|
|||
|
In this update:
Condemning Political Threats & ViolenceThe recent violent threats against Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania are unacceptable. No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, violence is never the answer to political disagreements. I stand with my colleagues against these inappropriate threats. Accessibility Bill Signed into Law
Legislation I sponsored alongside Sens. Tina Tartaglione (D-2) and John Kane (D-9) has been signed into law by the governor as Act 16 of 2026. The bipartisan bill restores and modernizes Pennsylvania’s process for adopting updated accessibility standards in building codes. These codes are essential so that persons with disabilities can live healthy, productive lives and access public facilities without unnecessary barriers. Learn more about the legislation here. Hearing on Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water in PA Schools
Last week, the Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee held a hearing at the Upper St. Clair Library to examine my legislation with Sens. John Kane (D-9) and Art Haywood (D-4) to address the serious concern of lead-contaminated drinking water in Pennsylvania’s schools. The committee heard feedback on Senate Bill 759 from environmental advocacy, public health, plumbing manufacturing, and pediatric medicine experts. Every student deserves access to clean, safe drinking water while they are at school. Last week’s discussion reinforced the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce children’s exposure to lead and ensure our schools are equipped with safer, modern hydration systems. Thanks to Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) for convening this important hearing! Learn more about the bill, watch footage from the hearing, and read testimony from experts here. Check out more photos from the hearing here. Additionally, I would be very interested in hearing your feedback on Senate Bill 759. If you’d like to share your feedback with me on this important legislation, please take a few moments to fill out this one-question survey here. Neighborhood 91 Groundbreaking Ceremony
I was honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at Neighborhood 91 with the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Regional Industrial Development Corporation. The investments being made here will create jobs, attract companies, strengthen our workforce, and help ensure that western Pennsylvania remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. Learn more about the project here. See more photos from the groundbreaking here. Bethel Park Veterans Ceremony
This past weekend, Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and I joined George Reganick and others at the Municipality of Bethel Park’s municipal building to honor veterans and businesses that serve veterans. It was great to connect with those in attendance, and thank you for your service! Check out more photos from the ceremony here. Hearing on Research & Development Tax Credit Legislation
I joined the Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee last week for a hearing in Pittsburgh to review legislation that would double Pennsylvania’s research and development tax credit and expand the portion reserved for small businesses to strengthen the state’s innovation and life sciences economy. The committee heard from public education, life science, and community development experts about their thoughts on Senate Bill 792. Learn more about the bill, watch footage from the hearing, and read testimony from experts here. Check out more photos from the hearing here. Honoring Betty Digby for Lifetime Achievements
We recently recognized Mrs. Betty Digby for being inducted into the South Hills High School Lifetime Hall of Fame. A 1941 graduate of South Hills High School, Mrs. Digby attended the Stenotype School of Pittsburgh, and, to her great credit, she served this country with honor and distinction as a member of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service program in the United States Navy. Mrs. Digby attended basic training at Hunter College in New York before joining the Naval Training School for Yeomen at Iowa State Teachers College, where she achieved the rank of Yeomen Second Class and eventually earned a position in the Executive Office of the Secretary of the Navy in Washington, D.C. Following her military service, Mrs. Digby attended the University of Pittsburgh and worked in the office of a local attorney before accepting a position at The Hillman Company. Mrs. Digby is to be commended for her commitment to personal and professional success, and she has truly bettered herself through her many achievements. Congratulations, Mrs. Digby, upon your richly deserved recognition! Check out more photos from Mrs. Digby’s recognition ceremony here. Story Time and Tour at Upper St. Clair Goddard School
It was great to visit and tour the Goddard School in Upper St. Clair this week! After a brief overview of the facility, I got to walk through individual classrooms, see their outdoor learning environment, and read a story to the children. Check out more photos from the tour here. Waterways of Pittsburgh Meeting
