Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves bills on mechanical insulation, AI content disclosure

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday approved two bills, including legislation to promote the use of an energy-efficient insulating material and a measure that would alert consumers that the digital content they are viewing was generated by artificial intelligence, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the committee unanimously passed an amended version of H.B. 491 , which would facilitate the use of mechanical insulation on pipes, equipment and machinery by clarifying that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission may not reject an electric distribution company’s required energy efficiency and conservation plan solely because the plan involves mechanical insulation. “We want to encourage use of building materials that save energy, save costs and protect workers, and mechanical insulation does all of those things,” Matzie said. “We’ve been working on this bill for some time, and I’m glad it’s finally headed to the full House for consideration.” Matzie said H.B. 1598 – which was approved by a bipartisan majority of the committee – would help safeguard consumers by requiring a disclosure on all AI generated content. “The use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more of a consumer protection Read more

 

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee unanimously approves community solar bill

(Mar 19, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 19 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today approved legislation to create a community solar program ( H.B. 1842 ); legislation to protect minors using social media; and resolutions on data privacy and safe digging. “We introduced community solar to bring home the many benefits – new jobs, new energy savings for residents, new economic opportunities for farmers and other landowners – while broadening the state’s energy portfolio,” Matzie said. “But we also drafted this legislation with an eye toward protecting consumers and ratepayers who don’t participate. I’m excited that the bill is headed for a House vote.” Matie said the committee also approved: H.B. 2017 , which would add mental health protections for minors using social media. H.R. 300 , Matzie’s resolution designating April 2024 as Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month. H.R. 289 , recognizing January 21-27, 2024 as Data Privacy Week in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced the Safe Digging Month resolution to remind Pennsylvanians to call the 811 hotline before performing excavation projects that could affect utilities. “Anyone doing digging – whether they’re a contractor, business owner or homeowner – Read more

 

Matzie: Ambridge Area School District awarded more than $583,000 to promote safe, healthy learning environment

(Mar 15, 2024)

AMBRIDGE, March 15 – A $583,370 grant to the Ambridge Area School District will help school officials ensure students and staff enjoy a safe, supportive learning environment free of threats, bullying or violence, Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding – awarded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – will allow school administrators to ensure that policies and programs include a focus on student and staff social, emotional, physical and mental health. “We know a safe, supportive environment is essential for learning, but it takes resources and planning to create and maintain the kind of healthy, inclusive settings that give students and staff the peace of mind they need to focus and thrive. The new funding is going to allow school administrators to engage with families and the community and shape policies and programs that promote that kind of healthy environment.” The funding was awarded under the Stronger Connections Grant program, which focuses on districts or schools that meet “high need” criteria such as a high poverty rate, a lack of available mental health supports for students, high rates of violence or school exclusion. More information about the grant program is available here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/Federal%20Programs/TitleIV/Pages/default.aspx Read more

 

Matzie: Aliquippa awarded $148,500 for planning support in transition from Act 47 status

(Mar 14, 2024)

AMBRIDGE, March 14 – A $148,500 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development will assist the city of Aliquippa as it emerges from Act 47 status and works to achieve long-term sustainability, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. “It took decades of work and collaboration and faith in our city, but together with support from the commonwealth and city leadership led by Mayor Dwan Walker, we had the resolve to do it, and we built back,” Matzie said. “The city strengthened infrastructure, paid off debt and shored up finances to get to a position where they can chart their own future. “The project funding from DCED will help us develop long-range plans for the future and keep the city moving on a new, independent path.” Matzie said the grant is funded through DCED’s Strategic Management Planning Program. More information about the program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/strategic-management-planning-program-stmp/ . Read more

 

Matzie touts governor’s new energy proposal

(Mar 13, 2024)

“The governor’s announcement highlights policies we have been promoting for some time, the key being an ‘all of the above’ approach when it comes to our energy mix. For me, the inclusion of emerging nuclear and fusion technology in the plan is essential and has been a key initiative I have long supported. " Read more

 

Matzie: Center Township, Rochester Borough awarded $33,000 to aid in police recruitment and training

(Mar 12, 2024)

AMBRIDGE, March 12 – Center Township and Rochester Borough were awarded $33,000 in combined grant funding to help hire and train new police officers, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – which includes $28,000 to Center Township and $5,000 to Rochester Borough – will help departments ensure that any gaps in staff or training do not compromise public safety. “The funding is going to give our local departments more resources for officer recruitment and retention,” Matzie said. “More police on the beat means safer streets and communities, keeps individual officers safer and helps ease workload and burnout. It’s a smart investment that also benefits taxpayers.” The funding is part of a package of grants awarded statewide to support Act 120 mandatory training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers. Eligible law enforcement agencies that do not cover the costs of Act 120 training may request up to $7,000 per new officer to support costs associated with the training, or – if they currently hire officers that are already Act 120-trained or the agency already covers training costs – may apply for up to $5,000 per new officer to support stipends, signing bonuses or marketing efforts. More information about the funding Read more

