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In this Update:
Staying Connected and Supporting Our Veterans
Each month, I’m proud to highlight resources, events, and updates that may be helpful to the many veterans who call our region home. In an effort to better serve those who served us, I’m launching a new monthly email newsletter focused specifically on veterans’ issues. This new e-newsletter will include information on upcoming events, available benefits, local services, and state and federal updates relevant to veterans and their families. You can sign up to receive it at SenatorCulver.com/vets-enews-sign-up. One important update to share this month: As always, if you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Veterans can dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. This is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Here are some additional programs and services provided by Pennsylvania to support veterans. Our veterans have given so much in service to our country. It’s our responsibility to ensure they have the support, resources, and care they deserve. Recognizing Student Athletes at Midd-West High School
On Wednesday, I had the honor of visiting Midd-West High School to present three Senate citations to a group of exceptional student athletes whose accomplishments stood out on both the track and the mat this season. Congratulations to Matthew Smith (pictured far left), who earned the title of Regional Champion in the 145 lb. weight class at the PIAA District 4 Class 2A Wrestling Championships earlier this year. His hard work and discipline are a credit to himself, his coaches, and the entire Midd-West community. I also had the pleasure of recognizing Ben Hummel (pictured far right) for his victory in the PIAA District 4 Class 3A 800-meter run. This was an impressive achievement and a great way to close out his senior season. Finally, I presented a citation to the Midd-West Boys 4×800 Relay Team, comprised of Ben Hummel, Lyncoln Hoffman, Wyatt Nelson, and Connor Stoltzfus, for capturing the District 4 Class 3A Championship title under the leadership of Coach Jason Gemberling. Their teamwork and determination carried them all the way to the state level and earned them a qualifying time for the New Balance Nationals. It was wonderful to celebrate these accomplishments outside the district’s new fieldhouse, where the team also gave us a tour of the impressive facility. These students represent the very best of school athletics, including dedication, leadership, and pride in their community, and I was proud to help honor their success. New Community Grant Opportunity Open to Luzerne and Columbia Counties
As part of the recent announcement of Amazon’s $20 billion investment in Pennsylvania, a new community grant program has been launched to support local initiatives in Luzerne and Columbia counties. The Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund offers grant opportunities of up to $10,000 for projects focused on key areas such as:
A total of $250,000 has been committed to the fund, which is being administered by the nonprofit organization ChangeX. Individuals, schools, community groups, and nonprofits are all eligible to apply for support—whether they are launching a new project or growing an existing one that benefits their community. The deadline to apply is July 25, 2025. Honoring SUN Tech’s National Champion TeamWorks Crew
I had the privilege of presenting a Senate citation to four outstanding students from SUN Area Technical Institute whose hard work, precision, and teamwork earned them a gold medal on the national stage. Ezra Carr (Selinsgrove, Carpentry), Cordell Yoder (Midd-West, Electrical), Ben Rowan (Selinsgrove, HVAC), and Dominic Scott (Mifflinburg, Masonry) captured first place in the TeamWorks category at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Championships held in Atlanta, Georgia. Under the leadership of their instructor and coach, Mr. Brian Lauver, these students demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and collaboration. The TeamWorks competition simulates real-world construction projects, requiring four-person teams to complete a comprehensive build using their specialized skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry. Judges evaluated everything from technical precision and adherence to building codes to project management, safety, and site organization. The SUN Tech team excelled in every area, completing their project on time and with precision. SUN Area Technical Institute continues to be a leader in career and technical education, offering students real-world training that prepares them to excel in competitive fields. Their programs not only teach technical skill but also instill teamwork, discipline, and leadership. These qualities were clearly reflected in this national championship win. This victory is not just a win for the students. It reflects the strength of our local career and technical education programs and the real-world opportunities they provide. Congratulations again to Ezra, Cordell, Ben, Dominic, and Mr. Lauver. Your success is a testament to your talent, preparation, and commitment to excellence. Malicious Deepfake Scams Targeted by New Law
Technology such as artificial intelligence has been used to commit financial scams, injure personal reputations and disrupt the political process. Legislation we passed is now enacted to classify these deepfakes and other forms of digital impersonation as digital forgeries, punishable by law. Act 35 of 2025 amends the current forgery provisions in state law to include “forged digital likeness.” Under the new provision, if someone creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine, with the intent to defraud or injure, they would be subject to penalties. The law targets harmful impersonations while safeguarding legitimate artistic, journalistic and expressive works. The new law will go a long way toward combatting scams that target teenagers, senior citizens, small businesses and other victims. Protecting Our Children: Sex Offender Registry Loophole Closed
Pennsylvania took a huge step forward in efforts to protect children from sexual abuse in youth sports and nonprofit programs with legislation that was passed by the Senate and signed into law. Act 22 of 2025 adds the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II offense under the state’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Without the change, a conviction for this crime did not require sexual offender registration – a gap that left children and families at risk. Pennsylvania Officially Joins Three Health Care Licensure Compacts
As of this week, Pennsylvania has now fully joined the Interstate Medical Licensure, Nurse Licensure and Physical Therapy Licensure compacts, allowing doctors, nurses and physical therapists to practice across state lines more easily – meaning out-of-state practitioners can begin working in the commonwealth within days instead of months. In addition to these licensure compacts, Pennsylvania also participates in the previously established Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. The Senate is actively engaged in passing other compacts to further support license mobility, address health care staffing shortages and improve access to care for patients across the commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid. The maximum eligible income is $46,520 and the maximum rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter. Check income, age and other eligibility details, as well as apply online here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments totaling $256 million were sent to eligible Pennsylvanians on July 1. Please contact my office if you need help filling out your application. Summer Boating in PA
If you’re boating this summer, it’s a good idea to reacquaint yourself with Pennsylvania boating regulations, safety courses and other information from the state Fish and Boat Commission to help you build outdoor memories. Boating Basics explores knowledge, equipment and understanding of the requirements necessary for boat use in Pennsylvania. Boating Regulations covers rules all boaters should know (including those governing life jackets.) There’s also information on general Boating Safety and applying for a Boating Safety Education Certificate and Course. Operation Safe Driver Week
You can expect some increased enforcement of traffic laws during Operation Safe Driver Week July 13-19. The purpose of the week is to reduce reckless, careless, or dangerous driving for both commercial and passenger vehicles. Targeted behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, improper lane changes, failure to obey traffic devices, not using seat belts, and drunk or drugged driving. Drivers exhibiting dangerous behavior may receive a citation or warning, with increased enforcement on major routes.
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