Burns: $900,000 in state funding approved for local drinking water projects

(Apr 21, 2021)

PENNVEST grants will help offset costs, keep rates low Read more

 

Burns: $451,900 grant to help with Laurel Ridge recreation access road project

(Apr 21, 2021)

Burns previously worked with local residents to save area from windfarm Read more

 

Bizzarro announces more than $60,000 coming to Erie

(Apr 21, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 21 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced will receive grants totaling $ 63,083 from the state's Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. “The great outdoors have given our community a reprieve from the difficulties of this past year and I am always happy to see state dollars come back to Erie. Investing in maintaining and improving outdoor space helps keep Erie healthy and thriving,” Bizzarro said. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will use their $63,083 grant to aid with invasive species control on high priority sites in Northwestern Pennsylvania including Erie County. The Commonwealth Financing Authority’s GTRP funds planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Read more

 

Burns: $793,000 coming to make Loretto, Portage safer

(Apr 16, 2021)

Grants ensure equality in state funding Read more

 

Burns: Ebensburg awarded $43,000 for Main Street Partnership

(Apr 14, 2021)

Grant to help with impacts of pandemic on program Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Erie Downtown Partnership awarded $50,000 grant for pandemic relief

(Apr 14, 2021)

ERIE, April 14 – A $50,000 state grant will provide pandemic assistance to a critical Erie community development organization, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding to the Erie Downtown Partnership will allow the collaborative to replenish resources exhausted by the pandemic. “As COVID created new and immediate concerns for businesses and neighborhoods, community development organizations like Erie Downtown Partnership were forced to shift priorities from long-term revitalization and renewal to addressing more urgent community needs, and they are playing an important part in our recovery” Merski said. “This funding will help replenish resources for the collaborative so it can continue its vital role in rebuilding our downtown.” Harkins said: “Our business community and neighborhoods have faced unprecedented challenges over the past year, but Erie’s partnership of business and property owners, organizations and other stakeholders have been tireless in their resolve to get us back on the path to recovery. This funding is an investment that keeps us moving in that direction.” The grant is part of a package of nearly $2 million to 43 projects statewide that have been approved for funding under the COVID-19 Relief - Supporting Elm and Main program. The Read more

 

Burns: $414,000 state grant to support tech in schools

(Apr 13, 2021)

Grant will help expand access to STEM in rural areas Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $238,000 in funding awarded to bolster tech, computer curriculum for low-income Erie students

(Apr 13, 2021)

ERIE, April 13 – Grant funding of $237,909 from the state Department of Education will bring a tech-enriched curriculum – including classes in robotics and coding – to students at Erie RISE Leadership Academy Charter School, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding under the PAsmart Advancing Grants program promises to help low-income and minority students compete in an increasingly tech-intensive modern workplace. “Being tech-savvy is no longer considered an added bonus in the workplace – it’s a required skill that employers are demanding for most high-paying, family-sustaining jobs,” Merski said. “Securing this funding is going to help level the playing field for students in underserved, low-income communities by teaching them skills that provide an entry into computer science and tech fields.” Harkins said, “The funding to Erie RISE is exciting because it will allow the school to add to its curriculum in ways that we know provide a pathway to good jobs. By teaching skills like robotics and coding, we’re giving kids a foundation in the kinds of concrete, tech-based subjects that allow them to compete later on. We’re also building a stronger pool of candidates for local employers and earners who can invest that money back into the community.” Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: More than $800,000 awarded to fund Erie recreational fishing projects

(Apr 12, 2021)

ERIE, April 12 – Erie anglers will enjoy enhanced fishing opportunities thanks to $804,200 in newly awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers – both members of the House Game and Fisheries Committee – said most projects are being funded through the Erie Access Improvement Grant Program, which was recently expanded based on legislation co-authored by Harkins and Erie colleague Rep. Parke Wentling. “Our legislation created greater flexibility to use the proceeds of fishing permit revenue by expanding permissible projects beyond access and habitat related projects to all public fishing-related projects,” Harkins said. “We wanted to see folks benefit more broadly from the fees they pay into the system. That flexibility is now there, and it’s terrific to see it yielding results for local anglers.” Merski said, “It’s great to see these dollars going back into funding projects to enrich recreational opportunities on the water. Projects like the pier are especially exciting because they will allow more residents – including veterans who may have mobility issues – to get there and cast their lines.” The lawmakers said the following projects are funded by the Erie Access Improvement program: $202,200 to Western Read more

