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In this Update:
POW/MIA Recognition DayOn September 19, we remember our prisoners of war, and those still missing in action. I introduced Senate Resolution 147, which observes this day in Pennsylvania, and serves as a powerful reminder of our duty to bring home our patriots, and to care for the families who wait – sometimes for decades – for word of their loved ones. Please take a moment when you see the iconic black and white flag flying over government facilities, and honor those who endured captivity and those whose fate is still unknown. Let us ensure their legacy of service and sacrifice is always remembered. York County TragedyI was saddened to hear of the tragic events in York County this week where five brave law enforcement officers were shot, and three have tragically lost their lives. Let us all send prayers to the families of the fallen officers, their wounded colleagues, and the entire community who has been impacted by this terrible act of violence. Robinson Named to U.S. Service Academy Nominations Advisory BoardI was honored to receive Sen. McCormick’s nomination along with 33 other veterans, public servants, and community leaders from across Pennsylvania to serve on this advisory board. We will evaluate applications, participate in interviews, and recommend candidates to be considered for appointment to the nation’s U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Read more here. Community HighlightsIt was a great night for a race at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway honoring military, first responders, and scouts. It was awesome to wave the starting flag! Thank you to Caitlin from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for speaking to constituents about identity theft prevention measures! The BBB provides resources to find accredited businesses, report fraud, and stay protected against scams. Robinson in the NewsThank you to abc27 News for attending a press conference at the Capitol highlighting the importance of prostate cancer screenings, and my legislation, SB 447, which would remove cost-sharing requirements for Pennsylvanians. View the story here. Recently, I had the honor of speaking at AI Horizons Pittsburgh 2025. Pennsylvania needs to utilize the resources it has to maximize our energy output. Learn more about the summit from Broad + Liberty here. As we continue to observe Veterans Suicide Awareness Month during September, I appreciate that PennWatch covered my resolution, SR 141 which recognizes the silent struggles many veterans face. Veterans deserve our unwavering support not only in recognition of their service, but in addressing the burdens they may carry in silence. Trauma, stress, addiction, and loneliness are challenges no one should face alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial 988 – help is always available! Read the full story here. Senate Votes to Help Relieve Long-Term Care Worker ShortageThe number of Pennsylvania residents ages 65 and over is expected to nearly double by 2040, but even now many nursing facilities are forced to take beds out of service because they can’t fill direct care positions. The Senate recently passed legislation to tackle this critical problem by making it easier for those seeking employment at long-term care centers while still ensuring employees are well-qualified. Senate Bill 114 would encourage more employees to join the long-term care workforce by expanding the availability of training courses for nurse aides and the eligibility for individuals to take the nurse aide competency exam. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Measure to Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Approved by SenateBeyond serving our nation in the military, many veterans create jobs through their entrepreneurial spirit. We approved legislation to promote these veteran-owned businesses. Senate Bill 64 would authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State, and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist, or member of the National Guard. To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness MonthIn September, we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to those who work daily to heal, comfort, and support these brave kids! Robinson Veterans E-NewsletterRecently, I launched a newsletter focused specifically on veterans’ issues. If you or someone you know might be interested, you can sign up here. Feel free to review my latest issue here. Fire and EMS Funding Assistance AvailableOur local fire and EMS companies are committed to saving lives and protecting property, so I’m pleased to announce they can apply now for assistance through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program. The funding is available to volunteer or career fire, rescue, and EMS organizations and can be used for facility improvements, equipment purchase and repair, debt reduction, training and certification, and more. The deadline to apply is Oct. 20. More information, important dates and the online application can be found here. Expanding Government Transparency with OpenBookPAThe Pennsylvania Treasury has launched an expanded portal for state government transparency, providing taxpayers with more tools to explore state finance details. OpenBookPA’s new features include:
Announced by Treasurer Stacy Garrity earlier this month, OpenBookPA also links to the Treasury Checkbook, which includes payments made by Treasury to vendors and the Contracts e-Library, which makes available state contracts, purchase orders and amendments valued at $5,000 or more for public review. Beagle Bill Passes the SenateAs a proud co-sponsor of Senate Bill 381, the “Beagle Bill,” 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 381include:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Celebrating Our U.S. ConstitutionNational Constitution Week runs through Sept. 23, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, nine years after the Pennsylvania Constitution. Our nation’s most important document, the U.S. Constitution has provided Americans throughout history the power to maintain their liberties, freedoms, and inalienable rights. Its stature is evident in the fact that every Pennsylvania legislator takes a solemn oath to “support, obey, and defend” the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions as a condition for holding public office. Happy Rosh HashanahRosh Hashanah begins Monday at sundown. To everyone celebrating the Jewish New Year, I hope it brings thoughtful reflection, personal growth and renewed hope.
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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