I’ve been privileged to serve the great people of the 35th Legislative District and Pennsylvania as a whole for a year and a half now, and while the time has given me a chance to get more acclimated with my role, I’ve not slowed down when it comes to doing good work in Harrisburg and athome. I’m excited to give you a preview of what you can look forward to reading about in the next few pages. Read more
“The quality of a student’s education should never, ever depend on the wealth of their ZIP code," Gergely said. "The new state budget allocates $1.3 billion in funding to all students, plus additional funding of more than half a billion dollars to level the playing field for students in chronically underfunded school districts, including many of our own. The plan is a promising step on the road to bringing the equality in public education we have sadly lacked for too long." Read more
Pennsylvania could soon see more happy hours following the state Senate’s passage of a bill that would make a number of changes to Pennsylvania’s labyrinthian liquor code. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would allow individuals to work at more than one business licensed to sell alcohol passed the state Senate Tuesday, 47-3. Gergely is a member of the PA House Liquor Control Committee and recognized the need to assist licensed food and beverage establishments with H.B. 829 . “The pandemic took a heavy toll on small businesses across the country, especially those in the food and beverage industry. Not only that, bars, restaurants and other liquor-licensed entities are still facing a worker shortage in the post-COVID era, especially when it comes to hiring experienced and knowledgeable staff,” he said. “House Bill 829 would release such workers from the exclusive grip exercised by businesses with liquor licenses, and this new inclusivity would lead to higher profits and boost to local economies. Having extra money in their pockets will help workers and their families afford daily necessities and benefit their financial stability as well. “This bill is a win-win for Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania small businesses,” Gergely added. “I want to thank House and Senate members on both sides of the aisle for helping this commonsense measure reach this point.” House Bill 829 is Gergely’s second piece of legislation to pass the state Senate this year and now heads to the governor for his signature. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill to protect plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania and preserve its suitability for use in health and medical forums has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol. Act No. 6 of 2024 , formerly H.B. 1795, requires that source plasma undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals The new law, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, also allows more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Not only am I thrilled that my bill is officially on the books in PA, I’m thrilled to help put a positive step forward into place for Pennsylvanians who depend on donated plasma. Safeguarding their health is crucial, and I’m grateful to Gov. Shapiro for getting this legislation across the finishing line.” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “Having been in office for a little over a year, I’m proud to be able to facilitate the passage of this bill and work with the Pennsylvania House and Senate and the governor.” “We're thrilled to join the governor in signing this bill and providing a beacon of hope for those facing serious medical challenges,” Briggs added. “Let's celebrate this milestone together and continue to fight for real Read more
HARRISBURG, April 11 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill to protect plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania and preserve its suitability for use in health and medical forums passed the state Senate unanimously this week. The legislation (H.B. 1795) would require that source plasma, specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Plasma centers are a priority for me, as there are many in the communities I represent. Safeguarding healthy and viable plasma not only enhances quality of life for residents, it will save lives throughout the 35th District and the commonwealth at large,” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “A huge thanks to Rep. Briggs for his collaboration and to the members of the Senate for all their efforts in getting this legislation to Governor Shapiro’s desk.” “We're on the verge of securing a lifeline for those battling serious medical conditions. With this bill’s imminent passage into law, we affirm our commitment to ensuring that every drop of plasma donated in our state is a beacon of hope for those in need,” Briggs added. “Let's Read more
MCKEESPORT, April 3 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced that federal grants totaling $764,400 have been awarded to McKeesport Area School District . The funds, one in a series of 21st Century Community Learning Center grants , would help establish and/or support community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students and their families. “Learning is never a one-size-fits-all proposition, and educational needs often extend far beyond the classroom door,” Gergely said. “The new funding will help ensure students in our district have access to the additional programs and services they need – from social skill building, nutrition and behavioral support to tutoring in essential academic subjects like math and literacy – to help them succeed in the world.” The funded program must occur during non-school hours or periods when schools are not in session to help them meet state and local standards in core academic subjects. Centers must also offer students a broad array of activities that can complement their regular academic programs and literacy and other educational services to families. A full list of 21st Century CCLC grant recipients can be found here . Read more
