I’m proud to report that my bill to restrict cell phones in schools passed this House this week on a bipartisan vote. It’s taken a lot of heavy lifting to get this bill to this point, but our children need it because of the damage that unfettered access to devices has on them. My bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

House Bill 1814 would prohibit students in public schools 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.

Read news coverage here.

It was great to see so many people turn out for RiverTrail Rec Day last weekend. Thank you to Allegheny RiverTrail Park for partnering with me for this wonderful day of outdoor recreation in our area.

See more photos of the day here.

I’m hosting a Seniors for Safe Driving class next week to help those 55 or older refresh their driving skills and save on car insurance. The course, which is approved by the state Department of Transportation, will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 12 at Sharpsburg Senior Center, 209 13^th St.

Participating seniors will receive a 5% discount on their automobile insurance for three years, and all insurance companies in Pennsylvania must accept it. That discount is mandated by state law and makes the $17 class more attractive to many seniors.

You can sign up for the class at this link: Rep. Steele's Seniors for Safe Driving Class. You can also call my office at 724-826-5151, and we will provide you with the forms needed to enroll.

Beginning tomorrow, June 6, you can be cited for driving while using a hand-held device in Pennsylvania, even while stopped at a red light or traffic jam. “Paul Miller’s Law” went into effect last year, but in the first year, police could only issue warnings. June 6 marks the date when drivers convicted of distracted driving will be subject to a fine. There are exceptions for contacting emergency officials and using hands-free technology.

Signed by Gov. Shapiro in 2024, “Paul Miller’s Law” was named for a 21-year-old Scranton man who was killed in a 2010 crash involving a truck driver who was using a cell phone.

The PA House Fellowship Program is accepting applications from eligible Pennsylvania college students for the Fall 2026 semester. Fellows work in committees or leadership offices at the state Capitol. The program provides compensation and may also offer college credit. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications are due by July 1.

Visit this page to learn more.

Eligible Allegheny County residents age 60 or older can receive $25 in vouchers for fresh, local produce. Unlike in previous years, you can now apply online and have vouchers mailed directly to your home. If you’d prefer a paper application, just stop by my office so my staff can help you apply.

Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.

I’m offering a new service this year at my Cheswick office. Once a month 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 take advantage of 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!  

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.

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141