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In this Update:
Robinson’s Bill to Keep Dangerous Individuals off the Streets Passes PA Senate
Thanks to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in the Pennsylvania Senate for helping me strengthen bail requirements for certain individuals deemed a threat to public safety. I proudly prime sponsor this legislation which is simply a safeguard put into place to protect Pennsylvania residents by ensuring the most dangerous individuals are not released without bail. Senate Bill 490 will ensure that judges act responsibly when dealing with those who have a history of violent crime, possess 10g or more of fentanyl, or assaulted a law enforcement officer or evades arrest on foot. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, now heads to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate also approved two other key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. You can read more about these legislatives measures to protect Pennsylvania communities here. Robinson Bill to Increase Veteran’s Pension Moves Out of Committee
I was pleased to see Senate Bill 534 pass through the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee this week. This bill, which I co-sponsor with Senator Judy Ward, would increase the monthly pension amounts for disabled veterans. Currently, eligible veterans who suffered service-connected injuries resulting in blindness, paralysis, or the loss of two or more extremities receive $150 per month. Under this proposed legislation, the amount would be increased to $180. It is past time for us to take action to put more money back in the pockets of our heroes. Read more here. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Celebrates A Milestone
A regional treasure is celebrating a milestone! I was happy to help Pittsburgh Botanic Garden mark 10 years of being open to the public. The 65 acres of cultivated areas and hundreds of acres of woodlands straddling parts of Collier and North Fayette Townships combine to create one of the largest botanical gardens in the US. The property is a testament to mine reclamation and remediation. Congratulations on your success! West Allegheny School District Stands Out in Service
I had a wonderful time hosting my Purple Star School press conference this week! Thank you to everyone who joined, especially Dr. Katharine Roche, Mr. Gary Hutsler, and Ms. Susan Kriznik from West Allegheny School District. We had the privilege to hear from them and three other Purple Star school districts from PA about how this program supports military-connected children as they frequently relocate. You can read more and view my remarks here.
“Welcome Home!” Vietnam Veterans Honored
Last Saturday marked the 50th Vietnam Veterans Day Commemoration. This date (Mar 29) coincides with the official deactivation of Military Assistance Command-Vietnam. Sadly, the reception that our returning heroes received in that era was often hostile. Thank you to Veterans Breakfast Club for inviting me to Heinz History Center to recognize and honor all veterans who served on active duty at any point from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. “Welcome home!” Rappelling For Charity
As a US Marine, I rappelled off mountains, structures, and helicopter pads, but somehow skyscrapers eluded me. Until last weekend! That is when I had the opportunity to go “Over the Edge” at the EQT Tower for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, which was a lot of fun. Thanks to all who participated and helped make it happen! Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts. The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable. May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only). Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents. Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data. Trout Season Opens Today!
The statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is today, April 5! The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock millions of trout in 691 streams and 130 lakes for anglers. Find more information and the link to this season’s schedule here.
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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