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In this Update:
Bill to Aid Cancer, ALS, Parkinson’s Patients Approved by SenateThis week marks a key win for improving lifesaving treatments for cancer, ALS, Parkinson’s, and other diseases in Pennsylvania! The Senate unanimously passed my bill with Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) to ensure more Pennsylvanians have access to clinically proven biomarker testing for certain diseases. This testing can help patients receive the most effective, personalized treatment options available, ultimately improving their health outcomes. Learn more here. Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Meeting
It was great to meet with fellow members of the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission this week to discuss how it can continue to strengthen the economic, cultural, governmental, and business ties between Pennsylvania and Ireland.
I was pleased to present my fellow commission members with official lapel pins and commissioner’s medals in the Senate chamber to recognize their service on this important board. Irish Heritage Celebration
I was proud to join Rep. Joe McAndrew (D-32), Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-148), Sen. Tim Kearney (D-26), Sen. Marty Flynn (D-22), Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-48), and other fellow members of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and our shared Irish heritage at the state capitol this week. We enjoyed traditional Irish performances by the Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance and the Brothers Kelly Band. Remembering the Battle of An-Nasiriyah
It has been 23 years since the Battle of An-Nasiriyah, the first battle of the Iraq War and the first major urban combat battle since Vietnam. On March 23, 2003, nearly 5,800 U.S. Marines led the charge for this first large-scale battle in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battle eventually ended on April 2, 2003, with the defeat of Iraqi forces in Baghdad. While it only lasted a little over a week, it continues to have reverberations to this day. I am honored to have served alongside my fellow Marines of the U.S. 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, part of Task Force Tarawa. We lost 18 Marines on the first day and several more throughout the course of that battle, and I am humbled when I think of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. You can read more about the Battle of An-Nasiriyah here. Robinson Joins Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus
I applaud my colleague Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) for his work to start the bipartisan and bicameral Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus to bring legislators together to work on advancing legislation to support victims and survivors, and stop these dangerous traffickers. I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues in this caucus to end human trafficking in PA! Annual Undergraduate Research at the Capitol
Congratulations to these impressive students from my district for earning a spot to present at the annual Undergraduate Research at the Capitol program! Megan Seaman, from my district, attends Indiana University of Pennsylvania and presented her project “Painting AI Pink: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Breast Cancer Diagnoses.” Zayn Farooq attends Robert Morris University and presented his project “Comparing the Viability of Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers in Addressing Homelessness.” I’m proud to have so much talent on display from Southwest PA! Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor about my legislation to designate March 2026 as “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania and the importance of shining a light on this deadly disease so we can improve lifesaving early detection efforts, such as blood tests. Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in the United States. In Pennsylvania, approximately 34% of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer die from the disease. However, early screening and detection saves countless lives! Learn more about the legislation here. See my full remarks here. TODAY is Mentored Youth Trout DaySaturday, March 28, anglers age 15 and under can fish for free or with reduced-cost permits in stocked trout waters. It’s an opportunity for young anglers to learn fishing skills a week before crowds arrive for the statewide opening day of trout season and supports youth programs throughout the year. Find out more here. Visit Pittsburgh Annual Meeting
Visit Pittsburgh held their annual meeting this week where they discussed how the city will continue to invest in tourism, including how the 2026 NFL Draft will be used to promote Pittsburgh, and more. I’m grateful for all the work Visit Pittsburgh does to promote our great city! Learn more about what was discussed at the meeting here. Senate Acts to Protect Workers’ Compensation for First Responders
The Senate approved legislation to ensure volunteer fire and EMS personnel are covered by workers’ compensation if injured participating in the fundraising activities essential for covering the costs of providing public safety. A 1980 court decision held that firefighters injured at their annual fundraising picnic were eligible for workers’ compensation because members were covered for all activities authorized by a municipality. However, current law does not provide the same coverage for the full scope of fundraising activities. Senate Bill 1053 would fill the gap, expressly providing workers’ compensation for volunteers’ participation in fundraising activities. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Carnegie Museum of Art Visits Harrisburg Office
The Carnegie Museum of Art stopped by my Harrisburg office this week to provide a brief update on the 59th Carnegie International, which kicks off in early May. Organized every four years, Carnegie International is the longest running exhibit of international art in North America! Learn more about the event here. Guest Chaplains Invited to Open Senate Session with Prayer
When the Senate gathers in Harrisburg to consider legislation, we open session with prayer delivered by a guest chaplain. Religious leaders of a wide variety of faiths from across the commonwealth have offered messages of peace, reflection, and hope in this role for many years. If you are interested in visiting the state Capitol when the Senate convenes for a session day to take part in this time-honored tradition, please contact my office at (717) 787-5839 for more details. Religious leaders of various faiths are welcome to reach out about this opportunity. Interested in Law Enforcement? Check Out this State Police Program
If you are thinking about a future in law enforcement, consider participating in the Pennsylvania State Police Law and Leadership Academy, which offers a 15-week program to experience the process of becoming a cadet. Applicants age 18 and over with a high school diploma or GED can apply. The program covers:
The program runs from early May to early August at six locations statewide. Cadets meet twice a week, with occasional Saturday sessions. You can learn more here. Medal of Honor DayOn March 25, National Medal of Honor Day was observed across the county to recognize all those who received the Medal of Honor for their grit, bravery, and resilience in service to our great country. Learn the incredible stories of Medal of Honor recipients here. Promoting Reading for Lifelong Success
March is National Reading Month – a time to encourage children, families, and communities to make reading a daily habit. Studies show childhood reading difficulties often lead to long-term, negative effects throughout life. Working with our schools to help improve literacy is vital as we help the next generation build a strong educational foundation. As part of the current state budget, we established important evidence-based reading instruction requirements, an effort which I was proud to spearhead. With a concerted effort, we can dramatically improve students’ chances of success and instill the excitement that comes with fostering a love of reading from a young age. Celebrating Palm Sunday
Tomorrow, we will celebrate Palm Sunday. I hope everyone has a blessed day and Holy Week as we prepare for Easter. My offices will be closed on Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, April 6.
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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