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AMBRIDGE, April 29 – Three grants totaling nearly $440,000 will help Beaver County communities continue successful recycling programs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced this week. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the Recycling Development and Implementation grants include $350,000 to Beaver County, $70,000 to Aliquippa City, and nearly $20,000 to Rochester Township. “Recycling programs are energy-savers, job-creators and sensible ways to preserve the resources we hold dear,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to keep these programs running for the residents and small businesses that benefit from them.” Communities can use the funding for projects including operating leaf compost facilities, developing web-based programs on recycling for consumers, expanding recycling processing facilities, installing data-collection systems on recycling vehicles, continuing and creating curbside recycling programs, and developing educational materials to encourage residents to properly recycle. Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for up to 90% funding of approved recycling program costs. Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10% of approved costs. Grants were also awarded based on programs designed to meet current market demands for recyclable Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 21 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced the rollout of “Uniting for Ukraine” – a new, streamlined process that allows Ukrainian refugees quick entry into the United States based on humanitarian grounds. “This is the right move by the President,” Matzie said. “Our friends and neighbors, especially those of Ukrainian heritage, continue to look for ways to help. This program expands and streamlines the already secure process of welcoming those seeking safe refuge in our communities.” Matzie and state Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Philadelphia/Montgomery, are preparing to introduce legislation that would invest $2 million to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Pennsylvania as a way to speed aid to thousands needing it immediately. Read more
In the last meeting of legislators before the Easter holiday, Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie gave the opening prayer before House business on April 13, 2022. Matzie spoke about the spirit of Easter and how it offers hope, love and joyful living. He also offered peace and healing by reciting the Prayer of St. Francis. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 12 – At a Pharmacy Day rally today in Harrisburg, state Rep. Rob Matzie expressed gratitude to Pennsylvania’s pharmacy workers – who administered millions of children’s vaccines during the pandemic under a temporary authorization – and pledged support for legislation that would permanently authorize pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians to provide childhood immunizations. Matzie – who is co-chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Pharmacy Caucus – called the workers a “literal lifeline” and praised their commitment throughout the pandemic. “All across Pennsylvania, and especially in the southwest, pharmacies are often the only in-person resource for critical healthcare services,” Matzie told the workers gathered on the Capitol steps.“ You are vital to your patients and their health. This has always been true, but never more so than during the pandemic. When crisis came, when times were dark, you stepped up. You stayed open and never closed.” Matzie also said he would work to pass H.B. 1535 – legislation that would allow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns to continue administering any immunization to children 3 or older after obtaining parental consent and completing specific training and education requirements. “We all know – as you’ve proven time and time again – our Read more
As co-chair of the bicameral bipartisan Pharmacy Caucus, Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie joined pharmacists and students from across the commonwealth at the state Capitol building to support legislation that would give pharmacists the permanent ability to provide vaccines to all Pennsylvanians. Otherwise, that ability will go away when the public health emergency ends. Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 8 – Responding to PennEnergy’s renewed request to withdraw millions of gallons of water per day from the Big Sewickley Creek in Economy Borough, state Rep. Rob Matzie is calling on the Department of Environmental Protection to deny the company’s petition for a second time. In a letter this week to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie restated concerns over lasting environmental damage and the loss of recreational opportunities and said nothing has changed to warrant a reversal of the agency’s previous denial. “When I wrote to you in July of last year, I listed a variety of reasons why this is a bad idea,” Matzie wrote in the letter. “Nothing contained in the new application changes that; fishing will still be impacted, wildlife species will still be threatened, and summer drought conditions will still be exacerbated.” PennEnergy is seeking to withdraw the creek water for use in natural gas extraction – a practice Matzie supports provided there are strong environmental protections in place and local input. “In most cases, I believe we can have a strong, diverse energy portfolio and maintain a clean, healthy environment,” Matzie wrote in the letter. “But not in this case, not from this waterway, and not with this application.” Matzie said that in denying PennEnergy’s 2021 petition last October, DEP cited seven serious Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 7 – Nearly $2.9 million in federal funding will help 33 child care providers in the 16 th Legislative District rebuild from the damaging effects of the pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the American Rescue Plan Act funding includes grants ranging from approximately $10,000 to $287,000 to help businesses with key expenses. “Extended closures, dwindling enrollment and other pandemic-related problems hit child care providers hard, and many are still struggling to come back,” Matzie said. “This funding, which can be used for operations and personnel costs, supplies and equipment, and a range of other expenses, is going to help them rebound. More centers reopening their doors means more working parents returning to the workplace.” According to the state Department of Human Services, which administers the funding, providers will receive the funding in six monthly installments and must use it within nine months after their applications were approved. Centers also must report to DHS on how the funding is spent. A list of providers receiving the funding is available here: https://www.pahouse.com/files/Documents/2022-04-07_010731__BEAVERCC.pdf . The American Rescue Plan Act provided $24 billion to states nationwide to stabilize the child care sector. The grants to centers in the 16th Legislative District are part of a package of $628.5 million in approved ARPA funding to child care Read more
