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In this Update:
Story of the Month: Helping Veterans Access the Benefits They’ve Earned
For this month’s Story of the Month, I sat down with Bill McGovern, an American Legion Department Service Officer who regularly works with my office to help veterans and their families access the benefits and services available to them. Watch our video interview here on Vimeo. Navigating veterans’ benefits can sometimes be complicated, especially for those who aren’t sure where to begin. Bill helps veterans understand their options and assists with disability compensation, pension claims, education benefits, VA health care enrollment, survivor benefits and more. Through our partnership with the American Legion, Bill provides free assistance to veterans and their families through my Shamokin Dam district office. Veterans do not need to be American Legion members to receive assistance. I’m grateful for the work Bill does to help those who have served our country, and I encourage veterans and their families to take advantage of this resource. Bill will also be joining me for a special Veterans Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, November 10, at 6 p.m. We’ll discuss veterans’ benefits and available resources and take questions from callers. The event takes place the evening before Veterans Day and offers an opportunity to participate directly from home. Sign up to receive a call for the November 10 Veterans Telephone Town Hall on SenatorCulver.com. Bill provides assistance at my Shamokin Dam district office once a month. Veterans interested in scheduling an individual appointment with Bill can also contact my Shamokin Dam district office at 570-743-1918. Phone-Free School Legislation Signed Into Law
Legislation I supported to limit student cellphone use during the school day was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday, October 26, becoming Act 117 of 2026. The new law requires Pennsylvania schools to adopt policies restricting student cellphone use throughout the school day while allowing schools to determine how those policies are implemented locally. Schools must have their policies in place by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year. The law includes exceptions for documented medical needs, individualized education programs and Section 504 service agreements, translation assistance for English learners, and limited instructional use approved by a principal. It also allows certain additional exceptions under school policies. Cellphones can be an important tool, but constant access during the school day can also create distractions and make it more difficult for students to focus. This law is intended to give schools another tool for creating learning environments where students can concentrate on their education. View Act 117 of 2026 and its legislative history on PAlegis.us. Bloomsburg Social Security Office Reopens
I am excited to share that in-person Social Security services are available again in Bloomsburg. The Social Security Administration now lists all Pennsylvania offices as open. The Bloomsburg office is located at 700 Market St. Residents should call ahead to confirm available services and arrange an appointment before traveling to the office. The office provides a local resource for residents who need help with Social Security benefits, Medicare enrollment, disability claims and other services. Many services are also available online or by telephone, which may save residents a trip to the office. For assistance, call the Bloomsburg office at 866-526-9847 or visit the Social Security Administration website at SSA.gov for additional information and online services. Celebrating Rita Olaf’s 100th Birthday
I was honored to recognize Rita Olaf on her 100th birthday with a Senate citation as her friends and family gathered to celebrate this milestone. Originally from Kulpmont, Rita graduated with honors from Kulpmont High School in 1944, where she was a cheerleader and even wrote the lyrics to her graduating class’s song. Throughout her life, she has shared her love of music as a soloist at weddings, in church choirs and even in a radio advertisement. Rita married her husband, Henry, in 1951, and together they raised four children. Today, her family includes three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She now resides at Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community in Danville. The celebration included friends sharing memories and Rita performing “You Make Me Feel So Young.” Watch the video of Rita singing here on Vimeo. I wish Rita a very happy 100th birthday and thank her for sharing her love of music with those around her. Recognizing Adelay Cooney’s Eagle Scout Achievement
On Saturday, October 24, I had the pleasure of presenting Adelay Cooney of Danville with a Senate citation recognizing her achievement of earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting America, during a ceremony at Grove Presbyterian Church. Adelay is a member of Troop 4077 in Danville, where she has served in several leadership roles, including Quartermaster, Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. For her Eagle Scout service project, Adelay led efforts to finish two bedrooms in an apartment being renovated by Grove Presbyterian Church, demonstrating her commitment to serving others and making a difference in her community. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes dedication, leadership and service. I congratulate Adelay on this accomplishment and wish her continued success. Attending the Northumberland County Township Officers Annual Banquet
I attended the Northumberland County Association of Township Officers Annual Banquet last week, where I met with local township officials and shared an update on legislative activity in Harrisburg. The association has a long history of supporting local government, dating back to 1936. The annual gathering brings together township officials to strengthen relationships and discuss issues affecting their communities. Township officials play an important role in maintaining roads, managing local services and addressing the everyday needs of residents. I appreciate their dedication to public service and the opportunity to work alongside them to support our communities throughout Northumberland County. Celebrating Bloomsburg Homecoming and America 250
I enjoyed participating in the Bloomsburg Homecoming Parade last Saturday as the community came together to celebrate the return of this tradition after a seven-year absence. The parade brought together Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, local schools, community organizations and residents for a morning of school spirit and hometown pride. This year’s homecoming festivities also featured an America 250 theme, recognizing our nation’s 250th anniversary and highlighting the importance of celebrating our shared history and the communities that make Pennsylvania special. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and residents who helped bring this tradition back to Bloomsburg. Raising Awareness of Dementia and Elder Abuse
