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In this Update:
Robinson Bill to Modernize Nonprofit Fundraising Passes Committee
I was glad to see my bipartisan legislation to improve nonprofit fundraising unanimously pass the Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee this week. Senate Bill 416 would allow nonprofit organizations to accept electronic payment in various methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, or Venmo, instead of only cash or checks. This bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration, and I hope to see continued support to modernize these fundraising practices for nonprofits. You can read more here. Robinson Supports Food Safety Legislation
Earlier this week, I spoke at a press conference in support of House Bill 77 sponsored by my friend, Rep. Venkat. This ensures restaurants take basic, reasonable steps to ensure safety of patrons with severe allergies. I was honored to be joined by my constituent Kathy Briden, whose son tragically passed away after going into anaphylactic shock following an allergic reaction to food he ate in a restaurant. Thank you for your advocacy on this issue, Kathy. Because of you and your efforts, we are hopeful this tragedy can be prevented for other moms and dads in Pennsylvania. You can view my remarks here. Childhood Literacy Advocacy
It’s been great to see so much support for Senate Bill 700, my legislation to improve childhood literacy across PA. I had the pleasure to meet Deron Butler, an NFL tight end who is a strong advocate of childhood literacy. Deron had undiagnosed dyslexia and finally learned to read at the age of 27! Thank you, Deron, for sharing your inspiring story. I’m proud to work on this bipartisan initiative with my colleague Senator Vincent Hughes. This legislation would require schools to use evidence-based reading curriculum. You can read more in this article here. Harrisburg Visitors
International Working Animals Day is June 15, and we had several visitors to the Capitol in anticipation of this event. My friend Craig and his service dog, Foxy, visited from the Pittsburgh area with others from Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans. This organization trains service dogs and places them into their forever homes with a veteran who greatly benefits from their extraordinary capabilities. Foxy is a long-haired German Shepard who Craig credits as the reason he is alive and well. She helps Craig navigate the challenges of life after his service in the United State Marine Corps.
It was wonderful having a student shadow from Messiah University with me at the Capitol this week! Lydia is studying political science and working with the Joint State Government Commission for her summer internship. She met fellow Senators, our caucus attorney, executive directors, legislative staff, and our President Pro Tempore, and experienced a firsthand look at how our state government operates on a busy session day. I’m excited for Lydia’s bright future when she graduates! I always enjoy having students join me and my staff. Please contact my office if you’re interested in hanging out with us for the day in Harrisburg! Bill to Expand Naloxone Access, Support EMS Providers Passes Senate
Legislation to strengthen emergency response efforts and help address Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis passed the Senate with unanimous support. Senate Bill 95 would make permanent the temporary declaration allowing EMS personnel to give a dose of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, to a caregiver or loved one of someone who has overdosed. Although this life-saving medication has been approved for over-the-counter use, not all versions are readily available. This legislation would allow EMS providers to distribute any formulation at the scene of an overdose, including those still awaiting final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Committee Votes to Expand No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings
Building on Pennsylvania’s landmark law that provides no-cost breast cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this week unanimously advanced legislation to expand diagnostic screening coverage. Senate Bill 88, which I proudly co-sponsor, would make diagnostic screenings free for anyone who finds an abnormality on a supplemental screening. The bill expands the number of supplemental screenings available and ensures no-cost diagnostic imaging for patients. It would ensure coverage for those at average risk of developing breast cancer and expand access to lifesaving early detection tools for many Pennsylvanians. The measure advances to the full Senate for consideration. Remembering WWII Hero Julia Parsons
Thursday, June 12, was Women Veterans Appreciation Day. I would like to thank all women veterans for their incredible service and to honor the memory of a very special WWII veteran who recently passed away. At my Women Veterans Appreciation Ceremony last year, I had the pleasure to meet two Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service): Ms. Julia Parsons and Ms. Betty Digby. Ms. Parsons recently passed away at the age of 104. She was the last surviving codebreaker from WWII. My friend Todd DePastino of the Veterans Breakfast Club honored her memory with a moving tribute at the Heinz History Center. Thank you to everyone who helped honor the memory of this legend, and may her story continue to inspire all of us.
Happy Father’s Day!
On Sunday, we recognize the love, hard work, and dedication of the dads and father figures in our lives. We appreciate their leadership that guides our families and shapes our lives. Warm wishes for a peaceful Father’s Day filled with cherished moments.
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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