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House adopts Matzie resolution designating April 2026 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania

(Apr 23, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House last week adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2026 as “Limb Loss Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 404 – which the House adopted by an overwhelming bipartisan majority on April 15 – to foster greater awareness about the multiple challenges faced by people who have lost a limb and those with a limb that is anatomically different in size, shape or structure compared to “typical” limbs. “According to a recent study commissioned by the Amputee Coalition, there are more than 5.6 million people in the United States living with limb loss or limb difference,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Many of them successfully navigate jobs, household duties and family and social responsibilities despite multiple physical, psychological, financial and logistical challenges. I introduced this resolution to honor their courage and resilience.” Matzie said he also introduced H.R. 404 to help people understand that the main cause of limb loss is preventable. “People often associate limb amputations with traumatic injuries, but in fact the main cause is vascular disease, including diabetes and peripheral artery disease,” Matzie said. “That means that limb loss is preventable in many cases through the right lifestyle changes to address Read more

 

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution

(Apr 16, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 16 – The Pennsylvania House Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2026 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 403 to make sure Pennsylvanians are aware that the law requires them to call 8-1-1 – the free “Call before You Dig” hotline – before embarking on any digging or excavation project. “Overhead powerlines may be easy to spot, but many of us forget that there is also a huge network of electric, gas, water and communications lines and structures buried beneath us,” Matzie said. “Any digging or excavating – even of the shallow kind – can create major safety hazards, service interruptions and damage requiring extensive repairs. It’s critically important for homeowners, business owners, contractors, excavators – anyone planning any kind of digging – to dial 8-1-1- at least three days before starting to dig, to allow utilities to mark underground structures beforehand. “It’s a free call that takes very little time and can prevent massive problems. It’s also the law.” Matzie said calling 8-1-1 is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $750,000 secured for Beaver County youth programs

(Apr 16, 2026)

ALIQUIPPA, April 16 – Two grants totaling nearly $750,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will support new and improved programs aimed at steering Beaver County youth away from high-risk behaviors and onto a path for academic success, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that a $446,627 grant to Keystone Wellness Programs will fund expanding the Drug Free Aliquippa Youth Coalition, strengthening Aliquippa Impact’s afterschool and summer programs and launching a cross-age mentoring initiative to connect high school coalition leaders with elementary school students. “Time and again, we’ve seen how these programs reduce absenteeism, boost grades and improve behavior by providing the one-on-one support, mentoring and sense of belonging that some young people may not find elsewhere,” Matzie said. “Those personal and social connections help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in class and better navigate the world.” Matzie said that a second grant of $296,300 to the Aliquippa School District will allow the district to launch “The Healthy Minds Club,” a comprehensive afterschool program focused on helping grade school students overcome learning barriers. “The program will serve about 180 Aliquippa School District students in the first through sixth grades and will offer help Read more

 

Matzie: $650,000 secured to boost training opportunities for Beaver County workers

(Apr 15, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, April 15 – New funding of $650,000 to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board will strengthen training and apprenticeship opportunities for Beaver County workers in the steel and construction industries, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the new training opportunities will help workers maintain cutting-edge skills amidst changing industry demands. “Industry standards and practices are constantly changing as companies embrace newer technologies like AI and robotics and cleaner technologies like induction heating,” Matzie said. “The new funding will provide workers with the apprenticeship opportunities and innovative training models they need to keep pace and will ensure that our local industries have the talented workforce pool they need to stay competitive.” Matzie said the funding includes: $350,000 to support the Southwest Corner Building and Construction Industry Partnership’s efforts to upskill workers through registered apprenticeship programs and recruit workers from communities that are underrepresented in the construction trades. The grant will serve workers in Beaver County and several other counties. $300,000 to support the Pennsylvania Steel Alliance Industry Partnership’s efforts to upskill and reskill the existing steel workforce, expand access to innovative Read more

 

Matzie: More than $200K secured to fund compressed natural gas vehicles for Beaver County waste collection

