Senator Robinson E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Funding Secured for the 37th District
  • Community Highlights
  • Higher Property Tax/Rent Rebates Available Next Year
  • Call 988 for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support
  • Keep Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat
  • Celebrating Back to School Month by Brushing Up on School Bus Safety

Funding Secured for the 37th District

I am thrilled to announce multiple grants have been awarded to the 37th district!

The Municipality of Bethel Park, North Fayette Township, and South Fayette Township have been awarded funding from the PA Department of Transportation’s Green-Light-Go Funding Program.

The Green-Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. They may be used for LED technology installation and traffic signal retiming.

Additionally, South Park and South Fayette School Districts will receive funding from the PA Department of Education’s Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program. This program promotes classroom instruction about the social, political, and historical contributions of people with disabilities. You can read more about these funding programs here.

I was also thrilled to present Heidelberg Borough with a check from the Department of Community and Economic Development. I look forward to seeing their future projects unfold!

Community Highlights

I had a great time last weekend at the Pleasant Hills Community Day Parade! It was great to meet so many residents and see such a large turnout for this event!

The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce held their first annual legislative breakfast on Thursday. I was honored to be invited to participate alongside colleagues from the PA House of Representatives. We enjoyed a very productive conversation, and I look forward to the next one!

Big news for Theo, a K9 officer from the Northern Regional Police Department! Through the generosity of the RichMar Rotary, Theo will receive a brand-new bulletproof vest. It is wonderful to see the community come together to support their local police force. Thank you to Theo and the entire Northern Regional Police Department for everything you do to keep us safe!

Higher Property Tax/Rent Rebates Available Next Year

The Senate passed legislation that will increase the amount of rebates for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and expand the income eligibility for it. The changes will take effect beginning next year.

Because income eligibility limits weren’t raised for 16 years, the number of recipients of the program dropped from about 600,000 individuals to an estimated 398,000 in the current year. The legislation also includes an annual cost of living adjustment so the program will keep pace with inflation and people won’t lose their rebate just because they received a modest increase in their Social Security benefits.

Review the new rebate amounts, available next year, here.

Call 988 for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support

Pennsylvanians facing mental health challenges need our support. Senate Republicans have dedicated funding to mental health services in schools and more support staff in nursing facilities. The budget passed this year by Senate Republicans, when it becomes law, would provide $100 million for student mental health.

This effort complements other resources. Dialing 988 connects callers considering suicide, self-harm or any behavioral or mental health need with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It can also assist people looking for help for a loved one. Lifeline services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost to the caller.

Trained professionals can provide therapeutic interventions, make referrals for outpatient services or transportation for further evaluation and even activate a mobile mental health crisis team to arrive on site. Learn more here.

Keep Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

As the dog days of summer drag on, we have to protect our pets from the heat. The American Red Cross has tips to help your pets stay safe:

  • Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle.
  • Limit exercise on hot days.
  • Walk your pet in the grass.
  • Make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water.

Even taking proper precautions, pets can overheat. Heat stroke is a common problem for pets. Learn the signs and what to do if you suspect your pet has heat stroke here.

In addition to elevated temperatures, summer brings other potential safety issues for pets. Swimming in a pool is a great way to stay cool, but it can be dangerous for animals. Never leave your pets unsupervised around a pool. Barbecues can also be unsafe, so keep your pets away from the grill and know what foods can be poisonous to them.

Celebrating Back to School Month by Brushing Up on School Bus Safety

Parents, students and teachers are preparing to head back to school to start the new academic year. Soon, school buses will be transporting students again, and that requires additional caution from all drivers.

Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is extended. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. Read more about school bus safety here.

Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension.

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