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House passes Matzie bill to ban ‘speculative ticketing’

(Oct 17, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – The House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would prohibit “speculative ticketing” – a practice that allows ticket resellers to list event tickets for resale even though they have not yet obtained – and may never obtain – those tickets. Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said he introduced H.B. 1658 to eliminate a predatory practice that is hurting consumers and businesses alike. “When a consumer pays for a ticket, they have a right to assume the seller has that ticket in hand,” Matzie said. “That’s not always the case because of speculative ticketing – a deceptive practice that allows resellers to sell tickets they don’t yet have but are ‘betting’ they can obtain. If the reseller fails to obtain the ticket, it’s the consumer who loses out. At best case, they may get a refund. At worst case, they’re out the price of the ticket and any other money they’ve laid out on travel, hotels, and other expenses. “Area businesses lose, too. When the promised ticket fails to materialize, the venue loses credibility in the eyes of the public, and businesses like restaurants, bars and parking garages lose vital income.” Matzie’s bill would deter speculative ticketing by barring resellers from selling tickets unless they actually have them Read more

 

Matzie: $280,400 secured for renovations to P.J. Caul Memorial Park

(Oct 06, 2023)

“The new funding will allow the borough to renovate the plaza, install lighting and utilities, ensure handicap accessibility, and add other site improvements," Matzie said. Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves new bills to ban predatory sales practices, protect ratepayers

(Oct 03, 2023)

“These consumer and ratepayer protections are the result of months of hard, bipartisan work over the summer,” Matzie said. “Our goal was to get these measures up for House consideration as soon as possible, and I was proud that we came together to do that for the good of the state’s consumers.” Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee reviewing bills to safeguard PA consumers, ratepayers

(Sep 15, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 15 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee is moving swiftly to strengthen safeguards for PA consumers by reviewing bills to ban predatory sales practices and protect utility ratepayers, Majority Chairman Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the committee’s most recent efforts are aimed at banning predatory practices that make it difficult for consumers to afford or obtain concert tickets and other high-demand items. “We’re seeing consumers targeted by increasingly predatory practices,” Matzie said. “From speculative ticketing – in which resellers list tickets before they even have them in hand – to ‘grinch bots’ – which scalpers use to buy up mass quantities of tickets and other high-demand items for resale at inflated prices – consumers are being left out in the cold. The committee is working quickly to keep pace by reviewing bills my colleagues and I have introduced, including my bill to ban speculative ticketing. We can’t afford to wait around as new threats emerge.” Matzie said the committee is also examining bills to help protect utility consumers. “Factors driving utility rates are complex, but that doesn’t mean we can’t examine ways to contain costs and improve conditions for consumers,” Matzie said. “The committee recently reviewed a bill to Read more

 

Matzie: Selectrode Industries secures $688,000 loan funding to expand

(Sep 07, 2023)

“Investments in thriving industries like Selectrode yield great returns for our district and region,” Matzie said. “Securing this new low-interest loan will allow Selectrode to purchase a 17,000-square-foot facility in Aliquippa, and the additional space will allow the company to enhance its metal-drawing operations, improve efficiency and productivity, and grow its base. That’s good for jobs, good for our community, and good for the local economy.” Read more

 

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to ban ‘speculative ticketing’

(Sep 07, 2023)

“Speculative ticketing is not only deceitful, but it is inherently unfair to fans and consumers,” Matzie said. “You should know – without a shadow of a doubt – who you are buying a ticket from and that the ticket is in the possession of the seller. House Bill 1658 addresses a simple question: How can you sell something that you do not have?” Read more

 

Matzie: $90,000 secured to bring greater diversity, inclusion in building trades

(Aug 16, 2023)

“The building and construction trades offer good-paying, family sustaining jobs, but for too long, women, people of color, workers with disabilities and others have lacked access to the apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs that provide the best entry into these careers,” Matzie said. “The new funding is going to help change that by providing new opportunities for these underrepresented workers.” Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $106K secured to bring more fresh produce to Beaver County students

(Aug 15, 2023)

