Senator Robinson E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • New Eagle Scout in District 37
  • Robinson Secures Over $10.2 Million for Community, Educational Projects
  • Urban Search and Rescue Bill Passes Senate
  • Robinson Hosts Senator for a Day Event at Robert Morris University
  • Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
  • PA Student Aid Guide Available Now
  • More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee
  • Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

New Eagle Scout in District 37

Congratulations to my constituent, Quinlan, on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! For his Eagle project, Quinlan built a set of stairs on a steep hillside at St. David’s Episcopal Church’s Garden. He has also held several leadership positions in his troop. Keep up the great work, Quinlan!

Robinson Secures Over $10.2 Million for Community, Educational Projects

I’m so pleased to share that I secured more than $10.2 million in grant funding for community and educational projects in Allegheny County! This funding is awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Local Share Account and Public School Facilities Improvement Grant programs.  Projects range from roof replacements in two school districts, sewer system upgrades, accessibility enhancements, and other critical infrastructure improvements.

A full list of projects is available here.

Urban Search and Rescue Bill Passes Senate

A huge accomplishment and bipartisan, bicameral effort came to fruition in Harrisburg this week! My companion bill to establish an urban search and rescue task force was approved in the Senate with very strong support.

House Bill 843, the companion to my Senate legislation, would create a specialized team to serve Allegheny County and the broader western Pennsylvania area, ensuring our region meets state and federal standards for urban search and rescue operations. I am thrilled to see this bill pass the Senate. It now heads to the governor’s desk.

You can read more here.

Robinson Hosts Senator for a Day Event at Robert Morris University

My second Senator for a Day event was a tremendous success! High school students from my district had the opportunity discuss legislation and see how a bill moves through the entire legislative process. I was very impressed to see how the students from Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Fort Cherry, Montour, Moon, South Fayette, Thomas Jefferson, and Upper St. Clair took such an interest in this hands-on learning opportunity.

Thank you to Robert Morris University and President Dr. Michelle Patrick for letting us hold our event at your facility and to the all the panelists who participated.

Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1

More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry and more.

The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1.

When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property.

PA Student Aid Guide Available Now

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families.

There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications and more. Learn more.

Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses.

More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee

Beginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee.

Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here.

The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more.

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. I encourage women to be their own best health advocates, and I am pleased to have championed legislation supporting women’s health. Act 1 of 2023, which I proudly co-sponsored, eliminates all costs associated breast MRIs, ultrasounds, and genetic testing for women at a higher risk in PA.

Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. Taking these preventative measures can help you significantly lower your risk.

Learn more about breast cancer risk here.

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