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In this Update:

• Community Highlights
• Robinson Announces State Funding for Local Projects
• Senate Continues to Dissect Governor’s Budget Proposal
• Connect with Employers at the Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5
• Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks
• Upcoming Real ID Event at Bridgeville Driver’s License Center
• March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week

Community Highlights

I was honored to wish Mr. Warren Goss a happy 100^th birthday! Mr. Goss, a highly decorated WWII veteran, volunteered with the 531^st Special Brigade and was among the first Americans to land on the beaches of Normandy.

I had a great time at the Broughton Volunteer Fire Department last weekend! Thank you for hosting a wonderful event!

I was honored to join the Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 38 meeting at St. Bernard’s Church. As part of the Webelos badge requirements, we discussed civic involvement, teamwork, leadership, Pennsylvania history, and service to our country. Best of luck in your future endeavors, Scouts! Thank you for inviting me.

Robinson Announces State Funding for Local Projects

I am thrilled to announce grant funding for four infrastructure projects in my district! My House colleagues and I are pleased to see funding from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development awarded to projects in Ben Avon Heights, Bethel Park, Pleasant Hills, and South Fayette Township.

The grants are funded through DCED’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, which supports projects that provide safe and reliable transportation. Read the full list of projects here.

Senate Continues to Dissect Governor’s Budget Proposal

The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings this week on Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The Senate is carefully reviewing the proposed plan to avoid potential financial issues, such as a funding shortfall.

Among the highlights of recent budget hearings:

During the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) budget hearing, discussion centered on inefficient government and delays people experience when trying to get permits. Governor Shapiro’s continued pursuit of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax on Pennsylvania consumers and the hidden cost of Shapiro’s new “Lightning” energy plan were also discussed, including the fact that both plans would raise energy prices for consumers, limit job growth, and make our electric grid less reliable.

The Department of Aging hearing highlighted concerns about the accountability, oversight and costs of court-appointed guardians. The viability of the Lottery Fund, which pays for new initiatives benefiting older Pennsylvanians, and helping seniors avoid financial scams were also part of the conversation.

At the Department of Education budget hearing, committee members shared problems regarding education funding and declining student proficiency in basics like reading and math. While Governor Shapiro calls for an increase of $860 million, the legislature is focused on the need for greater accountability in education. The importance of career and technical centers, apprenticeships and other job-training programs was also discussed. Members of the committee also highlighted the importance of school choice programs, including Lifeline Scholarships to support choice options in low-performing schools.

Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com.

Connect with Employers at the Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5

The Commonwealth Job Fair offers the opportunity to connect with more than 30 Pennsylvania state agencies and to learn more about public service. There are openings in transportation, finance, health care, wildlife management, public safety and more. You can also learn about career growth and other benefits.

It will be held Wednesday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg.

See open positions, learn more and register here.

Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks

State parks and forests offer all sorts of recreational opportunities, including snowmobiling. There are thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas for exploration.

As long as there is enough snow cover, snowmobile trails open the day after the last day of Pennsylvania’s regular or extended rifle deer season and close April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. During snowmobiling season, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts snow and trail conditions three times per week.

While riding your snowmobile, you must carry with you or on the vehicle a certificate of registration, proof of liability insurance, registration plate affixed to the vehicle, expiration stickers (does not apply to limited registration) and valid safety certificate (ages 10-15 if riding off of parent’s or guardian’s property). Learn more.

Upcoming Real ID Event at Bridgeville Driver’s License Center

PennDOT will host a Real ID event at the Bridgeville Driver’s License Center on Monday, March 3 from 10AM-2PM. Beginning on May 7, you will need a Real ID or another federally accepted form of identification to board domestic commercial flights or enter a federal building. Read more about what you need to get your Real ID here.  

March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week

National Invest in Veterans Week reminds us of the importance of giving back to those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. My office continues to host monthly veterans outreach appointments on the second Tuesday of every month with a department service officer from the American Legion. If you are a veteran or veteran family member seeking guidance on health care, GI bill programs, or other benefits, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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