HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, was elected chairman Thursday of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation for the 2021-22 legislative session. Davis, a third-term state legislator representing the Mon Valley, was elected to fill the delegation’s vacancy following state Rep. Dan Miller’s – prior chairman of ACHDD - appointment to House Democratic Caucus chairman. Davis, who previously served as ACHDD’s secretary, hopes to continue the delegation’s success of best representing Allegheny County and its residents. “It’s an honor to have the confidence and respect of my colleagues to receive this appointment to chairman of ACHDD,” Davis said. “Just like those who came before me, it’s my goal to be the best I can for this delegation and Allegheny County. I look forward to working more in-depth with the rest of the delegation, as we work toward pushing and advancing legislative issues that matter most to residents in our community.” Davis, who also serves as Democratic vice chairman of the House Insurance Committee, said that while his duties may expand to cover Allegheny County as a whole, his commitment to Mon Valley initiatives is unwavering. “While I’m excited for this new opportunity, the priorities and key issues that matter most to Mon Valley residents will always be in the forefront, and I remain committed to advancing legislation that Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – Starting Thursday, state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, and the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation will conclude their summer hearing outreach with five virtual public panel discussions. The virtual panels begin Thursday and run through Friday, Sept. 4. Panel dates and topics are: Health of our Hospitals: Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Co-chaired by state Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik Future of Work: Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Update on Police Reform: Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Co-chaired by state Reps. Ed Gainey and Summer Lee COVID and Worker Safety: Thursday, Sept. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Co-chaired by state Rep. Rob Matzie Housing Crisis: Friday, Sept. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to noon Co-chaired by state Rep. Sara Innamorato Miller, chairman of ACHDD, invites the public and media to view the virtual panels by visiting RepDanMiller.com . Questions can be submitted ahead of each panel at RepMiller@pahouse.net . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 25 – Four grants totaling $192,596 will fund targeted efforts to bolster education for underperforming students in Beaver County schools, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the Governor's Emergency Education Relief funding will allow educators to target support for students most at risk. “Securing this funding is going to help level the playing field for students of historically underserved schools who might otherwise face the risk of falling behind,” Matzie said. “It’s an important investment under any circumstances, but it’s even more critical now – as the pandemic poses challenges to educators and stretches resources – to ensure all students keep pace.” Matzie said the following funding was awarded: Aliquippa School District, Aliquippa Junior Senior High School – $59,457. Ambridge Area School District, Ambridge Area High School – $56,525. Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit – $44,583. Freedom Area School District, Freedom Area Middle School – $32,031. The funding is part of a package of approximately $17 million to help 220 local education agencies including school districts, to improve educational services for approximately 180,000 students at schools designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 20 – Grant funding of $124,872 to eight area school districts and schools will help ensure Beaver County students with special needs do not fall behind because of the pandemic, announced state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. “Suspended classroom learning during the pandemic has been difficult for all students, but students with special needs – who benefit greatly from in-person learning – are particularly vulnerable to losing skills,” Matzie said. “This funding is going to help level the playing field by giving teachers resources to provide real-time learning and other supports to keep these students learning and thriving.” Matzie said the districts will receive the following funding: Aliquippa School District – $14,211 Ambridge Area School District – $36,011 Baden Academy Charter School – $5,000 Central Valley School District – $14,139 Freedom Area School District – $14,146 Hopewell Area School District – $17,087 Quaker Valley School District – $19,278 Rochester Area School District – $5,000 The funding is part of a package of $20 million to 678 local school districts and other local education agencies. The sources include $15 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funding and $5 million from the Department of Read more
Funding to help provide services, supports to students with disabilities Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 17 -- Six grants totaling $1.1 million from the state Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund critical repairs and upgrades to stormwater and sewer systems serving area communities, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. “Investments in our stormwater and sewer infrastructure are essential for keeping clean water flowing to our communities,” Matzie said. “Many of these structures are aging, and system failures can interrupt service, burden taxpayers and even pose health dangers. Securing this funding will keep this critical infrastructure functioning efficiently and help prevent more costly repairs in the future, saving taxpayer dollars and safeguarding community health.” Matzie said the projects funded by the PA Small Water and Sewer Program include: $300,000 to the Creswell Heights Joint Authority for emergency gas generators at its treatment plant and two booster stations to address water outages caused by power failures. Total project cost is $467,955, with $70,194 committed. $210,000 to the Economy Borough Municipal Authority for trenchless rehabilitation of the borough’s sanitary sewer system for the Sunset Hills neighborhood. Total project cost is $500,000, with $75,000 committed. $200,000 to Harmony Township for removal and replacement of the deteriorating storm and sewer system along the 8 th Street. Total project cost Read more
