April 28, 2022
BLUE BELL, April 28, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today joined Senator Maria Collett, Senator Amanda Cappelletti, Senator Carolyn Comitta and Senator Judy Schwank to host a public hearing on the challenges faced by college students and staff in regard to childcare.
“Our hearing today highlighted the frustrating reality that affordable, accessible, and quality childcare is an unmet need for families across the Commonwealth,” Muth said. “We need to support the parents and the single mothers who are trying to fight their way out of poverty and economic struggle, trying to make ends meet, further their education, and trying to make a better life for their children. It is time for Harrisburg and Washington to step up and invest in childcare services.”
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing, hosted in the Health Sciences Center at Montgomery County Community College, featured three panels of testimony from students, educators, advocates, and public policy experts who will discuss the lack of affordable and accessible childcare at institutions of higher education.
“Parents who want to further their education deserve the opportunity to do so,” Cappelletti said. “By building in resources for parents to have access to affordable, quality childcare when continuing their education, we can open up more economic opportunities for families in Pennsylvania to be successful.”
According to a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, nearly four million U.S. undergraduate students—or 22 percent of all undergraduate students—are raising children while attending a postsecondary education program. The study found that 70 percent of student parents are mothers – and over two in 5 of all student parents are single mothers.
“More than 20 percent of college undergraduate students are also parents. Ensuring those student-parents have access to childcare is a matter of both equity and economics,” Collett said. “Our Commonwealth cannot grow and prosper when parents of young children are unable to save for the future, find family sustaining jobs, and pursue and complete their education. It’s far past time for the Commonwealth to acknowledge this and adequately invest in our childcare infrastructure. With billions of unspent federal ARP dollars, now is the time to do so.”
One of the programs discussed at the hearing was the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program which is fully-funded by the US Department of Education to establish campus-based child care programs that help low-income student-parents stay in school and graduate. Pennsylvania also offers the Child Care Works program which is managed by the Early Learning Resource Centers.
“Many Pennsylvanians have faced the difficult decision to choose between affording childcare or continuing a higher education. Childcare programs offer critical educational skills and support for children and their families,” Comitta added. “Affordability, quality, and access to these programs are the obstacles and disparities that we must work to address and ensure that all working parents can shape a healthy, safe, and successful future for their family.”
Participants in the hearing included May Yaghnam, a mother of four and a student at the Community College of Philadelphia; Kristina Valdez, Executive director, Along the Way; Kelly Lake; Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Project Director, Community College of Philadelphia; Dr. Kalani Palmer, Associate Professor in Human Development and CCAMPIS Project Director, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and Tracey Campanini, Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
“It’s clear the business model for childcare is broken and creative solutions are needed to meet the modern needs of Pennsylvanians. Linking childcare and higher education is one way to allow parents to pursue the education they need to increase their earning potential, and it would benefit staff and faculty as well,” Schwank said. “Today’s hearing provided us with some ideas about ways we can expand childcare services in the commonwealth and provide these crucial services at more Pennsylvania colleges and universities.”
Todos los testimonios presentados en la audiencia y el vídeo completo están disponibles en SenatorMuth.com/Policy
# # #
April 22, 2022
Reading – April 22, 2022 – Today, State Sen. Judy Schwank announced two 11th District projects will receive $4.45 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) grant funding from the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.
$1.45 million will go to Reading Historical Properties, LP for the rehabilitation of the historical Trexler Mansion located at 46 South Fifth Street in the City of Reading. The building was formerly the Reading Elk Lodge from 1909 to 1978. Renovations will include interior and exterior rehabilitation of the building. The developer’s goal is for the building to be a venue for events as well as office space for local businesses.
“Reading is home to numerous buildings that have historic significance to our community and unique architecture,” Schwank said. “The rehabilitation of these buildings and extending their service life well into the future is a crucial component of the overall redevelopment of downtown Reading. This investment further demonstrates Governor Wolf’s commitment to downtown Reading’s revitalization.”
$3 million was awarded to the Rodale Institute, a nonprofit that promotes organic farmer training, research, and consumer education. The funding will go towards a brand-new Science Center facility located in Maxatawny Township. The new Science Center will replace Rodale’s existing outdated lab and provide the surrounding communities with a state-of-the-art facility.
“This is a major investment in Pennsylvania agriculture. Rodale Institute is a world-renowned educational leader in regenerative agriculture and organic food production. The facilities and research that this funding will support has implications for food supply as well as mitigating climate change. It will serve our local farmers as well who are capitalizing on the increasing consumer demand for local and healthy foods.”
###
14 de abril de 2022
Reading - 14 de abril de 2022 - Hoy, tres organizaciones ubicadas en el 11º Distrito Senatorial de Pensilvania recibieron un total de 194.000 dólares en fondos del Programa de Subvenciones de Seguridad sin Fines de Lucro de la Comisión de Pensilvania sobre el Crimen y la Delincuencia (PCCD).
El Programa de Subvenciones de Seguridad sin Fines de Lucro, que surgió de la legislación presentada por la senadora Judy Schwank (Ley 83 de 2019), está disponible para entidades sin fines de lucro que sirven principalmente a individuos, grupos o instituciones que están incluidos dentro de una categoría de motivación de prejuicio para un solo incidente de crimen de odio por prejuicio identificado por el FBI. Esas categorías de incidentes incluyen: raza / etnia / ascendencia, religión, orientación sexual, discapacidad, género e identidad de género.
Los proyectos subvencionables son los siguientes
- Adquisición de material de seguridad
- Formación sobre concienciación y respuesta ante amenazas
- Modernización de las estructuras existentes para mejorar la seguridad
- Evaluación de vulnerabilidades y amenazas
- Cualquier otro proyecto relacionado con la seguridad que mejore la seguridad de la organización sin ánimo de lucro.
Schwank fue parte de las discusiones con el gobernador y otros legisladores estatales sobre la mejora de la seguridad de las organizaciones que podrían ser blanco de un crimen de odio después del tiroteo en la sinagoga Tree of Life en octubre de 2018. Durante la actual sesión legislativa, Schwank introdujo el proyecto de ley SB 228, que financiaría permanentemente el Programa de Subvenciones de Seguridad sin Fines de Lucro. El proyecto de ley fue remitido al Comité de Asuntos de Veteranos y Preparación para Emergencias el 22 de febrero de 2021 y aún no ha recibido consideración.
A principios de este año, el gobernador Tom Wolf anunció en que se destinarían 4,5 millones de dólares del American Rescue Plan al programa, además de los 500.000 dólares restantes disponibles. Después de que se repusieran los fondos para el programa, Schwank se puso en contacto con las organizaciones elegibles de su distrito para informarles sobre la oportunidad de subvención.
