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Matzie, Marshall to introduce legislation strengthening PA rail safety

(Mar 22, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

"Our area is one of the most heavily traveled in the country for rail traffic, which means that safety problems create a very real and immediate threat for residents right in our own backyards,” Matzie said. “As the recent East Palestine derailment made clear, we can’t rely on federal safety standards to protect us." Read more

 

Matzie: More than $4 million secured for Beaver County infrastructure projects

(Mar 16, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

“These dollars are funding projects that keep our water clean, our sanitary sewer systems functioning and our buildings safe,” Matzie said. Read more

 

Matzie Questions Rail Safety Measures in Pa.

(Mar 16, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

In a joint hearing of the House Democratic and Republican Policy Committees, Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie questions what he and his colleagues at the state level can do to ensure better outcomes when faced with incidents like the train derailment in East Palestine, Oh. Read more

 

Bipartisan Policy Committee gathers info on derailment response

(Mar 14, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

“I think the key ingredient today for us was to learn,” said Rob Matzie, the Majority Policy Committee host. “We have been talking about what we can do relative to rail safety. There are a lot of questions, and we will explore each and every option as we continue this dialogue and pursue every option.” Read more

 

Matzie: Beaver Valley Power Station purchaser is 'good corporate citizen’

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, March 9 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement today in response to news that Texas energy company Vistra Corp. will acquire the Beaver Valley Power Station nuclear power plant: “Vistra Corp. has a strong track record of success and a demonstrated commitment to Pennsylvania. They have been a good corporate citizen, not just in Beaver County but across our commonwealth. “I look forward to working with them to ensure the continued safe and successful operation of Beaver Valley Power Station for our county and our region.” Read more

 

Matzie: Governor’s budget plan ‘a good first step’

(Mar 08, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address Tuesday: “As always, the governor’s budget proposal acts as a framework to be debated and negotiated in the coming months. But, in my judgment, it’s a solid foundation with several key areas that I support. “This budget calls for no new taxes, cuts business taxes and eliminates the cell phone tax. It expands eligibility and increases rebate amounts for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. It contains significant funding opportunities and increases for police, fire and EMS. It implements a new tax credit for those who want to become cops, nurses and teaches, and would also raise the state’s minimum wage. “Perhaps most importantly, there are education increases across the board, from pre-K through higher ed, that would bring tens of millions of additional dollars to Beaver County schools. All while keeping $5 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. “I was further encouraged to hear the governor highlight his support for bringing a hydrogen hub to Southwest PA and reaffirm his commitment to assisting those affected by – and holding Norfolk Southern accountable for – the recent train derailment. “Again, this is just the first step in what may be a long process, but Read more

 

Matzie appointed Majority Chairman of House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee

(Mar 08, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that he has been appointed majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he is looking forward to continued leadership as the majority chairman and the role he can play in developing and promoting bills to better protect the state’s consumers. “I appreciate the confidence House leadership has shown in me by appointing me to lead the committee for the next two years,” Matzie said. “Whether protecting consumers, overseeing broadband deployment, keeping tabs on new technologies or monitoring energy generation, our committee’s purview touches on many aspects of daily life in all corners of our state. I’m ready to work.” Formerly known as the House Consumer Affairs Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee has jurisdiction over the Public Utilities Commission and reviews bills related to a broad range of consumer matters, including, but not limited to, consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and other technology-related issues. Read more

 

Matzie: More than $50,000 secured for school food service equipment

(Feb 22, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 22 – New grant funding of $50,177 to the Aliquippa School District will help cafeteria staff prepare and store school meals more efficiently, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding includes $35,225 to Aliquippa Elementary School for the purchase of a tilting kettle and $14,952 to Aliquippa Junior Senior High School for a blast chiller freezer. “Quick, safe food production and storage help busy school cafeteria staff and ensure smooth delivery of meals to kids,” Matzie said. “The new tilting kettle – which increases cooking capacity and improves distribution – and the blast chiller freezer – which allows safe storage of pre-prepared foods – will accomplish those things.” The funding, which is administered by the state Department of Education, is part of a package of competitive grants awarded to 130 education agencies statewide. The grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is 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 full list of schools receiving grants can be found on the PDE website at: https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/Food-Nutrition/programs/Pages/2022FSEAGrantAwards.aspx . Read more

