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In this Update:
Virtual Data Center Update Scheduled for Oct. 26
Penn State Extension will be presenting a virtual Data Center Update on Monday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. to share information on current data center technologies, trends and emerging best practices. The session is designed to help participants stay informed about developments in the rapidly changing data center industry and better understand issues that can affect planning, operations and decision-making. The program will be livestreamed on Facebook Live and Zoom. Questions will be accepted exclusively through Zoom, and registration is required to receive the Zoom link. View event information and registration details on SenatorCulver.com Municipal Grant Seminar Connects Local Leaders with Funding Opportunities
Municipal leaders from all five counties in the 27th Senatorial District joined us Tuesday for a Municipal Grant Seminar that I hosted at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in Milton. The 45 attendees heard presentations from representatives of the Pennsylvania Senate, USDA Rural Development, the Department of Community and Economic Development, PennDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection about grants and funding programs available to help local communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and to each of our presenters for sharing information and resources with our municipal officials. Sign up for my monthly Grant/Funding Newsletter on SenatorCulver.com Reading with CSIU Pre-K Students
On Thursday, I had a great time visiting with CSIU Pre-K students and sharing a classroom favorite, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Early learning experiences help children build the reading, communication and social skills they will continue developing when they enter school. Thank you to the students and teachers for welcoming me into the classroom. Spending some time reading together was a wonderful way to start the day. Coffee and Conversation in Conyngham
Thank you to everyone who joined me for Coffee and Conversation at the Conyngham Borough Building last Friday. These smaller community gatherings give residents an opportunity to ask questions, discuss state issues and share what they are seeing in their communities. I appreciated everyone who stopped by and took part in the conversation. Helping Residents Replace Damaged License Plates
Later Friday, residents joined us at the Wright Township Municipal Building for a Damaged License Plate Replacement Event. Drivers were able to have damaged or difficult-to-read Pennsylvania license plates reviewed by law enforcement and receive assistance with the replacement process. Thank you to our law enforcement and community partners for helping make the event possible and to everyone who stopped by. Meeting with the Luzerne County Farm Bureau
I attended the Luzerne County Farm Bureau’s Fall Dinner and had the opportunity to speak with members about agriculture and issues affecting farmers and rural communities. Events like this are a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those working in agriculture and better understand the challenges facing local farms and families. Thank you to the Luzerne County Farm Bureau for the invitation and for continuing to advocate for agriculture across the region. Working to Increase Affordability for Pennsylvanians
At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflation, we know state government must look for ways to implement policies and programs to increase affordability. Fighting for the state budget to respect taxpayers and take less of your hard-earned money, enacting the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Programs, and making homes more attainable are some of the ways we’ve focused on affordability during the 2025-26 legislative session. The new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. Families that claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. This amounts to hundreds of dollars saved every year for many working families. We also created the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Program, which provides incentives for businesses to make contributions of up to $500 annually toward their employees’ child-care costs. And we took steps to make housing attainable to more Pennsylvanians by passing legislation streamlining municipal approval processes, reducing delays, cutting unnecessary red tape, and creating a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to serve as a single point of contact and improve coordination in the permitting process. We’re committed to continuing to implement greater government efficiencies and policies to control the growth of spending and help address affordability for families throughout Pennsylvania. New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing
Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect Monday, Oct. 19. Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:
The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. American Hose and Chemical Fire Company Marks 125 Years
Congratulations to American Hose and Chemical Fire Company in Mount Carmel on celebrating its 125th anniversary. For more than a century, generations of members have answered the call to serve their neighbors and help protect the Mount Carmel community. Thank you to the current and former members who have contributed to that tradition of service, and congratulations on this milestone. Honoring Veterans at the Changing of the Colors
Mount Carmel’s Changing of the Colors marked its 600th ceremony, continuing a longstanding tradition of honoring the men and women who served our country. I was honored to recognize the milestone with a Senate certificate and join veterans, families and community members in remembering the service and sacrifice of local veterans. Thank you to the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee and everyone who has helped carry this tradition forward through 600 ceremonies. Fire and EMS Grant Applications Due Oct. 22
Fire and emergency medical services organizations have until Thursday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. to submit applications for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. Applicants should make sure one individual remains designated as the Primary Preparer throughout the application process. Removing that designation can prevent an application from being completed and submitted. Fire and EMS organizations interested in applying can find application information and program guidance through the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner on PA.gov. Upcoming Virtual Event to Help Students Explore Health Care Careers
High school students interested in health care careers can hear directly from professionals during two upcoming virtual career exploration sessions hosted by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. The sessions will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 19, from 9-9:45 a.m. Students will learn about careers in nursing, emergency medical services, medical assisting, physical and occupational therapy, sterile processing and other health care fields. Participants will also hear about the education and training required for different careers and have an opportunity to learn what a typical day looks like for health care professionals. Register for HAP’s Virtual Health Career Exploration event on LeaderPass Selected Boaters Asked to Complete Fuel Use Survey
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is conducting its annual Boat Fuel Usage Survey to help determine funding available for boating-related programs and facilities. Approximately 20,000 randomly selected registered motorboat owners are being contacted by postcard or email and asked about their boat fuel consumption from April 1 through Sept. 30. The survey will remain available from mid-October through mid-November. If you receive an invitation, I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey. The information is used to calculate fuel tax revenue returned to the Fish and Boat Commission by the State Treasury on behalf of Pennsylvania boaters. Learn more about the Boat Fuel Usage Survey on PA.gov Warrior Run Showcases New School Expansion
Warrior Run School District opened the doors to its new three-story, 37,000-square-foot expansion Friday, Oct. 9, giving the community an opportunity to see the new classrooms and learning spaces firsthand. The addition includes 17 new classrooms supporting special education and life skills, autistic support, family and consumer science, business, world languages and art. The ground floor also expands opportunities for hands-on learning with agriculture classrooms and plant, animal and small-engine labs, along with metal, wood and computer-aided design spaces. Key Election Dates to Remember
Election Day will be here before you know it, and I want to make sure you know the key dates.
To make sure you’re registered, learn how to request an absentee ballot and find your polling place, visit the state’s elections information webpage. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most people who use prescription medication for a nonmedical purpose obtained that medication from a family member or friend. Removing unnecessary medications from the home can help remove this risk. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Find a local collection site near you at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website. Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, is diagnosed when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. While treatments can help control metastatic cancer and allow many people to live longer, Stage IV breast cancer is currently considered incurable. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is also important to raise awareness of the experiences and needs of Pennsylvanians living with metastatic breast cancer. The PA Breast Cancer Coalition offers programs specifically for individuals with Stage IV breast cancer, including care packages and patient resources. Research remains essential to developing more effective treatments, improving quality of life and extending the lives of those living with metastatic breast cancer. Pennsylvanians can support this research by making a $5 contribution when renewing a driver’s license or vehicle registration online. For more information, visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition website. |
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