AMBRIDGE, May 15 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement today that Beaver County will move to the “yellow,” open phase of the state’s reopen plan on May 22. “I’m pleased the governor responded to our requests. The people in our county did their part, and ultimately, the data showed that we were ready for the next phase in safely re-opening our county. “These are unprecedented times. There is no foolproof instruction manual on how to deal with a global pandemic. It is inevitable that some governmental decisions may not work out as intended or be well received. “This announcement, along with the recent action taken by the Department of Health at Brighton Rehab and in long-term care facilities statewide, although long overdue, shows that the administration is listening. “I’m well aware that this phase does not send everyone back to work or reopen every business. But it’s a safe first step back towards life as we knew it.” Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement today in response to news that the Pennsylvania Department of Health will institute universal COVID-19 testing in nursing homes and personal care facilities statewide. “As a result of my bill, the PA DOH announced a universal testing plan for all nursing homes and personal care facilities. In addition, data will be collected and publicly released in accordance to CMS standards . “Residents, families, staff and the public have lost faith in many facilities regarding their safety and transparency. Although long overdue, this is a positive first step - but just a first step. The task will not be completed until COVID-19 numbers in nursing homes and personal care facilities are brought to zero.” Read more
Rep. Rob Matzie talks to WITF's Smart Talk about his legislation that would require the immediate inspection of all long-term care facilities throughout the state to help them better respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 8 – Federal CARES Act funding of approximately $2.67 million has been allocated to area school districts to ensure students have the resources they need to continue learning during the pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding to seven school districts in the 16 th Legislative District will be critical to helping schools develop and deliver ongoing education and supports. “Soon after the pandemic forced a halt to classroom learning, our dedicated teachers were quickly back on the job, working to provide online and remote lessons,” Matzie said. “But a comprehensive plan is needed beyond those stopgap measures. This funding is going to allow our districts to get back up and running and to re-engineer a reliable, new system of learning that works for any environment. It’s also going to ensure that all kids have the resources they need to benefit from it – regardless of household income. “I’m encouraging our districts to be ready to apply as soon as the federal funding is approved and streamlined applications are posted by the state Department of Education.” Matzie said the following funding is allocated: Aliquippa School District – $794,013. Ambridge Area School District – $517,155. Baden Academy Charter School – $166,873. Central Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement today that Beaver County will remain in the “red,” closed status, when surrounding counties – including Allegheny County – move to the “yellow,” open phase of the state's reopen plan on May 15. “Beaver County remaining in COVID red status, due to inflated numbers from one nursing home, makes zero sense. I’ve been urging the administration, for over a month, to intervene in the dire situation at Brighton Rehab. I directly informed the Department of Health of my concerns about the lack of transparency with residents, families and the public. “So now, a facility that is responsible for nearly 70% of our county’ total cases, is being used as a reason to hold us back? It’s unacceptable. “We took the directive - stay calm, stay home, stay safe – to heart. We social distanced, wore masks and gloves. “Our businesses suffered; our workers suffered. But we did it to help protect the health and well-being of our friends, families and neighbors. And while far too many of our people tragically died, that tragedy could have been far, far worse. We are ready to move forward. We are ready to start our recovery. We must continue to utilize necessary safeguards to protect ourselves and those we may be in contact with Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 4 – Calling the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on nursing homes a critically urgent situation in which time is costing lives, state Rep. Rob Matzie is introducing legislation that would require immediate inspection of all long-term care facilities throughout the state. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he is introducing H.B. 2481 – which would require the state Health Department to assess infection control and provide testing, reporting and necessary resources – to address an alarmingly high death toll that threatens to grow worse with inaction. “I have been urging the state look into conditions at Beaver County’s Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center since the last week of March,” Matzie said. “Recently the facility entered into an agreement with a temporary manager, but the virus continues to spread, and the death toll mounts. The residents, families, staff, leaders in the community and the public at large do not trust that the company is being transparent and doing all it can do to mitigate the spread of the virus. “But it’s not just my county. The pandemic has hit hard statewide, and the nursing homes that care for our parents and grandparents – our most vulnerable citizens – are ground zero,” Matzie said. “ Staff and residents are being infected at much higher rates than the general public in confined, high-risk environments that Read more
State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver County, on Thursday announced plans for legislation to force the Department of Health to resume more in-person inspections at nursing homes in order to ensure that residents are being adequately protected. Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 23 – State grants totaling $51,200 will help put computers and other remote-learning tools into the hands of students who are unable to afford them, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the Continuity of Education and Equity grants – including $46,200 to the Aliquippa School District and $5,000 for the Rochester Area School District – are vital to ensure remote learning continues for students in these districts. “Online lessons are an excellent way to keep our students learning during the pandemic, but they’re only effective if kids have the equipment they need to access them,” Matzie said. “The whole point of public education is to put kids on an even playing field and give them a chance to succeed, regardless of their household income. “Securing this funding is going to help make that happen by ensuring that access to education isn’t a matter of whose family can afford a laptop or tablet.” The CEEG grants are administered by the Department of Education and designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education. The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used to provide instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 1 – Calling it critical for securing essential long-term resources and a strong voice in Congress, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, is urging all residents to respond to the U.S. census. “Based on data from the last U.S. census, Pennsylvania receives nearly $27 billion in federal funding each year for important programs that support our communities,” Matzie said. “That funding goes to support our roads, bridges, health care, education, transportation and other critical services. The count also determines the extent of our representation in Congress. Now, it’s time to be counted again. “I’m urging everyone in our community who hasn’t already done so to complete the census. It’s simple, secure and available online. The short amount of time it takes will make a huge difference in the extent of our community’s resources—and the strength of our voice in Washington.” Matzie emphasized that residents do not need to be concerned about safety and security, as census answers can’t be used against an individual, and data security is managed by security experts operating at the highest levels. Moreover the U.S. Census Bureau is prohibited from releasing any information that identifies individuals, and violation of that law can bring a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up to five years in prison. Matzie added that although April 1 Read more
In Pennsylvania, everyone counts and April 1 is National Census Day! If you haven’t already, don't forget to fill out your census form. Our population count determines our voice in government and how much federal funding we’ll receive for education, health care, transportation and more. Whether you respond online, mail or by phone , participate and help shape PA’s future. Your responses are anonymous and protected by law. To learn more, visit pa.gov/census #PAcounts #2020Census Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 25 – The House today unanimously passed several COVID-19 response bills, including measures that would temporarily remove the 180-day instruction requirement for all schools and push back Pennsylvania’s primary election to June 2, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. “This is new ground for all of us,” said Matzie, who supported both bills. “There are certain actions the governor can take by himself, but others that need legislative authority. We’re doing our best to address those in a safe, timely, bipartisan manner.” Matzie said the amended S.B. 751 – which authorizes the secretary of Education to close all schools until the COVID-19 epidemic is over and increase the number of allowable flexible instruction days , among other emergency school code changes – provides much-needed flexibility for school administrators until things return to normal. “This will not be a lost school year. Seniors will graduate, kids will learn, employees will be paid and normalcy will return when it’s safe. We’ve given our districts the flexibility they need to navigate through this crisis. The changes will help give clarity to students, faculty, support staff and administration. “From a policy perspective, it’s the right thing to do. But as a parent of a graduating senior, I fully understand and Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 19 – Responding to Pennsylvania families impacted by work interruptions and other financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie today announced he is introducing legislation to extend the deadline for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, who is Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, said the measure is part of a package of bills designed to ensure working families don’t lose access to essential resources. “The COVID-19 virus swept in and changed everyone’s lives, from our work schedules to our food shopping,” Matzie said. “Working families, whose budgets are already stretched thin, stand to be the hardest hit by job interruptions, transit changes and other issues that make it difficult to access important services. It’s my priority to ensure that they don't lose access to essential services. “That’s why I am introducing legislation that would extend the application deadline of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program until all funds are expended. As we face this challenge together, it’s critical that no one be left behind. Pennsylvanians are resilient; with some adjustments to help navigate our ‘new normal,’ we will get through this together." Matzie noted that other bills in the package would: provide a 60-day extension for filing Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 19 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today that in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the state Department of Revenue has extended the deadline to file for a rebate under Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program from June 30 until Dec. 31. “The deadline extension on this popular program is always great news, but this year, it’s more important than ever, as seniors and other eligible residents who want help with the application process are being advised to limit public outings, and district offices are temporarily closed to the public because of the COVID-19 epidemic,” Matzie said. “It’s good to know that our seniors and other vulnerable residents who want help filing for rebates on their 2019 taxes or rent paid will now have more time to seek that assistance later in the year, when it should be safer to do so.” Matzie added that residents can still request applications online through the Department of Revenue’s website. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits seniors 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. Spouses, personal representative and estates may also file claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in 2019 Read more
