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In this Update:
Budget Hearings Reinforce Need for Greater Financial Accountability
Following three weeks of public hearings examining the Governor’s proposed $51.5 billion budget plan, which would increase state spending by 7.5% compared to the current fiscal year, concerns have been raised regarding the fiscal sustainability of the Governor’s proposal. Some analysts, including the Independent Fiscal Office, have cautioned about potential financial challenges facing Pennsylvania. It is estimated that all savings accounts, including the state’s Rainy Day Fund, would be eliminated within two years. The Governor’s administration has acknowledged that the proposed spending levels would require identifying additional revenue sources, meaning new taxes and fees. Together with my colleagues, I am committed to working towards a responsible budget that prioritizes economic growth, job creation, and fiscal stability for the commonwealth. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, addressing funding for our schools is a top priority as we navigate changes in the funding formula implemented with last year’s budget. In the coming weeks, budget bills will be introduced and discussions between the House, Senate, and the Governor’s administration will be ongoing as the legislature works to reach an agreement on a final budget by the Constitutional deadline of June 30th. Penn State Receiving Input on Commonwealth Campus Review
Penn State University is currently conducting a system-wide review of 12 of its Commonwealth Campuses, including Penn State Hazleton in the 27th District. This evaluation is examining the long-term sustainability of these campuses, and potential closures are being considered. Penn State has formed a special committee to conduct this review, and public comment is now being accepted to inform the committee’s recommendations. If you wish to provide input on the Penn State Commonwealth Campus Review, please email the committee at cwc2025@psu.edu. I encourage you to consider sharing your thoughts if you have an opinion on this subject. It is important that the University navigate hears from community members as it navigates this major step in determining the future scope of the Commonwealth Campus system. You’re Invited! Agriculture Breakfast with Senator Culver & Rep. Michael Stender
Join me and State Representative Michael Stender for our upcoming Agriculture Breakfast, a celebration of Pennsylvania’s vital agricultural industry! We are delighted to welcome Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding as our keynote speaker for this special event. Secretary Redding will share insights on the current state of Pennsylvania agriculture and his vision for its continued growth and success. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members of our community, learn more about the agricultural sector, and enjoy a morning focused on the industry that is so essential to our Commonwealth. Limited space is available. To RSVP please visit RepStender.com/events or call 570-286-5885. Free Damaged License Plate Replacement Events Hosted by Senator Culver
Do you have a damaged or illegible license plate? I am hosting three upcoming Damaged License Plate Replacement Events across the district to help you address this issue conveniently and free of charge! Driving with a damaged license plate – one that is peeling, blistering, discolored, or lacking reflectivity and unreadable from 50 feet away – can lead to legal issues and unnecessary hassle. To help you avoid these problems, I am partnering with local law enforcement to offer these free replacement events. At each event, local police officers will be on-site to inspect your license plate and determine if it meets PennDOT’s criteria for replacement. They will also assist you with completing and submitting the necessary PennDOT paperwork. There is absolutely no fee for this service. Once your paperwork is submitted, PennDOT will mail your new replacement plate directly to your home address. Choose the Location and Date Most Convenient For You:
Important Information for Attendees (All Events):
Take advantage of this free and convenient opportunity to ensure your vehicle is compliant with PennDOT regulations! Grow PA Scholarship Grant Applications Available Now
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. The application period for grants is open now, with funding awarded on a first come, first served basis. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation. Grant recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Learn more or apply here. Free Trees to Help Public Replace Invasive Plants
Non-native trees and shrubs can have negative ecological and economic impacts on nearby natural areas. Some of those plants include Callery pear, tree-of-heaven, Norway maple, burning bush, Japanese barberry and butterfly bush. The Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program is a new initiative that will give homeowners and others the option to remove invasive trees and shrubs from their property and replace them with native trees. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of these species moving into neighboring properties, parks and forests. Property owners are encouraged to remove one or more invasive species and receive up to five free, healthy, native, young replacement trees. Learn more about how to participate. Please note that the Carlisle plant replacement program is already at capacity. License Plates Support Women Veterans
You can support women veterans in Pennsylvania by purchasing a license plate recognizing the importance of the brave women who have served in our military. When you purchase the Honoring Our Women Veterans Registration Plate or the Honoring Our Women Veterans Motorcycle Registration Plate, a portion of the fee will be used to support programs assisting the approximately 63,000 female veterans in Pennsylvania. The motorcycle version of this registration plate is new, having been introduced in December. You do not need to be a veteran to purchase either of these plates. If you are a veteran, you may want to consider purchasing either the Women Veteran Registration Plate or the Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate. Applicants for these plates must submit a legible photocopy of their Form DD-214 or the front and back of their DD2(RET). Learn more about these license plates and several other new plates available for veterans. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
A celebration of country and heritage, St. Patrick’s Day became an official religious holiday in the early 17th century. It commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” – Irish blessing
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