AMBRIDGE, July 18 – Beaver County residents will benefit from expanded adult literacy resources thanks to new grant funding of $659,046 to Literacy Pittsburgh, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. “The ability to get a good-paying job, benefit from career training, tap into community resources and even successfully navigate life in the community – all depend on basic literacy skills,” Matzie said. “But for some residents – particularly those who speak English as a second language – the lack of those skills is still a major barrier. “This new funding will allow Literacy Pittsburgh to train and support additional instructors and tutors so they can bring these essential tools to more folks in our region.” Matzie said the grant to Literacy Pittsburgh – which serves both Beaver and Allegheny counties – was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. More information on the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/education-details.aspx?newsid=1479#:~:text=Harrisburg%2C%20PA%20%2D%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Department,adult%20education%20and%20literacy%20programs . Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote Thursday for the 2024-25 Pennsylvania budget, saying the new spending plan makes critical investments in the state’s public schools and in programs to boost jobs and economic growth. “This is a very important budget, and one we have been talking about for quite some time,” Matzie said. “The new plan invests $1.3 billion in public education and an additional half a billion to address decades of underfunding that has left students in less-affluent ZIP codes – including many students in our district – trying to compete on an uneven playing field. Every student deserves the same resources needed to navigate a successful future – and contribute to our workforce and economy. “The new spending plan brings us closer to that goal, with across-the-board increases for our school districts and extra funding for schools that have faced chronic underfunding. It’s time for us to make the investment our public schools need – and time to start easing the property tax burden on local residents.” Matzie said strategic investments in jobs and economic development were also key to his support for the new spending plan. “The new budget increases funding for programs that support workforce development and industry innovation, expand ‘shovel-ready’ sites for new and Read more
MONACA, July 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie will host a license plate replacement event on Friday, July 19 to help motorists learn whether they need a new license plate and, if so, to help them apply for a free replacement. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 19 in the parking lot of the Community College of Beaver County Dome, located on Campus Drive. “We’re teaming with local police to help folks address an important but sometimes overlooked issue,” Matzie said. “State law prohibits driving with a license plate that is illegible – meaning that it’s blistered, peeling or discolored; has lost reflectivity; or has at least one number or letter that can’t be recognized from 50 feet away. Plates with any of these problems qualify for free replacement, and our event will make the whole process easier. “I encourage anyone who suspects their plate might qualify for replacement to stop by.” Matzie said motorists must bring their unexpired PA driver’s license and current vehicle registration card in order to apply for a replacement plate. The new plates will not be distributed at the event. Matzie said that after PennDOT has processed the applications, his office will notify motorists that it is time to pick up their new plates and surrender their old ones. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Reps. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, and Tom Mehaffie, R-Dauphin, together with state Sens. John I. Kane, D-Delaware/Chester, and Lynda Schlegel Culver, R- Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northumberland/Synder, have announced the relaunch of the Nuclear Energy Caucus. “Nuclear energy has powered Pennsylvania’s homes and businesses for decades with reliable, carbon-free electricity,” the members of caucus said. “We are relaunching the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus to ensure we keep this tried-and-true clean energy contributing to our baseload power for generations to come.” Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the nuclear power industry, with the first commercial nuclear power plant beginning operations in 1957 in Shippingport. Pennsylvania’s eight nuclear reactors at four facilities today produce one-third of all electricity generated in the commonwealth. America’s nuclear power plants faced significant economic and financial challenges in the 2010s, which led to the premature closure of many nuclear plants across the country, including Three Mile Island near Harrisburg in 2019. A Joint State Government Commission report on nuclear energy found the closure resulted in an 8% reduction in Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy output and hundreds of lost jobs. The commission’s report also studied small modular reactors, which are innovative fission-based Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – The state House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today unanimously approved legislation that would allow Pennsylvania to gain regulatory control over the carbon capture process, Committee Chair Rob Matzie announced. Matzie said the process – aimed at reducing the impact of CO2 emissions – captures those gases at the source and injects them through specially designed wells into deep underground rock formations in a procedure known as geologic sequestration. “This is a good bill for PA workers, the economy and our environment,” Matzie said. “Carbon capture can reduce CO2 emissions, support our entry into other clean technologies like hydrogen hubs, create jobs and generate new investments. Right now, however, the federal government is in charge of issuing permits for carbon capture projects. Other states have started taking the initiative and applying to the EPA to gain the power to regulate those projects, and it’s time for Pennsylvania – as an energy leader – to join them. This bill will start the ball