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
HARRISBURG, Sept. 27 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Bob Merski’s bill 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 passed by a vote of 202-0 – 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. “The income threshold that allows retirees to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee hasn’t been raised in 25 years,” Merski said. “Social Security payments received an 8.7% boost this year; however, a ramification of this increase is that it pushes retirees above income thresholds for certain government programs or benefits. “My bill would address this underlying issue by raising the income threshold to allow retirees to continue reaping the benefits that they have earned through their decades of being in the workforce . “We have an obligation to take care of seniors who have paid taxes their entire lives. Pennsylvania has recognized the need to assist our seniors on fixed incomes for quite some time by offering benefits to seniors below a certain income threshold. “This is a commonsense piece of legislation, and I thank my colleagues in the House for Read more
Senior Fair is next Friday, Sept. 22! Read more
ERIE, Sept. 13 – In an effort to connect local seniors with the services and programs they deserve, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, will co-host a senior fair from 10 a.m. to noon next Friday, Sept. 22 at the Harborcreek Social Hall located at 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. “Bringing together the services that seniors rely on under one roof is an excellent way to ensure they are capitalizing on the state resources they need,” Merski said. “I have made it a cornerstone of my office to streamline assistance to our neighbors, and the senior fair expands on this fundamental principle. ” Harkins said, “Pennsylvania programs that are geared toward helping seniors are vast and wide-ranging. Conducting a senior fair provides the opportunity to refine the process of maximizing already utilized programs, while simultaneously offering the chance to navigate new services that may be beneficial to area seniors either now or in the future.” Read more
“As an educator, I know that the children who enter our doors every day are a product of their families and their communities,” Merski said. “This federal funding to the state Department of Health and Erie’s public schools will help us to integrate and collaborate to improve that mind-body connection. Read more
Ready to ride! Snowmobile trails receive funding Read more
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3921 Buffalo Rd.Erie, PA 16510-2002
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