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
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 26 – New funding of $7 million secured from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major projects in Ambridge, Hopewell and Aliquippa, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding includes $4.5 million to Centria Enterprises LLC for Phase I work on the Ambridge Community Center Sports Complex; $1.75 million to G&B Development Hopewell LLC to add major public improvements to the Hopewell Business Park; and $750,000 to the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority site preparation and construction of new housing in Aliquippa. “Bringing tax dollars home is one of, if not the most, important facets of serving as a state legislator,” Matzie said. “RACP funds are competitive and come from a limited pool of dollars. They are not randomly allocated. If a project meets the set criteria, it is up to the individual legislators, through experience and expertise, to champion those projects and secure the funding. I am proud to have done so for these worthy ventures. “Phase I of the Ambridge Community Center Sports Complex will begin to turn the Centria Steel Mill into a multi-use sports complex. “The Hopewell Business Park funding will allow for the completion of vitally needed public improvements, setting the state for further growth and development. “Finally, the grant to Beaver County will support work on The Bricks site in Aliquippa Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 6 – New job training and related resources are on the horizon for Beaver County residents re-entering the community after incarceration thanks to $10 million in new federal funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding under the First Step Act Initiative will support a statewide re-entry program to reduce recidivism and strengthen the region’s workforce. “For people returning to the community after incarceration, a chance at a decent-paying job offers the best path back to building a new life,” Matzie said. “Unfortunately, many lack the training and skills needed to find those opportunities. “With this new funding, the state will create a re-entry program that offers job training in areas that meet the specific needs of regional employers. Having specialized skills that make them attractive to employers – sometimes for the first time in their lives – empowers people, gives them a chance to return to their families and cuts the chances of their returning to crime. The entire community feels the impact of that success. “I will be working to ensure Beaver County reaps the full benefits of the new program.” More information about the funding is available here: Read more
Legalized sports betting has proved to be a real shot in the arm to our region, and I am very proud of the hard work it took to make this happen. This will be a useful revenue source for state and local governments in Pennsylvania for a long time. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 31 – More fresh produce is headed to Beaver County elementary schools, thanks to nearly $85,000 in grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today . Matzie said the funding awarded under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes $38,570 to the Aliquippa School District, $22,330 to the Ambridge Area School District and $24,080 to the Rochester Area School District. “Providing fresh produce for school snacks helps kids concentrate and retain information better and gives them stronger resistance to germs and illness,” Matzie said. “Better nutrition is tied to better test scores, fewer absences and kids that are more energized to learn. Securing this funding is going to help fuel learning in all the right ways.” Funding priority was given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. More information about the grants is available here , and a full list of the schools receiving funding is available here. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 9 -- State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to news that state and federal officials are charging the owner and several former directors and managers of Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center with health care fraud : “The indictments announced today are disturbing but, sadly, not surprising. “As far back as early in 2020, I asked Attorney General Shapiro to investigate Brighton Rehab for their apparent malfeasance in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and other concerning information conveyed to me by residents’ families regarding the conditions and administration of the facility. “Seniors in skilled nursing facilities are an extremely vulnerable population. When families make the gut-wrenching decision to admit a loved one, they have a right under the law to expect the highest level of care and an honest accounting of that care. According to the indictment today, that was not the case at Brighton Rehab, to the point of criminal charges being filed.” Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: Election Integrity Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania counties. Use : To support the work of county governments and their election offices. Funds : Funding is allocated proportionally based upon the number of registered voters within the county in the previous primary election. Application Deadline : August 15, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Assistance Program (Funding Source: Multimodal Transportation Fund) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served shippers, and economic development entities. Use : To support investment in rail freight infrastructure. Funds : The maximum state funding for a RFAP project is 70 percent of the total project costs, not to exceed $700,000. Application Deadline : September 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/RailFreightAndPorts/Pages/Grants-and-Loans.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Transportation Assistance Program (Funding Source: General Obligation Debt) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 2 – Beaver County preschoolers will have greater access to early learning resources thanks to nearly $1.5 million in funding awarded to bolster area Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance programs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the state Department of Education’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning will increase the number of available Pre-K Counts slots and help ensure that area Head Start programs have the resources to manage increased operating costs. “The right start in life makes all the difference in the world,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding means more kids in our community will benefit from early learning programs that stimulate young minds, help kids build confidence and interact with peers, and ensure that they have the nutrition and health resources they need to thrive.” Matzie said the funding includes the following: Pre-K Counts Aliquippa School District – $400,000 Chippewa Noah’s Ark LLC – $170,000 Head Start Private Industry Council (serving Beaver and Fayette counties) – $925,900 More information on the grants is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-more-than-384-million-in-grants-for-early-childhood-education/ Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Pregnancy Support Services Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any entity that is able to serve pregnant or postpartum women in recovery from SUD. Use : To provide support services to pregnant women and postpartum women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Funds: Awards up to $600,000. Application Deadline : July 29, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-03%20Pregnancy%20Support%20Service.