ERIE, Oct. 1 – In a landmark move for the health and safety of firefighters, the Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee has approved a bill banning the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighter gear, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The proactive legislation, which was introduced by Harkins and Merski, aligns with the growing awareness and scientific understanding of the dangers posed by PFAS chemicals. These substances, commonly found in firefighting foams and gear, have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, and their elimination from firefighting equipment represents a proactive approach to mitigating these risks. “Ensuring the safety of our firefighters is not just a duty but a solemn vow to those who risk their lives for us,” Harkins said. “ House Bill 1541 stands as a testament to this commitment, seeking to ban harmful chemicals in firefighting gear that can cause life-threatening illnesses. “Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and it is our duty to ensure that they are not exposed to unnecessary risks in the course of their duties.” Merski said, “Eliminating PFAS from firefighting gear safeguards those who safeguard us, ensuring that their heroism isn't marred by the invisible threat of chemical harm. As they put their lives on the line for our Read more
ERIE, Sept. 18 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, will co-host a senior fair beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Harborcreek Social Hall, 7275 Buffalo Road in Harborcreek. The senior fair will include assistance with applying for state programs such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and PACE/PACENET, Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs. Additionally, there will be door prizes and light refreshments, free senior bus passes and help with securing disability placards. Health screenings and flu shots will also be offered. Seniors should bring their insurance card if they would like a flu shot. “I am thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all seniors for an engaging and informative day at our upcoming Senior Fair,” Merski said. “This event is specially designed to bring valuable resources and services directly to you, in one convenient location. “From health screenings to assistance with state programs, we are committed to supporting our senior community. Join us for a day of connection, support and community. Harkins said, “Join us as we celebrate the golden years of our community at the upcoming Senior Fair. It will a day dedicated to our seasoned citizens, offering a wealth of resources and fun under one roof. This is always one of our favorite events of the year, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.” Read more
“The wide-ranging ramifications of a violent crime last long after the investigation, trial and conviction,” said state Rep. Bob Merski, who represents Greene, Harborcreek and Summit townships as well as the borough of Wesleyville and a portion of the city of Erie. “These grants help victims, survivors and their families move forward, ensuring the people who need help receive the support and services to take the next step in their lives.” Read more
“As an East Sider I’ve seen the positive changes in the neighborhood,” said Rep. Bob Merski, who represents a portion of the city of Erie. “It’s great to see reinvestment in our community, and I’m also grateful that lawmakers from across the commonwealth were able to witness the progress we are making – and hopefully we can continue to develop these areas.” Read more
“We know agriculture supports an estimated one of every 10 jobs in the state, but today we learned more how locally- and family-owned farms are making an impact in our economy,” state Rep. Bob Merski said. “Our region is one of the most unique in the state, allowing for not only winemaking but it has also encouraged the start of other related industries, including craft brewing – as well as influx of craft beverages.” Read more
ERIE, Sept. 9 – In a continued effort to bring about real enhancements for Erie County, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, today announced the awarding of two grants equaling $41,094 to Erie City and Harbor Creek School Districts. The funds from these grants are designated to help defray the costs associated with improvement projects in each of the district's buildings. “Investing in our schools is investing in our future,” Harkins said. The awarding of these dollars marks a pivotal step forward for our local school district, enabling vital infrastructure improvements that will benefit our students for generations to come. “I am thrilled to see the positive impact this will have on our community, and I am proud to support initiatives that foster such essential growth and development.” Merski said, “These grants will be strategically utilized to improve infrastructure, ensuring that our schools are not only safe but also conducive to the learning and growth of every student. This means updated facilities, more resources for teachers, and ultimately, a better educational experience for our students. “Our educators have long advocated for environments that reflect the quality of teaching within their walls and, today, we make significant strides in bringing that vision to life.” Read more
ERIE, Aug. 28 – Marking another milestone in their commitment to tangible improvements for Erie County, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, today announced a $410,000 grant has been awarded to Erie County Community College. This grant is designated for a significant window replacement project that will span the entire campus. “This investment is not just in glass and frames, but in the future of our institution, providing a brighter, warmer, and more inviting learning environment for our students,” Harkins said. “As we replace the old with the new, we are also renewing our commitment to educational excellence and community development . “My colleague, Bob Merski, and I are proud to have played a significant role in making this project a reality, ensuring that our educational facilities reflect the high standards we hold for academic excellence.” Merski said, “As a former educator, I have seen firsthand how the environment in which students learn has a direct impact on their overall success. This grant is a promise to Erie County Community College students and faculty that we will continue to support and improve their educational spaces, ensuring that Erie County remains a beacon of opportunity and innovation. “Let us celebrate this achievement and continue to work together for the betterment of our educational systems and our community at Read more