“Having fresh produce available for kids during the school day encourages them to choose healthy snacks over starchy, sugary junk food and helps them stay alert, energized, and ready to learn,” Matzie said. “It directly impacts their classroom performance. Securing this new funding is going to allow our school districts to keep those healthy options going for kids." Read more

 

Matzie: $230,000 secured for East Rochester Borough signal equipment upgrade

(Aug 11, 2023)

“Intersection collisions account for a high number of traffic deaths and injuries,” Matzie said. “We can’t control some factors, like driver inattention, but we can do everything possible to make sure highly traveled areas are equipped with the latest safety devices. Securing this funding gets motorists, pedestrians and bikes those added protections.” Read more

 

Matzie: More than half a million dollars awarded to expand housing for low-income residents

(Jun 09, 2023)

"Securing this funding is going to allow more folks to stay in their homes, find sustainable housing and receive the services they need to become self-sufficient. When that happens, we all win.” Read more

 

House passes Matzie/Marshall bill to boost rail safety

(Jun 05, 2023)

" ... there has been no bigger supporter of freight rail in the legislature during my tenure than me,” said Matzie, who is majority chair of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee. “The intention is not to hurt railroads, but to enhance and strengthen rail safety for the public, the workforce and emergency responders." Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $72,000 secured for improvements to Center at the Mall

(May 17, 2023)

“The center provides a place for thousands of area seniors to connect, engage and stay active,” Matzie said. “It’s hugely popular, but staff have identified some improvements needed to ensure visitors continue enjoying the best possible experience. Securing this new funding will enable those renovations to move forward.” Read more

 

Matzie introduces bill to maintain safeguards for public utility consumers

(Apr 28, 2023)

"My bill seeks to expand the tools that utility companies have to work with their customers who are struggling to pay their bills, in order to avoid having their service turned off," Matzie said. Read more

 

Matzie, Marshall to introduce legislation strengthening PA rail safety

(Mar 22, 2023)

"Our area is one of the most heavily traveled in the country for rail traffic, which means that safety problems create a very real and immediate threat for residents right in our own backyards,” Matzie said. “As the recent East Palestine derailment made clear, we can’t rely on federal safety standards to protect us." Read more

 

Matzie: More than $4 million secured for Beaver County infrastructure projects

(Mar 16, 2023)

“These dollars are funding projects that keep our water clean, our sanitary sewer systems functioning and our buildings safe,” Matzie said. Read more

 

Matzie: Beaver Valley Power Station purchaser is 'good corporate citizen’

(Mar 09, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, March 9 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement today in response to news that Texas energy company Vistra Corp. will acquire the Beaver Valley Power Station nuclear power plant: “Vistra Corp. has a strong track record of success and a demonstrated commitment to Pennsylvania. They have been a good corporate citizen, not just in Beaver County but across our commonwealth. “I look forward to working with them to ensure the continued safe and successful operation of Beaver Valley Power Station for our county and our region.” Read more

 

Matzie appointed Majority Chairman of House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that he has been appointed majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he is looking forward to continued leadership as the majority chairman and the role he can play in developing and promoting bills to better protect the state’s consumers. “I appreciate the confidence House leadership has shown in me by appointing me to lead the committee for the next two years,” Matzie said. “Whether protecting consumers, overseeing broadband deployment, keeping tabs on new technologies or monitoring energy generation, our committee’s purview touches on many aspects of daily life in all corners of our state. I’m ready to work.” Formerly known as the House Consumer Affairs Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee has jurisdiction over the Public Utilities Commission and reviews bills related to a broad range of consumer matters, including, but not limited to, consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and other technology-related issues. Read more

 

Matzie: More than $50,000 secured for school food service equipment

(Feb 22, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 22 – New grant funding of $50,177 to the Aliquippa School District will help cafeteria staff prepare and store school meals more efficiently, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding includes $35,225 to Aliquippa Elementary School for the purchase of a tilting kettle and $14,952 to Aliquippa Junior Senior High School for a blast chiller freezer. “Quick, safe food production and storage help busy school cafeteria staff and ensure smooth delivery of meals to kids,” Matzie said. “The new tilting kettle – which increases cooking capacity and improves distribution – and the blast chiller freezer – which allows safe storage of pre-prepared foods – will accomplish those things.” The funding, which is administered by the state Department of Education, is part of a package of competitive grants awarded to 130 education agencies statewide. The grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is awarded to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Schools can use the funding to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers. The full list of schools receiving grants can be found on the PDE website at: https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/Food-Nutrition/programs/Pages/2022FSEAGrantAwards.aspx . Read more

