AMBRIDGE, May 25 – A $236,480 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund a project to clear blight and improve the West End Franklin Avenue Gateway, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant to the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation will fund demolition and construction work that will reshape the area by creating new green areas and residential spaces. “Securing this funding will allow the city to purchase and demolish seven to eight properties in the West End Franklin Avenue Gateway, with the land being offered to adjoining property owners for use as side yards or to prospective builders, in accordance with residential property resale guidelines,” Matzie said. “The grant will also fund rehabilitation of the sidewalk along the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Franklin Avenue, including replacement of access ramps and adjacent lawn restoration. “The project is going to give this section of the city a new face while generating jobs, increasing property values, and creating new living spaces that attract new residents. It’s also going to allow the city to build on other recent progress it has made on the path to renewal.” Matzie said the total project cost is $312,564, with the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation providing $24,044 of matching funds. In December, Matzie secured a $1 Read more
HARRISBURG, May 12 – A nonprofit organization in Northern Allegheny County, which provides food and support services to those in need, are among several organizations statewide to receive funding from the Ag and Youth Grant program, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said North Hills Community Outreach was awarded $2,750 to expand the Rosalinda Sauro Sirriani Garden, its community-supported organic garden in Bellevue. “North Hills Community Outreach does so much to help our community and support residents who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Kinkead. “In less than 10 years, the Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden has produced enough produce to serve over a thousand families in need each year, and this grant will allow the NHCO to expand, allowing it to serve more residents in need.” “These funds are greatly appreciated and will enable students to learn at our garden and increase their passion for giving back through volunteerism,” said Tom Baker, NHCO executive director. “The garden is a wonderful place for students to serve. We are fortunate to have a garden coordinator that empowers students in an extremely meaningful way and empowers them to help others.” This grant program, part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, funds projects for ag education and workforce development, equipment purchases and capital projects to Read more
STATE COLLEGE, May 11 – The workers who have been hit hardest by the pandemic need support. The PA House Democratic leadership team is hosting a rally Wednesday to make the case for workers’ rights to a fair wage, hazard pay and paid family and sick leave and how the PA Rescue plan would do just that. The rally will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 at The Borough Building, 243 S. Allen St., State College . The media is encouraged to attend. The PA Rescue Plan includes more than $1.5 billion for job training, hazard pay, wage boosts for direct-care workers and job creation efforts to kickstart the economy in communities across the state. The PRP aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more
Heath Committee hearing on organ donation veers into pseudoscience, unfairly attacks Pitt Read more
Says legislature needs to address health disparities, mental health needs, family support Read more
HARRISBURG, April 21 – The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and the West View Water Authority in Pittsburgh have received a total of $45 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to make needed water quality and sewer infrastructure repairs, including lead line replacement, state Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said $38.5 million in funding will be used by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority to replace 25,000 feet of piping, along with 59 fire hydrants and 592 lead service lines. $6.6 million will be used by the West View Water Authority to replace aged water infrastructure, including lead service lines. “These projects will ensure residents get reliable access to safe water by the removal of lead pipes and also reduce water loss that can come from aged infrastructure,” said Kinkead. “Investments like these will protect our water and sewer systems now and in years to come.” Pennvest provides communities across Pennsylvania with funding for sewer, stormwater and drinking water projects. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.pennvest.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx Read more
On Thursday, April 29th, I hosted an event focused on “The Intersection of Transportation, Labor and the Environment” Read more
Funding to help Baldwin Borough with Elm Leaf Park Phase III Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 -- State Representative Rob Matzie, Democratic Chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, led yesterday’s House Democratic Policy Committee on bridging the digital divide. The hearing is the third in a series this week focused on net neutrality and bridging the gap to improve future outcomes for educators, students, health care access and Pennsylvania businesses. “This hearing was a great cap on the weeks’ discussions on how we can make sure Pennsylvania is digitally connected. The last year has shown us that reliable internet, computers and phone help keep us learning, working, entertained, managing health and in touch with family and friends. I thank Chairman Matzie for leading the discussion and look forward to a public-private partnership that helps close the divide,” said Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee. “Quick, reliable Internet access isn’t a luxury in today’s world – it’s a necessity,” said Matzie. “Those without it face major disadvantages when it comes to competing for jobs, accessing health and education services and connecting to state programs. I’m hosting this hearing because we need to develop solutions to bridge this digital divide now, before it threatens to disenfranchise more Pennsylvanians.” The committee heard testimony from Brian Barno, Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania; Joseph Glinka, government Read more
Click here to learn more about the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation's priorities for the region on public health, the economy, transportation and public education. Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 30 – Schools in the 16 th Legislative District are expected to receive $25.4 million in federal funding to ensure students and staff enjoy a safe and productive return to the classroom, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said schools will be able to use the funding for a broad range of needs, from basic education, transportation and food services to program-based student supports. “Learning is a dynamic process, and a successful return to the classroom will involve more than simply replenishing supplies and resuming regular programs,” Matzie said. “Educators will need to assess student progress and address gaps in learning. Securing this funding will give schools the resources needed to ensure that all students – despite pandemic-related setbacks – are ready to move forward and thrive.” Matzie said the following allocations are expected: Aliquippa School District – $8.1 million. Ambridge Area School District – $4.6 million. Baden Academy Charter School – $1.8 million. Central Valley School District – $2.4 million. Freedom Area School District – $2.2 million. Hopewell Area School District – $2.1 million. Quaker Valley School District – $1.4 Read more
Registration now open for event, the largest of its kind in western PA Read more