 

Matzie announces $377,000 for school safety

(Feb 10, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 10 – Five state grants totaling more than $377,000 have been awarded to local schools through the competitive Safe Schools Targeted Grant program , state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. “It’s imperative that students, teachers and staff feel secure in our schools,” said Matzie. “This funding will help everyone involved in our schools to feel safer and allow our students to focus more on learning.” Matzie highlighted the following grants awarded to schools in the 16th Legislative District: $37,225 to Ambridge Area SD for safety equipment. $75,000 to Ambridge Area SD for a school resource officer. $74,930 to Central Valley SD for a school resource officer. $75,000 to Freedom Area SD for a school resource officer. $75,000 to Rochester Area SD for a school police officer. A complete list of all schools approved statewide for safety grants can be found here . Read more

 

Matzie secures nearly $180,000 for Beaver County fire departments

(Feb 06, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 6 – New grant funding of $178,300 will help fire companies in the 16 th Legislative District replenish resources and meet operating expenses, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said 12 fire companies will receive funding under the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Fire and EMT companies are still feeling the impact of the pandemic as they struggle to deal with rising equipment costs and other operational expenses on extremely tight budgets,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help departments replace worn-out equipment, train crews, make needed building repairs and keep operations running.” Matzie said the following grants were awarded: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $13,335. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,563. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,000. Center Township Fire House No. 2 – Fire Company, $13,335. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department Co. No. 1 – Fire Company, $13,826. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 – Fire Company, $12,598. City of Aliquippa DBA Aliquippa Bureau of Fire – Fire Company, $14,563. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,317. Freedom Volunteer Fire Department -- Fire Company, Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $2.4 million secured for violence prevention, survivor supports

(Jan 13, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 13 – Two state grants totaling nearly $2.4 million will bolster Beaver County anti-violence programs and strengthen resources for survivors, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency includes $1.5 million to the Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc. in Monaca to support the center’s P4:247 CommUNITY program. “It’s a unique program that uses strength and fitness training as a way to empower Beaver and Allegheny County youth and families victimized by violence and help them channel their anger, develop self-control and build back self-esteem,” Matzie said. “The program also provides education and work readiness training.” A second grant of $887,767 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County will support both survivor support services and violence-prevention programs for at-risk youth. “The Women’s Center of Beaver County runs powerful anti-violence and trauma support programs, and a key part of those efforts involves tapping the skills of professionals in multiple fields, from criminal justice to human services to medical and counseling,” Matzie said. “Securing this new funding will ensure the center has the resources it needs to continue those connections and expand services for our community.” The funding comes from PCCD’s Violence Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 secured to boost veteran employment

(Jan 12, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 12 – Two organizations serving Beaver County veterans have been awarded nearly $400,000 to strengthen job training and career opportunities for those who have served, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. “Veterans often leave the military with experience and skills that can be valuable to civilian employers, but the transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, and veterans can face obstacles to finding good jobs,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help them strengthen existing skills and gain new, specialized ones to smooth their path to employment.” Matzie said the funding includes: $200,000 to the Veterans Leadership Program, for a project to train Beaver, Fayette and Clearfield county veterans in marketable job skills, help them obtain certificates, connect them with employers and provide financial assistance with employment-related expenses. $199,979 to NuPaths for a project to train 24 veterans living in Beaver County and several other counties for entry-level software testing analyst and project analyst jobs by providing technical skills training, industry certifications and the job search and readiness skills needed to begin an apprenticeship or full-time IT job. More information about the grants, which are administered by the state Department of Labor and Industry, is available here: Read more

 

