HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie's H.R. 539, designating October 2026 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced the resolution to raise awareness about the devastating impact of Agent Orange exposure and its continuing effects on some Pennsylvania veterans and their families. "While thousands of our troops were fighting in Vietnam, nearly 20 million gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides were being sprayed to clear trees and other foliage that provided enemy cover,” Matzie said. “Exposure to Agent Orange was later linked to severe health problems, including heart disease, nervous system disorders like Parkinson's disease, birth defects like spina bifida, and various cancers including prostate, blood, bladder, respiratory and other cancers. Because the effects of exposure can take years to show up, many veterans are still discovering and being diagnosed with these conditions. "I introduced this resolution to make sure we remember and honor the sacrifice of those who died as a result of their exposure to this deadly chemical and those who continue to live with the consequences decades after they've served." Matzie said that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes certain conditions as "presumptive" Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie's H.R. 536, designating the week of Oct. 11-17, 2026, as “Credit Union Week” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced the resolution to highlight the advantages credit unions can provide for consumers and how these nonprofit organizations differ from traditional banks. “Credit unions are owned and operated by their member account holders,” Matzie said. “They function as financial democracies, with each member having an equal vote, regardless of the size of their account. Because they are not obligated to turn a profit for shareholders, they can return surplus income to members in the form of lower fees and loan rates and higher savings dividends. “As member-owned organizations, they also tend to be community-focused, sponsoring local events and financial seminars and supporting members’ charitable work. For all of these reasons, they can be a good choice for consumers.” According to recent regulatory reports, there are nearly 270 credit unions headquartered in Pennsylvania, including 32 state-chartered credit unions and 236 federally chartered credit unions. State-chartered credit unions are regulated and supervised by the state Department of Banking and Securities, while federally chartered credit unions Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 21 – Grant funding of nearly $620,000 from the state Department of Education will bolster literacy skills for elementary school students in the Central Valley and Freedom Area school districts, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding – which includes $415,405 to Central Valley School District for the Center Grange Primary and Todd Lane Elementary schools, and $204,160 to the Freedom Area School District for the Freedom Area Elementary School – will give students a stronger start in an essential core curriculum subject. “Few skills are more important to success in life than reading, but it takes a coordinated effort of planning, coaching and the right resources to help students master those skills,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus. “The new funding to Central Valley and Freedom Area school districts will provide the tools educators need to give students a strong foundation early on.” The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Structured Literacy Grant program, which provides funding to help school districts implement Pennsylvania's structured literacy legislation. Grants may be used for purchasing materials, obtaining screening assessments, developing plans and sustainable literacy systems, and strengthening districtwide collaboration. More information about the funding is available here: Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania House today passed S.B. 1328 – companion legislation to state Rep. Rob Matzie’s bill that would mandate the availability of automated external defibrillators at utility and electrical linework job sites in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced his companion bill with state Rep. Jason Ortitay to address a major gap in the law and ensure that workers on some of the highest-risk job sites have access to lifesaving medical equipment. “When seconds count, AEDs save lives,” Matzie said. “Using them immediately on site after cardiac arrest dramatically increases survival compared to situations that rely on EMS arrival alone. It’s why we mandate these devices in schools, hotels, health clubs and coal mines. “But there is a critical gap in the law – there’s no similar requirement for AEDs to be available at utility and linework job sites, even though these are some of the most dangerous jobs around. We introduced this legislation in conjunction with the Senate bill passed today to address that gap and ensure that our workers have the protections they need when doing the essential work that keeps our lights on. I was glad to see the bill move forward and will push to ensure it gets to the governor’s desk.” “Line workers routinely work on energized electrical systems, at Read more
Legislation recognizing telecommunicators, expanding access to benefits heads to governor’s desk Read more
Bipartisan legislation for safe and responsible use of e-scooters advances to Senate Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 20 – Nearly $400,000 in newly awarded tax credits will leverage investments to strengthen Beaver County health, nutritional and family resources and support economic development, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that nearly $81,300 in tax credits will leverage community corporate partner investments to support Adagio Health, which provides health, nutrition and family support services for Beaver County and other families in the region. “Adagio Health provides essential services for lower-income families, including supplemental food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and other services to help new moms and infants, as well as other community wellness and outreach programs,” Matzie said. “The new tax credits will leverage additional funding for those programs and services to help more people.” Matzie said that in addition to the tax credits supporting Adagio Health, $285,000 in tax credits were awarded to leverage investments supporting economic development work by the Beaver Falls Community Development Corporation, and $26,000 in tax credits were awarded to leverage investments in Neighborhood North Museum of Play projects to expand accessible family and youth spaces in Beaver Falls. The tax credits supporting Adagio Health were awarded under the Charitable Food Program, and the tax credits supporting the Beaver Falls projects Read more
