$2.3 MILLION FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
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Today the state made targeted investments that turn potential into reality.
I advocated for the Commonwealth Financing Authority to approve funding for five projects totaling $2,379,102 through the Local Share Account. These projects include Gannon University creating laboratories that will be used to help develop individualized cancer treatment, a project that will create an estimated 38 well-paying jobs. Read more about each of these important projects here.
I continue to fight for our region in Harrisburg to receive the dollars we need to move critical Erie County projects closer to completion. These investments will create jobs, ensure seniors have rides to their medical appointments, and expand access to clean water and utilities for homes and local businesses. Without state intervention, these projects might not see the light of day.
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$4.5 MILLION FOR ERIE REVITALIZATION
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Earlier this week, more than $4.5 million in funding was approved to help lower-income residents and distressed areas in our community.
Public-private partnerships are helping local organizations receive the resources they need to expand critical services in housing, education and community development in the neighborhoods where they’re needed most. These investments reflect a shared vision for putting people in a position to thrive, and they deliver a lasting impact by strengthening our communities.
Read more about these projects here.
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TEACHER, AUTHOR HONORS LIFE OF FORMER STUDENT
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Local student Jax Stone touched and inspired so many lives during his life. Stone battled brain cancer while attending Tracy Elementary School. Jax passed away in July 2014, and his former first-grade teacher Mimi Swavey wrote a book inspired by Jax.
Years ago, I authored a resolution to increase education and awareness about brain stem glioma – the type of cancer Jax battled – and the House designated November as Childhood Brain Stem Glioma Awareness Month. I traveled to Tracy Elementary to celebrate Jax Stone Day on what would have been his birthday in November 2014, and it’s so inspiring to see how his story still resonates in our community and beyond.
I would like to thank Ms. Swavey for writing the book, “Just Act Extraordinary,” and presenting me with a copy. As a childhood cancer survivor, it’s remarkable to see how Jax and his story continue to move and inspire others.
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This week, the House voted to establish privacy and security requirements to protect consumer genetic data from unauthorized access (HB 1530). We voted to protect workers by requiring employers to adopt written policies and procedures to prevent workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation (HB 1825). The House voted on a measure to protect women’s health care (HB 1957). We voted for a measure to help limit human trafficking, requiring hotels, motels and third-party listing platforms to provide training to each employee and rental operator regarding what human trafficking is, how to identify the signs of trafficking, and how to respond if suspected trafficking is taking place (HB 1286). We voted to establish a statewide literacy program to provide free books for children 5-and-under (HB 1663). We voted to provide fresh food in schools by establishing the Keystone Fresh grant program to promote minimally processed food in school meals (HB 1768). We ensured access to health care by allowing pharmacists to provide vaccines based on recommendations from Pennsylvania health authorities (HB 1881) and by letting midwives directly refer patients to physical therapy (HB 1251).
The House returns to Harrisburg for session on Tuesday, Jan. 6. To see how we voted on all measures, go here.
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Presque Isle Lights are still happening Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 28! Take a weekend evening drive through Presque Isle State Park and enjoy the festive displays.
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POLICY COMMITTEE SET FOR EVEN MORE HEARINGS IN 2026
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This year, the House Majority Policy Committee held 44 hearings across 34 ZIP codes in 14 counties. We had 36 representatives serve as hosts of hearings and roundtables, providing perspectives from around the state.
As a member of the House Majority Leadership team, I serve as Chairman of the Majority Policy Committee. We travel the state, exploring issues and talking to members of the community, workers, advocates and experts on a variety of topics. We examine issues to see if there is a legislative solution for improving lives across the commonwealth.
UP NEXT: The Committee will travel to Cumberland County on Jan. 14.
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This week, I joined Erie News Now Capitol correspondent Kara Jeffers to look back at 2025 in Harrisburg and Erie — and to talk about what could be ahead for our region and the state in 2026. Stay tuned!
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WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
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We will have altered office hours during the holidays. Please note, if you leave a message, send us an email, or drop us a request at our online help center during Christmas, we will begin returning messages on Monday, Dec. 29.
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I will always advocate for you and local projects in Harrisburg. Our region is vital to the state’s economy, so I’ve gone to work to secure the state funding we need for local schools, seniors, veterans, improved housing and local businesses. I helped secure $92 million in funding for local projects during the 2023-24 session, and this year state funding for projects in our region has surpassed $26 million.
You sent me to Harrisburg to make sure our region has a voice at the table and receives the funding it needs to thrive.
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If you need assistance with state programs, my office can help!
Last year, we:
- helped 1,200+ people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program,
- resolved 4,500+ issues with PennDOT, and
- completed 38,000+ items of casework.
Trust the professionals! Bring your issues to my team, we can help.
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MY TEAM IS IN FAIRVIEW EVERY WEDNESDAY
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I wanted to remind folks that my team and I hold Wednesday office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairview Township Building, 7471 McCray Road, Fairview, PA 16415.
The cornerstone of my office is service to you, our neighbors. By holding office hours at the township, we're making it easier for folks to reach us, so we can help them.
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MONTHLY VETERANS SERVICE PROGRAM
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On the third Thursday of each month, my team and I are proud to host a Veterans Service Officer from the VFW to be available to members of our community.
I am happy to help provide this assistance to our area veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our nation. The next appointments will be:
- Thursday, Jan. 15
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 1101 Peninsula Drive
- Reserve a spot: 814-835-2880
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MULTIPLE WAYS WE CAN HELP
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Do you or does someone you know need help accessing state programs or services? Have a question about a state program or law and don’t know where to go? My team and I stand ready to help on a range of issues, including:
- Unemployment or the PUA system.
- FREE notary (excludes title transfers).
- Property Tax/Rent Rebates for seniors.
- Voter registration and vote by mail.
- Problems with the Department of Human Services (food stamps, medical and income assistance).
- Car registrations, special tags, handicap placards, titles and driver’s license applications.
- Information on financial assistance for higher education.
- Obtaining and completing state forms of all kinds.
- Birth and death certificates.
- Pennsylvania income tax questions or problems.
- Complaints or questions about utilities and the Public Utility Commission.
- Complaints and problems with insurance companies.
- Renewal of state-issued licenses or certifications.
- Problems or questions about the state lottery.
- PACE cards for senior citizens.
- Consumer complaints.
For help, or to speak with me or a staff member about an issue, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
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MY TEAM & I CAN HELP YOU!
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Helping people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and all the PennDOT services they need are just two of the ways my team and I serve the community. We help thousands of people each year. We can help you fill out the forms you need and get them to Harrisburg for FREE.
If you have any state government-related questions, stop by and let us help you.
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SUBMIT REQUESTS ONLINE OR IN PERSON
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My team and I are always working for you! My Millcreek office at 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 213, Erie is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also call 814-835-2880 or email RepBizzarro@pahouse.net if you need help with state government concerns.
Have questions outside of office hours? We have an online form – the Community Help Center – so that you can submit your request(s) for help with state-related programs and services 24/7. This form is available by clicking below or visiting my website – www.repbizzarro.com.
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Rep. Bizzarro's Erie District Office
Monday through Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Peninsula Plaza
1101 Peninsula Dr. | Suite 213
Erie, PA 16505-4169
(814) 835-2880
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Fairview Satellite Office
Every Wednesday | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairview Township Building
7471 McCray Road
Fairview, PA 16415-2401
(814) 835-2880
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