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In this Update:
Senator Robinson’s Senior Expo
I want to thank the guests and vendors who joined us at this year’s Senior Expo at the Library Volunteer Fire Company in South Park Township! We had another fantastic turnout, and I hope attendees found valuable information and resources from our participating organizations. My staff and I were very happy to see all of you, help answer questions, and connect you with local resources. We look forward to hosting you again next year! See more photos from the event here. 25th Anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom
October 7 marked the 25th anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my fellow OEF veterans and colleagues in the General Assembly, Sen. Doug Mastirano (R-33), Rep. Jake Banta (R-4), and Rep. Zach Mako (R-183), to commemorate this meaningful day. See more photos from the event here. Watch a video of my remarks here. Turning the PA Capitol Fountain Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
I was proud to stand next to colleagues and advocates to officially kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the PA capitol fountain pink! For the patients, survivors, and families affected by this disease, the pink fountain will serve as a reminder that we are continuing to fight to support you through legislation here in Harrisburg. Learn about the bills we’ve advanced and passed into law here. See more photos from the event here. Recognizing Manufacturing Day in PA
To recognize Manufacturing Day in PA, I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, the Northeast PA Manufactures and Employers Council, Rep. David Rowe (R-85), and Rep. Parke Wentling (R-7) at the capitol this week. Manufacturing supports more than 550,000 jobs across our state, generating more than $116 billion in economic output each year. And these aren’t just jobs — they’re careers. Manufacturing provides Pennsylvanians with good-paying opportunities to support their families and build a future right here at home. Learn more about the resolution here. See more photos from the event here. Desert Storm Veterans Appreciation Day
In honor of Desert Storm Veterans Appreciation Day on October 7, I want to thank all of the brave men and women who served and sacrificed during this significant mission. May God bless them and their families. Prostate Cancer Advocates Visit the Senate
Thanks to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Blackout PCa, and all the patients, providers, researchers, and advocates who traveled to Harrisburg last week to raise awareness about prostate cancer. I was honored to welcome them to the Senate Floor. Together, we can save lives by removing barriers to early detection! Learn more about my legislation to improve insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings here. See more photos from the Senate floor here. Urging Congress to Pass the Treat PTSD ActA state Senate panel voted to urge Congress to pass the TREAT PTSD Act this week! This measure would address the urgent mental health needs of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by expanding access to specialized treatments such as Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) therapy. This treatment relieves feelings of stress quickly for those with PTSD and provides them with a renewed chance to heal. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation with my fellow veterans, Sens. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Cris Dush (R-25), Doug Mastriano (R-33), Gene Yaw (R-23), and Greg Rothman (R-34). Learn more about the resolution here. Interfaith Advocacy Day
I was glad to meet with more than 30 visitors representing Jewish, Hindu, and Christian communities in Harrisburg for Interfaith Advocacy Day. Hosted in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, these faith leaders and community members gathered at our state capitol to strengthen civic engagement and advocate for shared priorities. Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate unanimously approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel. Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights here. School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate
Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel. Senate Bill 1262, which I was proud to vote for, would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure. The latest Senate action follows unanimous passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives. Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill, which I was proud to vote for, was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. People selling, transferring, or offering dogs, cats, or horses for adoption would be required to check a registry to be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues, and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk. The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth, and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee tragically did not survive. Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate
The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups, and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising. Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. Senate Bill 995, which passed unanimously, would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill. Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives where they were then amended into my legislation to allow nonprofits like VFWs, little league organizations, and volunteer fire companies to fundraise by accepting online payments like credit cards. I’m closely monitoring this effort’s progress and will continue to advocate to support the nonprofits that give so much to our local communities. Global War on Terrorism Day
On October 7, we recognized the veterans of the Global War on Terrorism. Their service and sacrifice have helped keep our country and its citizens safe from our enemies – and for that, we are extremely grateful. Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast
I was glad to join Rep. Josh Kail (R-15) and other legislators at the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Breakfast last week. It’s a privilege to work with my fellow legislators to continue to bring growth and development to southwest Pennsylvania. See more photos from the breakfast here. Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Hosts Odyssey Day
October 2 was Odyssey Day, hosted by Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities! The day featured presentations and unique activities designed to educate the public about cleaner transportation technologies. I was glad to speak to the attendees. Learn more about Odyssey Day here. See more photos from the event here. RSVP to Sen. Robinson & Rep. Mihalek Veterans Breakfast
Please join Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and me on Oct. 30 at St. Clair Country Club, 2300 Old Washington Road, Upper St. Clair, from 9 to 11 a.m. for our annual Veterans Breakfast. This free event will feature a breakfast buffet, veteran organizations, and guest speakers. If you would like to attend, please register by Monday, Oct. 26 by calling Rep. Mihalek’s office at 724-942-2045. We hope to see you there! Collier Township’s First National Night Out
Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated Collier Township’s first National Night Out! This event was a great opportunity for community members and first responders to collectively promote a safer and stronger place to live. See more photos from the celebration here. PIT Partners with Skild AI
The Pittsburgh International Airport announced that they are partnering with Skild AI, a Pittsburgh company, to test innovative technology that can improve operations and passenger experience. I’m proud that Pittsburgh continues to prove to the world that we are at the forefront of emerging technologies. Learn more about the partnership here. See more photos from the announcement here. World Teachers’ Day
October 5 was World Teachers’ Day! Thank you to our excellent teachers in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania for your dedication to student success. Please be sure to show your appreciation to our many wonderful teachers, past and present! Italian-American Heritage Month
Pennsylvania has one of the largest Italian-American populations in the country, and their influence has shaped our state’s history and culture. I am very proud of my heritage, and happy to sponsor a resolution alongside Sens. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Joe Picozzi (R-5) to designate October 2026 as Italian-American Heritage month in Pennsylvania. Learn more about the resolution here. National Fire Prevention Week
Today is the last day of National Fire Prevention Week. Thanks to all the firefighters in Allegheny County and across the commonwealth who keep our communities safe!
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. |
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