AMBRIDGE, May 21 – Area food banks will receive more than $1.4 million in state grants to help them meet the increased demand and greater food insecurity created by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. “Our local food banks have always been important in helping residents combat food insecurity, but with the onset of this pandemic, their services are more critical than ever – and they are being called on to reach a much larger number of residents,” Matzie said. “Thanks to this funding, these important providers will be able to purchase the additional equipment and vehicles they need to meet this increasing demand safely and efficiently.” Some of the grants include – $200,000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. $145,027 to Beaver Falls Youth Network d/b/a Tiger Pause Youth Ministry. $133,416 to Faith Restorations. $53,341 to Adagio Health Inc. The grants are administered by the Department of Environmental Protection and are part of a $9.6 million package awarded to 145 food projects throughout the state. Providers may use the funding to purchase equipment such as refrigerated or non-refrigerated trucks, industrial refrigerators and pallet jacks. More information on the grants is available here. Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 21 – Federal funding of $450,100 under the CARES Act will help support Beaver County child care providers as they prepare to reopen their doors, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said that as Beaver County reopens, it’s important to ensure that these businesses are up and running, with proper protections in place. “As Beaver County businesses begin opening their doors, parents will once again turn to trusted child care providers protect and nurture their kids. But these providers – like other businesses forced to close during the pandemic – have felt the impact of the shutdown profoundly. “Now, as they begin reopening, they face the added challenge of ensuring that the proper safety protocols are in place to protect our kids. This funding is going help ensure that they have the staff, training, equipment and other resources they need to get back up and running while continuing to provide safe havens for our kids.” The funding is part of an initial $51 million round of funding that will go to nearly 7,000 child care centers statewide preparing to reopen In all, Pennsylvania will receive a total of $106 million in funding to support child care providers. The second round of funding will be allocated after completion of a study assessing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Pennsylvania’s child care providers. Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 15 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement today that Beaver County will move to the “yellow,” open phase of the state’s reopen plan on May 22. “I’m pleased the governor responded to our requests. The people in our county did their part, and ultimately, the data showed that we were ready for the next phase in safely re-opening our county. “These are unprecedented times. There is no foolproof instruction manual on how to deal with a global pandemic. It is inevitable that some governmental decisions may not work out as intended or be well received. “This announcement, along with the recent action taken by the Department of Health at Brighton Rehab and in long-term care facilities statewide, although long overdue, shows that the administration is listening. “I’m well aware that this phase does not send everyone back to work or reopen every business. But it’s a safe first step back towards life as we knew it.” Read more
HARRISBURG, May 6 – Noting the sudden and unexpected loss of income incurred by Pennsylvania residents and small business owners due to COVID-19, state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, has introduced a resolution urging the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to put a freeze on all requests for utility rate increases through 2020. “Residents are experiencing financial hardships, unemployment rates are through the roof, and the public and state assistance offered to families and small businesses is but a small drop in a bucket to address the of loss of income and financial insecurity because of COVID-19,” Deasy said. “You’d think during a time like this, we’d see more compassion, but unfortunately that’s not the case, especially with utility companies. Rate increases are the last thing our struggling residents and businesses should have to worry about, which is why this resolution is so crucial during this global health crisis,” Deasy said. Aside from the increase proposals, Deasy said he was even more disappointed in the scale of which some companies were trying to raise their rates, with at least one company seeking a 24% rate increase. Deasy is the second western House Democrat in recent weeks to call on the PUC to investigate or freeze rate increase proposals received from utility companies. State Rep. Austin Davis, also D-Allegheny, called on the PUC last week to investigate a rate increase proposal Read more
Legislation will urge reinvestment in health care capabilities to address COVID-19 threat Read more
Lawmaker urges Wolf to defend families’ rights from cynical attacks Read more
HARRISBURG, March 24 – Hoping to relieve the economic strain placed on all non-life sustaining businesses forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would extend the date by which businesses would have to remit sales tax. “We’re in a situation that has called for unfortunate yet necessary measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19,” Kulik said. “Businesses have taken a hit as a result and are forced to deal with a sudden loss of income. This legislation would help them retain a source of income they’d otherwise miss out on due to COVID-19.” Kulik said the legislation would give businesses an extra 45 days to remit their sales taxes to the state Department of Revenue, ensuring they have time to remit their sales tax while still requiring their payments during the current fiscal year. This legislation is expected to be considered by House members in the near future. Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement today in response to news that Energy Harbor Corp. is rescinding deactivation notices for the Beaver Valley Power Station – a move that will allow the plant to continue operating. “Obviously, this is great news,” Matzie said. “I’ve been at the forefront of the effort to keep Beaver Valley open, and I couldn’t be happier for the employees. “In addition to fighting for Beaver Valley, I’ve worked closely with my colleagues to find solutions to the challenges facing our commonwealth’s largest clean energy source. As the co-chair of the Nuclear Caucus and Democratic chair of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, it’s fantastic to see those efforts bear fruit. “But, to be clear, this isn’t a win for me – it’s a win for Beaver County and the workers and communities that I represent.” Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, has announced that his Ambridge district office, located at 1240 Merchant St., and his satellite office in Aliquippa, located at the Franklin Center of Beaver County, 524 Franklin Ave., will close to the public temporarily as a safety measure as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response effort. “Although closing our offices to the public during business hours is something we never like to do, we’re taking this step in the interest of public safety,” Matzie said. “We’ve chosen to do so in an abundance of caution to minimize the risk of exposure to residents and to follow recommendations by the governor and state health authorities.” Matzie added that the staff will remain available by calling (724) 266-7774 or emailing RepMatzie@pahouse.net . Read more
