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In this Update:
Senate Passes Culver Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Schools
Career and technical education is essential for preparing students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to college. Pennsylvania greatly needs people with this training, and many job openings are waiting to be filled across the Commonwealth. To ensure our schools can effectively provide this crucial training, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315 last week. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I was proud to co-prime sponsor this important legislation alongside my Minority Chair, Senator Lindsey Williams. SB315 provides much-needed certainty regarding grant funding for CTE equipment by requiring funding calculations before the school year begins. This improves upon the previous system, where schools were reimbursed after making purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. “Senator for a Day” Provides Students with State Government Experience
I recently hosted a “Senator for a Day” event welcoming bright high school students from across the 27th District for an inside look at state government and the legislative process. The students were assigned to committees, and each committee was given two pieces of legislation to discuss, amend, and vote on. Following committee meetings, the group convened in Senate session, during which designated bill sponsors spoke on their bills and the amendments that were made in committee. Other student Senators had the opportunity to speak in support or opposition and ask questions of the sponsor before taking a vote. Several of the bills passed, some failed, and one was tabled, a procedure that allows more work to be done on the bill. I was incredibly impressed by the students’ thoughtful questions, their insightful perspectives during our discussions, and their overall enthusiasm for learning how the Senate works. Their active participation truly made the event a wonderful success. Thank you to all the students who joined us – you represent the future leadership of our communities well. I also want to thank the advisors who joined their students, as well as Bloomsburg University for their generosity in hosting this event. TeleTown Hall Connects Thousands Across the District
Thank you to everyone who joined my TeleTown Hall earlier this week! It was a great way for me to connect directly by phone with thousands of residents across the 27th District for a productive conversation about important state and local issues. I truly value these opportunities to hear directly from you and answer your questions live. We had a very good turnout for the event, and I appreciate the thoughtful questions asked by so many callers. It was rewarding to hear from appreciative participants who felt they were able to get their specific questions addressed during our call. Beyond the live Q&A, my team was also able to connect several callers who had ongoing issues directly with our district office staff for follow-up assistance. Ensuring you can navigate state government and get help when you need it is a top priority, and this event was another effective way to facilitate those important connections. Thank you again to all who took the time out of their evening to participate and share your perspectives. Staying connected with you is vital, and I look forward to hosting more events like this in the future! Join Me for Coffee and Conversation in Elysburg on April 16th
Staying connected with you is my top priority. That’s why I host regular “Coffee and Conversation” events throughout our district – they provide a great opportunity for us to chat informally about the state issues that matter most to you and our communities. I hope you can join me for my next Coffee and Conversation on Wednesday, April 16th, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Elysburg Fire Company Banquet Hall (1 E. Mill St., Elysburg). We’ll have light refreshments available. This is a casual setting designed for you to share your thoughts, ideas, or concerns about state government. To help us get an approximate headcount for refreshments, please RSVP by Sunday, April 13th, by contacting Cindy in my office at 570-339-5937 or via email at ladams@pasen.gov. I look forward to seeing you there and hearing what’s on your mind! Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30. School Safety Report Available Now
Students deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Last year the Senate adopted a resolution calling for a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, which conducted the report, recently released their findings, highlighting the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program – and improving how the data already being collected is shared. Find the full report here. Free Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event in Selinsgrove on April 22nd
Spring cleaning often involves getting rid of old documents containing sensitive information and unwanted electronics taking up space. To help you dispose of these items safely and securely, I’m pleased to partner with the Snyder County Commissioners to host a free Identity Theft Prevention (Shredding) and Electronics Recycling Event. Please join us on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Rear Center Parking Lot of the Susquehanna Valley Mall (One Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive) in Selinsgrove. Shredding: Protect yourself from identity theft by bringing your confidential documents (personal/residential amounts only, please) for secure, on-site shredding provided by North Central Sight Services Inc. This service is free. Please remove any large binder clips, plastic covers, metal, or rubber bands before you arrive. Shredding will be available until the truck reaches capacity. Electronics Recycling: Hosted by the Snyder County Commissioners and managed by KVS Computers, you can recycle unwanted electronics. This service is offered free of charge specifically for Snyder County residents. Please note, there is a $20 fee per flat-screen television, and CRT TVs or CRT monitors cannot be accepted. E-recycling is also available until the truck is full. For a complete list of accepted and unaccepted electronics items, please scan the above QR code with your smart phone. If you have questions about the event, you can also call my office at 570-743-1918. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, the legislature passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. Passover Begins on April 12
Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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