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In this Update:
Robinson Introduces Legislation to Establish Statewide Licensure for Electrical ContractorsEarlier this week, I joined Sens. Joe Picozzi (R-5), Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to announce the introduction of legislation to establish statewide licensure requirements for electrical contractors and electricians, a move aimed at improving worker safety, ensuring quality workmanship, and protecting consumers. Electrical work is inherently dangerous and requires a high level of skill and training. Pennsylvania is currently among a minority of states that do not require statewide licensure for electricians. This legislation will help ensure that only qualified professionals are doing this critical work, protecting both workers and the public. Under current law, licensure requirements vary widely across municipalities, creating inconsistencies and potential safety risks. Senate Bill 1260 would establish a uniform, statewide licensing standard while prohibiting local governments from imposing additional licensing requirements beyond the state system. Learn more about the legislation here. Remembering the Rescue of Army POW Jessica Lynch
April 1 is a very meaningful anniversary for me every year. 23 years ago on April 1, 2003, Army PFC Jessica Lynch became the first American Prisoner of War to be rescued successfully since WWII. Jessica was captured after her Army unit was ambushed during the Battle of An-Nasiriyah in Iraq. While in captivity, Jessica suffered a broken back, femur, tibia, arm, and foot. She was severely dehydrated and starved. My Marine unit, the Marines of Task Force Tarawa, fought through the Battle of An-Nasiriyah and executed a tireless door-to-door operation to search for more information about her whereabouts. We finally received actionable intelligence after nine days, and were awakened to set up a cordon outside the hospital where she was held. As my unit provided a diversionary action, a special operations unit was launched to rescue her. Since her rescue, Jessica has become a teacher, mother, and motivational speaker sharing her miraculous story with thousands. Jessica was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War Medal for her service in Iraq. I first met Jessica back on American soil at a Steelers game in 2022, and we have collaborated on many events since then. I am honored to have aided the mission to rescue her with my fellow Marines of Task Force Tarawa. Thank you, former POW and Army PFC Jessica Lynch, for your service and sacrifice to our country. Your story continues to inspire so many. Identity Theft Prevention Event with Rep. Kuzma
Thank you to all who came out last Saturday for my identity theft prevention event with Rep. Andrew Kuzma (R-39) at South Park High School! We were able to securely dispose of more than 100 boxes of residents’ sensitive documents at no cost to attendees. Stay tuned for upcoming outreach events throughout the 37th Senatorial District! Details of upcoming events are available here and will be regularly updated. Check out more photos from the identity theft prevention event here. Special Announcement from The Red Door Ministry and Catholic Charities
I was pleased to join local, state, and federal elected officials, Bishop Eckman from the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, and Fr. Nick Vaskov of Divine Mercy Parish for a special joint announcement from Catholic Charities and The Red Door Ministry. The two groups will be joining forces to better serve our at-risk and homeless populations in the greater Pittsburgh area. I’m grateful for their work to support our community! Check out more photos from the event here. Recognizing Pim Neill for Record-Setting Girl Scout Cookie Sales
Pim Neill is an industrious young Pittsburgher from Mount Washington who is shattering Girl Scout cookie sale records with an incredible 124,262 boxes sold! I was honored to present Pim with a Senate citation recognizing this achievement. Congratulations on your hard work and unwavering dedication to our wonderful Girl Scouts program! Check out more photos from the citation presentation here. Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Company’s 89th Annual Banquet
Last weekend, I attended Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Company’s 89th annual banquet. Here, new firefighters were sworn in, and my friend, Dan Soltesz, was awarded his lifetime membership. Check out more photos from the banquet here. Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. Meeting
Thank you, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., for welcoming me to your headquarters in Moon Township to learn more about some of the innovative tools and approaches you use in your surveying and geotechnical operations. I’m proud to have such a great company that was born in the district and continues to grow within Western PA and nationwide! Check out more photos from the meeting here. 28 States Restrict Student Cellphone Use During School
28 states restrict student cellphone use during school. 19 of those states enforce bell-to-bell bans, which prohibit students from using cellphones throughout the entire school day. It’s time for Pennsylvania to join the majority and make our schools phone-free! The Pennsylvania House is in session again on April 13, and I urge them to take up my bill with Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10) to implement a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones in PA schools. Check out the interactive version of the map pictured above for more information on each state’s policy here. House Passage of Bill to Require Radon Testing in PA Schools
I’m encouraged to see the House action on legislation requiring radon testing in PA schools to protect our kids, teachers, and staff from this dangerous gas. I’m proud to sponsor the Senate version of this important legislation! Thank you to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for covering this important issue. You can read the full article here. Literacy Pittsburgh Meeting
It’s always a pleasure to meet with Literacy Pittsburgh! I’m proud to partner with them to work on meaningful reforms to ensure Pennsylvania students can read proficiently by the end of third grade. Last year, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-7) to improve low literacy rates in Pennsylvania. This legislation was passed and signed into law along with the state budget last year. Discussing Paraquat Ban Bill on Parkinson’s Policy Podcast