Matzie: $50,000 secured for Beaver County nonprofit Crop and Kettle

(Jan 10, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 10 – New funding of $50,000 approved for the Beaver County-based Crop and Kettle will allow the nonprofit to expand resources for urban agriculture training, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding awarded under the 2022-23 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Grant program can help provide residents a path to productive jobs. “Beyond fighting food insecurity, urban agriculture can open doors to jobs,” Matzie said. “The funding awarded today will expand resources for Crop and Kettle so this community nonprofit organization can continue providing the training and social development skills that help residents overcome employment barriers.” More information on the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1290 . Read more

 

Matzie: $25,000 secured for Beaver County Career and Technology Center

(Dec 21, 2022) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 21 – A $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will fund new resources for The Beaver County Career and Technology Center, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the Career and Technical Education Equipment grant will help ensure Beaver County CTC graduates are ready to compete in the modern workplace. “Maintaining state-of-the-art equipment is essential for preparing career and tech students to hit the ground running,” Matzie said. “The new funding will ensure Beaver County CTC has the resources needed to train students in cutting-edge techniques so they can step into family sustaining jobs. It will also help ensure regional businesses have the well-trained workforce they need to stay competitive.” More on Career and Technical Education grants is available here: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Career%20and%20Technical%20Education/Grants/Pages/default.aspx . Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 secured for Beaver County improvement projects

(Dec 20, 2022) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 20 – Nearly $200,000 in new funding from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will fund streetscape improvements for the city of Aliquippa and storefront renovations in Monaca, among other improvements, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the grants awarded under the Keystone Communities Program include $100,000 to the Aliquippa Economic Development Corp. for the Clean and Safe Franklin Avenue project and $45,000 to the Monaca Community Development Corp. for the Façade Grant Program. “The new funding will bring fresh changes to the Aliquippa and Monaca downtown areas,” Matzie said. “The grant to Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation will fund streetscape improvements to the Franklin Avenue corridor, supporting the city’s efforts to make real substantive change to the downtown’s appearance.” “Likewise, the funding to the Monaca Community Development Corporation will support work to restore building facades in the downtown area, which will draw more pedestrian traffic and boost area stores.” Matzie said that in addition to the Aliquippa and Monaca funding in his district, the Beaver Falls Community Development Corp. was awarded $43,500 to renovate a home through the Jubilee Housing Project. Keystone community grants are administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development Read more

 

Matzie: Franklin Center awarded $25,000 to boost security

(Dec 15, 2022) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 15 – New funding of $25,000 will allow The Franklin Center of Beaver County to bolster security, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding to the Aliquippa facility was administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. “The Franklin Center is a place of hope for our community, where folks in need can find essential resources and opportunities,” Matzie said. “It’s essential that staff who work there and the residents they serve feel secure. This new funding will provide the additional resources to make that happen.” Matzie said grants under the program may be used for a wide range of resources, including safety planning, training, and threat assessments; equipment and technology such as metal detectors, theft-control devices, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, emergency communications equipment, and other facility upgrades; and specially trained canines. The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund provides funding to nonprofits that principally serve people, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication. The categories include race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity. Read more

 

Matzie: More than $3 million secured to strengthen Beaver County law enforcement, records management, victim services

(Dec 14, 2022) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 14 – More than $3.1 million in new grants will allow Beaver County to upgrade law enforcement recordkeeping and computer systems, provide additional resources for crimefighting and support victims, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will lead to greater efficiency and swifter justice for crime victims. “Securing this funding is going to put tougher crimefighting tools into the hands of Beaver County police and bolster county resources for investigating, tracking, and prosecuting crimes and supporting victims,” Matzie said. “Part of the funding will be used to upgrade records management and computer systems for law enforcement countywide, which will make those systems more efficient. The end result is speedier justice, safer communities and greater peace of mind for residents. Matzie said the funding to the 16th Legislative District includes: • More than $2.6 million to Beaver County Commissioners to upgrade the records management system and computer equipment for 22 participating law enforcement agencies in Beavery County. • $291,000 to Beaver County Commissions to ensure crime victims whose cases are prosecuted within the criminal and juvenile courts receive proper protections. • $88,014 to Rochester Township Police for technology upgrades. • $47,000 to A Child’s Place at Beaver to Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $435,000 in new funding secured for Hopewell, Aliquippa projects