Las tres organizaciones del 11º Distrito Senatorial a las que se ha concedido financiación son:
- GoggleWorks - 150.000 dólares
- Escuela del Sagrado Corazón - 25.000 dólares
- Congregación Reformista Oheb Sholom - 19.094 dólares
"Este es un programa que me enorgullece apoyar y estoy muy contento de ver que las organizaciones del condado de Berks aprovechan sistemáticamente esta oportunidad", dijo Schwank. "Este es un buen ejemplo de cómo pequeñas subvenciones en dólares pueden recorrer un largo camino hacia la mejora de la seguridad de la comunidad. Todo el mundo merece sentirse seguro, especialmente en las escuelas o en los lugares de culto. Mantengo la esperanza de que podamos llegar a un acuerdo en Harrisburg para hacer permanente el Programa de Subvenciones de Seguridad sin Fines de Lucro."
###
6 de abril de 2022
Harrisburg - 6 de abril de 2022 - Hoy, State Sens. Judy Schwank y Sharif Street emitieron un memorando de copatrocinador para un proyecto de ley que planean introducir que prohibiría la venta de productos de THC delta-8 en Pensilvania.
La Food and Drug Administration define el delta-8 THC como una sustancia psicoactiva que se encuentra en la planta de cannabis sativa, de la que la marihuana y el cáñamo son dos variedades. Se puede fabricar en mayores cantidades convirtiendo sintéticamente un compuesto no tóxico más conocido, el CBD, en delta-8 THC. En septiembre de 2021, la FDA emitió una advertencia de que a veces se utilizan "productos químicos domésticos potencialmente inseguros" para convertir el CBD en delta-8 THC.
En virtud de la Ley federal de Mejora de la Agricultura de 2018, el cáñamo se eliminó de la definición de marihuana en la Ley de Sustancias Controladas (CSA). La ley define el cáñamo como una planta de cannabis que contiene un 0,3% de THC delta-9 o menos, que se considera demasiado bajo para tener un efecto psicoactivo. Sin embargo, la Ley de Mejora de la Agricultura de 2018 no abordó el THC delta-8, lo que permite que no esté regulado a nivel federal.
Esta omisión creó un vacío legal que permite a los vendedores vender productos con THC delta-8 como comestibles, vaporizadores y tinturas sin ningún tipo de supervisión. En la actualidad, los mayores de 21 años pueden comprar productos con THC delta-8 en gasolineras y tiendas de barrio.
"Lo que estamos viendo ahora mismo es un mercado completamente desregulado para estos productos, que se están haciendo más populares cada día que pasa", dijo Schwank. "Me preocupa especialmente que los adolescentes menores de edad utilicen estos productos porque no tenemos ni idea de cómo se fabrican. Ya he oído hablar de niños en edad de instituto de mi distrito que han enfermado tras consumir THC delta-8, así que están encontrando formas de acceder a él."
Schwank también señaló que los extravagantes sabores de estos productos parecen estar dirigidos a los adolescentes.
"La omisión de delta-8 THC de la regulación federal nos ha dejado con un producto legalmente definido 'cáñamo' con efectos psicotrópicos que existe fuera del Programa de Marihuana Medicinal de PA y puede ser accesible a los menores de 21 años", dijo Street. "Nunca se pretendió que el cáñamo colocara a nadie. Es importante que los consumidores sean conscientes de lo que están comprando, y es nuestra responsabilidad como gobierno garantizar la seguridad y la protección de los consumidores. Esta legislación soluciona este problema y nos recuerda la importancia de un mercado del cannabis bien regulado y seguro."
Puede leer la nota completa de los copatrocinadores aquí.
###
25 de marzo de 2022
Reading, PA - 25 de marzo de 2022 - Esta mañana la senadora Judy Schwank (D-11th) y el representante Mark Rozzi (D-126th) hablaron en el 18º Foro Anual de la Comunidad de la Universidad de Kutztown sobre el SB 163 y el HB 1140, que requeriría que los empleados públicos y los profesionales médicos con licencia reciban formación sobre prejuicios una vez cada dos años.
Los profesores de escuelas públicas y privadas también estarían obligados a recibir formación, al igual que los profesores de escuelas profesionales e instituciones de enseñanza superior. Los dos proyectos de ley son piezas complementarias de la legislación Schwank y Rozzi están trabajando juntos para avanzar en la Asamblea General de Pennsylvania. El Departamento de Trabajo Social de la Universidad de Kutztown trabajó en estrecha colaboración con los legisladores en el desarrollo de los proyectos de ley.
La legislación define el sesgo social como "una creencia o conjunto de asociaciones sobre un individuo o un grupo de individuos basadas en características físicas, raza, etnia, sexo, edad, credo religioso u orientación sexual que pueden dar lugar a la atribución inexacta de cualidades particulares al individuo o grupo de individuos".
"Esta legislación ayudaría a los funcionarios públicos y a los profesionales de la medicina a comprender mejor cómo sus acciones, independientemente de la intención, pueden ser percibidas por personas de diferente orientación sexual, raza o religión", dijo Schwank. "La formación y el apoyo que proporcionan estos proyectos de ley no son polémicos y son necesarios para ayudar a hacer de Pensilvania un lugar acogedor para todos. Además, muchos empleados del sector privado reciben una formación similar para mejorar el servicio al cliente y el rendimiento en el lugar de trabajo."
"El senador Schwank y yo trabajamos estrechamente con las partes interesadas, incluida la Universidad de Kutztown, para redactar este proyecto de ley", dijo Rozzi. "Juntos, hemos sido capaces de formular lo que creemos que es una legislación increíblemente impactante que aumentaría la competencia cultural en toda Pennsylvania con una inversión mínima de capital. Estoy muy agradecido por las respuestas positivas que hemos recibido de los estudiantes de hoy, el mismo grupo demográfico que se beneficiarían de la aprobación de este proyecto de ley."
El SB 163 se remitió al Comité Intergubernamental del Estado de Pensilvania en febrero de 2021 y aún no se ha votado. Del mismo modo, el proyecto de ley HB 1140 se remitió al Comité de Gobierno Estatal de la Cámara de Representantes de Pensilvania en abril de 2021 y aún no se ha examinado.
###
March 18, 2022
Reading – March 18, 2022 – Sen. Judy Schwank hosted the second session of her annual model senate program today at the Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building.
During the second session, over 40 high school students from local school districts participated in committee hearings with experts based in Berks County and in Harrisburg. Experts included Assistant Berks County District Attorney Justin Bodor, Executive Director of the Berks County Medical Society T.J. Huckleberry, Executive Director of the Berks Business Education Coalition Solomon Lausch, and members of Schwank’s staff.
Committee hearings are an important part of being a legislator,” Schwank told the students. “When you get into committee, you have to come ready to ask questions and get into the fine details of the legislation. If it’s going to move forward and become law, you don’t want any surprises down the road.”
