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In this Update:
Senator for a Day at Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg
It was an incredible time hosting Senator for a Day this week at Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg for the second year in a row. This is a hands-on opportunity for high school students across the 27th Senatorial District to learn how ideas move through the legislative process, why respectful debate matters, and how public service can make a difference. Students fron Benton, Crestwood, Midd-West, Millville, Milton, Selinsgrove, Mount Carmel, Shikellamy, and Warrior Run high schools participated in mock committee meetings and then a general session, during which they debated, amended, and voted on bills ranging from cell phones in schools to squatters rights and parental consent for social media accounts. I was impressed by the thoughtful questions the students asked and the effort they put into engaging with real issues. Thank you to Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Interim President, Dr. Jeffery Osgood, Jr. for having us and to all of the University staff that helped make the event possible. And thank you to the high school advisors and chaperones for giving your students this unique learning experience. Home Care Chat in Selinsgrove on March 19
I am looking forward to joining Hearts for Home Care for a Home Care Chat on Thursday, March 19, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Regional Engagement Center in Selinsgrove. This conversation is an opportunity to hear directly from the home care community about what is working, what challenges remain, and what supports are needed moving forward. Home care plays an important role for seniors and individuals with disabilities by helping people stay safe and supported in their own homes, close to family, friends, and the communities they know best. We will also discuss how Pennsylvania can strengthen home care services and support the workforce that makes this care possible. Listening to caregivers, providers, and families is essential as we work toward practical solutions that protect quality of care and improve access for the people who depend on these services every day. Event Details To RSVP: https://heartsforhomecare.quorum.us/event/31591/ America250 PA Snyder County Semiquincentennial Soiree
I appreciated the invitation to attend the America250 PA Snyder County Semiquincentennial Soiree and to share a few remarks during the program. It was a meaningful chance to recognize Snyder County’s history and the community spirit that continues to define the region. Events like this are made possible by dedicated local volunteers, officials, and partners who care deeply about telling the story of their community and passing it on to the next generation. Thank you to everyone who helped organize the evening and to those working to make sure Snyder County is ready to mark this historic milestone in 2026. Damaged License Plate Replacement Event in Selinsgrove on April 11
If your license plate is peeling, blistering, discolored, or difficult to read, I want to make sure you know about an upcoming opportunity to get help with a replacement. My office is hosting a Damaged License Plate Replacement Event on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Susquehanna Valley Mall, in the front mall parking lot adjacent to Applebee’s. There is no fee for this service. The police will determine whether your plate needs to be replaced and help with the appropriate paperwork. Once submitted to PennDOT, your replacement plate will arrive by mail. Please bring your vehicle registration card. To pre-register, visit SenatorCulver.com or call 570-743-1918. Join Me for a Teletown Hall on March 30
On Monday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. I will be hosting a Teletown Hall, which is a convenient way to hear updates, ask questions, and share concerns from home. If you would like to make sure you get a phone call, please sign up here on my website. Warrior Run Area Fire Department Appreciation Banquet
I was honored to attend the Warrior Run Area Fire Department Membership Appreciation Banquet and spend time with the men and women who serve our community through fire and emergency response. I appreciated the remarks from guest speaker Harold Erdley, Jr., Deputy Fire Chief with the William Cameron Engine Company in Lewisburg, and I am grateful for the commitment of volunteers who answer the call at all hours, often without recognition. During the program, I had the opportunity to present a Senate citation to Barry Bastian in recognition of 50 years of fire service to the Watsontown community. I also joined in honoring the life and service of Brian D. Bryson, who passed away in August and was remembered by many who served alongside him. I especially appreciated the words shared about Brian’s lasting impact and mentorship within the department. Thank you to everyone in the Warrior Run Area Fire Department, and to your families, for the sacrifices you make to keep our communities safe and for recognizing Representative Mike Stender and I with the Community Award. Senate Acts to Address Electric Generation Shortfall, Expand Energy Development
Reliable and affordable electricity is a fundamental need for families and the businesses that provide their jobs. The Senate recently passed legislation to streamline energy generation projects and preserve the reliability of our region’s power grid. Senate Bill 704 directs the state departments of Community and Economic Development and Environmental Protection to work together to identify suitable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. The goal is to address electricity generation shortages in the PJM power grid and attract investment by speeding up site preparation. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Other measures we passed to promote access to affordable energy prevented the creation of a new electricity tax and would authorize creation of a Pennsylvania Independent Energy Office to ensure a more cohesive strategy for managing energy resources. Measure to Speed Up Plugging of Abandoned Wells Approved by Senate
There are an estimated 350,000 abandoned oil and gas wells statewide posing safety and environmental risks. The Senate approved legislation to streamline plugging operations, eliminating uncertainty and accelerating cleanup efforts. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires well pluggers to clean out a well to its total depth before plugging. Senate Bill 712 removes longstanding roadblocks by defining what constitutes a reasonable effort to reach the attainable bottom of a well, eliminating ambiguity that has led to costly delays. This clarity will help Pennsylvania fully leverage nearly $400 million in federal funding to plug more wells in less time. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Poultry Owners Urged to Continue Efforts to Combat Avian Influenza
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is reminding poultry owners – backyard flock owners and commercial producers – to continue taking steps to protect their birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since the current outbreak began in 2022, Pennsylvania has lost more than 14.3 million birds, with approximately half of these lost since the beginning of 2026. Steps to reduce HPAI risk include:
Poultry owners should report sick birds or unexplained deaths to 717-772-2852. Anyone encountering sick or dead wild birds should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD. You can find more information here. Next Commonwealth Vehicle Auction is April 14
Used commonwealth fleet vehicle auctions featuring more than 200 vehicles are open to the public, including dealers. The next auction is April 14. The auctions are conducted at the Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 488 Firehouse Road in Grantville, Dauphin County. Auctions begin at 10 a.m. and prospective buyers should register on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday before the sale. There is no registration on sale day. You can see what was sold at prior auctions and the most updated offerings, along with registration information and more here. Additional information, including payment options, can be found in the auction policies or by calling 717-469-7900 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Nearly two million Pennsylvanians proudly claim Irish ancestry, reflecting generations of families, workers and community leaders who helped shape our commonwealth’s heritage. Whether you’re Irish or Irish-for-a-day, I hope you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
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