HARRISBURG, March 24 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead has introduced legislation that would effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Pennsylvania to zero. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said her bill, which would be known as the Energy Transition Recovery Act , would direct funds from the sale of carbon allowances sold at auction through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to methods designed to curb those emissions by 2050. Pennsylvania is expected to become a member of RGGI by 2022. “Earlier this week, the governor announced the Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy, part of the GreenGov initiative, which I fully support, and my legislation fits in with that effort by making a significant impact in lowering carbon dioxide emissions,” said Kinkead. “My colleagues and I took an oath to protect and uphold the state Constitution, which includes the right to clean air and water. It’s imperative we move forward and do all we can to protect our future children and grandchildren, and we can do so right now.” Kinkead’s legislation is currently under consideration in the House Environmental Energy and Resources Committee. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 22 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement on Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement on the Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy, part of the GreenGov initiative: “I fully support and applaud the Wolf administration’s efforts, which will positively impact our state and move us further away from a fossil fuel-based economy. “Nearly two years ago, an executive order was introduced that paved the way for our state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The fact that we have not moved closer to joining RGGI is beyond frustrating, especially when you consider that in July of last year, our nation tied with July 2016 as the second hottest month on record. Our polar caps are continuing to melt, sea levels and temperatures rise, and forest areas in the Amazon and across our world continue to burn. “It’s imperative we do more to combat climate change, and today’s announcement will make a significant impact. PULSE will launch the largest solar energy commitment by any government entity in our country. It will supply about half the energy used by state government, creating hundreds of jobs and making a huge impact in lowering carbon dioxide emissions. This effort closely aligns with my bill, H.B. 989 , to be known as the Energy Transition Recovery Act, which would direct funds from the sale of carbon allowances sold at Read more
Susan’s and Emily’s Law would allow municipalities to create protected bicycle lanes Read more
HARRISBURG, March 15 – Financial assistance is now available to help Allegheny County residents struggling to pay rent or utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a program that is partially funded by legislation members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation helped to pass. The Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance program has a total of $79.9 million to distribute to eligible county residents. Of that funding, $43 million came from Act 1 of 2021, which Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law last month. Eligibility requirements for the program include: having at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income or suffered financially due to COVID-19. being at risk of experiencing homelessness. having a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County. ACDD Chairman state Rep. Austin Davis, as well as state Reps. Jessica Benham, Dan Deasy, Tony DeLuca, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, Summer Lee, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Dan Miller, Nick Pisciottano and Jake Wheatley, issued the following statement: “People living in Allegheny County have been struggling for over a year during this pandemic. This program has been a long time coming and helps provide direct relief to those who’ve been scrambling to pay their rent and bills during this Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 10 – As more community organizations begin plans to reopen, a $12,000 state grant to Beth Samuel Jewish Center in Ambridge will help Beaver County’s oldest operating synagogue meet security needs, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant, awarded under the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program to protect potential hate-crime targets, will ensure that when the congregation – which suspended activities during the pandemic – decides to welcome back families, it will be able to provide the safest possible environment. "We need to ensure that the folks returning are safe from security risks," Matzie said. “The funding will help ensure those protections are in place.” In addition to the funding to Beth Samuel, Matzie said 29 organizations in Allegheny County were awarded grants totaling approximately $1.53 million. He said organizations may use the funding for a broad range of resources, including safety and security planning and training, threat assessments, security upgrades, and the purchase of metal detectors, electronic locksets, surveillance equipment and other technology. The grants are part of a larger package of more than $5 million awarded under the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program , which provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving people or groups the FBI has identified as Read more
Grants stem from legislation lawmakers championed in 2019 Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – In an effort to help more residents reduce their prescription drug costs, state Reps. Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski have introduced legislation that would direct the Pennsylvania Department of Health to study the potential savings of importing less expensive medicines from Canada. Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Pashinski, D-Luzerne, said H.B. 833 would also design a potential prescription drug importation program in Pennsylvania when the study demonstrates significant cost savings for consumers. “Pharmaceutical companies claim the costs are driven by market forces and due to the high cost of research and development of new medicines, but those and other arguments they pose lack validity,” said Kinkead. “Drug companies want to enjoy a monopoly to discourage competition, to the detriment of our consumers here in Pennsylvania, including many who rely on life-saving medications and are forced to ration or forego medications they simply cannot afford. That’s reprehensible, and we already know of other states already implementing such programs. It’s time we do the same.” "The increasing cost of prescription drugs is driving up health care expenses, which is driving up every Pennsylvanian's cost of living," Pashinski said. "This legislation makes sure Pennsylvania is developing a long-term solution to this problem. We can potentially save the state and consumers millions of dollars by Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 3 – A state grant of nearly $5,000 will help preserve and promote the area’s rich oral history by funding a project to transcribe and digitize documents from the Baden Archives and the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Historical Society, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden is exciting because it will allow the archived information to be placed on the Historic Pittsburgh website for easier access by the public and researchers. “Some of the richest, most detailed accounts of our history begin life as stories and anecdotes,” said Matzie, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Those accounts can evaporate over time if they are not transcribed and preserved. Securing funding for this project will help safeguard unique, irreplaceable documents and convert them to a modern format that is more accessible for curious residents, historians, students and future generations.” Matzie said the grant is part of a package of nearly $200,000 in Historical and Archival Records Care Grants the commission awarded to 31 projects throughout the state for the care and preservation of archival records. More information about HARC grants is available here. Read more
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