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
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
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
Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie addresses proposed changes to the LIHEAP Program. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Robert Matzie gave the opening prayer before legislative business on June 28, 2022. He asked for guidance as lawmakers make decisions on behalf of the Commonwealth Read more
It’s hard to imagine living without heat in the winter in Pennsylvania. If your furnace has ever died or if you’ve lost power in January, you know what a challenge those few days or even a few hours can be like. For those struggling to make ends meet, this is a very real concern. Thankfully there is a long-running, successful program to help with this issue and it’s called the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or simply, LIHEAP. 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
As Chairman of the Pa. House Consumer Affairs Committee, state Rep. Robert Matzie held a public hearing on Retail Energy Competition/Consumer Choice. Matzie believes policy makers need to look into the actual savings these programs can have and who patronizes them. 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
Pa. state Rep. Robert Matzie learned a great deal about the infrastructure plans in place for EVs or Electric Vehicles during a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing. In the next ten to 15 years, he says EVs could be the only type of new car people buy. He wants to use skilled labor unions and workers to build up to 4,300 fast-charging stations across the state by 2026, putting the infrastructure in place to provide accessibility to everyone who needs it. At the hearing, Matzie asked about electric vehicle infrastructure across the Commonwealth. As Democratic Chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, Matzie is concerned about consumers taking on the cost of charging stations that they may never use. Matzie also asked about the skilled workforce needed to install electric vehicle infrastructure across Pa. and how this would affect the current electrical grid. 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
In the last meeting of legislators before the Easter holiday, Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie gave the opening prayer before House business on April 13, 2022. Matzie spoke about the spirit of Easter and how it offers hope, love and joyful living. He also offered peace and healing by reciting the Prayer of St. Francis. 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
As co-chair of the bicameral bipartisan Pharmacy Caucus, Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie joined pharmacists and students from across the commonwealth at the state Capitol building to support legislation that would give pharmacists the permanent ability to provide vaccines to all Pennsylvanians. Otherwise, that ability will go away when the public health emergency ends. 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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