After the committee hearings, the students returned to their respective caucuses and discussed what they learned about the bills being considered. Brady Detwiler, a junior from Governor Mifflin, said he enjoyed getting a chance to hear from experts about the pieces of legislation.
“It’s been amazing to meet a lot of people from different fields and get their perspective on the bills we are considering,” Detwiler said. “Having the opportunity to ask questions about the bills allowed me to get a better understanding and see that a bill might look good on paper but there is a lot that needs to be considered when you are drafting legislation and there are many factors that aren’t obvious at first.”
Anna Kate Gwiazdowski, a senior for Schuylkill Valley, reflected on everything she’s learned during model senate so far and talked about the connections she’s made with other students.
“It’s been a really valuable opportunity meeting students from other schools in the county and getting different opinions on issues that affect all of us,” Gwiazdowski said. “Learning about the legislative process has been eye-opening. I’m really getting a sense of what Senators do.”
Next month the students will join Schwank in Harrisburg where they will be introduced before the Pennsylvania Senate and then hold their own senate session where they vote on the bills they have chosen.
###
February 18, 2022
Reading – February 18, 2022 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) welcomed roughly 40 students from local high schools to her office in Muhlenberg Township to participate in the first of three sessions for her annual model senate program.
After a year off due to the pandemic, the model senate has returned. Since 2013, Schwank has invited students from local public and private schools in her district to participate in the program. The model senate consists of three days, two of which take place at Schwank’s district office and the final day at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.
Today, the students elected a governor and leadership positions for each caucus. After that, each caucus met separately to discuss the bills they will consider during committee hearings. Each student is assigned to a committee. During the upcoming session in March, each committee will hold hearings with an expert testifier and ask questions about the bills that are being considered.
Students are given a packet of suggested bills but are encouraged to make changes or come up with their own. Many of the bills in the packet are based on real legislation currently being considered in the Pennsylvania Senate.
“Over the years, we’ve had great success with the model senate,” Schwank said. “The students seem to have a lot of fun doing it and hopefully they come away with a better understanding of government and the legislative process. Now more than ever, I think it’s important for kids who are interested in politics and government to get an idea of how things really work and start getting an idea of how they can be a positive influence.”
Schwank also said she believes the model senate is an opportunity for students to get a feel for government before they enter college and decide which major and career path they’d like to pursue.
##
February 16, 2022
Reading – February 16, 2022 – Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) visited Amanda E. Stout Elementary school to meet and read to a first grade class and to discuss SB 964, which would require Pennsylvania public schools to have a certified librarian on staff.
Schwank became the primary sponsor of SB 964 when its previous sponsor, John Sabatina, left the Pennsylvania Senate. In 2021, 48 school districts in Pennsylvania did not have a certified librarian in any of its buildings, impacting nearly 90 thousand K-12 students.
Schwank said her time as a volunteer tutor for the Ready.Set.READ! program gave her insight into the important work school librarians do helping students hone their reading skills.
“During my time as a tutor, I spent a lot of time in school libraries and got to see up close the impact a good librarian can have on students,” Schwank said. “Librarians play a crucial role helping students find and analyze reliable sources of information and apply it to their schoolwork. So, whether it’s sparking a student’s interest in reading or helping them navigate the shelves in order to find the information they need for a project, there are multiple ways librarians have a big impact on educational outcomes.”
Schwank also noted that one of the reasons schools go without librarians is inadequate education funding. Schwank added that Gov. Tom Wolf’s recent budget proposal, which would increase basic education funding for all 18 public schools in Berks County, would make it easier for schools to afford librarians and reduce reliance on local tax bases.
“Librarians disappearing from our public schools may seem like a small problem, but it’s a symptom of a much larger issue the commonwealth hasn’t been willing to reckon with,” Schwank said. “The way we fund public schools is broken and has been for quite some time.”
Schwank added that despite ranking fifth in total population among the 50 states, Pennsylvania ranks 46th in funding allocated by state governments to education.
SB 964 and its Pennsylvania House of Representatives companion bill HB 1168 have been co-sponsored by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. To date, both bills are yet to be considered in either the House or Senate Education committees.
###
February 9, 2022
Harrisburg, PA − February 9, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) applaud Governor Tom Wolf for his budget proposal that utilizes the nearly $6 billion budget surplus and puts Pennsylvania on the path to make historic investments in education, criminal justice, and public health.
We are proud to see numerous proposals related to the health and wellness of women and families across the Commonwealth, specifically:
- $8 million to extend postpartum coverage for birthing parents eligible for Medical Assistance to 12 months.
- $15 million, a 77% increase, to implement additional evidence-based home visiting and family support services to 3,800 additional families across the Commonwealth.
- $1.2 million to add postpartum depression as an eligible tracking category for early identification of need for early intervention services.
- $500,000, a 50% increase, to support “It’s On Us PA”, which promotes healthy relationships and protects students from sexual violence.
- $30 million to fund two new childcare options for state employees.
- $1 million for reentry services to women.
- Increase in the minimum wage: proposing an increase to $12 an hour effective July 1, 2022, with an annual increase of 50 cents until it reaches $15 in 2028.
“I’m thrilled to see many proposals geared towards expanding healthcare coverage, increasing access to childcare, and broadening evidence-based home visiting,” said Senator Amanda Cappelletti, WHC co-chair, (D-Montgomery/Delaware). “While these plans are a step in the right direction, our Caucus will be fighting to eliminate using taxpayer dollars to fund anti-abortion centers, which are proven to use deceptive practices to trick people into carrying their pregnancies to term. This funding is an embarrassment to Pennsylvania and must come to an end.”
Notably, included in the proposal is the expansion of Medical Assistance for postpartum individuals for up to 12 months. This investment in a crucial part of the #OptInPA campaign that our caucus has been championing for months. Nationally, the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates when compared to similarly wealthy countries. Growing evidence shows that the postpartum period lasts longer than 60 days and extending coverage for a full year can reduce maternal mortality rates and improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
“We’ve been fortunate to have a Governor and administrative team that understands the importance of maternal health. The funding for postpartum services in this year’s budget, which has been a priority of the Women’s Health Caucus, is very promising,” said Senator Judy Schwank, WHC co-chair (D-Berks). “Additionally, investments to bolster child care and pre-k will allow women who have left the workplace during the pandemic to return. I believe this proposal recognizes the opportunity we have to make big investments in working families from every corner of this commonwealth. Overall, I’m pleased with the Governor’s budget and I’m grateful for his continued commitment to the women and families of Pennsylvania.”
“At its heart, we all know that a state budget is a financial plan which reflects our priorities. Prioritizing women’s health means prioritizing Pennsylvania’s families,” said Representative Morgan Cephas, WHC co-chair (D-Philadelphia). “I am glad to see support for postpartum care, reentry services, and family support services amongst many other provisions announced in the Governor’s 2022 proposal.”
For more information on the proposals put forth in Governor Tom Wolf’s budget, see here.
