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In this Update:
Robinson Amendment Expands Testing Options for Colorectal Cancer
I was very glad to offer an amendment this week, supported by the American Cancer Society, to House Bill 1123 to expand testing options for colorectal cancer. Providing additional evidence-based screening options will help reduce barriers and invasive testing, and encourage more Pennsylvanians to get screened. In other words, the purpose of this amendment is to ultimately save lives. Watch my remarks before the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee on the amendment here. Senate Calls for Congressional Medal of Honor for Maj. Richard D. Winters
The PA Senate unanimously voted to urge Congress to recommend Maj. Richard D. Winters for the Congressional Medal of Honor for his exemplary service to our nation. His bravery, resilience, and humility on and off the battlefield continue to inspire the next generations of military men and women, and Pennsylvania is proud to have his remarkable legacy tied to our great commonwealth. I am pleased to join my colleagues Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Greg Rothman (R-34), Gene Yaw (R-23), and Patty Kim (D-15) in the effort. Learn more about this resolution here. Working to Finalize the State Budget
Good progress is being made as we work on finalizing the state budget for fiscal year 2026-27. This week, we received needed clarity on a number of issues which were delaying the budget’s completion. We’re now well on our way to reaching a full budget agreement in the coming days. In a divided government, all parties must work together to find common ground, and I’m confident that agreement can be reached and a responsible new state budget enacted soon. My focus remains on supporting Allegheny County to the best of my ability while controlling the growth of state spending and implementing pro-growth policies to protect taxpayers. Increasing Accountability of Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs
To combat the kind of fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, the Senate unanimously approved legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs. Senate Bill 1372 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions, and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding. The reports would cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified, and efforts to recover misspent funds. More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1372 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Votes to Improve PA Amber Alert Response
The Senate passed legislation to help law enforcement respond more effectively during Amber Alerts and missing person investigations. Senate Bill 1273, which I was proud to support, clarifies that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission may share time-sensitive information collected through its automated tolling system with law enforcement in specific situations. This includes cases involving Amber Alerts and Missing Endangered Person Advisory System alerts, where rapid access to vehicle data can be critical. This commonsense measure improves coordination between agencies to help a citizen in danger when every minute counts. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1273 here. Fairness in Women’s Sports
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can take action to protect fairness in women’s sports, specifically holding that states “may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.” Here in Pennsylvania, we’ve already taken significant steps in this direction. The Senate has passed both Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 1293, which I proudly voted for, to protect female athletes by requiring public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female, or coed. Both bills state that only biological females can join teams designated for women, and the bills would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Given the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s certainly time for the PA House of Representatives to allow a vote on this important legislation. Made in the USA Day
This week, in observance of Made in the USA Day, we celebrated companies and individuals who create, craft, and manufacture products in the United States. I am proud to have several of these great businesses right here in the Allegheny County! I was pleased to recently visit and tour two such businesses – Welly, a water bottle manufacturing facility in Leetsdale, and Wolfe, LLC, an innovative company producing digital gift and physical cards in Green Tree. “Connecting Our Community” Podcast
I recently joined podcast host and disability advocate, Christine Brookins, on her podcast “Connecting Our Community” to discuss my work in the Pennsylvania Senate to make our state more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. We talked about ways to ensure those with disabilities receive the supportive services they need and deserve to live healthy, productive lives. Providing Pennsylvanians with Information on Long-Term Care Options
Legislation to ensure older Pennsylvanians receive complete information about long-term care options was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 482, which I was proud to support, strengthens outreach and accountability surrounding Pennsylvania’s Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program. This program helps eligible seniors remain in their homes and communities while receiving comprehensive healthcare and support services. Currently, individuals enrolling in Medicaid managed care may not receive information about the LIFE Program during the enrollment process. Senate Bill 482 requires the state’s Independent Enrollment Broker to include information about the LIFE Program with enrollment materials provided to eligible individuals. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 482 and the LIFE Program here. Staying Cool When the Weather Turns Hot
Summer heat waves can be merely uncomfortable or worse depending on how we react. Drink plenty of water, limit time outside, and cool off with AC. Call 211 or visit here for a list of cooling centers by county. Additionally, please check on older family and neighbors. Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle. Most vehicle heatstroke deaths involving children are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. Check the back seat before walking away from your car. Read more about preventing hot car deaths. The PA Public Utility Commission offers these tips on staying cool and cutting energy costs:
I hope you stay safe and cool during this heatwave! New Savings Plan for Children in 2026
Families have a new way to save for kids in 2026 with the 530A IRA, also known as a Trump Account. This is an investment account for kids under 18. Families and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year, and employers may be able to contribute up to $2,500 per year toward that same limit. Eligible children born between 2025-2028 may receive a one-time $1,000 federal deposit. Funds are generally inaccessible until your child turns 18, when the account converts into a traditional IRA. The money will be invested in a suite of low-cost index funds, where the initial $1,000 deposit could grow to an estimated half a million dollars or more by retirement age. Learn more and download the app at the official Trump Accounts webpage. Celebrating 250 Years of American Freedom
250 years ago – on July 4, 1776 – our nation’s founders gathered in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence. President Abraham Lincoln once described the Declaration as “an apple of gold” and said it gave “liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time.” Earlier this year, the Senate visited Independence Hall in Philadelphia and convened for a ceremonial celebration at the National Constitution Center to honor America’s 250th birthday. You can view photos from that historic visit here. As we gather in our communities to celebrate Independence Day this year, and to mark our nation’s semiquincentennial, may we all take time to reflect on the many blessings of being Americans and living in the United States. Additionally, as we head into Independence Day weekend, I wanted to share information about some of the many wonderful events across our region to celebrate our nation’s semiquincentennial. Find events across the district here. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday 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. |
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