Miss my Telephone Town Hall? Catch the discussion right here.

(Aug 29, 2024)

Find out what our friends and neighbors had to say about the issues that matter to Beaver County's families. Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $2 million grant secured for Ambridge road improvements

(Aug 19, 2024)

Matzie said the nearly $2 million will be used for improvements to Eighth Street, from Route 65 to Merchant Street, including adding a median to control traffic speed and turning. It also will be used to improve pedestrian sidewalks and crosswalks at eight intersections. Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $630,000 secured for new EV charging station in Monaca

(Aug 16, 2024)

“As electric vehicle sales continue rising, it’s important that we have the charging infrastructure in place to support them,” Matzie said. “Securing this new funding will allow Giant Eagle to construct a charging station at the GetGo in Monaca. It’s a project that will create jobs and add convenience for motorists who drive EVs.” Read more

 

Matzie: Free potassium iodide tablets to be distributed Thursday, Aug. 22

(Aug 14, 2024)

“Nuclear power is one of safest energy sources available, with multiple systems designed into modern plants that make the risk of an injury-causing accident extremely rare,” Matzie said. “But it still makes sense to take every precaution, which is why the state distributes free potassium iodide tablets each year to residents living within 10 miles of the state’s four active power plants, including Beaver Valley Power Station.“The Department of Health will be distributing tablets between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 at Center at the Mall, inside Beaver Valley Mall in Monaca. I encourage everyone to stop by for that extra peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your family are fully prepared.” Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $100,000 secured to boost fresh produce for District 16 schools

(Aug 12, 2024)

“Eating healthy helps kids stay focused, learn more easily, and retain more of what they learn,” Matzie said. “The new funding will allow our elementary schools to introduce more produce into the school day, so students reap the benefits of that nutrition, learn to view fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks and gradually begin to make their own healthy choices.” Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $700,000 secured to expand Beaver County adult literacy resources

(Jul 18, 2024)

“The ability to get a good-paying job, benefit from career training, tap into community resources and even successfully navigate life in the community – all depend on basic literacy skills,” Matzie said. “But for some residents – particularly those who speak English as a second language – the lack of those skills is still a major barrier.“This new funding will allow Literacy Pittsburgh to train and support additional instructors and tutors so they can bring these essential tools to more folks in our region.” Read more

 

Matzie casts ‘yes’ vote for new budget, says new plan will boost public schools, job creation

(Jul 12, 2024)

“This is a very important budget, and one we have been talking about for quite some time,” Matzie said. “The new plan invests $1.3 billion in public education and an additional half a billion to address decades of underfunding that has left students in less-affluent ZIP codes – including many students in our district – trying to compete on an uneven playing field. Every student deserves the same resources needed to navigate a successful future – and contribute to our workforce and economy." Read more

 

State lawmakers celebrate passage of Solar for Schools bill in major bipartisan energy push for Pennsylvania

(Jul 11, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 11 — Today, the Pennsylvania House gave final approval to Solar for Schools (HB1032) , introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. With prior passage in the Senate, this bill now moves to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. HB1032 will create a grant program to help school districts across Pennsylvania fund and install solar panels on school grounds. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project — while creating good-paying jobs and bringing career training opportunities to their schools. It is the first initiative of its kind to be passed in Pennsylvania. Fiedler calls the passage of this bill “a groundbreaking victory for energy, education and environmental policy in Pennsylvania.” “When we wrote Solar for Schools, we set out to create a piece of legislation that would unite labor and environmental groups to build the future we all want for our kids,” Fiedler said . “Since then, we’ve not only won Solar — we’ve created something so much bigger. We now have proof that environmental and labor leaders, Democrats and Republicans, can work together to usher Pennsylvania into the 21 st Century and ensure we are a nationwide leader in the energy of the future. I’m incredibly proud of Solar for Schools, and so excited for the communities that will soon benefit from all that Read more

 

Matzie to host July 19 license plate replacement event

(Jul 08, 2024)

We’re teaming with local police to help folks address an important but sometimes overlooked issue,” Matzie said. “State law prohibits driving with a license plate that is illegible – meaning that it’s blistered, peeling or discolored; has lost reflectivity; or has at least one number or letter that can’t be recognized from 50 feet away. Plates with any of these problems qualify for free replacement, and our event will make the whole process easier.“I encourage anyone who suspects their plate might qualify for replacement to stop by.” Read more

