HARRISBURG, May 1 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee yesterday approved H.B. 1615 , which would set energy efficiency and water conservation standards for new residential and commercial appliances sold in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. “This is a good, commonsense bill that will benefit consumers,” Matzie said. “Nobody has to replace anything, nobody has to buy anything, nothing is banned. Appliances meeting these standards are already on the market and competitively priced. Implementing the standards for new appliances sold here in Pennsylvania could save consumers nearly $250 million annually on their utility bills by 2030.” The bill passed by a vote of 17-8. The committee also heard testimony on H.B. 1977 , which would require businesses to clearly post notice of any surcharges on credit and debit card transactions in a location easily visible to consumers, and H.B. 2186 , which would help protect consumers from gift card scams by requiring retailers to post signs warning consumers about these scams and train employees on how to identify and respond to gift card fraud. “Today’s hearing was an important consumer protection hearing addressing fees when it comes to using your credit or debit card at a point of sale as well as the gift card scams that are happening, not only here in Read more
ALIQUIPPA, April 29 – Food service equipment upgrades are coming to schools in the 16 th Legislative District thanks to $137,800 in new funding from the PA Department of Education, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding includes two separate grants of $44,400 each to Aliquippa School District, $33,500 to Hopewell Area School District and $15,500 to Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit 27. “School food service upgrades like these allow our school cafeterias to ensure that food is stored, prepared and served quickly and at optimal temperatures,” Matzie said. “That means kids get the freshest, most appetizing meals possible; school food service workers are able to serve large numbers of students quickly; and taxpayers benefit from savings achieved by modern, energy-efficient equipment. It’s an excellent investment all around.” More information about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/education-details.aspx?newsid=1460#:~:text=Harrisburg%2C%20PA%20%2D%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Department,food%20service%20equipment%20for%20cafeterias . Read more
ALIQUIPPA, April 26 – Nearly $1.2 million in new state funding is coming to bolster school security and expand resources for student mental health in the 16 th Legislative District, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the competitive school safety and security grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will bolster resources for students and school staff throughout the region. “Our kids deserve to spend their school days learning, developing confidence and discovering their abilities, and this new funding of nearly $1.2 million will ensure they do so in the safest, most secure environments possible," Matzie said. “We have worked hard to help keep these grant programs well-funded because we know these dollars are going to support one of our most important priorities – ensuring students and school staff are safe and free to focus on the business of learning and teaching.” Matzie said the grants – which include both school safety and mental health funding – include: $172,548 to Ambridge Area School District. $168,502 to Central Valley School District. $166,517 to Hopewell Area School District. $151,288 to Freedom Area School District. $150,426 to Aliquippa School District. $139,931 to Rochester Area School District. $74,500 to CLASS Academy. $70,000 to Beaver County Career and Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 25 – With more than $1 billion coming to expand high-speed internet in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Robert Matzie is urging local governments, nonprofit organizations and internet service providers to participate in a critical survey to ensure those dollars reach their intended targets. Matzie – a board member on the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority and majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee – said the BEAD Challenge will provide essential feedback to ensure the new funding is allocated properly. “With major broadband infrastructure in place and new funding of more than $1 billion on the way, PA is finally poised to bring essential high-speed internet connections to the unserved and underserved areas that so desperately need them,” Matzie said. “But it’s critical to ensure that the funding goes to the areas where it’s most needed. We have to get this right. “I’m urging local governments, nonprofits and service providers to complete the BEAD Challenge to ensure those dollars are put to the best use.” Matzie said complete information about how to submit a BEAD Challenge is available at this page: https://www.broadband.pa.gov/funding/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/bead-challenge-process/ . The new broadband funding comes from the Broadband Equity, Access and Read more
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HARRISBURG, April 17 – The PA House with overwhelming bipartisan support today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2024 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said he introduced H.R.300 to make sure Pennsylvanians understand that calling the 8-1-1 “Call before You Dig” hotline is not just a convenience but a legal responsibility. “State law requires anyone planning to do digging – whether they are a homeowner, a contractor, or an excavator – to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before starting the work,” Matzie said. “Making the free call alerts utilities so they can mark underground pipes and cables before excavation begins. It’s a quick, simple step that protects workers, prevents underground utility damage, minimizes service interruptions and can even save lives.” Matzie said calling the hotline is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/pipeline-safety/pa-one-call/#:~:text=Homeowners%20and%20contractors%20must%20call,begins%20to%20disturb%20the%20earth . Read more
HARRISBURG, April 16 – The PA House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution recognizing April 2024 as “Limb Loss Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he introduced H.R. 299 both to highlight the challenges and triumphs of Pennsylvanians living without a limb and also to raise awareness about prevention. “More than 2 million Americans live with limb loss, and it’s estimated that every single day, more than 300 people in the United States lose a limb. We see many of them navigate the world around them with tenacity and success, but what we don’t see are all the challenges – physical and emotional – they face and overcome every day. “I introduced this resolution to honor the courage and achievements of all Pennsylvanians living without a limb – whether the limb loss resulted from congenital causes, trauma or disease. But I’m also offering this resolution to raise awareness that the No. 1 cause of surgical amputations – vascular diseases such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease – is at least partially within our power to control. “While we can’t control risk factors like age and family history, other risks – including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, inactivity and excess weight – can be changed or treated. “By learning the risk factors, talking to their Read more
