ERIE, July 16 – A combined $18.5 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, including approximately $5.643 million in grant-equivalent assistance, is set to propel two major water infrastructure initiatives for the Erie City Water Authority, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. Read more
ERIE, July 14 – In a major step toward modernizing municipal operations and advancing Pennsylvania’s clean-energy goals, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, today announced the awarding of a $33,537 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant to the Erie City Water Authority, including $22,500 for purchasing three electric passenger vehicles for the Authority’s Engineering Services Department and $11,037 for installing three Level 2 charging stations. “We are delighted to see this significant investment in cleaner transportation right here in Erie,” Harkins said. “This grant not only helps the Water Authority reduce emissions and lower operating costs but also underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting our environment and public health for future generations.” “Upgrading to electric vehicles is a win for our economy and our community’s well-being,” Merski said. “This funding reflects our steadfast dedication to sustainable innovation and positions Erie as a leader in the transition to greener municipal services.” The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, established under Act 166 of 1992 and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Energy Programs Office, plays a vital role in supporting clean, alternative-fuel projects across the Commonwealth. By providing critical funding for Read more
HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, are celebrating a major win for Pennsylvania’s construction workforce and small - business equipment renters with PA House passage of H.B. 1319 , landmark legislation that would modernize the Mechanics’ Lien Law by expanding the definition of “materials” to explicitly include rented machinery and specialized equipment. Under current law, suppliers of rental backhoes, cranes, scaffolding and other essential machinery have faced uncertainty over their lien rights when project owners default on payment. House Bill 1319 would amend the Mechanics’ Lien Law of 1963 to define “materials” as building materials, supplies, fixtures, machinery and equipment --including rented equipment -- that is reasonably necessary for construction or incorporated into an improvement. “This reform levels the playing field for every small business that puts rented equipment to work on job sites across Pennsylvania,” Harkins said. “By ensuring rented machinery qualifies for a lien, we protect local companies from losing out when contractors fall behind on payments -- and that’s critical for our region’s economy.” Merski added, “Too many Erie businesses have been left in limbo because the law treated rented heavy equipment like an afterthought. With H.B. 1319, we close that loophole, Read more
HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, today announced his affirmative vote for H.B. 1261 , landmark legislation to protect firefighters and communities from “forever chemicals” found in firefighting foam. The bill would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of Class B firefighting foam with intentionally added PFAS. It also would require clear labeling on any protective firefighting gear containing PFAS and directs the State Fire Commissioner to enforce the ban. “Erie’s firefighters were some of the earliest voices raising the alarm about these ‘forever chemicals,’” Merski said. “Their leadership shaped this bill from day one, and I’m proud to stand with them—and with every firefighter in Pennsylvania—as we phase out these dangerous substances and give our heroes the tools they deserve.” The bill, introduced by state Rep. Brian Munroe -- co-sponsored by Merski and supported by a bipartisan coalition -- passed the Pennsylvania House unanimously on Tuesday. Merski said the milestone reflects a shared commitment across party lines to phase out harmful substances in public safety operations. This bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more
ERIE, June 30 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, are hailing a major step forward for Pennsylvania’s gaming industry and community coffers following the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee’s approval of S.B. 840, which would slash the slot-machine requirement at Category 1 and Category 2 casinos from 1,500 to 1,000. “Erie’s Presque Isle Downs & Casino and similarly sized venues across the commonwealth contribute millions in local tax revenue and support hundreds of good-paying jobs,” Harkins said. “By right sizing the slot machine requirement, Senate Bill 840 allows these operations to tailor their gaming floors to real-world demand, safeguarding payrolls and preserving funding for schools and public services.” Merski added, “Senate Bill 840 is a smart step forward. When our original gaming law passed, regional casinos had little competition beyond state lines. Now, with neighboring states and digital platforms vying for customers, these businesses need the flexibility to stay viable. Reducing the minimum slot-machine requirement from 1,500 to 1,000 positions our communities for long-term success without sacrificing oversight.” Under S.B. 840, the slot-machine minimum for Category 1 and 2 casinos would drop from 1,500 to 1,000, letting operators tailor their gaming floors to today’s customer demand and technological advances. Read more
According to the 2023 Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education Policy Analysis, in Pennsylvania, about 9,500 teachers left the education profession in 2022-2023 and another 8,300 in 2023-2024. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 23 – The PA House today approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and co-sponsored by state Rep. Jeremy Shaffer, R-Allegheny, to forbid the fraudulent misrepresentation of a candidate in a Pennsylvania election with generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI. Khan introduced H.B. 811 after AI was used to misrepresent candidates in elections across the country in 2024. Deepfake pictures, audios, and videos were used to trick voters thanks to rapid increases in GenAI. “We have a duty in the commonwealth to protect our elections from bad actors,” Khan said. “I am proud to reach across the aisle to create this bipartisan bill with Representative Shaffer. I believe it’s a strong first step in protecting the public from deceptive election ad deepfakes.” The bill would create civil penalties for the dissemination of a campaign advertisement containing an artificially generated impersonation of a candidate without consent and with the intent to unduly influence the outcome of an election in Pennsylvania. “All voters must have confidence in elections,” Shaffer said. “This piece of legislation is a proactive approach to help protect our electoral system. Currently, there are limited laws regulating the use of artificial intelligence. The integrity of our elections is foundational to our government, and Read more
ERIE, June 11 – Grant awards totaling $1.7 million have been awarded to entities with a focus on ensuring residents in Erie County have access to safe, affordable housing, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. These grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 to allocate certain state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside sources, that are used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the commonwealth. The local awards and recipients are as follows: $200,000 - GMA Development Group LLC. $750,000 - City of Erie. $50,0000 - Community of Caring. $100,000 – Erie GECAC. $300,000 – BUILD Community Development Corp. $100,000 - Erie County Department of Human Services. $100,000 - St. Martin Center Inc. $100,000- Erie’s Black Wall Street “Affordable, safe housing isn’t simply a fundamental need — it lays the groundwork for thriving families and resilient communities,” Harkins said. "By providing these grants, we're building environments where children can excel in school, where improved living conditions and lower stress lead to better health, and where families can direct their resources more wisely to break the cycle of Read more
ERIE, June 6 – In a major step toward preserving Pennsylvania's rich cultural legacy and fostering community revitalization, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, today announced the awarding of a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation grant to the Erie County Historical Society / Hagen History Center. “We are delighted to see this significant investment in preserving our heritage,” Harkins said. “This grant not only recognizes the enduring historical significance of the Hagen History Center but also underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting our cultural treasures for future generations.” “Preserving our local history is central to understanding where we come from and shaping our collective future,” Merski said. “This grant award reflects our unwavering commitment to protect institutions like the Hagen History Center that keep our community's stories vibrant." The Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program plays a vital role in supporting historic and heritage organizations, local governments and museums across the Commonwealth. By providing critical funding to conserve historic sites and promote archaeological resources, the program not only safeguards Pennsylvania’s cultural memory but also spurs community revitalization and local investment. Read more
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
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