Lawmaker says Pennsylvanians need tangible relief, not rhetoric this holiday season Read more
AMBRIDGE, Nov. 30 – Grant funding of $1.308 million will help ensure residents in Beaver and Allegheny counties do not have to face the harsh realities of winter and a pandemic without a safe place to call home, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant funding under the CARES Act includes $85,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County and an additional $1.22 million in combined grants to three additional relief entities in Allegheny County. “Life during the pandemic has been especially harsh, but the hardship and risk are tenfold for Pennsylvanians facing life without the promise of a warm, secure place to call home,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help ensure those who are homeless or are facing the prospect of homelessness will not have to face the triple threat of winter, flu season and COVID-19 without a safe secure place to go.” In addition to The Cornerstone, Matzie said Allegheny County shelter providers ACTION Housing/Team PSBG, Community Human Services and Pittsburgh Mercy will share in approximately $1.22 million. Pennsylvania received a second allocation of nearly $20 million in Emergency Solution Grant CARES Act funding allocated by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Of that amount, the state Department of Community and Economic Development prioritized the use of nearly $3 million to address emergency winter shelter and temporary Read more
"Pennsylvanians deserve better from their leaders" Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – Pennsylvania’s drug consumers and taxpayers are on the verge of a major victory after final passage of state Rep. Rob Matzie’s bill to hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable for predatory practices that are gouging patients, wasting taxpayer dollars and driving mom-and-pop pharmacies out of business. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced H.B. 941 together with state Rep. Doyle Heffley, D-Carbon, to bring transparency to questionable PBM pricing practices in the state’s Medicaid program and that the bill — which passed the state House in November – is now headed to the governor’s desk. “This bill is a big victory for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers, local pharmacies and anyone who takes prescription medicine,” said Matzie, who is House Democratic chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Community Pharmacy Caucus. “With the power to decide which drugs are covered by insurance and how much to reimburse the pharmacies that fill those prescriptions, PBMs wield a huge amount of power, but for years, they have operated below the radar, with little or no scrutiny. All that is about to change. “My bill would shed light on how PBMs are making key decisions, including how they determine price spreads – the difference between how much the state pays them for a drug and how much they reimburse the pharmacies that fill those prescriptions – and how they select which drugs Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Better protections are on the horizon for Pennsylvania consumers after the Pa. Senate today unanimously passed state Rep. Rob Matzie’s bill to update and improve the commonwealth’s law prohibiting pyramid schemes. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said his H.B. 1534 will both update the current antiquated law and clarify the distinction between legitimate direct-sale companies and fly-by-night schemes designed to scam consumers. “We can’t protect consumers with outdated laws, and our anti-pyramid law is so old it still refers to chain letters,” said Matzie, who is Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. “My bill would bring the law up to date so that it reflects the complexity of today’s criminal fraud and has the necessary teeth to be an effective enforcement tool. “The bill would also clarify what constitutes acceptable business practices to help guide legitimate direct selling companies, while helping enforcement officers target the bad actors. The Senate’s move today means Pennsylvania consumers are one step closer to better protection.” Matzie said the law will encourage direct-sale companies to adopt the following two provisions that have been successful in other states: An anti-inventory loading provision that would discourage companies from saddling individual direct sellers with more products or services then they can sell or use. A Read more
AMBRIDGE, Nov. 18 – Two grants totaling $52,107 from the state Department of Education will fund training equipment for area career and technical schools, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding includes $2,407 to Beaver County Career and Technology Center and $49,700 to Parkway West Career and Technology Center. “State-of-the-art equipment is essential to prepare career and technical school students for real-world work environments,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding means area students will have the benefit of training with the latest technology so they can step into high-tech jobs and meet employer expectations with a shorter learning curve. Less down time for on-the-job training means greater productivity for area business and industry and quicker economic returns.” The competitive grants are part of a statewide package of nearly $1.2 million to 32 career and technical centers and area vocational technical education schools and two school districts. The maximum grant under the program is $50,000, and each must be matched dollar-for-dollar from a local source such as local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners. More information on the grants is available here . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Nov. 16 – Schools in Beaver and Allegheny counties are receiving $515,977 in grant funding to ensure students and staff enjoy the safety possible environment, state Rep, Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the competitive 2020-21 Safe Schools Targeted Grants from the state Department of Education will ensure schools have all the resources they need to implement safety plans for the year ahead. “Safety is the first order of business when it comes to our schools, and that’s true whether we’re protecting students and staff them from health risks from COVID or ensuring basic security is in place,” Matzie said. “Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, our school officials do an excellent job of assessing specific needs and ensuring every potential issue is addressed before it becomes a problem. “But security comes at a price, and the cost burden often falls on taxpayers. Securing this funding will allow officials to cover all bases and ensure schools have the resources they need – including a mix of personnel, programs and equipment – while easing the tax burden on residents.” Matzie said the funding includes the following grants: Aliquippa School District – $25,000 for security equipment. Ambridge Area School District – $24,960 for security equipment and $60,000 for a school resource officer. Read more