(Mar 27, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, March 27 – A new $210,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will allow Beaver County residents and small businesses to reap the benefits of high-tech, compressed natural gas-powered vehicles, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the grant awarded to Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Inc., will allow the company to purchase seven compressed natural gas waste vehicles to serve the county. “This is exciting news,” Matzie said. “Compressed natural gas vehicles require less fuel and maintenance, produce much lower emissions, and operate more quietly. All of that means savings for taxpayers, cleaner air in our neighborhoods and reduced noise for residents. I’m looking forward to seeing our communities reap the benefits of the new technology.” Compressed natural gas vehicles operate similarly to traditional gas-powered vehicles, but natural gas is stored in a fuel tank or cylinder, generally located at the back of the vehicle. It is estimated that they are 80% to 90% quieter than diesel trucks and produce up to 90% fewer emissions. The funding was awarded through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program. More information about the program is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/grants-loans-rebates/alternative-fuels-incentive-grant . Read more

 

Matzie: $225K secured for District 16 municipal planning, resources and equipment

(Mar 27, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, March 27 – State grant funding of $225,000 will deliver new resources to bolster projects, public works and police services in Beaver County, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said five separate grants approved through the state Department of Community and Economic development will help municipalities keep projects and operations running more smoothly. “The new grants will allow municipalities and departments in our district to address practical needs – replacement vehicles and equipment to keep services flowing, project funding for safer play spaces and planning resources to invite new economic development,” Matzie said. “It all adds up to improved quality of life. I’ll continue advocating and working with our state agencies and local partners to bring more of those dollars home to benefit residents.” Matzie said the funding includes: $75,000 to the city of Aliquippa to purchase public works equipment. $50,000 to Hopewell Township for playground upgrades and renovations. $50,000 to the Rochester Police Department for a new vehicle. $25,000 to the Center Township Police Department for new equipment. $25,000 to Monaca for planning initiatives for economic development. More information about DCED programs and funding is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

(Mar 25, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 25 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through. “It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.” Matzie introduced H.B. 1191 to improve public safety at railroad crossings. The bill comes after a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. This bill would: Prohibit trains from blocking crossings, which could delay emergency responders. This can ensure faster response times. Limit the length of freight or work trains to 8,500 feet, or approximately 1.6 miles. Require safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, including a minimum of a two-person crew on a train or light engine. Authorize a union representative to monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad, which would allow a representative to take Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes

(Mar 24, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – With the commonwealth seeing a sharp rise in data center development, the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would ensure the centers’ massive energy demands do not drive up Pennsylvanians’ electricity bills. Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.B. 1834 so the state can get the right regulatory framework in place now, as proposals for new data centers continue to mount. “Normally, if an electric company adds poles and wires or equipment, we all share in the costs. That’s because it’s making the delivery system better for all of us,” Matzie said. “That’s not the case with data centers. No one’s electric bill should ever go up because a data center has located in Pennsylvania, but we need to plan ahead to make sure that doesn’t happen. “It’s possible to protect ratepayers while still allowing the commonwealth to reap the tremendous economic benefits data centers can bring. Those goals are not mutually exclusive – as long as we get the right regulatory framework in place. My bill would do that.” Matzie said his bill would: Make sure that all costs incurred by data centers to get their electricity is paid for by them – not households and small businesses. Require data centers to contribute to universal service programs and supplement Read more

 

Matzie: Newly released study recommends changes to PIAA policies

(Mar 24, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association should update its policies to better protect student athletes participating in competitions, according to the newly released findings of a legislative study requested by state Rep. Rob Matzie. Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus and the longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee, called on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct the study based on concerns that PIAA’s system of classifying schools for competition puts student athletes at risk by forcing them to compete against wealthier schools with bigger budgets and larger rosters. “The study’s findings and recommendations demonstrate the need for updated PIAA policies relative to how transfers are monitored and adjudicated, where and how certain private, charter, and co-op schools get their student athletes, and how championship sites are determined,” Matzie said. “This vindicates the questions I’ve raised over the past several years, especially in regard to the treatment of the Aliquippa School District.” Matzie said the report recommends that PIAA: establish a statewide body to independently record, monitor and adjudicate student-athlete transfers among member schools. revise its policy for feeder schools, which pipeline Read more

