AMBRIDGE, Dec. 17 – More than $702,000 in new funding will strengthen Beaver County protections for crime survivors and at-risk youth and improve county probation and parole services, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said four separate grants awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will ensure that there are resources available to continue those essential services. “Beaver County has a strong network of local officials, criminal justice workers and social service professionals committed to protecting the rights of crime survivors and at-risk youth and providing successful probation and parole resources,” Matzie said. “But the programs they administer require a steady flow of resources. The new funding will ensure those supports continue.” Matzie said the funding includes: $266,977 to Beaver County Commissioners to strengthen adult probation and parole services. $250,000 to The Prevention Network to support ongoing delivery of intervention, prevention, education and treatment services for at-risk youth. $138,240 to Beaver County Commissioners to support programs aimed at protecting crime victims’ rights. $47,000 to A Child’s Place to support services involving identification, prevention and prosecution of child abuse. More information about the PCCD funding awarded Read more
AMBRIDGE, Nov. 27 – New safety resources and mental health supports are coming to public schools in the 16 th Legislative District thanks to new grants totaling nearly $1.1 million from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. “A safe place to learn is the foundation for every other educational resource we provide our students,” Matzie said. “But creating a secure learning environment isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition, and our school administrators are continually assessing safety needs and updating plans. The new funding, which comes from the FY 2024-25 budget, will ensure that the schools in our district are able to meet those evolving needs.” Matzie said the following funding was awarded to District 16 public schools for safety resources and student mental health programs: Aliquippa SD – $122,772 Ambridge Area SD – $147,195 Baden Academy CS – $70,000 Beaver County CTC – $70,000 Beaver Valley IU 27 – $70,000 Central Valley SD – $141,117 Freedom Area SD – $123,809 Hopewell Area SD – $139,024 Provident Charter School West – $70,000 Rochester Area SD – $114,790 In addition to the public school funding, Matzie said the following grants were awarded for Beaver County nonpublic school safety resources: $75,000 to the New Sewickley Township Read more
AMBRIDGE, Nov. 22 – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority on Thursday approved distribution of more than 9,100 laptop computers to community entities statewide to help connect residents who lack digital technology, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, who sits on the PBDA board, said that under the Digital Connectivity Technology Program, the Baden-based Prevention Network and CLASS Academy will receive 75 laptops, and the Ambridge-based computer training school Tech2Elevate will receive 25 laptops. “Having reliable, high-speed internet means having instant access to job openings, training programs, health and safety information, online shopping and so many other resources,” Matzie said. “But too many people still lack these essential connections. Getting these laptops to organizations that can make them available to residents will help us close that digital divide.” Matzie said that in addition to the laptops going to Beaver County organizations, more than 2,000 laptops will be distributed to 25 Allegheny County organizations, including 200 laptops to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. Along with the equipment, Matzie said the PBDA will partner with the state Department of Labor and Industry and PA CareerLink® to introduce program participants to SkillUp™ PA , which offers no-cost online job skills training to the public. The Digital Connectivity Technology Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – The Pennsylvania House this week 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. 514 – designating November 2024 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania – to ensure continued awareness about a difficult-to-detect disease that is the nation’s third-leading cause of cancer death. “I introduce this resolution every year because this issue has touched my family,” Matzie said. “My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Fortunately, she was one of the lucky ones – her disease was caught early, and she went on to live for eight years. Most who are diagnosed are not so lucky, as the disease spreads quickly with few symptoms in the early stages. “It’s estimated that the United States will see more than 50,000 deaths from pancreatic cancer and more than 65,000 new cases diagnosed in 2024. Until advances in diagnostics and treatment bring those numbers down, we need to do everything we can to keep the focus on this insidious disease, its risk factors and the importance of early detection.” Matzie said some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are jaundice, which may include dark urine and stool changes; back or abdominal pain; weight loss Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie was elected today by his House legislative colleagues to serve as Majority Caucus Chair for the 2024-25 legislative session. “I’m honored and excited to lead the House Majority Caucus forward,” Matzie said. “Our caucus members may represent different regions of the state with diverse needs and priorities, but every single member shares the same overriding goal: to improve the lives of the people we serve. “We do that best when we come together and collaborate to craft a legislative agenda that responds to the real-world needs of the people we serve. Our caucus has always been driven by a special energy that comes from a desire to bring positive, practical change. “I intend to keep that energy going as we work to promote the priorities that matter to Pennsylvanians – better jobs, quality public schools, more affordable housing, health care and child care – and more of the opportunities that make life promising for people.” The Caucus Chair is part of the House of Representatives leadership team and is responsible for preparing other members for legislation being considered in the House, running caucus meetings, and ensuring legislators can effectively represent their