Follow the Women’s Health Caucus on Twitter and Facebook. Check out our website here.
###
February 1, 2022
Reading − February 1, 2022 – On Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m., Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) will be hosting a virtual event on student mental health via zoom.
The event is open to the public and will feature four Berks County based experts who have been working to address mental health needs in schools. Participants can submit questions to be answered before or during the event.
“Everywhere I go, this is a topic people want to talk about,” Schwank said. “The pandemic has been a difficult time for students and parents alike. Each day, students can’t say for certain what the school day will look like, or if the event they’ve been looking forward to will take place or be canceled. More and more, we are seeing the uncertainty the pandemic has brought take a toll on students. That’s why I want to give parents an opportunity to get answers to the questions they have about what can be done to help kids be healthy and successful in school.”
Panelists will include:
- Michelle Reichard-Huff, Director of Early Childhood & Student Services at BCIU
- Anne Fisher, Director of Student Support at Reading School District
- Pam Seaman, Berks County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Program Administrator at County of Berks
- Marybeth Torchia, Superintendent of Boyertown Area School District
To register or submit a question, please visit senatorschwank.com/mentalhealth. A recording of the event will be posted to the same link the following day.
###
January 27, 2022
Reading – January 27, 2022 – This morning, Gov. Tom Wolf and members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate announced $4.5 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) would be made available for non-profits that could be the targets of a hate crime.
The creation of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program was spearheaded by state legislators, including Sen. Judy Schwank, in the aftermath of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Squirrel Hill in October of 2018. To date, $10 million has been distributed statewide to help organizations enhance security.
“As a Squirrel Hill native and a member of the Jewish faith, the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting affected me deeply,” Schwank said. “It was a rare moment where legislators and community leaders came together and decided that we had to take action to make sure something like it never happens again. Everyone in the commonwealth, regardless of religion, deserves to feel safe in their place of worship. I’m grateful to see this crucial program continue.”
Eligible organizations are nonprofits that principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category identified by the 2017 FBI Hate Crime Statistics Publication. The list includes race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity.
Since 2020, the following entities in Berks County received funding from the Non-Profit Security Grant Program:
2020
- Iglesia Evangélica Luterana de Allegheny, Mohnton, 23.648 $.
- Congregación Reformista Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing, 25.000 dólares
2021
- Congregación Reformista Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing, 9.897 $.
- The LGBT Center of Greater Reading, Reading, 11.525 $.
- Abilities in Motion, Lectura, 6.500 $.
Schwank and Sen. Jay Costa have sponsored SB 228 to permanently fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
###
January 26, 2022
Reading – January 26, 2022 – This afternoon, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) announced the Berks Community Action Program, Inc. (BCAP) received $600,000 for violence prevention initiatives.
Over $24 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grant funding was distributed statewide. A previous round of funding, which was approved in December, awarded an additional $15,708,048 across the commonwealth bringing the combined total of December and January awards to $39,949,901.
BCAP plans to use the funding to support and grow a multitude of services it’s established to combat poverty and engage youth in positive social and educational activities. All these efforts aim to reduce and eliminate gang involvement and gun violence in Berks County. Additionally, BCAP has plans to deploy a trained outreach specialist in conjunction with other trained staff from partner organizations to interact with youths engaged in gang activity and gun violence.
“When you look at the proposal BCAP put together, it’s very clear a lot of thought about what our community needs was put into this application,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) said. “Having professionals who are trained to go out in communities and interact with young people who aren’t headed down the right path is absolutely invaluable. This funding will ensure BCAP has the resources they need to continue making a positive impact on Berks County. I applaud BCAP for the work they do and the PCCD for continuing to direct financial resources to Berks County.”
###
January 25, 2022
Harrisburg – January 25, 2022 – Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D- 11th district) and Sen. Elder Vogel (R-47th district) unveiled Senate Bill 1032, which would protect farmers from grain handlers that become insolvent.
Pennsylvania currently has no regulations providing indemnification coverage to farmers if a grain buyer goes out of business. The inspiration for the legislation came from two Berks County farmers who lost thousands of dollars when the dealer they’d been working with to sell their grain went out of business.
“The lack of protection afforded to Pennsylvania’s grain farmers puts them at significant risk and makes other farmers think twice before doing business here,” Schwank said. “This legislation will make sure other farmers don’t have to endure this economic hardship and blow to their livelihood when they’ve lived up to their end of the bargain. Other states protect their farmers. It’s time for Pennsylvania to do the same.”
The legislation would create a fund called the Agricultural Commodity Indemnity Fund (ACIF) to be used to reimburse farmers if their grain handler goes out of business. The ACIF will be funded by a half cent per bushel fee paid by farmers selling or storing grain with licensed grain handlers, and annual grain handler license fees. The per-bushel assessment will be discontinued once the fund reaches $10 million, and the assessment will not be reinstated unless the fund drops to $8 million.
“The establishment of ACIF will provide security for Pennsylvania farmers who do business with grain dealers, by preventing potentially devastating impacts should the company with which they have engaged in business become insolvent,” Vogel said. “Further, it will promote local licensed grain handlers in areas of the Commonwealth that border states with such a fund already in place.”
Several other states offer similar protections. The legislation proposed by Schwank and Vogel is based on laws adopted in other states and has the support of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
###
January 21, 2022
Reading – January 21, 2022 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) applauded today’s awarding of $176,798 in Safe Schools Targeted Grants to Berks County school districts by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“Every investment we can make in school safety is worthwhile in my eyes,” Schwank said. “It’s important schools that have identified safety needs and have plans in place to make improvements have the resources they need to get things done. I give Gov. Wolf and the Department of Education credit for recognizing school safety is something worth investing in and for making sure Berks County received its fair share.”
The following schools in Berks County received funding.
Equipment Grant Awardees:
- Antietam School District- $25,000
- Fleetwood Area School District- $24,980
- Oley Valley School District- 24,999
Program Grant Awardees:
- Antietam School District- $20,000
- Oley Valley School District- $19,999
Additionally, three non-public schools received a total of $61,820 in Equipment Grants. Statewide, $8 million was awarded to 303 learning education agencies.
###
December 30, 2021
Reading – December 30, 2021 – The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) today announced that five Berks County projects were awarded $894,200 in grant funding.
Statewide, 317 projects, including four in the 11th senatorial district, received investment through the Community Conversation Partnership Program (CCPP). A statewide total of $70 million will go towards projects that revitalize communities, create new recreational opportunities, and conserve natural spaces.
Fleetwood Borough received $250,000 for the rehabilitation of Fleetwood Park. Improvements to the park will include renovation of the stage and construction of a new bandshell, a seating area, a shade structure, pedestrian walkways, and a parking area. Also funded increased ADA access and landscaping improvements.