 

PA legislators announced relaunch of bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus

(Jul 02, 2024)

“Nuclear energy has powered Pennsylvania’s homes and businesses for decades with reliable, carbon-free electricity,” the members of caucus said. “We are relaunching the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus to ensure we keep this tried-and-true clean energy contributing to our baseload power for generations to come.” Read more

 

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture

(Jun 25, 2024)

“This is a good bill for PA workers, the economy and our environment,” Matzie said. “Carbon capture can reduce CO2 emissions, support our entry into other clean technologies like hydrogen hubs, create jobs and generate new investments. Right now, however, the federal government is in charge of issuing permits for carbon capture projects. Other states have started taking the initiative and applying to the EPA to gain the power to regulate those projects, and it’s time for Pennsylvania – as an energy leader – to join them. This bill will start the ball rolling.” Read more

 

Matzie encourages municipalities, community groups to apply to Digital Connectivity Technology Program

(Jun 21, 2024)

AMBRIDGE, June 21 – State Rep. Rob Matzie is encouraging local municipalities, nonprofit groups, libraries and other community organizations statewide to apply to the newly opened Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the PBDA will be purchasing and distributing $20 million in laptops so communities can make that technology available for residents. “Everything we’re doing on the broadband authority is focused on one main goal: ensuring folks have quick, reliable, affordable access to the wealth of opportunities available online – from job openings and state programs to telemedicine and shopping,” Matzie said. “We’ve made great progress getting the infrastructure and funding in place for areas that have lacked those high-speed connections, but affording hardware like laptops and computers is still a barrier for some households. “This program will allow community organizations to obtain laptops and make them available for residents. I’m urging municipalities, libraries, nonprofits – every group eligible – to apply as soon as possible.” Matzie said eligible applicants include community organizations such as libraries, municipalities, workforce Read more

 

Matzie: Up to $100K in funding secured to boost digital literacy in Beaver County

(Jun 17, 2024)

“Knowing how to use a computer holds the key to so many important life opportunities, from finding and qualifying for good jobs to locating essential programs and services,” Matzie said. “That’s why the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has been working to ensure that the infrastructure and funding are in place to provide residents with access to high-speed internet. But the other essential part of the equation is that folks need to have the skills to take advantage of those connections.“The new funding to Literacy Pittsburgh to enhance their digital literacy programs is an important step toward that goal.” Read more

 

Matzie: More than $365,000 awarded to Southwest Pa. historical societies

(Jun 14, 2024)

“Serving on the PHMC and helping to secure this funding is important to me,” Matzie said. “The work our historical societies and museums do isn’t just about preserving documents and artifacts. It’s about highlighting the art, architecture and writings of our ancestors that give us insights into their talent and ingenuity. We’re making sure those pieces of our past are around for future generations to understand and explore.” Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $205,000 secured for Beaver County affordable housing, home modifications

(Jun 14, 2024)

“Safe, affordable housing means a more secure life, greater access to community services and a better chance at finding a good job,” Matzie said. “Today’s funding is going to help ensure more folks in our district have those opportunities to put down roots and stay rooted in our community. The funds are also going to help residents with mobility issues get home modifications and repairs they need to stay safe.” Read more

 

House adopts Matzie’s ‘Pollinator Week’ resolution

(Jun 12, 2024)

“It’s estimated that by pollinating most crops and wildflowers, bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat – from fruits and vegetables to chocolate, coffee and nuts,” Matzie said. “They also play an essential role in maintaining the health of our environment – including our forests, grasslands and local ecosystems – by promoting floral growth that creates habitats for animals and insects. Beekeepers play an essential role in all of this by ensuring that bee colonies remain healthy and disease-free.” Read more

 

Consumer Protection Committee approves bills to improve fee transparency, help data breach victims, boost energy & aviation fuel production

(Jun 11, 2024)

“Today’s meeting was an important one,” Matzie said. “We moved several bills to protect consumers and other bills that would boost the state’s energy production, including my bill that would jumpstart Pennsylvania’s production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. I’m looking forward to seeing these bills shepherded through the House.” Read more

