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In this Update:
Ireland Trade Commission in Action!
I am thrilled to see the results of our bipartisan, bicameral work with the first meeting of the PA Ireland Trade Commission! The commission became law last year as Act 116 of 2024. I was proud to commemorate Governor Shapiro’s signing of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Mary Jo Daley, Rep. Tim O’Neal, Sen. Tim Kearney, Sen. Marty Flynn, and myself. It was also wonderful to have Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason here from Ireland for the occasion! Thank you to Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Eireann Senator Mark Daly for his leadership and spearheading this legislation across our country. With his help, we have joined about half of all states to establish such a commission. Our new law will enhance trade, business, cultural, educational, and people to people links between our commonwealth and Ireland. Read more about this legislation here. Robinson Welcomes Lt. McClary, Paralyzed Veterans to Senate Floor
I was honored to welcome First Lieutenant Patrick Cleburne McClary, III to the Senate floor. Known as Clebe McClary, he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was a platoon leader for the First Reconnaissance Battalion. When his unit was attacked, he sustained serious injuries, losing his left eye and arm. This did not stop him from continuing to lead his battalion. After many surgeries and recovery, this American hero has shared his incredible story of courage, determination, and strength with audiences around the world. I was also honored to welcome members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Keystone Chapter to the Senate floor to celebrate their accomplishments in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. It was humbling and inspiring to hear their incredible stories of service, strength, and tenacity. Thank you all for your service to our country.
Student Athletes Visit Capitol
It was a pleasure to host student athletes from across PA at the Capitol this week! Athletes from my district representing several high schools (Montour, South Park, Thomas Jefferson, and Upper St. Clair) will participate in the Big 33 Football Classic later this year. Keep up the excellent work! Robinson Bill Passes Through Judiciary Committee
I was pleased to see my bail reform bill, Senate Bill 490, pass through the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill would prohibit the use of non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals. Senate Bill 490 is part of a larger effort to improve community safety across PA. Read more here. Money Match Program Launches Across PA
It was great to host PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity at American Legion Post 862 in Robinson Township to introduce the PA Money Match Program with Rep. Anita Kulik. If the state holds unclaimed property of less than $500 per individual, the individual will be notified and receive a check soon after. Learn more about the Money Match program here. Senate Committee Votes to Preserve Women’s Sports
This week, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to preserve integrity and fairness in women’s sports, progress that was hard fought decades ago with the creation of Title IX. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. It would only permit biological females to join teams designated for women. Notably, Senate Bill 9 would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Female students who compete in high school and college sports deserve a level playing field. This bill would protect this opportunity for them, allowing fair and equal access to the personal enrichment, character development and fitness sports provide. Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices.
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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