Rep. Bizzarro announces nearly $3 million for local schools
State grants will allow for school facilities upgrades to make schools safer
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro September 9, 2024 | 11:52 AM
ERIE, Sept. 9 – Continuing his commitment to improving Pennsylvania education and schools across the commonwealth, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced more than $2.95 million has been secured for the two school districts in his legislative district.
The grants are part of the state’s Public Schools Environmental Repairs Program, which was created in 2023.
The program allows schools to fund environmental improvement projects, including but not limited to the removal or abatement of lead in water pipes or lead in paint, asbestos and mold. The announcement comes after House Democrats focused on improving state funding for public education, and it comes a year after the House Majority Leadership Team and House Majority Policy Committee’s statewide S.O.S., or Save Our Schools, tour – which highlighted deficiencies in school funding across the state.
“Hopefully, state politicians have finally turned a corner when it comes to fulfilling their obligation to fairly fund our schools,” said Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships. “We saw firsthand the absolute need for investment in our public schools, and after taking control of the House we knew fixing the funding shortfalls had to be a priority. The budget, as well as today’s announcement, helps rectify needs that have been overlooked for too long.”
Millcreek Township School District is approved to receive $2,910,121.45 and Fairview School District is approved to receive $47,191.16 – for a total of $2,957,312.61 in funding for Bizzarro’s legislative district.
Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to allocate state money to properly fund schools, workforce development, nonprofits, first responders and local businesses in his district and Erie County. Bizzarro has helped secure more than $66 million in funding for Erie County projects this 2023-24 legislative session – including more than $6 million in 2024.