On Sunday, October 25, I attended a community presentation hosted by Journey to Justice at Shade Mountain Winery in Middleburg focused on navigating the challenges of dementia and preventing elder abuse. The program, presented by Journey to Justice founder Lynn Fiedler and gerontology nurse Kim Rigel, provided information about dementia, available resources and ways families can better support and protect their loved ones. The event came just days after the Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation I sponsored, Senate Bill 807, known as Alice’s Law. Named in memory of Lynn’s mother, Alice Longenberger, the bill would establish a statewide Older Adult Abuse Registry to help prevent individuals with histories of abuse from moving between caregiving positions. The legislation now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. I appreciate Lynn’s continued dedication to advocating for older adults and thank everyone involved in organizing this informative event. Learn more about Alice’s Law on PAlegis.us. Providing an Update on Data Center Development
On Monday, October 26, I hosted another virtual informational session with Penn State Extension to provide residents with updated information on data center development in Pennsylvania. The presentation focused on current data center technologies, industry trends and emerging best practices to help residents and local officials better understand this rapidly evolving industry. Participants also had the opportunity to submit questions through Zoom. This was the third informational session I have hosted this year on data centers, building on previous discussions about development considerations and water demands associated with these facilities. As conversations about data center development continue across our region, I believe it is important for residents and local officials to have access to accurate, fact-based information to help them make informed decisions about their communities. Thank you to Penn State Extension for continuing to share its expertise and to everyone who joined us for the discussion. View additional data center resources and previous presentations on SenatorCulver.com. Remember to Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3
I encourage eligible voters to make a plan to vote in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, when Pennsylvanians will choose state and federal officials. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you may vote. County election offices must receive completed mail-in and civilian absentee ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day; a postmark does not meet the deadline. Separate rules apply to military and overseas voters. Find your polling place and official voting information on Pennsylvania’s voting website. Update on Second-Degree Murder Sentencing Legislation
I supported Senate Bill 1400 to establish a new sentencing framework for second-degree murder following the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s March 26 ruling in Commonwealth v. Lee. The court found mandatory life without parole unconstitutional and stayed its decision for 120 days, until July 24, 2026, to allow the General Assembly to respond. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1400 in June, and it remains before the House Judiciary Committee. The proposal would provide sentencing options based on a person’s role in the crime and the circumstances of the case, retain life without parole in specified cases, and establish parole eligibility for certain people already serving life sentences. Eligibility for parole would not guarantee release. The Parole Board would review each eligible case, with provisions for victims and their families to participate. I support continued work on legislation that addresses the court’s ruling, protects public safety and respects victims’ families. Ensuring Sexual Assault Survivors Get Justice
I supported legislation to improve the handling and tracking of sexual assault evidence so survivors have clearer information and evidence is processed consistently across Pennsylvania. Act 106 of 2026, signed October 22, removes language allowing local law enforcement to decide whether collected sexual assault evidence is awaiting testing. It also updates reporting through the statewide tracking system. These changes strengthen accountability for evidence that has not yet been analyzed. Act 122 of 2024 established a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system. Following pilots in Erie, Lancaster and York counties, the system is scheduled to launch statewide in December 2026, giving survivors a way to check the status of their evidence kits. The 2026–27 state budget also provides a $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. I support these services and continued efforts to help survivors throughout the reporting, testing and legal processes. Making Education More Affordable
I support efforts to make education and career training more affordable for Pennsylvania students. Recent funding changes and proposals include: The 2026–27 state budget increases Grow PA scholarship funding by $10 million. The program helps eligible students prepare for in-demand occupations and requires recipients to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation or repay their grants. The 2025–26 budget expanded the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program by $50 million for supplemental scholarships for students attending economically disadvantaged schools. The Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program supports opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at no cost, including students in rural and underserved communities. I also supported Senate Bill 998, which would establish the Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program to help accredited nursing programs train more nurses. The Senate passed the bill in April, and it remains under consideration in the House. I will continue working to expand access to education and training that helps students prepare for careers in Pennsylvania. Funding Road Improvements in Our Communities
I supported the 2026–27 state budget, which includes $775 million from the Motor License Fund over two fiscal years for shovel-ready improvements to state-owned roads across Pennsylvania. The Rapid Deployment program includes $500 million in 2026–27 and $275 million in 2027–28. These projects address state-owned roads in our communities; the funding is not a grant allocation to municipal governments. Residents can review PennDOT’s project list and map to see planned improvements. View Rapid Deployment Transportation Projects on PennDOT’s website. Making a Difference with Breast Cancer
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, I encourage residents to learn about screening resources and ways to support neighbors affected by breast cancer throughout the year. Make screening part of the conversation Know your risk Support a Friends Like Me care package drive Support research |
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