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In this Update:
Welcoming Bloomsburg University Students to the Capitol
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of hosting a group of students from Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg at the Capitol. These students are part of Dr. Jessy Defenderfer’s State and Local Politics class, and they made the trip to Harrisburg to get a firsthand look at our legislative process. During their visit, the students received a tour of our beautiful Capitol building, observed my meeting of the Senate Education Committee, and we met to discuss the various aspects of state government and the work we do in the legislature. The group concluded their day by observing Senate session, during which I introduced them as my guests. You can watch my floor remarks here. These visits are a wonderful way for students to connect what they learn in the classroom with the realities of public service, and I always enjoy welcoming students from my alma mater, Bloomsburg University, to Harrisburg. Celebrating Big 33 Classic Players and Cheerleaders from the 27th District
On Monday, the players and cheerleaders selected for this year’s Big 33 Classic were recognized in a ceremony at the Capitol, and I was proud to see that five students from the 27th District are part of the roster, including Madden Patrick from Danville Area High School. Additionally, Reese Lieberman, also from Danville, Chloe Hollister from my alma mater, Shikellamy High School, and Siena Rovito and Ellamae Heintzelman, representing Pennsylvania Elite Guardians, will be cheering for Madden and the rest of the players. The Big 33 Football Classic, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of High School Football,” features the best of the best from Pennsylvania and Maryland. Many alumni have gone on to achieve great success at the collegiate and professional levels, and it’s a testament to the high caliber of competition and performance this event represents. I look forward to cheering on these young individuals in the upcoming game. Congratulations to all five of our district’s players and cheerleaders selected! Culver Convenes First Meeting of Senate Education Committee
As the new Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I was pleased to convene the first voting meeting of the committee for the 2025-2026 session, together with Minority Chair, Senator Lindsey Williams. Senator Williams and I both emphasized our commitment to an open and transparent process, ensuring that all stakeholders, from students and educators to parents and administrators, have the opportunity to share their perspectives as we consider important policy matters. Our shared goal is to ensure that education in Pennsylvania receives the funding and support it needs to provide opportunities for every student. During the meeting, the committee considered two bills: Senate Bill 315: This is legislation that I am the prime sponsor of to realign the timing of funding calculations for career and technical education equipment grants to allow schools to know how much funding they will be receiving prior to purchasing equipment. Currently, schools must estimate and get reimbursed for purchases. This bill was unanimously reported as committed and has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. Senate Bill 470: This bill proposes to establish a Secondary Education Fire Training Pilot Program to allow high school students to receive firefighting instruction in partnership with institutions of higher education with the aim of increasing the ranks of volunteer firefighters – a critical need in many of our communities. The bill was reported as committed and has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. Click here to watch the committee meeting. Education Committee Votes to Preserve Women’s Sports
On Wednesday, I convened a second voting meeting of the Senate Education Committee, during which we passed legislation to preserve integrity and fairness in women’s sports, progress that was hard fought decades ago with the creation of Title IX. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, which I am a co-prime sponsor of, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. It would only permit biological females to join teams designated for women. Notably, Senate Bill 9 would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Female students who compete in high school and college sports deserve a level playing field. This bill would protect this opportunity for them, allowing fair and equal access to the personal enrichment, character development and fitness sports provide. Click here to watch the committee meeting. Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. Join Me for a Live Tele Town Hall on April 8th!
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a live tele town hall on Monday, April 8th, at 5:00 PM. This is an opportunity for me to connect directly with you, hear your thoughts and concerns, and share updates on what’s happening in the district and in Harrisburg. This format allows for a real dialogue, and I value the chance to hear directly from the people I represent. Whether you have questions about recent legislation, want to share your perspective on important issues, or simply want to stay informed, I encourage you to participate. To make sure you receive a call directly to your phone on April 8th at 5:00 PM, you can sign up using this link: https://senatorculver.com/psrc-events/telephone-town-hall/. I look forward to a productive and informative conversation with you! April Hearings Set on Proposed UGI Gas Rate Increase
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold five in-person and telephone hearings in early April to gather public input on proposed rate changes by UGI Gas. In February, the Commission voted to investigate UGI’s proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by $110.4 million (9.7%). Under the proposal, the average bill for a residential customer using 73.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month would increase from $104.47 to $115.74 per month (10.8%). The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate has more information on the proposed increase here. Hearing Information:
For specific location details for the hearings and information on how to provide input, visit the PUC website here. If you can’t take part in a hearing but want to comment, you can find the form to submit a comment here. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices.
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