HARRISBURG, March 13 – State Rep. Dan Miller, chairman of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation, and fellow ACHDD members on Friday asked Gov. Tom Wolf to place a moratorium on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission from further shutoffs for the foreseeable future for all Pennsylvanians in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The delegation’s call to action comes by way of support for the initial request issued early Thursday by members of the Philadelphia leadership team in the state House. Miller, as well as state Reps. Austin Davis, Dan Deasy, Tony DeLuca, House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Bill Kortz, Anita Kulik, Summer Lee, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Adam Ravenstahl, Harry Readshaw and Jake Wheatley issued the following statement: “As we speak, we’re faced with an emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic, that many have never dealt with before here in Pennsylvania. Aside from the fear and anxiety this may be causing many state residents, we as lawmakers need to be sure we’re doing everything possible to make what could be a dire situation less extreme for those living with life-threatening illnesses or in low-income situations. One way we can do that is by ensuring that all residents have access to their electric utilities, especially those who rely on their electric to power their medical equipment. “Losing electricity would Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – Responding to the need for broadband internet access as Pennsylvania schools transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, and Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, are calling on internet providers statewide to temporarily remove data caps on home broadband internet and wireless internet service. In a letter to telecom providers throughout the state , the lawmakers are urging the companies to suspend data caps and overage fees, citing the need to minimize the pandemic’s impact on students and their families. “As lawmakers, our No. 1 priority is always the safety and health of residents,” Matzie said. “But in challenging times, when circumstances force prolonged changes to our daily routine, it’s also important to ensure that residents continue receiving the benefit of essential services. That’s especially true when it comes to services like education. “With internet learning becoming a reality as we take measures to ensure safety during the pandemic, it’s essential that all families – regardless of household budget – have uninterrupted access to internet, without having to worry about the cost of overages. Continuing access to education should never depend on a family’s ability to afford an internet bill.” Neilson agreed, noting, “We are urging Pennsylvanians to do what is in the Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 12 – Two grants totaling $590,375 from the Department of Labor and Industry will expand apprenticeships for area workers and help ensure those opportunities are available for diverse and disadvantaged communities, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The funding is part of the PAsmart Registered Apprenticeship Grants, which are designed to increase opportunities for workers to earn a paycheck while learning through on-the-job training. “Internships provide the best of both worlds: classroom learning for basic concepts and procedures, combined with workplace-based experience that provides hands-on training,” Matzie said. “Our area workforce development boards have been making a concerted effort to broaden these valuable ‘learn while you earn’ opportunities and ensure they are available to a diverse range of workers. A focus on building diversity ensures that job seekers from all socioeconomic backgrounds have the same opportunities and strengthens Pennsylvania’s workforce.” Matzie said the grants include the following: $400,000 to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities and build diversity within the construction and building trades. $190,375 to Catalyst Connection, which serves Beaver, Allegheny and other counties, to add 15 apprentices to the industrial manufacturing technician Read more
HARRISBURG, March 12 – With the possibility of schools and businesses having to shutter their doors due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, state Rep. Dan Miller is calling for the passage of H.B. 1739. The bipartisan legislation, also known as the Family Care Act, is a crucial bill that would provide a critical benefit to families forced to stay home during times of sickness or unexpected emergencies, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, Miller said. “This pandemic emphasizes why we need the Family Care Act. The majority of Pennsylvania workers do not have paid leave, and if businesses and schools are closed, many may struggle to pay the bills.” Miller said. “Obviously we hope that this current situation does not lead to such drastic closures statewide, but it might. And the reality is that there is no guarantee that this virus or one similar doesn’t continue to plague us for years. We need to offer greater security to our workers and families now.” Miller, who is a prime co-sponsor of H.B. 1739 , said the measure would establish a statewide Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, which would call for all working individuals to make a small payroll contribution to support the initiative. Miller said by doing so, eligible employees would be able to care for themselves in the event of a serious health condition, care for a close family member with a serious health condition, or care for an aging parent or Read more
