Senator Robinson E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Community Highlights
  • Route 51 Road Closure
  • PennDOT to Replace Otter License Plate
  • Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits
  • Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
  • Honoring the Elders of Our Communities
  • Reminder: Upcoming Office Hours

Community Highlights

We had a beautiful day for the Pleasant Hills Community Day and Parade!

Great time at the Coraopolis Latin Festival!

I was honored to present a gift of $2500 to Cochran Hose Company – Sewickley Fire Department thanks to Peoples Natural Gas Essential Foundation. Chief Shayne Quinn, President Jed VonHofen, Treasurer Byron Harriger and the entire crew do a tremendous job in Sewickley and the Quaker Valley area.

The newest member has answered the call for six months. The longest serving the community? 57 years! Thank you all for your service.

It was an incredible experience to fly with the 171st Air Refueling Wing over Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Lake Erie while they trained to refuel the 911th Airlift Wing. Both units are located at Pittsburgh International Airport. The professionalism and proficiency of our armed forces never ceases to amaze me!

Route 51 Road Closure

The Mon/Fayette Express Way, a project of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, is well under way throughout southwestern PA. The total construction encompasses four projects; the PA Route 51 to I-376 (Section 53A1) is the final and largest of the four.

Two upcoming weekend closures will occur on SR51 in Jefferson Hills between Worthington Avenue and Peters Creek Road. The closures will run 10PM Friday 8/23/2024 through 5AM Monday 8/26/2024 and 10PM Friday 9/6/2024 through 5AM Monday 9/9/2024. A detour will be posted.

Weekly construction and traffic updates are available here on the PA Turnpike Commission’s website.

PennDOT to Replace Otter License Plate

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is replacing the otter license plate – which remains valid – with the Eastern hellbender plate to raise wildlife resource management funds. Previous donations have helped to re-establish the river otter, reintroduce osprey and research endangered species of Pennsylvania.

The Eastern hellbender is the largest salamander in the country. It can weigh more than two pounds and exceed two feet in length. Since it was named the state amphibian in 2019, the Eastern hellbender serves as a reminder of the need to restore water quality and preserve suitable habitats.

To get one of the remaining otter plates, write OTTER on top of the application before returning it.

Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits

The Pennsylvania State Treasury is safeguarding $4.5 billion of unclaimed property, and it’s not just for individuals. Many nonprofits also have money available to claim.

Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Every dollar returned to a nonprofit can help to fulfill its core mission.

Volunteer fire departments, service organizations and libraries should see if any money is available for them to claim. Search online using these tips to help nonprofits search for unclaimed property.

Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses

Pennsylvania boasts so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially in the summer. To safely enjoy all nature has to offer, it’s important to know about potential risks and how to minimize them.

The leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV), which can cause inflammation of the brain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection tracks cases of WNV and Jamestown Canyon Virus by county.

Since 2000, Pennsylvania’s state budget has included funding to monitor and control WNV. There is no treatment or vaccine for WNV, but people can protect themselves by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider the use of mosquito repellent and wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.

Honoring the Elders of Our Communities

National Senior Citizens’ Day – Wednesday, Aug. 21 – is the perfect opportunity to spend time with older men and women. Whether you take time to help them with chores or listen to their stories, they will certainly appreciate the extra attention.

Seniors made incredible contributions to our society and continue to be valued members of our communities.

To support them, the Senate passed bills that are now law to prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, ensure Pennsylvanians receive access to health care services at nursing homes, preserve prescription drug benefits for seniors and assure nursing homes continue to serve Medical Assistance (MA) recipients by requiring timely MA payments.

Reminder: Upcoming Office Hours

My office hosts monthly office hours at the Bradford Woods Borough Building. Our next session will be Wednesday, August 21st. A staff member will be on site to assist with state-related issues from 10AM-3PM. Appointments are encouraged but not necessary. Please contact my office if you’d like more information!

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