AMBRIDGE, July 2 – Beaver County residents struggling with opioid use disorder will benefit from a $146,444 grant to fund employment support services, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced . Matzie said the federally funded Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant will support services such as vocational assessments, resume writing, interviewing skills, job placement and transportation assistance related to employment. “Opioid use disorder has robbed decent, hardworking people of formerly productive lives,” Matzie said. “So many want simply to get back on their feet and recover their independence. With this funding, we can offer them the skills and resources they need to take that first and most important step – gainful employment.” Life’s Work of Western PA will use the grant – which is part of a package of $2 million in SAMHA funding to 14 organizations statewide – to provide services to residents struggling with opioid use disorder in Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Fayette and Greene counties. The grants are administered by the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – The House today unanimously passed two bills that would improve policing in the commonwealth by ensuring hiring agencies have full access to a candidate’s background information and by enhancing officer training, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. “These are common-sense bills that set us on the path to real reform,” said Matzie, who said he voted for both bills because they promise to improve law enforcement’s ability to hire and maintain the best-qualified people for the job. Matzie said H.B. 1841 would require employers to disclose employment information to law enforcement agencies conducting background checks and also create a database to track officer disciplinary actions so agencies would be aware of potential red flags before hiring an officer who has separated from another agency. “Most employers conduct background checks,” Matzie said. “In an area as critical as law enforcement, it’s only practical that important information would be included in those checks.” Matzie said a second bill, H.B. 1910 , would require mandatory training for officers on interacting with people of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds and on the use of force and de-escalation methods. It would also require officers to be evaluated for post-traumatic stress after a lethal use-of-force incident. “Police officers have a Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 24 – Beaver County’s largest community senior center is receiving $35,858 in funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant to Center at the Mall will allow the center to enhance operations for the many active seniors it serves. “ Community centers like Center at the Mall are a lifeline to social activity, nutrition, fitness and other programs that keep our senior community healthy and engaged,” Matzie said. “The pandemic has removed so many of these activities for our seniors, but as restrictions lift, we can expect them to return. “This funding is going help the center enhance and improve its operations so when life returns to a closer version of normal, our seniors will return to an even better, more enriching experience.” The grant is part of a package of $2 million in funding -- appropriated by the General Assembly from the Pennsylvania Lottery -- that is going to 60 senior centers statewide. In all, there are more than 500 senior community centers throughout Pennsylvania that provide a variety of offerings, such as nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and exercise programs. Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery help to fund these programs every year. More information on senior community centers is available by visiting this link: Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 23 – Beaver County residents struggling with homelessness will benefit from more than $31,000 in federal funding for critical resources, including affordable housing and emergency shelter, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said that in addition to a grant totaling $31,125, Beaver County will share in more than $1.72 million in funding being distributed to 20 counties throughout the central and western portions of the state. “Job losses and a slowed economy caused by the pandemic have left hardworking families in our community in immediate need of help,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help those who need a safe, clean place to call home.” The funding – administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development – is provided through the federal Emergency Solutions Grant program and is part of a package of nearly $5.5 million that will fund rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, and emergency shelter, among other resources. Priority for funding is given to applicants representing areas of the commonwealth that do not already receive a direct allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Read more
Today, members of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus sent a letter requesting a committee vote for H.B 1404 Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 10 – Beaver County will receive $284,994 in federal funding to support the costs of opioid testing and analysis over two years, while county law enforcement will have access to federal funding of up to $109,414 for coronavirus response efforts, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant from the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – will fund a project to allow the county to identify the geographical distribution of drugs and develop protocols leading to improved community detection, response and treatment. “Even as we’re working toward a vaccine for COVID-19, we know there is no simple cure for the opioid addiction epidemic, which threatens to continue claiming lives long after we’ve eliminated the threat from the virus,” Matzie said. “Thankfully, we have strategies to combat the epidemic. “Laboratory drug testing funded by this grant will be key to helping us understand the geographical distribution of drugs being used in our county. That knowledge will help health care providers better treat patients they are likely to encounter and will enhance law enforcement efforts to investigate and identify emerging threats.” In addition to the opioid program funding, Matzie said county law enforcement will have access to nearly $110,000 Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 5 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement today that Beaver County will move to the “green” phase of the state’s reopen plan next Friday, June 12. “We were disappointed that we didn’t go into green for this week as our numbers continued to improve and all surrounding counties received the go-ahead. However, with no counties going from yellow to green after at least two weeks, it wasn’t a total surprise. “I believe the public and our businesses are positioned to accelerate our recovery. We will continue to utilize necessary safeguards to protect ourselves and those we may be in contact with under guidelines. We are ready to safely and responsibly move to the green phase.” Read more
