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In this Update:
Dream It, Be It: Empowering Young Women in Our Community
I was honored to speak to a group of local girls involved in the Dream It, Be It program, which aims to encourage and inspire young women in our community to dream big and believe in themselves while guiding them on a path to achieve education and career goals. Dream It, Be It is part of Soroptomist, an organization with a mission to provide women and girls with access to education and training to achieve economic empowerment. Meeting these bright young ladies from the district was truly uplifting, and it was my pleasure to share my own journey of getting to where I am today, serving my community as a State Senator. I also engaged the girls by asking several of them to read inspiring and encouraging messages written by the women on my staff. It was a wonderful experience, and I commend our local Soroptomist group for overseeing the program and providing the young women of our community this empowering opportunity. Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. It is important to note that there is no state requirement to obtain a REAL ID to continue driving or using your standard license or state-issued ID. This is a federal requirement for the above-referenced instances when a REAL ID will be needed. You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Student Applications Open for Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania Program
As someone who believes strongly in the power of young people to lead and inspire, I’m happy to share an opportunity for civically minded high school students. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), is now accepting applications for the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania Program — a statewide initiative to engage 10th–12th grade students in civic leadership and environmental stewardship. This program equips students to become champions for cleaner, greener communities while giving them hands-on experience in public service, community outreach, and environmental action. Selected Ambassadors will take part in virtual training sessions, connect with leaders from across the state, and lead their own community-based cleanup and education projects. From September 2025 through May 2026, students will represent the mission of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, gaining skills and experience that can benefit their futures and their neighborhoods alike. Applications are open now through June 10, and I encourage any interested student to apply. More details can be found at keeppabeautiful.org. Need a New License Plate? Join Us for a Free Replacement Event in Milton
If your Pennsylvania license plate is peeling, blistering, discolored, or difficult to read from 50 feet away, it may be eligible for a free replacement — and we’re making it easy to take care of it right here in our community. I’ll be hosting a Damaged License Plate Replacement Event on Thursday, May 8, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Brown Ave Park (former pool parking lot), Izer Drive, Milton. Local law enforcement will be on-site to inspect plates and help determine whether a replacement is necessary. If it is, they’ll assist with the appropriate PennDOT paperwork. There is no fee for this service, and once submitted, the new plate will be mailed directly to your home. Please remember to bring your current vehicle registration card with you. To pre-register or learn more, visit SenatorCulver.com or call 570-743-1918. This is a quick, no-cost way to ensure your vehicle stays compliant and your plate is visible on the road. I hope to see you there! Connecting with the Community at the Pomona Grange Legislative Banquet
I had the pleasure of joining fellow legislators, and local members of the agricultural community at the North Central PA Pomona Grange #28 Legislative Banquet, held at Eagle Grange #1 in Montgomery. Events like this are a wonderful way to engage in meaningful dialogue with community members and local leaders about the issues that matter most — from agriculture and infrastructure to broadband access and education. I was joined by my colleague, Representative Michael Stender, as we listened to concerns and priorities shared by Grange members from Lycoming, Montour, and Northumberland counties. Together, we also participated in a panel discussion, offering updates from our districts and Harrisburg and answering thoughtful questions from those in attendance. A special thank you to PA State Grange President Matt Espenshade (pictured above), Pomona Grange President Robert Pardoe, and Eagle Grange President Phil Vonada for the opportunity to be part of the conversation. Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years. May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%. Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation passed in 2023. May 4-10 is Small Business Week
More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media. If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more. State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation
According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites. Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places. PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care. A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network. Learn more and submit a bill for review here. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767.
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