 

Matzie: $1.5M awarded to combat homelessness in Beaver County and region

(Feb 05, 2024)

“Securing this funding brings new resources to the fight against homelessness,” Matzie said. “Having a place to call home doesn’t just mean shelter – it means easier access to community resources like job training and other services that lead to employment and independence.“More dollars to Community Development means more resources flowing to our local nonprofits who are helping people get back on that path to self-sufficiency.” Read more

 

Matzie applauds PUC proposals to enhance public notice and application review procedures for sale of water/wastewater systems

(Feb 02, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 2 – State Rep. Rob Matzie today lauded action by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to advance proposals that would increase public awareness about the sale of municipal water and wastewater systems and bring greater consistency to the process by which sale applications are evaluated. Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said that if adopted, the proposals would bolster the requirements for public meetings and hearings, require rate impact notices and place more stringent standards on appraisals and valuations. “I applaud Chairman DeFrank and the other commissioners for this action that, if adopted, will help to ease the burden on ratepayers in the aftermath of a water/wastewater sale,” Matzie said. “This is, without a doubt, a pro-consumer positive step in the right direction. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on the still needed legislative fixes to provide the commission with even more and better tools to protect consumers.” The proposed revisions are contained in a Tentative Supplemental Implementation Order. Commission chair Stephen DeFrank offered a motion to support issuance of the order, which the commission voted 5-0 to approve, advancing the process to a notice and comment period. Read more

 

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to improve utility customer payment plans

(Jan 18, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 18 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee yesterday heard testimony on legislation ( House Bill 1077 ) by the committee’s majority chairman, state Rep. Rob Matzie, that would re-authorize and reform Pennsylvania’s utility shutoff protection statute. Matzie said he introduced the legislation because Chapter 14 – which provides utility consumers with protections in areas such as delinquent account collections and service shutoffs – is expiring at the end of 2024 and must be both re-authorized and improved. “For 20 years, Chapter 14 has set the framework for consumer protection between a public utility and its customers, and the law has been a success,” Matzie said. “But as we address re-authorizing the law, we also need to examine how it can be improved to better meet the needs of consumers struggling to pay their utility bills. “Yesterday, we heard testimony from the PUC chairman that giving the commission greater flexibility to set longer repayment terms and create other, more manageable plan options would allow more consumers to stay connected to critical services while preventing defaults that shift the burden onto other consumers. “As the committee continues deliberating, I’m looking forward to working with fellow members and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to shape a Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 awarded for District 16 park improvements

(Jan 16, 2024)

“The grant to Ambridge will allow the borough to build on improvements to P.J. Caul Park that are making the park more accessible and more inviting for residents,” Matzie said. “The funding to Monaca will support needed renovations to the Antoline Park softball field. Folks love to come out and watch the games and cheer on the players, and the work will help ensure the best experience for everyone.” Read more

 

Matzie: More than $3.7 million awarded for District 16 water, wastewater projects

(Dec 19, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 19 – Water and wastewater projects were awarded more than $3.7 million in funding today under programs administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced . “My advocacy for funding starts with projects that demonstrate need, an application that is sound and the ability to close the process. One of my most important jobs as state representative is to use my experience to identify a funding source that gives applicants the best chance for success and then securing those competitive dollars. “These are big projects that will ensure better water and wastewater service across our district. We’re talking about projects that will bring state-of-the-art improvements, reduce service interruptions and shutdowns and boost efficiency to benefit ratepayers. With the funding for these projects secured, residents and small businesses will soon be reaping the benefits.” Matzie said the funding awarded under the under the COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Program includes: $1.11 million to Hopewell Township to replace VCP lining along Route 151 and the Upper Raccoon Creek interceptor sewer. $633,492 to the Center Township Sanitary Authority to rehabilitate the Lower Moon Run sanitary sewer interceptor. $265,823 to the Center Township Sanitary Authority to construct a 140,000-gallon wet well storage tank at the New College wastewater Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $50,000 secured to boost security for Beaver County nonprofits