Appointment to AI Advisory Committee Read more
ERIE, Aug.19 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that he has been appointed to serve on the Joint State Government Commission’s Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence. The new committee is the result of Merski’s resolution – adopted by the Pennsylvania House in July – directing the commission to establish an advisory committee to study and evaluate recent developments in AI and its impact on Pennsylvanians. “I’m glad to see the new committee formed, and I’m honored that Speaker Joanna McClinton has appointed me to serve,” Merski said. “The use of AI has skyrocketed over the past year, and with it has come a spate of misinformation, including fake news, ‘deepfake’ videos and other content designed to spread lies and perpetrate fraud. With so many folks relying on the internet for critical information, we need to develop better guardrails for the use of AI and ways to educate folks about how they can better protect themselves online. “We also need to study the impacts that AI will have on jobs. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and continue that work with my colleagues on the committee.” Merski’s bill that would require a disclosure on all AI-generated content passed the House in April. He has also introduced legislation that would ban the misuse of AI in political campaigns 90 days before an election. Read more
Summer 2024 Newsletter Read more
ERIE, Aug. 9 – Building on their collaborative initiative to ensure Erie schools are supplied with nutritious, fresh food choices, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced that schools across Erie County will receive $441,672 via the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. “Every child deserves access to nutritious food, and this initiative is a giant leap toward that goal,” Merski said. “We are not just nourishing bodies; we are nurturing minds. This is an investment in our youth, in our community, and in the very fabric of our society .” Harkins said, “By ensuring access to nutritious food, we are setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy choices and academic excellence. Our children deserve the best, and I am proud to say that, with this funding, we are delivering just that." The funding is provided by the National School Lunch Program, supplementing the $46.5 million boost already obtained for the universal free breakfast program, a key initiative advocated by Merski and Harkins in the 2024-25 state budget. Since its inception, the program has delivered over 23 million breakfasts to students throughout the Commonwealth. Read more
ERIE, July 24 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, are supporting a conditional loan of up to $182.6 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, aimed at enhancing the operations of IRG Erie Inc. The loan is intended to fund the establishment of a plastics recycling plant in Erie, which will transform around 160,000 tons of post-consumer plastic waste annually into roughly 100,000 tons of recycled plastic. These materials are set to substitute virgin plastics. Moreover, the project is expected to generate 334 construction jobs, with 304 of these positions located at the Erie facility. “This substantial investment would catalyze the construction of a state-of-the-art plastics recycling facility, positioning Erie as a national leader in sustainable practices and innovation,” Harkins said. “The ripple effects of this project are profound, promising to create over 300 local jobs, drive economic growth, and significantly reduce our carbon footprint by recycling 160,000 tons of plastic annually. “I would like to extend my personal gratitude to the Biden-Harris administration for their investment in Erie. Their willingness to bring forward ideas that contribute to our economic growth while also safeguarding the environment is greatly appreciated,” Harkins added. Merski said, “This initiative is a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener Read more
HARRISBURG, July 16 – A proposal championed by state Rep. Bob Merski that would raise the annual income threshold for retirees to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee has received Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature. Merski, D-Erie, said the language of his legislation raising the qualifying income cap from $19,200 to $29,906, allowing more retirees to renew their annual vehicle registration for only $11, was included in an omnibus transportation bill that was enacted by Gov. Josh Shapiro Monday. “The enactment of my proposal will ease the financial burdens associated with vehicle ownership for retirees living on a fixed income,” Merski said. “The recent boosts to Social Security payments pushed many retirees above the income threshold to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee. The legislation signed into law today fixes that problem, demonstrating our ability to work in a bipartisan fashion to solve the complex issues facing Pennsylvanians. “We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all our citizens, and the enactment of my proposal honors the contributions of our retirees. They have given so much to our community, and it is only fitting that we give back in ways that acknowledge their needs and financial realities.” Merski noted that the legislation also ties future annual adjustments to the Consumer Price Index. Read more
Historic Increases in Education Funding for Erie Schools Read more
HARRISBURG, July 3 – Lawmakers would get a detailed report on the functionality of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on our day-to-day life under a resolution the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted today, according to the resolution’s sponsor, state Rep. Bob Merski. Merski, D-Erie, said H.R. 170 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee with the objective of exploring the ramifications of AI and delivering a comprehensive report detailing the committee’s findings and recommendations. “We must be vigilant and proactive in preventing the misuse of AI by bad actors, ensuring that this powerful technology is harnessed for the benefit of all, not the few,” Merski said. “It is imperative that we implement robust guardrails for AI to ensure it serves the common good, fostering innovation and progress while protecting our citizens, and this House resolution gets us one step closer to accomplishing that goal.” Merski has previously advocated for steering AI away from nefarious actors and directing it toward being a beneficial, useful source for good in our society. Read more