MONACA, Oct. 16 – State Rep. Rob Matzie joined Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll and other state and local officials in Monaca Thursday to highlight $2 million in state dollars supporting major transportation projects in Monaca and Ambridge boroughs. Matzie said that recent investments previously announced from the Multimodal Transportation Fund – including nearly $1.9 million for safety and infrastructure upgrades along the Eighth Street corridor in Ambridge and more than $200,000 to support construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17 th Street in Monaca – are part of a continuing effort to update the county’s infrastructure. “Strong, modern infrastructure means a speedier commute for workers, more reliable transportation for commerce and industry, more business flowing to our downtown and safer travel for everyone,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus. “But the constant demands on our infrastructure mean that securing state investments is never a one-and-done deal. Instead, we need to be vigilant in driving out state dollars whenever we can to support local projects and ease the burden on taxpayers.” In 2018, Matzie worked to help secure $3 million in state funding to launch the Monaca Gateway Project. Now under construction, the project will improve more than 6,000 feet of State Route 18 and replace overhead stop Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Aerion Abney that would help child welfare providers manage insurance costs so they can afford to continue their important work. A licensed social worker, Abney said H.B. 2490 will help child welfare providers maintain affordable insurance coverage and serve children, families and communities across Pennsylvania. “Child welfare providers are facing a serious insurance crisis, with premiums rising sharply and some providers struggling to find coverage at all,” Abney said. “We need to make sure the people and organizations caring for our children can focus on that work instead of being pushed out by insurance costs. This legislation creates a fairer approach to liability and helps protect the stability of these essential services.” Under the bill, counties would not be allowed to require a child welfare provider to waive an insurer’s right to recover money from a party responsible for a claim as a condition of receiving a county contract. The legislation addresses a growing problem for providers. Rising insurance premiums and limited coverage options can make it more difficult for organizations to provide child welfare services. Preventing contract requirements that further increase insurers’ risk can help create greater Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 18 – New funding of $125,000 to the Community College of Beaver County will support capital improvements at the Monaca campus and lease support for CCBC’s expanded operations in Washington County, Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that the funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education includes $50,000 for capital improvements and building renovations to the Monaca campus radiology room and $75,000 to support the lease of facility space for CCBC’s extension, Washington County College Center, located at the Western Area Career & Technology Center in Canonsburg. “CCBC is consistently ranked as one of the top community colleges in Pennsylvania for its nationally regarded programs, support of service members and veterans, and outstanding financial aid programs that help students of all financial backgrounds access a quality education,” Matzie said. “As a proud grad, I am thrilled to see new state investments that will allow them to continue delivering top-quality instructional programs here at home and across the region.” The funding is part of a package of grants to 14 community colleges statewide. More information is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/shapiro-administration-invests-more-than-25-million-across-14-community-colleges-for-capital-projects-and-renovations . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 15 – New grants totaling nearly $2.7 million from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund multiple water infrastructure improvements and the purchase of new police and fire vehicles for Beaver County municipalities, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said many of the 17 grants secured will support construction and engineering costs to improve municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater services. “Aging infrastructure is a critical issue for our municipalities that demands constant attention and investment of resources,” said Matzie. “Securing this new funding will help ease some of the budgetary strain on our boroughs and townships so they can move forward with the projects and purchases needed to keep services flowing smoothly for residents, while also alleviating some of the burden on taxpayers. The grants will also help Ambridge and Baden boroughs purchase new fire trucks.” Matzie said the funding, includes: $300,000 to Ambridge Borough for the purchase of a new ladder fire truck to replace the current unit, which has exceeded its useful life. $300,000 to Baden Borough to allow the Baden Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new fire engine to replace an aging, malfunctioning one. $250,000 to Center Township Water Authority to replace deteriorating and undersized infrastructure in the water distribution system Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 10 – New grant funding of $9,500 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will support the operations of the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is a commission member and chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding will ensure the foundation can continue critical preservation work and educational programs and exhibits. “As our county’s official historical society, the foundation collects, preserves and archives important pieces of our history,” Matzie said. “But they also offer unique events and exhibits that engage young people, spark their interest in history, and make our region’s unique past relatable to people of all ages. The new funding will ensure that they can continue this vital work that connects us to our heritage.” Matzie said that in addition to the funding to the foundation, PHMC awarded eight grants totaling $342,000 to Allegheny County museums and historical centers. The funding was awarded under the 2026-27 Cultural and Historical Support Grant program. More information about the program is available here: https://www.pa.gov/services/phmc/apply-for-a-cultural-and-historical-support-grant . Read more
“These dollars are funding practical projects that will create new office space for our regional police department, support needed renovations to a borough building and fund structural improvements to our historical library which will keep library visitors safe,” Matzie said. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 17 – Two Beaver County farms were awarded combined grants totaling $41,800 under the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding – which includes $31,690 to Tiny Seed Farm in Rochester for an automated specialty crop system and $10,120 to the Epoch Fields agricultural project for a continuous on-farm measurement system for regenerative grazing management – will enhance efficiency and productivity for both operations. “Automated specialty crop systems use technology like smart tools, sensors and robots for growing and harvesting, which saves farmers time and money,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Using these tech-based tools will help Tiny Seed boost productivity, cut costs and remain competitive.” Matzie said that the funding to Epoch Fields in Beaver County will support a continuous on-farm measurement system for regenerative grazing management. These systems automate the tracking of soil, plants and livestock by using field sensors, remote satellite data and GPS tracking to help farmers determine when to move livestock to allow optimal plant recovery and build soil health. The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program helps farmers implement new agricultural technologies, conservation methods, and renewable energy innovations to boost profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy. More Read more
