AMBRIDGE, March 25 – The House today unanimously passed several COVID-19 response bills, including measures that would temporarily remove the 180-day instruction requirement for all schools and push back Pennsylvania’s primary election to June 2, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. “This is new ground for all of us,” said Matzie, who supported both bills. “There are certain actions the governor can take by himself, but others that need legislative authority. We’re doing our best to address those in a safe, timely, bipartisan manner.” Matzie said the amended S.B. 751 – which authorizes the secretary of Education to close all schools until the COVID-19 epidemic is over and increase the number of allowable flexible instruction days , among other emergency school code changes – provides much-needed flexibility for school administrators until things return to normal. “This will not be a lost school year. Seniors will graduate, kids will learn, employees will be paid and normalcy will return when it’s safe. We’ve given our districts the flexibility they need to navigate through this crisis. The changes will help give clarity to students, faculty, support staff and administration. “From a policy perspective, it’s the right thing to do. But as a parent of a graduating senior, I fully understand and Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 19 – Responding to Pennsylvania families impacted by work interruptions and other financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie today announced he is introducing legislation to extend the deadline for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, who is Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, said the measure is part of a package of bills designed to ensure working families don’t lose access to essential resources. “The COVID-19 virus swept in and changed everyone’s lives, from our work schedules to our food shopping,” Matzie said. “Working families, whose budgets are already stretched thin, stand to be the hardest hit by job interruptions, transit changes and other issues that make it difficult to access important services. It’s my priority to ensure that they don't lose access to essential services. “That’s why I am introducing legislation that would extend the application deadline of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program until all funds are expended. As we face this challenge together, it’s critical that no one be left behind. Pennsylvanians are resilient; with some adjustments to help navigate our ‘new normal,’ we will get through this together." Matzie noted that other bills in the package would: provide a 60-day extension for filing Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 19 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today that in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the state Department of Revenue has extended the deadline to file for a rebate under Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program from June 30 until Dec. 31. “The deadline extension on this popular program is always great news, but this year, it’s more important than ever, as seniors and other eligible residents who want help with the application process are being advised to limit public outings, and district offices are temporarily closed to the public because of the COVID-19 epidemic,” Matzie said. “It’s good to know that our seniors and other vulnerable residents who want help filing for rebates on their 2019 taxes or rent paid will now have more time to seek that assistance later in the year, when it should be safer to do so.” Matzie added that residents can still request applications online through the Department of Revenue’s website. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits seniors 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. Spouses, personal representative and estates may also file claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in 2019 Read more
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with 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
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
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
ALIQUIPPA, Feb. 26 -- Area schools will benefit from more than $1.3 million in state grants to fund safety equipment, programs, and other security-related resources, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grants – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – will fund a wide array of resources for multiple school districts in Allegheny and Beaver counties. “Ensuring safe schools is an issue that demands constant vigilance, as safety needs change from year to year,” Matzie said. “Our schools do an excellent job of assessing those needs, which often involve a mix of people-based resources, programs and equipment. Securing this funding is going to give our school districts broad access to these resources so they can provide the safest possible environment.” Matzie said the funding under the School Safety and Security Grant Program includes the following grants: Allegheny County $414,550 to the Education Center at the Watson Institute for security assessments, classroom management, security planning, purchase of security equipment and visitor security systems. $236,450 to Quaker Valley School District for security planning and the purchase of security equipment and staff training programs. Beaver County $140,454 to Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit for security planning, funding of Read more
Read Rep. Matzie's Winter 2020 Newsletter. Read more
On Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Father Jay Donahue led the House of Representatives in the Opening Prayer. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, released the following statement regarding Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget address today. “The governor’s budget proposal is just the starting point. At first glance, there are several areas that I can fully support. More money for schools, a focus on cleaning up lead and asbestos, protecting drinking water and creating more opportunities for workers are priorities that I share and would benefit western Pennsylvania greatly. “Most importantly, it holds the line on taxes. “As always, I’ll work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and ultimately support what best serves Beaver County and the residents of my district.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The House today unanimously adopted a resolution to increase public awareness about the dangers of rheumatoid arthritis, according to its sponsor, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 655 – designating Feb. 2, 2020, as “Rheumatoid Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania – to shed light on RA’s potentially devastating impacts, which can include damage to joint and organ tissue, heart disease and a reduced lifespan. “Well over a million Americans – including my own father – are currently living with RA,” Matzie said. “In addition to joint pain, fevers and stiffness, this progressive, inflammatory disease can wreak havoc on the body’s immune system and lead to problems with the eyes, heart, lungs, blood, nerves and other body organs and systems. “Although the disease can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic those of other diseases, early detection is critical because starting a patient on medication during an early ‘window of opportunity’ can lessen the disease’s adverse effects and even bring remission in some cases. That’s especially important because RA can affect a patient’s heart.” Matzie said that each year, Rheumatoid Awareness Day is planned to coincide with the start of American Heart Month to emphasize the disorder’s connection to heart Read more
Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Robert Matzie.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
1240 Merchant St.First FloorAmbridge, PA 15003-2279
P*: (724) 266-7774P: (412) 565-3569
F*: (724) 266-7634
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Send all district correspondence here.
3589 Brodhead RoadSuite 5Monaca, PA 15061-3138
P*: (724) 987-4341
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.
202 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202016 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2016
P*: (717) 787-4444