Senator Robinson E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Celebrating Veterans Across the District
  • Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Diwali & Grand Annakut Celebrations
  • Sweetwater Center for the Arts Tour
  • More than $3 Million in State Funding for Allegheny County
  • Ancient Order of Hibernians Communion Breakfast  
  • Groundbreaking for Springs at North Fayette
  • Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Wexford Grant Opening  
  • PA Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs Face More Accountability
  • Home Heating Assistance Program Accepting Applications
  • National Young Readers Week
  • Cold Weather Life Jacket Law in Effect
  • State Police Accepting Applications for Youth Camp
  • Upcoming Events in the 37th District 

Celebrating Veterans Across the District

Every Veterans Day, we pause to remember and honor the many brave veterans who have served our nation with distinction.

I am continually honored to be a part of many events celebrating veterans throughout the district, including several for Veterans Day this year:

Sen. Robinson looking at Andy Masich and Brady Crytzer speaking to the audience.

Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and I are grateful to everyone who joined us for our annual Veterans Breakfast this year. It was an honor to meet so many incredible veterans and hear their stories.

Additionally, thank you to Andy Masich, CEO of the Heinz History Center, and Brady Crytzer, award-winning author and historian, for sharing your expertise on the American Revolution.

See more photos from the event here.

See a video from the event here.

Sen. Robinson standing with three other veterans in the Thomas Jefferson High School cafeteria.

Thank you to the students and teachers at Thomas Jefferson High School for hosting a great Veterans Day breakfast! It was a wonderful way to kick off Veterans Day celebrations.

See more photos from the breakfast here.

Sen. Robinson and a veteran at the Pittsburgh’s Veterans Day Parade.

It was great to see many local veterans at the 2026 Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade!

See more photos from the event here.  

Sen. Robinson at a Marine Corps podium speaking to an audience sitting at circular tables.

I was honored to speak at the Marine Corps League Detachment 1138 251st United States Marine Corps Ball in Washington County! Thank you to all who attended.

See more photos from the event here.  

Sen. Robinson, standing, shakes hands with a veteran sitting at a table.

Thank you to the Bethel Park Chamber for hosting a great veterans breakfast! It’s always great to connect with my fellow veterans around the district. Additionally, I was honored to provide certificates recognizing these local heroes for their service.

See more photos from the breakfast here.

Sen. Robinson speaking to veterans sitting at tables draped with American Flag tablecloths.

It was an honor to join fellow veterans at Findlay Township’s Veterans Day BBQ Luncheon. I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow veterans and thank them for their commitment to our country. Additionally, thank you to the West Allegheny School District High School Show Choir for the wonderful performance!

See more photos from the luncheon here.

Sen. Robinson standing with three other veterans in Independence Middle School Library.

The Independence Middle School Student Council in Bethel Park School District hosted a great Veterans Day Pancake and Sausage Breakfast! Thank you to the students for organizing an awesome event.

See more photos from the breakfast here.

Marine Corps League and Boy Scouts posting the colors at an outdoor ceremony.

In honor of Veterans Day, Upper St. Clair Township hosted a ceremony to recognize veterans for their service. Thank you for inviting me to participate and honor those who served.

See more photos from the ceremony here.

Sen. Robinson standing with another veteran in front of the state flag with a red, white, and blue balloon arch in the background.

I attended Robert Morris University’s Veterans Brunch to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. I was glad to see so many local veterans, and have the opportunity to personally thank them for their service.

See more photos from the event here.

Sen. Robinson and Bethel Park veterans next to the new Revolutionary War Patriots plaque.

The Municipality of Bethel Park dedicated a plaque on Veterans Day to recognize Revolutionary War Patriots for fighting valiantly to establish our new nation. I was glad to be invited to participate in the dedication ceremony for this important moment.

See more photos from the dedication here.

Sen. Robinson presenting a Senate certificate to the owners of the new Restore 22 Coffee Shop.

Congratulations to Restore 22 Coffee Shop on a successful pre-opening celebration! Restore 22, located in Coraopolis, is dedicated to bringing veterans together in an environment where they can reconnect with fellow servicemembers, build new friendships, and access resources to improve their quality of life. It’s not just for veterans though, anyone is welcome!

Their official grand opening is this TODAY – check them out!

Learn more about Restore 22 here.

See more photos from the pre-opening celebration here.

Sen. Robinson speaking to an audience with an image of him during his time in the Marine Corps projected on the screen behind him.

Finally, I was honored to attend the Veterans Breakfast Club’s special event to celebrate Veterans Day at Saints John & Paul Catholic Church in Sewickley. I always enjoy connecting with fellow veterans and hearing others share their experience of military service.

See more photos from the special event here.

Thank you all for your service!

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps

Photo collage of Sen. Robinson’s official USMC headshot, a photo from the USMC 250th birthday celebration at the capitol in 2025, and more.

Happy 251st birthday to the U. S. Marine Corps! Thank you to all our Marines, past and present, for your service. Semper Fidelis!