Grants to help local communities fund projects Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 14 -- Area residents struggling with homelessness, addiction and other obstacles will have some new opportunities for affordable, accessible housing and related services thanks to $1.84 million in funding to several regional organizations, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – will serve some of the area’s most vulnerable. “Securing this funding will help restore quality of life to residents who are struggling because of the pandemic, opioid addiction, violence and other hardships,” Matzie said. “This will bring help for single moms who have escaped domestic violence and are working to become self-sufficient; for residents with disabilities needing accessible, affordable housing; and for people who are homeless and struggling with opioid addiction. “This is the kind of investment that sends a message to the most vulnerable in our community that there is hope on the horizon and that we will not forget them.” Matzie said the projects funded include: Allegheny County Department of Human Services: Home 2020 -- $1 million. Allegheny County Department of Human Services: Mobility Counseling Program -- $300,000. United Way of Southern Pennsylvania: Housing Read more
Bills would close the loophole allowing toxic drilling waste in Pennsylvania landfills Read more
Disparity report suggests numerous concrete actions legislature can adopt Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 11 – State Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding urgent help needed for minority-owned businesses: “I hear the anger and frustration from my local business owners, especially those who are considered to be historically disadvantaged, for the lack of support they’ve received during the ongoing pandemic. And frankly, I don’t blame them. “Our minority-owned businesses are hurting, and they are among the most severely impacted and the ones who need help now to stay in business. These same business owners are also anticipating significant decreases in revenue in the next year. “In the last decade, minority businesses accounted for more than 50% of the 2 million new businesses nationwide, creating nearly 5 million jobs. At present, there are now more than 4 million minority-owned companies in the U.S., with annual sales totaling close to $700 billion. But despite that growth, major disparities remain when it comes to their access to capital and other business opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic has made that disparity even worse. Furthermore, national figures show that half of black-owned businesses nationwide will close permanently due to the pandemic. “This is unacceptable. “This week, the second round of grant applications through the COVID-19 Relief PA Statewide Small Business Assistance Program were announced. This program, which is designed to support Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 7 – A $46,900 grant to the Freedom Area School District will ensure students have the resources they need to access online learning, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding – administered by the state Department of Education through the Continuity of Education and Equity Grant program – will ensure no student gets left behind when it comes to remote learning. “While online learning can’t replace the benefits of actual classroom experience, it does offer an important way to keep our kids engaged and learning during the pandemic,” Matzie said. “Unfortunately, lack of access to technology or the internet threatens to sideline some students. We can’t let that happen – access to good public education should never depend on a student’s ZIP code. This funding is going to help ensure every student – regardless of financial means – has the tools necessary to participate and thrive. Grants under the CEEG program are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students with limited ability to participate in continuity of education. The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Schools with the highest percentages of Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – House Democrats representing the city of Pittsburgh announced Friday the disbursement of $409,000 in education funding to the Pittsburgh School District. Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation members who represent the city of Pittsburgh include state Reps. Dan Deasy, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Summer Lee, Dan Miller, Adam Ravenstahl, Harry Readshaw and Jake Wheatley. “This is substantial funding for the Pittsburgh School District,” said state Rep. Dan Miller, chairman of the delegation. “The allotted funding will go toward well-needed resources, and it will ensure students in the district have a better chance of achieving academic success.” The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving these grants. The Continuity in Education and Equity Grants are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 7 – The Beaver County Career and Technology Center is on track to receive $119,044 in federal funding to help the center implement safety plans for students and staff, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The funding comes from the CARES Act, which authorizes governors to determine the educational use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds. "Our career and technical students are ready to get on with their lives, but the pandemic and related safety concerns have temporarily derailed education and career planning,” Matzie said. “Now, thanks to this funding, our talented young adults will soon be back on track for learning, and our area employers will be able to count on a continuing supply of well-trained applicants.” The funds may be used for a variety of resources, including protective equipment, hand sanitizer/cleaning products; equipment or technology to take classrooms online; installation of barriers or other protective devices in building structures; and the purchase health apps to assist in contact tracing and monitoring of students. The funding is part of a $10.2 million package allocated to career and technical schools throughout the state. The governor has allocated the money, and schools will be able to access the funds in the next week. Grants were calculated based on the allocation formula for federal Perkins CTC grants, which Read more
State Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny, announced today that Goodblend Pennsylvania LLC will join the state’s first-in-the-nation research program for medical marijuana. A clinical registrant holds both a medical marijuana grower/processor and dispensary permit and is affiliated with an approved academic clinical research center. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 5 – Grants totaling $21,500 will help Beaver County programs, libraries and cultural attractions impacted by the pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grants – provided by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council under the PHC CARES Program – include the following: Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation – $3,000. Laughlin Memorial Library – $4,500. B.F. Jones Memorial Library – $5,000. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County – $4,500. Harmonie Associates d/b/a Friends of Old Economy Village – $4,500. “Each of these organizations plays such an important role in our community, from supporting youth in need and engaging residents in learning and community programs, to preserving our history for future generations and spurring tourism that boosts our local economy,” Matzie said. “Unfortunately, each has felt the impact of the pandemic, which has closed doors and put a halt to fundraising events. Securing this funding will help these important programs resume operations and ensure that they do so safely.” The grant is part of package of $780,500 in emergency relief grants under the PHC CARES Program – funded by the CARES Act – to 140 Pennsylvania cultural nonprofits that have been impacted by the pandemic. The goal of the Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 5 – Grant funding totaling more than $5.2 million will help ensure students and staff returning to universities and tech schools in Southwest Pennsylvania this fall will benefit from the safest possible learning environments, announced state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. Matzie said the funding – which includes nearly $300,000 to the Community College of Beaver County – will allow administrators to move forward with plans to protect students and staff from COVID-19. “Securing this funding means that the Community College of Beaver County and other schools in the Southwest region of the state will have a wide range of safety options at their disposal,” Matzie said. “Schools may use the funding for resources such as cleaning and sanitization supplies, personal protective equipment, barriers and other structural modifications and technology to support online learning.” Matzie said that of more than $5.2 million going to schools in the Southwest region of the state, nearly $2.7 million will go to schools in Allegheny County, while approximately $2.5 million will go to schools in Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Administered by the state Department of Education, the federal funding was based on both the shares of total enrollments by each postsecondary sector and the number of Read more
HARRISBURG, July 27 – In an effort to help restaurants, bars and taverns impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Jake Wheatley has announced he will soon introduce legislation that would eliminate penalties and fees for delayed sales tax payments and provide a grace period for paying the 6% liquor sales tax for these businesses. Wheatley, D-Allegheny, said the businesses, who lost significant amounts of revenue after closing their doors for months to help prevent the spread of the virus, deserve this break. “It’s imperative that restaurants, bars and taverns be given a financial break for being responsible and doing their part during the state’s emergency declaration,” Wheatley said. “With many of these businesses beginning the process of reopening, removing these additional fees would give them some additional breathing room and go a long way to help them recover from their losses and get back on their feet.” Back in May, Wheatley and state Rep. Dan Deasy, also D-Allegheny, sent a letter to the governor , requesting that liquor license fees be waived for restaurants and bars due to the devastating financial impacts they’ve experienced due to the pandemic. More information on his pending legislation can be found at this link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=32170 Read more
Bill would remove barriers to outdoor dining, encourage people to patronize struggling restaurants Read more
PITTSBURGH, July 21 – Calling it a dire public health crisis, state Rep. Jake Wheatley has announced his intent to introduce a bill to address racial inequities among Black, Brown and Indigenous communities in Pennsylvania. “Study after study continues to show definitive links between higher rates of chronic health conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes, among our Black, Latino and Native American residents,” said Wheatley, D-Allegheny. “Racism is truly a public health problem, leading to higher levels of stress and significantly reduced access to medical and social services, among other impacts, resulting in increased levels of disease, disability, and death. As we continue to demand changes to address systemic racism in Pennsylvania and across the nation, we must also respond to this public health crisis – because lives are truly at stake.” Wheatley’s legislation would create a racial equity task force within the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. This task force would oversee the review of policies and provide recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly on efforts focused on reducing the disparities between people of color and white residents statewide. More information on the bill can be found at the following link: Read more
Proposed change would level the playing field between local businesses and online retailer Read more
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