districts. Matzie was elected to the Pennsylvania House in 2008, and this term has served as majority chair of the House Consumer Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The Pennsylvania House yesterday adopted Rep. Rob Matzie’s H.R. 318 , which directs the state Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a comprehensive study of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. Matzie, who is the vice chairman and longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee, said a thorough study of PIAA’s decision-making processes and operations is needed because of concerns that the association – and particularly the way it classifies schools for competition – puts student athletes in harm’s way and forces them to compete against wealthier schools with bigger budgets and larger rosters. “For too long, we have been hearing from parents and student athletes across the state that the PIAA’s policies are jeopardizing student health and creating a dangerous and uneven playing field,” Matzie said. “We have taken those concerns to the PIAA, but they have gone unanswered. It’s time to move the ball on this issue, and we start by taking a closer look at the association, its structure and its decision-making.” Matzie’s resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a comprehensive study and make recommendations regarding: PIAA’s competition classification formula and transfer policy. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 22 – New grants totaling $2.86 million will fund roof replacement projects for three schools in the 16 th Legislative District, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the grants – awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program – will address drainage issues and leaks creating potential hazards. “Several of our school districts have identified serious roof issues that have caused deterioration, drainage problems, leaks, and the buildup of mold and mildew,” Matzie said. “The new funding will ensure that repair and replacement projects move forward so that students, teachers and school staff have the safe surroundings and healthy environments they deserve.” Matzie said the funding includes: $1.15 million to Hopewell Area School District for Phase I of a project to replace more than half the roof area on the Hopewell Area Senior High School to resolve leaks, remediate mold and mildew and improve energy efficiency. $1 million to Aliquippa School District for a roof repair project at Aliquippa Junior/Senior High School that will include removing the existing roof system down to the decking; addressing drainage issues and leaks that pose a threat to the infrastructure; and performance of restoration/replacement work. $713,777 to Rochester Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 22 – New grant funding of $2.73 million will support projects to bring smoother travel, stronger wastewater infrastructure and expanded recreational spaces to District 16 residents, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the grants – awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Statewide Local Share Account funding – will support projects ranging from repairs to new construction. “These are investments in common-sense projects that will keep essential services flowing, improve road safety and meet the need for folks to have safe, modern recreational facilities,” Matzie said. “It’s good to see this funding coming home to enhance quality of life in the district.” Matzie said the funding includes: $750,000 to Harmony Township for road resurfacing projects to rehabilitate four deteriorated roads. $500,000 to the Aliquippa Municipal Water Authority to replace two clarifiers at the city’s wastewater plant, with the goal of reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability. $500,000 to Center Township to support construction of a four seasons lodge in a township municipal park. $423,382 to Hopewell Township to acquire and clear three brownfield parcels next to an existing sports facility for future development of the Todd Road Recreational Complex. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 10 – New funding of $250,975 approved by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will support repairs and upgrades to the B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is a commissioner on the PBDA, said the funding will support needed maintenance and upgrades to maintain the building’s structural integrity. “The B.F. Jones Library has been serving our community for nearly a century, and its role has only expanded over the years,” Matzie said. “Today, the library provides a wealth of programs as well as critical connections, from high-speed internet to helping residents find jobs and access social services. “The new funding is going to support a wide range of renovations and repairs to this historic building – from painting and resealing windows to fencing, security, and site- and roof-related work – to maintain the building’s structural integrity and ensure visitors remain safe and comfortable.” The funding was awarded through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program. More information about the funding is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/covid-19-arpa-pennsylvania-multi-purpose-community-facilities-program-grant-approvals?wpdmdl=125147 , and more information about the program is available here: Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today advanced two Senate bills that match or closely track previously approved House bills, moving the proposed laws closer to the governor’s desk, Majority Chair Rob Matzie announced. Matzie said he was encouraged by the alignment of the House and Senate bills – which deal with reauthorizing PA’s One Call safe digging law and establishing Lemon Law protections for motorcycle consumers – because that meeting of the minds promises speedy enactment of both measures. “We’re always glad when we can successfully negotiate both across the aisle and across chambers with our colleagues in the state Senate,” Matzie said. “Today, our committee advanced two important pieces of legislation – one that closely mirrors my bill the House recently passed to reauthorize PA One Call and a second that is identical to my House colleague’s bill to establish a motorcycle Lemon Law in PA. “It’s great to have that meeting of the minds, because it allows us to get important legislation across the finish line quickly, where it can go to work protecting folks.” The bills are S.B. 1237 and H.B. 