HARRISBURG, June 24 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating the week of Sept. 21-27, 2026, as “Rail Safety Week” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 537 to raise awareness about preventable rail casualties. “Although the numbers have improved in recent decades, far too many people still die needlessly in crossing collisions or by coming too close to tracks as pedestrians,” Matzie said. “Federal statistics show that a person or vehicle is struck by a train every three hours in the United States. A closer look at the numbers shows Pennsylvania ranks high on the list for both kinds of incidents. Last year, we ranked 11 th in the nation for crossing collisions, with 56 collisions, 3 deaths and 24 injuries, and we ranked 6 th for pedestrian incidents, with 34 deaths and 15 injuries. “We need to do more to educate the public about the reality of rail dangers, including the fact that it can take a freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile – about 18 football fields – to stop, that freight cars and cargo overhang rails substantially, that engineers face massive blind spots, and other information people need to stay safe.” Matzie’s Rail Safety Week is scheduled to run concurrently with Operation Lifesaver’s nationwide awareness campaign called “See Read more
HARRISBURG, June 16 – State Rep. Aerion Abney released the following statement regarding Monday’s ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that skill games are illegal in the commonwealth: “ The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision confirms what many of us have long believed: skill games are illegal under existing Pennsylvania law. This ruling provides long-awaited clarity and presents an opportunity for the Commonwealth to establish a responsible, transparent framework moving forward. “For too long, skill game machines have proliferated across Pennsylvania with little to no meaningful oversight. These machines can be found in communities throughout Pittsburgh and across the Commonwealth, yet there are few safeguards to ensure accountability, consumer protection or transparency regarding how the money generated is managed and distributed. That lack of regulation has created an uneven playing field and left significant revenue on the table. “As the General Assembly considers next steps, we must strike a balance that protects the service organizations, veterans groups, clubs and small businesses that have come to rely on income associated with these machines, while also ensuring appropriate regulation and taxation. Those goals are not mutually exclusive. We can support community organizations and establish the oversight necessary to protect players, strengthen public trust, and ensure revenues Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 12 – New funding of $800,000 will ensure that Beaver County families have access to critical housing services and supports, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will support programs that provide homeownership counseling, emergency housing, resources to avoid eviction, access to job training and mental health treatment and other resources to help families build a more stable future. “Access to safe, secure housing means a place to sleep and shower, an address to put on a job application, and access to a network of neighbors and community resources,” he said. “It means a dramatically better chance of finding and keeping a job and the chance to provide a stable environment for kids. For some, it means a safe haven from domestic violence. The new funding will ensure that these services are available to the Beaver County families who need them.” Matzie said the funding includes: $150,000 to NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania (serving Beaver and Allegheny counties) for homeownership counseling and education. $150,000 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County for homelessness prevention and rehousing for domestic violence survivors. $150,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County to support the Men’s Shelter, which operates the only 24/7 men’s Read more
HARRISBURG, June 10 – Lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus today heard testimony about a strategic plan to modernize and expand the commonwealth’s nuclear energy capacity. Matzie said The “Nuclear Energy Roadmap,” presented by the statewide nonprofit organization Team Pennsylvania, offers a good starting point for the caucus as it works to steer the state’s nuclear power expansion efforts. “We restarted this bipartisan, bicameral caucus two years ago because we recognized the need to expand Pennsylvania’s nuclear footprint and the tremendous opportunities that can bring,” said Matzie, who is co-chair of the caucus and chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Nuclear energy is clean, it’s sustainable, it’s affordable, and it drives jobs and our economy. Nuclear plants contribute more than $2 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and support nearly 16,000 direct and second full-time jobs. “Today, we heard a sensible plan to move the commonwealth forward as it expands its nuclear energy capacity, with achievable goals over the next 25 years. Of course, this is just a starting point. We’ll be collaborating with all stakeholders in the weeks and months ahead to determine the best path forward.” Matzie said that the roadmap’s goals include strengthening state leadership and regional collaboration; sustaining, Read more
HARRISBURG, June 10 – The Pennsylvania House Health Committee today heard testimony on legislation ( H.B. 2270 ) introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would create a single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model for all of Pennsylvania's state-funded healthcare programs. Matzie helped lay the groundwork for passage of Act 77 of 2024, which brought greater oversight and transparency to the practices of PBMs – third-party administrators that decide which drugs consumers can receive, at what price, and how much dispensing pharmacies are reimbursed – but said more action is needed as Pennsylvania’s small mom-and-pop pharmacies continue to fail as a result of PBM practices that favor large chains. “Beyond the dollars and cents, we all know that some PBMs – for a variety of reasons – pick winners and losers. And the losers, so to speak, have been not only our community pharmacies but some chain pharmacies, as is apparent from the closure of Rite Aid,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus and co-chair of the Pennsylvania Community Pharmacy Caucus. “Act 77 brought greater accountability and transparency to the practices of these middlemen, but regulating the patchwork network of these administrators remains difficult. “By directing the Department of Human Services to select one single administrator to manage prescription drug benefits statewide, our bill would Read more
