Bob Mellow is one of the most respected and accomplished state senators in Pennsylvania. His distinguished career includes two terms as Senate President Pro Tempore, the third-highest constitutional office in the state. He is the Senate’s highest-ranking Democrat. As a legislative leader, Mellow has the authority to make appointments and recommendations to many powerful state boards and commissions.  He is also positioned to assure that the voice of the Northeast is heard in decision-making across the state, from economic development, to ethics enforcement, to health care and education. Among his most celebrated accomplishments are the passage of the landmark Children’s Health Insurance Bill, now emulated throughout the nation; the historic workers’ compensation reform legislation; the well-known “Mellow Window,” which helped to restore fiscal stability to the state after the 1991-92 national recession; and the 2006 property tax relief act that is expected to slash local homeowner property taxes with an estimated $1 billion in annual gaming proceeds. Locally, Senator Mellow has spearheaded the effort to establish a medical school in Scranton and was the driving force behind building the veterans’ home in Scranton -- and naming the building after Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Gino Merli. The senator serves on the home’s Advisory Board. He remains one of the General Assembly’s most powerful and leading advocates for accessible, affordable health care, quality public education, and property tax relief.  He is a strong and consistent voice for the rights of working families and senior citizens. Among his many honors and awards are the Distinguished Public Service Award by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the "Guardian of Small Business Award" from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the “Adler Friend of Education Award” by the Pennsylvania State Education Association, and "Man of the Year" by the Northeast Alliance of Pennsylvania Retirees, AFL-CIO. Mellow received the prestigious “Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion” from the Chapel of Four Chaplains, signifying outstanding contributions toward national or international peace and interfaith and interethnic understanding. The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters presented Mellow with the Gold Medal Award, recognizing contributions to the state and nation in government, sports, business, education and entertainment. Previous winners include the late Gov. Milton Shapp, Roy Campanella, James Michener, Shirley Jones, Joe Paterno, and Dick Clark. He holds honorary doctoral degrees from Keystone College, Lackawanna College, the Widener University School of Law, the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine and Marywood University. Both Marywood University and Lackawanna College have paid a lasting tribute to Mellow in dedicating facilities to his name. The Mellow Theater at Lackawanna and the Robert J. Mellow Center for Athletics and Wellness are named in his honor. Kentucky Gov. Paul E. Patton conferred upon Mellow the state’s highest honor, commissioning him as a “Kentucky Colonel” in recognition of his public service. Previous honorees include President Lyndon B. Johnson, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and astronaut John Glenn. A lifelong resident of Peckville, Mellow holds an accounting degree from Bethel College, Tennessee. He also attended Lackawanna College and the University of Scranton, and graduate school at Marywood University.  He is a National Guard veteran.  Recently, Mellow received the “Wings of Pegasus Award” for child advocacy; and will serve on the Board of Trustees for both the Pocono Family YMCA in Stroudsburg, and the University of Scranton.