|
|||||
|
In this Update:
Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action
As students across Pennsylvania return to school, legislation addressing participation in women’s and girls’ scholastic sports still awaits consideration in the House of Representatives. As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I have heard from students, parents and others who believe clear and consistent standards are important to protecting opportunities for female athletes. Earlier this year, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation on two occasions that would require athletic teams at public schools and colleges to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would also provide a legal remedy for students who are harmed by violations of the law. This remains an issue of significant interest to families, schools and student-athletes across Pennsylvania. I believe it is important for the General Assembly to provide clear guidance so schools understand their responsibilities and students know what to expect when participating in scholastic athletics. School Safety Grant Opportunities Now Available
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has opened two grant opportunities to support school safety and emergency preparedness. The 2026-27 School Safety and Mental Health Grants are available to eligible public school entities, including school districts, career and technical schools, intermediate units and charter schools. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. PCCD has also opened the 2026-27 CPR/AED Training for Nonpublic Schools Grant, which can support training, materials, practice mannequins, practice AED units and certain personnel costs. Nonpublic schools may apply for up to $5,000, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis through May 13, 2029, or until available funding is awarded. Additional information about Targeted Safe School Grants for nonpublic schools is expected in the coming weeks. Schools can also sign up for future PCCD Egrants alerts. Touring Susquehanna Valley Technical Institute
Last Thursday, I toured the Susquehanna Valley Technical Institute (SVTI) in Sunbury with Dr. Lenaire Ahlum, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Community Education Project, along with staff and board members. Located at the former Triangle Tech facility on Performance Road, SVTI currently offers approved programs in Certified Nursing Assistant training, Wood Manufacturing and Welding Technology, with hopes of adding additional programs in the future. Workforce development and career-focused education are important parts of preparing Pennsylvanians for opportunities in skilled and technical fields, and I appreciated the opportunity to see the facility and learn more about SVTI’s plans for the future. Learn more about the program on the SVTI website. Congratulations to Eagle Scout Andrew Snook
Congratulations to Andrew Snook on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. I was honored to join Andrew, his family and fellow Scouts for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Col. Gary Garay spoke about his Scouting experiences around the world, and Andrew’s father presented him with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Congratulations to Andrew on this tremendous achievement and to everyone who supported him along the way. Celebrating Daisy Gressler’s 100th Birthday
On Saturday, I presented Daisy “Aunt Daisy” Gressler (Dagle, Yordy) with a Senate citation in recognition of her 100th birthday during a celebration at Sunbury Bible Church. About 150 family members and friends came together to mark the occasion, and everyone was excited to celebrate Aunt Daisy and the many memories she has shared with those around her over the past century. Daisy also got to enjoy her birthday cake, a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, surrounded by the people who helped make her 100th birthday so special. Happy 100th birthday, Aunt Daisy! Visiting the Northumberland County Fair
I enjoyed spending time at the Northumberland County Fair and visiting with members of our local agricultural community. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet the SUN Area Dairy Princess and learn more about her work promoting Pennsylvania dairy throughout our region. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s fair possible. Mamoth Celebrates One Year at Berwick Location
Mamoth in Berwick recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its new location with an official ribbon cutting. Mamoth is an IT asset disposition center that helps manage the reuse, recycling and disposal of technology and electronic equipment. Over the past year, the company has continued to grow its presence in Berwick while building connections within the local community. A member of my district office staff attended the celebration alongside Mamoth CEO Anthony Boberick, COO Eric Warner, CRO Cody Meredick, Rep. Robert Leadbeter and Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce President Chris Berleth. Congratulations to the entire Mamoth team on its first year in Berwick and best wishes for continued success in the years ahead. Veterans Assistance and Monthly Updates Available
Veterans and their families can receive free assistance navigating benefits and resources through my Shamokin Dam district office. A Veterans Service Officer will be available on Friday, Sept. 18, to assist with questions involving VA disability compensation and pensions, education benefits, VA health care enrollment, burial and survivor benefits, and other veterans’ programs and services. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling my Shamokin Dam office at 570-743-1918. Veterans can also sign up for my News for Veterans monthly e-newsletter. Sent at the beginning of each month, the newsletter includes information about veterans’ benefits, local events and services, legislative updates and other resources for veterans and their families. If you or a veteran in your family would find these updates useful, sign up for the veterans newsletter on my website. Reminder: Sign Up for Our Senior Expo
Rep. Joanne Stehr and I will host our annual Senior Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pavilion J at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg. The free event will bring together government agencies, senior organizations and other exhibitors offering information and resources for older residents and their families. There will also be health screenings, door prizes, giveaways and a complimentary lunch. Admission is free, but advance registration for lunch is encouraged. You can register online on my website or by calling 570-206-9207. We are also collecting nonperishable food items as part of Hunger Action Month, so attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to support local food banks. Rep. Stehr and I look forward to welcoming everyone to Knoebels on Sept. 9. Hunger Action Month Food Drive Underway
Throughout September, my district offices are collecting nonperishable food items as part of Hunger Action Month to support local food banks and families across our region. Donations will be accepted through Sept. 30 at my district offices in Bloomsburg, Mount Carmel and Shamokin Dam. All items collected will be provided to local food banks. Bloomsburg District Office Mount Carmel District Office Shamokin Dam District Office Hunger Action Month is recognized throughout September to raise awareness of food insecurity and encourage support for organizations working to address hunger. If you are able to participate, consider dropping off a nonperishable food item this month to help support neighbors across our communities. Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the department’s online Financial Education Hub, a one-stop-shop of resources designed to help Pennsylvanians improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions. The new hub brings together state and federal resources covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It also includes information on Treasury programs, like the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE. Resources are organized for specific audiences including students, teachers, active military members, veterans and older adults. Visit the Financial Education Hub here. Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes care for our neighbors who answered the call to serve. The homes offer levels of care tailored to the specific health needs of residents and are supplemented with an array of clinical services. Pennsylvania veterans homes are looking to hire registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to provide the kind of care that will allow veterans to live an active and healthy life with as much independence as possible. Learn more about these opportunities and apply here. Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027
Teenagers in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school have a chance at obtaining their basic education through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy. Applications are being accepted for its first class of 2027, which begins in January at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge. The program includes a five-and-a-half-month residential phase followed by 24 months of mentorship as participants return to their home communities. Learn more about the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy and apply here. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorculver.com | Privacy Policy |