HARRISBURG, May 29 – Pennsylvania nursing and personal care homes at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic would receive more than $630 million in federal CARES Act funding under legislation the House passed unanimously yesterday, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. Matzie, who has led the charge to investigate and address the spiraling infection and death rates in nursing and long-term care facilities statewide, said he is relieved that a large chunk of $2.6 billion in federal CARES Act funding is going where it is needed most – to address the crisis facing seniors in care facilities. “It is beyond frustrating to read the statistics on mounting deaths and see our seniors being held hostage by this virus without being able to go in and do something to address it,” said Matzie, whose legislation recently prompted the state to begin universal testing in facilities. “Now, thanks to this infusion of funding, we will have the test kits, personal protective equipment, additional staffing and other critical resources to start bringing the situation under control.” Beyond the assistance to nursing homes, Matzie said the CARES Act funding will provide $50 million to volunteer fire and EMS companies, which lost key sources of revenue when the pandemic forced a halt to fundraising efforts. “We ask our first responders to combat any form of disaster, Read more
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AMBRIDGE, May 21 – Area food banks will receive more than $1.4 million in state grants to help them meet the increased demand and greater food insecurity created by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. “Our local food banks have always been important in helping residents combat food insecurity, but with the onset of this pandemic, their services are more critical than ever – and they are being called on to reach a much larger number of residents,” Matzie said. “Thanks to this funding, these important providers will be able to purchase the additional equipment and vehicles they need to meet this increasing demand safely and efficiently.” Some of the grants include – $200,000 to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. $145,027 to Beaver Falls Youth Network d/b/a Tiger Pause Youth Ministry. $133,416 to Faith Restorations. $53,341 to Adagio Health Inc. The grants are administered by the Department of Environmental Protection and are part of a $9.6 million package awarded to 145 food projects throughout the state. Providers may use the funding to purchase equipment such as refrigerated or non-refrigerated trucks, industrial refrigerators and pallet jacks. More information on the grants is available here. Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 21 – Federal funding of $450,100 under the CARES Act will help support Beaver County child care providers as they prepare to reopen their doors, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said that as Beaver County reopens, it’s important to ensure that these businesses are up and running, with proper protections in place. “As Beaver County businesses begin opening their doors, parents will once again turn to trusted child care providers protect and nurture their kids. But these providers – like other businesses forced to close during the pandemic – have felt the impact of the shutdown profoundly. “Now, as they begin reopening, they face the added challenge of ensuring that the proper safety protocols are in place to protect our kids. This funding is going help ensure that they have the staff, training, equipment and other resources they need to get back up and running while continuing to provide safe havens for our kids.” The funding is part of an initial $51 million round of funding that will go to nearly 7,000 child care centers statewide preparing to reopen In all, Pennsylvania will receive a total of $106 million in funding to support child care providers. The second round of funding will be allocated after completion of a study assessing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Pennsylvania’s child care providers. Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 15 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement today that Beaver County will move to the “yellow,” open phase of the state’s reopen plan on May 22. “I’m pleased the governor responded to our requests. The people in our county did their part, and ultimately, the data showed that we were ready for the next phase in safely re-opening our county. “These are unprecedented times. There is no foolproof instruction manual on how to deal with a global pandemic. It is inevitable that some governmental decisions may not work out as intended or be well received. “This announcement, along with the recent action taken by the Department of Health at Brighton Rehab and in long-term care facilities statewide, although long overdue, shows that the administration is listening. “I’m well aware that this phase does not send everyone back to work or reopen every business. But it’s a safe first step back towards life as we knew it.” Read more