 

Matzie secures nearly $180,000 for Beaver County fire departments

(Feb 06, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 6 – New grant funding of $178,300 will help fire companies in the 16 th Legislative District replenish resources and meet operating expenses, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said 12 fire companies will receive funding under the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Fire and EMT companies are still feeling the impact of the pandemic as they struggle to deal with rising equipment costs and other operational expenses on extremely tight budgets,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help departments replace worn-out equipment, train crews, make needed building repairs and keep operations running.” Matzie said the following grants were awarded: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $13,335. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,563. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,000. Center Township Fire House No. 2 – Fire Company, $13,335. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department Co. No. 1 – Fire Company, $13,826. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 – Fire Company, $12,598. City of Aliquippa DBA Aliquippa Bureau of Fire – Fire Company, $14,563. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,317. Freedom Volunteer Fire Department -- Fire Company, Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $2.4 million secured for violence prevention, survivor supports

(Jan 13, 2023)

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 13 – Two state grants totaling nearly $2.4 million will bolster Beaver County anti-violence programs and strengthen resources for survivors, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency includes $1.5 million to the Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc. in Monaca to support the center’s P4:247 CommUNITY program. “It’s a unique program that uses strength and fitness training as a way to empower Beaver and Allegheny County youth and families victimized by violence and help them channel their anger, develop self-control and build back self-esteem,” Matzie said. “The program also provides education and work readiness training.” A second grant of $887,767 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County will support both survivor support services and violence-prevention programs for at-risk youth. “The Women’s Center of Beaver County runs powerful anti-violence and trauma support programs, and a key part of those efforts involves tapping the skills of professionals in multiple fields, from criminal justice to human services to medical and counseling,” Matzie said. “Securing this new funding will ensure the center has the resources it needs to continue those connections and expand services for our community.” The funding comes from PCCD’s Violence Read more

 

House passes Matzie bill to ban ‘speculative ticketing’
Oct 17, 2023

Matzie: $280,400 secured for renovations to P.J. Caul Memorial Park
Oct 06, 2023

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves new bills to ban predatory sales practices, protect ratepayers
Oct 03, 2023

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee reviewing bills to safeguard PA consumers, ratepayers
Sep 15, 2023

Matzie: Selectrode Industries secures $688,000 loan funding to expand
Sep 07, 2023

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to ban ‘speculative ticketing’
Sep 07, 2023

Matzie: $90,000 secured to bring greater diversity, inclusion in building trades
Aug 16, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $106K secured to bring more fresh produce to Beaver County students
Aug 15, 2023

Matzie: $230,000 secured for East Rochester Borough signal equipment upgrade
Aug 11, 2023

Matzie: More than half a million dollars awarded to expand housing for low-income residents
Jun 09, 2023

House passes Matzie/Marshall bill to boost rail safety
Jun 05, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $72,000 secured for improvements to Center at the Mall
May 17, 2023

Matzie introduces bill to maintain safeguards for public utility consumers
Apr 28, 2023

Matzie, Marshall to introduce legislation strengthening PA rail safety
Mar 22, 2023

Matzie: More than $4 million secured for Beaver County infrastructure projects
Mar 16, 2023

Matzie: Beaver Valley Power Station purchaser is 'good corporate citizen’
Mar 09, 2023

Matzie appointed Majority Chairman of House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee
Mar 08, 2023

Matzie: More than $50,000 secured for school food service equipment
Feb 22, 2023

Matzie secures nearly $180,000 for Beaver County fire departments
Feb 06, 2023

Matzie: Nearly $2.4 million secured for violence prevention, survivor supports
Jan 13, 2023