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In this Update:
Robinson, Bartolotta Honor First Responders and Survivor in Charleroi Trench Collapse Rescue
This week, I joined Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46), Representative Dan Miller (D-42), Representative Natalie Mihalek (R-40), Brian Kokkila – the task force leader of PA Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team 1 -, Chief Whiten of the Charleroi Fire Department, and many others to recognize the successful rescue of Vincenzo Lopez. On Aug. 28, a call came in that no one ever wants to receive – a trench collapse in Charleroi had left a worker trapped beneath several tons of dirt. It was a life-or-death situation that demanded precision, courage, and teamwork under extraordinary pressure. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our first responders and Pennsylvania Strike Team 1, Vincenzo Lopez was rescued and is now recovering. We honor the men and women who train and stand ready every single day to answer the call. I am proud to have worked with Senator Jay Costa (D-43) and Representatives Miller and Mihalek to help establish and support the Western PA Urban Search and Rescue Team who worked alongside 40 different agencies and departments in this emergency. Act 113 of 2024, our legislation that enhanced and better equipped this team, is a crucial investment in our communities, in the safety of our neighbors, and in the ability to respond quickly and efficiently when the unthinkable happens. Watch footage, view photos, and read additional information from the press conference here. Transformed Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Ribbon Cutting
It was an honor to be a part of the transformed Pittsburgh International Airport ribbon cutting ceremony. I couldn’t be more proud of the work that’s been happening at this incredible airport in the 37th district! When the new terminal opens later this year, it will connect Pittsburgh to the world, serving as a gateway for opportunity in this region. I was proud to sponsor legislation creating the Max Manufacturing Initiative Fund to provide grants and loans for specialized equipment, infrastructure, and facilities dedicated to advanced manufacturing. While the program boosts advanced manufacturing in cities and towns across the state, I’m especially proud of the development happening right here in our community with the airport’s launch of Neighborhood 91. Congratulations to the airport in continuing to build the success of this region! Robinson, Shaffer Host Community Leaders Breakfast
This week, Representative Jeremy Shaffer (R-28) and I hosted a community leaders’ breakfast where we discussed how to make our communities stronger and more connected through service. It was a great opportunity for many to network and learn how we can help each other. Thank you to all who attended! Jewish Healthcare Foundation Panel
I was honored to speak on a panel alongside Senator Jay Costa (D-43), Representative Valerie Gaydos (R-44) and Representative Arvind Venkat (D-30) at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation Salk Health Activist Fellowship. We discussed our work and advancements in health care, social services, and related legislation. The fellowship often connects with legislators to help us all better serve those in need of care. Allegheny Health Network and Heritage Valley Health System Merger
It was wonderful to speak at a press conference this week in Beaver to celebrate Allegheny Health Network’s and Heritage Valley Health System’s Affiliation Agreement. The deal, which still requires state and federal approval, expands AHN’s footprint to 16 hospitals and numerous clinics across our region. Patients will be able to access many more resources and wider network options. Thank you to AHN CEO Mark Sevco and HVHS CEO Norman Mitry and their combined 29,500 employees and doctors for your continued service to the community. World Champion Sophie Chinn Honored
Congratulations Sophie Chinn on winning first place in the Girls’ 9-10 year-old Creative Weapons division during the 2025 American Taekwondo Association (ATA) Tournament of Champions! The ATA Tournament of Champions brings together the top ten point ranked competitors from the United States and Canada, with points being earned during various regional and national tournaments throughout the year. In addition, champions selected from other countries around the world travel to Arizona to compete head-to-head for World Champion titles. Sophie used two nun chucks simultaneously and performed a form set to music that she created with the help of her teacher and family to secure her world champion title! Her dedication to the sport has earned her this impressive accomplishment, and I send her best wishes in her future endeavors! 20th Anniversary of Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department’s Station No. 1
Congratulations to the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department on their 20th anniversary of opening Station No. 1! This station is comprised of more than 18,000 square feet and includes six truck bays, workstations for preventative maintenance and repair work, a work room for maintenance on radio equipment, a meeting room with a projection system for multimedia training sessions, a library containing training manuals and materials, and a bunk room that allows volunteers to rest during lengthy incidents or to wait on standby to reduce response times. Thank you to the volunteers for always keeping the community safe. Talking Sense Podcast
This week I had the opportunity to sit down with the host of Pittsburgh Works Together’s Talking Sense podcast. We had a great conversation about economic development, energy, infrastructure projects in western PA, and my bill to prohibit student cellphone use during school. Thanks to the incredible team at Pittsburgh Works Together for having me! The episode airs in November, so stay tuned. Pittsburgh Columbus Day Parade
The Pittsburgh Columbus Day Parade was a great success! It was wonderful to see everyone including the Grand Marshal, Anthony Accamando. I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday weekend. Bill Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth to cover those from other states, attracting talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I supported last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed Senate Bill 88 to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. As a proud co-sponsor of this legislation, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here.
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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