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In this Update:
Robinson Secures Funding for Urban Search and Rescue in Western PA
One of my top priorities as a senator has been to better protect my constituents and the citizens of our region. I was thrilled to secure funding to create an urban search and rescue (USAR) task force in Western PA, which will significantly improve our emergency response capabilities. I’m glad to see such strong support to ensure our region and other parts of PA will be better supported to assist with disasters. This unit will be able to complement Task Force One located in Southeastern PA.
The need for USAR in our region continues to show itself. A building in Pittsburgh’s Hill District recently collapsed. Like the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, this is another example of why I fought so hard for this funding. We delivered for Western PA. Thank you to the Pittsburgh Fire Fighters for your collaboration on this effort and to the unanimous and bipartisan vote on the underlying bill. You can read my full press release here.
Senate Continues to Support Military Children
Another legislative priority of mine is always to support our veterans, military, and their families. Military families face unique challenges with moving due to frequent reassignments, and this heavily affects children as they to transition into a new school. Earlier in the 2023-24 session, legislation sponsored by myself and Senator Stefano established the Purple Star School Program in Pennsylvania, which supports military-connected children as they relocate to new schools due to a parent’s reassignment. I also joined my colleagues to introduce Senate Resolution 248, which designates April as Month of the Military Child. Recently, the Senate unanimously passed a new law to help children of military families who face frequent reassignments with the challenges of moving between schools in different states. Children of National Guard and Reserve members now have the same help provided to those of active-duty military families through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. The compact provides a consistent set of policies that make getting started in a new school, joining extracurricular activities, facilitating enrollment and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children. The law is designed to minimize educational disruption, making the relocation process less stressful for parents and children. I am pleased to see my colleagues come together to support these children and look forward to continue working on such measures when session reconvenes. If you are a member of a military family, please feel free to contact my office for more information on this legislation. New Car Insurance After a Lapse? Remember to Notify PennDOT
Every month, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) suspends more than 15,000 vehicle registrations due to drivers cancelling or switching car insurance and forgetting to provide proof of new car insurance to PennDOT. Pennsylvania law requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain car insurance. A lapse in insurance coverage triggers a potential vehicle suspension for three months or a civil penalty of $500 in lieu of the registration suspension. An insurance provider is only required to notify PennDOT when car insurance is cancelled, not when it is initiated. The vehicle owner is responsible to update PennDOT to avoid a registration suspension and other penalties. PennDOT mails a letter to the registered vehicle owner explaining the lapse in insurance coverage, as well as the consequences for failing to provide new car insurance. To avoid being pulled over for not having car insurance even though your car is insured, remember to share your new car insurance information with PennDOT. Provide proof of insurance on PennDOT’s website, email your new insurance card to PennDOT at frinsurance@pa.gov or call PennDOT’s Financial Responsibility Unit at 717-412-5300. Law Enforcement to Connect with the Community on Aug. 6
To strengthen the community’s relationship with law enforcement, police departments across the country will host National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6. It’s a great way to show children that we are all responsible to work together to preserve the safety of our communities. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits. Pleasant Hills kicked off the celebration early with their parade last week. I am looking forward to attending more celebrations next week to honor and support our first responders.
Beware of PA Turnpike Scam
Random individuals have received text messages claiming to be from “Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services,” but it’s just a scam trying to obtain personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts. The texts center around urgent requests with the account that would result in additional charges if the overdue balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country. People who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link. E-ZPass account holders and Toll By Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app. Anyone who receives a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Schedule Your Free State Capitol Tour
If you’re looking for a fun educational activity for your family this summer, you can tour the state Capitol for free. During a 30-minute guided tour, Capitol tour guides point out architectural and artistic highlights as they make the Capitol’s history come alive. There is also an Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop to enjoy during your visit. Guided tours are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends and most holidays, tours are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Schedule a tour online or by calling the Tour Guide Office at 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (868-7672). Groups of 10 or more require advanced reservations. For your safety, group size is limited to 40.
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