 

BioTech Innovation Organization, Pfizer share vaccine efficacy, role in COVID-19 recovery

(Apr 12, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 12 – As Pennsylvania expands vaccine eligibility, the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from the manufacturers tirelessly working to develop safe and effective vaccines for global use. At a Policy Committee hearing today, testifiers included representatives from Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Pfizer, who provided details on the technology behind the development of the COVID-19 vaccines and how the United States can reach herd immunity. Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and state Reps. Patty Kim and Darisha Parker facilitated the hearing, where Amy Walker, director of Infectious Diseases Policy for Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Lisa Coen, senior director, Vaccine Public Affairs with Pfizer, shared insight into the science behind the creation of COVID-19 vaccines, ongoing research, development and trials. Walker shared that five presidents, both Democratic and Republican, have been vaccinated, highlighting that the vaccines have received bipartisan support. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have conversations based on science and fact. These vaccines will save lives and I encourage everyone eligible and interested to take the advice of scientists and medical professionals and help put this pandemic behind us,” Bizzarro implored. “It is important for us to hear this testimony today, especially for my constituents,” Parker said. “Communities of color have battled COVID extra Read more

 

Burns secures $100,000 state grant for Cambria Heights High School renovation project

(Apr 09, 2021)

Project will create multi-use area for school, community Read more

 

Burns supports victims of child sexual assault, votes to allow 2-year window for civil claims

(Apr 07, 2021)

Bill provides fix for administrative error that sunk constitutional amendment Read more

 

Conklin applauds passage of bill to assist volunteer community organizations impacted by pandemic

(Apr 07, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 7 – A measure to make changes to state law to allow small games of chance licensees, including veterans’ organizations, fire departments, and other nonprofit groups, to conduct online games and online transactions passed in the House today, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said H.B.290 will be a true lifeline to these organizations across Pennsylvania. “Many of our volunteer organizations in Centre County and across our state, who give so much of their time and support to our communities, have been gravely impacted during this ongoing pandemic,” said Conklin. “They rely on raffles and small games of chance to keep their doors open, and this bipartisan bill will allow them to stay in operation.” The bill now heads to the Senate for further action. Read more

 

Burns urges care, foresight in dispersing $57.4 million in COVID relief

(Apr 07, 2021)

Calls for ‘strategic investments’ by Johnstown, Cambria County Read more

 

Burns touts recycling grant program; has secured more than $1.8 million for recycling in Cambria County

(Apr 06, 2021)

Program helps offset costs of county recycling programs Read more

 

Merski bill would bring pandemic relief to state’s alcohol producers

(Apr 01, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 1 – A newly introduced bill by state Rep. Bob Merski would assist the many Pennsylvania breweries, wineries and distilleries that have been hurt by the pandemic but are ineligible for relief under the current hospitality industry recovery program. Merski, D-Erie, said his H.B. 1069 would provide a helping hand to local alcohol producers that fail to qualify for relief under the existing COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program because they are not classified as businesses that provide accommodations or serve food or drink on the premises. “Pennsylvania’s breweries, wineries and distilleries play a vital role in the state’s economy, employing thousands and contributing billions annually in revenue,” Merski said. “Like so many industries, however, they have not escaped the impact of the pandemic. Despite creative strategies to counter the loss of sales from bar and restaurant closures, many – especially those with limited distribution channels – have struggled. “Because many wineries, distilleries and craft breweries do not have on-premises dining, they are not eligible for relief under the existing COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Relief Program. My bill would change that by ensuring that these important producers have access to a critical funding source.” Merski said the bill has been assigned to the House Liquor Control Committee and that he hopes to see it reach the full House Read more

 

Burns: Local school bus company awarded $200,000 state grant to replace aging diesels

(Mar 31, 2021)

More efficient diesel buses will improve air conditions Read more

 

Burns: Cambria County schools to see $53.6 million in COVID-19 relief funding

(Mar 30, 2021)

Funding to help schools address academic loss due to pandemic Read more

 

