Bizzarro is a lifelong resident of Erie, Pennsylvania. A survivor of childhood leukemia, he attended McDowell High School, in Erie, graduating in 2004. In 2008, Bizzarro graduated from Edinboro University with degrees in political science and criminal justice. He also received a master's degree from Gannon Universityin public administration. After receiving his master's degree, Bizzarro embarked on a career of public service, working for the county as a victim/witness coordinator and as an advocate for the Office of the Erie County District Attorney and the Crime Victim Center. Bizzarro also served as a behavioral health specialist at McKinley Elementary School and worked in business development for the Erie County Convention Center Authority.
State representative
Bizzarro was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012,defeating Republican attorney Jason Owen, and was sworn in on Jan. 1, 2013. Bizzarro was appointed chief deputy House whip, and he serves as vice chairman of the Northwest Delegation. He also serves as vice chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee; Democratic secretary of the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee; and as a member of the House Consumer Affairs, Insurance and Judiciary committees as well as the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts. Alongside his committee assignments, Bizzarro has also been appointed to the Climate ChangeAdvisory Committee, which is tasked to establish and review Pennsylvania's official action plan to combat climate change. He also sits on the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, examining existing technical regulations and policies for the oil and gas industry.
Legislation
Bizzarro is passionate about animal rights and authored Libre's Law – the state's landmark animal cruelty legislation that ensures that animal abusers face tougher punishments. In 2017 – the year Libre's Law was signed into effect – Bizzarro was named National Legislator of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States. He is a staunch advocate for veterans’ rights and treatment courts, and recently introduced legislation that would expand veteran and service member treatment courts statewide. He has also introduced legislation that would:
protect seniors’ health and well-being;
expand community paramedicine to improve the health of Pennsylvanians while also relieving burdened emergency rooms;
establish the Pennsylvania First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account, allowing first-time homebuyers to claim a state tax deduction for certain savings.
Awards
Bizzarro has been recognized for his service by several groups and organizations locally and nationally. Awards include the Erie Reader "40 Under 40", Edinboro University's Honored Alumnus of the Year, Humane Society Legislator of the Year, Pennsylvania Snowmobile Association Legislator of the Year, and Best of Erie's "Best Politician" in the years 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Personal life
Bizzarro's family is prominent in the boxing world. He lives in Millcreek Township with his rescue dog, Boss.