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
AMBRIDGE, April 15 – New funding of $650,000 to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board will strengthen training and apprenticeship opportunities for Beaver County workers in the steel and construction industries, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the new training opportunities will help workers maintain cutting-edge skills amidst changing industry demands. “Industry standards and practices are constantly changing as companies embrace newer technologies like AI and robotics and cleaner technologies like induction heating,” Matzie said. “The new funding will provide workers with the apprenticeship opportunities and innovative training models they need to keep pace and will ensure that our local industries have the talented workforce pool they need to stay competitive.” Matzie said the funding includes: $350,000 to support the Southwest Corner Building and Construction Industry Partnership’s efforts to upskill workers through registered apprenticeship programs and recruit workers from communities that are underrepresented in the construction trades. The grant will serve workers in Beaver County and several other counties. $300,000 to support the Pennsylvania Steel Alliance Industry Partnership’s efforts to upskill and reskill the existing steel workforce, expand access to innovative Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 27 – A new $210,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will allow Beaver County residents and small businesses to reap the benefits of high-tech, compressed natural gas-powered vehicles, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the grant awarded to Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Inc., will allow the company to purchase seven compressed natural gas waste vehicles to serve the county. “This is exciting news,” Matzie said. “Compressed natural gas vehicles require less fuel and maintenance, produce much lower emissions, and operate more quietly. All of that means savings for taxpayers, cleaner air in our neighborhoods and reduced noise for residents. I’m looking forward to seeing our communities reap the benefits of the new technology.” Compressed natural gas vehicles operate similarly to traditional gas-powered vehicles, but natural gas is stored in a fuel tank or cylinder, generally located at the back of the vehicle. It is estimated that they are 80% to 90% quieter than diesel trucks and produce up to 90% fewer emissions. The funding was awarded through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program. More information about the program is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/grants-loans-rebates/alternative-fuels-incentive-grant . Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 27 – State grant funding of $225,000 will deliver new resources to bolster projects, public works and police services in Beaver County, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said five separate grants approved through the state Department of Community and Economic development will help municipalities keep projects and operations running more smoothly. “The new grants will allow municipalities and departments in our district to address practical needs – replacement vehicles and equipment to keep services flowing, project funding for safer play spaces and planning resources to invite new economic development,” Matzie said. “It all adds up to improved quality of life. I’ll continue advocating and working with our state agencies and local partners to bring more of those dollars home to benefit residents.” Matzie said the funding includes: $75,000 to the city of Aliquippa to purchase public works equipment. $50,000 to Hopewell Township for playground upgrades and renovations. $50,000 to the Rochester Police Department for a new vehicle. $25,000 to the Center Township Police Department for new equipment. $25,000 to Monaca for planning initiatives for economic development. More information about DCED programs and funding is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding Read more
HARRISBURG, March 25 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through. “It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.” Matzie introduced H.B. 1191 to improve public safety at railroad crossings. The bill comes after a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. This bill would: Prohibit trains from blocking crossings, which could delay emergency responders. This can ensure faster response times. Limit the length of freight or work trains to 8,500 feet, or approximately 1.6 miles. Require safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, including a minimum of a two-person crew on a train or light engine. Authorize a union representative to monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad, which would allow a representative to take Read more
HARRISBURG, March 24 – With the commonwealth seeing a sharp rise in data center development, the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would ensure the centers’ massive energy demands do not drive up Pennsylvanians’ electricity bills. Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.B. 1834 so the state can get the right regulatory framework in place now, as proposals for new data centers continue to mount. “Normally, if an electric company adds poles and wires or equipment, we all share in the costs. That’s because it’s making the delivery system better for all of us,” Matzie said. “That’s not the case with data centers. No one’s electric bill should ever go up because a data center has located in Pennsylvania, but we need to plan ahead to make sure that doesn’t happen. “It’s possible to protect ratepayers while still allowing the commonwealth to reap the tremendous economic benefits data centers can bring. Those goals are not mutually exclusive – as long as we get the right regulatory framework in place. My bill would do that.” Matzie said his bill would: Make sure that all costs incurred by data centers to get their electricity is paid for by them – not households and small businesses. Require data centers to contribute to universal service programs and supplement Read more
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