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : School districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania. Use : To assist in a transition to cleaner fuel transportation. Funds : Up to $300,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : There are two application periods. The program will collect and review all applications submitted by August 26, 2022, and again by December 16, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Alternative-Fuels-Incentive-Grant/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Statewide Victim Witness Training Project 2023 Read more
AMBRIDGE, July 14 – Nearly $1.4 million awarded to build and modernize Pennsylvania’s registered apprenticeship system will bring greater career opportunities to Beaver County, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding will give local students and job seekers a leg up in securing good-paying jobs by connecting them with trusted work partners. “Students and job seekers who go through pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs benefit from early exposure to career information, real-life experience with trusted local employers, and a steadier path to family sustaining jobs in key trades,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to expand all of those opportunities right here in Beaver County.” Matzie said the funding includes: $450,000 to KML Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund to expand its Carpenters Apprentice Readiness Program to 100 pre-apprentices. $400,000 to the Pittsburgh A. Philip Randolph Institute Education Fund for the Breaking the Chains of Poverty program, which trains minorities and women for apprenticeships and entry-level jobs in the construction, manufacturing, energy and related industries. The fund plans to train a minimum of 64 students during the grant period and place a minimum of 48. $324,500 to Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania Inc. for a Careers in Skilled Read more
HARRISBURG, July 8 -- State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement after casting a “yes” vote for the state budget bill: “Budgets are never easy. We live in a big Commonwealth with many diverse needs. Finding common ground is often difficult. But there were numerous positives, especially to Beaver County, that made it easy to support. “Substantial increases for schools, libraries and community colleges stand out, along with fulfilling our commitments to our state and state-related universities. “Two important areas of particular concern – school safety and mental health awareness/treatment – received large increases, which should help make our schools and communities a bit safer. “Further, my legislation requiring the full use of LIHEAP funding was passed as part of the overall budget package, which will authorize the release of tens of millions of additional dollars to help people pay their utility bills this winter. “At the end of the day, this budget makes a substantial investment in our children and workforce, helps struggling families and funds the core functions of state government, all without raising a tax or fee. For me, that’s always a win, and an easy ‘yes’ vote.” The bill has passed the General Assembly and is now headed for the governor’s desk. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Rob Matzie today introduced a package of bills to ensure that more Pennsylvanians benefit from the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, including a bill that would require the state to distribute all the annual federal funding it receives for the program and a measure that would implement the program year-round. As Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, Matzie said he introduced the legislation to end the state’s harmful practice of withholding some of the annual federal funding it receives – a practice that has kept tens of millions of dollars from getting to families needing it. “These are federal tax dollars coming back home to Pennsylvania,” Matzie said. “We should use every penny. This program has never not been funded – it’s one of the few policy areas in D.C. that has consistently been supported by both sides of the aisle. People are struggling and the electric bill just went up. Something needs done to help families. This can help.” Matzie said his legislation would also broaden LIHEAP to provide year-round assistance. “As the last few years have shown us, cooling in the summer is as important as heat in the winter. People need help year round,” he said. The five bills in Matzie’s package include: H.B. 2691 – would require the state Department of Human Services to expend all of the money it Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 10 – Beaver County housing assistance programs are receiving nearly $600,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding will expand housing-related services at a critical time. “Everyone needs a safe place to call home, but the pandemic has driven up the need for emergency housing while reducing the out-of-county shelter options that previously filled that need,” Matzie said. “Part of the funding secured today is going to support construction of a new men’s emergency shelter. Other funding will expand rapid rehousing, rent and utility assistance, and home modification programs. All of these dollars will work to bring greater stability to families needing it most.” Matzie said the funding to Beaver County includes: $200,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County for shelter operations. $175,000 to The Salvation Army for a rapid rehousing program. $100,000 to the Beaver County Commissioners for a home modification program. $50,000 to Community Development Program of Beaver County for rent/utility assistance. $50,000 to Housing Opportunities of Beaver County, Inc. for reverse mortgage counseling. In addition, Matzie said organization in Allegheny County will receive $600,000 for housing Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 8 – Beaver County is receiving more than $396,000 to strengthen probation services and fund efforts to help non-violent offenders return to the community through restrictive supervision and substance use treatment, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will improve outcomes while saving taxpayer dollars. “In addition to improving traditional probation and parole services, part of the funding awarded today is going to support the county’s program to divert non-violent offenders away from incarceration and into highly supervised drug and alcohol treatment programs,” Matzie said. “Programs like these save taxpayer dollars on incarceration, while giving people a second chance to overcome substance use disorders, return to their families, and rejoin the community.” Matzie said the funding includes: $282,501 in Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant funds to improve delivery of probation and parole services. $94,967 in Intermediate Punishment Treatment Funds to Beaver County commissioners for County Probation with Restrictive Sanctions for fiscal year 2022-23. $18,600 in unexpended County Intermediate Punishment funds. Matzie said that in addition to the funding to Beaver County, Allegheny County Read more
