My proposal to restrict cell phones in schools is headed to the governor!

Rep. Mandy Steele October 23, 2026 | 10:59 AM

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Big news: My plan to restrict cell phones in schools
heads to Gov. Shapiro

I was proud this week that my proposal to restrict cell phones in PA schools passed both chambers of the General Assembly. It now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has been urging legislators to send him a bill to ban cell phones in schools.

Senate Bill 1014 would prohibit students from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day. Students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school administrators. Senate Bill 1014 was amended in the House to include my proposal, which was originally part of my H.B. 1814.

I led the fight for this for one basic reason—our children need it. We’re hitting back at Big Tech as they hold an entire generation captive to their phones. Throughout this process, I’ve heard from many educators and parents who see the harm to our children because of unfettered access to phones. And research backs it up. This was a historic moment in the General Assembly, and I greatly appreciate that both chambers were able to come together to do this.

You can watch my House floor remarks on the bill here.

Veterans: RSVP to my Nov. 12 Veterans Dinner

I’m hosting my annual Veterans Dinner next month at Brackenridge American Legion. It will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12. Representatives from the VFW and U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to help veterans with important services.

Please call our office to RSVP by Friday, Oct. 30 at (724) 826-5151.

$378K in new state assistance for local projects

I’m pleased to report that four worthwhile projects in our district will benefit from $378,000 in new state assistance. The projects include:

FCP Services in Tarentum: $95,000 to address food insecurity.
Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization: $190,000 for a project boosting workforce development, wellness and affordable housing.
Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization: $54,000 for home modifications for low-income homeowners.
Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg: $39,000 to redevelop properties to address the lack of affordable housing.

Funding came through the Neighborhood Assistance Program, a tax-credit program administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development that encourages businesses to invest in projects that improve distressed areas.

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

I’m pleased to offer a helpful, regular service at my Cheswick office: Once a month, a representative from the office of Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars will be available on-site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out all of the upcoming dates in the above graphic.

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

Act soon to make your voice heard with a mail-in ballot

Mail-in voting in PA is simple, safe, and secure. The deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27, so act soon if that’s the best way for you to make your voice heard. Learn more by visiting www.vote.pa.gov.

Veterans services at my office

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

Call to schedule an appointment at (724) 826-5151.