With so many bitter divisions between the aisles, the chance to come together and help some of Pennsylvania’s most selfless, dedicated workers feels like a rare opportunity to heal some of those rifts. Maybe that’s why it also seems fitting that H.B. 253 – which just passed the House with unanimous, bipartisan support – is dedicated to helping our healers: the nurses and other frontline hospital workers who are currently facing crisis conditions. Of course, this isn’t the first time they have faced the incredible stresses of working in overcrowded, understaffed conditions. In fact, it seems like a hellish cycle: a COVID surge happens, hospitals swell to near-bursting with unvaccinated patients, and nurses and other frontline support staff face horrendous shortages and near-impossible conditions as they continue trying to help as many patients as possible. This time, however, a meaningful relief package will provide help, and hope. Once signed by the governor, the legislation we passed today will speed $210 million in federal pandemic relief directly to hospitals, which will put those dollars to work bringing nurses and other frontline staff the support they desperately need. Specifically, the funding will include $100 million to hospitals statewide to help them retain and recruit direct care staff. The pandemic has underscored the critical need for a strong nursing and direct patient care workforce. The funding will include Read more
ERIE, Jan. 21 – Students and staff in the Iroquois School District will benefit from a $24,500 grant awarded to fund security equipment, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today. Harkins said the funding was awarded by the state Department of Education under the competitive 2021-22 Safe Schools Targeted Grants program. “Schools need to be safe, supportive places where students and staff feel secure and protected,” Harkins said. “The funding awarded today will ensure that schools in the Iroquois School District have the resources to maintain that environment so teachers and kids can go about the business of teaching and learning, unbothered by fear or safety concerns.” The grants are part of a package of $8 million in competitive grants awarded statewide. More information on the specific awardees and amounts is available here . Read more
ERIE, Dec. 30 – New grants totaling nearly $600,000 will enhance area attractions by funding improvements to the Erie Zoo and equipment for maintaining snowmobile trails, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources includes $500,000 to the Erie Zoological Society for rehabilitation and construction of a giraffe exhibit with public viewing structures and related improvements. “The grant to the zoo will help fund construction of a unique exhibit that is part of the zoo’s efforts to expand its ‘Wild Open Spaces,’ where visitors can observe animals in their natural habitat,” Merski said. “The improvements will expand the zoo’s capacity, increase tourism revenue, and help educate visitors about wildlife and conservation.” Other funding includes nearly $100,000 to three snowmobile organizations for purchase of equipment needed to construct and maintain trails. “Erie is an all-season destination, with miles of trails for winter recreation,” Harkins said. “Some of the grants awarded today will fund equipment needed for construction, maintenance and grooming of nearly 120 miles of snowmobile trails to ensure the sport remains safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors.” The snowmobile grants include $38,200 to Wales Sno-Drifters, Read more
Grant to purchase equipment to train students in high-demand careers Read more
ERIE, Dec. 20 – A $165,000 grant will enable Our West Bayfront to redevelop three vacant properties into affordable housing in Erie, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding – awarded through the Keystone Communities Program – will boost ongoing efforts to bring more affordable housing to the city. “Affordable housing is critical for our community,” Merski said. “This new funding is going allow us to expand housing options for residents while creating jobs. It’s an investment that will improve life for families and continue creating spaces where they can thrive.” Harkins said, “By funding work to redevelop three vacant properties into affordable housing units, this funding is going help prevent blight and expand our community in a way that creates new opportunities for residents. I’m looking forward to seeing the new project take shape.” The grants are part of a package of $6 million in funding for 34 community improvement projects statewide. More information about the funding is available here . Read more
Program aims to connect industry, training and students Read more
ERIE, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, is inviting residents to a Drive-Thru Holiday Open House from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at his 3901 Liberty St. office. Merski is encouraging residents to drive over for some warm conversation and a sweet holiday treat. “Our Drive-Thru Holiday Open House may look a bit different this year, but it will still be a great opportunity for residents to share their thoughts, get information on state programs and services, and enjoy a local holiday treat, all from the warmth of their own cars,” Merski said. “I’m encouraging everyone to stop by, pick up a treat and let us know how we can help – or simply exchange some holiday cheer.” Merski said residents should enter the parking lot from Liberty Street. Anyone with questions can call 814-455-6319. Read more
