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In this Update:
Story of the Month: Expanding Food Access with CSO
This month, I’m launching a new feature called Story of the Month to highlight the people, organizations and programs making a difference across the 27th Senatorial District. Each month, I’ll share a closer look at one of these efforts and the people behind it. For our first Story of the Month, I’m highlighting the work of Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. (CSO) to expand access to food resources throughout our region. CSO recently celebrated the launch of its Mini Mobile Food Pantry and a new partnership with Luzerne County Community College. The initiative is designed to bring food and other resources closer to residents who may face transportation or other barriers to accessing assistance and is in addition to their regular mobile food pantry. The launch followed a Food Access Challenges and Opportunities workshop presented by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the new pantry and partnership. CSO’s Mini Mobile Food Pantry distributions are available at locations throughout the region, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Herndon Adult Community Center, Washingtonville Lutheran Church, Anthony Township Building, the Benton Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center and Millville Christian Church. For this month’s video, I had the opportunity to learn more about the program, why expanding food access matters and how CSO is working with community partners to reach residents where they are. Watch the first Story of the Month video on Vimeo. Learn more about Central Susquehanna Opportunities on the CSO website. Residents with questions about CSO services can call 570-644-6575. Bloomsburg Fair Begins Today!
The Bloomsburg Fair begins today, Friday, Sept. 25, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 3. The fair is always a great opportunity to enjoy local agriculture, food, entertainment, exhibits and the traditions that bring so many people together each year. My staff and I will also have a stand in the Government Building throughout fair week. If you are visiting the fair, stop by and say hello. Tickets, admission information, entertainment schedules and other details are available online. View Bloomsburg Fair tickets and event information on BloomsburgFair.com Thousands Weigh In on Proposed State Health Regulations
Thousands of Pennsylvanians, including residents, school officials and others, have submitted comments raising concerns about the Department of Health’s proposed 502-page update to the Commonwealth’s health regulations. Thank you to everyone who took the time to review the proposal and participate in the public comment process. I joined colleagues in outlining concerns to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, particularly regarding provisions involving individual privacy, property rights, parental involvement and the scope of the department’s authority. The proposal includes changes related to access to homes and other buildings, student interviews, private health records and disease mitigation measures. Pennsylvania learned important lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic about balancing public health with the rights of residents, families, businesses and communities. As this regulatory process moves forward, I believe the concerns raised by Pennsylvanians deserve careful consideration. Read the Senate letter regarding the proposed health regulations on PASenateGOP.com View information about the proposed state health regulations on PASenateGOP.com Upcoming Events
I have several upcoming events scheduled in October, including two opportunities on October 9 for Luzerne County residents to connect with me, as well as another virtual discussion on data centers on October 26. Friday, Oct. 9 – Luzerne County Coffee and Conversation – 10 a.m. Stop by for coffee and a conversation about state government and issues affecting our communities. Damaged License Plate Replacement Event – 12:30-2:30 p.m. Residents with damaged or difficult-to-read Pennsylvania license plates can have their plate reviewed by law enforcement and receive assistance with the replacement process at no cost. Monday, Oct. 26 – Virtual Data Center Update – 6-7 p.m. Penn State Extension will provide an update on current data center technologies, trends and best practices, along with new information to help residents better understand the rapidly evolving data center landscape. The session will be available through Facebook Live and Zoom, with questions accepted through Zoom. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. View information and register for upcoming events on SenatorCulver.com Residents may also call my Bloomsburg District Office at 570-784-3464 for information about the Oct. 9 events. Susquehanna Valley United Way Opens Wellness Hub in Sunbury
On Thursday, I joined Susquehanna Valley United Way for a ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of its new Wellness Hub in Sunbury. The Wellness Hub is a drop-in resource and recovery center where individuals and families affected by substance use or mental health challenges can connect with peer support, treatment resources, housing and employment assistance, family services and other community resources. The open house also gave community members an opportunity to tour the new space and learn more about the services available through Susquehanna Valley United Way. Thank you to Susquehanna Valley United Way and everyone involved in creating this new resource for individuals and families in Sunbury and the surrounding region. Eminent Domain Compensation Bill Awaits Further House ActionThe Senate unanimously approved legislation last year to provide additional compensation to certain property owners whose land is taken through eminent domain. Senate Bill 225 would allow qualifying business owners and farmers to receive compensation for the loss of “goodwill,” which can include factors beyond a property’s assessed value, such as location, access to utilities or characteristics of farmland. The Senate approved the bill 50-0 in June 2025. The House Commerce Committee advanced the legislation in June, and it received first consideration in the House before being laid on the table. It now awaits further House consideration. View Senate Bill 225 on PAlegis.us Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support. Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15. Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page. Local Watershed Enhancement Grant Now Open
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is accepting applications for its Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grant Program. Watershed groups, municipalities, school districts and nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $5,000 for projects that improve, restore or protect local waterways. No matching funds are required. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 30, and an informational webinar will be held Thursday, Oct. 1. View Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grant details on the Susquehanna River Basin Commission website March for Life Brings Record Crowd to Capitol
Pennsylvanians from across the Commonwealth recently gathered at the state Capitol in Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania March for Life. The Sept. 21 event included a rally followed by a march through Harrisburg and brought together participants advocating for policies supporting unborn children, women and families. Suicide Prevention Month Raises Awareness and Spreads Hope
Suicide Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, spread hope and encourage discussion of a difficult topic. Warning signs of suicide include:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has more information about risk factors. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support over call, text or chat for people in distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Empathetic, trained professionals provide prevention and crisis resources for you or someone you know. Garrity Announces $1,000 Bonus for Families’ Education Savings
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts will receive a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families. The bonus is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, 2026, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third quarter statement. The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition costs with account growth dependent on tuition inflation. For more information, visit the PA 529 website. Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses Gain New Opportunities
Pennsylvania veteran-owned small businesses that get certified can register as a Commonwealth supplier , opening doors to state contracting opportunities. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% veteran-owned, meet “small business” revenue and size standards, and hold a valid third-party certification. The state does not certify a business as veteran owned; it only verifies it. Find out how to obtain third-party certification and Commonwealth verification at the Department of General Services website. |
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