Senator Keefer E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Remember to Vote!
  • Thank You to Those Who Have Served
  • Mapping Out the Big Plan – A Senior Transitions Seminar
  • A Little Halloween Fun at the District Office
  • York County School of Technology Students Visit the Capitol
  • Helping Residents Remain Independent at Home
  • PA House Needs to Act to Protect Pennsylvania Communities
  • Ensuring Sexual Assault Survivors Get Justice
  • Bringing Dollars Back to Communities for Local Road Projects
  • Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

IMPORTANT NOTICE – My offices will be closed for in-person services in observance of the following:

  • Nov. 3 – General Election Day
  • Nov. 11 – Veterans Day

Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website.

Remember to Vote!

Picture of an American flag covered in round buttons that say “Vote”.

Today, Nov. 3 is Election Day, your opportunity to weigh in on state and federal elections.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those voting by mail, county election offices must receive completed ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Find your polling place and other voter information here.

Thank You to Those Who Have Served

Picture of Sen. Dawn Keefer speaking with an American and Pennsylvania flag behind her.

In honor of Veterans Day, observed Nov. 11, I recorded a personal message expressing my gratitude to those who have served. I invite you to take a moment to watch as I share what this day means to me and offer my heartfelt thanks to the men and women who have defended our freedoms.

To all our veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Your commitment to our nation will never be forgotten.

Mapping Out the Big Plan: A Senior Transitions Seminar

A group of four smiling adults sitting outdoors.

Planning for the next chapter of life can bring important questions about housing, finances, legal matters and the transition process. I’m hosting Mapping Out the Big Plan – A Senior Transitions Seminar on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion Post 26, 301 U.S. Route 15, Dillsburg, to help seniors navigate these decisions with greater confidence.

Featured topics include downsizing, navigating the physical and emotional aspects of a major life transition, planning for the unexpected and understanding elder law. A buffet breakfast will be provided.

I encourage seniors and those preparing for a future transition to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn about available options, ask questions and plan for the future. To RSVP, call 717-432-1730 or visit my website.

A Little Halloween Fun at the District Office

First picture is of Sen. Dawn Keefer handing out candy to kids at her Dillsburg district office. The second picture shows the Senator with staff who dressed up for Halloween.

My district office received a special Halloween visit from the ghosts, goblins and superheroes of Kindercademy Early Learning Center in Dillsburg! The children stopped by to trick-or-treat, and show off their costumes, and brought plenty of smiles along with them.

It was a treat to see so many happy faces and spend time with these little visitors. They definitely made our day a little sweeter! Thank you to the Kindercademy staff for including my office in their Halloween fun.

York County School of Technology Students Visit the Capitol

First picture is of Senator Dawn Keefer speaking to York County School of Technology students at the PA Capitol. Second picture is of students raising their hands to ask questions. Third picture is a group picture with Senator Keefer and York County School of Technology students in front of the PA Capitol fountain.

I enjoyed meeting with students from the York County School of Technology during their visit to the Pennsylvania Capitol. Rep. Marc Anderson and I spoke with the students about how state government works, answered their questions and discussed the legislative process.

I always appreciate opportunities to connect with students and help them better understand how government affects their daily lives and how they can get involved in shaping their communities and Pennsylvania’s future.

Helping Residents Remain Independent at Home

Picture of Senator Keefer with BAYADA Home Health Care employees and an individual who is able to live independently because of their services.

I recently visited Skee, a patient receiving services through BAYADA Home Health Care in York to learn firsthand how their support is making a difference. During the visit, I saw how the care and assistance they provide are helping him remain in his own home while maintaining as much independence as possible.

Services like these play an important role in helping individuals live safely and independently. However, Pennsylvania faces a significant shortage of qualified nurses and direct care workers needed to provide these essential services. I will continue working in the Senate to remove barriers, address workforce shortages and strengthen access to quality care so Pennsylvanians can remain independent in their homes if they choose too.

PA House Needs to Act to Protect Pennsylvania Communities

Picture of a hallway in a jail with cells along the wall.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state’s mandatory life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder is unconstitutional. The court gave the General Assembly until July 24 to enact a new rule. The Senate passed legislation to protect our communities and fix the problem – twice.

Instead of acting on our bipartisan Senate Bill 1400, the House of Representatives advanced a proposal tied to expanding medical parole, creating additional opportunities – without proper guardrails – for convicted felons to be released before completing their sentences.

Senate Bill 1400 is supported by Attorney General Dave Sunday, PA State Lodge FOP, PA State Troopers Association and district attorneys across the commonwealth. It has languished in the House Judiciary Committee since June. Second‑degree murder is an extremely serious crime, and the House needs to act so these criminals remain behind bars.

Ensuring Sexual Assault Survivors Get Justice

A picture women’s backs standing in a line with their arms wrapped around each other.

Obtaining justice for sexual assault survivors requires timely processing of rape kit evidence, and I joined colleagues in making it a priority to improve and standardize rape kit testing.

Previously, state law allowed local law enforcement agencies to determine whether a sexual assault evidence kit should undergo DNA testing or other forensic analysis, creating the potential for inconsistent practices across the commonwealth. We passed a new law eliminating such discretion. Read more about Act 106 of 2026.

In addition, a law we passed in 2024 established a rape kit evidence tracking system, allowing survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process. After operating as a pilot program in three counties, it will launch statewide in December.

To better care for victims, we included a $12 million increase for rape crisis centers in the current state budget. Prosecuting perpetrators of these heinous crimes should be pursued vigorously, and we’ve made significant changes to ensure just that.  

Bringing Dollars Back to Communities for Local Road Projects

Picture of a road with two yellow lines down the middle and fields on each side.

When we learned PennDOT was sitting on millions of dollars that should be spent on local infrastructure, my Senate colleagues and I used state budget negotiations to free this money up for road projects across the commonwealth.

PennDOT agreed to release an additional $775 million from the Motor License Fund for local road projects only, not interstates, which are funded elsewhere.

We fought to secure these funds because local road improvements mean safer travel with less congestion and improved transportation infrastructure that supports the economy and job creation. List of Rapid Deployment Transportation Projects

PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

Photo of black top road with a yellow line down the center and the PA state keystone symbol centered in the middle in blue and green.

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.

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