rolling.” Matzie said the legislation ( S.B. 831 ) would direct the state to apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for primary enforcement authority over carbon dioxide underground injection wells, also known as Class VI wells. The bill, Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 21 – State Rep. Rob Matzie is encouraging local municipalities, nonprofit groups, libraries and other community organizations statewide to apply to the newly opened Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the PBDA will be purchasing and distributing $20 million in laptops so communities can make that technology available for residents. “Everything we’re doing on the broadband authority is focused on one main goal: ensuring folks have quick, reliable, affordable access to the wealth of opportunities available online – from job openings and state programs to telemedicine and shopping,” Matzie said. “We’ve made great progress getting the infrastructure and funding in place for areas that have lacked those high-speed connections, but affording hardware like laptops and computers is still a barrier for some households. “This program will allow community organizations to obtain laptops and make them available for residents. I’m urging municipalities, libraries, nonprofits – every group eligible – to apply as soon as possible.” Matzie said eligible applicants include community organizations such as libraries, municipalities, workforce Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 17 – New grant funding of up to $100,000 from the state Department of Labor and Industry will support programs by the Literacy Pittsburgh organization to ensure residents in Beaver County and around the region have the computer skills they need to succeed, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the funding will help residents get the skills required for good jobs and community connections. “Knowing how to use a computer holds the key to so many important life opportunities, from finding and qualifying for good jobs to locating essential programs and services,” Matzie said. “That’s why the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has been working to ensure that the infrastructure and funding are in place to provide residents with access to high-speed internet. But the other essential part of the equation is that folks need to have the skills to take advantage of those connections. “The new funding to Literacy Pittsburgh to enhance their digital literacy programs is an important step toward that goal.” The grant is part of a package of $4.9 million in funding to organizations statewide. More information is available here: Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 14 – New funding of more than $365,500 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will support the work of museum and historical societies throughout Southwest Pennsylvania, PHMC Commissioner Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding is part of a package of more than $2 million in Cultural and Historical Support grants awarded statewide to Pennsylvania museums and historical societies. “Serving on the PHMC and helping to secure this funding is important to me,” Matzie said. “The work our historical societies and museums do isn’t just about preserving documents and artifacts. It’s about highlighting the art, architecture and writings of our ancestors that give us insights into their talent and ingenuity. We’re making sure those pieces of our past are around for future generations to understand and explore.” Matzie said that the funding includes $41,266 to the New Brighton Historical Society in Beaver County and 10 additional grants totaling $324,235 to organizations in Allegheny, Cambria, Greene, Indiana and Westmoreland counties. More about PHMC grant funding is available here: https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Preservation/Grants-Funding/Pages/Planning-Projects.aspx Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 14 – New funding of $205,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency will bring safer, more stable housing for residents in the 16 th Legislative District, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding includes three separate grants awarded under the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement fund. “Safe, affordable housing means a more secure life, greater access to community services and a better chance at finding a good job,” Matzie said. “Today’s funding is going to help ensure more folks in our district have those opportunities to put down roots and stay rooted in our community. The funds are also going to help residents with mobility issues get home modifications and repairs they need to stay safe.” Matzie said the funding includes: $80,000 to Housing Opportunities of Beaver County for grants, workshops and counseling tools that promote housing stability and sustainable homeownership. (For Beaver and Lawrence counties.) $75,000 to The Salvation Army to help more residents obtain and maintain permanent housing and to address the lack of affordable housing options. $50,000 to Beaver County for a program to provide home modifications for households with mobility and/or safety challenges. Funding for PHARE program comes from Marcellus Shale impact fee, Read more
HARRISBURG, June 12 – The PA House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s H.R. 400 – designating the week of June 17 to June 23, 2024, as “Pollinator Week” in Pennsylvania – to highlight the essential role bees and other pollinators play in producing the commonwealth’s foods and sustaining the health of the environment. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he introduced the resolution to call attention to the importance of pollinators; the essential role played by the state’s beekeepers; and the value of collaborative efforts by state, educational and industry partners. “It’s estimated that by pollinating most crops and wildflowers, bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat – from fruits and vegetables to chocolate, coffee and nuts,” Matzie said. “They also play an essential role in maintaining the health of our environment – including our forests, grasslands and local ecosystems – by promoting floral growth that creates habitats for animals and insects. “Beekeepers play an essential role in all of this by ensuring that bee colonies remain healthy and disease-free.” Matzie said there are also critical collaborative efforts at work. “The Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association works with the state Department of Agriculture, which registers and regulates each apiary, and with state universities like Read more