Urges General Assembly to act against rise in hate crimes Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – The House last week unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer – a disease that kills approximately 47,000 Americans each year. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced H.R. 1045 , designating November 2020 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania, to draw attention to a disease that often evades detection until it is too advanced to treat. “I introduce this resolution every year because we need to keep talking about pancreatic cancer until survival is the rule, not the exception,” Matzie said. “My connection to this disease is deeply personal – my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about six years ago. After undergoing chemotherapy and surgery, she survived. Sadly, her story is not typical for most of the 57,000 Americans diagnosed every year. “There is cause for hope, however. Although we have yet to see a breakthrough, the statistics on survival are slowly climbing. Between 2014 and 2020, the five-year survival rate increased from 6% to 10%. The progress happens because of research. As more clinical trials take place, the number of survivor stories grows, and so do the people who live to tell them. “What can we do now? We can learn the symptoms and risk factors for pancreatic cancer and make sure family and friends know them. We can volunteer, support research efforts, and Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The PA House on Tuesday unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating October as “Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 1046 to highlight the major contributions made by Pennsylvania’s wine and grape industry, which traces its history all the way back to William Penn. “With nearly 300 wineries and hundreds of grape growers farming more than 14,000 acres, Pennsylvania’s wine and grape industry plays a vital role in our economy,” Matzie said. “It’s estimated that each year, the industry produces more than 2 million gallons of wine, generates more than $1.4 billion annually and creates nearly 10,000 jobs paying more than $390 million. “Pennsylvania also has a fascinating historical connection to wine production – William Penn planted the first vineyard here more than 330 years ago. Today, the industry is not only thriving but provides a major source of tourism revenue, as our wineries, vineyards and trails draw more than 2 million visitors annually. “The commonwealth’s rich, fertile soil plays an essential role in the success of the industry, but ultimately, it is the proud efforts of the men and women who work in our vineyards and wineries that make this industry the vital, economic driver that it is and supply Pennsylvanians a taste of a product Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 – The House today unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution highlighting the special benefits provided by Pennsylvania’s credit unions. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced H.R. 1020 – designating Oct. 11-17 as Credit Union Week in Pennsylvania – to emphasize the ways these financial collaboratives empower consumers and differ from banks. “Credit unions are unique because they exist to serve their members,” Matzie said. “Shareholder profits are not part of the equation. Instead, credit unions are owned and operated by their members, and any gains realized go back to members in the form of lower fees, lower-than-average bank card rates, low-interest loans and higher interest rates on deposits. “Beyond those benefits, credit unions also offer financial education, consumer outreach and support for members’ community work. They are guided by a common motto – ‘Not for profit, not for charity, but for service’ – and they operate in a way that truly empowers the consumers they serve. “It’s a model that has been working for more than 100 years in this country and an alternative that consumers should be aware of when it comes to their personal finances.” Matzie said the credit union movement began in Germany in the mid-1800s, and the first U.S. credit union opened its doors in Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 – On Thursday, state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, along with other House Democrats, sent a letter to the Wolf administration , asking that they seriously consider waiving filing, surcharge and license fees paid by restaurants for the coming year. Deasy’s statement on the request is as follows: “The Wolf administration took on a daunting task this year – tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a job not many could accomplish, but one of which I personally can say has been handled adequately, Deasy said. “There’s no easy answer or solution to meeting all Pennsylvanians’ needs during this trying time, but our governor has made it his personal goal to help as many people as possible. For that, I commend him and his administration. “However, as Democratic chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, it’s my duty to ask that we do more for our restaurants, specifically our ‘Mom and Pop’ establishments. The Wolf administration has loosened restrictions as of late, allowing these private, family-owned businesses to receive much-needed relief. But more needs to be done at the state and federal level as the winter months approach. “Due to this, I’m asking the Wolf administration to consider waiving filing, surcharge and license fees paid by bars and restaurants for the coming year. This will alleviate much of the financial hardships Read more