HARRISBURG, March 11 – Two synagogues and a church in the 42 nd Legislative District were awarded a combined total of $236,436 in state funding to use toward security and safety at their facilities, announced state Rep. Dan Miller. Miller, D-Allegheny, said the three entities were awarded the funds by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency at its quarterly commission meeting today. Beth El Congregation/United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism received $90,000; Temple Emanuel of South Hills was awarded $74,800; and Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church received $71,636. “I am very pleased to announce these safety grants for these venerable institutions, which make up a big part of our community fabric. While it is unfortunate that these grants are necessary at all, we cannot ignore the times we live in and the challenges we face. There are no more welcoming spaces in our districts than our places of worship, and we must work together to keep it that way.” Miller said the grants are provided through PCCD’s Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the passage of Act 83 of 2019 . The act directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations who have been or who are likely to be targets for hate crimes. Priority consideration for funding was given to organizations that indicated they – or their membership – were victims of a hate crime or had a credible hate-crime threat. Read more
This program was the joint effort of Senator Costa and Rep. Frankel following meetings with community and faith leaders following the tragic violence in Squirrel Hill in October of 2018. Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 5 – A $103,040 grant from the Department of Labor and Industry will expand summer internship opportunities for area students and young job seekers, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. The funding to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board, awarded under the State/Local Internship Program, will provide area summer internships paying a minimum of $10.35 an hour for students and young adults between 16 and 24. “Internships are some of the most valuable training tools available because they introduce students and young adults to the modern workplace in a way that provides real-world, hands-on experience,” Matzie said. “And the benefits run both ways because internships also help strengthen the available pool of talented job applicants for area employers.” The funding is part of a $4.7 million package of grants to 21 Local Workforce Development Boards statewide to create nearly 1,500 summer internships. The SLIP program is fully funded through federal money available under the Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act. More information about the grants is available through the Department of Labor and Industry’s website at www.dli.pa.gov . EDITORS/ASSIGNMENT DESKS: An audio clip of Rep. Matzie discussing the grant is available here , and a photo of Matzie is available here . Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 4 – A $4,000 state grant to the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation will help an important area group continue working to preserve Beaver County’s past, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, who serves on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, said the commission’s grant will provide critical operating resources for the foundation. “Groups like the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation play a key role in safeguarding the documents, artifacts and historical buildings that inspire us and remind us of the ingenuity and talent of past generations,” Matzie said. “But the foundation does so much more. Through displays and community events, they also chronicle our past in a way that explains how our area’s unique history unfolded and evolved. “Securing this funding ensures that the foundation can continue keeping history alive for residents and future generations.” Matzie noted that the grants are part of a package awarded to applicants under the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program, which is administered by PHMC. The grant program is designed to provide general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and county historical societies that are not directly supported by other state agency operating support programs. In January, the House unanimously passed Read more
Local grants to support operations of historical organizations Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – A combined total of $215,000 in school safety grants were awarded to six school districts in the 45 th Legislative District, announced state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny. Kulik said the funding can be used for an assortment of safety-related initiatives, including the purchase of security equipment and funding the salaries of security resource officers. “Schools are a place where students should prosper, personally and academically,” Kulik said. “Unfortunately, we live in a time where we must worry about sending our kids to school, which is why securing funding of this magnitude is crucial to school districts in our community and across the commonwealth. This will go a long way in ensuring our kids and teachers alike remain safe during school hours.” Kulik said the funding includes the following: $35,000 to Carlynton School District for security planning and purchase of security-related technology; institution of student, staff and visitor identification systems; and provisions of specialized staff and student training programs. $40,000 to Chartiers Valley School District for school-wide positive behavior support; security planning and purchasing of security-related equipment; and costs associated with the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers. $30,000 to Cornell School District for Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – A total of $606,508 in state funding was awarded to four school districts in the 25 th Legislative District for the implementation of school safety initiatives, announced state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny. Markosek said the districts will use the grant money to fund the purchase of security cameras, radios, metal detectors and automated external defibrillators. The awards are as follows: East Allegheny School District, $481,508. Gateway School District, $40,000. Plum Borough School District, $40,000. Woodland Hills School District, $45,000. “These school districts have always put their students and teachers first, especially in regard to safety,” Markosek said. “This funding will go a long way in helping our schools accomplish the goal of ensuring student and teacher safety at all costs.” The funds will be provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee. This committee is the result of Act 44 of 2018 , and is responsible for establishing the standards schools must meet when performing school safety and security assessments. Read more
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