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In this Update:
Important Notice: My offices will be closed for in-person services on Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day. Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website. Which U.S. Presidents Were Inaugurated in Pennsylvania?
Presidents Day isn’t just about reflecting on leadership in Washington. It’s also about celebrating Pennsylvania’s role in our nation’s story. Before Washington, D.C. became the permanent capital, Philadelphia served as the seat of the federal government, placing the Keystone State front and center during the presidency’s formative years. That legacy raises a fun Presidents Day question: Which U.S. presidents were inaugurated in Pennsylvania? Find out here. Budget Groundhog Day: Shapiro’s Proposal Repeats the Past
Gov. Shapiro delivered his budget address last week and it felt like Pennsylvania’s own Budget Groundhog Day — the same spending patterns repeating year after year. His 2026-27 proposal continues to rely on excessive spending, growing deficits and no serious plan to live within the state’s means. As Pennsylvania’s population ages and declines, this fiscally tone-deaf approach risks higher taxes and inflation for hardworking families. You can watch my response to the proposed budget here. Why I Voted Against the School Cellphone Ban Bill
During last week’s Senate session, I voted against Senate Bill 1014, which would impose a statewide ban on cellphones in schools. While I agree that phones can be a major distraction in the classroom and should be addressed, I could not support a one-size-fits-all mandate that takes decision-making authority away from local school boards and requires duplicative public meetings. I offered two amendments to the bill that would have empowered school boards to craft policies unique to their school’s needs and remove meeting language already enshrined in our Sunshine Law. You can watch my remarks here: Amendment 1: https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/20326keefersb1014amendment1 Honoring Chief Sleeger’s 33 Years of Dedicated Service
It was my honor to join Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill and other York County officials in recognizing Chief William H. Sleeger Jr. on his well-earned retirement after 33 years of dedicated service with the City of York Department of Fire/Rescue Services. Throughout his career, Chief Sleeger demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety, leadership and integrity, earning the respect and gratitude of colleagues and community members alike. We thank him for his decades of service and wish him continued success and fulfillment in this next chapter. 2026 Trout Stocking Schedule Available
Looking forward to trout season? The 2026 trout stocking schedule is now available online from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It is searchable by county, lists waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout planned for each location. Opening day of trout season is Saturday, April 4. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 28. The commission will stock approximately 3.2 million trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes that are open to public angling. Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month
I was proud to recognize Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by attending the CTE Celebration Luncheon hosted by the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators, where I spoke about how CTE programs are opening doors to opportunity for students across the commonwealth. CTE prepares students for high-demand, family-sustaining careers in fields such as health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology and the skilled trades. More than 75,000 Pennsylvania students are enrolled in CTE programs, gaining hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to real-world problem-solving and workforce success. It was inspiring to celebrate the students, educators, employers and partners shaping Pennsylvania’s future workforce. I remain committed to expanding access to career-ready education and supporting programs that strengthen our economy and keep young Pennsylvanians building their futures right here at home. 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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