|
|||
|
In this Update:
Important Notice – My offices will be closed for in-person services on Friday, June 19. Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website. Celebrating Father’s Day
This Father’s Day, we recognize the many fathers and father figures who contribute to the growth, development and success of children in our communities. Whether as parents, grandparents, mentors, coaches or trusted role models, they help provide guidance, encouragement and support that can have a lasting impact. The presence of caring and engaged role models can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. This Sunday, June 21, we acknowledge those who step into that role and help shape the next generation through their example and commitment. Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father figures! Summer Fun Across the 31st District
Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore all that the 31st Senatorial District has to offer. There is so much to do and enjoy, from community festivals and outdoor concerts to farmers markets, parks and family-friendly attractions. My office has listed a few highlights below, but you can also visit the Cumberland Valley and Explore York event calendars for a complete list of summer activities. These showcase the vibrant communities, local businesses and attractions that make our region such a great place to live, work and visit. June July August All Summer Modernizing Chiropractic Care in Pennsylvania
I recently joined members of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association (PCA) for a press conference to highlight my legislation aimed at updating Pennsylvania’s Chiropractic Practice Act and ensuring state law reflects the realities of modern chiropractic care. Senate Bill 1330 would align current regulations with today’s education, training and professional standards while eliminating outdated restrictions that can limit patient access to care. Chiropractors play an important role in helping patients address pain, improve function and recover from injuries, and this legislation would help them better serve communities within the scope of their professional training. Thank you PCA and the chiropractic professionals who participated in the press conference. I will continue to advocate for policies that support both patients and providers across the commonwealth. Standing Up for Manufacturers and Skilled Trades
This past week, I voted against two bills that passed the Pennsylvania Senate because both would create new burdens on employers, workers and taxpayers at a time when we should be focused on reducing costs and removing barriers to economic growth. Senate Bill 908 expands Pennsylvania’s Prevailing Wage Act by requiring prevailing wage rates to apply to materials and products manufactured off-site for public projects. This bill, if passed, will have significant unintended consequences for manufacturing communities in York and Cumberland counties. It will increase costs for taxpayers and businesses, create additional record-keeping requirements and make it harder for local manufacturers to compete. I offered an amendment to keep the harmful effects of prevailing wage from reaching our area, but the Senate failed to adopt it. This expansion of prevailing wage requirements threatens family-sustaining manufacturing jobs and will drive up the cost of public infrastructure projects statewide. I also voted against Senate Bill 1260, which would establish statewide licensure requirements for electrical contractors and electricians. Our region already faces a serious shortage of electricians, and existing apprenticeship regulations make it difficult for many small businesses to train new skilled workers. I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the current antiquated one-to-four apprenticeship ratio that limits the ability of employers to train the next generation of electricians. Adding another layer of licensing, fees and regulatory compliance would create additional barriers for individuals seeking to enter the trade and for employers trying to fill critical workforce needs. Instead of creating new mandates, we should focus on modernizing outdated training requirements and expanding opportunities for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. I will continue working to reduce bureaucracy, remove unnecessary barriers and support policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy. Senate Passes Bill to Fight Human Trafficking
Legislation to give investigators and prosecutors new tools to fight human trafficking in Pennsylvania was passed by the Senate. Senate Bill 45 will help local law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute human trafficking by increasing penalties for several related crimes, including promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor, exploiting prostitutes and patronizing prostitutes. The bill also consolidates crimes related to human trafficking within the Crimes Code, giving the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction so these crimes, which are frequently the basis for large-scale human trafficking organizations, can be prosecuted more effectively. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Read more about our latest action to combat human trafficking here. Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation to combat the increasing illicit use of veterinary anesthesia medetomidine by regulating it as a Schedule III controlled substance. Senate Bill 866 provides law enforcement and public health officials with another tool to combat dangerous drug adulterants while including clear exemptions to ensure veterinarians can continue using the medication in the care and treatment of animals. Medetomidine has rapidly overtaken xylazine as a common adulterant in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. While medetomidine was not detected in samples collected in early 2024, it was found in approximately 80% of adulterants sold as fentanyl in Pennsylvania by April 2026. The drug is estimated to be significantly more potent than xylazine and can cause severe cardiovascular complications, even after naloxone has been administered. The General Assembly passed legislation to make xylazine a Schedule III drug in 2024. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the measure here. PA Guard Military Family Education Program
As students begin preparing for the fall semester, Pennsylvania National Guard members are reminded their families could be eligible for assistance to offset the cost of higher education. The Military Family Education Program is for Guard members who completed an initial service obligation on or after July 1, 2019, and is eligible to reenlist in the PA National Guard for a period of six years. The grants can be used for a degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study, or training program required for entrance into a specific career at an approved Pennsylvania institution of higher learning. Read more details and find applications here. Entries Accepted for PA Agriculture Photo Contest
Pennsylvania residents have until June 30 to submit entries in the 2026 Pennsylvania Agriculture Photo Contest. Submit up to four original photos highlighting the people, places, traditions and beauty of agriculture across our region or the commonwealth. Winning photos will be displayed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex during the first weeks of September. The categories are On the Farm, PA Fair Season, Agritourism, and Conservation. Click here for rules and how to submit your photos. Recognizing the Impact of Pennsylvania’s Dairy Industry
June is National Dairy Month, a time to recognize the farmers and families who power one of Pennsylvania’s most important agricultural industries. Dairy remains a cornerstone of the commonwealth’s economy, supporting rural communities, local businesses and food production across the state. Here are a few fun facts that highlight just how significant Pennsylvania’s dairy industry is:
From farm to table, Pennsylvania dairy continues to deliver results worth celebrating. That’s something we can all “brie” proud of. 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 |
