HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, has been named “2019 Legislator of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association in recognition of his commitment and advocacy in support of the state’s pharmacy profession and their patients. Matzie has been working tirelessly to pass legislation that would protect Pennsylvania’s local pharmacies and consumers from mercenary practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) – rate-setting, third party middlemen that he says are supposed to be working to lower drug costs but are instead engaging in predatory pricing practices that leave mom-and-pop pharmacies unable to compete. “I’m honored to receive this award, but our work is far from done,” said Matzie, who is Democratic chairman of the Pennsylvania Community Pharmacy Caucus. “Mercenary practices by some unscrupulous PBMs are forcing neighborhood pharmacies to shut their doors, and the biggest losers are the state’s Medicaid consumers, 90% of whom are served by managed care companies that contract with PBMs. “Pennsylvania’s taxpayers also have a huge stake in ensuring PBMs are doing their jobs with the right interests in mind: They paid nearly $3 billion to PBMs for Medicaid enrollees in 2017. I’m not going to stop fighting until we bring the transparency and oversight that’s needed to ensure that these third parties are Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 24 – Preventing motorist and pedestrian deaths and injuries from train collisions is the goal of a resolution the House adopted unanimously today, according to the resolution’s sponsor, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 482 – designating Sept. 22-28, 2019 as “Rail Safety Week” in Pennsylvania – to renew focus on the need for vigilance near tracks and trains. “I’d like to be able to report that Pennsylvania is a state leader when it comes to rail safety, but unfortunately, the numbers tell a different story,” Matzie said. “Based on federal statistics from 2018, the commonwealth ranks sixth in terms of pedestrian trespass casualties – with 41 total deaths and injuries – and tenth in terms of the number of highway-rail grade crossing collisions, with 74 incidents.” Matzie noted that although the number of vehicle-train collisions nationwide has dropped dramatically over the years – from more than 9,000 in 1981 to about 2,200 in 2018 – much work remains to be done, particularly to address pedestrian trespass incidents. “Pedestrians sometimes fail to appreciate the degree of danger involved when they wander onto or too close to tracks, especially if they become distracted by music or talking on their cell phones,” Matzie said. “We’re trying to Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie joined hundreds of people in Beaver to rally in support of the Beaver Valley Power Station. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 17 – State grants totaling $104,658 will fund new playground and recreational equipment for families visiting Beaver County parks, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grants – awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and funded through the state’s Greenways, Trail and Recreation Program – will help finance the replacement of outdated equipment and installation of safety surfaces at parks in Harmony Township and Baden Borough. “Meaningful places for kids and families to play and interact are incredibly important,” Matzie said. “Beyond providing opportunities for fresh air and exercise, our parks are special places where kids make friendships and adults build bonds. They’re places that bring us together as a community to discover common ground and create memories. Investments that preserve and restore these special places yield returns for years to come.” Matzie said the funding is provided in two separate grants, with the details as follows: $62,158 to Harmony Township to purchase new play and fitness equipment – including climbers, spinner and rocker equipment, fitness equipment for adults and a picnic shelter – at three parks. The total project cost is $73,315. The township plans to use municipal labor to install the new equipment to limit the amount of the grant request. $42,500 to Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 12 – A state grant of $88,884 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County will help the agency provide support and services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The grant is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is funded under the Victims’ Service Advisory Committee 2019-20 Victims of Crime Act. “When members of our community are traumatized by domestic violence, abuse or assault, our entire community feels the effects,” Matzie said. “Domestic violence is insidious. In addition to traumatizing its victim, it can take away parents, shatter the lives of children and even leave an imprint on generations to come. That’s why I’m so glad we were successful in our efforts to secure this funding. We’re restoring and empowering those who were victims, and in the process, we’re strengthening our entire community.” Matzie said the center provides a wide range of essential services, including crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, legal and medical advocacy, prevention education and other resources. PCCD provides planning, coordination and technical assistance to the state’s criminal justice system and serves as a clearinghouse for state and federal grants to support criminal and juvenile justice efforts. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 1 – A $500,000 matching grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will help a major area employer expand its operations in Ambridge, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The grant for Beemac Trucking LLC, will help fund the company’s two-phase project to construct a 15,000-square-foot, full-service maintenance and repair facility and a 14,400-square-foot office headquarters building in Ambridge. “The funding announced today is a shot in the arm for a company that has consistently invested in our community both as a solid employer and as a good corporate citizen.” Matzie said. “Beemac has been a driving economic force in our region for more than three decades, and an investment that allows the company to spread its wings will only provide additional job and economic opportunities. “The property they purchased had been marketed for some time, so their decision to move forward on a brownfield site that has sat idle for many years for a multi-use facility to provide good family sustaining jobs is a win-win.” Matzie noted that the maintenance and repair facility – which will include eight drive-through maintenance bays and numerous offices for professional maintenance staff – will become the corporate maintenance facility for Beemac, while the two-level office building will allow for consolidation of rented offices and provide substantial cost savings and Read more