Muhlenberg Township was awarded $143,500 for the rehabilitation and further development of Laurel Run Park. Park renovations will include a parking area, the installation of pickleball courts, a multi-purpose field, pavilions, and pedestrian walkways. Also included under the project are new signage and ADA-compliant pathways.
The City of Reading received $237,000 for the rehabilitation of Reading Iron Playground. Funding will go towards the construction of a basketball court, soccer field, pedestrian walkways, and a parking area. Additionally, new playground equipment with required safety surfacing will be installed.
The Borough of was awarded $247,000 to further the development of Topton Park. Work will include the construction of pedestrian walkways and bridges as well as increased ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other related site improvements.
“It’s encouraging that the commonwealth continues to make investments here in Berks County,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) said. “There’s no shortage of great projects being put forward by local leaders and I’m happy to see them get the financial support they deserve. I hope this continues and I know my fellow state lawmakers representing Berks County will join me in making sure our projects are given the resources they need.”
Elsewhere in Berks County, Tulpehocken Township received $16,700 for a master site development plan for the 4.8-acre Tulpehocken Township Recreation Area. Funding will go towards commissioning a written report.
###
December 15, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – December 15, 2021 – After today’s joint Pennsylvania House and Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs committee hearing on fireworks law, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) provided the following statement:
“Today’s hearing was useful. We heard directly from local government officials, law enforcement officials, and a representative for fireworks retailers. I believe everyone at the hearing agreed that things need to change, but the next step in the process is unclear. The state legislature alone created the problems we’re seeing, not only in Berks County but statewide, in terms of fireworks. We must be willing to acknowledge that and take action. Increased local control was repeatedly referenced as a potential solution short of a full repeal of consumer-grade fireworks. This may be a path forward, but the undue burdens the state is placing on local first responders and the Pennsylvania State Police would still need to be addressed. Additionally, stiffening penalties would go a long way towards enforcing the current law, which is routinely flouted.”
“My position on this issue has been shaped in large part by constituents speaking out. In Berks County, the feedback from constituents has been overwhelming, consistent, and very clear. People want something to be done about this. There has been a disconnect between Harrisburg and what is happening elsewhere in Pennsylvania over the past few years when it comes to fireworks. Continuing to slow walk changing the law or insisting that this is just an enforcement issue doesn’t do anything for people who are fed up with inaction. We created the problem, it’s time for us to take ownership of that fact, listen to constituents, and work together to find solutions. After today’s hearing, I’m more optimistic we can get something through the legislature and finally take ownership of this.”
Earlier this year, Sen. Schwank introduced SB 757, which would repeal the sale of consumer-grade fireworks.
###
9 de diciembre de 2021
Reading, PA - 9 de diciembre de 2021 - La Primera Dama Frances Wolf se unió a miembros de la Asamblea General y representantes de la red de alimentos de caridad hoy en Mary's Shelter en Reading para anunciar una inversión de $ 11,4 millones en infraestructura de almacenamiento en frío para los bancos de alimentos que sirven a todos los condados de Pensilvania.
"Es fundamental que convirtamos las lecciones aprendidas a lo largo de la pandemia en acciones significativas que marquen la diferencia en las vidas de los habitantes de Pensilvania", ha declarado la Primera Dama Wolf. "Esta inversión se traducirá en un sistema alimentario mejor, más fuerte y más resistente, lo que se traduce en una mancomunidad mejor, más fuerte y más resistente".
El Programa de Infraestructura de Almacenamiento en Frío para Bancos de Alimentos COVID-19, financiado por el American Rescue Plan, es un programa de subvenciones que permitirá a los bancos de alimentos de Pensilvania comprar, ampliar o mejorar las instalaciones de almacenamiento en frío para garantizar que puedan entregar alimentos frescos a las familias con dificultades. Las compras subvencionables incluyen frigoríficos, neveras, congeladores, remolques frigoríficos y furgonetas de carga, ampliaciones de edificios y mucho más. Este programa afectará a los 67 condados y es esencial para hacer frente a la inseguridad alimentaria y al desperdicio de alimentos.
El programa financiará a los siguientes bancos de alimentos de toda la Commonwealth, mediante una dotación de $11.392.345 a Feeding Pennsylvania:
- Alliance for Nonprofit Resources - 276.000 dólares, al servicio del condado de Butler
- Bucks County Opportunity Council - 55.025 $, al servicio del condado de Bucks
- Banco Central de Alimentos de Pensilvania: 2.585.000 dólares para los condados de Adams, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga y Union.
- Banco de Alimentos del Condado de Chester - 621.005 $, al servicio del Condado de Chester
- Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County - 137.000 $, al servicio del condado de Mercer
- Agencia de Acción Comunitaria del Condado de Fayette - 130.000 dólares, al servicio del Condado de Fayette
- Food for Families - Cambria - 279.000 $, al servicio del condado de Cambria
- Food Helpers - Washington - 346.000 $, al servicio del condado de Washington
- Banco Comunitario de Alimentos de Pittsburgh: 1.241.740 dólares para los condados de Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence y Somerset.
- Helping Harvest - Berks/Schuylkill - 1.077.000 $, al servicio de los condados de Berks y Schuylkill
- Programa de Acción Comunitaria del Condado de Indiana - 265.000 dólares, al servicio del Condado de Indiana
- Philabundance: 156.000 dólares para los condados de Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery y Filadelfia.
- Share Food Program : 2.604.000 dólares para los condados de Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery y Filadelfia.
- SHFB de Lehigh Valley y NEPA - 60.900 $, al servicio de los condados de Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike y Wayne.
- SHFB of Northwest PA - $748,675, sirviendo a los condados de Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Mckean, Venango y Warren.
- Weinberg NEPA Regional Food Bank - 580.000 dólares, al servicio de los condados de Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna y Wyoming.
- Banco de alimentos del condado de Westmoreland - 80.000 $, al servicio del condado de Westmoreland
- Banco de alimentos del condado de York - 150.000 dólares, al servicio del condado de York
"En el último año ha quedado muy claro que la inseguridad alimentaria es un grave problema no sólo en la Commonwealth, sino en todo el país. Las inversiones que la Administración Wolf está haciendo en los bancos de alimentos reforzará nuestra capacidad para conseguir alimentos en manos de las personas que más lo necesitan", dijo la senadora Judy Schwank. "Además, ofrecer una gran diversidad de productos alimenticios nutritivos y frescos gracias a las unidades de refrigeración beneficiará enormemente a la salud de los habitantes de Pensilvania".
El gobernador Tom Wolf ha trabajado para apoyar simultáneamente el sistema caritativo de alimentos y la industria agrícola a lo largo de su administración invirtiendo continuamente en programas que conectan los excedentes de alimentos agrícolas con las familias necesitadas y financiando proyectos para disminuir el desperdicio de alimentos. El gobernador Wolf financió por primera vez el Programa del Sistema de Excedentes Agrícolas de Pensilvania en 2015 y desde entonces ha invertido más de 20 millones de dólares para apoyar a los agricultores y a las familias que se enfrentan a la inseguridad alimentaria.
