My town hall on cell phones in schools is coming up soon—plus more important info

Rep. Mandy Steele February 13, 2026

My town hall on cell phones in schools is Feb. 24

I will host a town hall on cell phones in schools to hear from local residents about this important educational issue. The event will run from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Cooper-Siegel Community Library.

My bipartisan H.B. 1814, currently pending in the House Education Committee, would require all public schools in Pennsylvania to restrict student cell phone possession and use during the school day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school authorities. If enacted, Pennsylvania would join more than 20 other states that prohibit student phone use during the school day.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has asked legislators to send a bill to his desk banning cell phones in schools, and you can read more about the governor’s comments here.

Apply now for property tax or rent rebates

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording life’s necessities, and applications are now open. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the deadline for applying is June 30.

Learn more about the program here. My staff are available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to visit my district office. The above graphic lists the information to bring with you to apply.

Partnering with the county to help you with
tax and licensing matters

A new service is now available at my Cheswick office! Once a month, from February through September, I will host a representative from Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars’ office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can use these special days and hours at my office, located at 1296 Pittsburgh St., to pay county property taxes; apply for the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion or Senior Citizen Tax Relief programs; or obtain hunting, fishing, or dog licenses.

Mark your calendars with the dates and times on the graphic above!

Concealed carry seminar on March 21

I’m partnering with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department for my annual Concealed Carry Permit and Safety Seminar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 21. It will be at Harrison Township Citizens Hose Fire & EMS, 965 Burtner Rd., Natrona Heights.

You can obtain or renew your concealed carry permit from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department and learn more about the rules and regulations regarding firearm transport and safety. My staff and I will also be on hand to assist with any state-related issues or concerns.

Visit here to RSVP. Please bring your completed application for a PA license to carry firearms from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, which is available here. You also may stop by my office to pick up an application.

My office is collecting food donations

With more families struggling to put food on the table, my office is serving as a drop-off site for food donations. If you are able, please consider donating non-perishable food items, which we will deliver weekly to food banks and pantries in our area. Stop by any weekday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at my Cheswick office at 1296 Pittsburgh St.

Veterans services at my office

Twice each month, a Veterans Service Officer will be at my office to help veterans with a host of services. The VSO will be at my Cheswick office, 1296 Pittsburgh St., on the third Wednesday and Thursday of the month.

Call to schedule an appointment at (723)826-5151.