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In this Update: 

• Robinson Tours the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
• Tribune-Review: Lawmakers, Pet Advocates Push Bill Spurred by Pet Cremation Scandal
• Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector
• State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles
• State Funding Secured Through Growing Greener Program 
• Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA
• DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon

Robinson Tours the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

I had the opportunity to join leaders from several organizations that assist victims of domestic violence to discuss the incredible work they do and our shared interest in paid family leave.

As part of the visit, I toured the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh which houses around 300 women and children each year as they make the brave decision to leave extremely difficult situations to seek safety and a better life.

Check out more photos from the tour here.

Tribune-Review: Lawmakers, Pet Advocates Push Bill Spurred by Pet Cremation Scandal

What happened to the pet owners who were misled and deceived about their beloved pets’ remains is devastating and unfair. I’m proud to join my colleague, Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-45), in pushing for reforms to the pet cremation industry.

The Tribune-Review published an article recently about the scandal and the subsequent legislation proposed by Sen. Pisciottano that I proudly cosponsored. This bill is aimed at preventing a similarly cruel incident from happening again. Read the article here.

Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector

How Pennsylvania can become a leader in harnessing AI to improve lives, fuel the economy, and build a sustainable future was the topic of a recent joint hearing by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee.

In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains, and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact.

The hearing, held at Merck & Co. in Montgomery County, heard from representatives of Merck, Johnson & Johnson, the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, a biotech nonprofit, a health care technology firm, and a neuroscientist start-up, among others. You can view the hearing and read testimony here.

State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles

It’s a chore, but removing ice or snow from your vehicle not only improves safety, it’s the law.

Under state law, drivers must remove ice or snow from vehicles, including the hood, trunk, and roof, within 24 hours after a snow or ice event. It is also illegal to drive with snow and ice obstructing your vision through the front, side, or rear windows.

It’s a $50 fine for failing to reasonably clear your vehicle and up to $1,500 if dislodged snow/ice causes serious injury or death. The fines were set under “Christine’s Law,” named for Christine Lambert, who died on Christmas Day 2005 when ice from a tractor trailer crashed through her windshield. In her memory, it’s our responsibility to clear snow and ice off our cars to prevent future tragedies like Christine’s from happening again.

State Funding Secured Through Growing Greener Program

I am pleased to see two projects in our region receive funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Program. South Park Township received $104,000 for their South Park Vale of Cashmere Stream Restoration project, and Bell Acres Brough received $144,336 for their Big Sewickley Creek Restoration project.

These projects will lead to cleaner water, less pollution, and better wildlife habitats in our region.

Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA

Throughout Pennsylvania, Catholic schools deliver an outstanding education grounded in strong values and character, helping students develop confidence and strong leadership skills that strengthen our communities. Nearly 140,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout our commonwealth, and data show that 99% of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 96% go on to college after graduation. As a former student of Central Catholic High School here in Pittsburgh, I know well the benefits of a Catholic school education!

My colleagues in the Senate led efforts to designate Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania from Jan. 25 through 31 to recognize the key role these schools play in educating the next generation of leaders.

This week is also designated as National School Choice Week to recognize the importance of empowering parents and families to choose educational options that meet each student’s unique learning needs. School choice programs like the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program – which was expanded this year to help more families in disadvantaged schools – are a key component of Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

I often hear from my constituents about how education is not a one-size-fits-all experience for their children. National School Choice Week highlights how a broader range of educational options can boost student achievement and encourage competition and innovation in education.

DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the U.S. To help mark Radon Action Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon.

DEP recommends all homes, schools, public, and private buildings get tested. Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from state-certified radon laboratories. Call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary. 

I’m also the proud sponsor of legislation to keep our children, educators, and school staff safe and healthy by ensuring radon testing is conducted in every school building across the Commonwealth at least once every five years. That bill is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee.

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