This week at the Waterways of Pittsburgh meeting, I had the pleasure of congratulating Peter Stephaich on his more than 26 years of service on the Port of Pittsburgh board. Mr. Stephaich held positions with various financial institutions prior to beginning his 30-year tenure in the river industry, including serving as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Danube, Inc., and the Campbell Transportation Company, which owns and operates boats, hopper barges, and jumbo barges on the Upper Ohio River. A member of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission since February 2000, Mr. Stephaich is retiring as Vice Chair. He has contributed significantly to the inland waterways across this nation through his service as Chair of The American Waterways Operators, the National Waterways Foundation, Waterways Council, Inc., and the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. Check out more photos from the meeting here. Sen. Pisciottano’s Student Government Seminar
Thanks to Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-45) for inviting me to participate in his Student Government Seminar! I always enjoy speaking with students about what it’s like to be a state senator and how our state government works for them. I’m pleased to host my own similar Senator for a Day event at Robert Morris University each year for the exceptional students across the 37th Senatorial District. Check out these photos from my 2025 Senator for a Day event here. Check out more photos from Sen. Pisciottano’s seminar here. West View Water Authority Tour
This week, I had the pleasure of touring West View Water Authority, one of the largest providers of clean water in our region. It was very informative, and I appreciated their hospitality! Check out more photos from the tour here. Real Wood Floors Grand Opening in Robinson Township
Congratulations to Real Wood Floors on the grand opening of your store in Robinson Township! Real Wood Floors is bringing years of expertise and craftmanship to Bridgeville. With the talented handiwork of a dedicated and professional staff, Real Wood Floors will bring out the best in every home and small business that calls upon them for their services. Welcome to the community, and I wish you great success! Check out more photos from the grand opening here. South West Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 Community Outlook
The South West Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a 2026 community outlook event where municipalities shared updates on their communities. It was wonderful to hear all the exciting business opportunities and community events that are occurring in our region this year! See more photos from the event here. Upcoming License Plate Event with Rep. Mihalek
On Thursday, June 4, Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and I will host a Placard and Plate event at 1121 Boyce Road, Suite 2200A, Upper St. Clair, from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m. Residents in need of assistance with applying for handicap placards, replacing hard-to-read license plates, or renewing retired registrations can get FREE help with these services from our knowledgeable staff. Contact Rep. Mihalek’s office at 724-942-2045 for more information. Fred Astaire Dance Studios Grand Opening
Congratulations to Fred Astaire Dance Studios on the grand opening of the new studio in Bridgeville! This is a great place for people to learn rhythm and different styles of dance. They even offered guests a free mini dance lesson! See more photos from the grand opening here. Cutting Costs for PA Families by Ending Outdated Emissions Testing
Taking legislative action to do away with an outdated and unnecessary mandate, the Senate voted to eliminate the vehicle emissions testing requirement across the commonwealth. The measure will save Pennsylvanians an estimated $160 million annually. Senate Bill 1298 would remove all 25 counties currently subjected to annual emissions testing. It also clarifies that no additional counties can be added into the program, protecting Pennsylvania vehicle owners. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1298 here. The Frick Pittsburgh Museums & Gardens Tour
Thank you to the Frick Pittsburgh Museums & Gardens for the tour of your current exhibition, which highlights the work of photographer Lewis Hine. Mr. Hine’s powerful images traced America’s industrial rise—from Pittsburgh steel mills to New York skyscrapers—while centering the people whose labor shaped the nation. His photographs of immigrants, child laborers, and working-class communities helped transform photography into a force for social awareness and reform. If you get a chance, I recommend you check it out! See more photos from the tour here. Committee Acts to Bolster Support of Constitutional Right to Bear Arms
The Senate continued its work to reinforce Second Amendment protections with committee approval of legislation to allow law‑abiding adults who are legally permitted to own a firearm to carry concealed without the need for a government‑issued permit. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 357, which also preserves an optional License to Carry Firearms for reciprocity with other states and modernizes the permitting process by reducing investigation time from 45 to 14 days, updating terminology, and removing outdated disqualifiers while keeping all prohibitions for individuals who may not legally possess a firearm. The full Senate recently passed Senate Bill 822 to prevent local governments from undermining constitutional rights by enacting firearms ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly. Read more about our efforts to protect your Second Amendment rights here. Fern Hollow Nature Center Groundbreaking