En 2019, se creó el Programa de Subvención de Infraestructura de Recuperación de Alimentos para abordar las necesidades de almacenamiento en frío de los bancos de alimentos y reducir el desperdicio de alimentos frescos. Cuando COVID-19 llegó a Pensilvania en 2020, el gobernador Wolf amplió el programa y aumentó la financiación de $ 4 millones a $ 9,6 millones para garantizar que se cubrieran las necesidades de alimentos. Este Programa de Infraestructura de Almacenamiento en Frío trabajará para satisfacer aún más la amplitud de las necesidades identificadas durante el proceso de revisión del Programa de Infraestructura de Recuperación de Alimentos.
"Alimentar a más familias de Pensilvania requiere aumentar la capacidad de transporte, refrigeración y medidas para garantizar que los alimentos son seguros", dijo el Secretario de Agricultura Russell Redding. "Estas inversiones ayudan a la agricultura de Pensilvania seguir creciendo, alimentar nuestra economía y fortalecer el sistema de alimentos de beneficencia en toda la mancomunidad."
"La red de alimentos de caridad está más que agradecida por esta inversión en nuestros bancos de alimentos y nuestras agencias asociadas como Mary's Shelter para aumentar nuestra capacidad de almacenar y transportar alimentos frescos y congelados", dijo hoy en Reading la Directora Ejecutiva de Feeding Pennsylvania, Jane Clements. "Estamos agradecidos a la Administración Wolf y Liderazgo Demócrata para el reconocimiento de esta necesidad crítica que apoyará a tantos Pennsylvanians inseguridad alimentaria."
El Programa de Subvenciones para Infraestructuras de Almacenamiento en Frío fue defendido por los demócratas de la Cámara de Representantes y el Senado.
"Desde la pandemia, los comedores y despensas locales han compartido conmigo el aumento de la demanda de alimentos y servicios", dijo la diputada Christine Sappey, demócrata de Chester. "El Banco de Alimentos del Condado de Chester sirve como una conexión fundamental en la distribución de bienes donados a las organizaciones locales asociadas en todo el condado, por lo que es importante que tengan la capacidad de garantizar una nutrición segura y saludable llega a las familias que lo necesitan. Esta financiación ayudará al Banco de Alimentos a conseguirlo".
"En el transcurso de esta pandemia, vimos colas de coches de kilómetros de personas que esperaban asistencia alimentaria de nuestros bancos de alimentos locales. Fue un duro recordatorio visual de cuántos de nuestros vecinos viven con inseguridad alimentaria o están a sólo un cheque de pago perdido de distancia de ella", dijo la representante Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny. "Estoy orgullosa de ver que el Gobernador reconoce el papel esencial que desempeñaron los bancos de alimentos para ayudarnos a superar esta pandemia y que se ha comprometido a garantizar que reciban las inversiones necesarias para continuar y ampliar su labor vital en nuestras comunidades."
"Para muchos de nuestros vecinos, no saber cuándo será su próxima comida o de dónde viene es una lucha diaria", dijo el representante Manuel Guzmán, D-Berks. "A medida que la inseguridad alimentaria sigue afectando a más y más de nuestros ciudadanos más vulnerables, es vital adoptar un enfoque proactivo en la lucha contra esta epidemia a través de iniciativas tales como asegurar que nuestros bancos de alimentos locales estén debidamente equipados y financiados. Me enorgullece ver que estos recursos se destinan a una causa tan valiosa y espero explorar vías para ampliar la financiación a todos los bancos de alimentos de la zona."
"Los bancos de alimentos juegan un papel vital en ayudar a los de nuestra comunidad poner comida en la mesa", dijo el representante Kristine Howard, D-Chester. "Al reforzar el almacenamiento de alimentos en frío, los bancos de alimentos pueden centrarse en proporcionar alimentos de calidad y saludables a aquellos que lo necesitan en lugar de preocuparse por si sus donaciones se van a echar a perder."
"En los talones de la pandemia, estoy encantado de que la administración del gobernador Wolf está haciendo esta inversión muy necesaria para ayudar a fortalecer los bancos de alimentos en toda la Commonwealth. Además, el salario mínimo de Pensilvania es lamentablemente inferior a lo que las personas necesitan para llegar a fin de mes", dijo el senador Tim Kearney. "Tener una base sólida para nuestros bancos de alimentos ayudará a asegurar que ninguna persona o familia tenga que elegir entre poner comida en la mesa o pagar otras facturas críticas como el alquiler o los medicamentos recetados."
"Estoy encantado de ver que los fondos ARP se utilizan para financiar infraestructuras de almacenamiento en frío para nuestros bancos de alimentos. Conseguir que estos dólares lleguen a las comunidades que han sido más afectadas no sólo por la pandemia, sino también por factores como la pérdida de transporte público fiable, la falta de opciones saludables disponibles en los barrios y las recesiones económicas que comenzaron mucho antes de 2020 ha sido una enorme prioridad para mí y para todo el Caucus Demócrata del Senado", dijo el senador Lindsey Williams. "Tenemos que gastar este dinero en formas que nos den el mejor retorno de nuestra inversión, y el Programa de Infraestructura de Almacenamiento en Frío es un ejemplo perfecto de cómo hacerlo."
Para más información sobre los esfuerzos de la Administración Wolf para mejorar la seguridad alimentaria en toda la Commonwealth, visite agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.
6 de diciembre de 2021
Reading- December 6, 2021 − Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) announced today that ByHeart was awarded $1.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding for improvements to a Reading-based facility.
ByHeart’s Project Lexington is expected to establish the company as one of the country’s only fully integrated baby formula manufacturers, upon FDA-registration. The funding will be used to complete the construction of a canning line and dry blend area at the ByHeart facility located at 61 Vanguard Drive in Exeter Township. These improvements will secure the last piece of the supply chain in Pennsylvania at ByHeart’s manufacturing plant, making it the fourth end-to-end infant formula manufacturer in the U.S. The funding will ensure the final canned product is released from Pennsylvania and give Pennsylvania dairy farmers access to a $70 billion global market. The plant improvements are projected to create 50 new jobs and support countless others in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sector as ByHeart expands production and canning.
“ByHeart’s project will have a positive impact locally by creating high-paying jobs and provide a statewide boost to Pennsylvania dairy sales,” Schwank said. “Members of my staff and I got a chance to visit the facility this past spring and learned about ByHeart’s goals for the facility. This project has a lot of upsides, including creating an ecosystem for high-value dairy inputs like organic grass-fed whole milk, organic grass-fed lactose, and value-added whey proteins. For me, supporting this project’s application was a no-brainer and I’m grateful to ByHeart for seeing value in Berks County and to Gov. Wolf for funding this project.”
