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In this Update:
Celebrating 100 Years of Knoebels
On Wednesday, I had the honor of recognizing July 4, 2026, as Knoebels Amusement Resort Day in Pennsylvania in celebration of Knoebels’ 100th anniversary. Located in Elysburg, Knoebels is a family-owned and operated amusement park and campground that has become a beloved destination for generations of Pennsylvania families. What began as a swimming hole and picnic grove in the early 1900s officially opened as an amusement park on July 4, 1926, with the debut of the Crystal Pool. Today, Knoebels is known for its free-admission model, family-centered traditions and classic attractions that continue to create lasting memories for visitors of all ages. I was grateful to welcome members of the Knoebel family and Knoebels leadership to the Senate and introduce them as my guests during session. For 100 years, the Knoebel family, park leadership, employees and loyal guests have helped make Knoebels more than an amusement park. It is part of the identity of our region, a source of pride for Pennsylvania and a place where generations of families have made lasting memories. This year, their commitment to excellence was recognized nationally with Tripadvisor naming Knoebels the best amusement park in the United States in its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. Congratulations to the Knoebel family, Knoebels leadership and the entire Knoebels team on this remarkable milestone. Committee Advances Culver Bill to Update Nonprofit Reporting Audit Requirements
Nonprofit organizations serve our communities in many important ways, and state requirements should be clear, reasonable and aligned with today’s costs. The Senate State Government Committee recently approved Senate Bill 1183, bipartisan legislation I am prime sponsoring, together with Sen. Nick Pisciottano, to update Pennsylvania’s charitable financial audit requirements. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 1183 would update the thresholds that determine when a registered charitable organization must obtain an audit, review or compilation of its financial statements by an independent certified public accountant. These thresholds have not been updated since 2017. Under the bill:
This legislation maintains financial accountability while making sure requirements are better matched to the size of the organization and the resources it manages. Senate Bill 1183 is supported by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations. I appreciate Senator Pisciottano’s partnership on this bipartisan effort and look forward to continuing to move this practical legislation forward. You can watch my remarks and the full meeting on the Senate State Government Committee website. Elder Abuse Awareness Event with Journey to Justice – June 9 at the Capitol
Older Pennsylvanians deserve to live with dignity, safety and respect, and we all have a role to play in helping protect those who may be vulnerable. On Tuesday, June 9, at 9:30 a.m., I will host an Elder Abuse Awareness press conference in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capitol Building, together with Journey to Justice, a Selinsgrove-based non-profit working to protect older adults. Held in advance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the press conference will bring together legislators, families and advocates to highlight the need to protect older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation, especially when the abuser is someone placed in a position of trust. The event will include discussion of Alice’s Law, legislation to establish an Elder Abuse Registry, as well as related legislation to hold abusers accountable and better protect care-dependent older Pennsylvanians. This package of bills was inspired by Alice Longenberger, the mother of Journey to Justice founder, Lynn Fiedler. Thank you to Journey to Justice, Lynn and the many advocates who continue working to bring attention to this important issue. Local Advocates Visit Capitol for Cancer Action Day
Cancer touches families in every community, and the voices of survivors, caregivers and advocates play an important role in shaping the conversation around prevention, early detection and care. I spoke on the Senate floor on Tuesday to recognize June 2, 2026, as Cancer Action Day in Pennsylvania. You can watch my remarks here. Cancer Action Day brings advocates from across the Commonwealth to the Capitol to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, access to screenings and quality health care. I was also honored to welcome Donna Kemberling and Kimberly Groves, two constituents of the 27th Senatorial District and dedicated American Cancer Society volunteers, to the Senate and introduce them as my guests during session. Donna and Kimberly were at the Capitol as part of Cancer Action Day and met with me to discuss the importance of this work. Advocates like Donna and Kimberly help remind us that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a community impacted by this disease. Thank you to Donna, Kimberly, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and all the volunteers and partners who continue working to support prevention, early detection, treatment, patient support and access to care. The Moving Wall Coming to Bloomsburg – Today through Sunday
