“This proposed legislation draws from painful experiences,” Conklin said. “Integrating these heat-detection devices into our police vehicles would prevent future tragedies, providing a safer environment for our K-9 officers.” Read more
ERIE, June 6 – Concerned by the sharp decline in early childhood education teachers, state Rep. Pat Harkins joined fellow lawmakers at the state Capitol today to call for greater investments in early childhood education. Harkins, who is co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Caucus, told those gathered for the “workforce behind the workforce” rally that a mass exodus from the field threatens to affect the quality of critical pre-K programs throughout the state. “The statistics are grim – they show that early education teachers on average make just $12.43 per hour and that 44% have had to use a payday loan or borrow from friends or family to cover basic expenses,” Harkins said. “Not surprisingly, half of all early ed teachers surveyed said they are thinking of leaving the field within the next five years. “Earlier this year, the governor spoke about the importance of early education and the need to invest in programs like Pre-K Counts, and a poll showed that nearly all Pennsylvanians agree that early education is important. “We need to make these investments a priority now and ensure we can pay teachers a living wage. If we can’t attract and retain early childhood educators for quality programs that give kids the right start, we’re going to feel the ripple effects all throughout our workforce and economy.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 6 – County pension annuitants struggling to make ends meet are a step closer to more frequent cost-of-living adjustments after the PA House today passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said they introduced H.B. 298 – which would amend the county pension law to give boards more flexibility in setting COLAs – to help retirees feeling the effects of inflation. “Under our county pension law, when retirement boards provide a cost-of-living increase, it must be in accordance with the full consumer price index at the time of review,” Harkins said. “Although the law is well-intentioned, its rigid requirement means that our county pension boards often can’t afford to provide any adjustments at all because the index is simply too high. “Our bill would amend the law to allow boards to grant a COLA of any percentage up to, but not more than, the consumer price index. The change would help counties and benefit county retirees who under the current all-or-nothing system might not receive a COLA for several years. “We need to reward these seniors who helped build our community and keep them out of poverty. Ensuring that they receive timely cost-of-living adjustments would bring them greater retirement security and help them maintain the quality of life they deserve.” Merski said, Read more
“In Pennsylvania, 1 in 7 children face hunger, which means that they show up to class each day without the fuel they need to concentrate, retain information and learn,” Merski said. “At the same time, a large amount of food goes to waste every day in our schools. In a state with one of the nation’s strongest agricultural industries – and far too much food waste – we can turn this situation around." Read more
“While it may be noble and practical for the JHA to seek tenant input as it pursues funding to upgrade its housing, it’s equally important to let other Cambria County communities – people in Richland, Westmont, Upper Yoder, Ebensburg and elsewhere – know if any ‘mixed-income redevelopment’ of public housing could potentially impact them," Burns said. Read more
“Securing this new funding is going to support reclamation work that will expand access to recreational trails, provide access for maintenance of the Inclined Plane and build on other projects underway to expand hillside recreation and tourism for the area," Burns said. Read more
“My bill would allow communities to join forces in fighting blight and would bolster those efforts by providing the additional resources needed to enforce code violations.” Read more
"By providing first responders with access to up-to-date, detailed building layouts, we would empower them to better navigate the chaos of these crises and speed lifesaving intervention," Conklin said. Read more
So, after controlling the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 24 of the last 28 years and controlling the state Senate nonstop since 1995 — 1995! — and delivering a record of failure the Washington Generals would mock, Republicans are claiming they want sanity and compromise. Read more
“People with disabilities drive, and – like many of us – they have concerns and needs,” Bizzarro said. “Unfortunately, until this bill is signed into law, people with disabilities do not always have a seat at the table when it comes to PennDOT’s Medical Advisory Board. This bill would provide more equal representation, and it would ensure the needs and concerns of drivers with disabilities are heard at the state level.” Read more
“Having a broad range of programs and services is key to keeping our area’s active seniors engaged and connected, and the center does a terrific job with plenty of classes and activities of all kinds,” Conklin said. Read more
“Motorists will have an opportunity to fill out the MV-44 application for a replacement plate, and a state trooper on site will sign off on the form if the plate qualifies," Merski said. Read more
“Service and sacrifice are more than a calling for these residents – they are a way of life," Harkins said. "Now, as they enjoy their golden years, it’s incumbent on us to make sure they have the quality of life they deserve. I’m thrilled to be working with fellow council members and the home’s dedicated staff and administrators to keep that legacy of care and respect going.” Read more
Having set standards in place for issues like obtaining approval, setting fees and installing the cable would help save taxpayer dollars and streamline the process," Merski said. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, May 11 – New funding of up to $400,000 will boost Centre County resources to fight substance use disorder, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding from the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will allow Pinnacle Treatment to expand programs for residents in Centre and Washington counties. “Although existing programs and outreach have made inroads in the fight against substance use disorder, too many residents and the families who love them still feel the devastating impact of addiction,” Conklin said. “Securing this funding will allow us to expand the kinds of evidence-based treatment programs, recovery and peer supports, education and other resources that can get more folks back on the path to productive lives.” The funding – which is provided from the opioid settlement funds appropriated to DDAP by the General Assembly – is for a 12-month period beginning July 1, through June 30, 2024. Funds may be applied to a range of activities, including building infrastructure, staffing and evidence-based programming. More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DDAP_details.aspx?newsid=275 . Read more
ERIE, May 9 – New funding of up to $400,000 will expand resources for area residents battling substance use disorders, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will go to Bethany Christian of Western PA to expand resources for residents in Erie and Crawford counties. “Despite dedicated professionals and a supportive community network, we still are not making the inroads we need to be making when it comes to fighting substance use disorders,” Merski said. “The new funding – along with recently announced funding for development of a recovery hub – brings reason for hope because it will allow us to develop new evidence-based programs, expand those that are working, and broaden community outreach and education.” Harkins said, “As important a role family and community can play, we need to be bringing additional resources to this fight. The additional DDAP funding will allow us to expand resources like medication-assisted treatment, recovery and peer supports and other programs that can help return more folks to their families and productive lives in our community.” The funding – which is provided from the opioid settlement funds appropriated to DDAP by the General Assembly – is for a 12-month period beginning July 1, through June 30, 2024. Funds may Read more
"Today, the House took a critical step toward better protecting hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania workers," Harkins said. Read more
“For high school students contemplating career paths, the chance to enroll in postsecondary education classes can be a great way to explore emerging interests and gain confidence in their academic and technical skills." Read more
“Hurtful, stigmatizing language has no place in our public law books,” Harkins said. Read more
"By giving election workers the time they need to tabulate votes, my bill would expedite the process and help eliminate the delays that can slow or obstruct a fair, democratic process.” Read more
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