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In this Update:
Upcoming Events
You’re invited to join me at several upcoming events I have scheduled in our district. I have two upcoming Coffee and Conversation events scheduled in Luzerne County, with one in March and another in April. I am co-hosting these events with Rep. Mike Cabell. Coffee and Conversation events are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ideas about state government in a casual setting with light refreshments. Please R.S.V.P. if you would like to attend one of these events. Butler Township Coffee and Conversation Salem Township Coffee and Conversation In addition to our Coffee and Conversation events, I also am co-hosting with Rep. Cabell a license plate replacement event. Stop by this event to check if your license plate is damaged and eligible for a free replacement. Damaged license plates include those that have lost some or all of their reflectivity; are peeling, blistering or discolored; and are unreadable from 50 feet away. Damaged License Plate Replacement Event The police will determine if the license plate is damaged and needs to be replaced. There is no fee for this service and those who need a new license plate can receive help filling out the necessary paperwork. Once the forms are submitted to PennDOT, the new replacement license plate will arrive by mail to the applicant’s home address. Warrior Run Elementary School Visit
Thursday, I visited Warrior Run Elementary School to see the new graphics installed in their hallways and common areas. The district partnered with Geisinger’s ZING543210 program to fill the school with brightly colored messages promoting making decisions to positively impact their physical and emotional health. ZING543210 is a community health initiative by Geisinger to make health easier for you! Leadership Central Penn
I had the pleasure of speaking to The Foundation of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Central Penn class on Thursday morning during their Elected Office/Governing Day. It is exciting to spend time with the leaders in our community! Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks
The Senate approved legislation to improve cybersecurity defenses by setting cybersecurity standards for IT procurement within state government. Cyberattacks and data breaches – experienced by multiple state agencies – highlight the need for increased cybersecurity measures to protect the valuable data of every Pennsylvanian. The bill would require any acquisition of computer hardware by the state to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for computer security. NIST’s comprehensive approach includes standards, guidelines and best practices to effectively manage cybersecurity-related risks. Budget Hearings Begin Next Week Examining the Governor’s Spending Plan
State spending would increase by more than $3.2 billion, or about 7.1%, under the governor’s new budget plan. As proposed, this level of increase will make it virtually impossible to balance future budgets without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases within the five-year planning period. The process of finding ways to rein in this spending includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Independent Fiscal Office, Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Department of Community and Economic Development, Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Livestreams of the hearings and daily recaps will be available here, and I will share updates on this important process each week. The hearings will be used to review the governor’s spending plan and ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, a budget that more appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers can be developed before the constitutional deadline of June 30. PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages
As people start to feel a bit of cabin fever this time of year, it can be a great time to take advantage of recreational opportunities offered at Pennsylvania state parks. There are free or low-cost seminars to interest people of all ages. Some examples include a winter photography walk, an introduction to cross country skiing, make and take tree cookie crafts, a cast iron cooking lesson and even a full moon hike. Find a full calendar of events, including some that are virtual, and sign up here. Protect Your Money by Investing Wisely
Trying to research financial services, products or companies can be confusing, but investing without first investigating can be a costly mistake. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) offers free information about how to research people, companies and investments. If you’re not sure where to start, call the department at 1-800-600-0007. Learn more about the free and confidential help DoBS provides. Student Art Contest Raises Lyme Disease Awareness
Pennsylvania has one of the highest counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation. Symptoms often initially include fever, headache and extreme tiredness. If the disease is untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. First- through sixth-graders can help spread the word about preventing this tick-borne illness by entering the Pennsylvania Department of Health Lyme Art Contest. They are encouraged to submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, check for ticks and/or remove ticks safely by March 15 at 5 p.m. Find more information, including how to apply, here. Happy Presidents Day!
On Monday, Feb. 19, we recognize Presidents Day and reflect on the effort it takes to guide our country. Originally, the holiday was to honor our first president – George Washington – but it has since been expanded. Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Follow Me on Instagram
You can now follow me on Instagram. Find me at @SenatorCulver!
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