ALIQUIPPA, April 11 – The city of Aliquippa has received a $700,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to support a major project that will transform the former St. Joseph School into affordable residential units and retail space, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding – awarded through the Community Revitalization Fund Program – will support the city’s growth and revitalization efforts in the wake of its exit from Act 47 distressed status. “As Aliquippa embraces its new independence and forges a path to a stronger, more resilient future, a key part of those efforts will include securing state investments that help revitalize and rebuild the downtown into more productive spaces,” Matzie said. “This new funding from PHFA is going to help fuel that change by supporting a major project that will add jobs; expand affordable housing; and transform the landscape in ways that invite new businesses; stimulate pedestrian traffic; and restore the kind of healthy, vital activity that goes along with building a stronger local economy. “I’m grateful to PHFA and to the state and local partners who worked with us to secure this funding, which will be key to seeing this project through to completion.” Matzie said that the completed site will include 11 new and affordable residential units; retail space that will be Read more
HARRISBURG, April 9 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday approved a package of bills introduced by Majority Chairman Rob Matzie that would add protections for ratepayers when private companies acquire municipal water and wastewater systems. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the legislation is needed to ensure consumer interests remain front and center. “When public works like municipal water and wastewater systems are sold to private companies, ratepayers can end up bearing the burden of inflated sales prices through increased rates,” Matzie said. “Our legislation would help prevent that by adding greater transparency to these transactions, ensuring that PUC has sufficient time to review proposed sales, and easing the burden on consumers by limiting the purchase price of healthy systems and spreading out any future rate increases. “It’s inevitable that these sales are going to happen. When they do, we need the proper safeguards in place to ensure consumer interests remain a central part of the equation.” The specific bills include: H.B. 1862 , which could impose enhanced notification requirements for private acquisitions of municipal water/wastewater systems. H.B. 1863 , which would give the PUC more time to evaluate proposed private acquisitions of municipal water/wastewater systems. H.B, 1864 Read more
HARRISBURG, March 27 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday approved two bills, including legislation to promote the use of an energy-efficient insulating material and a measure that would alert consumers that the digital content they are viewing was generated by artificial intelligence, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the committee unanimously passed an amended version of H.B. 491 , which would facilitate the use of mechanical insulation on pipes, equipment and machinery by clarifying that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission may not reject an electric distribution company’s required energy efficiency and conservation plan solely because the plan involves mechanical insulation. “We want to encourage use of building materials that save energy, save costs and protect workers, and mechanical insulation does all of those things,” Matzie said. “We’ve been working on this bill for some time, and I’m glad it’s finally headed to the full House for consideration.” Matzie said H.B. 1598 – which was approved by a bipartisan majority of the committee – would help safeguard consumers by requiring a disclosure on all AI generated content. “The use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more of a consumer protection Read more
HARRISBURG, March 19 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today approved legislation to create a community solar program ( H.B. 1842 ); legislation to protect minors using social media; and resolutions on data privacy and safe digging. “We introduced community solar to bring home the many benefits – new jobs, new energy savings for residents, new economic opportunities for farmers and other landowners – while broadening the state’s energy portfolio,” Matzie said. “But we also drafted this legislation with an eye toward protecting consumers and ratepayers who don’t participate. I’m excited that the bill is headed for a House vote.” Matie said the committee also approved: H.B. 2017 , which would add mental health protections for minors using social media. H.R. 300 , Matzie’s resolution designating April 2024 as Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month. H.R. 289 , recognizing January 21-27, 2024 as Data Privacy Week in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced the Safe Digging Month resolution to remind Pennsylvanians to call the 811 hotline before performing excavation projects that could affect utilities. “Anyone doing digging – whether they’re a contractor, business owner or homeowner – Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 15 – A $583,370 grant to the Ambridge Area School District will help school officials ensure students and staff enjoy a safe, supportive learning environment free of threats, bullying or violence, Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding – awarded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – will allow school administrators to ensure that policies and programs include a focus on student and staff social, emotional, physical and mental health. “We know a safe, supportive environment is essential for learning, but it takes resources and planning to create and maintain the kind of healthy, inclusive settings that give students and staff the peace of mind they need to focus and thrive. The new funding is going to allow school administrators to engage with families and the community and shape policies and programs that promote that kind of healthy environment.” The funding was awarded under the Stronger Connections Grant program, which focuses on districts or schools that meet “high need” criteria such as a high poverty rate, a lack of available mental health supports for students, high rates of violence or school exclusion. More information about the grant program is available here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/Federal%20Programs/TitleIV/Pages/default.aspx Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 14 – A $148,500 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development will assist the city of Aliquippa as it emerges from Act 47 status and works to achieve long-term sustainability, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. “It took decades of work and collaboration and faith in our city, but together with support from the commonwealth and city leadership led by Mayor Dwan Walker, we had the resolve to do it, and we built back,” Matzie said. “The city strengthened infrastructure, paid off debt and shored up finances to get to a position where they can chart their own future. “The project funding from DCED will help us develop long-range plans for the future and keep the city moving on a new, independent path.” Matzie said the grant is funded through DCED’s Strategic Management Planning Program. More information about the program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/strategic-management-planning-program-stmp/ . Read more