Today, Sen. Jim Brewster and Rep. Matthew Gergely announced a $1.8 million Multimodal Transportation grant for the City of McKeesport. Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 19 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced that a $916,680 federal grant has been awarded to West Mifflin Area School District . This Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant will seek to curtail and prevent instances of bullying, hate and violence at an individual and systemic level. Funds can be utilized to address the overall health of students and staff, raise awareness for families and the community at large, and institute inclusive and/or equitable policies. “Having managed financial matters for a public school system, I know firsthand how beneficial these monies will be to ensuring a school environment that is conducive to not simply learning and teaching but to safety and personal well-being as well,” Gergely said. “Students and staff deserve to put all of their focus behind succeeding at their highest possible academic level and facilitating instruction that aids in such performance respectively.” More information about BSCA SCGs, including the full list of schools to receive these grants, and related funding can be found here . Safe school resources can also be found here . Read more
PORT VUE, Jan. 31 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, testified about proposed rate increases by water and sewage companies and their impact on the community during a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission public hearing held at the Port Vue Borough Building. Gergely highlighted the importance of affordable access to clean water as a basic necessity and not just a commodity, as the proposed rate hikes have been criticized for disproportionately affecting senior citizens and low-income families. He also underscored the need for the PUC to rigorously scrutinize these increases and hold corporations accountable. “As state representative of PA’s 35th Legislative District, my commitment to tackling the challenges of water and sewage rates has been unwavering since Day One in office,” Gergely said. “I am deeply engaged in these matters not just as a duty but with a passion to safeguard our residents’ rights.” Data presented indicated that the proposed rate increases are steep and unprecedented, especially during a time when residents are already facing economic challenges, including inflation. Gergely called for the PUC's intervention to safeguard the public interest and explore mitigation strategies, such as renewable and efficient water and sewage management systems. “Citizen access to affordable water and sewage is absolutely non-negotiable,” he added. Emphasizing the importance of Read more
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $675,000 in grants has been awarded to multiple community projects throughout the 35th Legislative District. Accounting for $525,000 are grants made possible by the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund under the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Grant recipients are: Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh: $75,000 for repairs to a multicultural center and function hall in West Mifflin. First Step Recovery Homes Inc.: $50,000 for homeless housing expansion at 416 Olive St. in McKeesport. Homestead Borough: $50,000 for upkeeping the Betty and Wanda Amphitheater. Lincoln Borough: $100,000 for maintenance on the stormwater system near 335 Dora Drive. McKeesport Area School District: $50,000 for D.A.R.E. program. Munhall Borough: $75,000 for Main Street Business Corridor Improvement project. Steel Rivers Council of Governments: $75,000 for demolition of buildings in Duquesne and $50,000 for Heritage Hill Park walking trail renovations. The remaining $150,000 in grants come courtesy of the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program . Grant recipients are: Homestead Borough: $50,000 for the Monongahela River fishing pier. Lincoln Borough: $50,000 for improvements to Breznay Field. West Homestead Borough: $50,000 for the West Homestead Recreation Park project. “Helping to secure these dollars Read more
Please check out my Winter 2024 Newsletter, my first as a PA state representative! Read more
Check out my free 2024 Capitol Calendar! Read more
“Wastewater management plays a huge role in protecting public health and our water supply, but equipment and system repairs can be extremely costly for local governments and water authorities,” Gergely said. “Securing this new funding will allow our local officials and authorities to make the repairs needed so residents throughout our district enjoy greater efficiency and fewer service interruptions.“I’m grateful to CFA and the community partners who worked with us to bring this funding home.” Read more