HARRISBURG, July 16 – Beaver County Elementary School students will enjoy more fresh fruits and vegetables thanks to $73,946 in grants, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. The funding is awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. “Studies have shown time and again that proper nutrition plays a huge role in kids’ memory function and academic performance,” Matzie said. “We need to be doing everything we can to ensure that our kids have the resources they need to succeed, and that includes healthy menu choices. I’m delighted that we were successful in helping to secure this funding to make that happen.” The grants are follows: Aliquippa School District: Aliquippa Elementary School, $34,903. Ambridge Area School District: Highland Elementary School, $20,298. Rochester Area School District: Rochester Elementary School, $18,745. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program began in Pennsylvania in 2004 and is now in every state. Schools must have a free and reduced meal eligibility of 50 percent or more in order to qualify for the grants. The program’s goal is to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables in schools by increasing consumption among students with the hope of positively impacting their present and future health. Nearly 200 elementary schools across Pennsylvania were selected to receive the grants, which total almost $5 million. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 – Beaver County will receive $275,000 in funding to support affordable housing, home modification, and rental and utility assistance projects, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement fund, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “I’m so glad that we were successful in our efforts to help secure this funding,” said Matzie, who voted to support the creation of PHARE back in 2010. “Safe, affordable housing – and the ability of residents to meet basic household expenses – are at the heart of any thriving community. “The funding approved by PHFA will expand safe, affordable housing options for Beaver County residents; help residents obtain needed home modifications; and provide rent and utility assistance. At the same time, these projects will generate jobs and stimulate local economic activity. I’m excited to see the benefits they’ll bring for our community’s working families.” Matzie said the projects and funds are as follows: $200,000 to Verland for the Verland Center Township Residences, funded by the realty transfer tax; $50,000 to Community Development Program of Beaver County for a home modification program, funded by realty transfer tax; and $25,000 to Community Development Program of Beaver County for rental and utility assistance, funded Read more
HARRISBURG, July 3 – A low-interest loan will help a longstanding Beaver County trucking business construct a new, full-service maintenance and repair facility in Ambridge Borough, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Beemac Trucking, LLC, was approved for the $1.57 million, 15-year loan at a 3% rate through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. “This loan is great news, not just for a thriving local business, but for our entire community,” Matzie said. “Beemac has been a productive job creator in Beaver County for 35 years. Funding that will help it grow and expand will support the combined creation and retention of more than 200 full-time jobs for our area. “I’m so pleased our efforts to help procure this loan were successful. It’s a great way to support our strong regional employers, who give so much back to the community by promoting a healthy economy and producing jobs for our region’s families.” Matzie noted that Beemac will use the funds to build an eight-bay, state-of-the-art maintenance facility and service shop with a 110-space paved truck and trailer marshaling area. The total project cost is nearly $3.15 million, and the project will enable to company to create 24 full-time jobs and retain 190 full-time jobs within three years. PIDA provides low-interest loans and lines of credit to Pennsylvania businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs within Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie delivered the opening prayer before session on the morning of June 27, 2019 Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – Saying that it holds the line on taxes while increasing education funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, cast a vote today in favor of the state budget bill, H.B. 790. “As with any budget, there is a give and take,” Matzie said. “This is especially true when the legislative majorities and the governor are of the opposite party. My ‘yes’ was based on several things. No new taxes or fees. More money for schools, colleges and job training programs. More money for libraries. More money to fight opioids. More money to support lowest wage healthcare workers. “Equally important, this budget is on time, which is imperative in order to avoid imposing difficulties on counties, municipalities, school districts and any other entity that relies on state funding. It’s not perfect, but it works and moves us forward.