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In this Update:
Senate Passes Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget
The Senate approved a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget that is honest with taxpayers, creates new job opportunities for state residents, includes no new taxes and addresses the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead. The $47.59 billion budget adds $740 million to the state’s Rainy Day Fund – a key priority of Senate Republicans to prevent painful tax hikes or service cuts in the future. It includes key measures to boost the economy by removing barriers for businesses to relocate to or expand in Pennsylvania: a continuation of the Corporate Net Income Tax phase-out and the elimination of the Start-Up Penalty. Lawmakers also addressed the persistent problem of permitting delays that have chased jobs and investment to other states. A new Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program will be created to establish permit review timelines by the Department of Environmental Protection and conservation districts. Additionally, a new permit tracking system will be implemented, and applicants will now have the option for third-party review of air, earth disturbance and water permit applications. Significant investments were also made in education, transportation infrastructure, and other economic development measures. Learn more here. Robinson Jeep, Bronco Bill One Step Closer to Becoming Law
I’m thrilled to announce that my bill to allow doorless driving in PA, Senate Bill 298, is one step closer to becoming law! The Senate concurred to pass this legislation, and it is now on Governor Shapiro’s desk awaiting his signature. This bill would align Pennsylvania with every other state in the country to allowing doorless driving for vehicles such as Jeeps and Broncos. The Governor has until July 19th to sign this bill into law. I appreciate the bipartisan, bicameral support of my colleagues, including PA State Rep. Natalie Mihalek to help get this bill across the finish line! Read more here and check out my floor remarks here. Robinson Bill to Expand Number of Sign Language Interpreters Passes Senate
I am pleased to prime sponsor legislation with Senator John Kane to expand the number of sign language interpreters in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1274 would update the provision to meet the evolving needs of the deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing communities. This bill would expand certification recognition, allow for additional pathways to certification beyond traditional bachelor’s degrees, and resolve inconsistencies in current certification and registration criteria. I appreciate my Senate colleagues passing this bill to address the shortage of registered sign language interpreters in our Commonwealth by broadening the pathways individuals can take to come qualified interpreters. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. You can read my full press release here. Robinson Bill Supporting Disabled Veterans Approved in Senate
I’m always looking for ways to help our disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, and I was so pleased that every single one of my Senate colleagues supported my bill to relieve financial and logistical roadblocks for these brave men and women so they can focus on their mental and physical rehabilitation. Senate Bill 698 would require the Pennsylvania Game Commission to issue Military Hunting Event License Exemptions and Permits for Purple Heart recipients and disable veterans for their rehabilitation and enjoyment. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more here. Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
Tick season is in full swing, but there are ways to continue to enjoy the many benefits of the Great Outdoors while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a tickborne disease. Pennsylvanians should take precautions every time they spend time outside as the state leads the nation in the number of Lyme disease cases. A new Pennsylvania Department of Health online dashboard shows where ticks are prevalent and the latest data on tickborne disease activity, such as Lyme disease. Tick bites can be limited using preventative measures. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. When returning indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and check your body using a full-length mirror. Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing this week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely. Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. In June, the Senate passed legislation, now law, limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving. Community Highlights
Congratulations to Chief Ronald Denbow on his retirement from the Coraopolis Police Department! Chief Denbow faithfully served various communities in law enforcement for forty years. Best wishes for your retirement, Chief, and best wishes for the new leadership at the Coraopolis PD!
I’m always thrilled to welcome new businesses to the 37th district! Congratulations to Dunkin’ Donuts on their new location in Bethel Park and to STYLUSH on their new location in Robinson Township!
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