Project includes work at Cresson subdivision Read more
ERIE, Dec. 15 – Grants totaling $35,000 will fund outreach efforts by two groups as they work to encourage Erie residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding – awarded through the COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program – includes $15,000 to the Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School and another $20,000 to the Sikh Society of Harrisburg, which will benefit residents in Erie and several other counties. “Despite some progress in community vaccine rates, there are still residents who are reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” Harkins said. “This new funding will help grassroots organizations reach out with the message that getting the vaccine is a critically important way to protect themselves and their loved ones.” Merski said, “For those who are still hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, sometimes the right message, from a trusted neighbor or group, is all that is needed. Securing this funding is going to allow R.B. Wiley and the Sikh Society to reach out and provide residents the reassurance they need that the vaccine is safe and effective.” The grants are part of a package of $2.5 million to support vaccine outreach efforts statewide. The COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Grant Program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. Read more
ERIE, Dec. 10 – Three grants totaling $90,000 will enhance security and prevent sexual assault at Mercyhurst University, Gannon University and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the three schools are receiving grants of $30,000 each under the “It’s On Us” program to ensure students remain safe from the threat of sexual violence. “College campuses should be safe havens where students feel confident to pursue their hopes and dreams,” Merski said. “This new funding will help ensure that Erie campuses have the proper security in place to deter crime and allow students to thrive and learn.” Harkins said, “No student should ever have to worry about facing the threat of an assault on campus. Securing this funding is going to bring new resources to ensure students remain safe and, equally important, enjoy peace of mind.” The “It’s On Us” campaign is a national initiative to raise awareness about sexual assault; teaching participants that assault includes non-consensual sex, advising them on how to identify dangerous situations, empowering them to intervene, and urging them to create an environment of support for victims and survivors. Read more
Funds will help food bank with cold storage facilities Read more
ERIE, Dec. 9 – Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA has been awarded nearly $750,000 for upgrades, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding will help the food bank expand its capacity for storing and transporting supplies. “No household should have to deal with the stress of food insecurity, especially during the holidays,” Merski said. “Securing this funding will ensure that Second Harvest Food Bank has the equipment it needs to store and transport plentiful supplies so that families have fewer worries about keeping nutritious food on the table.” Harkins said: “Second Harvest has always been a wonderful resource for our region. With so many residents still feeling the effects of the pandemic, it’s important for folks to know that the food bank is there for them and – thanks to this new funding – able to serve our community with expanded capacity.” The COVID-19 Food Bank Cold Storage Infrastructure Program allows Pennsylvania food banks to purchase, expand, or upgrade cold storage facilities to ensure that they can deliver fresh food to struggling families. Eligible purchases include refrigerators, coolers, freezers, refrigerator trailers and cargo vans, building expansions, and more. The grants are part of a package of $11.4 million in funding to food banks statewide. More information on the Read more
ERIE, Dec. 8 – The Erie County Historical Society, expERIEnce Children’s Museum, and Harborcreek Historical Society have been awarded more than $23,000 in state funding to help support their operations, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said that funding from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission includes $12,003 to the Erie County Historical Society and $6,067 to the children’s museum under the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program and $5,000 to the Harborcreek society under the Historical and Archival Records Grant Program. “Erie’s historical societies are the keepers of our region’s rich cultural heritage, and this new funding will support staff at the county historical society and Harborcreek in their efforts to preserve and chronicle our history in a way that keeps it alive for future generations.” Merski said, “The expERIEnce Children’s Museum is another unique place that brings learning to life by allowing kids to interact with hands-on displays and exhibits that stimulate the senses. The new grant funding to help support operations follows last week’s award of $5 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for major expansions and improvements to the museum.” The funding is part of a package of nearly $2 million in grants awarded to 154 Read more
