View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• Bethel Park Student Headed to West Point
• Robinson Introduces Bill to Secure Firefighter Pension Parity
• Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
• Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
• REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
• Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
• Recognizing Public Safety Tele-Communicators
• Best Wishes for a Happy Easter

Bethel Park Student Headed to West Point

This week I had the pleasure to attend the Bethel Park vs. Peters Township baseball game, at which they honored all veterans in attendance. Aaron Hofbauer, who will attend West Point after graduation, was honored at the game and was presented with a signed baseball from his teammates. Congratulations Aaron! Best of luck in your future endeavors as you serve our country.

Robinson Introduces Bill to Secure Firefighter Pension Parity

I was pleased to introduce Senate Bill 577, which addresses a loophole in the pension system for Pittsburgh firefighters. Under current law, surviving spouses of deceased firefighters lose eligibility to receive pension payments upon remarriage. This legislation would provide pension parity for Pittsburgh firefighters to that of their police counterparts and ensure these surviving spouses receive the compensation to which they’re entitled. Read my full press release here.

Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads

To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny.

With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term, and these individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days.

Voter Registration Deadline is May 5

The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m.

To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation.

Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status.

REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7

Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID.

Please remember that while Real ID enforcement will begin May 7, Pennsylvanians are not required to obtain one by then. You will still be able to use a passport of military ID as your federally accepted form of identification and can still obtain a Real ID after May 7.

You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable).

While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification.

To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. The Bridgeville Driver and Photo License Center will participate in these Real ID Mondays. The center is located at 1025 Washington Pike Rt. 50, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Both REAL ID Days are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event.

Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics that are found. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions.

In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted.

Recognizing Public Safety Telecommunicators

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 13-29. It is important to honor and thank all dispatchers for the incredible work they do. They are the calming voice who answer the call and direct help on our worst days. Thank you to Allegheny County Government Emergency Services for the facility tour and insight into all that you do.

Best Wishes for a Happy Easter

Easter represents joy, hope and redemption. Warmest wishes to all families who celebrate this holy holiday and rejoice in eternal life.

My offices will be closed on Friday, April 18 in observance of Good Friday. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, April 21. I wish a wonderful and blessed Easter to all who celebrate this joyous holiday!

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorrobinson.com | Privacy Policy