Senator Robinson E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Additional Services for Veterans in Bethel Park Office
  • Funding Available for Broadband Deployment Projects
  • June 12 FREE Identity Theft Protection and Recycle Day
  • State Restrictions on Senior Community Centers Relaxed
  • New Law Updates CDL Licensing Requirements
  • Fundraising Option for First Responders, Veterans Groups and Nonprofits Approved by Senate
  • Senate Sends “Motorcycle Lemon Law” to House of Representatives
  • Out and About in the 37th
  • Reminder to Follow Me on Social Media

Additional Services for Veterans in Bethel Park Office

I will begin offering additional opportunities next week for veterans in the 37th district to connect with experts on the services and benefits available to them.  Beginning June 8, an
American Legion representative will be hosting one-on-one appointments in Senator Robinson’s Bethel Park office, 1700 N Highland Road, Suite 307. The 45-minute appointments will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.  

As a veteran, it’s extremely important to me that all those who have served our country have access to information and resources that can help them here at home. I’m very excited to begin offering this opportunity for veterans to connect directly with a service officer.

During the appointments, veterans will be able to talk directly with a service officer about the resources available to them including compensation, pension information, death benefits, education, healthcare and more. Any issues related to veterans benefits or the U.S. Veterans Administration can be discussed during these meetings. Veterans can make appointments by calling 412-785-3070.

Funding Available for Broadband Deployment Projects

 

Projects that facilitate the deployment of high-speed broadband service infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania could be eligible for funding through the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program.

The program is open to nongovernmental entities with the technical, managerial and financial expertise to design, build and operate a high-speed broadband service infrastructure. Funding supports projects that can offer access to services that will enhance economic development, education, health care and emergency services.

Applications will be accepted until Sept. 24. Grants will be awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

June 12 FREE Identity Theft Protection and Recycle Day

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12, join state Rep. Valerie Gaydos and me at Moon Area Middle School, Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township, for a FREE paper shredding event (limit two boxes).

State Restrictions on Senior Community Centers Relaxed

State Department of Health COVID-19 restrictions for Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers have been lifted, except for mask requirements for unvaccinated individuals for indoor activities and certain outdoor activities.

The state guidance does not prevent centers, municipalities, local authorities or counties from implementing stricter mitigation efforts based on local circumstances.

Senior Community Centers provide meals and offer social activities, informative programs, creative arts, exercise, volunteer opportunities, community services and more. You can find a center near you here. 

New Law Updates CDL Licensing Requirements

Legislation approved by the General Assembly in November has taken effect extending the validity period of a commercial learner’s permit from 180 days to one year, giving vehicle operators more time to prepare for their skills test.

Making the permits valid longer also means fewer operators will need to extend their permit, which will help decrease customer traffic in driver license centers.

Act 131 of 2020 also updates requirements and restrictions for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, including reporting requirements for convictions and violations. One change disqualifies an individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for life if they are convicted of using a commercial motor vehicle to commit certain forms of human trafficking. 

Fundraising Option for First Responders, Veterans Groups and Nonprofits Approved by Senate

Recognizing that the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place a severe financial crisis on numerous volunteer and veterans organizations, the Senate recently approved legislation that will provide a crucial financial lifeline for those vital community organizations.

The measure would allow volunteer fire departments, veterans organizations and other nonprofits to conduct online small games of chance fundraisers and accept payment via mobile payment applications. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Licensees would be required to verify age and residency of those participating, and the ability to fundraise online would end May 1, 2022 or upon the termination of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, whichever is later.

Senate Sends “Motorcycle Lemon Law” to House of Representatives

The Senate recently approved legislation to establish a “motorcycle lemon law” similar to the consumer protections for car buyers provided by the Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law.

It requires manufacturers to repair significant defects occurring in the first year of ownership or 12,000 miles. Currently, motorcycle owners are left to pay out of pocket to repair potentially dangerous manufacturing defects or fix the problem themselves. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Out and About in the 37th

Proud to  join communities around the area in honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.

Had a fantastic tour with David Haddad and his staff! I learned a lot about the ins and outs of the movie business. I truly appreciate hearing from businesses about their needs and issues.

Proud to participate in the announcement of COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) grants in Washington County.

Reminder to Follow Me on Social Media

My Facebook page provides not only legislative updates but those all-important PennDOT construction updates for our district. I also enjoy posting pictures of local constituents that I meet and information on other local events happening in our neighborhoods and communities. You also can follow me on Twitter – my handle is @SenRobinsonPA. On Twitter, I tend to provide more of a news update of everything going on legislatively in Harrisburg and the district. If you haven’t already, check out my social media pages.

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