House passes Matzie/Marshall bill to boost rail safety

(Jun 05, 2023)

" ... there has been no bigger supporter of freight rail in the legislature during my tenure than me,” said Matzie, who is majority chair of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee. “The intention is not to hurt railroads, but to enhance and strengthen rail safety for the public, the workforce and emergency responders." Read more

 

Matzie: Train Safety is Parmount

(May 24, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie spoke against an amendment to his Safer Rails, Safer Communities Bill that would remove the limit of train cars. Matzie's legislation limits railroads from running trains no more than 8,500 feet long. Longer trains are more dangerous and costly, especially during derailments. Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $72,000 secured for improvements to Center at the Mall

(May 17, 2023)

“The center provides a place for thousands of area seniors to connect, engage and stay active,” Matzie said. “It’s hugely popular, but staff have identified some improvements needed to ensure visitors continue enjoying the best possible experience. Securing this new funding will enable those renovations to move forward.” Read more

 

Vogel, Bernstine, Marshall, Matzie Announce Dual Credit Grant Program Funds for Several Area School Districts

(May 02, 2023)

“Dual credit programs are one of the most successful educational initiatives we have in Pennsylvania,” said Matzie. Read more

 

Matzie introduces bill to maintain safeguards for public utility consumers

(Apr 28, 2023)

"My bill seeks to expand the tools that utility companies have to work with their customers who are struggling to pay their bills, in order to avoid having their service turned off." Read more

 

Matzie, Marshall to introduce legislation strengthening PA rail safety

(Mar 22, 2023)

"Our area is one of the most heavily traveled in the country for rail traffic, which means that safety problems create a very real and immediate threat for residents right in our own backyards,” Matzie said. “As the recent East Palestine derailment made clear, we can’t rely on federal safety standards to protect us." Read more

 

Matzie: More than $4 million secured for Beaver County infrastructure projects

(Mar 16, 2023)

“These dollars are funding projects that keep our water clean, our sanitary sewer systems functioning and our buildings safe,” Matzie said. Read more

 

Matzie Questions Rail Safety Measures in Pa.

(Mar 16, 2023)

In a joint hearing of the House Democratic and Republican Policy Committees, Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie questions what he and his colleagues at the state level can do to ensure better outcomes when faced with incidents like the train derailment in East Palestine, Oh. Read more

 

Bipartisan Policy Committee gathers info on derailment response

(Mar 14, 2023)

“I think the key ingredient today for us was to learn,” said Rob Matzie, the Majority Policy Committee host. “We have been talking about what we can do relative to rail safety. There are a lot of questions, and we will explore each and every option as we continue this dialogue and pursue every option.” Read more

 

Matzie: Beaver Valley Power Station purchaser is 'good corporate citizen’

(Mar 09, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, March 9 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement today in response to news that Texas energy company Vistra Corp. will acquire the Beaver Valley Power Station nuclear power plant: “Vistra Corp. has a strong track record of success and a demonstrated commitment to Pennsylvania. They have been a good corporate citizen, not just in Beaver County but across our commonwealth. “I look forward to working with them to ensure the continued safe and successful operation of Beaver Valley Power Station for our county and our region.” Read more

 

Matzie: Governor’s budget plan ‘a good first step’

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address Tuesday: “As always, the governor’s budget proposal acts as a framework to be debated and negotiated in the coming months. But, in my judgment, it’s a solid foundation with several key areas that I support. “This budget calls for no new taxes, cuts business taxes and eliminates the cell phone tax. It expands eligibility and increases rebate amounts for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. It contains significant funding opportunities and increases for police, fire and EMS. It implements a new tax credit for those who want to become cops, nurses and teaches, and would also raise the state’s minimum wage. “Perhaps most importantly, there are education increases across the board, from pre-K through higher ed, that would bring tens of millions of additional dollars to Beaver County schools. All while keeping $5 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. “I was further encouraged to hear the governor highlight his support for bringing a hydrogen hub to Southwest PA and reaffirm his commitment to assisting those affected by – and holding Norfolk Southern accountable for – the recent train derailment. “Again, this is just the first step in what may be a long process, but Read more

 

