Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis

Rep. Robert F. Matzie    February 4, 2026 | 2:51 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted two resolutions introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie to highlight the importance of government transparency and the unique history of the commonwealth’s government, and a third resolution to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.

Matzie’s H.R. 398 designates March 15-21 as “Sunshine Week” in Pennsylvania to promote dialogue about the importance of open government and public access to government documents and meetings.

“The framers added freedom of speech and freedom of the press to the U.S. Constitution to ensure people have the power to openly question and challenge government actions and decisions and hold government accountable when it acts irresponsibly,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “People lose that power when actions and decisions are made behind closed doors.

“Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act and Right to Know Law ensure that those decisions are made in the light of day and that citizens and the press have access to the meetings and documents that reveal critical information, including where tax dollars are being spent and what interests are being considered when decisions are made. In the digital age, with AI deepfakes and disinformation being used more and more to manipulate and distort the truth, that transparency has never been more important.”

Matzie introduced H.R. 409, designating March 8, 2026 as “Charter Day” in Pennsylvania, to mark the anniversary of the commonwealth’s 345th birthday and to celebrate the significance of the charter that serves as its birth certificate.

“The resolution recognizes the 1681 charter that granted land to William Penn, who would go on to establish the ‘Frame of Government’ and its democratic principles that endure today,” Matzie said.

Finally, the House adopted Matzie’s H.R. 392, designating March 8-14, 2026, as “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania, to encourage people to learn more about the disabling central nervous system disease that affects close to 1 million Americans.

“Although we still don’t have a cure for MS, early diagnosis can delay the progression,” Matzie said, “so it's important for people to understand the symptoms.”

Matzie said that those symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include vision problems; numbness or tingling; fatigue; dizziness or problems with walking or balance; stiffness or spasms; tremor; pain; bladder or bowel problems; and problems with memory and thinking.

All three resolutions were adopted with overwhelming bipartisan support.