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AMBRIDGE, Sept. 22 – In an effort to ensure the health and safety of Pennsylvania residents and their communities, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, introduced two bills today that would strengthen protections for basic infrastructure and homeowners. House Bill 2366 would prohibit the drilling of unconventional gas wells within 4,000 feet of any existing dam or reservoir, such as the Ambridge Reservoir. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the drilling of unconventional gas wells within 2,000 horizontal-feet of any existing water well, surface water intake or water supply extraction point used by a water purveyor without the written consent of the water purveyor. As a result of a study on the structural integrity of Texas’ Joe Pool Dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that the 20-year-old standard of a 3,000-foot exclusion zone surrounding the dam isn't sufficient and should be increased to 4,000 feet to ensure the safety of the dam, the lake, and the health and safety of local residents. Matzie said his legislation would take that recommendation and codify it into Pennsylvania law. "The safety of our water and our infrastructure is of the utmost importance. I am grateful for the expert analysis of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as it will help us ensure that the proper protections are in place so no unintended harm comes to our citizens or our communities," Matzie said. "If longer setbacks are good enough for Texas, they should be good enough for Read more
Dear neighbors, It has been over a year since I reached out to you with a newsletter. While it has always been my goal to keep you up to date about what is going on in Harrisburg and around the district, I did not think it was right to spend those funds during the budget impasse of last year. However, much has happened recently and I wanted to ensure you were updated with that information. As you may already know, the biggest news for the region is Shell Oil’s recent determination that it will build an ethane cracker plant in Potter Township. I have long supported this proposed plant, both locally and in Harrisburg. I was the lead Democrat in the House spearheading legislation to attract this facility to the region, and I reached across the aisle and worked with labor and the business community to gain passage of legislation key to Shell selecting Beaver County for construction. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today that he intends to introduce legislation that would strengthen protections surrounding unconventional gas wells and their proximity to dams and reservoirs. Matzie’s proposal would prohibit the drilling of unconventional gas wells within 4,000 feet of any existing dam or reservoir, such as the Ambridge Reservoir. Additionally, Matzie said his bill would prohibit the drilling of unconventional gas wells within 2,000 horizontal-feet of any existing water well, surface water intake or water supply extraction point used by a water purveyor without the written consent of the water purveyor. “I remain a supporter of the responsible extraction of our natural resources and I applaud the economic lifeblood that it has pumped into our region over the past few years,” Matzie said. “But as new information becomes available, we have to make sure that the proper protections are in place so no unintended harm comes to our citizens or our communities.” A recent multiyear engineering study completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found that the structural integrity of the Joe Pool Dam, located in Texas, was at risk of being compromised by nearby drilling, hydraulic fracturing, the injection of fluids and the extraction of natural gas. As a result of that study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that the 20-year-old standard of a 3,000-foot exclusion zone surrounding the dam is not suffic Read more
State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, joined Gov. Tom Wolf, state and local elected officials, labor leaders, business leaders and education officials Thursday at Penn State Beaver for a roundtable discussion on how Beaver County’s workforce and infrastructure can prepare for the construction of the Shell ethane cracker plant expected to deliver thousands of construction jobs and thousands of operational and ancillary jobs to the region. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie took part in Governor Tom Wolf's roundtable discussion in Beaver County Thursday. State and local leaders discussed the changes needed as Shell builds a massive petrochemical plant in the coming years including educating the local workforce and infrastructure improvements. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said a grant for more than $100,000 today was awarded to Allegheny Petroleum. The $116,454 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant will be used by Allegheny Petroleum to expand its facilities in Ambridge and perform needed upgrades. “This grant will not only allow Allegheny Petroleum to move more of its products efficiently over rail, it will also improve the safety of that rail activity,” said Matzie. “This investment in the rail infrastructure of Beaver County will undoubtedly lead to increased economic activity for the region and an improved quality of life for our communities.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund, which was created by the transportation funding plan, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to Pennsylvania residents. The grant was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent state agency that evaluates and administers funding for projects that create jobs and improve cultural and recreational assets. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, today supported the passage of a state budget plan that funds education at record levels, without a broad-based tax increase. “While I will be the first to admit that this budget isn’t perfect, it is a solid step in the right direction especially for our schools and students,” Matzie said. “After the protracted impasse of last year, it is refreshing to see this compromise, especially as it contains historic education funding but doesn’t add to our structural deficit.” Senate Bill 1073 includes a $250 million increase for pre-K through 12 education funding, including $200 million for K-12, $30 million for pre-K and Head Start, and a $20 million increase for special education. “The spending plan that’s now on its way to Governor Tom Wolf is a workable compromise that will invest in our state without relying on a sales or income tax increase,” Matzie said. Matzie said the bill also would provide funding for three additional Pennsylvania State Police cadet classes; transfer millions from the Oil and Gas Fund to the General Fund to give money to conservation programs, Growing Greener, and the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund; and dedicate $15 million to combat heroin and opioid addiction, including funds for emergency addiction treatment and behavioral health services. