges opportunities for people to live the life they want to lead.” Merski reiterated that a priority of his while he sits on the House Finance Committee will be to advocate for the passage of legislation that protects hardworking people across the commonwealth, and he will vote in accordance with initiatives that create family sustaining employment. Read more
We are thrilled to report that the Senior Fair was a resounding success and far exceeded our expectations! More than 600 seniors stopped by to check out all the state services and resources that are at their disposal. They were also provided with information on the latest products that aim to enhance seniors’ quality of life. Read more
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