AMBRIDGE, July 16 – New grants totaling $2 million will fund state-of-the-art facility improvements and infrastructure projects in the 16 th Legislative District, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said four separate grants secured through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support projects in Aliquippa as well as Center and Hopewell townships. “The new funding is supporting critical infrastructure, state-of-the-art facility upgrades, and public improvements on former industrial land that will lay the groundwork for new commercial development and economic revitalization,” Matzie said. “These are dollars that are going to work for us in the best possible ways – to bring new jobs, attract new businesses to our region, create state-of-the-art police, athletic and educational facilities, and ensure students at BCCTC have safe, updated learning spaces.” Matzie said the funding and projects include: $750,000 to the Bet-Tec Industrial Park warehouse project for construction of an access road; water, sewer and stormwater management systems; and infrastructure for electric, communications and gas services for a parcel along the Ohio River to support future commercial development. $500,000 to the Aliquippa School District for Phase II revitalization work for the completion of a state-of-the-art fieldhouse and academic Read more
HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote Sunday for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget, saying the plan invests taxpayer dollars sensibly without raising taxes. “I voted for this budget because it spends responsibly, in ways that will strengthen our schools, support our workforce and continue funding programs that help working families – all without adding any new taxes or raising taxes,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Education is top priority of the new plan, which delivers across-the-board increases to our local school districts.” Matzie highlighted investments to make life more affordable for families, which he said were key to his support for the new budget. “The new plan continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which puts money back in people’s pockets,” he said. Matzie said other key features of the budget include increases for Medical Assistance, mental health programs, prescription drug assistance and other programs for seniors, and long-overdue cost-of-living increases to Beaver County’s retired teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public servants. “The budget we sent to the governor’s desk may not be perfect – no spending plan ever is – but it’s a commonsense plan that prioritizes real-life needs without adding new taxes or tapping Read more
ALIQUIPPA, July 1 – State Rep. Rob Matzie lauded news today that regulators have approved an agreement clearing the way for Heritage Valley Health System to become part of Highmark Health and the Allegheny Health Network. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the partnership will bring new benefits for patients in the community. “Today’s announcement that Heritage Valley Health has been approved to become part of Allegheny Health Network is the best possible news for patients in our region,” Matzie said. “Both organizations will benefit from joining forces – AHN will gain access to Heritage Valley’s highly talented network of professionals, while Heritage will enjoy the benefits of an extended consulting network, advanced data sharing, and the enhanced stability, greater bargaining power and easier navigation of regulatory issues that go with affiliating with a larger partner. “But true winners in all this will be our region’s patients, who will see expanded access to care, new paths to specialized treatment and additional options for state-of-the-art technology addressing complex medical needs. I can’t wait to see all the powerful new health resources this partnership will bring.” Matzie testified in support of the agreement before the Pennsylvania attorney general earlier this year. Allegheny Health Network is part of Highmark Health. Read more
ALIQUIPPA, June 30 – A $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Game Commission will fund improvements to Beaver County’s oldest sportsmen club, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding to the Aliquippa Bucktails will allow the club to construct a new archery range and mitigate environmental damage from the shooting range. “The Aliquippa Bucktails is a beloved place for sportsmen in Beaver County that traces its history back more than 90 years,” Matzie said. “Over the decades, it has grown to include rifle, pistol, and archery ranges, trapping and skeet fields and a clubhouse that welcomes the community for multiple gatherings, activities and youth events. “Securing this funding – which will allow the club to build a new archery range and mitigate environmental damage from the shooting range – will ensure that the club continues to provide maximum enjoyment for members as they enjoy our region’s great outdoors.” Matzie said the funding was secured under the Game Commission’s Pennsylvania Shooting Range Improvement Program. More information about the program is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/where-to-hunt/shooting-ranges/range-improvement-program- Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating the week of Sept. 21-27, 2026, as “Rail Safety Week” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 537 to raise awareness about preventable rail casualties. “Although the numbers have improved in recent decades, far too many people still die needlessly in crossing collisions or by coming too close to tracks as pedestrians,” Matzie said. “Federal statistics show that a person or vehicle is struck by a train every three hours in the United States. A closer look at the numbers shows Pennsylvania ranks high on the list for both kinds of incidents. Last year, we ranked 11 th in the nation for crossing collisions, with 56 collisions, 3 deaths and 24 injuries, and we ranked 6 th for pedestrian incidents, with 34 deaths and 15 injuries. “We need to do more to educate the public about the reality of rail dangers, including the fact that it can take a freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile – about 18 football fields – to stop, that freight cars and cargo overhang rails substantially, that engineers face massive blind spots, and other information people need to stay safe.” Matzie’s Rail Safety Week is scheduled to run concurrently with Operation Lifesaver’s nationwide awareness campaign called “See Read more
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
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