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In this Update:
Senate Finishes Review of the Governor’s Spending Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee concluded the third week of its examination of the Governor’s budget proposal, which totals $51.5 billion and would increase state spending by 7.5% over the current year’s budget. Despite a huge increase overall, the Governor proposes cutting important initiatives that serve Pennsylvanians and the employers that provide their jobs. As we continue our careful review, it’s clear we have serious concerns about the Governor’s spending plan. During the Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board hearing, committee members discussed the financial impacts of prison closures. The Governor’s Administration wants to close two prisons and two community corrections centers. Yet, the Governor still wants to increase overall spending for the state correctional institution system by $143 million to a total of $3.3 billion. During the hearing, I also raised concerns about the costs associated with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) within the corrections system. The PA Department of Corrections provides Sublocade and Vivitrol in their MAT program at significant costs ($2,100 & $1,250 per shot respectively), and I asked if there are more affordable options available. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner hearing highlighted the Governor’s budget projections for PEMA. His budget would slash funding for the agency by nearly $13.5 million, a reduction of 29%. Among the proposed cuts was the elimination of $6 million for Urban Search and Rescue, an initiative the Governor just signed into law in October 2024. During this hearing, I raised the issue of consolidating emergency services, asking Director Randy Padfield about funding for studies to ensure consolidation is truly the right decision for communities and the people who rely on life-saving services. I asked Director Padfield about county requested emergency consolidation services. We discussed recent studies by Northumberland County and how those studies would affect 911 services. I also asked him about the enhanced 911 fee and how much funding that brings in and whether that fee is enough to cover services for our communities. At the Department of Human Services (DHS) hearing, committee members shared concerns about the Governor’s plan to increase DHS spending by approximately $2 billion, a jump of more than 10% compared to this budget year. In the DHS hearing, I specifically questioned Secretary Valerie Arkoosh about several critical areas. In light of the usual $100 million increase for the Needs-Based Budget, I inquired how funding was leveled this year and what changes occurred in the “roll forward” process for County Child Welfare. Recognizing the crisis in county mental health services, I also asked Secretary Arkoosh about the inadequate funding and lack of placement options for youth needing these vital services. In addition to the rapid growth of the department, discussion also covered excessive Medicaid expenses for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss and a waiver that allows able-bodied Pennsylvanians without dependents to receive food assistance without meeting work requirements. At the hearing for the Budget Secretary and Executive Offices, members highlighted the Administration’s unrealistic new revenues; suppression of future human services and education costs; and overstatement of baseline revenue growth. During this crucial hearing with Budget Secretary Monson, I emphasized the critical need for realistic revenue projections, pointing out concerns raised by the Independent Fiscal Office that revenue projections are significantly overestimated. This is essential to avoid serious financial issues down the road. Recognizing the rapid growth of Pennsylvania’s senior population (ages 65-100) and the increasing demand for Lottery Fund benefits, I also asked Secretary Monson how we can ensure the long-term financial stability of the Lottery Fund to continue supporting older Pennsylvanians. The Governor’s budget would eliminate the state’s $3 billion fund balance and take an additional $1.6 billion from the state’s emergency savings, also known as the Rainy Day Fund. Having completed the official review of the Governor’s budget proposal, the Senate will use its findings from the hearings to craft its own spending plan, with the goal of enacting a final 2025-26 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing here. Damaged License Plate Replacement Event to be Held in Bloomsburg
To assist constituents with vehicle compliance and address the issue of damaged and illegible license plates, I’m hosting in partnership with the Montour Township Police Department, a Damaged License Plate Replacement Event in Bloomsburg. The event will provide a free and convenient service for residents whose license plates exhibit issues such as loss of reflectivity, peeling, blistering, or discoloration, rendering them unreadable from a distance of 50 feet. Operating a vehicle with a damaged license plate can result in legal complications and unnecessary inconvenience. This initiative aims to streamline the replacement process for eligible constituents. The Damaged License Plate Replacement Event will take place on: During the event, Montour Township Police Department officers will be available to inspect license plates and determine if they meet PennDOT criteria for replacement. Officers will also assist attendees with the necessary PennDOT paperwork submission. There is no fee associated with this service. Upon successful submission, PennDOT will mail the replacement license plate directly to the registered vehicle owner’s address. Attendees are required to bring their vehicle registration card for verification purposes. Pre-registration is recommended to ensure efficient service delivery. Constituents may pre-register by visiting my official website at SenatorCulver.com or by contacting the office via telephone at 570-384-3464. Walk-in participants will be accommodated as capacity allows. Reminder: Satellite Office Hours Available
Just a friendly reminder that my staff and I offer convenient satellite office hours at locations throughout the district. These satellite offices provide a local opportunity to meet with staff and access constituent services closer to home. New Recommendations for PA Poultry Producers to Prevent Spread of HPAI The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued new recommendations for poultry producers to combat the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The department is recommending heightened biosecurity focusing on preventing contact of poultry with wild birds and dairy cattle. It also recommends maintaining poultry indoors if possible during this period of heightened risk. HPAI has been circulating in the wild bird population in the United States and was identified in commercial poultry in early 2022. In addition, 17 new cases have been confirmed in dairy herds in four states in the past 30 days. No cases have been reported in PA dairies to date. Poultry producers can find more information and contacts for assistance here. Open Now: PennDOT Survey About Your Transportation Needs
Motorists are encouraged to share feedback regarding their transportation needs and concerns with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) via its Transportation Survey before April 30. Responses will impact the 12-Year Program, which lists statewide planned projects and assigns funding to them. You may also call 717-783-2262 to request a paper copy or to complete the survey over the phone. Before filling out the survey, you may wish to review the 2025 Transportation Performance Report. Recently released by the State Transportation Commission (STC), the report contains information about how Pennsylvania’s transportation system performed in the last two years. There will also be an online public forum on Thursday, April 10, featuring a presentation from Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll, as well as a live question-and-answer session with PennDOT personnel and STC members. Register for the forum and submit your transportation questions for the Q&A session by filling out the registration form or emailing them to RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov. Beware: Rise in Scams Involving Bitcoin ATMs
Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning Pennsylvanians that scammers are now using Bitcoin ATMs, or “BTMs,” to gain access to other people’s money. This scam starts with messages that sound urgent, like “protect your money” or “take care of any criminal charges.” Unsuspecting consumers may also be persuaded to act because scammers have personal information, such as their bank or financial situation. After coercing a consumer into making large cash withdrawals, the cyber criminals tell the consumer to deposit the funds into a BTM. Following that deposit, the criminals ask the consumer to scan and send a QR code, which gives the criminal access to the funds. It also, in most cases, makes it impossible to get the money back. Financial scams typically start with a telephone call, text message, email, social media message or an alert on your computer. Avoid falling prey by never responding directly to unexpected calls or withdrawing cash in response to an unexpected call or message. Learn more ways to protect yourself from scammers. Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. While cell phone and computer clocks usually change automatically, most people move their standard clocks and appliances ahead one hour on Saturday night. It’s also a good time to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If the devices are more than a decade old, experts suggest upgrading to 10-year, sealed battery alarms. They don’t require any battery replacement throughout their lifetime. However, it’s still a good idea to press the test button on the alarms at least once a month. Find more tips here.
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