Matzie appointed Majority Chairman of House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that he has been appointed majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he is looking forward to continued leadership as the majority chairman and the role he can play in developing and promoting bills to better protect the state’s consumers. “I appreciate the confidence House leadership has shown in me by appointing me to lead the committee for the next two years,” Matzie said. “Whether protecting consumers, overseeing broadband deployment, keeping tabs on new technologies or monitoring energy generation, our committee’s purview touches on many aspects of daily life in all corners of our state. I’m ready to work.” Formerly known as the House Consumer Affairs Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee has jurisdiction over the Public Utilities Commission and reviews bills related to a broad range of consumer matters, including, but not limited to, consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and other technology-related issues. Read more

 

Matzie: More than $50,000 secured for school food service equipment

(Feb 22, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 22 – New grant funding of $50,177 to the Aliquippa School District will help cafeteria staff prepare and store school meals more efficiently, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding includes $35,225 to Aliquippa Elementary School for the purchase of a tilting kettle and $14,952 to Aliquippa Junior Senior High School for a blast chiller freezer. “Quick, safe food production and storage help busy school cafeteria staff and ensure smooth delivery of meals to kids,” Matzie said. “The new tilting kettle – which increases cooking capacity and improves distribution – and the blast chiller freezer – which allows safe storage of pre-prepared foods – will accomplish those things.” The funding, which is administered by the state Department of Education, is part of a package of competitive grants awarded to 130 education agencies statewide. The grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is awarded to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Schools can use the funding to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers. The full list of schools receiving grants can be found on the PDE website at: https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/Food-Nutrition/programs/Pages/2022FSEAGrantAwards.aspx . Read more

 

Matzie announces $377,000 for school safety

(Feb 10, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 10 – Five state grants totaling more than $377,000 have been awarded to local schools through the competitive Safe Schools Targeted Grant program , state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. “It’s imperative that students, teachers and staff feel secure in our schools,” said Matzie. “This funding will help everyone involved in our schools to feel safer and allow our students to focus more on learning.” Matzie highlighted the following grants awarded to schools in the 16th Legislative District: $37,225 to Ambridge Area SD for safety equipment. $75,000 to Ambridge Area SD for a school resource officer. $74,930 to Central Valley SD for a school resource officer. $75,000 to Freedom Area SD for a school resource officer. $75,000 to Rochester Area SD for a school police officer. A complete list of all schools approved statewide for safety grants can be found here . Read more

 

Matzie secures nearly $180,000 for Beaver County fire departments

(Feb 06, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 6 – New grant funding of $178,300 will help fire companies in the 16 th Legislative District replenish resources and meet operating expenses, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said 12 fire companies will receive funding under the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Fire and EMT companies are still feeling the impact of the pandemic as they struggle to deal with rising equipment costs and other operational expenses on extremely tight budgets,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help departments replace worn-out equipment, train crews, make needed building repairs and keep operations running.” Matzie said the following grants were awarded: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $13,335. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,563. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,000. Center Township Fire House No. 2 – Fire Company, $13,335. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department Co. No. 1 – Fire Company, $13,826. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 – Fire Company, $12,598. City of Aliquippa DBA Aliquippa Bureau of Fire – Fire Company, $14,563. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,317. Freedom Volunteer Fire Department -- Fire Company, Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $2.4 million secured for violence prevention, survivor supports

(Jan 13, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 13 – Two state grants totaling nearly $2.4 million will bolster Beaver County anti-violence programs and strengthen resources for survivors, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency includes $1.5 million to the Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc. in Monaca to support the center’s P4:247 CommUNITY program. “It’s a unique program that uses strength and fitness training as a way to empower Beaver and Allegheny County youth and families victimized by violence and help them channel their anger, develop self-control and build back self-esteem,” Matzie said. “The program also provides education and work readiness training.” A second grant of $887,767 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County will support both survivor support services and violence-prevention programs for at-risk youth. “The Women’s Center of Beaver County runs powerful anti-violence and trauma support programs, and a key part of those efforts involves tapping the skills of professionals in multiple fields, from criminal justice to human services to medical and counseling,” Matzie said. “Securing this new funding will ensure the center has the resources it needs to continue those connections and expand services for our community.” The funding comes from PCCD’s Violence Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 secured to boost veteran employment

(Jan 12, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 12 – Two organizations serving Beaver County veterans have been awarded nearly $400,000 to strengthen job training and career opportunities for those who have served, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. “Veterans often leave the military with experience and skills that can be valuable to civilian employers, but the transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, and veterans can face obstacles to finding good jobs,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help them strengthen existing skills and gain new, specialized ones to smooth their path to employment.” Matzie said the funding includes: $200,000 to the Veterans Leadership Program, for a project to train Beaver, Fayette and Clearfield county veterans in marketable job skills, help them obtain certificates, connect them with employers and provide financial assistance with employment-related expenses. $199,979 to NuPaths for a project to train 24 veterans living in Beaver County and several other counties for entry-level software testing analyst and project analyst jobs by providing technical skills training, industry certifications and the job search and readiness skills needed to begin an apprenticeship or full-time IT job. More information about the grants, which are administered by the state Department of Labor and Industry, is available here: Read more

