AMBRIDGE, June 4 – New funding of $71,880 will help ensure that Center Township-based Center at the Mall can continue offering a full range of enriching programs and services for area seniors, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding will support programs and services that stimulate seniors’ minds and help them stay healthy. “Science tells us that staying physically and mentally active are keys to aging well, and area seniors have resources for both through Center at the Mall, where free membership provides access to a wide range of engaging programs and services,” Matzie said. “The new funding will allow the center to continue offering activities like healthy lunches, fitness classes, computer labs, group trips, and celebrations that bring seniors together and keep them thriving.” The grant was awarded through the state Department of Aging. More information is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/newsroom/shapiro-admin-invests-3-million-in-422-senior-centers Read more

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House today unanimously adopted Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution ( H.R. 361 ) directing the state to study the financial costs and benefits of remaining part of the PJM Interconnection – the regional transmission organization that manages Pennsylvania’s electric grid. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that a study is needed in light of recent spikes in electricity prices in some parts of the state, which have prompted concerns and calls for reform from lawmakers. “With calls for reform from House lawmakers and the governor, it’s time to take a closer look to ensure that staying with PJM is the best option,” Matzie said. “We hear every day from our constituents about the rising costs of energy. All options should be on the table, and all avenues should be explored. This study will give policy makers the facts and figures needed to make informed decisions moving forward.” Matzie said that the study – which will be conducted by the Joint State Government Commission – will examine the financial risks and benefits associated with PJM membership and evaluate the impact of PJM membership on residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers. The PJM Interconnection manages the electric transmission grid in all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Read more

AMBRIDGE, June 3 – New funding of $68,700 from the state Department of Education will allow Beaver County Career and Technology Center to purchase a new vehicle and utility trailer for its greenhouse and landscaping program, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding will allow BCCTC to continue its tradition of excellence in the region. “Beaver County Career and Technology Center has been providing top-notch career training for nearly 50 years through courses that offer experienced faculty and state-of-the-art equipment,” Matzie said. “The new funding will allow the school to purchase a truck and utility trailer for the center’s greenhouse and landscaping program, which offers hands-on experience to help students step into careers in agribusiness, general farming and horticulture.” Matzie said BCCTC will use the funds to purchase a Ford F-250 Regular Cab truck and a 2026 Quality Trailer 77x14 Economy Tandem Axle Utility Trailer. The grant was awarded through PDE’s Competitive Equipment Grants program. More information about the program is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/career-and-technical-education/grants . Read more

AMBRIDGE, May 20 – Industrial and mechanical fabricator McCarl’s LLC is investing $15 million to expand its operations in Beaver County, where the company has purchased an 80,000-square-foot facility on the Ohio River between Aliquippa and Hopewell Twp. to serve as a fabrication hub and headquarters, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the company is expanding its pipe fabrication operations to meet growing demand and that Beaver County’s workforce is ready to meet that demand. "This was an important project that I have been advocating for over a year and in constant contact with the Governor's office, Ken Burk from McCarls, Lew Villotti at the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development and our Building and Construction Trades," said Matzie. "Keeping and creating more jobs for Beaver County was the driving factor in securing this funding and will be another cornerstone in continued growth in our industrial sites in my district, Beaver County and our region. “McCarl’s investment – which will be strengthened by an additional state investment of $2 million – is a testament to their faith in the talent of our regions skilled workforce, who time and again have proven their capacity to meet and exceed demand,” said Matzie. “The expansion is estimated to create 130 new jobs, and our workforce is more than Read more

AMBRIDGE, May 6 – Beaver County students will benefit from pre-apprenticeship opportunities in the HVAC field thanks to a $250,000 grant from the state Department of Labor and Industry, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the Schools-to-Work grant to Steamfitters Local Union No. 449 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee will fund the launch of an HVAC pre-apprenticeship program connecting students to in-demand jobs through hands-on training and industry partnerships. “It’s an excellent opportunity for students on the career path because new construction, the state’s cold winters and hot summers, and incentives to embrace new, energy-efficient technology are all driving demand for skilled HVAC technicians,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Pre-apprenticeships are the perfect conduit because they supply the hands-on experience and connections with industry partners that can help students hit the ground running.” Matzie said the program will benefit students in Beaver and other western Pennsylvania counties. Schools-to-Work grant funding is awarded to employers, schools and community organizations to help create, launch and maintain registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship career pathways that bridge the gap between high school or college graduation and the job search process. More information about the program is Read more

