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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
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 14 – Grant funding of $47,953 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will help bolster security for two Beaver County nonprofit organizations, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program includes $25,000 to Ambridge-based Greater Miracle Ministries and $22,953 to Adoption Connection, PA. “Nonprofit organizations and houses of worship offer hope and critical support for people facing major life challenges and transitions, but it’s essential that these places provide a secure environment for employees, volunteers, and the community members they serve,” Matzie said. “The new funding from PCCD will help Greater Miracle Ministries and Adoption Connection maintain the safest possible surroundings as they continue their vital work for the community.” The Nonprofit Security Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations – including faith-based institutions, community centers and other facilities – that serve individuals, groups or institutions included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents, as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication. Funding may be used for a wide variety of security resources, including security planning and training, the purchase of safety and security equipment and technology, Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony Wednesday about legislation that would impose more stringent requirements for the acquisition of municipal water and wastewater systems and bring more transparency to that process, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, and several colleagues introduced the bill package to reform Act 12 – which was enacted in 2016 to change the way water and wastewater systems are valued for acquisition – to bring greater scrutiny and openness to these transactions. “Act 12 was originally created to give public utilities incentives to acquire failing or stressed municipal systems that could no longer provide safe, reliable service to customers, Matzie said. “Unfortunately, that’s not how the act is being used. Instead, municipalities and municipal authorities are exercising the provisions to sell healthy, well-operated systems at amounts much higher than their present value. Consumers end up footing the bill for those purchases through hugely inflated rates – without any improvement to services. “Even worse, the sales often happen with little notice to taxpayers or ratepayers, so the public is left in the dark about a pending sale until it’s too late. Our bill package would add needed guiderails to the act so that it Read more
ALIQUIPPA, Dec. 12 – The Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation is receiving $4,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Commissioner state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding is part of a package of nearly $2 million in Cultural and Historical Support grants awarded statewide to Pennsylvania museums and historical societies. “Our local history has plenty of lessons to teach, but it takes time and resources to collect, preserve and display those pieces of our past,” Matzie said. “The new funding will help ensure that our own Beaver County historical society and others throughout the state have the means to continue engaging and inspiring students of all ages.” More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/PHMC-details.aspx?newsid=449 . Read more
ALIQUIPPA, Dec. 1 – State Rep. Rob Matzie joined state and local officials in Aliquippa today as the Department of Community and Economic Development announced city’s official exit from Act 47 financially distressed status after nearly 36 years. Matzie, D-Beaver, called the move the result of a strong partnership driven by faith in the city and confidence in its ability to return to a position of strength and independence. “ Today is the culmination of decades of hard work that brought together local, state and federal officials to partner with Aliquippa’s schools, businesses and – most importantly – people,” Matzie said. “The most important thing to remember is that this isn’t an ending – this is the beginning of a brighter economic future for the people of Aliquippa and proof that when we stand together, we can learn from our past and build a better tomorrow for our entire region with smart investments and state support.” Aliquippa was first designated as a distressed municipality in September 1987. Under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, DCED assists municipalities that are experiencing severe financial difficulties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their citizens. According to DCED, Aliquippa is the 27 th Pennsylvania municipality to emerge from Act 47 status. More about the act is available here: Read more
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