Residents will have a meaningful opportunity to honor Vietnam veterans this weekend by visiting “The Moving Wall” at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. “The Moving Wall,” a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be on display 24 hours a day from Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, with a closing ceremony being held Sunday, June 7, at 8 p.m. Thank you to the Bloomsburg American Legion Post 273 and Auxiliary Unit 273, Bloomsburg Elks 436, Berwick VFW Post 821, Renee Moist, the Moving Wall Committee and the many veterans, volunteers, first responders, local businesses and community partners helping bring this powerful memorial to Bloomsburg. Residents are encouraged to visit the The Moving Wall to reflect, remember and honor those who served in the Vietnam War. Honoring Elysburg Fire Department EMS for 60 Years of Service
On Monday, I had the honor of presenting a Senate citation to Elysburg Fire Department Emergency Medical Services in recognition of 60 years of service to the community. Elysburg Fire Department EMS began with cross-trained volunteers and a single ambulance. Today, the organization includes 30 trained medical professionals who respond to hundreds of calls each year. Congratulations to Elysburg Fire Department EMS on this important anniversary, and thank you to the members past and present who have helped protect the health, safety and well-being of residents in Elysburg and the surrounding area. Senate Approves Bills to Make Housing More Attainable Across PA
The Senate acted to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s growing housing shortage by approving three bills to expand access to housing while preserving local control. Senate Bill 1279 creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to improve coordination and efficiency in the permitting process. Senate Bill 1236 reduces regulatory burdens on small-scale home construction projects by reforming the stormwater permitting process. Senate Bill 1281 empowers local governments to streamline approval processes using uniform housing plans, helping reduce delays and cut unnecessary red tape. These reforms reduce several of the barriers contributing to Pennsylvania’s housing shortage, helping create more opportunities for homeownership while giving communities the flexibility to encourage growth in a way that reflects local needs and priorities. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age
To make sure state laws keep pace with emerging online threats, the Senate voted to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senate Resolution 244 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review Pennsylvania’s laws, assess new technologies and identify legal gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a recommendation for action to the General Assembly. The proposal builds on previous work by the legislature: In 2024, we passed a law to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, we acted to classify deepfakes as digital forgery for more severe punishment. The Senate also approved bills to strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and to establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. Read more about our efforts to protect children in the digital age here. Cellphone Law to Reduce Distracted Driving Takes Full Effect
After a one-year warning period, a state law aimed at reducing distracted driving is now in full effect as of June 5. The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music. Drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law. The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2010 Monroe County crash by a tractor trailer operator distracted while reaching for his phone while driving. Read more about this new law here. Celebrating 50 Years of Transitions
For 50 years, Transitions of PA has been a source of safety, support and hope for people experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault and other serious crimes. I was honored to present a Senate citation to Transitions on Wednesday evening in recognition of this important anniversary. What began in 1975 as a small support network in the Sunbury, Selinsgrove and Lewisburg area has grown into a vital resource serving Union, Snyder and Northumberland counties. Thank you to CEO Mae-Ling Kranz, Board Co-Presidents Sabra Karr and Francy Magee, Brie Apfelbaum Kula with the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation, the Transitions staff, board members, volunteers, advocates, community partners and supporters who continue carrying this mission forward. Congratulations to Transitions of PA on 50 years of service, and thank you to the staff, board members, volunteers, advocates, community partners and supporters who continue carrying this life-changing mission forward. Protecting Yourself During Tick Season
Pennsylvania recorded more than 18,700 cases of Lyme disease in 2025, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates the true number may be much higher due to underreporting. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause serious long-term health complications, particularly when left untreated. Nearly 55% of ticks tested in Pennsylvania were found to carry at least one tick-borne pathogen, and blacklegged ticks have now been identified in all 67 counties. You can protect yourself by using repellent, avoiding brushy areas and checking your body and pets after outdoor activities. Learn more about protecting yourself from ticks here. Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the fate of Europe would be determined by the largest amphibious invasion in history, including 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft and 160,000 American, British and Canadian troops. More than 9,000 Allied servicemen were killed or wounded that day in northern France. It is our responsibility as Americans to honor their bravery, tell the stories of their heroism and preserve what they defended so their sacrifices were not in vain. |
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