HARRISBURG, June 16 – State Rep. Aerion Abney released the following statement regarding Monday’s ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that skill games are illegal in the commonwealth: “ The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision confirms what many of us have long believed: skill games are illegal under existing Pennsylvania law. This ruling provides long-awaited clarity and presents an opportunity for the Commonwealth to establish a responsible, transparent framework moving forward. “For too long, skill game machines have proliferated across Pennsylvania with little to no meaningful oversight. These machines can be found in communities throughout Pittsburgh and across the Commonwealth, yet there are few safeguards to ensure accountability, consumer protection or transparency regarding how the money generated is managed and distributed. That lack of regulation has created an uneven playing field and left significant revenue on the table. “As the General Assembly considers next steps, we must strike a balance that protects the service organizations, veterans groups, clubs and small businesses that have come to rely on income associated with these machines, while also ensuring appropriate regulation and taxation. Those goals are not mutually exclusive. We can support community organizations and establish the oversight necessary to protect players, strengthen public trust, and ensure revenues Read more

AMBRIDGE, June 12 – New funding of $800,000 will ensure that Beaver County families have access to critical housing services and supports, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will support programs that provide homeownership counseling, emergency housing, resources to avoid eviction, access to job training and mental health treatment and other resources to help families build a more stable future. “Access to safe, secure housing means a place to sleep and shower, an address to put on a job application, and access to a network of neighbors and community resources,” he said. “It means a dramatically better chance of finding and keeping a job and the chance to provide a stable environment for kids. For some, it means a safe haven from domestic violence. The new funding will ensure that these services are available to the Beaver County families who need them.” Matzie said the funding includes: $150,000 to NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania (serving Beaver and Allegheny counties) for homeownership counseling and education. $150,000 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County for homelessness prevention and rehousing for domestic violence survivors. $150,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County to support the Men’s Shelter, which operates the only 24/7 men’s Read more

HARRISBURG, June 10 – Lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus today heard testimony about a strategic plan to modernize and expand the commonwealth’s nuclear energy capacity. Matzie said The “Nuclear Energy Roadmap,” presented by the statewide nonprofit organization Team Pennsylvania, offers a good starting point for the caucus as it works to steer the state’s nuclear power expansion efforts. “We restarted this bipartisan, bicameral caucus two years ago because we recognized the need to expand Pennsylvania’s nuclear footprint and the tremendous opportunities that can bring,” said Matzie, who is co-chair of the caucus and chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Nuclear energy is clean, it’s sustainable, it’s affordable, and it drives jobs and our economy. Nuclear plants contribute more than $2 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and support nearly 16,000 direct and second full-time jobs. “Today, we heard a sensible plan to move the commonwealth forward as it expands its nuclear energy capacity, with achievable goals over the next 25 years. Of course, this is just a starting point. We’ll be collaborating with all stakeholders in the weeks and months ahead to determine the best path forward.” Matzie said that the roadmap’s goals include strengthening state leadership and regional collaboration; sustaining, Read more

HARRISBURG, June 10 – The Pennsylvania House Health Committee today heard testimony on legislation ( H.B. 2270 ) introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would create a single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model for all of Pennsylvania's state-funded healthcare programs. Matzie helped lay the groundwork for passage of Act 77 of 2024, which brought greater oversight and transparency to the practices of PBMs – third-party administrators that decide which drugs consumers can receive, at what price, and how much dispensing pharmacies are reimbursed – but said more action is needed as Pennsylvania’s small mom-and-pop pharmacies continue to fail as a result of PBM practices that favor large chains. “Beyond the dollars and cents, we all know that some PBMs – for a variety of reasons – pick winners and losers. And the losers, so to speak, have been not only our community pharmacies but some chain pharmacies, as is apparent from the closure of Rite Aid,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus and co-chair of the Pennsylvania Community Pharmacy Caucus. “Act 77 brought greater accountability and transparency to the practices of these middlemen, but regulating the patchwork network of these administrators remains difficult. “By directing the Department of Human Services to select one single administrator to manage prescription drug benefits statewide, our bill would Read more

AMBRIDGE, June 4 – New funding of $71,880 will help ensure that Center Township-based Center at the Mall can continue offering a full range of enriching programs and services for area seniors, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding will support programs and services that stimulate seniors’ minds and help them stay healthy. “Science tells us that staying physically and mentally active are keys to aging well, and area seniors have resources for both through Center at the Mall, where free membership provides access to a wide range of engaging programs and services,” Matzie said. “The new funding will allow the center to continue offering activities like healthy lunches, fitness classes, computer labs, group trips, and celebrations that bring seniors together and keep them thriving.” The grant was awarded through the state Department of Aging. More information is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/newsroom/shapiro-admin-invests-3-million-in-422-senior-centers Read more