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie asks the Federal government to lift the ban on sports betting and allow certain states to regulate it through their own licensed casinos. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 29 – The state House of Representatives today adopted a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, that urges the federal government to lift the ban on sports betting. “Just last week, the National Hockey League announced the awarding of a franchise to the City of Las Vegas,” Matzie said. “This shows just how drastically public opinion and policy has shifted over time and should deliver the killing blow to the notion that professional athletics cannot coexist with legal sports wagering.” House Resolution 619, which was adopted by a vote of 140-59, urges Congress to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 which prohibits sports betting in every state except Nevada, Oregon, Montana and Delaware. “Pennsylvania responsibly oversees and regulates various forms of gaming throughout the state including the lottery, slot machines and horse racing. But an arbitrary law, which hasn’t been revisited by the federal government in more than two decades, prevents us from seriously considering sports betting,” Matzie said. “While discussions would be needed about how sports betting would work in the Pennsylvania, I think it verges on ridiculous that the federal government would prevent us from even exploring the option.” If the federal government lifts the ban, any state with authorized, license and regulated casino gaming would have the authority to legalize sports betting at its licensed facilities. “I would f Read more
HARRISBURG, June 23 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, joined Gov. Tom Wolf and a group of bipartisan legislators today for a Capitol news conference to highlight details of a joint effort to combat the opioid and heroin crisis in the state. In the Rotunda, Democratic Leader Frank Dermody joined Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, Majority Leader David Reed and other House members to announce the completion of recommendations from the Task Force and Advisory Committee on Opioid Prescription Drug Proliferation. “For the past several years, the General Assembly has been focused on the opioid and heroin crisis gripping our state,” Matzie said. “While there is still much to do to wipe this scourge from our communities, today represents progress in that fight. The recommendations from the task force will make a real difference in ending this crisis.” The Task Force and Advisory Committee on Opioid Prescription Drug Proliferation, which was created through the adoption of a resolution in 2014, made several legislative recommendations, including H.B. 1737 and H.R. 590, both of were recently approved by the House. Also announced at the news conference was a special legislative session focused on the opioid crisis, which is expected to be convened in September. “This issue isn’t a partisan one. Individuals from all across our state and from all walks of life have fallen victim to addiction,” Matzie said. “As a member of the Health Committee, I have seen members from bo Read more
It's the big head-scratcher in the Pennsylvania Capitol. House Democrats this month helped pass bills that advanced a couple long-sought Republican priorities — scaling back traditional public pension benefits and breaking state-control over wine sales — apparently without any assurance that the Legislature's huge GOP majorities will return the favor to Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. With less than two weeks until the fiscal year ends, the question now is what Wolf will get from tax-averse Republicans to advance his efforts to wipe out a damaging deficit and close huge funding inequities between wealthy and poor school districts. "We're negotiating with them," said House Minority Whip Mike Hanna, D-Clinton. "That's probably the biggest thing in the world. I mean, at this point last year, (House Republicans) had told us we weren't in the room, that they were going to pass their budget with no Democratic input." Wolf and lawmakers spent much of the last year mired in a bare-knuckled partisan fight over Wolf's first budget, an embarrassing crisis that all sides seem determined to avoid repeating, particularly in an election year. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 15 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution authored by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, that would designate the week of June 20-26 as Pollinator Week in Pennsylvania. Matzie’s resolution is intended to highlight the necessity of pollinators, including birds, insects and especially bees, both in the ecosystem and for the security of the food supply. “Many types of birds and insects, in particular bees, are essential partners for farmers in the commonwealth and across the globe,” Matzie said. “My resolution also recognizes the important role beekeepers play in the pollination process, which enables the production of many of the foods produced in Pennsylvania's agriculture industry.” Matzie’s resolution recognizes the state’s Bee Law, which provides conservation assistance for the protection and maintenance of pollinators and their habitats through the Department of Agriculture. "Our pollinators also play a vital role in preserving the health of our national forests and grasslands, which provide fish, wildlife, timber, water, mineral resources and recreational opportunities,” Matzie said. “It is clear to me that without our pollinators, the commonwealth would be a very different place.” It also notes the work of the Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit organization that protects the health of native pollinating animals vital to North American ecosystems; the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association; the D Read more
HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, applauded Gov. Tom Wolf today for promptly signing legislation into law that will modernize and expand retail sales of wine and liquor in Pennsylvania while preserving jobs. House Bill 1690, which passed the House yesterday with a vote of 157-31, will allow wine to be sold in many more locations, including grocery stores that already sell beer, give more flexibility to the Liquor Control Board to set prices and store hours across the state, and permit direct shipment of wine by licensed producers to consumers at their homes. “Finally the people of Pennsylvania will be able to enjoy the same conveniences they would expect from any modern business when they are shopping for wine and liquor,” Matzie said. “While this bill is far from perfect, it is a good first step that gives the people what they really want: convenience, without sacrificing thousands of well-paying jobs.” Matzie said the law, which is expected to generate up to $150 million a year in new revenue for the commonwealth, will also protect nearly 5,000 family-sustaining jobs. “This legislation will give the LCB flexibility in terms of pricing and store hours, including the authority to open more of their stores on Sunday. These changes will bring our state store system into the 21st century and may even result in the creation of additional jobs,” Matzie said. “I applaud Governor Tom Wolf for his quick action on this bill, and I hope this moment Read more
The York Dispatch reports on Rep. Matzie's bill to make it illegal for third parties to sell driver and vehicle records obtained through PennDOT. Read more
“It’s really a combination of excitement and relief,” said state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-16, Ambridge. “It’s the equal of hitting the lottery.” Matzie said those who own property along the Ohio River are eager to see what Shell’s announcement means for potential peripheral businesses coming to the area. “For manufacturing to come back in any way … this is really the key,” he said. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 7 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he was pleased today to learn that Shell Oil has officially announced that they will build a ethane cracker plant in Potter Township, Beaver County. Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 6 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, today said that the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2015 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older qualify for the benefits under the program. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income and any COLAs are excluded. "Rebates for this program still will be distributed beginning on July 1," Matzie said. "I encourage residents to find out if they’re eligible as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on these helpful rebates." Constituents can also obtain applications and get help filling them out by visiting Matzie’s district office at 1240 Merchant St., Ambridge or by calling 724-266-7774. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is one of five programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Since the program’s 1971 inception, older and disabled adults have received more than $5.6 billion in property tax and rent relief. The expanded portion of the rebate program is paid for with revenue from slots gaming. For more information about the program, go to www.revenue.pa.gov. Read more
HOPEWELL TWP. -- An estimated 221 overdoses have occurred in Beaver County since January -- 27 of which were fatal, according to the district attorney's office. While seven of the overdose fatalities are still awaiting toxicology reports, 20 were ruled deaths as a result of an opioid overdose. Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier said the data comes from the county dispatch center. Since his election, Lozier has implemented a program requiring police and first responders to report suspected overdoses, fatal or otherwise, to the Beaver County 911 Center. Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, today announced that the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation and various other projects across the state have been awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation has been awarded a PHMC Cultural and Historical Support grant of $4,000. In total, 137 organization from 56 counties applied for and are receiving $1,997,605 worth of Cultural and Historical Support grants. Grant recipients were required to meet organizational requirements to be eligible for the grants, which are based on a calculation that uses the recipient’s operating budget. PHMC also awarded 30 organizations today with $1,233,114 in Keystone Historic Preservation grants. The program is used to fund the preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic sites that are eligible for or listed in the National Register of Historic Places. “Pennsylvania’s legacy is rooted in important historical moments and breathtaking cultural offerings, and preserving the institutions that protect and promote these historic sites is important to both our state’s economy and its heritage,” Matzie said. “These funds will allow future generations to experience our state’s rich history.” In total, PHMC awarded $3.23 million today to historical projects across the state through both grant programs. Matzie has served on the Pennsylvania Historical and Mu Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 26 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he is looking forward to a frank and productive discussion at next week’s Center for Rural Pennsylvania public hearing on Confronting the Heroin/Opioid Epidemic in Pennsylvania. “Addiction is an issue that every part of this state is currently in the midst of battling,” Matzie said. “But rural Pennsylvanian communities face very different challenges than communities in Philadelphia or even Pittsburgh. Discussions like this one allow us to understand those differences better so that any intervention effort can be made more effective.” The public hearing will start at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday June 2 at the Fez, 2312 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, 15001. “Personally, my childhood friend Amy Scherfel-Watkins’ son, Brooks, was a victim of a heroin overdose in Washington County last year. Since then, Amy, her husband and her family have been telling the story about the devastation their family has endured hoping to capture the attention of anybody and everybody,” Matzie said. “As she told me, if they can help even one person than their son’s purpose here on earth will be fulfilled. I echo those statements and believe as a parent and a policy maker it is my duty to do all that I can to end this epidemic that is affecting families across Pennsylvania and our nation.” Matzie will join state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the General Assembly’s Center for Rural Pennsylvania, and Beaver County state Sens. Elder Vogel and Came Read more
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1240 Merchant St.First FloorAmbridge, PA 15003
P*: (724) 266-7774P: (412) 565-3569
F*: (724) 266-7634
Send all district correspondence here.
Franklin Center of Beaver County Inc. 524 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa, PA 15001
P*: (724) 375-3052
Hours of Operation - Thursdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
121 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202016 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2016
P*: (717) 787-4444