2189 (reauthorizing PA One Call) and S.B. 155 and H.B. 360 (amending the state Lemon Law Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Rob Matzie has been awarded the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award for his legislative efforts to strengthen protections for ratepayers and municipal water authorities. Matzie – who has introduced legislation to protect the interests of consumers when private companies seek to purchase municipal water and wastewater systems – said he was honored to work with PMAA to safeguard ratepayers and bring greater fairness to these transactions. “Municipal water authorities and their workers provide safe and reliable water to millions of Pennsylvanians, including those in my legislative district,” said Matzie, who is majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee. “I appreciate PMAA’s work to support and strengthen those authorities. “I’m honored and humbled to receive this award, and I continue to advocate for Act 12 reform in Harrisburg to protect ratepayers and ensure an even playing field between municipal authorities and private water companies.” “Representative Matzie has been instrumental in raising awareness about Act 12 reform and the impact of so-called ‘fair market value’ on the ratepayer,” said PMAA President Bill Ross. “He is also the prime sponsor of House Bills 1862, 1863, 1864 Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House today passed two bills by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would reauthorize soon-to-expire laws protecting utility customers and safeguarding workers and underground utilities from excavation damage. Matzie’s H.B. 1077 would reauthorize Chapter 14 utility shutoff protections. “Our laws need to reflect people’s real-world needs, especially when they involve essential services,” said Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. “Our utility shutoff law does this by providing customers with a range of payment plans, but the law is set to expire by the end of the year. My bill would reauthorize the law and strengthen it, so it provides more options to help folks keep the power on.” The House also passed Matzie’s H.B. 2189 , which would reauthorize the soon-to-expire PA One Call law that safeguards workers and prevents major damage to underground utility lines. “PA One Call – which requires anyone planning to do any digging to call 8-1-1 beforehand – has been keeping workers safe and preventing damage to underground lines for 50 years,” Matzie said. “The law is about to expire in a few short months, and we can’t afford to let these critical protections lapse. I was glad to see a strong, bipartisan majority pass my bill, and hope we can get Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – In a voting meeting on multiple bills today, the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approved measures to protect consumers from unfair sales and marketing tactics and reauthorize soon-to-expire protections for ratepayers and utility workers, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. “We moved some common-sense bills today that address real-world problems, from the need for greater flexibility in utility payment plans to protecting consumers from unfair solicitation and subscription tactics,” Matzie said. “We also advanced bills to reauthorize some important laws that are expiring, including the PA One Call safe digging law. I’m looking forward to getting all these measures up for a full House vote and across the finish line.” The specific bills advanced include: H.B. 1077 (Matzie) , which would re-authorize and update Pennsylvania’s utility shutoff protection law to provide more flexibility to consumers. H.B. 2189 (Matzie) , which would re-authorize the soon-to-expire PA One Call law that safeguards workers and prevents major damage to underground utility lines. H.B. 116 (Ciresi) , which would give consumers signed up for recurring subscriptions a simple, one-click option to cancel. H.B. 2557 (Borowski) , which would bring greater transparency and consumer Read more
MONACA, Sept. 27 – State Rep. Rob Matzie joined Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Thursday at Beaver County Career & Technology Center to highlight how funding in the new state budget will strengthen workforce development for Beaver County. Matzie, who recently announced more than $1 million in new funding to expand area apprenticeships, said investments in the 2024-25 state budget will ensure those opportunities continue for area grads. “We’re fortunate here in Beaver County to have excellent schools like BCCTC, whose programs turn out talented, motivated grads,” Matzie said. “We worked hard to pass a budget that will fortify those programs by providing a $30 million increase for career and technical education and equipment. “These are dollars that ensure our schools can continue providing state-of-the-art tools and training, so our next generation of young workers have paths to success – in the skilled trades, in teaching, in nursing – in wherever their interests and talents and dreams take them.” On Monday, Matzie announced nearly $1.2 million in new funding to expand apprenticeships in the skilled trade and early childhood education fields. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 24 – A grant of $8,000 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will support the operations of Beaver County’s official historical society, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is a PHMC commissioner, said the funding to Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation will allow the foundation to continue its work researching and archiving local documents and artifacts, marking landmarks and hosting programs and events. “We have all seen the markers and plaques around the county that remind us of how much history unfolded right here in our region,” Matzie said. “We can thank the foundation for many of those and for the family-friendly events they host that make our history come alive in educational and engaging ways. This new funding will help ensure they have the resources to continue that work.” Matzie said that in addition to the funding to the foundation, the commission approved more than $450,000 in grants to museums and historical societies in Allegheny County. More information about PHMC funding statewide is available here: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/phmc/newsroom/phmc-awards-nearly--4-million-in-grants-to-museums--historical-o.html . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 23 – New apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades and early childhood education are coming to Beaver County and the region thanks to new grant funding of nearly $1.2 million, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding awarded through the state Department of Labor and Industry will allow area employers to expand valuable “earn while you learn” opportunities in several different fields. “Apprenticeships are incredibly valuable because they give workers starting on the career path the chance to earn while they’re gaining real-world experience,” Matzie said. “This new funding is going to create more of those opportunities in both the skilled trades and early childhood education.” Matzie said the funding includes: $600,000 to the Steamfitters Local Union No. 449 JATC to expand its School-2-Career training program to accommodate 25 new apprentices who will earn certifications in HVAC-R. $599,852 to The Learning Lamp to recruit and support 25-30 childcare workers through the Early Childcare Education Registered Apprenticeship, expanding the program across western Pennsylvania. Each organization serves Beaver County and other counties in the region. The funding is part of a package of grants awarded through L&I’s Apprenticeship and Training Office. More is available here: Read more
HARRISBURG, Sep. 20 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, the majority chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and the chair of the House Nuclear Energy Caucus, issued the following statement on today’s announcement that Constellation Energy will restart the idled Three Mile Island Reactor 1 by 2028: “Pennsylvania is a net exporter of power generation, but our power grid is facing demands like never before in our history. “Restarting Reactor 1 at Three Mile Island gives us more capacity and more flexibility to face demands - it’s not just clean power generation, it’s billions in tax revenue and thousands of good-paying jobs to boot, with even more jobs created in supporting industries. “What makes this even better news is knowing there’s already one of the biggest companies in the world lined up as a customer – Microsoft has agreed to purchase the emissions-free energy generated to power their data centers. “Now, the responsibility is on the industry and regulators. I am confident the permitting process will undergo the utmost scrutiny before the facility can re-start and I urge Constellation and all levels of government to be transparent with the public every step of the way.” It is estimated the TMI restart will create more than 3,000 direct jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic activity. Pennsylvania is the Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 18 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony Tuesday on two bills that would better safeguard Pennsylvanians when it comes to certain subscription practices, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the committee heard testimony on state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s H.B. 116 , which would give consumers signed up for recurring subscriptions a simple, one-click option to cancel, and state Rep. Lisa Borowski’s H.B. 2557 , which would address “negative option” subscriptions that can leave consumers who sign up for introductory offers automatically subscribed even though they never specifically opted in. “These are important consumer protection bills,” Matzie said. “As easy as it is to sign up for a subscription, it should be that easy to cancel.” Matzie’s comments on the hearing are available here: 091724 Matzie Consumer PM.mp4 . Earlier on Tuesday, the committee heard testimony on Matzie’s H.B. 2189 , which would reauthorize Pennsylvania’s One Call law to ensure safe digging that protects workers and underground utilities. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony today on Majority Chairman Rob Matzie’s bill to reauthorize the state’s soon-to-expire PA One Call System . Matzie, D-Beaver, said he hopes to expedite getting H.B. 2189 through committee and up for a House vote because the legislation – set to expire in December 2024 – is critical for safeguarding workers and preventing major damage to underground utility lines. “PA One Call requires landowners to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before starting any digging project to alert utilities, so they can mark underground pipes and cables before excavation begins,” Matzie said. “It’s a system that has kept workers safe and prevented major damage to underground equipment for nearly 50 years, and we can’t allow it to lapse. “Our committee has brought stakeholders to the table to review my bill, and our priority now is to get it reported out of committee and brought up in the House for a full vote as soon as possible, so we can keep these critical protections in place.” Matzie’s bill would reauthorize One Call for an additional seven years and add needed updates to the law. Rep. Matzie’s comments on the bill are available here: 091724 Matzie Consumer Hearing AM.mp4 Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 16 – New grants totaling nearly $720,000 will fund upgrades for the Center Township Police Department and expand supports and services for crime victims, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said some of the funding awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will allow the Center Township Police Department to upgrade the department’s reporting system. “Our officers work hard to protect the community, and departments can support that work by ensuring the best possible recordkeeping and reporting procedures,” Matzie said. “The new funding will allow the Center Township Police Department to upgrade its operations to comply with the National Incident-Based Reporting System, which is the national standard for crime data reporting that helps agencies better analyze, track, investigate and solve crimes. “Additional funding will expand critical resources for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes.” Matzie said the funding to Beaver County includes: $485,802 to The Women’s Center of Beaver County for projects involving the STOP Violence Against Women Advocacy Project and the Victims of Crime Act. $128,500 to Center Township for police department reporting upgrades. $105,017 to the Beaver County Commissioners for Victims of Crime Act funding. In addition, Beaver County will Read more
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