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In this Update:
Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
Sadly, two more names were added to the Allegheny County Law Enforcement Memorial. Numerous police departments and dignitaries were in attendance to honor Chief Justin McIntyre and Officer Sean Sluganski as their names were added to the memorial on the North Shore. They mentioned that 146 Law Enforcement Officers made the ultimate sacrifice nationwide last year. I was humbled to speak at their ceremony and was equally honored to attend the PA State Fraternal Order of Police Annual Memorial in Harrisburg. May we never forget our Law Enforcement Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our safety.
Robinson Bill Increases Access to Biomarker Testing
I was so happy to participate in Cancer Action Day at the Capitol with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. I spoke about my legislation, Senate Bill 954, to increase access to biomarker testing, which is crucial to determining the right treatments for those who are diagnosed with cancer and other diseases. You can watch my full remarks here. Film Industry Advocates Visit the Capitol
I was pleased to welcome film industry professionals from the Pittsburgh area to the Capitol this week to advocate for an increase in the cap on the film production tax credit program. When we support our local film production companies, the return on the dollar is incredibly impressive as we see increases in tourism to our area. Small businesses, restaurants, hotels, and so many others benefit when we incentivize film production companies to work in PA! Senate Republicans Pass Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families
Working families, job creators and energy consumers in Pennsylvania would see their taxes reduced by approximately $3 billion a year under a bill approved by the Senate with a strong bipartisan, veto-proof majority. It would represent the largest tax cut for working families in Pennsylvania history, saving taxpayers more than $13 billion over the next five years. I have pledged to my constituents to put Pennsylvania on a better fiscal path. Senate Bill 269 would reduce the personal income tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, putting more money back into your wallet and giving you the power to decide how best to use your money. The bill would also eliminate the gross receipts tax on energy, effective Jan. 1, 2025, providing critical relief from high energy costs and would inject an additional $3 billion into the state’s economy. You can view my full remarks on this bill here. Senate Votes to Create Statewide Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking System
To assist survivors of sexual assault, the Senate approved Senate Bill 920, which would establish a sexual assault evidence tracking system. Using the system, individuals could follow the path of a rape kit throughout the collection and testing process. Sexual assault forensic exams are conducted using what are commonly referred to as rape kits, in which DNA evidence is collected from the assault victim’s body, clothes and other personal belongings. The process can increase the likelihood of criminal prosecution. Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia have established rape kit tracking systems. Enactment of the legislation would enable Pennsylvania to receive additional federal funds. Robinson Moves Legislation Through Labor and Industry Committee
I was pleased to move two bills out of the L&I Committee this week: Senator Frank Farry’s bill, Senate Bill 841,to boost wages for workers doing off-site custom fabrication on public projects and Senator Nick Miller and Senator Lisa Baker legislation, Senate Bill 1026, to modernize payroll methods. Robinson Cosponsors Legislation to Bolster Telemedicine
The Senate approved legislation aimed at expanding the use of telemedicine in Pennsylvania. Telemedicine is the remote delivery of health care services and medical information using telecommunications technology. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it saw rapid growth in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 739 requires insurance providers or managed care organizations to reimburse health care providers for services provided to a patient through telemedicine. Services provided through telemedicine must meet the same standard of care as health care services provided in person. I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation introduced by my colleague, Senator Elder Vogel. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Community Highlights
Congratulations to my constituent Jacob on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout!
I attended the Carpenters Pittsburgh Training Center’s annual open house and senior recognition event last weekend. It was wonderful to speak to the graduating students and tour the facility.
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Gala. A special congratulations to PNRC President Jim Boltz as he embarks on his retirement. Thank you, Jim, for all you have done and thank you to the entire PNRC family for organizing a special evening! Local EMS Departments Receive National Accreditation
Congratulations to McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority and Ross/West View EMSA for earning national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). A mark met by only 182 EMS agencies in the US! Accreditation is a 2-year process and includes standards that often exceed those established by states or local regulation. These highly trained EMS practitioners submitted 1200 documents for review. They also had to complete a 1,000-point checklist. Our region is lucky to have TWO organizations that are considered the ‘Gold Standard of the Ambulance Industry.’ Thank you for your hard work, excellent service, and dedication to our community.
Preventative Care Protects Moms, All Women
Happy Mother’s Day to the women who play a critical role in their families as they care for their loved ones. Often, they are so focused on supporting everyone else that meeting their own needs takes a back seat. However, when it comes to breast cancer, that’s simply not safe to do. It’s important for all women who are at least 40 years old to carve out time to get a mammogram every year. Know your risk and family history because Act 1 of 2023 eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and counseling for individuals with high risk. I so proudly prime sponsored this lifesaving legislation with Sens. Kim Ward and Tracy Pennycuick, which gained unwavering support of all members of the Senate! The comprehensive breast cancer screening bill will save lives so we can enjoy more time with the mothers and all other women in our worlds.
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