McKEESPORT, Dec. 20 -- State Rep. Matthew Gergely, D-Allegheny, today released the following statement in response to news of the pending sale of U.S. Steel to a foreign-owned corporation: “The recent announcement that U.S. Steel is planning to sell itself to Nippon Steel of Japan is stirring disappointment and concern in Pennsylvania and nationally, but especially within the communities I represent and surrounding areas in Western Pennsylvania. “Residents and stakeholders are concerned not just about the employment and economic issues posed by the sale, but also about national security and the loss of domestic control over such a critical industry. Steel production and the “arsenal of democracy” are major legacies of manufacturing in Western Pennsylvania; dependence on foreign steel production could negatively impact that legacy and make us vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and fluctuations in global markets. “My number one priority in the face of this potential sale is making sure any new ownership of U.S. Steel protects this region’s union workers and jobs. These union jobs play a vital role in our local, state, and national economy; they ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and job security for workers and their families. “Secondly, we need to keep U.S. steel production and jobs within the country, so we maintain national self-sufficiency and our economic Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would ensure plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania is suitable for subsequent use in health and medical forums passed the state House of Representatives unanimously. The legislation (H.B. 1795 ) would require that source plasma specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Having several source plasma centers local to the citizens I represent is a big part of why it’s such a priority for me. Safeguarding healthy and viable plasma will save lives and enhance quality of life throughout the 35th District and the Commonwealth at large,” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving this commitment to human welfare a step closer to reality.” “Plasma is a lifeline for countless individuals battling critical conditions. This proposed legislation aims to optimize this life-saving resource, ensuring its safety while expediting its availability for pharmaceutical use,” Briggs added. “Collaborating on this bill underscores our dedication to advancing Read more
MCKEESPORT, Nov. 6 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, and his staff will hold a grand opening from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in his district office at Tube City Center. Individuals will be able to tour the office and receive information/assistance on state services and state government-related questions and issues. Prospective attendees are encouraged to call Gergely’s office at 412-664-0035 for more information. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would ensure plasma donated throughout the state is suitable for subsequent use in health and medical forums. The legislation (H.B. 1795 ) would require that source plasma, specifically, undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals. Gergely’s bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County, would also allow more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Plasma is vital for treating rare diseases, chronic conditions, and emergencies like trauma and burns,” Gergely said. “My bill would help ensure that PA has a safe and sustainable plasma supply necessary for bettering and saving countless lives.” “In a world where plasma can mean the difference between life and death, we cannot afford to hinder the flow of this precious resource,” Briggs added. “By proposing legislation to align Pennsylvania's laws with federal standards for source plasma donation centers, we are taking a crucial step toward ensuring a reliable plasma supply for our state.” In 2017 alone, approximately 30 million liters of source plasma were collected in approximately 40 million procedures in the United States, per a work published Read more
Affordable and high-quality health care for seniors and individuals with disabilities remains a big concern in Pennsylvania. Read more
WEST MIFFLIN, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, presided over a meeting of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee yesterday at Kennywood that focused on maintaining and promoting public safety. Testimony was provided by West Mifflin Borough Police Department Chief Gregory McCulloch and Flock Safety Director of Sales Rick Lombardo. “We heard from law enforcement and a community organizer on the best way to build neighborhood safety and reduce crime rates,” Gergely said. “These partnerships can be advanced through technology, including plate-reading devices in neighborhoods, but the foundation for all of this remains building relationships between police officers and residents. The community involvement aspect of this issue cannot be overstated.” Nearly one year ago, three individuals were wounded during a shooting that took place inside Kennywood. The park was set to close for an indefinite period of time, until updated and additional safety protocols could be put in place. Thanks to the efforts of Gergely, members of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and others, the needed measures were implemented, and Kennywood opened for its 125th season this year. Read more
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409 Walnut St. First FloorMcKeesport, PA 15132-2524
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117 A East WingHarrisburg, PA 17120-2035
P*: (717) 783-1018
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