Senator Keefer E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Celebrating National Ice Cream Month
  • Free Document Shredding and License Plate Replacement Event Set for July 30
  • York State Fair Food Survey
  • Reviewing Cumberland County’s 2026-30 Strategic Plan
  • Discussing the Future of School Property Taxes in Pennsylvania
  • Celebrating Those Who Serve and Protect
  • Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
  • National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: Honoring the “Forgotten War”
  • Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat
  • PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

​ Celebrating National Ice Cream Month

Senator Dawn Keefer eating ice cream.

July is National Ice Cream Month, making it the perfect time to enjoy a sweet summer tradition while supporting the local businesses that help make our communities special. Cumberland and York counties are home to many family-owned creameries, farms and small businesses serving up delicious homemade flavors and memorable experiences for families across our region.

As the weather heats up this month, I encourage you to cool off by stopping at a local ice cream shop and supporting the hardworking small businesses behind every scoop.

Free Document Shredding and License Plate Replacement Event Set for July 30

A graphic that says Shredding and License Plate Replacement, July 30, 4-7 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Middle School, 1750 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg hosted by Sen. Dawn Keefer and Rep. Thomas Kutz.

Looking for a safe way to dispose of sensitive documents or need to replace a damaged Pennsylvania license plate? Rep. Thomas Kutz and I invite you to join us for a FREE Document Shredding and Damaged License Plate Replacement event on Thursday, July 30, from 4-7 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Middle School, 1750 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg.

Whether you’re cleaning out old files or replacing a worn or damaged license plate, this convenient drive-thru event makes it easy to take care of both in one stop. Participants should review the following details before attending:

Document Shredding:

  • Old bank statements, medical records, tax documents and other personal papers.
  • Paper items only. Please do not bring three-ring binders, plastic materials, binder clips or other non-paper items.
  • Limit of five boxes per vehicle.
  • Participants are asked to remain in their vehicles.

Damaged License Plate Replacement:

  • Your vehicle with the damaged plate attached.
  • A valid driver’s license.
  • Your current vehicle registration card.

For more information or to register for this event, please visit my website or contact my office at 717-432-1730 or Rep. Kutz’s office at 717-975-2235.

What’s Your Favorite York State Fair Food?

Picture of vendors and Ferris wheel at York State Fair with the words “What’s Your Favorite Fair Food.”

The oldest fair in America, the York State Fair returns July 24-Aug. 2, bringing 10 days of entertainment, agricultural traditions, family fun and the delicious foods that keep fairgoers coming back year after year. Whether you’re a longtime fairgoer or planning your first visit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Before the gates open, take my survey and let me know which York State Fair food is your favorite.

Reviewing Cumberland County’s 2026-30 Strategic Plan

Picture of Senator Dawn Keefer with other elected officials at the Cumberland County Commissioner’s meeting to review the county’s 2026-30 Strategic Plan.

The Cumberland County Commissioners invited elected officials and community leaders to review the county’s 2026-30 Strategic Plan, which was adopted in May. It was great to participate in the discussion and learn more about the goals for the county’s future.

The plan provides a roadmap focused on modernizing operations, promoting fiscal sustainability and supporting responsible community growth. Its vision is to create a thriving, safe and sustainable county that leads the region through collaboration and balanced growth.

To learn more, you can view the full plan on the Cumberland County website.

Discussing the Future of School Property Taxes in Pennsylvania

Hand holding a house with a house key hanging from finger.

School property taxes remain one of the top concerns I hear from residents, particularly seniors and homeowners facing rising costs. I recently spoke with Broad + Liberty about my legislation, Senate Bill 962, the School Property Tax Elimination Act, which would eliminate school property taxes and replace them with a combination of increased state sales and personal income taxes. This proposal aims to create a fairer, more sustainable education funding system while helping make homeownership more affordable for Pennsylvania families.

You can read my full interview with Broad + Liberty to learn more, or attend one of my upcoming town halls:

Celebrating Those Who Serve and Protect

Two pictures of Senator Dawn Keefer with attendees of the 103rd Annual Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association banquet.  

I was proud to attend the banquet for the 103rd Annual Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association Summer Training Conference held in Camp Hill. The conference brought together sheriffs, chief deputies and law enforcement professionals from across the commonwealth. It also provided valuable professional development through instructional seminars, presentations on the latest law enforcement techniques and opportunities to share best practices.

It was an honor to recognize these dedicated public servants and thank them for their unwavering commitment to protecting Pennsylvanians. I am grateful for the sacrifices they and their families make every day, and I will continue to support the men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities.

Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe

Picture of gavel and scales of justice on a desk.

Nearly 1,200 people convicted of second-degree murder in Pennsylvania could be released if the state House of Representatives doesn’t act by Friday, July 24.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the current sentencing structure for second-degree murder is unconstitutional and gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate has successfully passed bipartisan legislation to address this issue – legislation supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.

In Pennsylvania, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder) involves a homicide committed when the defendant engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another crime such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping.

These are serious and horrific crimes, and the safety of our communities is at stake. It’s time for the House to join us in taking urgent action.

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: Honoring the “Forgotten War”

The American flag laying over top of the Korean flag with the words National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.

Each year on July 27, we observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day to honor the brave Americans who served during the Korean War and remember the sacrifices they made in defense of freedom. On July 27, 1953, an armistice agreement ended active fighting on the Korean Peninsula, though no formal peace treaty was ever signed.

Often called the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War was anything but forgotten by the men and women who served. More than 1.7 million Americans answered the call to duty, with more than 36,000 giving their lives and thousands more wounded or listed as missing in action.

As we mark the 73rd anniversary of the armistice, I extend my deepest gratitude to Korean War veterans for their courage, service and sacrifice. Their legacy reminds us of the enduring cost of freedom and our responsibility to ensure their contributions are never forgotten.

Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat

Photo of a dog sticking his head out of a car window.

Hot weather reminder: Police and emergency responders in Pennsylvania are authorized to remove dogs and cats from unattended vehicles by force if they’re deemed to be in imminent danger.

Also, under Act 104 of 2018, dogs that are tethered outside and unattended can only be so for up to nine hours in temperatures up to 90 degrees, and only for 30 minutes above 90 degrees. The dog must have access to an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun, as well as clean water.

Watch for signs of heat stroke in animals, including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and red or purple gums. You can read more about PA’s “Hot Car Bill” here.

PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

Photo of black top road with a yellow line down the center and the PA state keystone symbol centered in the middle in blue and green.

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.

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