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In this Update:

• Community Highlights
• Robinson Welcomes International Conference of Police Chaplains to Pittsburgh
• Robinson Bill to Allow Doorless Driving Signed into Law
• Robinson Bill to Expand Scholarship Program Included in Finalized Budget
• Funding Supporting Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Receives Boost in State Budget
• Robinson Secures Nearly $5 Million in PENNVEST Funding for Local Project
• New Law Aims to Limit Student Smartphone Use in Schools
• Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community
• Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs
• Recognizing National Hire a Veteran Day

Community Highlights

I had a wonderful time making several stops throughout the 37^th district this past week. On Wednesday, I was honored to visit the Mooncrest Neighborhood Program, sponsored by the Felician Sisters. They promote emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, and family development in the Moon Township community.

Last weekend, I attended the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Service in Sewickley Cemetery. Western Pennsylvania boasts the most Tuskegee Airmen veterans of any region in the United States, and this is the largest memorial to their sacrifice.

Sheriff Kevin Kraus from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office hosted another successful concealed carry satellite event at the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company. Thank you for assisting local residents with their permits.

I visited the Holy Trinity Serbian Picnic Grounds in Bethel Park to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans with Vietnam Veterans, Inc. The event drew many veterans to continue cultivating their connection born so far away and so many years ago.

I stopped by the South Park Football and Cheer Summer Kick Off where I was able to hear some concerns from constituents and then had the opportunity to run some plays with the future all stars. Thanks for a fun afternoon!

Great time at VFW Post 6664 in Library to see my fellow veterans for their Veterans Appreciation Party.

Robinson Welcomes International Conference of Police Chaplains to Pittsburgh

I had the privilege to welcome the 51^st Annual Training Seminar of the International Conference of Police Chaplains to Pittsburgh. Law Enforcement Chaplains from 10 nations traveled here for the conference, which offered a wide variety of courses to support these professionals who do so much for law enforcement and for the community. It was a pleasure to welcome you all to our city. Thank you for everything you do.

Robinson Bill to Allow Doorless Driving Signed into Law

It’s official: doorless driving for vehicles like Jeeps and Broncos will be legal in Pennsylvania! I’m so thrilled that my legislation, Senate Bill 298, was officially signed into law by Governor Shapiro as Act 61 of 2024 on July 15^th.

I am incredibly grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues in both chambers, especially Representative Natalie Mihalek, for their efforts to see this bill across the finish line. Pennsylvania will now be aligned with the rest of the country regarding doorless driving, and this gives adventure enthusiasts a great way to explore our Commonwealth while also adhering to safety standards.

The law takes effect September 13, which is 60 days from the Governor’s signature. Read my full press release here.

Robinson Bill to Expand Scholarship Program Included in Finalized Budget

I was glad to see my legislation to expand the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program was included in the finalized state budget for fiscal year 2024-25. My constituents have often expressed the struggles they face carrying heavy student debts, and this provides a bit of relief to them.

The updates to the program raise household income limits from $126,000 to $175,000 and adjust the GPA requirement to 2.5. The initiative is part of the Senate’s Grow PA plan, which aims to broaden access to post-secondary education and career training opportunities. Read more here.

Funding Supporting Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Receives Boost in State Budget

I was pleased to advocate for increased funding for intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) services as part of the state budget. The budget includes approximately $125 million to support a 7% rate increase for services, along with an additional $34 million to provide services to 1,500 additional consumers.

The failure to fulfill our duty to our most vulnerable citizens has serious consequences so I am glad we committed significant resources to help address the complex medical, physical, and behavioral supports the ID/A community needs and deserves.

Robinson Secures Nearly $5 Million in PENNVEST Funding for Local Project

I’m always glad to invest state funds into the 37^th district, and I was thrilled to help secure nearly $5 million in funding from the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority for Findlay Township’s Municipal Authority Expansion Project. The funding will be used to construct an additional building next to the current office and garage. Read my full press release here.

New Law Aims to Limit Student Smartphone Use in Schools

Legislation to improve student mental health, academic performance and social skills by limiting student smartphone use in schools has been signed into law. The measure allows schools the option of using dedicated school safety funding for secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day.

Senate Bill 700, now Act 55 of 2024, amended the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program to allow for the purchase of these smartphone bags as an eligible use of funding. As part of the grant program, school districts receive an automatic base grant of $100,000 and each intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school or cyber charter school is provided an automatic base grant of $70,000.

Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families by creating and operating the Service Member Veterans and Their Families Fund (SMVF Fund).

Senate Bill 1192 would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to support the SMVF Fund. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations, the bill also includes provisions for annual reporting on the revenues, expenditures and activities financed by the SMVF Fund.

The fund would be dedicated to paying for quality-of-life programs – including physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction and recreational activities – for the military community. The programs would be designed to support the readiness and well-being of the service members, veterans and their families.

Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs

Rising energy costs are compounded by the hot temperatures we have been experiencing. If you’ve been shocked by your energy bill and are looking for ways to lower costs, here are some helpful tips from the Public Utility Commission:

• Check Your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
• Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
• Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
• Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
• Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

Learn more about how to stay cool while keeping your summer power bills manageable.

Recognizing National Hire a Veteran Day

Thursday, July 25, marks National Hire a Veteran Day. The men and women who served our country have many skillsets and experiences – in addition to a high level of dedication – that can benefit employers. Employers who would like to hire veterans and guard members can list their job opening for free on the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations’ Job Board. Veterans can search the board here.

Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, which serves Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA, is hosting a veteran’s hiring event on Thursday, July 15^th at Duquesne University. More information is available on their website here.

National Hire a Veteran Day also serves as a reminder for employers that it’s important to support veterans by providing resources to them as they transition from military life to the civilian workforce.

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