|
|||||
|
In this Update:
Stop by My Office During the Dillsburg Farmers Fair
I invite you to stop by my district office at 12 N. Baltimore St. in Dillsburg on Saturday, Oct. 17, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. while enjoying the Dillsburg Farmers Fair. Stop in to say hello, meet my team and learn more about the services available through my office. I look forward to seeing you there! My Water Infrastructure Bill Becomes Law
As Pennsylvania communities continue to grow, we need to make sure essential infrastructure keeps pace. My Senate Bill 1287 addresses an important gap in state law by requiring proof of adequate water service before a subdivision or land development project receives final approval. The bill passed both the Senate and House with unanimous support and has been signed into law. Current law requires municipalities to establish rules requiring evidence of adequate water service but does not specify when that evidence must be submitted. My legislation sets a clear deadline: before final approval. This helps municipalities make informed decisions, supports responsible development and ensures water infrastructure is considered before projects move forward. By planning ahead, we can better protect our communities and ensure growth is supported by the resources residents need. Protecting Children With Clear Standards for Pennsylvania’s Hemp Industry
Intoxicating hemp-derived THC products are sold in Pennsylvania convenience stores and smoke shops without statewide requirements. Some are packaged like candy and marketed in ways that appeal to children. My newly introduced PA Hemp and Cannabinoid Act would address these gaps by requiring buyers to be at least 21 years old, establish testing and labeling standards, and prohibit packaging and marketing designed to appeal to children. It would also give responsible hemp businesses a clear regulatory framework. Pennsylvania needs safeguards that protect children while allowing legitimate businesses to operate responsibly, regardless of how federal hemp policy evolves. Trump Accounts Press Conference at the Capitol
I joined my fellow legislative colleagues at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg for a press conference with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry and Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity on the new federal Trump Accounts program. The program establishes investment accounts for eligible children, including a $1,000 initial investment for children born between 2025 and 2028. The press conference highlighted the program and its approach to helping families build savings for their children’s futures. Strengthening Healthcare Price Transparency
The federal government is taking steps to strengthen healthcare price transparency, giving patients better access to information about the cost of care. Patients deserve to know what services cost so they can compare prices, make informed decisions and better manage their healthcare expenses. This is a step in the right direction, and Pennsylvania should build on this progress. My Senate Bill 752 would strengthen hospital price transparency requirements, promote greater accountability and help patients make informed decisions about their care. I will continue working to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to clear pricing information when navigating the healthcare system. IFO Analysis Reinforces Case for School Property Tax Elimination
In March, I shared the findings of the Independent Fiscal Office’s (IFO) analysis of my School Property Tax Elimination Act, Senate Bill 962. I’m revisiting this report because it reinforces how we can eliminate school property taxes while maintaining school funding and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy. The IFO’s analysis projects revenue-neutral results in the first year, with surplus revenue for schools growing over the 10-year period studied. The analysis also points to increased business investment and meaningful tax relief for families, particularly those with lower incomes. My proposal would replace school property taxes with changes to the state sales and personal income taxes, offering a different approach to funding public education while addressing the growing tax burden on homeowners and businesses. I’ll be discussing my School Property Tax Elimination Act at a town hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at New Castle School of Trades, 4117 Pulaski Road, New Castle. I encourage residents to attend, learn more about the proposal and share their questions and concerns about the future of school property taxes in Pennsylvania. Join Us for a Concealed Carry Seminar Oct. 17
I invite area gun owners to join Rep. George Margetas for a Concealed Carry Seminar on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Manchester Farmers and Sportsman’s Association, 4900 Pine Hill Road, Dover. Attorney Seth Springer will discuss the rights of gun owners and provide information about concealed carry. Northern York County Regional Police Department Detective Jonathan Bailey, a firearms instructor, also will be on hand to share his expertise and answer questions. My staff will be available to provide information about state services and resources. This seminar will cover your rights as a gun owner, Pennsylvania firearms laws, the concealed carry permit application process and safe concealed carry practices. Registration is required. To reserve your spot, please call Rep. Margetas’ office at 717-767-3947. Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel. Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights. Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk. The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law. Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate
The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising. Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill. Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors
I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to the screenings, care and support they need. And here in Pennsylvania during October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is not a red or blue issue – it’s pink. It affects every one of us. Together, we can raise awareness, support those facing breast cancer and celebrate the survivors and thrivers who inspire us every day. PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
Please see the latest PennDOT road work schedules provided to my office. These updates are issued periodically and may not include all projects or reflect the most current conditions. Additional updates are shared as they become available and posted on my Facebook page. If you have a road concern such as potholes, bridge issues or other roadway problems, you can report that information directly to PennDOT through the Customer Care Center form. I hope this information helps you plan your travel and avoid delays. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorkeefer.com | Privacy Policy |