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House today unanimously adopted Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution ( H.R. 361 ) directing the state to study the financial costs and benefits of remaining part of the PJM Interconnection – the regional transmission organization that manages Pennsylvania’s electric grid. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that a study is needed in light of recent spikes in electricity prices in some parts of the state, which have prompted concerns and calls for reform from lawmakers. “With calls for reform from House lawmakers and the governor, it’s time to take a closer look to ensure that staying with PJM is the best option,” Matzie said. “We hear every day from our constituents about the rising costs of energy. All options should be on the table, and all avenues should be explored. This study will give policy makers the facts and figures needed to make informed decisions moving forward.” Matzie said that the study – which will be conducted by the Joint State Government Commission – will examine the financial risks and benefits associated with PJM membership and evaluate the impact of PJM membership on residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers. The PJM Interconnection manages the electric transmission grid in all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Read more

AMBRIDGE, June 3 – New funding of $68,700 from the state Department of Education will allow Beaver County Career and Technology Center to purchase a new vehicle and utility trailer for its greenhouse and landscaping program, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding will allow BCCTC to continue its tradition of excellence in the region. “Beaver County Career and Technology Center has been providing top-notch career training for nearly 50 years through courses that offer experienced faculty and state-of-the-art equipment,” Matzie said. “The new funding will allow the school to purchase a truck and utility trailer for the center’s greenhouse and landscaping program, which offers hands-on experience to help students step into careers in agribusiness, general farming and horticulture.” Matzie said BCCTC will use the funds to purchase a Ford F-250 Regular Cab truck and a 2026 Quality Trailer 77x14 Economy Tandem Axle Utility Trailer. The grant was awarded through PDE’s Competitive Equipment Grants program. More information about the program is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/career-and-technical-education/grants . Read more

AMBRIDGE, May 20 – Industrial and mechanical fabricator McCarl’s LLC is investing $15 million to expand its operations in Beaver County, where the company has purchased an 80,000-square-foot facility on the Ohio River between Aliquippa and Hopewell Twp. to serve as a fabrication hub and headquarters, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the company is expanding its pipe fabrication operations to meet growing demand and that Beaver County’s workforce is ready to meet that demand. "This was an important project that I have been advocating for over a year and in constant contact with the Governor's office, Ken Burk from McCarls, Lew Villotti at the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development and our Building and Construction Trades," said Matzie. "Keeping and creating more jobs for Beaver County was the driving factor in securing this funding and will be another cornerstone in continued growth in our industrial sites in my district, Beaver County and our region. “McCarl’s investment – which will be strengthened by an additional state investment of $2 million – is a testament to their faith in the talent of our regions skilled workforce, who time and again have proven their capacity to meet and exceed demand,” said Matzie. “The expansion is estimated to create 130 new jobs, and our workforce is more than Read more

AMBRIDGE, May 6 – Beaver County students will benefit from pre-apprenticeship opportunities in the HVAC field thanks to a $250,000 grant from the state Department of Labor and Industry, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the Schools-to-Work grant to Steamfitters Local Union No. 449 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee will fund the launch of an HVAC pre-apprenticeship program connecting students to in-demand jobs through hands-on training and industry partnerships. “It’s an excellent opportunity for students on the career path because new construction, the state’s cold winters and hot summers, and incentives to embrace new, energy-efficient technology are all driving demand for skilled HVAC technicians,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Pre-apprenticeships are the perfect conduit because they supply the hands-on experience and connections with industry partners that can help students hit the ground running.” Matzie said the program will benefit students in Beaver and other western Pennsylvania counties. Schools-to-Work grant funding is awarded to employers, schools and community organizations to help create, launch and maintain registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship career pathways that bridge the gap between high school or college graduation and the job search process. More information about the program is Read more

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating May 9, 2026, as “National Train Day” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 410 as a reminder of the central role railroads have played in shaping Pennsylvania’s history and their ongoing importance to the commonwealth. “The growth of the railroads literally transformed our landscape, and here in southwestern PA, the impact was profound,” said Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus and a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Railroads provided the critical link between our coal mines and steel mills. In return, those industries provided railroads with coal for fuel and steel for cars and track. It was an alliance that powered progress for a century, created communities and left a legacy of pride.” Matzie said that today, trains continue to benefit the commonwealth by reducing highway congestion, substantially cutting emissions, lowering the risk of accidents, connecting the state’s economic centers and providing greater mobility for people with limited transportation options. National Train Day was first established in 2008 and is celebrated annually on the Saturday closest to May 10 – the day the nation’s first transcontinental railway was completed in 1869 in Promontory, Utah. Read more