 

Matzie: $50,000 secured for Beaver County nonprofit Crop and Kettle

(Jan 10, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 10 – New funding of $50,000 approved for the Beaver County-based Crop and Kettle will allow the nonprofit to expand resources for urban agriculture training, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding awarded under the 2022-23 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Grant program can help provide residents a path to productive jobs. “Beyond fighting food insecurity, urban agriculture can open doors to jobs,” Matzie said. “The funding awarded today will expand resources for Crop and Kettle so this community nonprofit organization can continue providing the training and social development skills that help residents overcome employment barriers.” More information on the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1290 . Read more

 

Matzie: $25,000 secured for Beaver County Career and Technology Center

(Dec 21, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 21 – A $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will fund new resources for The Beaver County Career and Technology Center, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the Career and Technical Education Equipment grant will help ensure Beaver County CTC graduates are ready to compete in the modern workplace. “Maintaining state-of-the-art equipment is essential for preparing career and tech students to hit the ground running,” Matzie said. “The new funding will ensure Beaver County CTC has the resources needed to train students in cutting-edge techniques so they can step into family sustaining jobs. It will also help ensure regional businesses have the well-trained workforce they need to stay competitive.” More on Career and Technical Education grants is available here: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Career%20and%20Technical%20Education/Grants/Pages/default.aspx . Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 secured for Beaver County improvement projects

(Dec 20, 2022)

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 20 – Nearly $200,000 in new funding from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will fund streetscape improvements for the city of Aliquippa and storefront renovations in Monaca, among other improvements, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the grants awarded under the Keystone Communities Program include $100,000 to the Aliquippa Economic Development Corp. for the Clean and Safe Franklin Avenue project and $45,000 to the Monaca Community Development Corp. for the Façade Grant Program. “The new funding will bring fresh changes to the Aliquippa and Monaca downtown areas,” Matzie said. “The grant to Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation will fund streetscape improvements to the Franklin Avenue corridor, supporting the city’s efforts to make real substantive change to the downtown’s appearance.” “Likewise, the funding to the Monaca Community Development Corporation will support work to restore building facades in the downtown area, which will draw more pedestrian traffic and boost area stores.” Matzie said that in addition to the Aliquippa and Monaca funding in his district, the Beaver Falls Community Development Corp. was awarded $43,500 to renovate a home through the Jubilee Housing Project. Keystone community grants are administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development Read more

 

House passes Matzie/Marshall bill to boost rail safety
Jun 05, 2023

Matzie: Train Safety is Parmount
May 24, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $72,000 secured for improvements to Center at the Mall
May 17, 2023

Vogel, Bernstine, Marshall, Matzie Announce Dual Credit Grant Program Funds for Several Area School Districts
May 02, 2023

Matzie introduces bill to maintain safeguards for public utility consumers
Apr 28, 2023

Matzie, Marshall to introduce legislation strengthening PA rail safety
Mar 22, 2023

Matzie: More than $4 million secured for Beaver County infrastructure projects
Mar 16, 2023

Matzie Questions Rail Safety Measures in Pa.
Mar 16, 2023

Bipartisan Policy Committee gathers info on derailment response
Mar 14, 2023

Matzie: Beaver Valley Power Station purchaser is 'good corporate citizen’
Mar 09, 2023

Matzie: Governor’s budget plan ‘a good first step’
Mar 08, 2023

Matzie appointed Majority Chairman of House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee
Mar 08, 2023

Matzie: More than $50,000 secured for school food service equipment
Feb 22, 2023

Matzie announces $377,000 for school safety
Feb 10, 2023

Matzie secures nearly $180,000 for Beaver County fire departments
Feb 06, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $2.4 million secured for violence prevention, survivor supports
Jan 13, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 secured to boost veteran employment
Jan 12, 2023

Matzie: $50,000 secured for Beaver County nonprofit Crop and Kettle
Jan 10, 2023

Matzie: $25,000 secured for Beaver County Career and Technology Center
Dec 21, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 secured for Beaver County improvement projects
Dec 20, 2022