HARRISBURG, May 26 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that he will be introducing a package of bills to strengthen the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, including a bill to ensure the state fully distributes the annual federal funding it receives to residents in need. Matzie, who is Democratic chairman of the PA House Consumer Affairs Committee, said he is introducing the legislation to end an arbitrary state practice that is hurting low-income families. “Every year, Pennsylvania receives federal funding for home energy assistance, and even though that funding arrives annually, the state makes a policy decision not to use all of it, but to hold some of it back for the following year,” Matzie said. “Some years, the unused portion is $10 million, but this year, it’s estimated to be between $50 million and $100 million. “This funding helps hundreds of thousands of people with a real and immediate need – paying the gas, oil and electric bill. That need doesn’t disappear after the state arbitrarily ends funding for the year. We need to do a better job of driving out those federal dollars – particularly now, with rising inflation and gas prices leaving more families struggling.” Matzie said his five bills would: Require the state Department of Human Services to expend all the federal money it receives annually from the federal government. Create the Retail Electric and Gas Customer Read more
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AMBRIDGE, April 29 – Three grants totaling nearly $440,000 will help Beaver County communities continue successful recycling programs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced this week. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the Recycling Development and Implementation grants include $350,000 to Beaver County, $70,000 to Aliquippa City, and nearly $20,000 to Rochester Township. “Recycling programs are energy-savers, job-creators and sensible ways to preserve the resources we hold dear,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to keep these programs running for the residents and small businesses that benefit from them.” Communities can use the funding for projects including operating leaf compost facilities, developing web-based programs on recycling for consumers, expanding recycling processing facilities, installing data-collection systems on recycling vehicles, continuing and creating curbside recycling programs, and developing educational materials to encourage residents to properly recycle. Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for up to 90% funding of approved recycling program costs. Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10% of approved costs. Grants were also awarded based on programs designed to meet current market demands for recyclable Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 21 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced the rollout of “Uniting for Ukraine” – a new, streamlined process that allows Ukrainian refugees quick entry into the United States based on humanitarian grounds. “This is the right move by the President,” Matzie said. “Our friends and neighbors, especially those of Ukrainian heritage, continue to look for ways to help. This program expands and streamlines the already secure process of welcoming those seeking safe refuge in our communities.” Matzie and state Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Philadelphia/Montgomery, are preparing to introduce legislation that would invest $2 million to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Pennsylvania as a way to speed aid to thousands needing it immediately. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 12 – At a Pharmacy Day rally today in Harrisburg, state Rep. Rob Matzie expressed gratitude to Pennsylvania’s pharmacy workers – who administered millions of children’s vaccines during the pandemic under a temporary authorization – and pledged support for legislation that would permanently authorize pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians to provide childhood immunizations. Matzie – who is co-chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Pharmacy Caucus – called the workers a “literal lifeline” and praised their commitment throughout the pandemic. “All across Pennsylvania, and especially in the southwest, pharmacies are often the only in-person resource for critical healthcare services,” Matzie told the workers gathered on the Capitol steps.“ You are vital to your patients and their health. This has always been true, but never more so than during the pandemic. When crisis came, when times were dark, you stepped up. You stayed open and never closed.” Matzie also said he would work to pass H.B. 1535 – legislation that would allow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns to continue administering any immunization to children 3 or older after obtaining parental consent and completing specific training and education requirements. “We all know – as you’ve proven time and time again – our Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 8 – Responding to PennEnergy’s renewed request to withdraw millions of gallons of water per day from the Big Sewickley Creek in Economy Borough, state Rep. Rob Matzie is calling on the Department of Environmental Protection to deny the company’s petition for a second time. In a letter this week to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie restated concerns over lasting environmental damage and the loss of recreational opportunities and said nothing has changed to warrant a reversal of the agency’s previous denial. “When I wrote to you in July of last year, I listed a variety of reasons why this is a bad idea,” Matzie wrote in the letter. “Nothing contained in the new application changes that; fishing will still be impacted, wildlife species will still be threatened, and summer drought conditions will still be exacerbated.” PennEnergy is seeking to withdraw the creek water for use in natural gas extraction – a practice Matzie supports provided there are strong environmental protections in place and local input. “In most cases, I believe we can have a strong, diverse energy portfolio and maintain a clean, healthy environment,” Matzie wrote in the letter. “But not in this case, not from this waterway, and not with this application.” Matzie said that in denying PennEnergy’s 2021 petition last October, DEP cited seven serious Read more
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