Merski, Harkins: Erie County schools expected to receive more than $115 million to defray pandemic expenses, keep students learning

(Mar 29, 2021)

ERIE, March 29 – Erie school districts and charter schools are expected to receive a combined $115.1 million in federal funding to ensure services and safety measures are in place as more students return to the classroom, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding will address a wide range of needs, from restoring gaps in learning during the pandemic to fulfilling the need for new supplies and materials. “The pandemic strained school budgets, tested the limits of online learning and left educators and school officials with a litany of new challenges,” said Merski. “This funding will allow schools to allocate resources where they are most needed to ensure programs can address gaps in learning, replenish shrinking supplies and guarantee the resources needed to ensure a safe and successful return to the classroom.” Harkins said, “Securing this funding is going to help ensure that our school buildings are safe, students are well supported and teachers and other staff have the resources needed to make our way back to traditional classroom learning without leaving anyone behind.” The lawmakers said schools in Erie’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Legislative Districts will receive the following: Erie City School District – $60.7 million. Fort LeBoeuf School District – $3.5 million. Millcreek Read more

 

Merski: Virtual event will help those with criminal records rejoin job market

(Mar 29, 2021)

ERIE, March 29 – Residents with criminal records who are seeking to return to the job market will find helpful guidance at a virtual seminar hosted by the Erie County Public Library this week, state Rep. Bob Merski announced today. Merski, D-Erie, said “Job Opportunities for Reentry from the Criminal Justice System” – from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 – will feature remarks by Pennsylvania Secretary of the Board of Pardons Brandon Flood, who will provide an overview of the second chances available under Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Law, and tips from a staff member of CareerLink – the state’s online job database – about handling the application process. “For thousands of area residents with minor convictions or arrests without convictions, the Clean Slate Law is a chance to change the direction of their lives and show that past mistakes don’t determine future successes,” Merski said. “Wednesday’s virtual seminar will help these job seekers understand their rights under the law and offer guidance on how to maximize their opportunities. “Participants will also have a chance to ask questions. I’m urging all area job seekers looking for a fresh start to sign up.” Merski said the event will be hosted via Zoom, and people interested in participating must register for the call by visiting this Read more

 

Burns: $900,000 in state funding approved for local drinking water projects
Apr 21, 2021

Burns: $451,900 grant to help with Laurel Ridge recreation access road project
Apr 21, 2021

Bizzarro announces more than $60,000 coming to Erie
Apr 21, 2021

Burns: $793,000 coming to make Loretto, Portage safer
Apr 16, 2021

Burns: Ebensburg awarded $43,000 for Main Street Partnership
Apr 14, 2021

Merski, Harkins: Erie Downtown Partnership awarded $50,000 grant for pandemic relief
Apr 14, 2021

Burns: $414,000 state grant to support tech in schools
Apr 13, 2021

Merski, Harkins: Nearly $238,000 in funding awarded to bolster tech, computer curriculum for low-income Erie students
Apr 13, 2021

Harkins, Merski: More than $800,000 awarded to fund Erie recreational fishing projects
Apr 12, 2021

BioTech Innovation Organization, Pfizer share vaccine efficacy, role in COVID-19 recovery
Apr 12, 2021

Burns secures $100,000 state grant for Cambria Heights High School renovation project
Apr 09, 2021

Burns supports victims of child sexual assault, votes to allow 2-year window for civil claims
Apr 07, 2021

Conklin applauds passage of bill to assist volunteer community organizations impacted by pandemic
Apr 07, 2021

Burns urges care, foresight in dispersing $57.4 million in COVID relief
Apr 07, 2021

Burns touts recycling grant program; has secured more than $1.8 million for recycling in Cambria County
Apr 06, 2021

Merski bill would bring pandemic relief to state’s alcohol producers
Apr 01, 2021

Burns: Local school bus company awarded $200,000 state grant to replace aging diesels
Mar 31, 2021

Burns: Cambria County schools to see $53.6 million in COVID-19 relief funding
Mar 30, 2021

Merski, Harkins: Erie County schools expected to receive more than $115 million to defray pandemic expenses, keep students learning
Mar 29, 2021

Merski: Virtual event will help those with criminal records rejoin job market
Mar 29, 2021