News Center

Matzie: More than $103,000 awarded to fund paid internships for area students, young adults

(Mar 05, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

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

 

Matzie: $4,000 state grant will boost area historic preservation efforts

(Mar 04, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

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

 

Matzie: More than $1.3 million to fund safety resources for area schools

(Feb 26, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

ALIQUIPPA, Feb. 26 -- Area schools will benefit from more than $1.3 million in state grants to fund safety equipment, programs, and other security-related resources, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grants – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – will fund a wide array of resources for multiple school districts in Allegheny and Beaver counties. “Ensuring safe schools is an issue that demands constant vigilance, as safety needs change from year to year,” Matzie said. “Our schools do an excellent job of assessing those needs, which often involve a mix of people-based resources, programs and equipment. Securing this funding is going to give our school districts broad access to these resources so they can provide the safest possible environment.” Matzie said the funding under the School Safety and Security Grant Program includes the following grants: Allegheny County $414,550 to the Education Center at the Watson Institute for security assessments, classroom management, security planning, purchase of security equipment and visitor security systems. $236,450 to Quaker Valley School District for security planning and the purchase of security equipment and staff training programs. Beaver County $140,454 to Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit for security planning, funding of Read more

 

Rep. Matzie's Winter 2020 Newsletter

(Feb 20, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

Read Rep. Matzie's Winter 2020 Newsletter. Read more

 

Local Priest Leads House Prayer

(Feb 04, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

On Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Father Jay Donahue led the House of Representatives in the Opening Prayer. Read more

 

Matzie calls budget ‘starting point,’ supports focus on education, healthy schools, workforce development

(Feb 04, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, released the following statement regarding Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget address today. “The governor’s budget proposal is just the starting point. At first glance, there are several areas that I can fully support. More money for schools, a focus on cleaning up lead and asbestos, protecting drinking water and creating more opportunities for workers are priorities that I share and would benefit western Pennsylvania greatly. “Most importantly, it holds the line on taxes. “As always, I’ll work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and ultimately support what best serves Beaver County and the residents of my district.” Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution on rheumatoid arthritis

(Feb 03, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The House today unanimously adopted a resolution to increase public awareness about the dangers of rheumatoid arthritis, according to its sponsor, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 655 – designating Feb. 2, 2020, as “Rheumatoid Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania – to shed light on RA’s potentially devastating impacts, which can include damage to joint and organ tissue, heart disease and a reduced lifespan. “Well over a million Americans – including my own father – are currently living with RA,” Matzie said. “In addition to joint pain, fevers and stiffness, this progressive, inflammatory disease can wreak havoc on the body’s immune system and lead to problems with the eyes, heart, lungs, blood, nerves and other body organs and systems. “Although the disease can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic those of other diseases, early detection is critical because starting a patient on medication during an early ‘window of opportunity’ can lessen the disease’s adverse effects and even bring remission in some cases. That’s especially important because RA can affect a patient’s heart.” Matzie said that each year, Rheumatoid Awareness Day is planned to coincide with the start of American Heart Month to emphasize the disorder’s connection to heart Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $10,000 to fund school food service equipment

(Jan 28, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 28 – Two Beaver County school districts will receive $9,839 in funding to purchase new food service equipment, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The competitive grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education include $7,150 to Freedom Area School District to purchase a new electric convection oven and $2,689 to Rochester Area School District for a new milk cooler. “Considering the key role nutrition plays in learning, it's essential that our schools have the necessary equipment to store and prepare a large volume of food safely and efficiently,” Matzie said. “Obtaining this funding is going to ensure that our students continuing receiving the fresh, healthy meals they need to thrive and succeed.” The grants are part of a $925,000 funding package to 72 elementary, middle and high school schools statewide. The funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is awarded to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have 50% or more of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Read more

 

Matzie lauds auditor general’s call to action on pharmacy benefit manager legislation

(Jan 23, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, today issued the following statement in response to Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s call for the state Senate to act on legislation increasing transparency and oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. “I applaud the auditor general for once again bringing this issue to light. He has been steadfast in his protection of taxpayers who subsidize these PBMs and in his support of patients who rely on local pharmacies. “In the House, my House Bill 941 and several other pieces of legislation to remedy this situation were passed in November. They’ve been sitting in the Senate for months. I join in his call for action.” House Bill 941 , which passed the House unanimously on Nov. 20, would bring transparency to the pricing practices of PBMs in the state’s Medicaid program. Third-party PBMs are responsible for deciding which drugs are covered by managed care plans and how much to reimburse the pharmacies that fill those prescriptions. Matzie, who is House Democratic chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Community Pharmacy Caucus, has been urging action to increase oversight of PBMs based on reports that they are operating in bad faith, overcharging patients and forcing local pharmacies to close their doors. Read more