Urges House, Senate leadership to enact hate crime legislation Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced that 11 fire companies in his district will receive $261,012 in state grants for operational expenses incurred as a result of COVID-19. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grants awarded by the Office of State Fire Commissioner are needed to offset the additional financial burdens created by the pandemic. “Even under the best of times, our fire and rescue workers are forced to operate on shoestring budgets, but the pandemic has complicated things a hundred-fold,” Matzie said. “Rescue operations involve a higher degree of risk, and first responders are facing situations requiring additional protective equipment and other resources. At the same time, restrictions on social gatherings have dried up sources of fundraising. “Securing these grants should help ease the burden on these frontline heroes so they can continue their lifesaving work while staying safe themselves.” Matzie said the following fire companies will receive the following amounts: Allegheny County Leetsdale Fire Department - $23,151. Beaver County Aliquippa Bureau of Fire - $24,247. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department - $24,110. Baden Volunteer Fire Department - $25,205. Conway Volunteer Fire Department - $23,973. Economy Volunteer Fireman’s Association - Read more
News of lawmaker’s positive test comes amid contentious committee hearing Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – The House today unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating October 2020 as “ Agent Orange Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced H.R. 1019 to keep the spotlight on a critical health issue affecting thousands of Pennsylvanian veterans. “In addition to brutal combat conditions, U.S. troops in Vietnam faced an equally deadly but invisible hazard that would wreak havoc on veterans and their families for decades – exposure to Agent Orange,” Matzie said. “The herbicide, which U.S. forces sprayed to eliminate cover and destroy crops, was contaminated with the deadly chemical dioxin. “After the war, the toll of Agent Orange manifested itself in severe skin rashes, cancers, diabetes, birth defects and a litany of other health issues. Passage of the Agent Orange Act in 1991 relaxed proof requirements for certain illnesses presumed to be caused by the chemical, although some conditions with a suspected link – including the form of aggressive brain cancer that killed John McCain – are still not covered. “Vietnam veterans make up the largest group of veterans in Pennsylvania today. Nearly half a million served during the Vietnam War era, and an estimated 172,000 directly participated in the war . We owe it to the thousands who have died or suffered Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – The House today unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about the high toll of deaths and injuries from train collisions. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced H.B. 1002 – designating Sept. 21-27 as “Rail Safety Week” in Pennsylvania – to call attention to a preventable hazard that kills and injures too many motorists and pedestrians each year. “Unfortunately, Pennsylvania again this year made the top 15 list of states with the greatest number of highway-rail grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespassing casualties,” Matzie said. “Perhaps most disturbing, the commonwealth ranks fourth in the nation when it comes to pedestrian trespass deaths and injuries, with 29 deaths and 23 injuries in 2019. That’s an increase from the year before. “People who are walking at night or distracted while on their cell phones may easily fail to appreciate the degree of danger near tracks. For example, pedestrians may not realize that trains overhang tracks by at least three feet in all directions, with loose straps from rail cars extending even further so even if pedestrians are in the right-of-way next to the tracks, they can still be hit. “It’s also important to remember that it can take a mile or more for a train to stop, so that by the time a locomotive engineer sees someone on the tracks, Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 24 – A $315,528 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will fund a major Ambridge playground project including installation of a spray park with water features, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding – awarded through DCNR’s 2020 Community Conservation Partnerships Program – will allow development to move forward on the Henning Street project. “This is big for Ambridge and big for our kids,” Matzie said. “Bringing home this kind of money is one of the most important aspects of being a state legislator. “The plans have been in place for a while, but this funding was needed to go forward. Now the borough can move ahead with the project. It will have a new spray park, a concession stand and new playground equipment with safety surfacing. It’s going to be really exciting. “Making sure our communities get the funding they need for projects like this is what I work hard at every single day. Families will have the opportunity to spend time and have fun together here, in Ambridge.” Matzie said the project will also include ADA access, landscaping, and other site improvements. The grant is part of a package of approximately $23.4 million in funding to 158 projects statewide. C2P2 grants fund planning, acquisition and development of public Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 22 – Grant funding to two Beaver County elementary schools will ensure students have access to fresh fruits and vegetables for the nutrition they need to stay healthy and succeed in the classroom, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes grants to Highland Elementary School in the Ambridge Area School District and Rochester Elementary School in the Rochester Area School District. “There’s no question that students need a healthy, nutritious diet to learn and thrive,” Matzie said. “Unfortunately, with the pandemic affecting household budgets and store inventories, some families have found it more difficult to keep fresh produce on the table on a regular basis. “Securing this funding will help ensure young students have reliable access to the nutrition proven to promote focus, mental acuity, memory retention and other building blocks of academic success – regardless of household budget or other obstacles.” Matzie said the funding, which was not broken down by district, is part of a package of more than $7 million in grants awarded to 230 elementary schools. Under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, schools will receive between $50 and $75 per student, based on the federal allocation to the state. Funding Read more
State Rep. Dan Frankel organizes coalition seeking to change regulations Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.