“Wastewater management plays a huge role in protecting public health and our water supply, but equipment and system repairs can be extremely costly for local governments and water authorities,” Gergely said. “Securing this new funding will allow our local officials and authorities to make the repairs needed so residents throughout our district enjoy greater efficiency and fewer service interruptions.“I’m grateful to CFA and the community partners who worked with us to bring this funding home.” Read more
McKEESPORT, Dec. 20 -- State Rep. Matthew Gergely, D-Allegheny, today released the following statement in response to news of the pending sale of U.S. Steel to a foreign-owned corporation: “The recent announcement that U.S. Steel is planning to sell itself to Nippon Steel of Japan is stirring disappointment and concern in Pennsylvania and nationally, but especially within the communities I represent and surrounding areas in Western Pennsylvania. “Residents and stakeholders are concerned not just about the employment and economic issues posed by the sale, but also about national security and the loss of domestic control over such a critical industry. Steel production and the “arsenal of democracy” are major legacies of manufacturing in Western Pennsylvania; dependence on foreign steel production could negatively impact that legacy and make us vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and fluctuations in global markets. “My number one priority in the face of this potential sale is making sure any new ownership of U.S. Steel protects this region’s union workers and jobs. These union jobs play a vital role in our local, state, and national economy; they ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and job security for workers and their families. “Secondly, we need to keep U.S. steel production and jobs within the country, so we maintain national self-sufficiency and our economic Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would ensure plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania is suitable for subsequent use in health and medical forums passed the state House of Representatives unanimously. The legislation (H.B. 1795 ) would require that source plasma specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Having several source plasma centers local to the citizens I represent is a big part of why it’s such a priority for me. Safeguarding healthy and viable plasma will save lives and enhance quality of life throughout the 35th District and the Commonwealth at large,” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving this commitment to human welfare a step closer to reality.” “Plasma is a lifeline for countless individuals battling critical conditions. This proposed legislation aims to optimize this life-saving resource, ensuring its safety while expediting its availability for pharmaceutical use,” Briggs added. “Collaborating on this bill underscores our dedication to advancing Read more
MCKEESPORT, Nov. 6 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, and his staff will hold a grand opening from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in his district office at Tube City Center. Individuals will be able to tour the office and receive information/assistance on state services and state government-related questions and issues. Prospective attendees are encouraged to call Gergely’s office at 412-664-0035 for more information. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would ensure plasma donated throughout the state is suitable for subsequent use in health and medical forums. The legislation (H.B. 1795 ) would require that source plasma, specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Plasma is vital for treating rare diseases, chronic conditions, and emergencies like trauma and burns,” Gergely said. “My bill would help ensure that PA has a safe and sustainable plasma supply necessary for bettering and saving countless lives.” “In a world where plasma can mean the difference between life and death, we cannot afford to hinder the flow of this precious resource,” Briggs added. “By proposing legislation to align Pennsylvania's laws with federal standards for source plasma donation centers, we are taking a crucial step toward ensuring a reliable plasma supply for our state.” In 2017 alone, approximately 30 million liters of source plasma were collected in approximately 40 million procedures in the United States, per a work published Read more
Affordable and high-quality health care for seniors and individuals with disabilities remains a big concern in Pennsylvania. Read more
WEST MIFFLIN, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, presided over a meeting of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee yesterday at Kennywood that focused on maintaining and promoting public safety. Testimony was provided by West Mifflin Borough Police Department Chief Gregory McCulloch and Flock Safety Director of Sales Rick Lombardo. “We heard from law enforcement and a community organizer on the best way to build neighborhood safety and reduce crime rates,” Gergely said. “These partnerships can be advanced through technology, including plate-reading devices in neighborhoods, but the foundation for all of this remains building relationships between police officers and residents. The community involvement aspect of this issue cannot be overstated.” Nearly one year ago, three individuals were wounded during a shooting that took place inside Kennywood. The park was set to close for an indefinite period of time, until updated and additional safety protocols could be put in place. Thanks to the efforts of Gergely, members of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and others, the needed measures were implemented, and Kennywood opened for its 125th season this year. Read more
“We heard from law enforcement and a community organizer on the best way to build neighborhood safety and reduce crime rates,” state Rep. Matt Gergely said. “These partnerships can be advanced through technology, including plate-reading devices in neighborhoods, but the foundation for all of this remains building relationships between police officers and residents. The community involvement aspect of the issue cannot be overstated.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding the state budget passing the PA House: “Being a school district business manager for three years, I’m pleased that this year’s fiscal budget provides for school systems in District 35 to see increases in basic and special education funding when compared to last year’s allowances,” Gergely said. “These funds are crucial to keeping enough teachers in classrooms, giving them the tools and resources they need, and helping students to achieve at the highest academic level possible.” District 35 school districts reflecting this growth from the 2022-23 fiscal year to the 2023-24 fiscal year are: Clairton City School District-$950,100 increase (9%). McKeesport Area School District- $3,587,283 increase (9.4%). Duquesne City School District- $1,166,235 increase (8%). Steel Valley School District- $883,682 increase (6.6%). South Allegheny School District- $1,089,983 increase (8.5%). Gergely also praised the $46 million allocation to provide universal free breakfasts to students statewide and allowing all students receiving reduced lunch prices to receive free lunch. Additionally, he commended the expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, a measure that would enable an additional 175,000 individuals to be eligible and raise the maximum payment to $1,000. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 3 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement today after his first piece of legislation as a state representative, H.B. 829 , passed 199-2 in the House. The legislation would allow employees who work for distributors or importing distributors to also be allowed to work at other licensees’ establishments. “The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on small business profits across the country, including those in the food and beverage industry. Bars, restaurants, and similar liquor license entities are also facing a worker shortage when it comes to hiring experienced and knowledgeable staff. Yet, the current law on the books exercises an exclusive grip and only allows these employees to work at one such establishment at a given time. “House Bill 829 releases those workers from that tight grip and fosters inclusivity among liquor license ventures. Larger and more experienced labor forces will contribute to these businesses turning a higher profit and strengthening local economies. Not only that, having extra money in their pockets will help these workers and their families afford daily necessities and benefit their overall well-being. “This bill is a win-win for Pennsylvania residents and businesses, and I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their collective confidence and support of my first bill. ” House Bill 829 now heads to the Senate for consideration. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 26 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced today that his first piece of legislation as a state representative has moved out of the House Liquor Control Committee and will now head to the full House for consideration. House Bill 829 would allow employees who work for food/liquor establishments or importing distributors to pursue simultaneous careers with such additional establishments. Current law prohibits that practice. “This legislation is a win-win for restaurants and food/liquor distributors to acquire experienced employees and the employees themselves who will be able to earn extra income,” Gergely said. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 6 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation today that would increase the pool of trained and experienced employees available to restaurants and food/liquor distributors. House Bill 829 would allow employees who work for food/liquor establishments or importing distributors to also work at other licensees’ establishments. Current law prohibits such a practice. “As legislators, we must continue to identify where our small businesses are struggling and implement commonsense policies to assist them,” Gergely said. “This added flexibility will not only benefit businesses struggling to hire workers, but also will give employees the opportunity to earn extra income in a post-pandemic world.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – Rep. Matthew Gergely , D-Allegheny, today took the oath of office as PA’s 35 th District representative at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. “I am excited to continue to serve my community and I am humbled by the trust the people I represent have placed in me,” Gergely said. “I look forward to working with my fellow legislators to pass smart policies that will have a positive impact on our communities and families.” Gergely previously served as chief of staff to McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko from 2012-17 and then as McKeesport Area School District’s business manager from 2017-2020. Since last year, he held the position of McKeesport’s chief revenue officer. As a legislator, Gergely said he plans to focus on supporting both public schools and unions, helping to create better jobs and prepare students for lifelong success. Photos of today’s swearing-in can be found here . Read more
Neighbors can now apply to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program . Spouses, personal representatives, or estates may also file rebate claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in the claim year and meet all other eligibility criteria. Additionally, eligible senior Pittsburgh households with incomes under $30,000 will have their property tax rebates increased by an additional 50 percent , due to high wage/income tax rates. Click here to apply and to learn more. Apply by June 30th. Read more
Graduating high school seniors in the state can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship, offered in conjunction with The Foundation for Enhancing Communities . To review the criteria and to apply, click here . The deadline to apply is April 1st . Read more
The state Department of Human Services estimates that 5,000-20,000 households statewide will be disenrolled from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), due to a federal cost-of-living increase to Social Security that results in ineligibility. For these cases, January will be the final month of eligibility. Additionally, approximately 249,000 households will see a decrease in their monthly SNAP benefit, with the average reduction being $40 per household. This will take effect in March 2023, following the end of COVID-19 SNAP emergency allotments. I want to remind my neighbors that by clicking here , there is information on a host of additional programs that can ensure food stays on the table for you and your families. You can also check out the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank here for food assistance as well. Read more
Graduating high school seniors of color are encouraged to apply for the James R. Roebuck PLCB Scholarship. Awardees will receive a $1,000 scholarship for educational purposes such as tuition, fees, books, and school-related supplies. Roebuck served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985-2020 and served as chair of the House Education Committee and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. This scholarship was named for him to honor his deep commitment to expanding educational opportunities for all Pennsylvania students, especially students of color. Go to PaHouse.com/PLBC to apply. Read more
Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts Uncashed checks, including paychecks Lost stocks and bonds Contents of safe deposit boxes Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies Expired gift cards/gift certificates To find out if you have unclaimed property, search your name in the Unclaimed Property database at https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/ or call 1-800-222-2046. There is NO CHARGE to claim your unclaimed property. Read more
Pennsylvanians in need of energy assistance are encouraged to apply to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for 2022-2023 winter heating season. To see if you qualify, view the table via the link above, and click here to apply online using COMPASS. A paper application can also be found here . Everyone should be able to keep warm during the coldest months of the year, and LIHEAP is a true security blanket for those who are in need. Read more
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