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In this Update:
Culver Hosts Career and Technical Education Day at the Capitol
As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I hosted the annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, bringing together students, educators, and leaders to highlight the incredible opportunities these programs offer across Pennsylvania. The East Wing Rotunda was filled with students from more than 20 CTE schools showcasing their skills and programs. It was wonderful to walk around, speak directly with these talented young people, and see firsthand the hands-on learning and advanced training they are receiving – everything from healthcare simulations to advanced manufacturing demonstrations. Their passion and expertise were truly impressive. We kicked off the day with a press conference, where I was joined by Minority Chair of the Education Commitee, Sen. Lindsey Williams, student speaker Milled Jajed from Parkway West CTC, and Kevin Rice, Executive Director of Steel Center for Career & Technical Education. Immediately following the press conference, Senator Williams and I held a public hearing featuring insightful presentations from CTE directors and school administrators focused on strengthening these essential programs for the future. Events like this underscore why supporting Career and Technical Education is so crucial for preparing our students for in-demand, family-sustaining careers and ensuring Pennsylvania has the skilled workforce needed for a strong economy. I am incredibly proud of our CTE students and the dedicated educators guiding them. You can watch highlights from the press conference here and the committee hearing here. Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable and approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer. These bills reflect the Senate’s commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. Recognizing World Wish Day and the Lasting Impact of a Wish
I was happy to speak this week on my Senate Resolution 61, which designates April 29, 2025, as World Wish Day in Pennsylvania. World Wish Day is a special annual celebration marking the anniversary of the very first wish granted that sparked the creation of the incredible Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year marks the 45th anniversary of that first wish. In 1980, members of the Arizona Department of Public Safety came together to grant the heartfelt wish of a 7-year-old boy battling blood cancer who dreamed of being a police officer. That single act of kindness inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish, an organization centered on bringing hope and joy to critically ill children by recognizing that a wish can help them believe anything is possible. The positive impact of a wish on a child battling critical illness, their family, and even the community is truly inspiring. Make-A-Wish has turned this inspiration into reality over 585,000 times worldwide – including 708 wishes granted in PA just last year! You can watch my remarks on SR 61 during Senate session here. April is PA Donate Life Month, A Cause Close to My Heart
This April is PA Donate Life Month, and I was proud to introduce Senate Resolution 55 recognizing it – a cause deeply personal to me as an organ transplant recipient. Having spent three years on the waiting list myself, receiving only one potential call during that time, I understand the urgent hope families cling to while waiting for the gift of life. Currently, over 6,400 Pennsylvanians need a life-saving transplant, with someone new added to the list every 8 minutes. Yet, one single donor can save up to 8 lives, restore sight to 2 people, and improve life for over 75 others through tissue donation – an incredible impact. While Pennsylvania has made progress with options like signing up when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license, the need remains critical. Yet registering as an organ and tissue donor is easy to do online through Donate Life PA. You can watch my remarks on Donate Life Month and SR 55 during Senate session here. April Veterans Assistance Hours Rescheduled in Shamokin Dam Office
Please note a schedule change for the monthly Veterans assistance hours at my Shamokin Dam district office for April. Due to the third Friday of the month falling on Good Friday (April 18th), outreach hours with Veterans Service Officer Bill McGovern will instead be held on Monday, April 14th. During Bill’s monthly office hours, he can help with accessing benefits, understanding eligibility for various programs, and navigating claims processes with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Appointments are required for these one-on-one sessions, and they tend to fill up quickly. If you are a Veteran or family member seeking assistance, I encourage you to call my Shamokin Dam office at 570-743-7714 as soon as possible to check availability and secure your spot. Join My Tele-Town Hall on Tuesday, April 8th
Get your questions ready! I invite you to join my live Tele-Town Hall on Tuesday, April 8th, at 5:00 PM. We’ll connect by phone to discuss the latest happenings in the district and across Pennsylvania, and I want to hear what’s on your mind. To ensure you receive a call, simply sign up in advance here. I look forward to speaking to you on April 8th! Free Damaged License Plate Replacement Event in Bloomsburg on April 11th
I am hosting a free Damaged License Plate Replacement Event for residents in the Bloomsburg area on Friday, April 11th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event, held in partnership with local law enforcement, will take place at the Montour Township Police Department, located at 238 Jackson Street, Bloomsburg. This event offers a convenient, no-cost way to ensure your vehicle complies with PennDOT regulations and easily arrange for a free replacement plate if it is hard to read due to peeling, blistering, loss of reflectivity, or discoloration. Officers will be on site to inspect your plate, and if it qualifies for free replacement under PennDOT rules, they will help you complete and submit the necessary paperwork. PennDOT will then mail your new plate directly to your home. Please remember to bring your current vehicle registration card with you to the event. Pre-registration is encouraged to help us manage scheduling. Please visit my website at SenatorCulver.com/events or call my Bloomsburg district office at 570-784-3464 to sign up. Walk-ins will also be welcome as capacity allows. Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts. The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable. May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only). Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents. Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data.
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