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement today in response to news that Energy Harbor Corp. is rescinding deactivation notices for the Beaver Valley Power Station – a move that will allow the plant to continue operating. “Obviously, this is great news,” Matzie said. “I’ve been at the forefront of the effort to keep Beaver Valley open, and I couldn’t be happier for the employees. “In addition to fighting for Beaver Valley, I’ve worked closely with my colleagues to find solutions to the challenges facing our commonwealth’s largest clean energy source. As the co-chair of the Nuclear Caucus and Democratic chair of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, it’s fantastic to see those efforts bear fruit. “But, to be clear, this isn’t a win for me – it’s a win for Beaver County and the workers and communities that I represent.” Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, has announced that his Ambridge district office, located at 1240 Merchant St., and his satellite office in Aliquippa, located at the Franklin Center of Beaver County, 524 Franklin Ave., will close to the public temporarily as a safety measure as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response effort. “Although closing our offices to the public during business hours is something we never like to do, we’re taking this step in the interest of public safety,” Matzie said. “We’ve chosen to do so in an abundance of caution to minimize the risk of exposure to residents and to follow recommendations by the governor and state health authorities.” Matzie added that the staff will remain available by calling (724) 266-7774 or emailing RepMatzie@pahouse.net . Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – Responding to the need for broadband internet access as Pennsylvania schools transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, and Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, are calling on internet providers statewide to temporarily remove data caps on home broadband internet and wireless internet service. In a letter to telecom providers throughout the state , the lawmakers are urging the companies to suspend data caps and overage fees, citing the need to minimize the pandemic’s impact on students and their families. “As lawmakers, our No. 1 priority is always the safety and health of residents,” Matzie said. “But in challenging times, when circumstances force prolonged changes to our daily routine, it’s also important to ensure that residents continue receiving the benefit of essential services. That’s especially true when it comes to services like education. “With internet learning becoming a reality as we take measures to ensure safety during the pandemic, it’s essential that all families – regardless of household budget – have uninterrupted access to internet, without having to worry about the cost of overages. Continuing access to education should never depend on a family’s ability to afford an internet bill.” Neilson agreed, noting, “We are urging Pennsylvanians to do what is in the Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 12 – Two grants totaling $590,375 from the Department of Labor and Industry will expand apprenticeships for area workers and help ensure those opportunities are available for diverse and disadvantaged communities, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The funding is part of the PAsmart Registered Apprenticeship Grants, which are designed to increase opportunities for workers to earn a paycheck while learning through on-the-job training. “Internships provide the best of both worlds: classroom learning for basic concepts and procedures, combined with workplace-based experience that provides hands-on training,” Matzie said. “Our area workforce development boards have been making a concerted effort to broaden these valuable ‘learn while you earn’ opportunities and ensure they are available to a diverse range of workers. A focus on building diversity ensures that job seekers from all socioeconomic backgrounds have the same opportunities and strengthens Pennsylvania’s workforce.” Matzie said the grants include the following: $400,000 to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities and build diversity within the construction and building trades. $190,375 to Catalyst Connection, which serves Beaver, Allegheny and other counties, to add 15 apprentices to the industrial manufacturing technician Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 5 – A $103,040 grant from the Department of Labor and Industry will expand summer internship opportunities for area students and young job seekers, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The funding to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board, awarded under the State/Local Internship Program, will provide area summer internships paying a minimum of $10.35 an hour for students and young adults between 16 and 24. “Internships are some of the most valuable training tools available because they introduce students and young adults to the modern workplace in a way that provides real-world, hands-on experience,” Matzie said. “And the benefits run both ways because internships also help strengthen the available pool of talented job applicants for area employers.” The funding is part of a $4.7 million package of grants to 21 Local Workforce Development Boards statewide to create nearly 1,500 summer internships. The SLIP program is fully funded through federal money available under the Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act. More information about the grants is available through the Department of Labor and Industry’s website at www.dli.pa.gov . EDITORS/ASSIGNMENT DESKS: An audio clip of Rep. Matzie discussing the grant is available here , and a photo of Matzie is available here . Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 4 – A $4,000 state grant to the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation will help an important area group continue working to preserve Beaver County’s past, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, who serves on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, said the commission’s grant will provide critical operating resources for the foundation. “Groups like the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation play a key role in safeguarding the documents, artifacts and historical buildings that inspire us and remind us of the ingenuity and talent of past generations,” Matzie said. “But the foundation does so much more. Through displays and community events, they also chronicle our past in a way that explains how our area’s unique history unfolded and evolved. “Securing this funding ensures that the foundation can continue keeping history alive for residents and future generations.” Matzie noted that the grants are part of a package awarded to applicants under the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program, which is administered by PHMC. The grant program is designed to provide general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and county historical societies that are not directly supported by other state agency operating support programs. In January, the House unanimously passed Read more
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1240 Merchant St.First FloorAmbridge, PA 15003-2279
P*: (724) 266-7774P: (412) 565-3569
F*: (724) 266-7634
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Send all district correspondence here.
3589 Brodhead RoadSuite 5Monaca, PA 15061-3138
P*: (724) 987-4341
Franklin Center of Beaver County Inc. 524 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa, PA 15001
P*: (724) 375-3052
Hours of Operation - Thursdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
147 Main Capitol BuildingPO Box 202016 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2016
P*: (717) 787-4444