 

Matzie applauds Zerfuss, PUC action on rail safety

(Feb 23, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Rob Matzie today praised the Pennsylvania Utility Commission’s decision to review its rail safety regulations, saying the commission will consider some of the same safety measures in Matzie’s own rail safety bill that passed the House. The PUC’s action on Friday granting a motion for proposed rulemaking , offered by Commissioner Kathryn Zerfuss, mirrors Matzie’s call for stronger state regulation of rail safety, a move he says is needed in the absence of better federal oversight. “I applaud Commissioner Zerfuss and the PUC for taking the reins on rail safety, and I’m glad the commission plans to focus on some of the same reporting, oversight and equipment issues I call for in my rail safety legislation,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “With thousands of miles of rail running through our region and federal regulations falling short, time is of the essence. We can’t afford to wait for another East Palestine.” Matzie said that PUC’s experts will review rail safety regulations with respect to five areas, including the proper functioning of wayside detectors – trackside sensors that warn when train cars are overheating because of problems that can cause derailment. That equipment is one focus of Matzie’s H.B. 1191 , which was adopted by the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Read more

 

Matzie: PIAA board made ‘the right decision’ in moving Aliquippa Football to Class 3A for next two years

(Feb 19, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 19 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s vote by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association board to reclassify the Aliquippa High School football program: “I’ve just been informed that the PIAA Board has voted to move Aliquippa Football to Class 3A for the next two years. “While the specifics of the determination haven’t been released, I’m pleased the board made the right decision after several attempts pleading the case. “I have shared the opinion of the Aliquippa School District that decisions related to the competitive balance formula should use actual enrollment and view each transfer on a case-by-case basis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. “The study that I requested the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform of the PIAA and its competitive balance formula is expected to be released this spring. “I will always stand up for kids in my district and students all across Pennsylvania. The results of this ruling have always been about fairness and the health and safety of the kids.” Read more

 

Matzie: More than $265,000 secured for Beaver County fire, EMS companies

(Feb 17, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 17 – Fire and EMS companies in the 16 th Legislative District are on track to receive more than $265,200 in grant funding to help keep crews properly equipped and meet other department needs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said departments will be able to use the funds for items such as personal protective gear, firefighting equipment, fuel, facility repairs, training, recruitment and retention, and other needs. “Our fire and EMS departments face a constant challenge keeping crews outfitted and trained, equipment updated, and facilities maintained – all on the tightest budgets,” Matzie said. “The new funding should help ease some of those costs and get more resources into the hands of those who work 24/7 to protect us.” Matzie said the funding includes: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – $13,457. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – $14,488. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – $16,137. Center Township Fire House No. 2 – $13,251. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department Co. No. 1 – $14,900. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 – $12,426. City of Aliquippa DBA Aliquippa Bureau of Fire – $14,488. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – $14,488. Economy Vol. Ambulance Service – $15,000. Economy Volunteer Firemens Association Read more

 

Matzie: More than $1.6 million secured for Community College of Beaver County improvements

(Feb 05, 2026)

powerhouse,” Matzie said. “I’m grateful for this new state investment, which will directly benefit our students, workers, and taxpayers.” Read more

 

Matzie, Mehaffie laud passage of bill to clear the way for construction of small modular nuclear reactors