ERIE, Dec. 8 – Efforts to improve child abuse investigation and assist young victims will benefit from $447,000 in funding awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the Children’s Advocacy Center in Erie will receive $47,000 in direct funding to continue its advocacy and support for abuse victims and will also benefit from an additional $400,000 awarded to the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania to help the state center provide individual CACs with training and technical support. “Our Children’s Advocacy Center here in Erie plays multiple critical roles, from being a voice for young abuse victims and assisting in investigations to providing a safe, supportive environment and resources to help kids heal,” Harkins said. “The new funding to the center will ensure that it has the resources to continue those crucial services.” Merski said: “In addition to the specific funding earmarked for our Erie center, the grant to the state center is great news because it will fund a team of experts in the field who can provide additional support. With changes in the law, an increase in child abuse referrals and the development of new, evidence-based techniques, our dedicated and talented professionals at the county level can benefit from that extra training and Read more
ERIE, Dec. 3 – A $5 million state grant will fund expansion and improvements to the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding – supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program – will help fund a building addition, outdoor space and improvements to the existing structure. “Securing this funding is going to allow the museum to expand its footprint and also offer new outdoor spaces for open-air programs,” Harkins said. “With those additions, the museum will be able to accommodate more people and add additional exhibits and programs, making the experience even more exciting for young visitors.” Merski said, “It’s hard to overstate the importance of vivid, hands-on exhibits that stimulate kids’ senses and help them learn. Our children’s museum gives kids an amazing educational experience to complement what they learn in the classroom, and today’s funding is going to help ensure the museum has the capacity to expand those resources even further.” The lawmakers said that the three-story addition to the current facility includes site preparation, foundation and concrete slabs, structural steel, building envelope, interior walls, and ceilings, finishes, and mechanical and electrical systems. In addition, renovations include reworking of structural steel and the addition of energy Read more
ERIE, Dec. 1 – A grant of more than $1.64 million to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office will fund measures to reduce gun violence, bolster law enforcement, and provide former offenders the supports and services needed to resume productive lives in the community, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will fund resources over a 24-month period to help implement UnifiedErie’s Group/Gun Violence Reduction Strategy. “This grant is going to fund targeted intervention strategies, street outreach, and other programs that have proven to reduce violence and help former offenders transition back to productive lives,” Merski said. “All are investments in a safer, stronger community.” Harkins said, “The funding awarded today is going to support programs that give residents a greater voice in fighting crime, expand outreach to at-risk youth beyond the schools and into the neighborhoods, boost law enforcement’s ability to track and prosecute offenders, and connect former offenders with job resources and other supports to help them turn their lives around.” The grant is part of a package of $15.7 million in funding from PCCD to support local strategies to stop gun and group violence. More information about the grants is available here . Read more
Grants available to connect vets with jobs, remove barriers Read more
Burns worked with communities to bring funding to region Read more
ERIE, Nov. 18 – Help is still available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins are urging residents who may be struggling with rent or utility payments to apply now. “With eviction protections no longer in place, it’s important for residents to remember that help is still available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program,” Merski said. “The program can provide up to 18 months of assistance for past-due rent or utilities dating back to March 2020, or for future payments. It can also help with housing-related expenses such as relocation, security deposits, application fees, accrued late fees and attorney fees related to eviction proceedings. “But residents – especially those facing an imminent risk of eviction or utility shutoff – should not wait. Applying now may help prevent those circumstances and other major life disruptions.” Harkins said, “As we head into winter, I urge anyone who is having trouble paying rent or utilities to apply for emergency assistance. Help is available even if residents are living in subsidized or Section 8 housing, as long as those costs are not reimbursed through another program.” To qualify, a household must be responsible for paying rent and must meet the following criteria: One or more household members has qualified for unemployment benefits, had a decrease in Read more
Would add more veterans to licensing boards, among other measures Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.