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In this Update:

• Remembering September 11, 2001
• Robinson Calls for Unity, Rejecting Hate and Violence
• Robinson Legislation Supporting Veterans Passes Senate
• Veterans Suicide Awareness Month 
• Heroes Supporting Heroes
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
• VFW Commander Bill Roland Visits the Capitol
• Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
• School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
• Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations

Remembering September 11, 2001

Once again, we pause on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events on that day in 2001 – attacks that changed our nation forever.

We honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determination to keep America’s enemies at bay.

I participated in ceremonies this week in Harrisburg and Allegheny County to honor and remember our fallen heroes and pray for their loved ones:

I was honored to speak at the Patriot Day ceremony at the Capitol alongside my colleagues and first responders. View my full remarks here.  

This year, Representative Natalie Mihalek, members of the community and members of my office each climbed stairs at the Spencer Family YMCA in Bethel Park to honor those who responded on 9/11.

At the AI Horizons Pittsburgh Summit, I gave the keynote address to reflect on September 11^th and share my story of infantry enlistment into the United States Marine Corps that same day.

It was heartwarming to see the community come together and honor those killed during the 9/11 attacks at the Service of Remembrance, Reflection and Faith at Sunny Slopes in South Park.

In remembrance for those lost 24 years ago, I was humbled to speak at the annual Knights of Columbus 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.

Robinson Calls for Unity, Rejecting Hate and Violence

In the past year, our nation has witnessed several tragic acts of political violence, including the attempt on President Donald Trump’s life in Butler, the death of Minnesota’s Speaker of the House Emerita Melissa Hortman, the arson at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence and most recently, the assassination of Charlie Kirk. These attacks are not just against individuals. They are attacks on our democracy and the values that bind us together as Americans. Violence cannot be the language of politics. Debate, disagreement and spirited elections are part of our history and our strength, but bloodshed has no place in our future.

Before we were ever Republican or Democrat, we were human. Our political views must never outweigh our shared humanity.

This responsibility belongs to all of us. Leaders must set the tone, but citizens, too, must demand better. We can reject hateful rhetoric, resist dehumanizing our neighbors and stand against division. Every respectful conversation, every choice to lift up rather than tear down, strengthens our commonwealth. We must do better — and we can.

Let us show that what unites us as Americans will always be stronger than what seeks to divide us.

Robinson Legislation Supporting Veterans Passes Senate

Senate Bill 533, a bill I sponsored to remove barriers that prevent disabled veterans from enjoying the outdoors and experiencing the proven therapeutic benefits of hunting, passed the Senate unanimously! The bill directs the Game Commission to waive licensing requirements for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans who wish to participate in hunting events created specifically for their enjoyment, rehabilitation, and healing. Senate Bill 533 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

More information about the bill can be found here.

Veterans Suicide Awareness Month

This week, I spoke on the Senate floor on SR 141 which designates September as Veterans Suicide Awareness Month. My resolution shines a light on the silent struggles many veterans face, and bolsters the outreach efforts through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 – help is always available.

Full floor remarks can be viewed here.

Heroes Supporting Heroes

Thank you to Movement Mortgage and Karis Management Group for providing Heroes Supporting Heroes of Oakdale with a $10,000 GraceWorks grant. The money will be put to great use in our community!

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

To recognize September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I was honored to speak at a press conference alongside American Cancer Society – Cancer Action Network and PA Prostate Cancer Coalition. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 9 men. As the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 447,  men can ensure they have access to early detection.  The bill would align Pennsylvania prostate cancer screening with scientific best practices and remove barriers that obstruct high-risk individuals from getting screened.

VFW Commander Bill Roland Visits the Capitol

It was wonderful to meet Bill Roland, the newly commissioned State Commander of the VFW. It was an honor to have the opportunity to exchange challenge coins.

Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments

As a proud co-sponsor of Senate Bill 381, I am happy that the Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs, cats, and other animals from painful experiments.

The protections in Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, include:

• Banning painful category E-level experiments on dogs and cats using state funds.
• Ending devocalization procedures funded by the commonwealth.
• Requiring labs to offer animals for adoption before euthanasia (minimum 30 days).
• Pushing for non-animal testing alternatives when available.
• Protecting whistleblowers who expose animal cruelty in labs.
• Increasing transparency with annual reporting.

Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children

Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations.

It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms.

Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations

The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives.

Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business.

Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB.

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