 

Fiedler bill to modernize Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority unanimously approved by committee

(Jun 11, 2024)

HARRISBURG, June 11 — Today, H.B. 2338 , introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. , was approved unanimously by the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. The bill would update the duties and powers of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, which was chartered in 1982 with the purpose of financing energy and energy-related projects. If enacted, H.B. 2338 would enable PEDA to apply for and leverage billions of federal dollars available through the Inflation Reduction Act to incentivize investments in Pennsylvania clean-energy projects. With the federal government now implementing the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $783 billion Inflation Reduction Act, Fiedler said she believes this presents an incredible opportunity for Pennsylvania. “These federal investments can jumpstart energy production in Pennsylvania, create good local jobs, and reduce energy costs for consumers, but only if we have the right vehicle to seize the funds,” Fiedler said. “PEDA, our state’s public energy financing authority, is well-suited to play this role, but first we must modernize PEDA to ensure it can maximize its role as an energy accelerator and job creator.” The legislation’s co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, placed the legislation within the context of the state’s long history of energy production. Read more

 

Matzie lauds passage of ‘Max Manufacturing Initiative Act’ to boost industry through public-private partnerships

(Jun 05, 2024)

“In southwestern Pennsylvania, the regional impact will be significant,” Matzie said. “The potential for the University of Pittsburgh, the city of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Airport and private businesses to partner with each other in building the next wave of new manufacturing and technologies is limitless.    “For our county, it means jobs, jobs, jobs. Good, stable, family-sustaining jobs that we often talk about but rarely have the opportunity to legislate. This is one of those opportunities.” Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to accelerate state’s energy production

(Jun 03, 2024)

“This is about jobs, jobs and jobs,” Matzie said. “We have talked for a long time about the importance of having a diverse, all-in energy portfolio and the job creation and energy independence that brings. This bill moves us closer to that goal by positioning us to take advantage of hundreds of billions in federal funding coming to the states.“We need to act sooner, rather than later. Fortunately, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel – Pennsylvania already has a mechanism in place with PEDA. Now, we just need to make sure the agency is ready to hit the ground running and seize every bit of our share.” Read more

 

Miss my Telephone Town Hall? Catch the discussion right here.
Aug 29, 2024

Matzie: Nearly $2 million grant secured for Ambridge road improvements
Aug 19, 2024

Matzie: Nearly $630,000 secured for new EV charging station in Monaca
Aug 16, 2024

Matzie: Free potassium iodide tablets to be distributed Thursday, Aug. 22
Aug 14, 2024

Matzie: Nearly $100,000 secured to boost fresh produce for District 16 schools
Aug 12, 2024

Matzie: Nearly $700,000 secured to expand Beaver County adult literacy resources
Jul 18, 2024

Matzie casts ‘yes’ vote for new budget, says new plan will boost public schools, job creation
Jul 12, 2024

State lawmakers celebrate passage of Solar for Schools bill in major bipartisan energy push for Pennsylvania
Jul 11, 2024

Matzie to host July 19 license plate replacement event
Jul 08, 2024

PA legislators announced relaunch of bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus
Jul 02, 2024

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture
Jun 25, 2024

Matzie encourages municipalities, community groups to apply to Digital Connectivity Technology Program
Jun 21, 2024

Matzie: Up to $100K in funding secured to boost digital literacy in Beaver County
Jun 17, 2024

Matzie: More than $365,000 awarded to Southwest Pa. historical societies
Jun 14, 2024

Matzie: Nearly $205,000 secured for Beaver County affordable housing, home modifications
Jun 14, 2024

House adopts Matzie’s ‘Pollinator Week’ resolution
Jun 12, 2024

Consumer Protection Committee approves bills to improve fee transparency, help data breach victims, boost energy & aviation fuel production
Jun 11, 2024

Fiedler bill to modernize Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority unanimously approved by committee
Jun 11, 2024

Matzie lauds passage of ‘Max Manufacturing Initiative Act’ to boost industry through public-private partnerships
Jun 05, 2024

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to accelerate state’s energy production
Jun 03, 2024