Watch the full podcast episode here. Learn more about my bill to ban Paraquat in Pennsylvania here. Sophisticated Fake IDs Pose Risks to Users
It’s getting more and more difficult for our police officers to prosecute and investigate those who obtain sophisticated fake IDs that can bypass store scanning technology. Fake IDs are not only illegal, but they also pose an identity theft risk to those who willingly give their information to companies in China in exchange for these sophisticated IDs. It’s not worth it! To watch the full news clip from WETM, click here. Important Updates from Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)ReadyFare Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) will soon begin transitioning riders from the current ConnectCard® system to a new fare system called ReadyFare™. Many current riders will receive information about the upcoming change directly at their residence and/or email. The ReadyFare card rollout will happen in phases; however, senior riders will not need to take any immediate action to transition to the new ReadyFare card. Seniors will be able to continue to use their current Senior Citizen ConnectCards until Fall 2026. For more information on this transition, please call 412-442-2000 or visit www.rideprt.org/readyfare. NFL Draft Public transit will be the easiest and most reliable way to get to the Draft locations on the North Shore and at Point State Park. PRT will operate Saturday-level service systemwide Thursday through Saturday (April 23–25), with added frequency and capacity where demand is expected to be highest. PRT’s Draft weekend service also includes increased light rail service, additional service to and from Pittsburgh International Airport, four limited-stop bus routes, and more. PRT also has a special Draft Pass available on its Ready2Ride app as of April 1. Riders will unlock unlimited rides for seven days for just $25. For a comprehensive transportation guide for Draft weekend, click here. Aiding Pennsylvanians with Invisible Disabilities During Police Interactions
The Senate unanimously approved a voluntary ID designation for Pennsylvanians with invisible disabilities, such as deafness and autism, to help ensure clearer, safer interactions with law enforcement. Under Senate Bill 802, individuals with invisible disabilities could apply for the designation free of charge, with a doctor’s sign-off, through a process similar to obtaining a handicap parking placard. The designation would appear as a symbol on a driver’s license or state-issued ID card, alerting officers of potential communication difficulties during traffic stops or other interactions. At least 32 other states have implemented similar measures. Senate Bill 802 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. First Batch of 2026 Money Match Unclaimed Property Checks Being Mailed
More than 100,000 checks, totaling nearly $23 million, are being mailed to Pennsylvania residents under the state Treasury’s 2026 Money Match program for unclaimed property. Created by the General Assembly in 2024, Pennsylvania Money Match allows Treasury to return unclaimed property valued at up to $500 belonging to a single owner automatically without the need to search or file a claim. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks, and more. Treasurer Stacy Garrity urges Pennsylvanians to regularly search online for unclaimed property, since some claims may not qualify to be part of Money Match. Let PennDOT Know Your Opinion of Winter Road Services
Motorists have until April 14 to provide feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) services this winter through its latest anonymous online survey. The 17-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities, and how they rate snow removal and other PennDOT winter services. Respondents are also asked how they receive PennDOT roadway information, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PA Bald Eagle Cam Livestreams America’s Living Symbols
The Pennsylvania Game Commission livestream of a bald eagle nest in Codorus State Park in York County offers viewers an incredible look at a pair of eagles and their three eggs. The nest has never seen three eggs in one season since the webcam first started in January 2015. The eggs were laid in early March and typically take around 35 days to hatch, so viewers could see eaglets emerging in the coming days. Forty years ago, Pennsylvania had only three bald eagle nests left in the entire state before the birds were brought back. We’re now home to more than 300 nests. The livestream is run through a Game Commission partnership with Comcast Business, HDOnTap, and local property owners. Honoring Vietnam War Veterans
March 29 was National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a time for us to honor the millions of Americans who served and the thousands who did not return home. Last year, Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and I were proud to spotlight Vietnam veterans at our annual veterans’ breakfast. Several veterans spoke about their service in our armed forces during the Vietnam War, including Patrick Keally, Eric Thomas, Jack Wagner, and Tony Accamando, who shared stories of bravery, courage, and resilience. Thank you to all who served the United States in the Vietnam War. Remembering Fallen Pittsburgh Police Officers
It’s been 17 years since this very difficult day in Pittsburgh. Let us never forget the last measure of devotion that these brave officers gave in service to our city. Celebrating Mom & Pop Business Owners
Bethel Bakery and Mancini’s Bakery, both pictured above, are two wonderful locally owned mom and pop shops in the 37th Senatorial District. March 29 was National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day. I am proud to have so many locally owned mom and pop shops across the 37th district. Be sure to shop local from any of these great businesses. Happy Easter & PassoverI hope you and your loved ones have a happy Easter full of joy and hope. And if you celebrate Passover, which began at sundown on April 1, I wish a blessed holiday to you and yours.
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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