Matzie: Nearly $1.4 million awarded to boost regional apprenticeship programs

(Jul 14, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, July 14 – Nearly $1.4 million awarded to build and modernize Pennsylvania’s registered apprenticeship system will bring greater career opportunities to Beaver County, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding will give local students and job seekers a leg up in securing good-paying jobs by connecting them with trusted work partners. “Students and job seekers who go through pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs benefit from early exposure to career information, real-life experience with trusted local employers, and a steadier path to family sustaining jobs in key trades,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to expand all of those opportunities right here in Beaver County.” Matzie said the funding includes: $450,000 to KML Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund to expand its Carpenters Apprentice Readiness Program to 100 pre-apprentices. $400,000 to the Pittsburgh A. Philip Randolph Institute Education Fund for the Breaking the Chains of Poverty program, which trains minorities and women for apprenticeships and entry-level jobs in the construction, manufacturing, energy and related industries. The fund plans to train a minimum of 64 students during the grant period and place a minimum of 48. $324,500 to Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania Inc. for a Careers in Skilled Read more

 

Matzie: New budget holds the line on taxes, makes important investments

(Jul 08, 2022)

HARRISBURG, July 8 -- State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement after casting a “yes” vote for the state budget bill: “Budgets are never easy. We live in a big Commonwealth with many diverse needs. Finding common ground is often difficult. But there were numerous positives, especially to Beaver County, that made it easy to support. “Substantial increases for schools, libraries and community colleges stand out, along with fulfilling our commitments to our state and state-related universities. “Two important areas of particular concern – school safety and mental health awareness/treatment – received large increases, which should help make our schools and communities a bit safer. “Further, my legislation requiring the full use of LIHEAP funding was passed as part of the overall budget package, which will authorize the release of tens of millions of additional dollars to help people pay their utility bills this winter. “At the end of the day, this budget makes a substantial investment in our children and workforce, helps struggling families and funds the core functions of state government, all without raising a tax or fee. For me, that’s always a win, and an easy ‘yes’ vote.” The bill has passed the General Assembly and is now headed for the governor’s desk. Read more

 

Matzie introduces bills to strengthen state’s home energy assistance program

(Jun 20, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Rob Matzie today introduced a package of bills to ensure that more Pennsylvanians benefit from the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, including a bill that would require the state to distribute all the annual federal funding it receives for the program and a measure that would implement the program year-round. As Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, Matzie said he introduced the legislation to end the state’s harmful practice of withholding some of the annual federal funding it receives – a practice that has kept tens of millions of dollars from getting to families needing it. “These are federal tax dollars coming back home to Pennsylvania,” Matzie said. “We should use every penny. This program has never not been funded – it’s one of the few policy areas in D.C. that has consistently been supported by both sides of the aisle. People are struggling and the electric bill just went up. Something needs done to help families. This can help.” Matzie said his legislation would also broaden LIHEAP to provide year-round assistance. “As the last few years have shown us, cooling in the summer is as important as heat in the winter. People need help year round,” he said. The five bills in Matzie’s package include: H.B. 2691 – would require the state Department of Human Services to expend all of the money it Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $600,000 secured for Beaver County housing programs

(Jun 10, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, June 10 – Beaver County housing assistance programs are receiving nearly $600,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding will expand housing-related services at a critical time. “Everyone needs a safe place to call home, but the pandemic has driven up the need for emergency housing while reducing the out-of-county shelter options that previously filled that need,” Matzie said. “Part of the funding secured today is going to support construction of a new men’s emergency shelter. Other funding will expand rapid rehousing, rent and utility assistance, and home modification programs. All of these dollars will work to bring greater stability to families needing it most.” Matzie said the funding to Beaver County includes: $200,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County for shelter operations. $175,000 to The Salvation Army for a rapid rehousing program. $100,000 to the Beaver County Commissioners for a home modification program. $50,000 to Community Development Program of Beaver County for rent/utility assistance. $50,000 to Housing Opportunities of Beaver County, Inc. for reverse mortgage counseling. In addition, Matzie said organization in Allegheny County will receive $600,000 for housing Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 awarded to improve Beaver County probation services, support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism

(Jun 08, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, June 8 – Beaver County is receiving more than $396,000 to strengthen probation services and fund efforts to help non-violent offenders return to the community through restrictive supervision and substance use treatment, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will improve outcomes while saving taxpayer dollars. “In addition to improving traditional probation and parole services, part of the funding awarded today is going to support the county’s program to divert non-violent offenders away from incarceration and into highly supervised drug and alcohol treatment programs,” Matzie said. “Programs like these save taxpayer dollars on incarceration, while giving people a second chance to overcome substance use disorders, return to their families, and rejoin the community.” Matzie said the funding includes: $282,501 in Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant funds to improve delivery of probation and parole services. $94,967 in Intermediate Punishment Treatment Funds to Beaver County commissioners for County Probation with Restrictive Sanctions for fiscal year 2022-23. $18,600 in unexpended County Intermediate Punishment funds. Matzie said that in addition to the funding to Beaver County, Allegheny County Read more

 

Matzie bills would modernize state’s home energy assistance program

(May 26, 2022)

HARRISBURG, May 26 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that he will be introducing a package of bills to strengthen the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, including a bill to ensure the state fully distributes the annual federal funding it receives to residents in need. Matzie, who is Democratic chairman of the PA House Consumer Affairs Committee, said he is introducing the legislation to end an arbitrary state practice that is hurting low-income families. “Every year, Pennsylvania receives federal funding for home energy assistance, and even though that funding arrives annually, the state makes a policy decision not to use all of it, but to hold some of it back for the following year,” Matzie said. “Some years, the unused portion is $10 million, but this year, it’s estimated to be between $50 million and $100 million. “This funding helps hundreds of thousands of people with a real and immediate need – paying the gas, oil and electric bill. That need doesn’t disappear after the state arbitrarily ends funding for the year. We need to do a better job of driving out those federal dollars – particularly now, with rising inflation and gas prices leaving more families struggling.” Matzie said his five bills would: Require the state Department of Human Services to expend all the federal money it receives annually from the federal government. Create the Retail Electric and Gas Customer Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $440,000 awarded for Beaver County recycling programs

(Apr 29, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, April 29 – Three grants totaling nearly $440,000 will help Beaver County communities continue successful recycling programs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced this week. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the Recycling Development and Implementation grants include $350,000 to Beaver County, $70,000 to Aliquippa City, and nearly $20,000 to Rochester Township. “Recycling programs are energy-savers, job-creators and sensible ways to preserve the resources we hold dear,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to keep these programs running for the residents and small businesses that benefit from them.” Communities can use the funding for projects including operating leaf compost facilities, developing web-based programs on recycling for consumers, expanding recycling processing facilities, installing data-collection systems on recycling vehicles, continuing and creating curbside recycling programs, and developing educational materials to encourage residents to properly recycle. Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for up to 90% funding of approved recycling program costs. Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10% of approved costs. Grants were also awarded based on programs designed to meet current market demands for recyclable Read more

 

Matzie praises Biden program to streamline U.S. entry for Ukrainian refugees

(Apr 21, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, April 21 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced the rollout of “Uniting for Ukraine” – a new, streamlined process that allows Ukrainian refugees quick entry into the United States based on humanitarian grounds. “This is the right move by the President,” Matzie said. “Our friends and neighbors, especially those of Ukrainian heritage, continue to look for ways to help. This program expands and streamlines the already secure process of welcoming those seeking safe refuge in our communities.” Matzie and state Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Philadelphia/Montgomery, are preparing to introduce legislation that would invest $2 million to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Pennsylvania as a way to speed aid to thousands needing it immediately. Read more

 

Matzie lauds pharmacy vaccination efforts, supports legislation to make temporary vaccine authority permanent

(Apr 12, 2022)