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – Combatting fraudulent pyramid schemes that target innocent consumers is the goal of a bill the House passed unanimously today, according to the bill’s author, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. House Bill 1534 would update and clarify the state’s existing anti-pyramid law by highlighting the difference between legitimate direct selling companies and fraudulent pyramid schemes. “Pennsylvania’s consumers need the best possible protection from fly-by-night operations that attempt to target innocent members of the public,” Matzie said. “To provide that protection, we need to ensure that outdated language in our anti-pyramid scheme law is brought up to date. “My bill would update the law and provide the necessary teeth to bolster law enforcement’s prosecution of bad actors. At the same time, it would provide much-needed clarity that would guide legitimate direct-selling companies as to what constitutes acceptable business practices. I’m encouraged that the House unanimously passed my bill, which is a great first step toward protecting the state’s consumers.” Matzie, the Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, noted that the new law would encourage companies to adopt two important consumer protections common in the direct-selling industry: an anti-inventory loading provision that would discourage companies from saddling individual direct sellers with Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – Calling the announcement of a 10-year contract between UPMC and Highmark great news for the state’s health care consumers, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement: “Today’s announcement that UPMC and Highmark have entered into a decade-long agreement to make all UPMC facilities and doctors available to all Highmark customers is tremendous news for the people of western Pennsylvania. “Our residents have been living under the threat of losing access to their trusted care providers, and with the clock ticking on expiration of the UPMC-Highmark consent decree, there was much at stake. I’m relieved that UPMC has decided to step up to the plate and do the right thing, and I applaud both UPMC and Highmark for crafting a solution that makes Pennsylvania’s consumers the big winners. "Thanks to their efforts and the efforts of the attorney general in bringing everyone to the table, Pennsylvanians can look forward to a decade of care with their chosen providers, free from worry over whether that care will be covered. “There will undoubtedly be more details to come, so I’d encourage everyone to check with their insurer with any questions or concerns regarding their coverage and this agreement.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 17 – Grants totaling $758,056 will enhance services for domestic abuse victims and at-risk youth, support county drug treatment programs, and fund an updated police recordkeeping system, announced state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. The funding comes from grants administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, acting on recommendations by various advisory committees. “I’m extremely pleased that our work to help secure this funding paid off,” Matzie said. “For our community to thrive, we all need to thrive, and that means recognizing that the consequences of violence, trauma and abuse go well beyond individual victims to impact families, neighborhoods and communities. These grants will go a long way toward restoring normal lives for residents who are endangered or at risk.” Matzie said the funding comes from five separate grants, including: $293,631 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County to support the center’s mission of providing support and services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The grant comes from the 2019-20 Victims of Crime Act funding, overseen by the Victims Services Advisory Committee. $152,528 to The Bradley Center for the center’s Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools program in the Aliquippa School District. The program works to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and behavioral problems in Read more
HARRISBURG, June 12 – Raising awareness about the essential role bees and other pollinators play in producing many of the commonwealth’s foods is the aim of a resolution the House adopted unanimously today, according to the author, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. House Resolution 385, designating the week of June 17 to June 23, 2019, as “Pollinator Week” in Pennsylvania, also recognizes the critical contributions made by beekeepers and other groups that promote pollination. “It’s been said that bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat,” Matzie said. “That’s not surprising considering the vital role they play in maintaining natural plant communities and ensuring production of seeds in flowering plants. In fact, pollinators serve more than 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops, adding $217 billion to the global economy. “Unfortunately, honeybee colonies are declining as a result of pesticides, parasites and other factors, and their decreasing population could gravely impact our food supply. It’s my hope that this resolution will help raise awareness about the all-important role bees and other pollinators play so we can work toward better protecting them.” According to the Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting pollinators and their ecosystems, honeybees alone account for $1.2 billion to $5.4 Read more
HARRISBURG, June 11 – The House Health Committee today unanimously approved a bill that would bring much-needed transparency to the practices of middlemen companies hired to manage prescription drug benefit plans, according to the bill’s prime cosponsor, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. Matzie said he introduced H.B. 941 with co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, to address mercenary practices by pharmacy benefit managers that threaten to destroy local pharmacies and injure consumers – particularly those in the state’s Medicaid program, where 90 percent of patients are served by managed care companies that contract with PBMs. “Pharmacy benefit managers are supposed to be working on behalf of consumers to lower drug costs,” said Matzie, who is co-chair of the state Community Pharmacy Caucus. “Instead, we’re finding that they’re overcharging patients and taxpayers millions and engaging in predatory pricing practices. “We’ve invested these middlemen companies with tremendous power. As rate-setters, they determine what drugs will be covered and how much pharmacies will be reimbursed. At the same time, we haven’t imposed much-needed oversight to ensure that they don’t abuse this power. The state’s consumers and small businesses are now paying the price. “For two years, I’ve been hearing from local pharmacies about how PBMs are slashing drug Read more
