HARRISBURG – Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) was appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) to chair the Senate Labor and Industry Committee for the 2023-24 Legislative Session.
The committee is responsible for considering a wide range of issues important to employers and employees, including workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, workplace safety, building codes and workforce development.
“Major businesses all over the world continue to look toward southwestern Pennsylvania for its cutting-edge innovation and proximity to natural gas, solar, electric and wind energy,” Robinson said. “Our well-trained workforce deserves proper representation in Harrisburg and someone who understands their needs and significance. I look forward to being their voice and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make a difference in Pennsylvania’s economy and the lives of our constituents.”
Last session, Robinson served as a voting member of the Labor and Industry Committee, which passed legislation to increase the time for parties to file appeals to unemployment compensation eligibility determinations, modernize the state Workforce Development Act and require workplace safety committees to provide information to employees about the risk of opioid use. The committee also considered legislation sponsored by Robinson, which became law, to improve enforcement of the construction industry’s use of the federal E-Verify system and increase penalties for hiring unauthorized workers.
“We congratulate Sen. Devlin Robinson on his appointment as chairman of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee,” said Jeff Nobers, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Works Together, a labor union-business-economic development alliance promoting a diverse economy. “We believe Sen. Robinson understands the issues most important to our unions, workers, businesses and their impacts on consumers in the state and look forward to working with him, minority chair Sen. John Kane and the entire committee in developing policies, regulations and laws that will allow and help our state to prosper.”
Robinson’s priorities as the new chairman will include overseeing the operation of the unemployment compensation system, designing job training and other programs ensuring Pennsylvania workers have the skills necessary to pursue stable, family-sustaining jobs, building a stronger environment for job growth and continuing to strengthen relationships between the legislature and labor.
“It is a tremendous honor to have been selected to lead the Senate Labor and Industry Committee,” said Robinson. “This committee is a key driver of policies that impact Pennsylvania’s economic climate and govern its workforce. I look forward to working with labor, business and other stakeholders on issues critical to the future success of our commonwealth and I am thankful to Sen. Ward for entrusting me to serve in this capacity.”
CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel; 717-787-5839