Legislative Agenda

4/19/2010  -  The Senate approved today legislation sponsored by Senator Robbins honoring our local veterans.  This bill designates U.S. Route 62 in Mercer County as "Mercer County Veterans Highway".  Senator Robbins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Veteran Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, was pleased the Senate pass his bill honoring Mercer County residents "who have served in the defense of freedom as members of America's armed forces".  The Senator feels this is a lasting token of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice for all of us. 3/24/2010  --  Senator Robbins co-sponsored SB 5, which would establish the Community-Based Health Care Program for the development of health care clinics across Pennsylvania.  This would provide "medical homes" for working poor clients and ease pressure on hospital emergency rooms.  These clinics provide high quality and cost effective health care regardless of a patients' insurance status or ability to pay, while reducing the use of costly emergency room visits.  This bill was unanimously passed by the Senate. 3/17/2010  -  The Senator introduced a package of bills to bring municipal law provisions governing pre-hiring exams of emergency responders in boroughs, cities, towns and townships into compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act.  The package was approved by the Senate. Bob co-sponsored legislation to toughen penalties for those possessing ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine and operate methamphetamine labs.  Senate Bill 125 also provides for those convicted of operating methamphetamine labs are responsible for the environmental clean-up costs associated with the labs.  This legislation increases penalties if the lab is operated near a school, daycare center or playground.  Provisions are also made in this bill for defendants to be assessed the environmental clean-up costs associated with meth labs. Senator Robbins introduced legislation to alleviate the nurse shortage in Pennsylvania's six veteran homes.  This change in the Civil Service status of veteran home nurses would enable the facilities to make faster selections of personnel, place them in positions of service to our veterans more quickly and hire individuals with the most current training and enthusiasm for new careers. 3/15/2010  --  Senate Bill 213 known as the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children was sponsored by Senator Robbins and authorizes Pennsylvania to enter into the Interstate Compact as a way to make education more accessible for children of military families.  The Compact makes transfers and transitions more uniform and less stressful. In December, 2009, Senator Robbins traveled to Washington, D.C. with colleagues, to meet with members of the Federal Highway Administration.  They expressed concern on the significant consequences the tolling of I-80 would have on our businesses and residents.  He was very pleased that his efforts and those of his colleagues were successful.