“The governor’s announcement highlights policies we have been promoting for some time, the key being an ‘all of the above’ approach when it comes to our energy mix. For me, the inclusion of emerging nuclear and fusion technology in the plan is essential and has been a key initiative I have long supported. " Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 12 – Center Township and Rochester Borough were awarded $33,000 in combined grant funding to help hire and train new police officers, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – which includes $28,000 to Center Township and $5,000 to Rochester Borough – will help departments ensure that any gaps in staff or training do not compromise public safety. “The funding is going to give our local departments more resources for officer recruitment and retention,” Matzie said. “More police on the beat means safer streets and communities, keeps individual officers safer and helps ease workload and burnout. It’s a smart investment that also benefits taxpayers.” The funding is part of a package of grants awarded statewide to support Act 120 mandatory training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers. Eligible law enforcement agencies that do not cover the costs of Act 120 training may request up to $7,000 per new officer to support costs associated with the training, or – if they currently hire officers that are already Act 120-trained or the agency already covers training costs – may apply for up to $5,000 per new officer to support stipends, signing bonuses or marketing efforts. More information about the funding Read more
“Securing this funding brings new resources to the fight against homelessness,” Matzie said. “Having a place to call home doesn’t just mean shelter – it means easier access to community resources like job training and other services that lead to employment and independence.“More dollars to Community Development means more resources flowing to our local nonprofits who are helping people get back on that path to self-sufficiency.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 2 – State Rep. Rob Matzie today lauded action by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to advance proposals that would increase public awareness about the sale of municipal water and wastewater systems and bring greater consistency to the process by which sale applications are evaluated. Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said that if adopted, the proposals would bolster the requirements for public meetings and hearings, require rate impact notices and place more stringent standards on appraisals and valuations. “I applaud Chairman DeFrank and the other commissioners for this action that, if adopted, will help to ease the burden on ratepayers in the aftermath of a water/wastewater sale,” Matzie said. “This is, without a doubt, a pro-consumer positive step in the right direction. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on the still needed legislative fixes to provide the commission with even more and better tools to protect consumers.” The proposed revisions are contained in a Tentative Supplemental Implementation Order. Commission chair Stephen DeFrank offered a motion to support issuance of the order, which the commission voted 5-0 to approve, advancing the process to a notice and comment period. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 18 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee yesterday heard testimony on legislation ( House Bill 1077 ) by the committee’s majority chairman, state Rep. Rob Matzie, that would re-authorize and reform Pennsylvania’s utility shutoff protection statute. Matzie said he introduced the legislation because Chapter 14 – which provides utility consumers with protections in areas such as delinquent account collections and service shutoffs – is expiring at the end of 2024 and must be both re-authorized and improved. “For 20 years, Chapter 14 has set the framework for consumer protection between a public utility and its customers, and the law has been a success,” Matzie said. “But as we address re-authorizing the law, we also need to examine how it can be improved to better meet the needs of consumers struggling to pay their utility bills. “Yesterday, we heard testimony from the PUC chairman that giving the commission greater flexibility to set longer repayment terms and create other, more manageable plan options would allow more consumers to stay connected to critical services while preventing defaults that shift the burden onto other consumers. “As the committee continues deliberating, I’m looking forward to working with fellow members and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to shape a Read more
“The grant to Ambridge will allow the borough to build on improvements to P.J. Caul Park that are making the park more accessible and more inviting for residents,” Matzie said. “The funding to Monaca will support needed renovations to the Antoline Park softball field. Folks love to come out and watch the games and cheer on the players, and the work will help ensure the best experience for everyone.” Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 19 – Water and wastewater projects were awarded more than $3.7 million in funding today under programs administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced . “My advocacy for funding starts with projects that demonstrate need, an application that is sound and the ability to close the process. One of my most important jobs as state representative is to use my experience to identify a funding source that gives applicants the best chance for success and then securing those competitive dollars. “These are big projects that will ensure better water and wastewater service across our district. We’re talking about projects that will bring state-of-the-art improvements, reduce service interruptions and shutdowns and boost efficiency to benefit ratepayers. With the funding for these projects secured, residents and small businesses will soon be reaping the benefits.” Matzie said the funding awarded under the under the COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Program includes: $1.11 million to Hopewell Township to replace VCP lining along Route 151 and the Upper Raccoon Creek interceptor sewer. $633,492 to the Center Township Sanitary Authority to rehabilitate the Lower Moon Run sanitary sewer interceptor. $265,823 to the Center Township Sanitary Authority to construct a 140,000-gallon wet well storage tank at the New College wastewater Read more
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