“As a next-generation baby nutrition company, ByHeart has chosen the Commonwealth as home to our facility and epicenter of our production,” a statement issued from ByHeart said. “We have since seen extraordinary support from both Senator Schwank and Governor Wolf to evolve our mission. It is with great humility and honor that we accept the RACP grant in order to continue our work to create highly skilled manufacturing jobs and to progress the ecosystem of dairy innovation in Pennsylvania.”
###
6 de diciembre de 2021
Reading − December 6, 2021 − The second phase or Alvernia’s Reading CollegeTowne project was awarded $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding for Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.\
The grant funding will go towards developing a new health sciences and engineering program at the Reading CollegeTowne campus.
“Its exciting to see a project this important to the future of downtown Reading reach its goals this quickly,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) said. “We are really starting to see what Reading CollegeTowne is all about. The prospect of offering student high-quality post-secondary education in crucial fields like engineering and health sciences is a huge win for the City of Reading.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a number of terrific colleges and universities that have big plans for the future of the Greater Reading area,” Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th) said. “We’ve worked hard to advocate at the state level for these projects. It’s been great to see that the value of Reading Collegetowne is being recognized in Harrisburg.”
“Reading CollegeTowne continues to be one of the many projects we can be excited about in the City of Reading,” Rep. Manny Guzman (D-127th) said. “I’m grateful to Gov. Wolf for seeing the potential of not just this project but Reading as a whole. The funding provided by the state is giving us an opportunity to make meaningful changes in our community.”
###
6 de diciembre de 2021
READING, 6 de diciembre de 2021 - La senadora estatal Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), presidenta del Comité de Política Demócrata del Senado de Pensilvania, se unió hoy a las senadoras Judy Schwank y Christine Tartaglione para organizar una audiencia pública sobre la evaluación y mejora de los centros de tratamiento de drogas en Pensilvania.
"Los alarmantes índices de abuso de sustancias y sobredosis de drogas se han magnificado a lo largo de la pandemia de COVID-19. Y cuando las personas y sus familias piden ayuda y buscan tratamiento, no disponen de los recursos y la información necesarios para tomar una decisión informada sobre los centros de tratamiento. Las familias de Pensilvania se merecen algo mejor", afirmó el senador Muth. "La audiencia política de hoy permitió a nuestro Comité escuchar a las familias que han perdido trágicamente a sus seres queridos a causa de la adicción, y también nos dio la oportunidad de discutir posibles soluciones legislativas y cambios de política que pueden mejorar el proceso de evaluación y los resultados del tratamiento de los centros de tratamiento de drogas de Pennsylvania. Los datos de las encuestas sobre los resultados de los pacientes deberían guiar los planes de tratamiento, no las compañías de seguros que a menudo deniegan la cobertura de los cuidados necesarios para una recuperación satisfactoria."
Pensilvania tiene una de las tasas más altas de sobredosis de drogas del país y las muertes por sobredosis de drogas han aumentado en 46 de los 67 condados de Pensilvania durante la pandemia de COVID-19. El Centro Nacional de Estadísticas de Salud del Centro de Control de Enfermedades indicó que hubo más de 100.000 muertes por sobredosis de drogas en los Estados Unidos durante el período de 12 meses que finalizó en abril de 2021, un aumento del 28,5% con respecto al año anterior.
"Debemos replantearnos nuestro enfoque para abordar adecuadamente la actual epidemia de opiáceos, y una forma de hacerlo es fijarnos en los centros de tratamiento de la drogadicción. Las personas que dan el paso crucial de buscar tratamiento para la adicción necesitan tener acceso a toda la información que necesitan para tomar la decisión correcta para sus circunstancias particulares", dijo Schwank. "Esta audiencia nos ha brindado la oportunidad de aprender directamente de las personas afectadas por la adicción, de los proveedores de tratamiento y de los reguladores estatales. Nos dará la oportunidad de comprender mejor qué factores hacen que el tratamiento farmacológico sea más eficaz."
El senador Schwank ha presentado dos proyectos de ley - Proyecto de Ley del Senado 975 y Proyecto de Ley del Senado 976 - para hacer frente a los problemas con los centros de tratamiento de drogas de Pennsylvania y hogares de recuperación. Proyecto de ley del Senado 975 requeriría que el Departamento de Programas de Drogas y Alcohol de Pensilvania (DDAP) para distribuir una encuesta anual a todos los centros de tratamiento de trastornos por uso de sustancias y hogares de recuperación que operan en PA, registro, y publicar en línea para el acceso público las respuestas proporcionadas por los centros de tratamiento y hogares de recuperación. El proyecto de ley 976 del Senado prohibiría a cualquier centro de tratamiento de Pensilvania negarse a admitir a cualquier persona que se presente en un centro de tratamiento solicitando servicios médicos o psicológicos para tratar un trastorno por consumo de sustancias, incluso si la persona se encuentra bajo los efectos de las drogas o el alcohol en el momento en que se presenta. También prohibiría a cualquier compañía de seguros médicos que opere en Pensilvania negarse a cubrir la admisión y la prestación de servicios médicos y psicológicos.
"Hoy ha sido un paso crucial para abordar la crisis que es la adicción, y el fracaso del tratamiento que la rodea", dijo Tartaglione. "Los cambios demográficos de la adicción y las sobredosis nos muestran que no hay comunidad en esta mancomunidad que no haya sido tocada por su devastación, desde Erie a Philly y Allentown a Pittsburgh, los demócratas del Senado de PA se dedican a mejorar y ampliar los servicios de tratamiento de la adicción ofrecidos."
La Comisión de Política Demócrata del Senado escuchó a varios panelistas en el Reading Area Community College, entre los que se encontraban representantes de la Opioid Crisis Action Network, el Self-Help Movement, la Caron Foundation, el Council on Chemical Abuse y el Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Todos los testimonios presentados en la audiencia de hoy y el vídeo completo están disponibles en SenatorMuth.com/Policy
# # #
Testimonio
Panel 1: Personas afectadas
Panel 2: Proveedores de asistencia
Panel 3: Soluciones políticas
December 3, 2021
Reading − December 3, 2021 − Sen. Judy Schwank and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 announced $745,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding from Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.
The funding will be used to expand and improve a heavy equipment operating training facility located in Northern Berks County. Included in the project will be new dormitories for the men and women enrolled in the training program. The program is one of the premier heavy equipment operating training programs in the region and attracts individuals from across the mid-Atlantic.
“Earlier this year I had a chance to go out and see the training space and came away very impressed,” Schwank said. “The program offered by the Operating Engineers adds a lot of value to Berks County and is filling a need. Operating heavy machinery is no easy task. Having a place in Berks County trains individuals to safely and skillfully operate heavy equipment ensures we have the best workers in a key sector available for projects in our community.”