(Feb 04, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus Co-Chairs Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie today hailed the state House’s passage of legislation that would clear the way for the construction of the nuclear industry’s small modular reactors and microreactors to help meet growing demands on Pennsylvania’s energy grid. The lawmakers said H.B. 2017 , introduced by state Rep. Jose Giral, D- Phila., would pave the way for SMRs and microreactors by authorizing a change in fees that have posed an obstacle to construction of these smaller nuclear reactors. “Having an ‘all-everything’ energy strategy strengthens our position as an energy powerhouse and helps us meet the increasing demand coming from cloud computing and AI,” said Matzie, D-Beaver, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus as well as a co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus. “Nuclear is an important part of that strategy, and one that would bring new jobs, but the construction costs can be prohibitive. Small, modular reactors, which require less time and money to build, are an excellent solution, but the fees these reactors must pay the state to operate – which were developed with large, traditional reactors in mind – have proven to be an insurmountable obstacle. The new legislation would adjust the fees to remove those barriers.” Mehaffie, R-Dauphin, said SMRs can help the state address an Read more

 

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis

(Feb 04, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted two resolutions introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie to highlight the importance of government transparency and the unique history of the commonwealth’s government, and a third resolution to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. Matzie’s H.R. 398 designates March 15-21 as “Sunshine Week” in Pennsylvania to promote dialogue about the importance of open government and public access to government documents and meetings. “ The framers added freedom of speech and freedom of the press to the U.S. Constitution to ensure people have the power to openly question and challenge government actions and decisions and hold government accountable when it acts irresponsibly,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “People lose that power when actions and decisions are made behind closed doors. “Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act and Right to Know Law ensure that those decisions are made in the light of day and that citizens and the press have access to the meetings and documents that reveal critical information, including where tax dollars are being spent and what interests are being considered when decisions are made. In the digital age, with AI deepfakes and disinformation being used more and more to manipulate and distort the truth, that transparency has never been more Read more

 

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

(Feb 03, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address today: “The governor’s address was a positive first step in the budget process,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “The proposed budget plan would deliver needed investments to our public schools, our workforce, and initiatives to make life more affordable for Beaver County residents – all without adding any new taxes. “To continue leveling the playing field for all public school students – regardless of ZIP code – the new budget would invest more than $500 million in additional equity funding that will provide block grants to historically underfunded districts. The new plan would also increase funding for basic and special education by $50 million each. Our Beaver County schools would see across-the-board increases to help our students thrive. “To strengthen our workforce and create more jobs, the plan would increase funding for career and technical education and vocational rehabilitation, childcare recruitment and retention, and teacher professional development and stipends. “Housing costs take the largest chunk out of a family’s budget, so having access to safe, affordable housing is key to financial stability. To increase the availability of affordable housing, the proposed budget would create a Read more

 

Matzie: More than $90,000 awarded to improve food storage, reduce waste by food banks serving Beaver County

(Jan 30, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 30 – More than $90,000 in new grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Proection will help food banks serving Beaver County safely store and transport food while reducing food waste, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the grants – which include $50,000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and more than $40,200 to Families Matter Food Pantry – will fund a range of equipment and resources to help the food banks overcome one of their greatest operational challenges. “Preventing food waste is a major challenge for our local food banks and pantries, but we can help them deal with the problem by ensuring that they have the infrastructure needed to safely store and transport perishable supplies,” Matzie said. “The new grants will help do that by funding refrigeration equipment, vehicles and other resources to ensure more food reaches families in need and fewer supplies end up going to waste.” Matzie said that in addition to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, eight other food banks and pantries in Allegheny County secured more than $250,000 in grant funding. Food Recovery Infrastructure Grants are awarded to reimburse the cost of equipment like refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated and non-refrigerated vehicles, stoves and microwaves to store, transport or prepare the recovered Read more

 

