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In this Update:
Robinson Plan to Make Bipartisan Reforms to Unemployment Compensation System Signed Into Law
I’m thrilled that Gov. Josh Shapiro signed 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. As Chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, I was proud to lead the effort to protect seasonal workers from a UC benefit cut by ensuring the final agreement, House Bill 274, would delay the implementation of “quarters averaging,” a calculation change that would have significantly reduced benefits for seasonal employees in industries such as construction, landscaping, hospitality, and more. The legislation also included language I sponsored in the Senate to protect UC eligibility for victims of domestic violence. Under the bill, 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. The bill establishes clear verification options, ensures confidentiality, and requires the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to expedite claims when safety is at stake. The bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support earlier this month. After the House voted to concur with the Senate amendments last week, Gov. Shapiro signed the bill into law yesterday as Act 55 of 2025. Learn more here. Thank You to Volunteers & Participants in Capitol Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Earlier this month, I hosted the Capitol’s Wreaths Across America kick-off ceremony to honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of America’s service members. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit that brings comfort to military families by keeping the memories of their lost loved ones alive through the laying of wreaths at the headstones of millions of veterans in cemeteries across the country, at sea, and abroad during the holiday season. I want to sincerely thank all those volunteers who joined me in making this kick-off ceremony possible:
Your dedication to the mission of Wreaths Across America ensures that no veteran is forgotten, and no family carries the memory of their loved one alone this holiday season. Thank you. Dedication of Pleasant Hills New Borough Building
Congratulations to the Borough of Pleasant Hills on the dedication of the new borough building! This facility will provide housing for police, government and management offices, as well as community rooms. This new, upgraded space will help the Borough of Pleasant Hills better serve its constituents. Upper St. Clair Commissioners Retire
Congratulations Dan Paoly and Pam Enck on your retirement from the Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners. Thank you for your dedicated service to the community! Successful Start for New Program Connecting Young Pennsylvanians to High-Demand Careers
The first year of the Grow PA program to help connect young people to quality careers in Pennsylvania has been a tremendous success, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was created last year through a package of legislation I helped sponsor in an effort to help reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians seeking education and job opportunities in other states. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation, and work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation. PHEAA reports more than 11,000 applications for Grow PA in the first year. More than 4,000 applicants have already received grants, and another 2,300 applications were approved through early December. The average award per student was $4,650. The top programs of study in the first year of Grow PA included registered nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences, and accounting. Next year’s application period is expected to open in early February. Committee Examines CDLs and REAL IDs Being Issued to Illegal Immigrants
The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing to examine commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following recent claims of CDLs and REAL IDs being issued to illegal immigrants. Pennsylvania law bans regular and commercial driver’s licenses for anyone unlawfully present in the commonwealth. Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan wanted for belonging to a terrorist organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued him a CDL with a REAL ID indication in July. The committee examined commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses with driving advocates, along with officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Dec. 31 Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31. Eligible residents could qualify for up to $1,000 (plus supplemental rebates for qualifying applicants). The program provides financial relief to older adults and people with disabilities who paid property taxes or rent in 2024. To qualify, applicants must be age 65+, widows/widowers 50+, or individuals with disabilities 18+, and their household income must be $46,520 or less (excluding half of Social Security income). Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, or by calling 1-888-222-9190 for assistance. My office is also available to help you apply for this rebate by emailing me here or calling one of my District Offices at (412) 785-3070 or (412) 643-3020. It’s Annual Dog License Time
The deadline to purchase an annual license renewal for your dog is Jan. 1, 2026. Many counties allow you to purchase a lifetime license. Licensing fees help the millions of dogs in Pennsylvania by funding the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way to get your dog back home. Dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. Annual licenses can be purchased online from your county treasurer in one location here. Happy New Year
I want to wish everyone in the 37th Senatorial District a very safe and Happy New Year! I hope 2026 brings exciting opportunities, hope, and happiness to you all. To look back on the successes of 2025 and look forward to the opportunities in 2026, I plan to share a 2025 Year in Review recap with you in an upcoming special edition of my e-newsletter. It will include a summary of accomplishments from this past year as well as a preview of my hopes and goals for the year ahead. Happy New Year and stay tuned for more! |
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