HARRISBURG, April 12 – At a Pharmacy Day rally today in Harrisburg, state Rep. Rob Matzie expressed gratitude to Pennsylvania’s pharmacy workers – who administered millions of children’s vaccines during the pandemic under a temporary authorization – and pledged support for legislation that would permanently authorize pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians to provide childhood immunizations. Matzie – who is co-chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Pharmacy Caucus – called the workers a “literal lifeline” and praised their commitment throughout the pandemic. “All across Pennsylvania, and especially in the southwest, pharmacies are often the only in-person resource for critical healthcare services,” Matzie told the workers gathered on the Capitol steps.“ You are vital to your patients and their health. This has always been true, but never more so than during the pandemic. When crisis came, when times were dark, you stepped up. You stayed open and never closed.” Matzie also said he would work to pass H.B. 1535 – legislation that would allow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns to continue administering any immunization to children 3 or older after obtaining parental consent and completing specific training and education requirements. “We all know – as you’ve proven time and time again – our Read more

 

Matzie urges DEP to deny new PennEnergy petition to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek

(Apr 08, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, April 8 – Responding to PennEnergy’s renewed request to withdraw millions of gallons of water per day from the Big Sewickley Creek in Economy Borough, state Rep. Rob Matzie is calling on the Department of Environmental Protection to deny the company’s petition for a second time. In a letter this week to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie restated concerns over lasting environmental damage and the loss of recreational opportunities and said nothing has changed to warrant a reversal of the agency’s previous denial. “When I wrote to you in July of last year, I listed a variety of reasons why this is a bad idea,” Matzie wrote in the letter. “Nothing contained in the new application changes that; fishing will still be impacted, wildlife species will still be threatened, and summer drought conditions will still be exacerbated.” PennEnergy is seeking to withdraw the creek water for use in natural gas extraction – a practice Matzie supports provided there are strong environmental protections in place and local input. “In most cases, I believe we can have a strong, diverse energy portfolio and maintain a clean, healthy environment,” Matzie wrote in the letter. “But not in this case, not from this waterway, and not with this application.” Matzie said that in denying PennEnergy’s 2021 petition last October, DEP cited seven serious Read more

 

Matzie: Area child care providers receiving nearly $2.9 million to stabilize operations

(Apr 07, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, April 7 – Nearly $2.9 million in federal funding will help 33 child care providers in the 16 th Legislative District rebuild from the damaging effects of the pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the American Rescue Plan Act funding includes grants ranging from approximately $10,000 to $287,000 to help businesses with key expenses. “Extended closures, dwindling enrollment and other pandemic-related problems hit child care providers hard, and many are still struggling to come back,” Matzie said. “This funding, which can be used for operations and personnel costs, supplies and equipment, and a range of other expenses, is going to help them rebound. More centers reopening their doors means more working parents returning to the workplace.” According to the state Department of Human Services, which administers the funding, providers will receive the funding in six monthly installments and must use it within nine months after their applications were approved. Centers also must report to DHS on how the funding is spent. A list of providers receiving the funding is available here: https://www.pahouse.com/files/Documents/2022-04-07_010731__BEAVERCC.pdf . The American Rescue Plan Act provided $24 billion to states nationwide to stabilize the child care sector. The grants to centers in the 16th Legislative District are part of a package of $628.5 million in approved ARPA funding to child care Read more

 

Let’s Help Ukrainians Transition to Security in PA

(Apr 04, 2022)

People seeking refuge from hostility or persecution have always found a home in Pennsylvania - welcoming them is in our DNA. After all, our commonwealth was born of William Penn’s great “experiment” to establish a community where religious tolerance – an unusual idea at the time- was the guiding principle. Since then, Pennsylvania has greeted refugees from every corner of the globe, escaping every kind of oppression. Pennsylvania grew to embody its 1980’s tagline: You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania. Now, as we watch in disbelief and sadness at the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, it is time to again open our communities’ doors and hearts to welcome newcomers to our beautiful commonwealth. This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news. These are our neighbors’ families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. From Philadelphia to Ambridge, and in communities in between, more than 122,000 Ukrainians already call Pennsylvania “home,” the second highest number of any state in the nation. And we want to assure those seeking refuge in our state now due to the current hostility, that they are welcome too. That is why we’ve proposed the creation of the New Neighbors Fund, that would authorize up to $2 million to support services for refugees from Ukraine. The New Neighbors Fund would supplement existing federal investments, and would create a Read more

 

