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In this Update:
2024 Labor Day ParadeThe Pittsburgh 2024 Labor Day Parade was a great success! Thank you to everyone who participated and celebrated labor! Robinson Speaks on Max Manufacturing Initiative ActThank you to everyone who attended the press conference on my legislation, the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act, at HAMR Industries in Neighborhood 91! This legislation takes a tremendous step forward in boosting the region’s economy by establishing public-private partnerships between our state-related universities and private engineering companies through a grant and loan program. Along with creating family-sustaining jobs, it will enhance research capabilities, promote business alliances, and produce high-value products. Additionally, I am glad to support my colleagues in other ways to make Pennsylvania’s economy more competitive, such as tackling our notoriously long waits for permit reviews, which have previously led to employers and entrepreneurs taking their jobs to other states. As part of the current state budget, we worked to keep and attract more jobs by including an initiative to speed up permit reviews, make the process more transparent and eliminate this barrier to Pennsylvania job creation. Thank you again to everyone who came out to support the launch of the Max Manufacturing Initiative. Keeping Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity by promoting initiatives and policies to foster greater job growth remains one of my top priorities. I look forward to continuing this work in the fall legislative session. Robinson Meets with U.S. Steel Executives, Union LeadersAs Chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, I was glad to attend a productive, bipartisan meeting with members of the Pennsylvania Steel Alliance at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Training Hub. We discussed policy issues, workforce development, and the importance of labor and industry collaborating to advance business opportunities and stability. Find more information at my press release here. First Responders Recognized for Heroic EffortsThank you to Jefferson Hills Fire-Rescue for allowing me to visit in order to honor Chief Chalfant, Capt. Joe Kerr, Lt. Sullivan Esken, firefighter Dylan Dewitt and firefighter Andrew Guzzo for their bravery and heroic efforts while fighting a deadly house fire that tragically took the life of Sabrina Boyle and her unborn baby on Aug. 23 in Elrama. Truly heartbreaking. Chief Chalfant is recovering from his injuries. I am also very grateful for the valiant efforts of SouthEast Regional EMS, and all the police forces and VFDs who answered the call. Your service to our community is greatly appreciated! I also thank Peoples Natural Gas for their donation to the volunteer fire company. Supporting Services in Our Local CommunitiesProviding Pennsylvanians increased access to important health care and emergency services from birth to older age was a key priority in the Senate as we worked to implement the 2024-25 state budget. I am pleased that, because of our efforts, neonatal and obstetric services provided through the Medical Assistance Program are receiving an additional $7 million to help support mothers and their babies. In addition, the enacted budget also includes a $134 million increase for nursing home facilities. To benefit people of all ages, an additional $20 million was dedicated to emergency medical services (EMS) rates. Quality and reliable health care must reach every corner of our commonwealth, which is why we worked to ensure the final budget agreement also included a $10 million supplemental payment for rural hospitals and $17.5 million for rural health redesign and distressed hospitals. We believe in the promise of Pennsylvania and strengthening our local communities through these substantial investments. PA’s Expanded Liquor Law Offers More Convenience for ConsumersIn response to a call for increased convenience, people will soon enjoy a greater selection of canned cocktails available at more Pennsylvania businesses. My colleagues and I have been working to give customers access to products they want without requiring them to visit numerous stores to purchase beer and canned cocktails. Because of a new law sponsored by Sen. Regan (R-31), restaurants, hotels, convenience stores and grocery stores may now apply for a permit to sell drinks containing spirits like vodka, gin and tequila. Those drinks could previously only be purchased at state-run Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores. As soon as Monday, Sept. 16, businesses with approved permits may begin selling spirit-based cocktails with an alcohol volume ranging from 0.5% to 12.5% in containers up to 16 ounces, to individuals aged 21 or older with valid identification. They may not sell more than 192 ounces of ready-to-drink cocktails per sale. Hunger Action MonthSeptember is Hunger Action Month! My district offices will be collecting donations of unexpired, non-perishable food items through September 30. All donations will be given to a local food bank. You can find more information here. Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot DayOn Wednesday, we recognize the innocent lives lost 23 years ago when our country was brutally attacked in New York, Virginia and right here in Pennsylvania. With heavy hearts, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of emergency responders and everyone who perished on that day Let us also remember the surge of patriotism. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused less on what could divide us and more on what we had in common. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit.
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