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In this Update:
- Save the Date: Utility Fair on July 19
- 2025-26 State Budget Update
- Chief Margaret A. Myers Retires After 41 Years of Dedication
- Win a $2,500 College Scholarship Sweepstakes
- Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
- New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
- PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
Save the Date: Utility Fair on July 19
I will be hosting a Utility Fair on Saturday, July 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Gunter Smith Center for Community Engagement, 59 E. Market St., York.
Stop in at your convenience to meet face-to-face with your utility providers, get answers to your questions, address any concerns and learn about:
- New financial assistance programs
- Upcoming rate changes
- General service information
- Federal and state assistance programs
Participating companies include American Water, Adams Electric, Columbia Gas, PECO and York Water.
I hope you’ll take advantage of this chance to connect with your utility companies to get the information and help you need. Please RSVP here so we know to expect you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 717-432-1730 or dkeefer@pasen.gov.
2025-26 State Budget Update
Standing up for families and taxpayers remains our focus as work on the 2025-26 budget continues in Harrisburg. Over the last two weeks we have taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget, to fund certain government functions, as work continues on reaching a full budget agreement.
This year’s budget must invest in our communities and core government functions that people across Pennsylvania rely on as part of their daily lives. However, we must also address the fact that in the current fiscal year Pennsylvania is faced with a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to grow unchecked. We cannot rely on one-time use dollars from our state’s Rainy Day Fund to fill the gap, given this would cause a massive fiscal cliff and tax increases in the coming years.
While divided government certainly brings challenges of different viewpoints, Senate Republicans are focused on completing a budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services.
Chief Margaret A. Myers Retires After 41 Years of Dedication
I recently had the privilege of presenting a Pennsylvania Senate citation to Chief Margaret A. Myers in recognition of her upcoming retirement and more than 41 years of dedicated service to the Mechanicsburg Police Department.
Chief Myers began her career in 1984 as a patrol officer and rose through the ranks to become one of the first female police chiefs in central Pennsylvania. Over the years, she played a vital role in launching impactful initiatives such as the K-9 officer program and the community service/park security officers program. She has also been a steadfast mentor, encouraging and guiding others to pursue careers in law enforcement.
Chief Myers’ tireless commitment to public safety and her deep involvement in the community have left a lasting legacy in Mechanicsburg and beyond. Her leadership, vision and dedication have made our communities safer and stronger.
Congratulations to Chief Myers on a well-earned retirement and thank you for your outstanding service and leadership.
Win a $2,500 College Scholarship Sweepstakes
Great news for students and families planning for the 2025-26 academic year: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is giving away $2,500 scholarships through its PA Forward and Keystone Student Loan Programs. No essay is required.
College students, graduate students and their parents can enter the scholarship sweepstakes by simply opting in to receive communications from PHEAA between June 5 and December 15. In addition to being entered to win, students and families will receive valuable tips on planning and paying for college.
Twelve winners will be selected for each scholarship with winners announced in August and December this year.
Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives.
Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs.
Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments.
New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
Senate Republicans led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday.
The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony.
In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working.
PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
To help you stay informed and plan your travels, I will be sharing weekly updates on PennDOT’s roadwork schedules for Cumberland and York counties. This information comes directly from PennDOT but may not include every roadwork project or be completely accurate. Updates will be posted every Friday as long as PennDOT provides the information. There may be weeks when no new details are shared. I hope these updates help you avoid delays and make your travel easier.
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