HARRISBURG, June 3 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, is celebrating a transformative victory to fight property blight with the passage of H.B. 858 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This groundbreaking legislation aims to combat blighted and abandoned properties across the Commonwealth by establishing a comprehensive property registration list -- information that can subsequently be shared with municipal code enforcement to ensure all properties receive proper maintenance and care. The bill, for which Merski served as a co-prime sponsor, would require counties to develop and maintain accurate property contact information lists. The bill would further reinforce accountability by imposing clear duties on chief assessors and establishing enforceable penalties for noncompliance. These measures are set to bolster transparency, ensure equitable property management, and improve communication between local government entities and the communities they serve. “With the passage of H.B. 858, we've taken a bold step toward tackling property blight head-on by establishing a comprehensive property registration list that will directly support municipal code enforcement efforts,” Merski said. “During my time on city council, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that property neglect can wreak on our communities. "This legislation mandates accurate property contact information and imposes clear Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PACTT (Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training) Grant Who May Apply: All residential facilities, community-based, and/or juvenile probation office providers that are not currently PACTT Affiliates and serve primarily adjudicated delinquent youth. Use: Applicants must ensure that the proposed program and associated expenses directly align with the PACTT affiliation areas (Academics, Job Skills Training, or Work-Related Services) the agency intends to pursue Funds: A total of $160,000 in state JRI funds is being announced to support this initiative among residential facilities, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments. PCCD expects to fund eight grants with budgets not to exceed $20,000 over a 12-month project period. Application Deadline: July 7, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others Use: Create or obtain business plans, management strategies, transition plans, ownership plans, or plans to maintain the long-term economic viability of a farm. Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in grant funding. Individual grants shall not exceed $15,000. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until funds are exhausted. More information: PDA Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more
ERIE, May 7 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, are celebrating a transformative victory for fiscal responsibility and robust retiree support with the passage of H.B. 754 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The legislation would redefine the County Pension Law by empowering retirement boards to tailor supplemental benefit increases, ensuring county annuitants continue to receive necessary support while safeguarding taxpayers from unsustainable costs. “We envisioned a law that would empower county pension boards to make decisions tailored to their unique fiscal realities while ensuring our annuitants receive the support they deserve,” Harkins said. “House Bill 754 strikes a fair balance between preserving the purchasing power of our retirees and protecting our counties from unsustainable financial burdens.” “This legislation is a testament to our commitment to responsible governance,” Merski said. “By providing counties with the discretion to fine-tune supplemental benefit increases, we are taking a critical step toward fiscal accountability without compromising the support our county retirees need.” Under the current County Pension Law, County Retirement Boards are required to review supplemental benefits for county annuitants every three years. However, any increase in benefits is automatically tied to the percentage change Read more
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“The demand for workers who are skilled in STEM fields only continues to grow as tech continues to dominate our top industries,” Merski said. “The new funding will help ensure that Mercyhurst University and Erie County Technical School have the resources needed to continue their excellent programs, so students have the training to step into high-paying jobs and our region’s employers have the highly trained workforce needed to stay competitive.” Read more
ERIE, April 28 – A $ 1 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program is set to expand dual credit opportunities at Erie County Community College for high school students, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. “Dual credit programs are a game changer for our students,” Merski said. “This generous award not only strengthens our local educational infrastructure but also opens up new pathways for young people to accelerate their academic careers and enter a competitive workforce.” “Investing in dual credit opportunities reflects our commitment to ensuring every student in our community has access to high-quality education that connects classroom learning with real-world success,” Harkins said. “This funding will have a lasting impact on the future of our students in Erie County.” The $1 million grant will enable Erie County Community College to enhance its capacity to offer innovative dual credit courses, improving academic achievement, graduation rates, and college enrollment. This initiative is part of a broader state effort to provide critical educational opportunities for students, especially those historically underrepresented in higher education, and to build a skilled workforce for the future. