Harkins said, "With this new funding and guidance from the Department of Health, Erie schools can become a leader in implementing a new approach to student health and learning that enlists the health sector, schools, our community, families and students themselves." Read more
Erie Winter Sports gets boost! Read more
ERIE, Aug. 29 – Three grants totaling $150,000 will fund the purchase of equipment to construct and maintain more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie and surrounding counties, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources include: $115,000 to Tri-County Snowblazers Inc. for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 90 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie, Warren and Crawford counties. $24,000 to Wales Sno-Drifters Inc. for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 50 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie County. $11,000 to McKean Area Snowmobile Club Inc. for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 162 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties. “An extended season for winter sports like snowmobiling is one of our area’s unique attractions. But maintaining safe trails is costly,” Merski said. “The new funding will help ensure that our area organizations have the equipment they need to keep the trails groomed and maintained on a regular basis.” Harkins said, “Trail quality and safety play a huge part in what kind of experience folks have and whether they want to return for repeat adventures. Our region is fortunate to have clubs whose members are Read more
UPS and Teamsters Officially Agree to new Contract Read more
With traffic increasing in this area, it’s more important than ever to update the transportation safety infrastructure to protect pedestrians, motorists and cyclists,” Harkins said. “The signals on State Street between Second and Fifth streets are 60 years old, and modernizing the equipment is critical. Securing this new funding will allow the city to make those upgrades and also improve pedestrian facilities.” Read more
Investing in Erie Read more
ERIE, Aug. 17 – Broadening the ability for job seekers to attain the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today that Erie County received funding for two projects through the Digital Literacy and Workforce Development grant program. The funding was awarded to the Greater Erie Community Action Committee and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants/Erie Field Office. “Digital literacy isn’t just a plus on a job resume – for many employers, it’s a requirement. This new funding will help ensure more job seekers in Erie have critical tech skills that provide a foundation for a successful career,” Merski said. He added, “GECAC has been on the forefront of providing training and services to people in the Erie area for years. This funding will be earmarked towards providing lessons on critical tech skills that will help sharpen an employee’s skillset.” Harkins said, “The challenges and language barriers facing folks who arrive in our country seeking to start a new life for themselves and their families can be formidable – especially when it comes to securing work. The new funding will help make that process easier by providing linguistic and cultural instruction for individuals seeking to enter the workforce.” More information on the grant funding for the two Erie projects can be Read more
ERIE, Aug. 16 – Building upon their already solidified pro-labor record, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today that a $90,000 grant has been awarded to Steamfitters Local 449. The grant aims to broaden the registered apprenticeship program by hiring 25 new apprenticeships with the underlying goal of ensuring long-term systemic change. Additionally, the program will update Steamfitter Local 449's affirmative action plan and implement a new diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. “Throughout my time being a legislator, I have worked closely with Steamfitters Local 449 to advance and enhance the life-changing opportunities they provide for so many in our region,” Harkins said. “I am thrilled they are continuing to create pathways that provide an upward trajectory to a successful career .” Merski said, “The building trades are a pathway to the American dream. This funding will provide opportunities so more people have access to the trades by garnering the skills they need for middle-class, family-sustaining jobs. Enabling underrepresented communities access to this training is a goal worthy of our support. When we build people up, we build our community as well.” The grant was federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Read more
ERIE, Aug. 15 – Expanding on their joint effort to provide Erie schools with healthy, fresh food options, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today that schools throughout the county will be receiving $443,952 through the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. “Expanding on the availability of fresh, healthy food for our students will provide the nourishment they need to prosper both physically and academically,” Merski said. “This program will also provide the opportunity to establish healthy eating habits early in these students’ lives .” Harkins said, “Providing students the option to ditch the sugary snacks for more wholesome fruits and vegetables is a vital aspect of healthy living. Every child deserves the chance to maximize their present and future health, and this funding helps make that a possibility.” The funding comes from the National School Lunch Program and is in addition to the universal free breakfast program that was championed by Merski and Harkins as a part of the 2023-24 state budget. Read more
“Updating the electronic equipment that controls our busy city intersections is critical for safety and also for keeping traffic moving efficiently,” Harkins said. “Securing this new funding means motorists are going to see smoother traffic and everyone is going to stay safer on our streets.” Read more
A great turnout for National Night Out Read more
CHIP provides health insurance for PA kids Read more
Funding secured for Erie Police Department Read more
Bolstering Erie’s education & social services funding Read more
Funding secured for housing, advancing policies that help all Pennsylvanians, & update on Erie recovery hub Read more
Harkins, Merski: Cancer screenings for firefighters will save lives Read more
Merski, Harkins: Erie County awarded $310,000 for recovery hub Read more
Harkins, Merski: Over $750K awarded for Erie housing projects Read more
Focusing on families; reducing the cost of living, investing in critical services, and more! Read more
"The Erie Land Lighthouse needs substantial repairs to address decay caused by moisture intrusion, and immediate action is needed to pervent future deterioration," Harkins said. "This new funding is going to allow us to address this problem and preserve this unique landmark for future generations." Read more
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