My town hall on cell phones in schools is postponed—plus additional important info

Rep. Mandy Steele January 19, 2026 | 2:58 PM

Postponed: my town hall on cell phones in schools

Due to circumstances beyond our control, my planned town hall on cell phones in schools has been postponed. We are working on rescheduling it in February and will let you know about the date soon. The town hall had been planned for this upcoming Wednesday, January 21 at Cooper-Siegel Community Library.

In the meantime, I will keep working on this important educational issue. I've sponsored the bipartisan H.B. 1814, which 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.

I look forward to seeing everyone who's interested in this issue and discussing it with you next month.

Game Commission to consider earlier deer hunting season

The PA Game Commission will consider preliminary seasons and bag limits for 2026-27 at its meeting January 23 and 24, and two proposals for the start of the firearms deer season are before the commission.

The first would open the season on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The second would maintain the current structure, with the season opening on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

The board will hear public comments at its meeting on Saturday, January 24. If you’re unable to attend this meeting, you can send your questions, comments, or concerns on this proposed change to the board.

Read more about the meeting here. You can also watch the meeting live on the Game Commission’s YouTube channel.

Save the date: Concealed carry seminar on March 21

I’m excited to partner with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Dept. for my annual Concealed Carry Permit and Safety Seminar from 9 am to 3 pm on March 21. It will be at Harrison Township Citizen’s House Fire & EMS, 965 Burtner Rd., Natrona Heights.

You can obtain or renew your concealed carry permit from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Dept. 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.

New location and hours for my mobile office

I have a new location and expanded hours for my mobile office. It is in the Sharpsburg Borough Building, 1611 Main Street. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break, every Wednesday.

Feel free to stop by for assistance with any state-related service or program, and my staff will be happy to help!

Get your flu shot

Flu cases are surging this winter and emergency rooms are reporting higher flu caseloads. State health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated. According to the state Health Department, an annual vaccine lowers your risk of serious illness, protects your family and community, and helps reduce the spread of disease.

Pharmacies with available appointments can be found here.

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.

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 contact my district office.

Application period open for home heating help

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are available. Through the program, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues.