Mercyhurst hosts Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Safer Communities tour

Mercyhurst University hosts Lt. Gov. Austin Davis today as he concludes his statewide Safer Communities tour.

Davis is highlighting local initiatives funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that are helping to address gun violence and make Pennsylvania communities safer. Today, he will highlight the work of Unified Erie when he speaks at noon in Mercy Heritage Room.

The Safer Communities tour has visited Pittsburgh, York, Philadelphia, Allentown, and Wilkes-Barre.

Violence intervention and prevention funding from PCCD supports grants and technical assistance to address community violence throughout Pennsylvania, with a focus on preventing and intervening with gun and group-related violence. The state budget passed by the House and Senate would provide $40 million total for Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This infusion of resources would help PCCD, which Davis chairs, support effective community-based initiatives.

Also speaking today are Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz, Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny, Creative Community Connectors Director Pastor Daryl Craig, and Mercyhurst Civic Institute Director Amy Eisert. State Rep. Robert Merski and Erie Mayor Joe Schember are also expected to attend.