|
|||
|
In this Update:
Library VFC Celebrates 85th Anniversary
Congratulations to the Library Volunteer Fire Company on celebrating 85 years! I was proud to stop by and congratulate them for this tremendous milestone. Thank you to Chief Jeff Guerrero, President John Price, and the entire group for your commitment and service to our community. PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. I will continue to work to boost election integrity and ensure free, fair and secure elections. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation giving people who are trying to take safety precautions more convenience is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Bill Signed into Law to Honor Gold Star Families
It’s important to recognize fallen service members and the families they left behind. I recently supported a bill that authorizes construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. Act 145 of 2024 provides for the construction of the monument south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street. The monument would be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It would be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: pride for our homeland, love of family, the braveness of the patriot, the selflessness of sacrifice and the inspiring legacy left by those who paid the ultimate price. The monument would give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember and honor their fallen loved ones. It would also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and it’s simpler than ever to enjoy maple syrup and related candies, popcorn and sauces produced right here in the commonwealth. The new Maple Map highlights local producers and businesses all across the state. Using the interactive mapping application makes it easy to find delicious snacks to help you enjoy the season. It also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. In the Senate, we have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
Honoring Veterans and Military Families
November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. We owe our deepest gratitude to those who have served our country, and we also recognize the tremendous sacrifice of military families as they support their loved ones who serve. My office continues to hold monthly office hours with a representative from the American Legion on the second Tuesday of every month. If you are a veteran or veteran family member in need of assistance, please contact my Bethel Park district office at 412-785-3070 and we will be happy to help you. You can find information about state veteran benefits and resources here.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorrobinson.com | Privacy Policy |
