|
|||
|
In this Update:
Senate Celebrates America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia
With the U.S. Semiquincentennial less than two months away, the state Senate held a ceremonial gathering honoring America’s 250th birthday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The meeting included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA. The event marked the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1926, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976 and the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1987. Read more about the historic gathering. Honoring Service and Sacrifice: Showing Gratitude to Our Police Officers
National Police Week, observed May 10-16, is a time to recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who protect our communities each day. As the wife of a retired law enforcement officer, it is also a deeply personal reminder of the dedication and risks that come with wearing the badge. That is why the annual Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police memorial service is an event I never miss. Each year, the ceremony honors officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and underscores the lasting impact their loss has on families, fellow officers and communities. This year, we remembered five officers who died in the line of duty in 2025, including four from York County. Among those honored were West York Borough Patrolman Andrew Duarte, who was killed while responding to a hostage situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital, and Northern York County Regional Police Detectives Mark Baker and Isaiah Emenheiser, along with Detective Sgt. Cody Becker, who were killed in a September ambush in North Codorus Township. As we observe National Police Week, I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the police officers serving in their communities. Their commitment, professionalism and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way deserve our gratitude and support. New Satellite Office Opening in Cumberland County
To increase access to state services for residents of the 31st District, I am pleased to announce the opening of a new satellite office in Cumberland County on May 14 at the Lower Allen Township Municipal Services Center, 2233 Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill. The office will be open on the second Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by for assistance with property tax/rent rebates, PennDOT paperwork, birth or death certificates, veteran assistance and other state-related services. My office is committed to delivering timely and accessible support closer to home. Join Me at the Next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall
Join me Wednesday, May 27, from 6-8 p.m. for my next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall at Elizabethtown High School, 600 E. High St., Elizabethtown. This event will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about my School Property Tax Elimination Act, ask questions and participate in a discussion about the future of education funding in Pennsylvania. School property taxes continue to place a heavy burden on homeowners, seniors and working families, and I remain committed to advancing meaningful relief for taxpayers. Historic Church to Become New Home of York Art Association
The York Art Association is beginning an exciting new chapter as it transforms a historic church into its future home and an expanded community art space. I recently toured the site to learn more about the project and the opportunities it will create for local artists and residents. The new location will allow the association to expand classes, programs and exhibits while creating more opportunities for community engagement through the arts. The move became necessary after the organization’s current building was slated for acquisition through eminent domain as part of the I-83 widening project in Springettsbury Township. Despite that challenge, the York Art Association is continuing its mission and investing in a space that will serve the community for years to come. Inside LifePath’s Mission of Support and Hope in York County
I recently visited LifePath Christian Ministries to learn more about the organization’s efforts to serve vulnerable individuals and families throughout York County. During my tour of the Market Street location, I visited the shelter, chapel, dining facility, medical facilities and mixed-use courtyards where crops are grown. I also toured the Philadelphia Street property recently purchased by the organization, where a future shelter will be constructed to expand capacity and services. As a privately funded organization, LifePath served 4,530 guests in 2025 and helped 1,124 individuals transition to safe housing, with a 2.1% return-to-shelter rate, significantly lower than the national average. I appreciate the staff, volunteers and community partners whose dedication provides stability, support and hope for those in need. Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights
The bill then moved to the Senate, where it passed with bipartisan support. It now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. This action reflects a broader need to maintain clear, consistent standards statewide rather than a patchwork of local rules that vary from one municipality to another. Senate Bill 822 restores clarity, ensuring firearm laws are applied fairly and uniformly across the commonwealth. Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
The Senate approved legislation closing a gap in state law and imposing tougher penalties on individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury. Under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison. Senate Bill 1284 establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of up to life in prison. The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about this legislation. 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 |
