Senator Culver E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Wishing You a Happy Mother’s Day
  • Share Your Story During Mammography May
  • Celebrating Shikellamy’s National Junior Honor Society Inductees
  • PennDOT Announces SR 1020 Detour in Fishing Creek Township
  • Senior Technology Workshop – Join Me on May 21
  • Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
  • Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights
  • Senate Committee Approves Measures to Make Housing More Attainable
  • Montour Night Out Set for June 11

Wishing You a Happy Mother’s Day

Senator Culver pictured with her mother

Mother’s Day is a special opportunity to recognize the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and mother figures who have shaped our lives and strengthened our families.

Mothers give so much of themselves through their love, guidance, patience and steady support. They are often the first to encourage us, the first to comfort us and the first to remind us what it means to care for others.

As a mother, I know this role brings great joy, deep responsibility and countless moments that leave a lasting impact. I also know motherhood looks different for every family and today is a meaningful time to honor the women who have loved, supported and guided us in so many different ways.

To all the mothers and mother figures across our communities, thank you for the sacrifices you make, the strength you show and the love you give each day. Happy Mother’s Day!

Share Your Story During Mammography May

24% of PA women miss a mammogram yearly, 38 PA women diagnosed with breast cancer daily, 90% of women survive at least 5 years with early diagnosis

This month is Mammography May in Pennsylvania, and I am inviting residents in the 27th District to help raise awareness by sharing their own stories of strength, early detection, treatment, survival and support.

Breast cancer affects women, families and communities in deeply personal ways. Behind every diagnosis is a story, a family, a care team and a support system. By sharing those experiences, we can help encourage others to schedule recommended screenings, talk with their health care provider and remember they are not alone.

Mammograms are low-dose X-rays that can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment is often more effective. Annual mammograms are generally recommended for women beginning at age 40, or as early as age 25 for women who are considered at increased risk for breast cancer. Still, one in four Pennsylvania women do not get a mammogram each year.

Throughout Mammography May, I would love to hear from residents whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Whether you are a survivor, currently facing a diagnosis, caring for a loved one, honoring someone’s memory, or have a story about how early detection made a difference, I invite you to share your story with my office through the contact page on my website. Please include “Mammography May” in the subject of your message.

These stories can help remind others to make their health a priority and show support for the many families across our communities who have been touched by breast cancer.

Learn more from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

Celebrating Shikellamy’s National Junior Honor Society Inductees

Shikellamy Middle School students gathered for the school’s National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony.

I was honored to join students, families, educators and community members at Shikellamy Middle School for the school’s National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony.

This ceremony recognized a new group of students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. Being selected for the National Junior Honor Society is an important accomplishment, and it reflects the hard work these students have already put into their education and their school community.

It was especially meaningful to speak with students at this stage in their lives. Middle school is a time of growth, learning and discovery, and the habits students build now can help shape the kind of leaders, classmates, neighbors and citizens they become in the years ahead.

I want to congratulate each of the new inductees on earning this recognition. I also want to thank their families, teachers, advisors and school leaders for supporting and encouraging them along the way.

A special thank you to supervisors Craig Specht and Lindy Witmer and Shikellamy Middle School for the invitation to be part of such a positive evening. I look forward to seeing all that these students continue to accomplish.

PennDOT Announces SR 1020 Detour in Fishing Creek Township

PennDOT update graphic for the upcoming SR 1020, Winding Road, closure and detour in Fishing Creek Township.

PennDOT has announced an upcoming road closure and detour for State Route 1020, also known as Winding Road, in Fishing Creek Township, Columbia County.

The closure is scheduled to begin Monday, May 18, and continue through Monday, Sept. 21, while PennDOT completes a bridge superstructure replacement project over Pine Creek.

According to PennDOT, the project will require the closure of SR 1020 at the project location. An official 8.5-mile detour will be posted using SR 1025, Ridge Road; SR 1022, Zaner Bridge Road; SR 4014, Academy Street and Townhill Road; and SR 239.