 

House unanimously passes Matzie bill to bolster efficient operation of historic preservation commission

(Jan 22, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – A bill the House passed unanimously this week would keep Pennsylvania’s Historical and Museum Commission operating with maximum efficiency by consolidating the regulations governing its work in one statutory source, according to the bill’s prime co-sponsor, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. Matzie, who serves on the commission, said he introduced H.B. 1981 with Rep. Parke Wentling, R-Mercer/Crawford/Erie/Lawrence, to make sure the provisions governing the PHMC are centralized. “The Pennsylvania’s Historical and Museum Commission is the keeper of our state’s history,” Matzie said. “The work it does preserves Pennsylvania’s unique heritage and keeps it alive for future generations. Because it plays such an important role, we need to keep it operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. “Currently, the regulations governing the commission are not centralized. Most are in the History Code, but other important provisions – including those prohibiting compensation of commission members and establishing the volunteer program – are still in the Administrative Code of 1929. My bill would consolidate all of the provisions in the History Code, where they belong.” The PHMC was established in 1945, through an act that amended the Administrative Code. Among other things, the commission oversees the State Museum of Read more

 

Matzie announces nearly $160,000 in fire, EMS grants

(Jan 21, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 21 – Thirteen area fire and EMS companies will receive $159,685 in grants to help foot the cost of training, equipment and other essential resources, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. “Securing this funding is critical for our local fire and EMS companies, which must continually stretch dollars to meet training, building and equipment needs,” Matzie said. “Our rescue workers step up without hesitation to combat any kind of emergency that threatens our community. It’s up to us to make sure they’re going out into the field with the training and resources they need to stay safe. These grants are going to help us accomplish that.” The following grants were awarded to companies in the 16th Legislative District: Aliquippa Bureau of Fire – Fire Company, $13,152 Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,194 Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $13,015 Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,111 Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,878 Economy Volunteer Ambulance Service – EMS, $9,192 Economy Volunteer Firemen’s Association – Fire Company, $13,700 Freedom Volunteer Fire Department -- Fire Company, $11,509 Harmony Township Volunteer Firemen Inc. – Fire Company, $13,563 Hopewell Read more

 

Matzie: $70,000 in state grants to expand computer science for Beaver County students

(Jan 17, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 17 – Computer science will play an expanded role in the curriculum for Beaver County students, thanks to $70,000 in state funding under the PAsmart Initiative, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said Ambridge Area School District and Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit 27 will each receive $35,000 PAsmart targeted grants from the state Department of Education. “Computer science teaches students essential problem-solving skills and a provides a fluency with technology that is relevant in nearly any work setting,” Matzie said. “Even if a student isn’t planning to work in a traditional computer-based field such as data management or software design, the computing and logic skills they learn will be needed in a wide range other fields, particularly in today’s digital world, where everything is tech-driven. “Securing this funding ensures that our students will keep pace with modern workplace demands and that our business and industry has a tech-savvy pool of new workers.” The grants – a component of Gov. Wolf’s PAsmart Initiative – are part of a $5.7 million package providing $35,000 a piece to 162 school districts, charter schools and intermediate units statewide. The funding is designed to help schools introduce and expand computer science programming and to provide teacher training in computer science. The awardees Read more

 

Matzie: $100,000 grant to connect students with the workplace

(Jan 16, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 16 – Beaver County students will have the chance to develop real-world connections with area businesses thanks to a $150,000 state grant that will fund school-business partnerships , state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant from the state Department of Labor and Industry will fund the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board’s “Business Education Partnership” project, aimed at helping students from Beaver County and surrounding areas develop the skills they need for informed career choices. “The classroom-to-workplace connections made possible by this grant will give students, parents and educators an invaluable look at the needs and demands of today’s employers,” Matzie said. “Out of these partnerships come real-world opportunities for students – who benefit from programs such as career mentoring, internships and workplace shadowing – and real-world advantages for employers, who benefit from a better-prepared pool of job candidates.” The grant is part of a $2.4 million package of Business-Education Partnership grants to 19 workforce development boards throughout the state. The grants are fully funded through federal money made available from the Innovation and Opportunities Act. More information about the grants is available through the Department of Labor and Industry’s website . Read more