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 24 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, is celebrating a transformative victory for community revitalization with the passage of H.B. 273 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This groundbreaking legislation would empower municipalities across the Commonwealth to tackle neighborhood blight and foster safer, more vibrant communities. Merski’s bill would establish a Municipal Codes Enforcement Grant Program and create a municipal neighborhood mitigation fund, providing critical financial support to municipalities in their efforts to reclaim and restore blighted properties. The bill would also authorize counties to adopt property maintenance ordinances, ensuring consistent standards across communities. “Today’s milestone is a true win for neighborhoods across Pennsylvania,” Merski said. “House Bill 273 equips our communities with the resources they need to address blight head-on, creating environments that are safer and more energizing for families and businesses. "Serving on city council allowed me to see firsthand how urban decay undermines not only property values but also community spirit. Rather than merely patching up crumbling infrastructure, my legislation would reignite community pride, encourage critical investments, and rebuild the social fabric that makes a neighborhood flourish." Merski thanked his fellow House members for their support. He Read more
ERIE, April 23 – A $9,585,100 grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, paired with a $414,900 low-interest loan, is set to propel significant water quality improvements throughout Erie County, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. "Delivering safe water is the cornerstone of our community’s well-being,” Harkins said. “We're boldly advancing our efforts to eliminate health hazards and modernize our water infrastructure—ensuring that every resident enjoys a cleaner, safer water supply for the future." “This funding isn’t merely an investment in pipes and fittings—it’s an investment in our community’s longevity,” Merski said. “By modernizing our water system today, we’re safeguarding public health and setting a sturdy foundation for future generations to thrive.” The lawmakers said the project will involve the replacement of approximately 1,250 service connections in the environmental justice areas of Erie city. Over decades, the authority has progressively removed lead-based materials from the public side of service lines. Now, this initiative targets the remaining downstream, private-side connections—all of which are in areas identified as experiencing pressing environmental concerns. With a service network that reliably provides water to 31,748 Read more
HARRISBURG, April 8 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, today announced his affirmative vote for H.B. 409 , a landmark piece of legislation aimed at enhancing patient rights and transparency in health care. The bill would update the Patient Test Result Information Act to ensure patients receive timely and accurate test results while strengthening the Department of Health's oversight responsibilities. Merski emphasized the importance of the legislation in empowering patients and fostering trust in the health care system. "House Bill 409 is a critical step forward in guaranteeing that every Pennsylvanian has access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their health," Merski said. "I am honored to have co-sponsored and cast my affirmative vote for this bill, standing alongside my colleagues to prioritize patient advocacy and ensure Pennsylvanians receive the health care transparency they deserve." The bill, introduced by state Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski and supported by a bipartisan coalition, passed the Pennsylvania House Monday with strong bipartisan support. Merski said the milestone reflects a shared commitment to improving health care outcomes across the Commonwealth. Merski added, "This victory in the House is just the beginning. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure this bill becomes law and continues to make a positive Read more
ERIE, April 02 – A total of $78,500 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Veterans’ Trust Fund will bolster efforts to support local veterans and their families through two Erie-based organizations, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. Metro Erie Meals on Wheels Inc. will receive $39,500 to provide nutritious meals and groceries delivered directly to veterans in need, ensuring they have access to healthy food in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania will benefit from $39,000 to expand its MilitaryShare food assistance program, which offers critical food support to veterans and their families. “We’re thrilled to see these grants come to organizations that make such a meaningful impact in our community,” Merski said. “Ensuring that veterans have access to essential services like food security is a priority, and these funds will help support those who have given so much for our country.” Harkins said, “Veterans deserve nothing less than our full support, and I’m grateful that the Veterans’ Trust Fund continues to provide resources to organizations like Meals on Wheels and Second Harvest that address the challenges many face. These grants will make a real difference for those who served our nation.” The Veterans’ Trust Read more
