Senator Keefer E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Help Shape This Year’s Newsletter
  • Celebrating Pennsylvania Agriculture
  • How Our Regional Airports Keep Pennsylvania Moving
  • America250PA Scholarships Available
  • York Residents: Satellite Office Available for Assistance
  • U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
  • Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
  • PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

Help Shape This Year’s Newsletter

Your perspective matters! I invite you to complete a brief survey to share what information you find most helpful and what you would like to see more of in this newsletter. Your feedback will guide future content and help ensure this publication reflects the priorities and interests of our community. Click here to take the survey.

Celebrating Pennsylvania Agriculture

What an incredible week at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. It was great to see so many people from the 31st District at the largest agricultural expo in the country and celebrate the strength of Pennsylvania agriculture.

Highlights included interviewing the Pennsylvania State Grange vice president about the work they do to support farmers and rural communities, participating in the Mike Waugh Celebrity Feed Scurry to benefit Farm Show programs, and helping sell the famous Farm Show milkshakes.

I also visited the beekeepers exhibit; learned about Pennsylvanian’s sought-after hardwoods and checked out a Renovo wood bike; and met two Cedar Cliff High School students participating in the communications studies program. From seeing the Rutter’s Guernsey cows from York County to stopping by the iconic 1,000-pound butter sculpture honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, the week was a great reminder of how agriculture and history are deeply connected in Pennsylvania.

How Our Regional Airports Keep Pennsylvania Moving

Recently, members of the York County delegation joined me for an up-close look at how regional airports support Pennsylvania’s economy, safety and quality of life. Our visit focused on two facilities operated by the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority, each serving a unique and essential purpose.

At the Capital City Airport in Fairview Township, we saw how a smaller airport can have a significant impact. The facility supports state government operations, law enforcement and private aviation, while also enabling time-critical medical flights that deliver specialized care and life saving organs to patients in need.

Our second stop was at Harrisburg International Airport, a major transportation hub in central Pennsylvania. As the third-largest commercial airport in Pennsylvania, with almost 800,000 flights in 2025, this airport supports jobs, commerce and regional growth.

Together, these airports demonstrate how strong transportation infrastructure enhances public safety, advances healthcare and drives economic opportunity across the commonwealth.

America250PA Scholarships Available

To mark our nation’s 250th anniversary, America250PA is offering $250,000 in Semiquincentennial Scholarships to Pennsylvania high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a state college or university.

A total of 25 scholarships, each valued at $10,000, will be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. The program is a great opportunity for students to receive support as they pursue higher education in Pennsylvania.

Students and families can find more information and application details here.

York Residents: Satellite Office Available for Assistance

If you live in the York area and need assistance, stop by my satellite office in the York County Administrative Center, Suite 216, 28 E. Market St. The office is open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Staff can help connect you with state resources, guide you through state government processes, and address questions related to benefits, services, housing, veterans affairs and other issues.

U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I have consistently co-sponsored the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports.

Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and has been awaiting action in the state House of Representatives where their leadership has been shuffling it from committee to committee to avoid a vote by the full House. The House needs to take action now to protect our female athletes, our girls and all women deserve no less!

Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”

How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students.

Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach.

Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here.

PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

As we move into the winter months, PennDOT road work schedules are released less frequently. To ensure you stay informed, we will share PennDOT news releases about specific construction projects planned in our senatorial district.

Because these updates are issued based on project timelines, the information at the link may not change each week, and it may not include every project or reflect the latest conditions.

We hope these updates help you plan ahead, avoid delays and travel safely throughout the season.

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