(Dec 14, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 14 – Grant funding of $47,953 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will help bolster security for two Beaver County nonprofit organizations, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program includes $25,000 to Ambridge-based Greater Miracle Ministries and $22,953 to Adoption Connection, PA. “Nonprofit organizations and houses of worship offer hope and critical support for people facing major life challenges and transitions, but it’s essential that these places provide a secure environment for employees, volunteers, and the community members they serve,” Matzie said. “The new funding from PCCD will help Greater Miracle Ministries and Adoption Connection maintain the safest possible surroundings as they continue their vital work for the community.” The Nonprofit Security Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations – including faith-based institutions, community centers and other facilities – that serve individuals, groups or institutions included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents, as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication. Funding may be used for a wide variety of security resources, including security planning and training, the purchase of safety and security equipment and technology, Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bills to protect water and wastewater ratepayers

(Dec 14, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony Wednesday about legislation that would impose more stringent requirements for the acquisition of municipal water and wastewater systems and bring more transparency to that process, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, and several colleagues introduced the bill package to reform Act 12 – which was enacted in 2016 to change the way water and wastewater systems are valued for acquisition – to bring greater scrutiny and openness to these transactions. “Act 12 was originally created to give public utilities incentives to acquire failing or stressed municipal systems that could no longer provide safe, reliable service to customers, Matzie said. “Unfortunately, that’s not how the act is being used. Instead, municipalities and municipal authorities are exercising the provisions to sell healthy, well-operated systems at amounts much higher than their present value. Consumers end up footing the bill for those purchases through hugely inflated rates – without any improvement to services. “Even worse, the sales often happen with little notice to taxpayers or ratepayers, so the public is left in the dark about a pending sale until it’s too late. Our bill package would add needed guiderails to the act so that it Read more

 

Matzie: $4,000 to Beaver County historical society

(Dec 12, 2023)

ALIQUIPPA, Dec. 12 – The Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation is receiving $4,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Commissioner state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding is part of a package of nearly $2 million in Cultural and Historical Support grants awarded statewide to Pennsylvania museums and historical societies. “Our local history has plenty of lessons to teach, but it takes time and resources to collect, preserve and display those pieces of our past,” Matzie said. “The new funding will help ensure that our own Beaver County historical society and others throughout the state have the means to continue engaging and inspiring students of all ages.” More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/PHMC-details.aspx?newsid=449 . Read more

 

Matzie lauds Aliquippa’s exit from financially distressed status

(Dec 01, 2023)

ALIQUIPPA, Dec. 1 – State Rep. Rob Matzie joined state and local officials in Aliquippa today as the Department of Community and Economic Development announced city’s official exit from Act 47 financially distressed status after nearly 36 years. Matzie, D-Beaver, called the move the result of a strong partnership driven by faith in the city and confidence in its ability to return to a position of strength and independence. “ Today is the culmination of decades of hard work that brought together local, state and federal officials to partner with Aliquippa’s schools, businesses and – most importantly – people,” Matzie said. “The most important thing to remember is that this isn’t an ending – this is the beginning of a brighter economic future for the people of Aliquippa and proof that when we stand together, we can learn from our past and build a better tomorrow for our entire region with smart investments and state support.” Aliquippa was first designated as a distressed municipality in September 1987. Under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, DCED assists municipalities that are experiencing severe financial difficulties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their citizens. According to DCED, Aliquippa is the 27 th Pennsylvania municipality to emerge from Act 47 status. More about the act is available here: Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $255,000 in tax credits awarded to support Beaver County building renovation projects

(Nov 21, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 21 – New tax credits totaling nearly $255,000 will support revitalization projects in Aliquippa and Monaca, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the tax credits – awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program – will leverage investments in key projects to transform the landscape. “Tax credits spur investments that can breathe new life into distressed areas,” Matzie said. “The newly awarded credits will help us build on revitalization efforts underway in Aliquippa and Monaca by supporting renovation projects that will add jobs, expand affordable housing and draw new commercial tenants.” Matzie said the funding includes: $132,572 in tax credits to BIL Holdings LLC to support a project to rehabilitate a Monaca building into a mixed-used space including two fully renovated apartments with separate entrances and a refurbished façade. The project will include new wiring, lighting, HVAC systems, installing windows and other work. $122,279 in tax credits to Getblok.io Holdings LLC to support a project to renovate a building that has been vacant for 13 years. The work will include installing a new roof, solar panels, HVAC infrastructure and new windows, as well as exterior work and fencing. In addition to the tax credits supporting the Read more

 

Burns brings $1.2 million back to Jackson Township for natural gas pipeline

(Nov 21, 2023)