Matzie: More than $227,000 awarded to upgrade Laughlin Memorial Library

(Mar 09, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, March 9 – The Laughlin Memorial Library in Ambridge will be receiving a roof replacement and other needed upgrades, thanks to $227,336 in newly awarded funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant from the state Department of Education, awarded under the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, will help finance critical repairs to the nearly 100-year-old building. “The library, which first opened in 1929, has served our community for nearly a century, providing rich resources and lending special character to our landscape – but updates are desperately needed,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to help finance replacing the roof, which has been leaking; upgrading outdoor security lighting and cameras; cleaning the exterior; and new accent lighting to highlight the library’s unique architecture.” Matzie said grant will fund half the total project cost of $454,600. Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 awarded to support veteran employment

(Mar 09, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, March 9 – Beaver County veterans will benefit from new job training thanks to nearly $200,000 in state funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant to NuPaths LLC – awarded through the state Department of Labor and Industry – will fund practical training to help veterans transition to civilian IT jobs. “Military members transitioning to the civilian workforce have strong skills to offer, and our workforce needs talented workers more than ever as we build back from the pandemic,” Matzie said. “Securing this grant will allow NuPaths to train 24 veterans in Beaver County and surrounding areas for network technician and IT security analyst jobs. “That’s a win-win because it helps strengthen our economy while giving those who served a promising path to a productive civilian life.” Funding for the grant comes from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Industry Partnership and Reemployment funds. More information about the funding is available at this link: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-800000-in-grant-funding-for-veteran-employment-support-after-service/ . Read more

 

Governor urges lawmakers to support Matzie bill to aid Ukrainian refugees

(Mar 07, 2022)

HARRISBURG, March 7 – Governor Tom Wolf today called on lawmakers to support legislation drafted by state Reps. Rob Matzie and Kevin Boyle that would invest $2 million to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Pennsylvania. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the soon-to-be-introduced legislation would allow the commonwealth to fast-track aid to thousands needing it immediately. “America defends freedom. We have always welcomed those fleeing danger and oppression,” Matzie said. “Pennsylvania has the second-largest population of people with Ukrainian ancestry in the U.S. My district alone has three communities – Ambridge, Baden and Harmony – in the top 20% of folks whose families originally came from Ukraine. We have several Ukrainian churches. This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news. These are our neighbors’ families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. “The $2 million will get immediate aid flowing to these displaced families. We will be able to help them with housing, food, and clothing, and work with relief organizations to set up longer-term support.” Pennsylvania Democratic House Finance Committee Chair Kevin Boyle said, “Many thanks to my colleague Representative Matzie for helping put this legislation together; I’ll be advocating that it’s heard in committee, but it’s ultimately up to the majority at this point how quickly we can get Read more

 

Matzie introduces ‘Megan’s Law’ bill to protect nursing home residents and staff from sexual assault

(Feb 10, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – A new bill introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie would protect nursing home residents and staff from sexual assaults by establishing care and reporting requirements when a registered sex offender is admitted. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said H.B. 2341 – which would function as a Megan’s Law for the state’s nursing homes – would establish protections that are needed immediately. “Right now, when a registered sexual offender is admitted to a Pennsylvania nursing home, the home is not required to disclose this to other residents or staff – or to develop any special plans to ensure their safety,” Matzie said. “The situation has resulted in attacks on residents, and the threat will only grow as thousands of registered sex offenders continue aging and require medical care. “My bill would put essential protections in place by requiring all Pennsylvania nursing homes to check the sex offender registry before admitting a new resident; develop a care plan to protect other residents and staff when a registered offender is admitted; and notify staff and other residents in close proximity about the plan.” Matzie’s bill would also require facilities to report the information to the state Department of Health, to create a centralized registry that would function as a Megan’s Law for nursing homes. Currently, there is no such list, so officials have no way of tracking how many Read more

 

Matzie: New mortgage assistance program can help homeowners hurt by pandemic

(Feb 03, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie is urging homeowners who are struggling with mortgage payments to see if they qualify for assistance under a new state program. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, which opened for applications this week, is designed to help homeowners facing unforeseen financial hardships because of the pandemic. “Housing expenses take the largest bite out of a family’s budget, and for many homeowners still feeling the effects of the pandemic, meeting a monthly mortgage payment may be much more difficult than it used to be,” Matzie said. “I urge anyone who is struggling with those payments to see if they qualify for the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, which can help prevent delinquency, default or foreclosure.” Matzie said to that to qualify, a homeowner must: own and occupy the Pennsylvania property as their primary home. have experienced financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020 (including a hardship that began before that date and continued afterward). have a household income equal to or less than 150% of area median income ($89,050 for a family of one, $101,800 for a family of two, and $127,200 for a family of four). have a first mortgage that is a conforming loan and meets the federal Read more