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating May 9, 2026, as “National Train Day” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 410 as a reminder of the central role railroads have played in shaping Pennsylvania’s history and their ongoing importance to the commonwealth. “The growth of the railroads literally transformed our landscape, and here in southwestern PA, the impact was profound,” said Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus and a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Railroads provided the critical link between our coal mines and steel mills. In return, those industries provided railroads with coal for fuel and steel for cars and track. It was an alliance that powered progress for a century, created communities and left a legacy of pride.” Matzie said that today, trains continue to benefit the commonwealth by reducing highway congestion, substantially cutting emissions, lowering the risk of accidents, connecting the state’s economic centers and providing greater mobility for people with limited transportation options. National Train Day was first established in 2008 and is celebrated annually on the Saturday closest to May 10 – the day the nation’s first transcontinental railway was completed in 1869 in Promontory, Utah. Read more

“Beyond the hands-on lessons, these programs encourage students to think from a broader perspective, including how food access, water quality and other issues affect their community and how they can problem-solve to make a difference,” Matzie said. “For some students, those early lessons plant the seeds for a lifelong career in agriculture or environmental science.” Read more

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House last week adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2026 as “Limb Loss Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 404 – which the House adopted by an overwhelming bipartisan majority on April 15 – to foster greater awareness about the multiple challenges faced by people who have lost a limb and those with a limb that is anatomically different in size, shape or structure compared to “typical” limbs. “According to a recent study commissioned by the Amputee Coalition, there are more than 5.6 million people in the United States living with limb loss or limb difference,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Many of them successfully navigate jobs, household duties and family and social responsibilities despite multiple physical, psychological, financial and logistical challenges. I introduced this resolution to honor their courage and resilience.” Matzie said he also introduced H.R. 404 to help people understand that the main cause of limb loss is preventable. “People often associate limb amputations with traumatic injuries, but in fact the main cause is vascular disease, including diabetes and peripheral artery disease,” Matzie said. “That means that limb loss is preventable in many cases through the right lifestyle changes to address Read more

HARRISBURG, April 16 – The Pennsylvania House Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2026 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 403 to make sure Pennsylvanians are aware that the law requires them to call 8-1-1 – the free “Call before You Dig” hotline – before embarking on any digging or excavation project. “Overhead powerlines may be easy to spot, but many of us forget that there is also a huge network of electric, gas, water and communications lines and structures buried beneath us,” Matzie said. “Any digging or excavating – even of the shallow kind – can create major safety hazards, service interruptions and damage requiring extensive repairs. It’s critically important for homeowners, business owners, contractors, excavators – anyone planning any kind of digging – to dial 8-1-1- at least three days before starting to dig, to allow utilities to mark underground structures beforehand. “It’s a free call that takes very little time and can prevent massive problems. It’s also the law.” Matzie said calling 8-1-1 is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: Read more

ALIQUIPPA, April 16 – Two grants totaling nearly $750,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will support new and improved programs aimed at steering Beaver County youth away from high-risk behaviors and onto a path for academic success, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that a $446,627 grant to Keystone Wellness Programs will fund expanding the Drug Free Aliquippa Youth Coalition, strengthening Aliquippa Impact’s afterschool and summer programs and launching a cross-age mentoring initiative to connect high school coalition leaders with elementary school students. “Time and again, we’ve seen how these programs reduce absenteeism, boost grades and improve behavior by providing the one-on-one support, mentoring and sense of belonging that some young people may not find elsewhere,” Matzie said. “Those personal and social connections help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in class and better navigate the world.” Matzie said that a second grant of $296,300 to the Aliquippa School District will allow the district to launch “The Healthy Minds Club,” a comprehensive afterschool program focused on helping grade school students overcome learning barriers. “The program will serve about 180 Aliquippa School District students in the first through sixth grades and will offer help Read more