ERIE, June 14 – Grant awards totaling nearly $700,000 have been awarded to entities with a focus on ensuring residents in Erie County have access to safe, affordable housing, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. These grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 to provide the mechanism by which certain allocated state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside sources, would be used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the commonwealth. The local awards and recipients are as follows: $135,000 - GMA Development Group, LLC. $100,000 - City of Erie. $100,000 - Community of Caring. $100,000 - Erie DAWN. $100,000 - Mercy Center for Women. $75,000 - Erie County Department of Human Services. $50,000 - St. Martin Center, Inc. “Safe, affordable housing is more than just a basic human need; it is a critical foundation for the well-being of our families and the stability of our communities,” Harkins said. “These grants will foster environments where children can thrive in their educational pursuits, where health outcomes can improve due to reduced stress and better living conditions, and where the cycle of poverty can be broken as families are able to Read more
HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., and Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that they will be introducing legislation to help prevent abrupt closures of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. This announcement comes roughly one week after the sudden closure of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This legislation would require colleges or universities to provide financial information yearly if they receive commonwealth funds or federal funds distributed by the commonwealth. The lawmakers believe that this proposal would ensure transparency for the commonwealth, students, and staff of higher education institutions and continued good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The University of the Arts is located in Waxman’s legislative district, covering center city Philadelphia. “When I heard about UArts’ closure, I immediately shared feelings of anger and disappointment with the students who won’t have the same school to attend and faculty who will be losing their jobs,” Waxman said. “I want to ensure no student or school faculty member in Pennsylvania has to go through what those at UArts are going through right now. By requiring these schools to regularly notify us of their financial information, we can create greater accountability and transparency across the board.” The lawmakers say that having this information from schools on a yearly Read more
ERIE, June 13 – $200,000 in new funding was awarded to two Erie-based entities to enhance digital literacy, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Digital-Literacy Grants Program, which awarded $4.9 million to 50 community-based organizations throughout Pennsylvania in this most recent round of funding. This grant program provides funding to organizations in communities that teach residents how to effectively navigate platforms used in the job-search process and the workplace, including digital fundamentals, digital citizenship, and understanding digital information – especially in communities lacking access to broadband infrastructure and high-speed internet. The local awards and recipients are as follows: $100,000 - Afghan Community of Erie Pennsylvania $100,000 - Gannon University “In our rapidly changing world, digital literacy skills are becoming an essential component of many careers,” Harkins said. “This new funding will ignite a digital literacy revolution, ensuring that every individual, regardless of age or background, has the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world.” Merski said, “These new resources will help bridge the digital divide, providing access and opportunities for all to Read more
“The freedom to go into the voting booth and choose candidates who reflect our values and beliefs is at the very heart of our democracy,” Merski said. “But the proliferation of AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ impersonating public officials and political candidates to spread disinformation threatens to undermine the whole point of free and fair elections.???????“We have to act now to protect the sanctity of our elections by erecting sensible guardrails for how generative AI may be used in campaigns. Fourteen other states have already recognized the threat and passed legislation. It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up and do the same.” Read more
ERIE, June 10 – A total of $102,023 in new funding was awarded to Erie to bolster indigent defense, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s newly enabled Indigent Defense Advisory Committee. The new grant program aims to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of indigent defense services in Pennsylvania. This will be achieved by recruiting and retaining staff, improving data collection and reporting, providing necessary training, professional development and technical assistance, and addressing any other needs identified by the county in collaboration with indigent defense service providers. “In a monumental step forward, our commonwealth has affirmed its commitment to justice for all by awarding significant grant funding to bolster indigent defense,” Harkins said. “This investment gets us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of financial standing, has access to fair representation in our legal system.” Merski said, “We celebrate this achievement not as a victory for a few, but as a foundational pillar in our pursuit of a more equitable society. “Let us continue to work together to uphold the right to counsel as a basic human right, unwavering in our dedication to Read more
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