###
December 3, 2021
Reading − December 3, 2021 − Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district), Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th) and Rep. Manny Guzman (D-127th) applauded today’s awarding of $7.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget in support of the construction of new facilities at FirstEnergy Stadium.
In December of 2020, Major League Baseball (MLB) contracted and consolidated its affiliations with minor league baseball franchises. Reading was offered a license, which maintained its affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies MLB franchise. As part of the new Minor League Baseball (MiLB) license agreements, improvements must be made to stadium facilities at all minor league baseball venues within the next two years. Improvements needed at FirstEnergy Stadium include, among other things, the construction of home and away team clubhouses and new player practice and training facilities.
“Losing the Reading Fightin Phils was never an option and keeping the team in Reading has been one of my top economic development priorities,” Schwank said. “Officials from the state, county and local level were all on the same page and acted quickly and with urgency to find funding. We really worked together, and across party lines, to get this done. The R-Phils have a storied history in Berks County as the longest-running minor league affiliate in professional baseball. People who grew up going to games now take their own kids to the ballpark. We would have lost a piece of our heritage, our identity as a community and sustained a significant hit to our regional economy. I’m deeply grateful to Gov. Wolf for understanding this team’s role as a crucial driver of economic activity and a source of community identity. Team Owner Craig Stein, General Manager Scott Hunsicker the entire R-Phils staff deserve a lot of credit for working tirelessly to ensure that baseball town continues to have a hometown team.”
“My priority has always been to protect the legacy and tradition of the Reading Phillies,” Rozzi said. “I am proud to bring home the funding necessary to support our mission of preserving FirstEnergy Stadium as the premier minor league ballpark in the country. It is my honor to keep one of the greatest organizations, the Fightin Phils, right where it belongs, here in Reading.”
“Like the pinstripes on their jerseys, the Reading Phillies are stitched into the fabric of our community,” Guzman said. “Generations of families have made it a tradition to visit this historic ballpark and root for their home team. I am so grateful this tradition and the memories that come with it will remain steadfast here in Reading.”
Funding from the state is in conjunction with dollars put forward by R-Phils ownership and funding promised by Berks County and the City of Reading. More details about the plans for the stadium and funding will be made public in the coming weeks.
###
November 19, 2021
Reading – November 19, 2021 – State legislators Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-134th district) announced today that the Borough of Topton was awarded a $168,594 Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
The funding will be used to implement street calming and pedestrian safety measures on Callowhill Street. This includes the installation of two speed bumps between W. Weis Street and Franklin Street. Topton also plans to construct Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps and cross walks within the project area.
“Topton residents have their local borough officials to thank for getting this project started,” Schwank said. “They’ve put forward multiple projects in recent years in improve safety for commuters, pedestrians, and students at nearby Brandywine Heights School District. I applaud them for making this a priority and was happy to help them support for this project financially.”
“I was glad to assist Topton Borough in securing this funding to install traffic calming and pedestrian improvements,” Mackenzie said. “Keeping our residents safe while moving around the Borough is a priority and this funding will help to accomplish our mutual goal.”
###
November 19, 2021
Reading, PA – November 19, 2021 – Berks County State Legislators announced three Greater Reading Area projects received a total of $1,352,687 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community of Economic Development’s (DCED) Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
Governor Mifflin School District was awarded a $620,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grant for Secondary Campus Transportation Improvements. Mifflin will use the grant to update and improve S Waverly Street, the main access point to the district’s Middle School and High School. The project will include updating crosswalks, sidewalks, implementing traffic-calming measures, and constructing a new entrance. The street improvements are an integral part of the plan to build the new Governor Mifflin Community Center.
“This is just one piece of a much larger project Governor Mifflin has taken on,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) said. “When I met with school district administrators about the plans for a new facility and what it would mean not only for students, but the entire community, it was clear to me this project was worthy of support. The safety improvements to Waverly Street will ensure an already busy street is capable of accommodating the increased traffic it will see when the facility is constructed and help keep students and faculty safe.”
“Competition for Multimodal Transportation Program grants is always very strong,” Rep. Mark Gillen (R-128th district) said. “I commend Governor Mifflin School District officials for developing a successful grant proposal, which included input from the community, and which will greatly improve safety through the school complex. These state grant funds will complement the significant investment the district is making in its school campus construction project, which will pay dividends for the Governor Mifflin community for many decades to come.”
The City of Reading received $600,000 for the 18th Ward Bicycle Pedestrian Trail Project. The funding will improve and connect bicycle trails and is a piece of the ongoing 18th Wonder Revitalization Association plan announced in 2017.
“Trails and spaces residents can use for outdoor recreational activities make our community healthier and give us all an opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Berks County,” Schwank said. “The ongoing improvements taking place in the 18th ward ensure that the needs of residents are met. I’m grateful the commonwealth sees the value in this project.”
“It’s been an honor to work with the community and business leaders of the 18th Ward and the 18th Wonder Community Association,” Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th district) said. We set a vision for the area and I am thrilled to see it coming to fruition. This is a huge addition for residents and visitors of the area!”
City of Reading Mayor Eddie Morán also touted the importance of the project and thanked Schwank for supporting the city’s grant application.
“I am tremendously grateful to Senator Schwank for helping the City of Reading secure this grant,” said Morán. “Connectivity and accessibility for all is a priority for me. Upon completing this project, we will have new ADA ramps, a pedestrian and bike trail, better signage, and other enhancements, ensuring the 18th Ward and Oakbrook community can safely perform their daily tasks with the option to use alternative transportation. Our goal continues to be to make Reading a better place to live, learn, work and play.”
The CFA also approved Act 13 Programs grants at today’s board meeting. The Borough of Fleetwood was awarded $132,687 in Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) grant funding. The money will be used to construct a new bandshell, seated area covering, American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant pathways and new landscaping at Fleetwood Park.
“When Fleetwood officials realized the existing bandshell was structurally compromised, they quickly acted to and moved forward with a plan to replace it,” Schwank said. “The bandshell has been a central feature in the Fleetwood community for years and has been home to countless event that bring people together. The new and improved bandshell will be structurally sound, safe and provided expanded coverage so events don’t have to be canceled due to rain.”
###
November 15, 2021
Reading, PA – November 15 – State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) will host a telephone town hall on Thursday, November 18 at 7 P.M. on fraud prevention.
The event will give constituents an opportunity to ask questions they may have about how to protect themselves from credit card scams, identity theft and other common schemes.
Entre los invitados figurarán:
- Lucas Miller, Pennsylvania State Inspector General
- John Adams, Berks County District Attorney
- Sarah E. Frasch, Chief Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection
To sign up for the telephone town hall or submit a question, visit www.senatorschwank.com/telephone-townhall. You can also sign up to attend by texting SENSCHWANK to 833-898-5483.
For more information, please call 610-929-2151.