HOPEWELL, June 6 – A low-interest loan will help a longstanding area transportation business update its aging information technology infrastructure, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the low-interest loan to Hopewell-based flatbed transport business PGT Trucking Inc., will allow the company to purchase new servers, desktop computers, laptop computers and software essential to grow operations. The company was approved for a $400,000, five-year loan at a 3.5% rate through the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development. “I’m delighted to learn that our efforts to help secure this loan were successful,” Matzie said. “Investments in companies like PGT yield multiple returns for the community in terms of building our local economy, promoting a healthy local business environment and providing family-sustaining jobs. Today’s loan will help an important area employer update and modernize its operations so that it can function more efficiently and expand, creating more jobs and giving back to our economy.” Matzie added that the company is expected to create 25 full-time jobs and retain 140 existing jobs. The loan was one of a package approved through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority for businesses in eight counties statewide. The loans are designed to help businesses at various stages of development – from startups to established businesses seeking to expand – Read more
HARRISBURG, May 20 – Grants totaling $49,714 will boost school safety for two school districts in Pennsylvania’s 16 th Legislative District by funding the purchase of security-related equipment, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding from the state Department of Education – which includes $24,722 to Quaker Valley School District and $24,992 to Aliquippa School District – will allow the districts to expand existing security measures. “Our schools are safest when they employ a variety of different security measures, and to that end, our districts have carefully analyzed what combination of programs, personnel and equipment best meets their specific needs,” Matzie said. “The funding announced today will complement existing safety resources by permitting schools to equip buildings with emergency communications devices, electronic locksets and other security-related technology they’ve determined is needed. “I’m delighted that we were successful in obtaining this funding, which will allow our districts to continue implementing their plans to ensure our students and school employees enjoy the safest environment possible.” Matzie said the funding – part of a statewide package of competitive Safe Schools Targeted grants of up to $25,000 – may be used to purchase student, staff and visitor identification systems; metal detectors; protective lighting; Read more
HARRISBURG, May 10 – Increasing transparency in pharmacy benefit manager pricing practices is the goal of legislation recently introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. Matzie said he introduced H.B. 941 with co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Doyle Heffley, D-Carbon, to address PBM practices in the state’s Medicaid program – in which nearly 90 percent of the state’s Medicaid patients are served by managed care companies that contract with PBMs. “Greater transparency is essential because these third-party PBMs – which are charged with deciding what drugs will be covered and how much to reimburse pharmacies – wield a tremendous amount of power through their rate-setting, yet are operating with little transparency,” Matzie said. “At the same time, they are having a profound impact on small, independent pharmacies. “Over the past two years, I have been hearing increasing complaints from local pharmacies about how PBMs are slashing drug reimbursement rates, especially with regard to Medicaid patients. As these third-party companies set rates well below the costs paid by local pharmacies, these small, trusted businesses are being forced to close their doors. “The situation is threatening both the health of our local economy and the well-being of our area seniors, including some of our most vulnerable citizens who rely for their medications on these local neighborhood pharmacies. It’s time Read more
HARRISBURG, May 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement today in response to Exelon Generation’s statement that it will cease operations at its Three Mile Island nuclear plant. “It’s disappointing to hear that Exelon is continuing down this path, when a minimal investment in their own plant would afford us the time in the legislature to work on a solution that would be fair to all,” Matzie said. “Let’s be clear, the federal government has shirked its responsibility to the nuclear industry and foisted that burden onto the state. We have had less than two months to examine and internally debate legislation that is as complex and as far reaching as anything we’ve seen in decades. We responded with a sense of urgency by holding no less than four hearings and countless meetings focusing on legislation that, by any assessment, is not guaranteed to save TMI and does nothing to protect workers or the community. “Make no mistake, when the nuclear industry asks the legislature to ‘value carbon-free energy,’ they mean asking the ratepayers of Pennsylvania for $3 billion. They should expect to have that request thoroughly vetted. “What’s more, in my opinion, there has been significant movement toward a potential resolution over the last few weeks, making this announcement even more concerning. Regardless, I remain committed to working toward a policy that balances Read more
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