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In this Update:
Budget Hearings Begin Next Week to Examine Shapiro’s Spending Plan
State spending would increase by $3.6 billion, or 7.5%, under the governor’s new budget plan. During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, the governor’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances. The process of finding ways to rein in this spending includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee, which I am a member of. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, State Police, Department of Health, Department of State and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This is an opportunity for the legislature to review the governor’s spending plan and ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, a budget that appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers and available revenue can be developed. Hearings will be livestreamed for you to watch, and I will share updates on this important process each week. Blight Removal Strategies Highlighted at Senate Policy Roundtable in 27th District
This week the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a roundtable in Sunbury with local leaders from the 27th District to discuss the negative impacts of blighted properties and to explore solutions for addressing blight as a key strategy for neighborhood revitalization. The roundtable, led by Senator Dave Argall, Policy Committee Chairman, emphasized that blight hinders community development and lowers property values. Discussions focused on challenges like code enforcement complexities and funding for demolition. Act 152 of 2016, providing demolition funding, was cited as a successful model. Participants stressed that state-local partnerships and citizen engagement are crucial for effective blight removal. I look forward to continued collaboration with leaders across the 27th District, as well as the Policy Committee and other colleagues in Harrisburg as we work to formulate and implement strategies to revitalize neighborhoods across Pennsylvania. Further details, including video and written testimony, are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee website here. PennDOT Offers Special REAL ID Service Hours in Selinsgrove
PennDOT is hosting “REAL ID Mondays” across the state to help residents prepare for federal REAL ID requirements taking effect May 7, 2025. In our district, special service hours will be held at the Selinsgrove Driver License Center (1015 Route 522, Selinsgrove, PA 17870) on the following Mondays:
These events provide dedicated times to apply for or update to a REAL ID, which will be required for domestic flights, military base entry, and access to certain federal facilities starting in May 2025. While REAL ID is optional for general use in PA, it will be necessary for these federal purposes. PennDOT’s special service hours aim to make this process easier and more accessible locally. For more information about REAL ID requirements and required documentation, please visit the PennDOT website. And know that you can apply for a REAL ID at any PennDOT Driver License Center and have it mailed to you, but only certain locations are REAL ID Centers where you can apply and be issued a REAL ID over the counter. Text Updates from Senator Culver’s Office
My office is launching text message updates to keep you quickly informed about important 27th District news and events. Our first text this weekend will be a reminder of our upcoming “Coffee and Conversation” event in Mountaintop on Feb. 21st. Residents in the that area of the district may receive an initial text this weekend. To opt-out, reply “STOP”. This new service will deliver timely updates on legislation, community events, and local resources directly to your phone. To opt-in and ensure you receive these text updates, click here: Sign up to stay informed! Senate Votes to Strengthen Penalties for Harming PA Public Transit Operators
Legislation strengthening penalties for people who harm public transit operators was approved by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 210 would create a new offense for interfering with the operation of a public transit vehicle. Offenders causing serious bodily injury or death would face a felony of the first degree, while interference resulting in bodily injury, or the fear of imminent harm would be classified as a felony of the third degree. The legislation aims to protect transit workers, passengers and the general public. It sends a strong message that violence against public transit operators will not be tolerated, and those responsible for putting others’ safety at risk will face severe consequences. This is an important step in safeguarding the well-being of public transit operators who serve communities across Pennsylvania. Bill Ensuring Great Care at State Veterans’ Homes Passes Senate
To ensure high-quality health care and well-being of veterans, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that would enhance oversight at Pennsylvania’s six state veterans’ homes. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. With passage of Senate Bill 129, advisory councils would have 15 members, including a family member of a current or past resident. Nominees would be veterans from the surrounding communities. Advisory councils would make recommendations about resident care, management, operations and compliance of facilities to the state adjutant general. The bill would also require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide a subject matter expert for each of the advisory council’s meetings and an annual report to the General Assembly. To increase transparency, it would also stipulate that councils comply with open meeting requirements. Senate Passes Bill Providing Military Benefits to Korean Americans Who Served in Vietnam
Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces would receive the same state veterans benefits as their U.S. counterparts under legislation unanimously approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 173 would grant the same rights, benefits and privileges of U.S. military veterans to Pennsylvania residents who are naturalized U.S. citizens and who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces. There are more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as a part of the Korean Armed Forces and hundreds now live in Pennsylvania. The bill would apply to any Pennsylvania resident who is an American citizen, was an active-duty member of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge or equivalent. Emergency Alerts Keep You Safe and Prepared
You can sign up to receive CodeRed alerts about severe weather and emergencies at your chosen locations, building alerts, health notifications and other timely updates from state and federal agencies. A CodeRed weather warning will automatically alert you if your address falls in the path of severe weather, as determined by the National Weather Service. Get alerts by phone, text or email and using your home address and/or work by signing up online. If you no longer wish to receive alerts, you may opt out of certain or all alerts from CodeRed at any time. Happy Presidents’ Day!
On Monday, Feb. 17, we recognize Presidents’ Day. The holiday initially honored the birth of President George Washington, who established many of the traditions and precedents of the presidency. Now, it gives us an opportunity to remember all United States presidents. Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
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