HARRISBURG, May 6 – Noting the sudden and unexpected loss of income incurred by Pennsylvania residents and small business owners due to COVID-19, state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, has introduced a resolution urging the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to put a freeze on all requests for utility rate increases through 2020. “Residents are experiencing financial hardships, unemployment rates are through the roof, and the public and state assistance offered to families and small businesses is but a small drop in a bucket to address the of loss of income and financial insecurity because of COVID-19,” Deasy said. “You’d think during a time like this, we’d see more compassion, but unfortunately that’s not the case, especially with utility companies. Rate increases are the last thing our struggling residents and businesses should have to worry about, which is why this resolution is so crucial during this global health crisis,” Deasy said. Aside from the increase proposals, Deasy said he was even more disappointed in the scale of which some companies were trying to raise their rates, with at least one company seeking a 24% rate increase. Deasy is the second western House Democrat in recent weeks to call on the PUC to investigate or freeze rate increase proposals received from utility companies. State Rep. Austin Davis, also D-Allegheny, called on the PUC last week to investigate a rate increase proposal Read more
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HARRISBURG, March 24 – Hoping to relieve the economic strain placed on all non-life sustaining businesses forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Anita Kulik, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would extend the date by which businesses would have to remit sales tax. “We’re in a situation that has called for unfortunate yet necessary measures to help curb the spread of COVID-19,” Kulik said. “Businesses have taken a hit as a result and are forced to deal with a sudden loss of income. This legislation would help them retain a source of income they’d otherwise miss out on due to COVID-19.” Kulik said the legislation would give businesses an extra 45 days to remit their sales taxes to the state Department of Revenue, ensuring they have time to remit their sales tax while still requiring their payments during the current fiscal year. This legislation is expected to be considered by House members in the near future. Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement today in response to news that Energy Harbor Corp. is rescinding deactivation notices for the Beaver Valley Power Station – a move that will allow the plant to continue operating. “Obviously, this is great news,” Matzie said. “I’ve been at the forefront of the effort to keep Beaver Valley open, and I couldn’t be happier for the employees. “In addition to fighting for Beaver Valley, I’ve worked closely with my colleagues to find solutions to the challenges facing our commonwealth’s largest clean energy source. As the co-chair of the Nuclear Caucus and Democratic chair of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, it’s fantastic to see those efforts bear fruit. “But, to be clear, this isn’t a win for me – it’s a win for Beaver County and the workers and communities that I represent.” Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, has announced that his Ambridge district office, located at 1240 Merchant St., and his satellite office in Aliquippa, located at the Franklin Center of Beaver County, 524 Franklin Ave., will close to the public temporarily as a safety measure as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response effort. “Although closing our offices to the public during business hours is something we never like to do, we’re taking this step in the interest of public safety,” Matzie said. “We’ve chosen to do so in an abundance of caution to minimize the risk of exposure to residents and to follow recommendations by the governor and state health authorities.” Matzie added that the staff will remain available by calling (724) 266-7774 or emailing RepMatzie@pahouse.net . Read more
HARRISBURG, March 13 – State Rep. Dan Miller, chairman of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation, and fellow ACHDD members on Friday asked Gov. Tom Wolf to place a moratorium on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission from further shutoffs for the foreseeable future for all Pennsylvanians in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The delegation’s call to action comes by way of support for the initial request issued early Thursday by members of the Philadelphia leadership team in the state House. Miller, as well as state Reps. Austin Davis, Dan Deasy, Tony DeLuca, House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Bill Kortz, Anita Kulik, Summer Lee, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Adam Ravenstahl, Harry Readshaw and Jake Wheatley issued the following statement: “As we speak, we’re faced with an emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic, that many have never dealt with before here in Pennsylvania. Aside from the fear and anxiety this may be causing many state residents, we as lawmakers need to be sure we’re doing everything possible to make what could be a dire situation less extreme for those living with life-threatening illnesses or in low-income situations. One way we can do that is by ensuring that all residents have access to their electric utilities, especially those who rely on their electric to power their medical equipment. “Losing electricity would Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 13 – Responding to the need for broadband internet access as Pennsylvania schools transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, and Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, are calling on internet providers statewide to temporarily remove data caps on home broadband internet and wireless internet service. In a letter to telecom providers throughout the state , the lawmakers are urging the companies to suspend data caps and overage fees, citing the need to minimize the pandemic’s impact on students and their families. “As lawmakers, our No. 1 priority is always the safety and health of residents,” Matzie said. “But in challenging times, when circumstances force prolonged changes to our daily routine, it’s also important to ensure that residents continue receiving the benefit of essential services. That’s especially true when it comes to services like education. “With internet learning becoming a reality as we take measures to ensure safety during the pandemic, it’s essential that all families – regardless of household budget – have uninterrupted access to internet, without having to worry about the cost of overages. Continuing access to education should never depend on a family’s ability to afford an internet bill.” Neilson agreed, noting, “We are urging Pennsylvanians to do what is in the Read more
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