Matzie: More than $300,000 secured for Beaver County first responder resources

(Jan 21, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 21 – New state grants totaling $355,000 will fund equipment and facility repairs for first responders and renovations to a community war memorial park and pavilion in the 16 th Legislative District, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said some of the new dollars will support vehicle and equipment upgrades and building improvements to police and fire departments around the district. “Our district’s first responders are dedicated, talented, and fearless,” Matzie said. “They stand between our community and danger, and they ask nothing in return but to have the resources they need to do their lifesaving work. I was proud to help secure this funding so that our frontline heroes have the safe facilities they deserve and the equipment they need to respond when the next call comes in.” Matzie said the funding includes: $75,000 to Rochester Borough Police for a police cruiser. $65,000 to Harmony Township Police for a police cruiser. $50,000 to Monaca Borough Police for equipment. $50,000 to the Baden Volunteer Fire Department for building upgrades and renovations. $30,000 to Hopewell Township Police for equipment and training for a new K9 Unit. $30,000 to Ambridge Borough Police to outfit a cruiser for a K9 dog. $30,000 to Freedom Borough for renovations to the Freedom Borough War Memorial Read more

 

Salisbury: $6 million secured for District 34 transportation projects, water and sewer improvements

(Jan 20, 2026)

“The funding will help ease the burden on taxpayers and allow our municipalities to perform critical repairs and structural upgrades,” Salisbury said. “From repaving our roads to strengthening deteriorating infrastructure so we can better manage stormwater, every dollar of these grants will go to work keeping our communities safer and healthier.” Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $4 million secured to fund Beaver County infrastructure improvements

(Jan 20, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 20 – New grants totaling $2.6 million will fund multiple infrastructure improvements in the 16 th Legislative District, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority includes $1.8 million for water, stormwater and sanitary sewer improvements and $800,000 for a Harmony Township bridge replacement project. “I was glad to help drive out these dollars to support structural improvements around the district,” Matzie said. “Our municipalities need to keep pace with the constant demands of aging infrastructure, and this funding will help them do that.” Matzie said the funding under the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program includes $800,000 to Harmony Township for the Valley Road Bridge Replacement project. The funding awarded under the PA Small Water and Sewer Program includes: $500,000 to the Ambridge Water Authority for Phase I of the Maplewood Avenue Lead Service Line and Waterline Replacement Project. $300,000 to Monaca Borough for the Monaca Well 12 Replacement and Well 13 & 16 Rewire Project. $250,000 to Center Township Sanitary Authority for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. $200,000 to Center Township for Center Commons Boulevard storm sewer improvements. $200,000 to Hopewell Township for the Upper Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution designating April 2026 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania
Apr 23, 2026

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution
Apr 16, 2026

Matzie: Nearly $750,000 secured for Beaver County youth programs
Apr 16, 2026

Matzie: $650,000 secured to boost training opportunities for Beaver County workers
Apr 15, 2026

Matzie: More than $200K secured to fund compressed natural gas vehicles for Beaver County waste collection
Mar 27, 2026

Matzie: $225K secured for District 16 municipal planning, resources and equipment
Mar 27, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety
Mar 25, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes
Mar 24, 2026

Matzie: Newly released study recommends changes to PIAA policies
Mar 24, 2026

Matzie applauds Zerfuss, PUC action on rail safety
Feb 23, 2026

Matzie: PIAA board made ‘the right decision’ in moving Aliquippa Football to Class 3A for next two years
Feb 19, 2026

Matzie: More than $265,000 secured for Beaver County fire, EMS companies
Feb 17, 2026

Matzie: More than $1.6 million secured for Community College of Beaver County improvements
Feb 05, 2026

Matzie, Mehaffie laud passage of bill to clear the way for construction of small modular nuclear reactors
Feb 04, 2026

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis
Feb 04, 2026

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed
Feb 03, 2026

Matzie: More than $90,000 awarded to improve food storage, reduce waste by food banks serving Beaver County
Jan 30, 2026

Matzie: More than $300,000 secured for Beaver County first responder resources
Jan 21, 2026

Salisbury: $6 million secured for District 34 transportation projects, water and sewer improvements
Jan 20, 2026

Matzie: Nearly $4 million secured to fund Beaver County infrastructure improvements
Jan 20, 2026