 

Matzie: $150,000 awarded to boost career ed for Beaver County students

(Feb 01, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 1 – New grant funding of $150,000 will help boost career education to better prepare Beaver County students for good-paying, high-demand jobs, announced state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Bever/Allegheny. Matzie said the grant to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board would focus on efforts to provide teachers, students and parents with information on career trends, needs and gaps. “The first steps toward a career path begin in school, so it’s important that our curriculum includes real-world, practical information that helps put students on the right path,” Matzie said. “Securing this grant for the Southwest Corner Business Education Program will fund vital connections between schools and workforce partners to ensure that our curriculum is providing students the training, preparation and opportunities they need.” Matzie said an additional $150,000 grant to the Three Rivers Workforce Development Board will allow Partner4Work to connect Allegheny County students with career and technical education programs. Business-Education Partnership grants from the Department of Labor and Industry are funded at 100% through federal money made available from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. The grants are part of a package to workforce development organizations statewide. More information on the funding is Read more

 

Matzie: Ambridge nonprofit awarded $2,500 for greenhouse

(Jan 31, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 31 – A $2,500 microgrant to the Ambridge-based nonprofit Crop and Kettle will fund a greenhouse to train students in urban agriculture, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said that in addition to teaching practical hands-on skills for supplementing the food supply, the greenhouse will give students lessons in self-sufficiency and community responsibility. “Urban agriculture can play a major role in addressing food insecurity, but we need to ensure the next generation understands those skills and why they are important,” Matzie said. “With the new greenhouse, students will get hands-on lessons in agriculture and about how hydroponic technology can be used to grow traditional crops year-round. “In addition to teaching those practical skills, lessons in the greenhouse will empower students to realize that they can play a role in combating hunger and sustaining a healthy food supply for their community. Those are important life lessons.” The funding is part of a package of grants awarded under the 2021-22 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program. More information on the grants is available at this link: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1179 . Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $1.4 million awarded to boost regional apprenticeship programs
Jul 14, 2022

Matzie: New budget holds the line on taxes, makes important investments
Jul 08, 2022

Matzie introduces bills to strengthen state’s home energy assistance program
Jun 20, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $600,000 secured for Beaver County housing programs
Jun 10, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 awarded to improve Beaver County probation services, support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism
Jun 08, 2022

Matzie bills would modernize state’s home energy assistance program
May 26, 2022

State Rep. Rob Matzie holds hearing on legislation to protect consumer privacy
May 25, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $440,000 awarded for Beaver County recycling programs
Apr 29, 2022

Matzie praises Biden program to streamline U.S. entry for Ukrainian refugees
Apr 21, 2022

Matzie lauds pharmacy vaccination efforts, supports legislation to make temporary vaccine authority permanent
Apr 12, 2022

Matzie urges DEP to deny new PennEnergy petition to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek
Apr 08, 2022

Matzie: Area child care providers receiving nearly $2.9 million to stabilize operations
Apr 07, 2022

Let’s Help Ukrainians Transition to Security in PA
Apr 04, 2022

Matzie: More than $227,000 awarded to upgrade Laughlin Memorial Library
Mar 09, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 awarded to support veteran employment
Mar 09, 2022

Governor urges lawmakers to support Matzie bill to aid Ukrainian refugees
Mar 07, 2022

Matzie introduces ‘Megan’s Law’ bill to protect nursing home residents and staff from sexual assault
Feb 10, 2022

Matzie: New mortgage assistance program can help homeowners hurt by pandemic
Feb 03, 2022

Matzie: $150,000 awarded to boost career ed for Beaver County students
Feb 01, 2022

Matzie: Ambridge nonprofit awarded $2,500 for greenhouse
Jan 31, 2022