ERIE, March 26 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced their strong support for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent announcement of a significant investment of more than $1.7 million to grow the life sciences industry in Erie. They said the funding will enable the development of a new First Ascent Biomedical laboratory space at Gannon University in Erie, creating 38 new jobs and advancing cancer treatment innovation. The project involves a $1.13 million investment by First Ascent Biomedical to lease the new, 5,000-square-foot laboratory and office space from Gannon University. The facility will house a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art robotic technology capable of processing tissue samples annually for thousands of cancer patients. The funding package includes $1.5 million from the state Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support construction costs at Gannon University, with an additional $220,000 allocated for First Ascent’s growth. Contributions from Erie County, as well as non-profit and the private sector further solidify the collaboration making this laboratory possible. “This partnership between Gannon University and First Ascent Biomedical is transformative for our region,” Harkins said. “It’s not only about creating new jobs -- it’s about positioning Erie as a leader in Read more
ERIE, March 19 – A total of $51,000 in funding will help offset the cost of enhancing traffic safety measures in the City of Erie, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The grant will be directed toward advancing pavement performance analytics and automated sign detection. The legislators said these cutting-edge technologies will enable local officials to assess road conditions more effectively and ensure traffic signage is highly visible and up to date, creating safer roadways for residents and visitors alike. “This grant represents a significant investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” Merski said. “By leveraging innovative technologies like pavement performance analytics and automated sign detection, we’re taking proactive steps to improve traffic safety and protect lives.” Harkins said, “Traffic safety is a shared responsibility, and this funding allows us to adopt state-of-the-art tools that can make a measurable difference. We’re grateful to the DCED for supporting our efforts to create safer roads for everyone in our community.” The lawmakers said the funding was administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Read more
GREENE TOWNSHIP, March 19 – Greene Township was awarded $50,000 in state grant funding to aid in creating a warming center and emergency management response unit, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today. The grant will provide critical resources to support residents during extreme weather conditions and emergencies, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to safe shelter and essential services when they need them most. “This funding is a lifeline for our community,” Merski said. “The warming center will offer a safe haven for residents during harsh winter conditions, while the emergency management response unit will enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises. These initiatives reflect our commitment to protecting the health and safety of every individual in our district.” Merski said the funding was administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 18 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announce today that his bill, H.B. 273 , has cleared the Pennsylvania House Committee on Housing and Community Development. Merski said the legislation is a pivotal step toward addressing blight and revitalizing neighborhoods across Pennsylvania. Merski’s bill is designed to breathe new life into Pennsylvania communities by addressing blighted properties and promoting neighborhood revitalization. The bill would create a county property maintenance code, a Municipal Codes Enforcement Grant Program, and a municipal neighborhood mitigation fund. These initiatives would provide resources to Pennsylvania municipalities helping to make the commonwealth’s neighborhoods safer and more vibrant. “This bill is all about empowering our communities with the tools they need to tackle blight and create better living conditions for everyone,” Merski said. “By investing in our neighborhoods, we can build a brighter future together. "As a former city councilman, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of blight. It lowers property values and diminishes the quality of life for surrounding residents. This bill would help our municipalities clean up local neighborhoods, creating more inviting and appealing areas for both residents and visitors.” Merski thanked members of the House Committee on Housing and Community Read more
ERIE, March 4 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today that Gannon University has been awarded $50,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program. The Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program aims to address Pennsylvania’s educator workforce shortage by expanding accelerated certification programming for prospective special educators. This initiative helps Pennsylvania schools train more qualified special educators in a shorter timeframe. “Pennsylvania’s educator workforce shortage demands innovative solutions, and the Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program exemplifies the kind of creativity and flexibility needed to address this critical issue,” Merski said. “We are proud to support Gannon University’s efforts to train more high-quality special educators who will make a meaningful impact in classrooms across the commonwealth.” Harkins added, “This program is a testament to the power of collaboration and forward-thinking. By investing in the education and training of special educators, we are ensuring that our students receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Gannon University’s commitment to this cause is truly commendable.” The grant funding will be used to support individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees in gaining Read more
