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In this Update:
Strengthening Bail Requirements to Protect Communities
The tragic killing of Dr. Idris Evans and recent stabbing in Shadyside add to the growing number of incidents that underscore the need to ensure bail decisions adequately account for public safety risks. While the presumption of innocence remains fundamental to our justice system, we must also protect our communities from the most dangerous individuals. My legislation would prohibit nonmonetary bail for certain serious and violent offenses. I intend to continue advocating for this policy because keeping Pennsylvanians safe is a responsibility we all share. I was proud to join Reps. Jeremy Shaffer (R-28), Natalie Mihalek (R-40), and Valerie Gaydos (R-44) this week to speak about how we can strengthen bail requirements to improve public safety. Learn more information about my legislation here. See more photos from the press conference here. Calling for Reasonable Legislation to Regulate Skill GamesEarlier this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that unregulated skill games often found in taverns, convenience stores, bars, and clubs across the commonwealth are like slot machines in the eyes of the law and should be regulated as such. The court gave the Pennsylvania General Assembly 120 days to pass legislation addressing the issue of skill games, after which law enforcement would seize the now-illegal devices if lawmakers fail to act. I am calling on all parties — state government leaders, business owners, and skill game operators — to come to the table and do everything possible to pass reasonable legislation to regulate skill games in Pennsylvania, including adding more session days, if needed, to do so. I’m strongly concerned about the impact this will have on clubs, VFWs, and businesses in Allegheny County and statewide. We need to find a way to regulate these skill games, tax them at an appropriate level, use the tax revenue to benefit our communities, ensure they’re in compliance with age restrictions, and limit them to the appropriate locations where they aren’t causing disruptions. I am in favor of any reasonable solution that can pass the Senate and House and be signed by the governor. Continued inaction is not acceptable. Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Meeting With Sen. Mark Daly
As co-chair of the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission, I was glad to join Irish Sen. Mark Daly, national and state members of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, and chairs of other states’ Ireland Trade Commissions (now up to 32 states!), to discuss how we can continue to strengthen the economic impact in the U.S. and in Ireland through investments and job creation. Learn more about the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission here. Youth Workforce Development Roundtable
Targeted investments in youth workforce development can expand career pathways, strengthen our talent pipeline, and position Pennsylvania as a leader in preparing the next generation of workers. Thanks to Partner4Work and the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association for inviting me to participate in a panel to discuss our commonwealth’s future workforce. See more photos from the roundtable here. Aer Lingus College Football Classic Kickoff
Last week, at the University of Pittsburgh, we welcomed a delegation from Ireland to kick off the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which will be in Dublin, Ireland next year. Book your tickets, flights, and hotels now because it will be a great time had by all! See more photos from the kickoff here. McDonald’s Mural Program Winner
Thank you to the students from Cornell High School and Sto Rox High School who participated in the McDonald’s of Three Rivers Mural Program by submitting their designs. A big congratulations to Vanessa Bosetti from Cornell High School for having her design selected to be made into a mural! The McDonald’s Mural Program gives high school art students an opportunity to showcase their creativity and share their perspective on the community they call home, while incorporating elements of classic McDonald’s nostalgia. See more photos from the mural unveiling here! Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s Legislative Breakfast
I was pleased to attend Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s legislative breakfast. We had a great discussion about their priorities and plans for the future growth of the gardens. Recently, I was proud to secure a state grant for more than $639,000 in partnership with Reps. Jeremy Shaffer (R-28) and Valerie Gaydos (R-44) for needed upgrades and improvements around 100 interior acres of the gardens. Learn more about the funding here. See more photos from the breakfast here. Legislation Supporting PA TeachersPennsylvania needs more National Board-Certified Teachers (NBCTs) working in our highest-need school districts! I am proud to join the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and my colleagues in the PA General Assembly, Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-7), Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-146), and Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-178), to introduce bipartisan legislation to grow the number of board-certified teachers in high-need schools to accelerate learning outcomes, improve teacher retention, and raise achievement across the Commonwealth. Learn more about the bill 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, located at 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! Funding to Repair Local Roads Across PA
New funding to repair local roads across the state, an effort we fought for in the 2026-27 state budget, is now being put to work with announcement of the first 79 “Rapid Deployment” projects – including one in Coraopolis! Read more about the projects here. U.S. Navy’s 251st Birthday
On Oct. 13, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 251st birthday! Thank you to all the sailors and veterans who have proudly and bravely served – and continue to serve – our great nation at home, at sea, and abroad. Working to Increase Affordability for Pennsylvanians
At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflation, we know state government must look for ways to implement policies and programs to increase affordability. Fighting for the state budget to respect taxpayers and take less of your hard-earned money, enacting the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Programs, and making homes more attainable are some of the ways we’ve focused on affordability during the 2025-26 legislative session. The new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. Families that claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. This amounts to hundreds of dollars saved every year for many working families. We also created the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Program, which provides incentives for businesses to make contributions of up to $500 annually toward their employees’ child-care costs. And we took steps to make housing attainable to more Pennsylvanians by passing legislation streamlining municipal approval processes, reducing delays, cutting unnecessary red tape, and creating a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to serve as a single point of contact and improve coordination in the permitting process. We’re committed to continuing to implement greater government efficiencies and policies to control the growth of spending and help address affordability for families throughout Pennsylvania. New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts, and Caller ID Spoofing
Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect Monday, Oct. 19. Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails, and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:
The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. Key Election Dates to Remember
Election Day will be here before you know it, and I want to make sure you know the key dates.
To make sure you’re registered, learn how to request an absentee ballot, and find your polling place, visit the state’s elections information webpage. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most people who use prescription medication for a nonmedical purpose obtained that medication from a family member or friend. Removing unnecessary medications from the home can help remove this risk. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Find a local collection site near you at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website. Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, is diagnosed when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. While treatments can help control metastatic cancer and allow many people to live longer, Stage IV breast cancer is currently considered incurable. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s recognize the Pennsylvanians living with metastatic breast cancer every day. Organizations like the PA Breast Cancer Coalition offer programs specific to individuals with metastatic breast cancer, including a Stage IV-specific care package program and patient resources. Metastatic breast cancer research is essential to developing more effective treatments, improving quality of life, and extending the lives of those living with stage IV cancer. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed legislation I sponsored to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about the legislation which was signed into law here. Please consider making a $5 contribution to research when you renew your Pennsylvania driver’s license or vehicle registration online. For more information, visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition website. Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – a time to shine a light on the issue of domestic abuse and supporting victims and survivors. As chair of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee, I’m proud to have championed and ultimately passed bipartisan legislation to reform unemployment compensation to help victims of domestic violence get benefits faster during times of crisis. Learn more about this important legislation here. Upcoming Events in the 37th District
Looking for things in the area to do this week? Check out these local events across the 37th District! Big Sewickley Creek Watershed Festival Bridgeville Public Library’s Winnie the Pooh 100th Birthday Celebration Robinson Township Trunk or Treat North Fayette Fall Fest / Trunk or Treat Ohio Township Police Department’s Trunk or Treat Moon Township’s Halloween Spooktacular Township of Findlay Trunk-or-Treat Spooktacular Allegheny County Trunk or Treat
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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