(Nov 19, 2022) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 19 – Major infrastructure and housing projects in Hopewell and Aliquippa are getting new infusions of funding, thanks to additional grants totaling $434,350 from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding includes an additional $250,000 to G&B Development Hopewell LLC for major public improvements to the Hopewell Business Park (bringing total funding for the project to $2 million this year) and an additional $184,350 to the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority for The Bricks affordable housing project (bringing total project funding to $934,350 this year). “Securing additional funds for The Bricks Project maintains my commitment to the city of Aliquippa and Mayor Dwan Walker to partner on projects important to their community,” Matzie said. “The Hopewell Business Park has been a workplace destination since its construction decades ago, and this project will allow the business park to grow to meet the demands of the airport corridor.” The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is administered by the Office of the Budget for acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. Read more

 

Matzie: Monaca project awarded $1.2 million state tax credit

(Nov 10, 2022) Rep. Robert Matzie

Financing will help construction of 39-unit housing building Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $420,000 in tax credits awarded for Beaver County projects

(Nov 03, 2022) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, NOV. 3 – Nearly $420,000 in tax credits awarded under the state Neighborhood Assistance Program will leverage investments in Beaver County projects to continue revitalizing Downtown Aliquippa and boost digital literacy for job seekers, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding includes a $400,000 tax credit for the Aliquippa Economic Development Corp. for pedestrian improvements to Franklin Avenue. “I pushed hard to secure this funding to continue our momentum in Downtown Aliquippa,” Matzie said. “Partnering with Mayor Dwan Walker and Aliquippa leaders to create safe, inviting spaces to downtown is an essential part of those efforts. The new funding will allow Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation to move forward with work on Franklin Avenue to upgrade sidewalks and lighting and add crossing lights and related street improvements.” Matzie said a second tax credit of nearly $20,000 will bolster the work of Literacy Pittsburgh, a Monaca organization that helps students transition to jobs. “The new funding is going to support Literacy Pittsburgh’s efforts to help job seekers in underserved areas develop digital literacy skills, so they have a better shot at finding work,” Matzie said. “It’s a practical program designed to help folks achieve real-world success.” The state’s NAP encourages private sector Read more

 

Matzie, Marshall to introduce legislation strengthening PA rail safety
Mar 22, 2023

Matzie: More than $4 million secured for Beaver County infrastructure projects
Mar 16, 2023

Matzie Questions Rail Safety Measures in Pa.
Mar 16, 2023

Bipartisan Policy Committee gathers info on derailment response
Mar 14, 2023

Matzie: Beaver Valley Power Station purchaser is 'good corporate citizen’
Mar 09, 2023

Matzie: Governor’s budget plan ‘a good first step’
Mar 08, 2023

Matzie appointed Majority Chairman of House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee
Mar 08, 2023

Matzie: More than $50,000 secured for school food service equipment
Feb 22, 2023

Matzie announces $377,000 for school safety
Feb 10, 2023

Matzie secures nearly $180,000 for Beaver County fire departments
Feb 06, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $2.4 million secured for violence prevention, survivor supports
Jan 13, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 secured to boost veteran employment
Jan 12, 2023

Matzie: $50,000 secured for Beaver County nonprofit Crop and Kettle
Jan 10, 2023

Matzie: $25,000 secured for Beaver County Career and Technology Center
Dec 21, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $200,000 secured for Beaver County improvement projects
Dec 20, 2022

Matzie: Franklin Center awarded $25,000 to boost security
Dec 15, 2022

Matzie: More than $3 million secured to strengthen Beaver County law enforcement, records management, victim services
Dec 14, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $435,000 in new funding secured for Hopewell, Aliquippa projects
Nov 19, 2022

Matzie: Monaca project awarded $1.2 million state tax credit
Nov 10, 2022

Matzie: Nearly $420,000 in tax credits awarded for Beaver County projects
Nov 03, 2022