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In this Update:
Senate Bell-to-Bell Ban on Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools
To curb classroom distractions and improve academic performance and social development, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation I introduced with Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) to require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. Senate Bill 1014, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (46-1) ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored. School administrators, teachers, and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and reduced classroom engagement. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. A special thanks to all the stakeholders, teachers, parents, students, my friends and colleagues in the PA Senate, and especially to those who worked alongside me – Sens. Vincent Hughes and Steve Santarsiero , the PA State Education Association (PSEA), and PA Unplugged – to pass our bill to make PA schools PHONE-FREE! Read more about the bill here. Watch a press conference we hosted highlighting the passage of Senate Bill 1014 earlier this week here. Additionally, I spoke to KDKA NewsRadio’s Marty Griffin and local phone-free schools advocate, Kristine Sorensen, about the importance of this milestone vote on a bell-to-bell ban on student cellphone use in schools. You can listen to the full interview here (beginning at 17:40). Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal Spends Too Much
The process of enacting a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 began on Tuesday, and one thing is certain: The $53.3 billion plan presented by Gov. Josh Shapiro would spend too much. Shapiro’s proposal would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase – which would set up the commonwealth for massive tax increases in the future. At our press conference this week, we took a stand and emphasized our ongoing commitment to protecting Pennsylvania families and taxpayers. My Senate colleagues and I will be working to reduce spending, enact pro-growth policies, and produce a fiscally responsible 2026-27 state budget, starting with in-depth public hearings by the Senate Appropriations Committee, beginning Feb. . As we begin our work on this year’s budget, looking for more government efficiencies and respecting taxpayers by controlling the growth of state spending remain our key priorities. I spoke to KDKA NewsRadio’s Rob Pratte on Tuesday to share my reactions to the governor’s budget address. You can watch that full interview here. Banning Toxic Weedkiller, Paraquat, in PA
It’s time to BAN the toxic weedkiller, Paraquat, in Pennsylvania! I joined my colleagues, Sen. Nick Miller (D-14), Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40), Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-157)in introducing legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from Parkinson’s and other diseases that are caused by this extremely harmful pesticide, and we were pleased to join Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania, The Parkinson Council, Environmental Working Group, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and other passionate advocates earlier this week at the State Capitol to raise awareness about the dangers of Paraquat. You can learn more about the legislation here, and watch the full press conference here. Upcoming Senior Assistance Clinic at Bethel Park Community Center
Allegheny County seniors are invited to join PA State Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and me for our upcoming Senior Assistance Clinic on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bethel Park Community Center. Knowledgeable staff will be available to provide assistance with popular government services, such as applying for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate, a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Senior Connect Card, or reclaiming unclaimed property from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Interested seniors are kindly asked to RSVP by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23 by calling Rep. Mihalek’s office at 724-942-2045. More details about the event are available here. $2.4 Million Awarded to Reduce Pollution in Allegheny County in 2025The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) recently released a county-by-county overview of 2025 Highlights of Conservation District Activities. In the report, they announced that $2.4 million in state funding was brought to Allegheny County through Conservation District efforts. I was proud to support the allocation of this funding for the purpose of reducing pollution in our region. Some of the projects that were able to be completed in 2025 thanks to this funding include helping Allegheny County farms address erosion, improving soil health at an urban farm, and hosting training workshops to support clean water practices. The PACD also outlined upcoming projects for 2026 in our region in their report, which you can read here. Touring UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
I recently had the pleasure of touring the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex’s clinical, imaging, and rehabilitation spaces. Following the tour, we were able to watch the Penguins practice and meet some of the players. Let’s go Pens! Grants to Help Preserve History Ahead of America’s 250th
Communities across our district can apply now for state grants to help preserve historic places, strengthen local revitalization efforts, and prepare for the nation’s 250th birthday this year. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will award Keystone Historic Preservation Grants to support projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect historic and archaeological resources. This year’s program prioritizes projects that align with the themes of America250, ensuring Pennsylvania’s rich history is preserved as the nation marks its semiquincentennial. More information is available at Keystone Planning Projects and Keystone Constructions Projects. Robinson Tours the Heinz History Center
I always enjoy touring the Heinz History Center! There are so many cool exhibits, like the items in the sports museum and in the visible storage area. I encourage everyone to take a trip and learn more about the rich history of Pittsburgh! Anyone under the age of 18 now gets in for FREE. Learn more about the different exhibits available here. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program, which I was proud to support as it advanced through the legislative process last session, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, K-12 education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice, and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. 2026 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule Available
Looking forward to trout season? The 2026 adult trout stocking schedule is now available online from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It’s searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. In 2026, Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be held on Saturday, April 4. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 28. The commission will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling. Career and Technical Education Month
Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students to enter high-demand fields, including health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology, skilled trades, and more. More than 75,000 Pennsylvania students are enrolled in CTE, where they can develop essential skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning, allowing them to apply academics to real-world problems. Career and Technical Education Month shines a spotlight on the importance of CTE programs, the opportunities they provide in crucial fields, and their role in making the commonwealth more economically competitive and a place where young Pennsylvanians can settle and prosper. The 37th Senatorial District is blessed to have two outstanding institutions for career and technical education – Parkway West Career & Technology Center and Steel Valley Technical School.
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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