ERIE, Feb. 24 – More than $780,000 in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help fund three key public walkway improvement projects in Erie County, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. “Infrastructure plays a critical role in our communities, and improving pedestrian walkways is vital to both safety and accessibility,” Merski said. “These projects will significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents by ensuring our neighborhoods are more connected and walkable.” Harkins said, “Investing in our walkways not only makes our communities safer but also supports local businesses by encouraging foot traffic. We are thrilled to see this funding benefit our constituents and their neighborhoods.” The approved funding includes: $231,236 to the Enterprise Development Center of Erie County for the construction of sidewalks at Ironworks Square along Cherry, West 12th, and Poplar streets in Erie city. $149,492 to the Minority Community Investment Coalition for the construction of sidewalks on Paragon Drive within the Savocchio Opportunity Park in Erie city. $400,000 to Summit Township for improving pedestrian connectivity along Upper Peach Street. The grants were awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which provides grants to encourage Read more
ERIE, Feb. 12 – Erie County fire and EMS departments are getting a boost thanks to a slew of grants awarded by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program will be utilized to upgrade necessary equipment for both fire and EMS services. "Erie's firefighters and paramedics, a majority of whom serve voluntarily, embody the very essence of selfless dedication,” Harkins said. "Their unwavering commitment to the safety of our communities is commendable. “By aiding them in cutting operational costs, we not only support their mission but also promote effective governance that benefits us all." "Every day, our valiant first responders put their safety on the line to protect our communities from fires, accidents, and emergencies," Merski said. "They truly deserve our heartfelt gratitude and steadfast support. “We are grateful to the commonwealth for recognizing the indispensable role of our volunteer fire and EMS departments and for investing in their continued growth and success." Recipients in the 1 st and 2 nd legislative districts received a combined total of $185,479 in grant funding. These recipients include: Brookside Fire/EMS: $29,600. Read more
ERIE, Feb. 5 – A total of $310,000 in grant funding has been awarded to local agricultural innovators to support cutting-edge projects, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The grants, awarded under the nation's first Ag Innovation Grant Program, will empower local agricultural businesses with advanced technologies and practices to enhance food access, boost local food production, and foster community engagement. “Our agricultural sector is vital to Pennsylvania's economy and way of life,” Harkins said. “By investing in innovative practices and technologies, we are supporting our farmers and food producers to meet the growing demands of our population while maintaining environmental stewardship." “These grants will provide crucial resources to our local agricultural businesses, fostering economic growth and community engagement,” Merski said. “We are proud to support projects that will have a lasting impact on our communities and ensure a thriving agricultural industry for years to come.” The following local recipients have been awarded grants: Integrated Agricultural Systems – $80,000 to enhance food access through urban farming projects. K Vineyards – $100,000 for advanced harvesting technology. Minority Community Investment Coalition – $130,000 to Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, said he is proud to announce his recent appointments as vice chair of both the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee. Merski, who has been serving the 2 nd Legislative District since 2019, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to take on these new roles. "I am honored to be appointed as vice chair of these two important committees," said Merski. "As vice chair of the Gaming Oversight Committee, I will work to ensure that our gaming industry operates fairly and responsibly, providing valuable revenue for our state while protecting consumers. "In my role as vice chair of the Game and Fisheries Committee, I will advocate for policies that support sustainable wildlife management and promote outdoor recreation opportunities for all Pennsylvanians." The Gaming Oversight Committee is responsible for overseeing the regulation and operation of gaming activities within the Commonwealth, while the Game and Fisheries Committee focuses on issues related to wildlife conservation, hunting, and fishing. Merski's dual appointments reflect his commitment to addressing the diverse needs of Pennsylvania's residents and natural resources. "I am eager to collaborate with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to achieve our shared goals and Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, said he is pleased to announce that his office is fully prepared to assist constituents with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. He said this program provides valuable financial relief to eligible homeowners and renters, and his office is committed to ensuring that all eligible individuals can take full advantage of this opportunity. "We have the Property Tax/Rent Rebate books available in our office, providing all the essential information to help you understand the program and determine your eligibility," said Merski. "Our dedicated staff is here to assist you every step of the way, making the application process as simple and stress-free as possible." The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible Pennsylvanians who are seniors, widows and widowers, and individuals with disabilities. Merski's office is equipped with the necessary resources and knowledgeable staff to guide constituents through the application process. "We understand that navigating the application process can be challenging, but our team is more than happy to help," Merski added. "Whether you need help understanding the eligibility requirements or completing the application, we are here to support you." Constituents are encouraged to visit Merski's office to pick up a Property Tax/Rent Rebate book and receive Read more
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