Congratulations Fern Hollow Nature Center for breaking ground on the new addition! I’m looking forward to seeing the new and improved facility when it opens in October. Learn more about the renovations here. See more photos from the groundbreaking here. Remove Invasive Plants, Get a Free Native Replacement
Registration is open for the opportunity to receive free native trees and shrubs by removing invasive plants from your property. You can participate in the Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program by removing an invasive tree or shrub from your property or with permission from a property owner (such as a park, library, or school), taking a photo of the removed plants, and attending an event to receive a replacement plant. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Learn more and register here. Save for Education and the Opportunity to Win $5,529
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the fifth annual 529 Day Promotion is running throughout May. Pennsylvania families who contribute at least $10 to their PA 529 account this month could be eligible to win one of six regional awards of $5,529 to boost their education savings. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a wide variety of education, including technical training, college, apprenticeship, credential program, and K-12 expenses. Saving with a PA 529 does not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. The PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan helps families save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition expenses, and the PA 529 Investment Plan offers a wide variety of investment options to choose from. Find official rules and learn more about how to make an eligible contribution here. Mammo May: No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings and Diagnostic Imaging
In Pennsylvania, we’ve enacted laws to cover breast cancer screenings and diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for individuals with state-regulated insurance. I urge women to take advantage of these potentially lifesaving laws. Under Act 1 of 2023, supplemental screenings including breast MRI, ultrasounds, and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling are covered at no cost for those with an increased risk who are insured under PA law. Under Act 52 of 2025, which is currently in the implementation stage, diagnostic breast imaging including diagnostic mammograms, breast MRI, and ultrasounds are covered at no cost for individuals insured under state law who are of average risk or higher. Learn more about no-cost screenings here. Learn more about no-cost diagnostic imaging here. Information on no-cost mammograms for those without insurance can be found here. Honoring Law Enforcement During National Police Week
In honor of National Police Week, thank you to our police officers in the 37th district, our commonwealth, and across the country for your dedication to public safety. We are deeply thankful for your service and sacrifice! I was proud to join my colleagues, Sens. Scott Martin (R-13), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28), Dawn Keefer (R-31), and Vincent Hughest (D-7), in supporting a resolution to recognize Monday, May 4, 2026 as “Police Officers’ Memorial Day” in Pennsylvania and the week of Sunday, May 10, 2026 to Saturday, May 16, 2026 as “National Police Week.” This resolution honors the brave men and women of law enforcement who don their uniform and strap on their firearm each day while facing the realization that it could be their last. It also memorializes our fallen Pennsylvania law enforcement officers, whose End of Watch (EOW) came entirely too soon in 2025:
We are grateful for their immense sacrifice and offer our deepest condolences and support to the families they left behind. Memorial Day Events in the 37th DistrictOn Memorial Day weekend, there will be many wonderful events across the 37th Senatorial District to honor and remember our fallen service members. Below are a few events across the district, but I encourage you to check out your local municipalities’ websites for information on other events in your area: Thornburg Memorial Day Parade & Picnic | Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m. Collier Township Memorial Day Ceremony | Monday, May 25 at 8:30 a.m. Bethel Park Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony | Monday, May 25 at 8:15 a.m. Sewickley Memorial Day Parade | Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Jefferson Hills Memorial Day Service | Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Glenfield Valley Veterans Association Memorial Day Ceremony | Monday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m. Bridgeville Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony | Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. I look forward to honoring our fallen veterans at various events in Allegheny County next weekend.
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. |
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorrobinson.com | Privacy Policy |
