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
“People with disabilities deserve the opportunity to have their needs recognized and their voices heard,” Bizzarro said. “My bill would ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table when it comes to obtaining a driver’s license. We are one step closer to guaranteeing more equal representation for the needs and concerns of all Pennsylvania residents.” Read more
ERIE, April 12 – The Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse will have access to as much as $500,000 in grant funding for establishing a regional recovery hub, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. “Recent data comparing counties statewide shows a comparatively high rate of overdose deaths for Erie,” Merski said. “Bringing these numbers down will require a full-scale effort to increase access to education, specialized treatment programs and other state and local resources that can break the cycle of dependence and promote recovery. “The new funding to support a recovery hub is a great step forward because it will allow a comprehensive approach that promotes multiple paths to recovery.” Harkins said, “Recovery hubs are a promising strategy for combatting substance use disorder and returning folks to productive places in our community. The new funding will allow the county to assess our region’s needs and work with other local organizations to develop a plan that combines recovery services, peer and family supports and other resources that engage the community.” The funding comes from the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and is part of a package of $4 million awarded to organizations statewide to establish regional recovery hubs. Grants will be awarded for the 15-month period beginning July 1, 2023, through September 29, 2024. Read more
“A college education is not the perfect fit or even a possibility for every student,” said Rep. Roni Green, who hosted the hearing. “I am a product and living proof of that reality, having graduated from Dobbins Technical School, and I can honestly say the education and skills I learned in technical education have helped me throughout my life.” Read more
“With more and more people voting by mail-in ballot, tabulating ballots and releasing election results is taking county boards of elections much longer,” Conklin said. Read more
The lawmakers said the funding will allow the department to purchase several new vehicles and electric bicycles. Read more
“Our committee will be reviewing and selecting ‘legacy’ projects – infrastructure improvements and similar projects designed to welcome regional, national and international tourists," Merski said. “It’s an exciting assignment for what is going to be an amazing celebration." Read more
“State grant funding can be a lifeline for small businesses and nonprofits, but it's critical to know how to tap into that funding,” Merski said. “Our workshop will help participants learn about the different funding sources and how to maximize their return.” Read more
“We have heard the outcry that municipalities can’t afford this, and my response has always been, what price are we placing on human life?” Rep. Pat Harkins said. “It’s truly a shame if we can’t afford to protect our workers. Where is the justice and where is the opportunity for justice? That’s why I’m pushing House Bill 299.” Read more
ERIE, March 16 – More than $7.3 million in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help fund multiple transportation and infrastructure projects in Erie, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. “Infrastructure plays a key role in delivering services, and breakdowns in the system not only cost taxpayers but can jeopardize public safety and health,” Merski said. “Today’s funding will play a major role in keeping our streets safer, our water cleaner and our sewer systems functioning properly.” Harkins said, “Investments in our infrastructure are some of the most important we can make because they enhance quality of life, I’m thrilled to see this funding come back to benefit residents and our community.” The funding includes: $500,000 to the City of Erie for four traffic signals along State Street. $1,000,000 to the City of Erie for improvements to the Erie Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection System. $1,000,000 to the Erie City Water Authority for a water system expansion and consolidation project located in Greene Township. $966,260 to the Fairview Township Water Authority for a sanitary sewer line installation project along Canal Road, Lakeview Ave., Rupert Drive and Jacob Lane. $986,310 to Lake City Borough to upgrade and replace waterlines on Rice Avenue. $500,000 to Read more
Projects include street improvements, Mo Valley EMS Read more
Funding will help Croyle Township repave two roads Read more
Projects range from floodwall repairs & public pool renovations to police cruiser purchase Read more
“The lakeshore benefits our region in so many ways, from recreation to tourism to commerce, but we have yet to tap another resource with tremendous potential – the capacity for wind generation,” Merski said in the announcement. Read more
ERIE, March 14 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, has introduced legislation to develop areas of Lake Erie for wind generation, allowing the region to reap the economic benefits of this clean, renewable energy source. “The lakeshore benefits our region in so many ways, from recreation to tourism to commerce, but we have yet to tap another resource with tremendous potential – the capacity for wind generation. Plans have been approved in Ohio for a pilot project to build several wind turbines about 8 miles off the Cleveland shoreline. I believe it’s time for Pennsylvania to harness this powerful resource that would bring family-sustaining jobs and new revenue to our region. “Of course, it is critical that we remain good stewards of the land. With careful planning and design, I believe we can minimize any risk to the natural environment and cut our carbon footprint at the same time.” Merski said his H.B. 254 would establish the Lake Erie Wind Energy Development Act, to create a competitive process and award a permit lease to develop certain areas of the lakebed for wind energy generation, with a 2% royalty on gross revenue going to Erie County and several other government entities for lake- and county-related projects. The bill is in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Read more
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