Diwali & Grand Annakut Celebrations

Sen. Robinson standing infront of an audience sitting on the floor.

Thank you to all at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Pittsburgh for inviting me to join their Diwali & Grand Annakut celebrations, which bring families and community together in a spirit of devotion, unity, gratitude for a great year, and good over evil.

See photos from the celebrations here.

Sweetwater Center for the Arts Tour

An artist sitting at a work desk showing Sen. Robinson her metal work project.

Thank you to Executive Director Christine Brondyke for the tour of Sweetwater Center for the Arts. The Center is a creative hub for artists of all ages to explore their creativity and find their voice. I’m grateful to have such a wonderful community resource for classes, exhibitions, events, and creative programs right here in Allegheny County!

See more photos from the tour here.

More than $3 Million in State Funding for Allegheny County

Blue graphic with text that reads, “$3,125,000 in Grant Funding for District 37.”

$3 million in state funding for projects and programs supporting economic development, education, and health initiatives throughout the 37th Senatorial District has been approved!

Pittsburgh is a region with tremendous potential, and this funding will help us continue building on that momentum. Supporting our airport, our students, literacy programs, and services for veterans is an investment in the future of Allegheny County, and I am proud to support these projects:

  • $75,000 for Literacy Pittsburgh to support their literacy education programs,
  • $250,000 for Aurelius to support their veterans-focused traumatic brain injury treatments,
  • $2.5 million for the Pittsburgh International Airport for the Aer Lingus expansion, and
  • $300,000 for the PA Governor’s School for the Sciences for their summer education program.

Learn more about the funding here.

Ancient Order of Hibernians Communion Breakfast

Sen. Robinson and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians sitting at a table smiling at the camera.

This week, I attended the Ancient Order of Hibernians Communion Breakfast with a few devoted friends. Sláinte!

See more photos from the breakfast here.

Groundbreaking for Springs at North Fayette

Continental Properties executives, Elmhurst executives, & local officials breaking ground in a field with heavy machinery in the background.

Congratulations to Continental Properties and Elmhurst on the groundbreaking of their new apartment community, Springs at North Fayette! These new garden apartments offer a welcoming environment to new community members in North Fayette Township.

See more photos from the groundbreaking ceremony here.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Wexford Grand Opening

Owners of Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Wexford and the North Hills Chamber of Commerce holding a Senate citation from Sen. Robinson.

Congratulations to Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Wexford on the grand opening of their new studio! This is a great place for students of all ages and abilities to learn rhythm and different styles of dance.

Learn more about the studio here.

PA Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs Face More Accountability

magnifying glass on top of a file

Taxpayers have seen childcare fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, and we’ve passed a new law to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs.

Act 113 of 2026, which I was proud to vote for, requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions, and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding.

The reports will cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified, and efforts to recover misspent funds.

More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania, and this law will help ensure it’s spent properly.

Home Heating Assistance Program Accepting Applications

Winter storm while working from home office

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period is now open.

Eligible applicants can receive a one-time cash grant to help pay a heating bill. Grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. The grants are sent directly to the utility provider or fuel company.

Families experiencing an emergency related to household heat may be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant.

Learn more about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program here.

National Young Readers Week

Text saying “National Young Readers Week” over an image of a child reading a book.

In honor of National Young Readers week, I am very proud to have sponsored legislation included in last year’s budget to improve Pennsylvania’s low literacy rates. Under this new law, schools will have the tools they need to effectively teach our kids to read proficiently and eventually lead successful adult lives.

Learn more about the legislation here.

Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement in Effect

Orange life jacket hanging from weathered, wooden fence.

Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets. With that in mind, please note the state’s cold weather life jacket requirement is now in effect through April 30.

Boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

Even on warm days from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes, and streams. Wearing a life jacket helps you survive cold-water shock, which occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled and swimming is difficult.

Learn more from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

State Police Accepting Applications for Youth Camp

State police trooper vehicle

Pennsylvania residents aged 15 to 17 interested in a career in law enforcement or the military can apply now to attend the State Police Youth Week camp taking place June 6-12, 2027, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.

Held in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania American Legion, the camp provides cadets with hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training to build their understanding of law enforcement as well as their confidence, teamwork, self-esteem, and leadership abilities.

Candidates should be physically fit with a strong academic record. Local American Legion posts sponsor cadets and cover the registration fees.

For more information and to apply, visit the State Police Youth Week webpage.

Upcoming Events in the 37th District

Graphic with text “Upcoming Events in the 37th District” and a calendar icon.

Looking for things in the area to do this week? Check out these local events across the 37th District!

South Fayette’s Coffee with the Police Chief
Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department – Social Hall | 526 Main St., South Fayette  
Learn more about the event here.

South Park’s License to Carry Satellite Event
Saturday Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2575 Brownsville Rd., South Park
Learn more about the event here.

Oakdale’s Light Up the Night
Saturday, Nov. 21 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Oakdale Downtown Gazebo Area | near 5100 Noblestown Rd., Oakdale
Learn more about the event here.

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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.

For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here.

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