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In this Update
“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
“See Tracks? Think Train” Week will be observed Sept. 21-27 to raise awareness about making safe decisions around railroad tracks and crossings. In 2025, Pennsylvania recorded 56 highway-rail grade crossing collisions, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. The state also recorded 34 trespass-related deaths and 15 injuries. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train about every three hours. I recently visited the Northumberland switchyard to help share this important rail safety message, and I am working to recognize See Tracks? Think Train Week in Pennsylvania through a Senate resolution when we return to session on September 28th. Watch the video above to learn more about staying safe around trains, railroad tracks and crossings. You can find more rail safety information here on the Operation Lifesaver website. More Than $6.5 Million Awarded for Local Projects
I recently announced more than $6.5 million in state funding for infrastructure, public safety and community improvement projects across the 27th Senatorial District. The funding will support a variety of local needs, including road and bridge improvements, emergency services, wastewater infrastructure and upgrades to public facilities. These investments will help municipalities and community organizations move forward with projects that can be difficult to complete through local funding alone. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) through the Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide program and will support projects in Columbia, Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder counties. View the full list of funded projects on SenatorCulver.com Watch Our 2026 Senior Expo Recap
Nearly 1,000 seniors joined Rep. Joanne Stehr and me for our 2026 Senior Expo at Knoebels. The event brought together organizations and service providers offering information on health care, veterans services, state programs, senior resources and more. We have created a new page on my website featuring a video and photos from the event. Thank you again to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers and organizations that helped make the day possible. Watch the 2026 Senior Expo video and view photos on SenatorCulver.com Meeting with the Luzerne County Farm Bureau
I recently met with members of the Luzerne County Farm Bureau at Bloss Family Farm in Wapwallopen for a legislative update and discussion about issues affecting agriculture. Meetings like this provide an opportunity to hear directly from farmers about the challenges they are facing and the issues we are working to address in Harrisburg. Thank you to the Luzerne County Farm Bureau for organizing the meeting and to the Bloss family for welcoming us to their farm. Community Celebrations in Danville and Milton
I recently spent time at Danville Heritage Day and the Milton Harvest Festival, two community traditions that bring residents together each year. Both events offered opportunities for families to enjoy local food, vendors, entertainment and activities while supporting the organizations, businesses and volunteers that help make these communities special. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, vendors and everyone who helped make both celebrations possible. Remembering 9/11 in Riverside
I joined residents in Riverside for the annual 9/11 ceremony at Southside Fire Company following the community’s parade. Twenty-five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, we continue to remember the lives that were lost, the courage shown by first responders and the many Americans whose lives were forever changed that day. Thank you to Southside Fire Company and everyone involved in organizing this year’s remembrance and providing our community with an opportunity to reflect together. CCDP and DCDC Host Bounce Boogie Benefit
The Columbia Child Development Program and Danville Child Development Center recently joined together for the Bounce Boogie Benefit at the Buckhorn Fire Hall. CCDP and DCDC are the two largest STAR 4 early learning programs serving Columbia and Montour counties. The event brought families and community organizations together while raising awareness and support for high-quality early childhood education in our region. The afternoon included live music, games and activities, face painting, a balloon artist, live reptiles, therapy dogs, a photo booth, raffles and more. Thank you to CCDP, DCDC, Buckhorn Fire Company and the many organizations, businesses and volunteers who supported the event. Recognizing Milestones Across the 27th DistrictI recently had the opportunity to recognize several accomplishments and milestones across the 27th Senatorial District with Senate citations. Congratulations to Kason Judy of Troop 333 in Sunbury on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout service project, Kason built four picnic tables, including two accessible tables, for the Sunbury Wetland Ecological and Educational Park.
I also recognized two longtime Milton businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries. The Coup Agency is marking 100 years in business. Founded in 1926 by Edward J. Coup, the third-generation family business continues to provide insurance and real estate services in the region.
Marlin’s Diner is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Established in 1976, the family business has grown from a sub shop into a diner known for its made-from-scratch food and its longtime presence in the Milton community.
Congratulations to Kason, the Coup Agency and Marlin’s Diner on these accomplishments and milestones. Touring Rockland Academy
I recently toured Rockland Academy, which serves 26 students from kindergarten through 12th grade and also offers a preschool program. The school has been operating for 10 years and is now in its fourth year at its current location, in Middleburg. During the tour, I learned more about the school’s classrooms and facilities, including a combined cafeteria and gymnasium where homemade meals are prepared for students each day. The space also serves as a church on Sundays. Thank you to the staff and students at Rockland Academy for the warm welcome and for taking the time to show me around. Local Government Symposium Set for Sept. 24
Local government officials and professionals are invited to participate in the Local Government Commission’s 6th Annual Local Government Symposium on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s free virtual symposium, Looking Forward: Local Government in an Evolving Landscape, will be held through Zoom. Sessions will cover stormwater management, municipal management, data center planning and short-term rentals. Attorneys can also earn up to four CLE credits at no cost. View Local Government Symposium information on the Pennsylvania Local Government Commission website PennDOT Challenges High School Students to Solve Real-World Transportation Problem
Pennsylvania high school students are invited to put their problem-solving and creative-thinking skills to work through PennDOT’s annual Innovations Challenge. The statewide competition is open to students in grades 9-12 and asks teams of 2-4 members to develop solutions to real-world transportation challenges. This year’s challenge focuses on preventing over-height vehicles from striking bridges and tunnels. Teams are being asked to develop an innovative solution that can identify potential hazards before a collision occurs while improving safety, protecting infrastructure and minimizing disruptions to local communities. PennDOT reports that more than 600 Pennsylvania bridges have been struck by over-height vehicles in recent years. Even minor bridge strikes can lead to road closures, traffic delays, emergency response and costly repairs. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and a panel of judges, who will select the statewide winner. Submissions are due Friday, Jan. 29, 2027. View PennDOT Innovations Challenge details on PA.gov Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations
The Governor and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have proposed a significant update to the Commonwealth’s health regulations. The proposal spans more than 500 pages and includes provisions that could expand the department’s authority in homes, businesses, schools and health care settings. Because these changes are being pursued through the regulatory process rather than through legislation, members of the General Assembly do not have the same role we would have in considering a bill. My colleagues and I have continued to review the proposal closely, particularly provisions involving individual privacy, property rights and the scope of the department’s authority. Pennsylvania learned important lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic about balancing public health with the rights of residents, businesses and communities. Any changes to state health regulations should be carefully considered with that balance in mind. Read more about concerns surrounding the proposed health regulations on PASenateGOP.com The public comment period ends Monday, Sept. 21. I encourage residents with concerns or feedback to review the proposal and participate in the public comment process. Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others. Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late. Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app. |
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