PennDOT also indicated that access to Crickside Lane and private driveways near the project site will be maintained during construction.

I encourage residents who travel through this area to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow posted detour signs. PennDOT has also noted that additional notices will be shared if changes to the schedule are necessary.

Senior Technology Workshop  – Join Me on May 21

Senior Technology Workshop flyer announcing smartphone and tablet help for seniors at the Shamokin and Coal Township Public Library on May 21.

I will be hosting a Senior Technology Workshop, together with the Shamokin and Coal Township Public Library, on Thursday, May 21. This workshop is designed to provide hands-on help for seniors who have questions about their smartphones or tablets. Whether it is learning how to use basic features, navigating apps, or staying connected with family and friends, this event will offer a supportive environment to ask questions and build confidence with technology.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices so they can receive personalized assistance.

The workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Shamokin and Coal Township Public Library, located at 210 E. Independence Street in Shamokin. While not required, you can register by calling my Mount Carmel office at 570-339-5937.

I encourage anyone who could benefit from a little extra help with their device to join us for this informative and hands-on session.

Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers

U.S. flag in black and white with one blue stripe across the middle.

The Senate approved legislation closing a gap in state law and imposing tougher penalties on individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury.

Under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison. Senate Bill 1284 establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of up to life in prison.

The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about this legislation.

Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights

Yellow parchment paper of U.S. Constitution with words “We the People” rested on top of cloth U.S. flag.

The Senate moved to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by approving Senate Bill 822, which strengthens Pennsylvania’s state preemption over regulating firearms and ammunition, preventing local governments from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly.

Allowing local governments to establish a patchwork of inconsistent gun laws would make it impossible for Pennsylvania residents, along with citizens from other states, to travel without fear of inadvertently breaking a local law they were unaware of. Senate Bill 822, which passed with bipartisan support, also reinforces and restores the original intent of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act, ensuring consistent and clear regulations across the state.

The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Committee Approves Measures to Make Housing More Attainable

One hand holding house keys preparing to drop them into the hands of another person, with home in the background.

Legislation aimed at expanding access to attainable housing while preserving local control was approved by the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee. The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.

The legislation includes:

  • Senate Bill 803, which establishes First-Time Homebuyers Savings Accounts, allowing individuals to save for a home with tax advantages.
  • Senate Bill 1277, which updates the law to give communities more flexibility to offer up to 20 years of tax relief, helping spur construction of new homes and local growth.
  • Senate Bill 1278, which creates a Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Grant Program to support the construction of housing near job centers through partnerships between local government and developers.
  • Senate Bill 1279, which creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to serve as a single point of contact and improve coordination in the permitting process.
  • Senate Bill 1281, which streamlines municipal approval processes by allowing pre-approved housing plans, reducing delays and cutting unnecessary red tape.

Forming a robust strategy to increase housing supply, lower costs and stimulate economic activity is a key focus for the Senate this year. Read more about these attainable housing bills.

Montour Night Out Set for June 11

Montour Night Out flyer announcing a community safety event on June 11 with first responders, emergency services and local organizations.

Community members are invited to attend Montour Night Out on Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Danville Area High School football stadium. Note that this is a new location, offering improved space and parking to better accommodate the community.

This annual event brings together first responders, community organizations, and local partners for an evening focused on community connection, safety awareness, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can expect a variety of interactive displays, opportunities to meet local police, fire, and emergency personnel, and learn more about the services available throughout the region. Representatives from the U.S. Armed Forces are also expected to participate, along with other exhibitors and vendors.

My office will also be in attendance with a booth featuring helpful information for adults, as well as fun, Senate-themed materials and activities for kids. I encourage residents to stop by, say hello, and learn more about how we can assist with state programs and services.

Montour Night Out is a great opportunity to bring families and neighbors together while strengthening relationships with the individuals and organizations who serve our communities every day.

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