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In this Update:
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we prepare to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new state budget proposal, one of the main things I’ll be focused on is improving our state’s economy and laying the groundwork to allow businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we’ve steadily improved the tax climate in Pennsylvania by, for example, reducing the corporate net income tax, which used to be second highest in the nation. We’ve also positioned Pennsylvania to be a national leader in the emerging field of drone research and deployment, protected seasonal workers from unemployment compensation (UC) benefit cuts, improved the systems for training barbers and cosmetologists, and much more. One of the most important things we can do to make Pennsylvania’s economy work better is to enact a state budget that includes responsible state spending while not imposing higher taxes. We must also take steps to make Pennsylvania a better place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, which brings more jobs to the commonwealth and strengthens our communities. Aer Lingus Officials Event
It was great to connect and speak with officials from Aer Lingus at their event earlier this week to learn more about what the company can offer travelers. Like many in our region, I’m looking forward to May when nonstop flights from Pittsburgh to Dublin begin! I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues on the Ireland Trade Commission to bring this incredible opportunity to our region. The Commission was established as part of legislation I sponsored last session to promote and strengthen educational, economic, governmental, and cultural links between Pennsylvania and Ireland. St. Brigid Court Honoree
Last weekend, I attended the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Brigid’s Mass where my cousin, Rhonda Battenfelder, received the St. Brigid’s award. This recognition is given to an Irish Catholic woman who lives with a chronic illness and still contributes to her communities by living through her faith. Rhonda received the award because of her extraordinary faith and courage in living with a rare sarcoma. She is an inspiration and truly embodies the characteristics of St. Brigid of Ireland. I’m proud to call her family. Investigating PA-Issued CDL Held by Illegal ImmigrantI’m disturbed by the recent news of a fatal crash in Indiana involving a PA-issued non-domiciled CDL held by an illegal immigrant from Kyrgyzstan. Thanks to my colleague, Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, for acting swiftly to push for investigations into how an illegal immigrant could possibly obtain a non-domiciled CDL from PennDOT. The entire purpose of requiring American citizens to transition to REAL ID is to avoid this exact scenario. This incident must be investigated thoroughly, and any loopholes in the system need to be closed immediately for the safety of our citizens. More information from Chairwoman Judy Ward about this incident and the committee’s response to it is available here. Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania Meeting
I was pleased to meet with Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania last week in my Harrisburg office to discuss our mutual goal of banning the toxic weedkiller, Paraquat, in Pennsylvania. Studies have linked this dangerous pesticide to Parkinson’s disease, so I’m proud to partner with Sen. Nick Miller (D-14), Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40), and Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-157) in sponsoring legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from the harms of Paraquat. You can learn more about the legislation here and watch footage from a press conference on the legislation here. Tour of University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
I am very proud to have earned my MBA from the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. It was great to go back to tour the school and learn more about what the executive MBA program looks like today and what new opportunities are available to students. Learn more about this great program here. Recognizing Quaker Valley Athletic Accomplishments
I am always honored to recognize student athletic accomplishments. Congratulations to the Quaker Valley Girls Varsity Tennis team for winning WPIAL 2A Girls Tennis Team Championship; the Quaker Valley Boys Varsity Cross Country team for winning the WPIAL 2A Boys Cross Country Championship; and Quaker Valley star athlete, Jonah Montagnese, for winning the Cross Country PIAA Class 2A Championship! Additionally, congratulations to the Boys Basketball Coach, Mike Mastroianni, for reaching 600 career wins! This is an incredible milestone that our entire community is proud to see. Upcoming Programming at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has some exciting programming coming in 2026! During my recent visit, I learned more about this year’s programs like the winter reading challenge, a local art showcase, and book sale. We also celebrated the library’s 2025 accomplishments. Learn more about upcoming programs here. Pirates and PNC Bank Announce Seventh Year of Small Business Support Program
The Pirates and PNC Bank recently announced that nominations are open for the Going to Bat for Small Business program. Through this program, the Pirates and PNC Bank team up to support local small businesses to help create a stronger Pittsburgh community. The Pirates and PNC Bank will award six small businesses with a marketing package valued up to $100,000, and a $5,000 grant. The deadline to submit nominations is Thursday, February 19th. Additional information and the nomination form can be found here. American Heart Health Month
February is American Heart Health Month. During this month, we join with the American Heart Association to shine a spotlight on cardiovascular disease and how to prevent it. Last week, I participated in National Wear Red Day to spread women’s heart health awareness. Thank you to Sens. Kim Ward (R-39), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28), Lisa Baker (R-20), Judy Ward (R-30), Lynda Culver (R-27), Rosemary Brown (R-40), and Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) for letting me photobomb their American Heart Health Awareness Month picture! Learn more about American Heart Health month here and how to perform lifesaving CPR here. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing, and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents Day
Monday is Presidents Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12. While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.” In observance of Presidents Day, my office will be closed on Monday, February 16, and will reopen Tuesday, February 17. As always, please contact my office here. Happy Valentine’s Day from Team Robinson
My Harrisburg staff and I wanted to wish everyone in the 37th Senatorial District a very Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you enjoy celebrating this joyous holiday with your loved ones.
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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