EBENSBURG, Nov. 21 – Working with the Jackson Township supervisors, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today that Jackson Township is receiving more than $1.2 million in state funding to extend a natural gas pipeline into the Jackson Township Business Park. The natural gas pipeline will be extended from Benshoff Hill Road to the business park on Laurel Ridge Road so that Waste Management can connect to it for its Laurel Highlands Hauling Co. and CNG Fueling Station. “The extension of this pipeline not only will enable Waste Management to convert its truck fleet to compressed natural gas, but it will create 120 full-time jobs,” Burns said. “Getting natural gas to the Jackson Township Business Park is critical to attracting additional businesses and jobs to the area.” Jackson Township supervisors Bruce Baker, John Wallet and Fred Meier said the funding is vital to the business park project, which is beginning to take shape with the installation of water, sewer and highway improvements to Route 22. “ This grant for natural gas to the park is vital to us securing our first tenant,” the township supervisors said in a joint statement. “This tenant will create approximately 120 family sustaining jobs and be a draw for additional tenants. They will use natural gas to fuel their fleet of trucks. The gas line extension will also serve approximately 62 homes along the way. The business Read more

 

Burns: Nearly $36,000 in tax credits awarded to support workforce training program

(Nov 21, 2023)

“The training will provide a pathway to good, family-sustaining jobs and will help meet a regional demand for trained workers,” Burns said. “Students who graduate will have the license and certification to fill local openings, and employers will find more of the skilled workers they need to stay competitive.” Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer

(Nov 16, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 16 – The PA House on Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer – a disease expected to kill more than 50,000 people in the United States this year. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he introduced H.R. 227 – which designates November 2023 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania – to keep the focus on a fast-spreading, difficult-to-detect disease that is the nation’s third-leading cause of cancer death. “This issue is deeply personal for so many of us who have seen a loved one battle pancreatic cancer,” Matzie said. “New strategies like immunotherapy and testing to identify and target genetic mutations are promising, but so much more is needed. One thing is clear: we need to keep the spotlight on this insidious disease until research brings the breakthrough we need to change the numbers.” Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are jaundice, which may include dark urine and stool changes; back or abdominal pain; weight loss and poor appetite; nausea and vomiting; and pancreatitis and recent-onset diabetes. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, age, race, family history and certain inherited genetic syndromes. Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to set appliance energy efficiency standards

(Nov 15, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday heard testimony about legislation that would set minimum energy efficiency and water conservation standards for some new consumer appliances sold in the state, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, said proponents of H.B. 1615 testified about how the bill would benefit public health, the environment and consumer pocketbooks. “We heard a lot of positives about this bill, including how it would save PA consumers and businesses hundreds of millions annually, cut hundreds of tons of air pollutants and reduce water use by billions,” Matzie said. “We also heard that other states have implemented similar laws. “While the testimony is certainly promising, the committee will continue reviewing the bill’s potential impact on all stakeholders – including the Public Utility Commission, the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association and others – before moving forward with a vote.” Matzie said the bill – which is co-sponsored by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Thomas Mehaffie, R-Dauphin – would not apply to the sale or purchase of used appliances and would not require consumers to switch from existing appliances they already own. The products listed in Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves bills on mechanical insulation, AI content disclosure
1 day ago

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee unanimously approves community solar bill
Mar 19, 2024

Matzie: Ambridge Area School District awarded more than $583,000 to promote safe, healthy learning environment
Mar 15, 2024

Matzie: Aliquippa awarded $148,500 for planning support in transition from Act 47 status
Mar 14, 2024

Matzie touts governor’s new energy proposal
Mar 13, 2024

Matzie: Center Township, Rochester Borough awarded $33,000 to aid in police recruitment and training
Mar 12, 2024

Matzie: $1.5M awarded to combat homelessness in Beaver County and region
Feb 05, 2024

Matzie applauds PUC proposals to enhance public notice and application review procedures for sale of water/wastewater systems
Feb 02, 2024

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to improve utility customer payment plans
Jan 18, 2024

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 awarded for District 16 park improvements
Jan 16, 2024

Matzie: More than $3.7 million awarded for District 16 water, wastewater projects
Dec 19, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $50,000 secured to boost security for Beaver County nonprofits
Dec 14, 2023

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bills to protect water and wastewater ratepayers
Dec 14, 2023

Matzie: $4,000 to Beaver County historical society
Dec 12, 2023

Matzie lauds Aliquippa’s exit from financially distressed status
Dec 01, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $255,000 in tax credits awarded to support Beaver County building renovation projects
Nov 21, 2023

Burns brings $1.2 million back to Jackson Township for natural gas pipeline
Nov 21, 2023

Burns: Nearly $36,000 in tax credits awarded to support workforce training program
Nov 21, 2023

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer
Nov 16, 2023

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to set appliance energy efficiency standards
Nov 15, 2023