 

Matzie: ‘Teacher in the Workplace’ grants totaling $50,000 will help match school curricula to workforce needs

(Jan 06, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 6 – Funding of $50,000 from the state Department of Education will allow Beaver County teachers to visit area businesses so they can shape classroom instruction to fit the latest skills demanded by area employers, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding – including $25,000 each to the Freedom Area School District and the Hopewell Area School District – will advance career readiness for Beaver County students seeking jobs in high-demand fields. “ The modern workforce is constantly evolving, and with those changes comes a constant demand for new skills – particularly as it relates to high-tech jobs requiring science, technology, engineering and math skills,” Matzie said. “T he funding announced today will help provide a successful path from the classroom to the workplace by allowing teachers to learn what skills employers need and to supplement their teaching in a way that equips students to hit the ground running. “Strengthening our workforce in this way will also benefit our area businesses by helping eliminate the skills gap that can slow productivity and affect competitiveness.” Both PDE grants are part of a $2.2 million package providing competitive grants of $25,000 each to 92 local education agencies statewide. The grants are funded through federal money made available through Title II, Part A, of Read more

 

Matzie: More than $1 million to help Beaver County youth transition from justice system to workforce

(Dec 20, 2019) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 20 – Area youth will have a better chance to successfully transition from the justice system to the workplace, thanks to two grants from the state Department of Labor and Industry totaling about $1.03 million, state Rep . Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. “Securing this funding means a brand-new chance for area youth who ended up incarcerated or involved in the criminal justice system,” Matzie said. “The programs funded will provide these young people with education, vocational training, mentoring and other resources they need to move into productive jobs and rejoin the community. When that happens, we all benefit because it saves taxpayer dollars and boosts the local economy. “An investment like this also sends the message to these youth that their past does not have to determine their future and that it is not too late for a fresh start in life.” Matzie said the following grants will go for these projects: Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board – A $500,000 grant to the Youth Reentry Cooperative Network for a program that will provide post-secondary education, soft-skills training, and advanced training for justice system youth ages 18-24 from Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Three Rivers Workforce Development Board – A $527,464 grant to create a partnership between Partner4Work, Allegheny County Read more

 

2020 Capitol Scenes Calendar

(Dec 19, 2019) Rep. Robert Matzie

Check out my 2020 Capitol Scenes calendar! Read more

 

Matzie: $700,000 awarded to rehabilitate Beaver County freight rail track

(Dec 12, 2019) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 12 – A $700,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation will fund the rehabilitation of freight rail track in Beaver County, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said that the grant, awarded to Pittsburgh Intermodal Terminals Inc., will improve about one mile of track to bolster operations and generate area jobs. “Successful commerce is all about the smooth, seamless flow of goods,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding allows us to improve rail track in critical areas so that freight will move more efficiently, boosting production capacity for our entire region. In addition, this project is going to create area jobs for workers. It’s a win-win all around.” Matzie said the project will entail replacement of ties and switch timbers, new ballast, and surfacing. He added that in addition to the Beaver County track project, the following grants will fund these projects in Allegheny County: $399,105 to Pittsburgh & Ohio Central Railroad to replace deteriorated open deck bridge timbers on the McKees Rocks Bridge. $700,000 to TMS International to rehabilitate and construct about one-half mile of track and increase storage capacity. $689,500 to United States Steel Corporation for track upgrades to accommodate increased rail volume from USS’s new hot rolling mill in Braddock. $2.5 million Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $322,000 to combat opioid abuse, expand child protection and advocacy services

(Dec 11, 2019) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 11 – Two state grants totaling $321,923 will bolster resources to combat the opioid addiction crisis statewide and expand services locally for victims of child abuse, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said a $274,923 grant to Commonwealth Prevention Alliance will fund the statewide PA STOP campaign to expand public awareness about the dangers of opioid use. “This funding will allow us to target new groups – including students and faith-based communities – in driving home the dangers of opioid use,” Matzie said. “That’s critically important because, although the public is aware that we have a crisis, so many people – and especially young people – feel invulnerable to the risk and fail to appreciate just how addictive these drugs are.” Matzie said a second grant of $47,000 will fund continuing services for the Beaver County satellite branch of A Child’s Place, which provides protection and advocacy services for children. “Professionals and support workers at the Beaver County satellite office do critical work advocating on behalf of children traumatized by abuse and helping them heal,” Matzie said. “The office itself provides a supportive, non-threatening environment where children can feel safe as they speak to law enforcement, doctors and other workers. Securing this funding helps ensure that this essential Read more