People seeking refuge from hostility or persecution have always found a home in Pennsylvania - welcoming them is in our DNA. After all, our commonwealth was born of William Penn’s great “experiment” to establish a community where religious tolerance – an unusual idea at the time- was the guiding principle. Since then, Pennsylvania has greeted refugees from every corner of the globe, escaping every kind of oppression. Pennsylvania grew to embody its 1980’s tagline: You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania. Now, as we watch in disbelief and sadness at the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, it is time to again open our communities’ doors and hearts to welcome newcomers to our beautiful commonwealth. This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news. These are our neighbors’ families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. From Philadelphia to Ambridge, and in communities in between, more than 122,000 Ukrainians already call Pennsylvania “home,” the second highest number of any state in the nation. And we want to assure those seeking refuge in our state now due to the current hostility, that they are welcome too. That is why we’ve proposed the creation of the New Neighbors Fund, that would authorize up to $2 million to support services for refugees from Ukraine. The New Neighbors Fund would supplement existing federal investments, and would create a Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 9 – The Laughlin Memorial Library in Ambridge will be receiving a roof replacement and other needed upgrades, thanks to $227,336 in newly awarded funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant from the state Department of Education, awarded under the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, will help finance critical repairs to the nearly 100-year-old building. “The library, which first opened in 1929, has served our community for nearly a century, providing rich resources and lending special character to our landscape – but updates are desperately needed,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to help finance replacing the roof, which has been leaking; upgrading outdoor security lighting and cameras; cleaning the exterior; and new accent lighting to highlight the library’s unique architecture.” Matzie said grant will fund half the total project cost of $454,600. Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 9 – Beaver County veterans will benefit from new job training thanks to nearly $200,000 in state funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant to NuPaths LLC – awarded through the state Department of Labor and Industry – will fund practical training to help veterans transition to civilian IT jobs. “Military members transitioning to the civilian workforce have strong skills to offer, and our workforce needs talented workers more than ever as we build back from the pandemic,” Matzie said. “Securing this grant will allow NuPaths to train 24 veterans in Beaver County and surrounding areas for network technician and IT security analyst jobs. “That’s a win-win because it helps strengthen our economy while giving those who served a promising path to a productive civilian life.” Funding for the grant comes from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Industry Partnership and Reemployment funds. More information about the funding is available at this link: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-800000-in-grant-funding-for-veteran-employment-support-after-service/ . Read more
HARRISBURG, March 7 – Governor Tom Wolf today called on lawmakers to support legislation drafted by state Reps. Rob Matzie and Kevin Boyle that would invest $2 million to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Pennsylvania. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the soon-to-be-introduced legislation would allow the commonwealth to fast-track aid to thousands needing it immediately. “America defends freedom. We have always welcomed those fleeing danger and oppression,” Matzie said. “Pennsylvania has the second-largest population of people with Ukrainian ancestry in the U.S. My district alone has three communities – Ambridge, Baden and Harmony – in the top 20% of folks whose families originally came from Ukraine. We have several Ukrainian churches. This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news. These are our neighbors’ families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. “The $2 million will get immediate aid flowing to these displaced families. We will be able to help them with housing, food, and clothing, and work with relief organizations to set up longer-term support.” Pennsylvania Democratic House Finance Committee Chair Kevin Boyle said, “Many thanks to my colleague Representative Matzie for helping put this legislation together; I’ll be advocating that it’s heard in committee, but it’s ultimately up to the majority at this point how quickly we can get Read more
Rep. Matzie's Winter 2022 Newsletter Read more
AMBRIDGE, Feb. 11 – Fire and EMS companies in the 16 th Legislative District were awarded $226,390 in grant funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said 14 fire and EMS companies are receiving grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. “First responders in our district have continued to answer the call even as the pandemic has interfered with fundraising, strained budgets and added new challenges to the job,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help companies replenish equipment, pay for training and building repairs, and address other needs to ease the burden a bit on these frontline heroes.” Matzie said the following grants were awarded: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – $14,997. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. City of Aliquippa (Fire Company) – $15,000. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. Economy Volunteer Firemens Association – $15,000. Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire Protective Association Inc. – $15,000. Harmony Township Volunteer Firemen Inc. – $15,000. Hopewell Township Volunteer Fire Department – $15,000. Leetsdale Fire Department – $15,000. Monaca No. 1 Volunteer Fire Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – A new bill introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie would protect nursing home residents and staff from sexual assaults by establishing care and reporting requirements when a registered sex offender is admitted. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said H.B. 2341 – which would function as a Megan’s Law for the state’s nursing homes – would establish protections that are needed immediately. “Right now, when a registered sexual offender is admitted to a Pennsylvania nursing home, the home is not required to disclose this to other residents or staff – or to develop any special plans to ensure their safety,” Matzie said. “The situation has resulted in attacks on residents, and the threat will only grow as thousands of registered sex offenders continue aging and require medical care. “My bill would put essential protections in place by requiring all Pennsylvania nursing homes to check the sex offender registry before admitting a new resident; develop a care plan to protect other residents and staff when a registered offender is admitted; and notify staff and other residents in close proximity about the plan.” Matzie’s bill would also require facilities to report the information to the state Department of Health, to create a centralized registry that would function as a Megan’s Law for nursing homes. Currently, there is no such list, so officials have no way of tracking how many Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie delivered the opening prayer in the House Chamber before today's budget address by the governor. Matzie read scripture from the book of Peter about cooperation and asked for unity and purpose in their service to all Pennsylvanians. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie is urging homeowners who are struggling with mortgage payments to see if they qualify for assistance under a new state program. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, which opened for applications this week, is designed to help homeowners facing unforeseen financial hardships because of the pandemic. “Housing expenses take the largest bite out of a family’s budget, and for many homeowners still feeling the effects of the pandemic, meeting a monthly mortgage payment may be much more difficult than it used to be,” Matzie said. “I urge anyone who is struggling with those payments to see if they qualify for the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, which can help prevent delinquency, default or foreclosure.” Matzie said to that to qualify, a homeowner must: own and occupy the Pennsylvania property as their primary home. have experienced financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020 (including a hardship that began before that date and continued afterward). have a household income equal to or less than 150% of area median income ($89,050 for a family of one, $101,800 for a family of two, and $127,200 for a family of four). have a first mortgage that is a conforming loan and meets the federal Read more
AMBRIDGE, Feb. 1 – New grant funding of $150,000 will help boost career education to better prepare Beaver County students for good-paying, high-demand jobs, announced state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Bever/Allegheny. Matzie said the grant to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board would focus on efforts to provide teachers, students and parents with information on career trends, needs and gaps. “The first steps toward a career path begin in school, so it’s important that our curriculum includes real-world, practical information that helps put students on the right path,” Matzie said. “Securing this grant for the Southwest Corner Business Education Program will fund vital connections between schools and workforce partners to ensure that our curriculum is providing students the training, preparation and opportunities they need.” Matzie said an additional $150,000 grant to the Three Rivers Workforce Development Board will allow Partner4Work to connect Allegheny County students with career and technical education programs. Business-Education Partnership grants from the Department of Labor and Industry are funded at 100% through federal money made available from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. The grants are part of a package to workforce development organizations statewide. More information on the funding is Read more
AMBRIDGE, Jan. 31 – A $2,500 microgrant to the Ambridge-based nonprofit Crop and Kettle will fund a greenhouse to train students in urban agriculture, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said that in addition to teaching practical hands-on skills for supplementing the food supply, the greenhouse will give students lessons in self-sufficiency and community responsibility. “Urban agriculture can play a major role in addressing food insecurity, but we need to ensure the next generation understands those skills and why they are important,” Matzie said. “With the new greenhouse, students will get hands-on lessons in agriculture and about how hydroponic technology can be used to grow traditional crops year-round. “In addition to teaching those practical skills, lessons in the greenhouse will empower students to realize that they can play a role in combating hunger and sustaining a healthy food supply for their community. Those are important life lessons.” The funding is part of a package of grants awarded under the 2021-22 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program. More information on the grants is available at this link: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1179 . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Jan. 27 – A $3,667 state grant to the Aliquippa School District will fund a new reach-in refrigerator for the Aliquippa Elementary School cafeteria, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the new equipment will improve efficiency and make operations easier for staff. “A new reach-in refrigerator will allow the Aliquippa Elementary School cafeteria to safely store a large capacity of food in an energy-efficient way that keeps it fresh, well-organized, and convenient for easy access,” Matzie said. “It’s an essential addition for the school’s busy cafeteria staff.” The funding is part of package of competitive grants awarded to 44 elementary, middle and high schools through a program administered by the state Department of Education. Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grants are 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 list of schools receiving food service equipment grants can be found on PDE’s website. Read more
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1240 Merchant St.First FloorAmbridge, PA 15003-2279
P*: (724) 266-7774P: (412) 565-3569
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P*: (724) 987-4341
Franklin Center of Beaver County Inc. 524 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa, PA 15001
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202 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202016 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2016
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