HARRISBURG, June 11 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted today to send four bills to the full House for consideration, including two bills to strengthen protections for Pennsylvania consumers, a bill to boost energy production statewide, and legislation introduced by Committee Chair Rob Matzie that would encourage the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Matzie was optimistic about the committee’s progress. “Today’s meeting was an important one,” Matzie said. “We moved several bills to protect consumers and other bills that would boost the state’s energy production, including my bill that would jumpstart Pennsylvania’s production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. I’m looking forward to seeing these bills shepherded through the House.” Matzie said the Pittsburgh International Airport provides a unique opportunity to boost production of SAF – an alternative, bio-based fuel now being used by the aviation industry. “Our airport is unique because there are solar and gas wells right on the property,” Matzie said. “With the necessary resources and the ability to locate production facilities close to the airport, we have an ideal opportunity to meet a growing demand for this fuel, create jobs and reduce our carbon footprint. My bill would ensure we are positioned to take advantage Read more
HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Rob Matzie lauded yesterday’s concurrence vote by the House that will send an innovative manufacturing bill to the governor’s desk. Speaking in support of S.B. 497 – which would establish the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act – Matzie said that by facilitating public-private partnerships, the bill would encourage investment in fields like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, medical technology and biotechnology to create jobs, spur innovation and attract new high-tech industries to the state. “In southwestern Pennsylvania, the regional impact will be significant,” Matzie said. “The potential for the University of Pittsburgh, the city of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Airport and private businesses to partner with each other in building the next wave of new manufacturing and technologies is limitless. “For our county, it means jobs, jobs, jobs. Good, stable, family-sustaining jobs that we often talk about but rarely have the opportunity to legislate. This is one of those opportunities.” Introduced by Sen. Devlin Robinson, the bill would make it easier for state universities to partner with industry by providing grants and loans to applicants engaged in advanced manufacturing. After the state Senate passed the bill in June 2023, the House passed the bill with amendments in December 2023. The Senate concurred in the House amendments earlier this year and added its own Read more
HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony today about legislation that would help expand the state’s energy production by modernizing the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, announced Rep. Rob Matzie, majority chairman. Matzie, D-Beaver, said H.B. 2338 aims to ensure that the state’s public financing agency is positioned to tap an unprecedented influx of funding from the federal government under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “This is about jobs, jobs and jobs,” Matzie said. “We have talked for a long time about the importance of having a diverse, all-in energy portfolio and the job creation and energy independence that brings. This bill moves us closer to that goal by positioning us to take advantage of hundreds of billions in federal funding coming to the states. “We need to act sooner, rather than later. Fortunately, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel – Pennsylvania already has a mechanism in place with PEDA. Now, we just need to make sure the agency is ready to hit the ground running and seize every bit of our share.” Matzie noted that stakeholders testifying voiced unanimous support for the legislation, which was introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. Other prime Read more
“This program has been a lifeline to families needing access to nutritious foods,” Matzie said. “The new funding will help them continue their vital work on behalf of the community.” Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 23 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement today in response to news that Beaver County Common Pleas Judge James Ross has granted Aliquippa School District’s request for a preliminary injunction that will stop the Aliquippa High School football team from being bumped from Class 4A to 5A under the PIAA’s competitive-balance rule: “Today’s ruling is a temporary victory not just for Aliquippa football, but for all student athletes across our commonwealth. The court clearly identified player safety as the primary factor in its determination. This is the core issue that I, and many others, have cited as the overriding reason for the Quips to remain in 4A. “In addition, the court found that Aliquippa ‘has established a likelihood of success on the merits’ of their case, which further speaks to the need for an overhaul of the PIAA competition classification formula. In that light, I will continue to work – through the legislative process if necessary – toward a more fair and equitable method of classifying our schools for athletic competition.” The preliminary injunction was granted pending a final determination on the merits of the case. The team was moved to Class 5A after winning the state title. After losing an appeal with the PIAA, the school district filed suit to prevent the move. Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 23 – A $50,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development will fund improvements to a core downtown business corridor in Ambridge, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the work funded is part of the Merchant Street Façade Revitalization Initiative and will build on improvements to the heart of the borough’s business district. “We’re seeing more and more investment in this core downtown Ambridge area, and those projects – façade work, streetscaping, and other improvements – are gradually changing the face of the business district in ways that draw more pedestrians, stimulate more business activity, and rekindle interest by new businesses and investors,” Matzie said. “This latest grant will allow the borough to continue transforming the landscape in the best possible ways.” The funding is part of a package of grants awarded under the Keystone Communities Program. More information is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/in-bedford-county-governor-shapiro-and-secretary-siger-visit-small-businesses-announce-nearly-7-million-to-support-pennsylvanias-main-streets-and-communities-across-the-commonwealth/ . In March 2023, Matzie announced new funding of $400,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to fund new streetscape improvements along Merchant Street. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 1 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee yesterday approved H.B. 1615 , which would set energy efficiency and water conservation standards for new residential and commercial appliances sold in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. “This is a good, commonsense bill that will benefit consumers,” Matzie said. “Nobody has to replace anything, nobody has to buy anything, nothing is banned. Appliances meeting these standards are already on the market and competitively priced. Implementing the standards for new appliances sold here in Pennsylvania could save consumers nearly $250 million annually on their utility bills by 2030.” The bill passed by a vote of 17-8. The committee also heard testimony on H.B. 1977 , which would require businesses to clearly post notice of any surcharges on credit and debit card transactions in a location easily visible to consumers, and H.B. 2186 , which would help protect consumers from gift card scams by requiring retailers to post signs warning consumers about these scams and train employees on how to identify and respond to gift card fraud. “Today’s hearing was an important consumer protection hearing addressing fees when it comes to using your credit or debit card at a point of sale as well as the gift card scams that are happening, not only here in Read more
ALIQUIPPA, April 29 – Food service equipment upgrades are coming to schools in the 16 th Legislative District thanks to $137,800 in new funding from the PA Department of Education, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding includes two separate grants of $44,400 each to Aliquippa School District, $33,500 to Hopewell Area School District and $15,500 to Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit 27. “School food service upgrades like these allow our school cafeterias to ensure that food is stored, prepared and served quickly and at optimal temperatures,” Matzie said. “That means kids get the freshest, most appetizing meals possible; school food service workers are able to serve large numbers of students quickly; and taxpayers benefit from savings achieved by modern, energy-efficient equipment. It’s an excellent investment all around.” More information about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/education-details.aspx?newsid=1460#:~:text=Harrisburg%2C%20PA%20%2D%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Department,food%20service%20equipment%20for%20cafeterias . Read more
ALIQUIPPA, April 26 – Nearly $1.2 million in new state funding is coming to bolster school security and expand resources for student mental health in the 16 th Legislative District, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the competitive school safety and security grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will bolster resources for students and school staff throughout the region. “Our kids deserve to spend their school days learning, developing confidence and discovering their abilities, and this new funding of nearly $1.2 million will ensure they do so in the safest, most secure environments possible," Matzie said. “We have worked hard to help keep these grant programs well-funded because we know these dollars are going to support one of our most important priorities – ensuring students and school staff are safe and free to focus on the business of learning and teaching.” Matzie said the grants – which include both school safety and mental health funding – include: $172,548 to Ambridge Area School District. $168,502 to Central Valley School District. $166,517 to Hopewell Area School District. $151,288 to Freedom Area School District. $150,426 to Aliquippa School District. $139,931 to Rochester Area School District. $74,500 to CLASS Academy. $70,000 to Beaver County Career and Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 25 – With more than $1 billion coming to expand high-speed internet in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Robert Matzie is urging local governments, nonprofit organizations and internet service providers to participate in a critical survey to ensure those dollars reach their intended targets. Matzie – a board member on the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority and majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee – said the BEAD Challenge will provide essential feedback to ensure the new funding is allocated properly. “With major broadband infrastructure in place and new funding of more than $1 billion on the way, PA is finally poised to bring essential high-speed internet connections to the unserved and underserved areas that so desperately need them,” Matzie said. “But it’s critical to ensure that the funding goes to the areas where it’s most needed. We have to get this right. “I’m urging local governments, nonprofits and service providers to complete the BEAD Challenge to ensure those dollars are put to the best use.” Matzie said complete information about how to submit a BEAD Challenge is available at this page: https://www.broadband.pa.gov/funding/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/bead-challenge-process/ . The new broadband funding comes from the Broadband Equity, Access and Read more
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