 

Matzie: $35,000 grant will expand marketing of historic ‘Old Economy Village’

(Dec 04, 2019) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 4 – A $35,000 state grant will bolster marketing of Old Economy Village, allowing promotion of the local historic settlement to a larger number of potential tourists, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding – awarded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development – will build on a successful marketing initiative already underway. “Over the past two years, marketing efforts through the ‘Bringing History Alive’ program have increased visitors to Old Economy Village by nearly 30%, drawing tourists from 40 states and several foreign countries,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will allow us to expand on those efforts by marketing to a larger geographic area. “Based on the success of efforts to date, I’m optimistic that expanding promotion of the village’s unique historical and educational attractions will spur even greater tourism, and with it, increased revenue and jobs.” Site administrator Michael S. Knecht echoed those sentiments, saying, “Old Economy Village and the Friends of Old Economy Village are delighted to receive this significant grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development to enhance our marketing program. “Old Economy Village, a National Historic Landmark, provides visitors with the opportunity to explore 19th century Read more

 

Matzie: $26,500 grant to allow Aliquippa to update city plan

(Nov 25, 2019) Rep. Robert Matzie

ALIQUIPPA, Nov. 25 – A $26,500 grant will allow the City of Aliquippa to undertake a new, comprehensive plan to replace its current, outdated plan, which has not been updated for more than 20 years, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the new plan will allow the city to exit its Act 47 financially distressed designation and properly prepare for its fiscal future. Additionally, the city intends to update its Zoning Ordinance and its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. “Securing this funding, as with previous grants, has occurred only as a result of the city administration, the mayor, council members and other key players working together to prioritize and determine what direction they want to take regarding the city’s identity,” Matzie said. “It’s a solid investment by the commonwealth when there is a big-picture team approach across many fronts that includes improving transportation, addressing blight, bolstering workforce development, strengthening infrastructure improvements and improving education.” Funding for the grant comes from the Municipal Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. MAP provides technical resources and assistance for municipalities, consolidation and regional efforts, as well as serving as a resource for local government officials, developers and citizens interested in planning Read more

 

Matzie: More than $103,000 awarded to fund paid internships for area students, young adults
Mar 05, 2020

Matzie: $4,000 state grant will boost area historic preservation efforts
Mar 04, 2020

Matzie: More than $1.3 million to fund safety resources for area schools
Feb 26, 2020

Rep. Matzie's Winter 2020 Newsletter
Feb 20, 2020

Local Priest Leads House Prayer
Feb 04, 2020

Matzie calls budget ‘starting point,’ supports focus on education, healthy schools, workforce development
Feb 04, 2020

House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution on rheumatoid arthritis
Feb 03, 2020

Matzie: Nearly $10,000 to fund school food service equipment
Jan 28, 2020

Matzie lauds auditor general’s call to action on pharmacy benefit manager legislation
Jan 23, 2020

House unanimously passes Matzie bill to bolster efficient operation of historic preservation commission
Jan 22, 2020

Matzie announces nearly $160,000 in fire, EMS grants
Jan 21, 2020

Matzie: $70,000 in state grants to expand computer science for Beaver County students
Jan 17, 2020

Matzie: $100,000 grant to connect students with the workplace
Jan 16, 2020

Matzie: ‘Teacher in the Workplace’ grants totaling $50,000 will help match school curricula to workforce needs
Jan 06, 2020

Matzie: More than $1 million to help Beaver County youth transition from justice system to workforce
Dec 20, 2019

2020 Capitol Scenes Calendar
Dec 19, 2019

Matzie: $700,000 awarded to rehabilitate Beaver County freight rail track
Dec 12, 2019

Matzie: Nearly $322,000 to combat opioid abuse, expand child protection and advocacy services
Dec 11, 2019

Matzie: $35,000 grant will expand marketing of historic ‘Old Economy Village’
Dec 04, 2019

Matzie: $26,500 grant to allow Aliquippa to update city plan
Nov 25, 2019