Senator Robinson E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • New Eagle Scout in the 37th!
  • Jefferson Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Patient Safety
  • Robinson Recognizes Down Syndrome Awareness Month
  • Robinson Introduces Legislation to Combat Radon in Schools
  • Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
  • Bill to Minimize Utility Disruptions, Protect Workers Passes Senate
  • Monthly American Legion Appointments Available in My Office
  • Reminder: Senior Expo on October 10
  • State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. Each year, we turn the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research and supporting early detection efforts.

I was honored to co-prime sponsor Act 1 of 2023 which eliminates all costs associated with breast MRIs, breast ultrasounds, and BRCA-related genetic counseling and testing for Pennsylvanians at high risk. This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. One in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, so early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. We stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding everyone that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer.

Stay up to date here.

New Eagle Scout in the 37th!

Congratulations to my constituent, Brayden, on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! Brayden is a member of Troop 198 and has served as a senior patrol leader. Thank you for commitment to helping others, Brayden, and best of luck in your future endeavors!

Jefferson Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Patient Safety

Congratulations to Jefferson Hospital! The hospital was honored this year through The Hospital and Health System of Pennsylvania’s Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition Program, a recognition received by only twenty-two hospitals statewide. I was honored to present them with a proclamation in Harrisburg this week. Thank you for your commitment to patient safety and top-notch care!

Robinson Recognizes Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I was honored to introduce my constituent, Chloe Kondrich, on the Senate floor this week. This summer marked the 10th anniversary of Chloe’s law, landmark legislation that gives parents of children with Down Syndrome the resources and support they need to raise their child with confidence.

Chloe is a powerful international advocate, spreading her message of “embrace don’t erase.” It was an honor to have her as my guest at the Senate. I was also glad to co-sponsor Senator Scott Martin’s SR 193, designating October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

You can view my remarks here.

Robinson Introduces Legislation to Combat Radon in Schools

I was pleased to join Allegheny County area students, advocates, and leaders in Harrisburg to discuss the importance of combatting radon in our schools. My legislation, Senate Bill 1328, would require  regular testing and mitigation of radon in our public school buildings across Pennsylvania. We learned that radon affects all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, with many of our schools having dangerous levels.

Thank you to Radon in Schools Working Group, Women for a Healthy Environment, student advocates, and everyone who joined to raise awareness of this importance health issue. I look forward to working to advance this legislation and ensure a safe, healthy environment for students and teachers in schools across the Commonwealth.

You can read my full press release here.

Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry

The Senate unanimously approved legislation to protect children from sexual predators by closing a loophole in existing state law. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 1317 would add the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II sexual offense, requiring individuals convicted of this offense to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Under current law, those convicted of this offense are not required to register as sex offenders.

The bill supports the Senate Republican priority of cultivating healthy and safe communities.

Bill to Minimize Utility Disruptions, Protect Workers Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed a bill to improve and extend protection of Pennsylvanians and the workers who maintain essential underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications and more. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 1237 would make permanent the PA One Call Law, which has been extended for 50 years and is set to expire on Dec. 31. PA One Call prevents accidents that threaten the safety of Pennsylvanians, construction workers and other excavators. It also minimizes utility service disruptions by ensuring underground utility lines are properly marked prior to any digging.

The bill would also enhance safety protocols by improving communication between excavators, facility owners and the Public Utility Commission, as well as requiring better documentation of underground utility lines. To prevent dangerous situations, the legislation calls for expanded timelines for filing violation reports and additional consequences for non-compliance.

Monthly American Legion Appointments Available in My Office

My office hosts monthly appointments with a representative from the American Legion. Appointments are available on the second Tuesday of every month from 10AM-3PM, and the next one is this upcoming Tuesday, October 8. The representative can answer questions and provide guidance on health care, disability claims, GI Bill programs, and other veteran-related benefits. Find more information here or call my office to schedule an appointment.

Reminder: Senior Expo on October 10

Don’t forget! My senior expo is happening this Thursday, October 10, from 10AM-12PM at the Library Volunteer Fire Company. There will be government agencies and senior service organizations on site. This is a free public event with door prizes, health screenings, vaccinations, CPR demonstrations, and more. I hope to see you there!

State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20

The Department of Agriculture has announced its PA Preferred® Pumpkin Palooza Contest. Participants are encouraged to express their creativity by painting or carving a pumpkin.

Pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, and contestants must be a Pennsylvania resident. Three age divisions include child (11 and younger), youth (12-17) and adult (18 and older).

Contestants should email a photo of their submission, with the subject “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry,” to agcontests@pa.gov by Oct. 20. Winners, who will be emailed on Oct. 24, will receive a PA Preferred swag bag. Learn more.

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