|
|||
|
In this Update:
Robinson Secures More than $3 Million in State Funding for Allegheny County
I am thrilled to have worked with my fellow Allegheny County legislators to secure more than $3 million in state funding for critical infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and community development projects throughout the 37th Senatorial District. These investments reflect our commitment to strengthening communities, improving public safety, and supporting local governments and nonprofits in their efforts to serve residents. The funding was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Local Share Account and Act 13 programs. Learn more about the projects that received funding from the CFA programs here. In addition to the funding I secured through the CFA, I was proud to announce nearly $300,000 in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) grants are coming to the 37th Senatorial District! I was glad to vote to increase funding for the NAP to ensure more revitalization dollars go directly back into communities within the district. Learn more about the programs that received funding from the NAP here. Opinion: Kids Don’t Need Their Cell Phones in School
When the effort to restrict student cellphone use in schools first began two years ago, it was met with skepticism. Some thought it was unrealistic. Others worried it would create new enforcement headaches for teachers or intrude on parents’ ability to reach their children during the school day. But since then, the conversation has shifted dramatically and decisively. What was once a fringe idea is now a mainstream movement. Across the country, more states are taking action to address the growing crisis of distraction, anxiety, and disconnection that smartphones have introduced into our classrooms. Twenty-seven states now have laws restricting student cellphone use. Of those, 18 have enacted “bell-to-bell” bans, meaning phones must stay put away throughout the entire school day, including at lunch, between classes, and during study halls or other free periods. The goal of these bell-to-bell bans is simple: restore focus, reduce anxiety, and create learning environments that prioritize engagement over endless scrolling. Read the full op-ed I authored with Sens. Vince Hughes (D-7) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) here. Bill to Protect Seasonal Workers from Unemployment Compensation Benefit Cuts Passes House
Last week, the Senate approved a bipartisan agreement that protects Pennsylvania’s seasonal workers from looming unemployment compensation (UC) benefit cuts, while also securing long-sought reforms to support victims of domestic violence and strengthen the integrity of the UC system. I’m proud to announce that earlier this week, the House of Representatives also voted to pass this bill, sending it to the Governor’s desk where it is currently awaiting his signature – the final step before it becomes law. This deal ensures that thousands of seasonal workers won’t see sudden and potentially severe cuts to the benefits they rely on between jobs. It also ensures individuals who must leave their job or miss work to escape a dangerous domestic violence situation will not be penalized or deemed ineligible for benefits. Protecting workers while we continue negotiating long-term UC solutions has been one of my highest priorities, and I’m proud we reached a responsible, bipartisan compromise. Read more about the legislation here. Funding Maintained for Urban Search and Rescue
I’m so proud that this year’s budget maintained funding for Western Pennsylvania’s Urban Search and Rescue operations! These brave men and women put their lives on the line during emergencies, and I’m glad our budget ensures they have the resources they need. Recently, I hosted a ceremony with Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to honor the many first responders involved in the Charleroi trench collapse where they rescued a man who was trapped for hours. Situations like this remind us of just how crucial this funding is. Wreaths Across America Celebrated in Allegheny County
On December 13, Wreaths Across America was celebrated across the country and the 37th Senatorial District. Volunteers nationwide laid wreaths at veterans’ gravesites, saying each veteran’s name aloud and thanking them for their service and sacrifice. My office was honored to participate in the ceremony at Bethel Cemetery. Senator Robinson in the News
In the last week, I worked on a number of key issues that attracted media attention, including the Senate Education Committee unanimously approving my bill to implement a bell-to-bell policy on student cellphone use in schools across Pennsylvania, the announcement that Aer Lingus will soon offer direct flights to Dublin from Pittsburgh International Airport, the state Capitol’s Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring veterans during the holiday season, and the passage of a bipartisan agreement to protect Pennsylvania’s seasonal workers from Unemployment compensation benefit cuts. Here is a roundup of my news coverage from this week:
Look Out for Scams, Fraud, and Theft During the Holiday Season
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams, fraud, and theft. Some of the most common scams to be on the lookout for include bait-and-switch scams, skimming devices, and fraudulent “cybersquatting” websites. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday offered several tips to prevent scammers from taking advantage when shopping online:
More information about how to avoid and report scams is available here. Happy Hanukkah
This week, Jewish families across our district are celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of light dating back more than 2,000 years, when the Jewish people won a battle against the Greeks to practice their religion freely. I wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah a time of warmth and appreciation with family and friends. Happy Holidays from Team Robinson
Happy Holidays from Team Robinson! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season with friends and family, and we look forward to continuing to serve the constituents of the 37th district in the new year.
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. |
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorrobinson.com | Privacy Policy |
