August 23, 2012
HARRISBURG, Aug. 23, 2012 — An additional 243 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $607,000 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farms will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Helen Kosmerl Maidencreek Twp. 177.10
Kervin & Mary Jane Weaver Richmond Twp. 66.00
Total 243.1
“Berks County has a proud tradition of family farming, and that’s why it’s so important that we preserve the land that sustains local families and our economy,” Schwank said. “Farmland conservation easements ensure that agriculture — our county’s number one industry — thrives.”
Statewide, 4,320 farms totaling 465,953 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 642 farms consisting of 64,857 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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August 9, 2012
READING, Aug. 9, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank called the recent release of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) evaluation of the response of electric utilities to outages caused by multiple severe storms last year a “step in the right direction,” but expressed concern that the agency’s efforts “might not go far enough.”
“Severe storm-related events, especially the freak snowstorm on Oct. 29, 2011, caused unprecedented, prolonged power outages throughout Berks County and the entire Commonwealth,” said Schwank.
“The PUC’s reports contain a number of positive recommendations, not the least of which is ensuring that electric distribution companies provide timely and accurate information to customers during outage events, and the ‘action items’ the commission will implement are a step in the right direction,” added Schwank. “However, while I am pleased that the Public Utility Commission has completed its lengthy and time consuming review, I am concerned that agency’s efforts might not go far enough.
“Last year’s storm-related outages caused real hardships for real people that demanded a thorough and timely response,” noted Schwank. “The wheels of government turn slowly and we need to make sure that the Commission follows through on implementing its action items to minimize the impact of future storm events, especially as we approach winter.”
Schwank noted that as a result of extensive meetings and communications she has had with officials of Met-Ed, the company had previously agreed to implement a number of procedures to improve the company’s response to weather-related outages, including stationing a company liaison in the Berks County 911 Emergency Call Center during these events.
“I intend to continue to work with our local utilities and push the commission to follow through to ensure that we are all ready to deal with any future events,” Schwank said.
Schwank also pointed out that even with the efforts to minimize the impact of future weather events on utility services it is important for area residents to be ready for potential emergencies. Information on how to prepare your home and family for emergencies is available at www.readypa.gov.
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June 30, 2012
HARRISBURG, June 30, 2012 — State Senator Judy Schwank said today that while the new state budget achieves an appropriate funding level, she voted against it because it fails to properly fund important programs and services.
“This is a pass-the-buck budget” said Schwank, “It pushes costs down to local government and counties and, ultimately, the taxpayer.”
But while she opposed the budget, Schwank said many of the budget related bills make important changes that she was pleased to vote for.
She noted, as an example, that additional funding will be provided to financially distressed school districts, including $3.7 million for Reading. To ensure the money is properly spent, the bill includes Schwank’s language requiring the distressed funding money allocated to Reading is subject to review by the Department of Education and the local Intermediate Unit. She also supported legislation that expands the Education Improvement Tax Credit.
Schwank said she also voted for an inheritance tax exemption on transfers of agricultural properties between family members, as well as to incubate new industries and thousands of new jobs in the state with tax credits to develop a natural gas cracker plant in western Pennsylvania.
“These are things we need to do,” she said, “but right now it’s as if our economic plan is nothing but Marcellus Shale, and that’s not enough.”
“We are a commonwealth of many job sectors. We need to take steps to help all of them.”
June 19, 2012
HARRISBURG, June 19, 2012 – State Sen. Judy Schwank today reminded dog owners that Pennsylvania law requires that they purchase an annual dog license.
“Obtaining a state license is not only the law, but it’s also one more way you can show your love for your four-legged friend,” said Schwank, the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. “A license can be crucial if a dog gets lost, so take this simple preventative step today for your beloved pet.”
Dog owners can purchase an annual license from the state for $8.45 or a lifetime license for $51.45. For dogs that are spayed or neutered, the annual license is $6.45 and a lifetime license is $31.45.
State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed. Owners who fail to get a dog license face a maximum $300 fine per unlicensed dog.
To obtain a dog license, log on to www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on the icon “License Your Dog. It’s the Law” or visit the County Treasurer’s Office, located at the Berks County Services Center, 633 Court Street, 2nd Floor, in Reading.
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June 14, 2012
HARRISBURG, June 14, 2012 — An additional 34 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $85,250 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farm will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Frank and Carol Szarko Oley Township 34.10
“Agriculture is a significant economic driver in Berks County,” Schwank said. “Farmland conservation easements ensure that the land is protected so that we can continue to provide goods and preserve our county’s number one industry.”
Statewide, 4,293 farms totaling 463,595 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 637 farms consisting of 64,495 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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June 8, 2012
READING, June 8, 2012 — As school districts across Pennsylvania struggle with gaping budget deficits and subsequent cuts in staff and programs, state Sen. Judy Schwank joined local public school advocates today to introduce her resolution that calls on the governor to develop a comprehensive legislative plan to improve basic education.
The resolution recommends that the governor establish an advisory commission made up of parents, teachers, school administrators, higher education leaders, business leaders, and legislators to examine the issue and make specific recommendations.
“For several years we have allowed a budget process to dictate the direction of basic education in Pennsylvania. It’s time we consider the future of education in a thoughtful and deliberative process,” Schwank said. “My resolution calls on Gov. Corbett to empanel a team of experts to study education in the commonwealth and to make specific recommendations to address specific issues.”
School districts across the state are facing financial issues due to funding cuts and the end of federal stimulus funding. Locally, Reading School District is laying off more than 100 teachers and eliminating an additional 60 teaching position in the face of a $40 million budget deficit.
“No child should have to fight for their education. Their job is to go to school, study hard, engage in activities and make lifelong memories with their friends,” Schwank said. “Instead, they are losing their teachers and various programs. Schools are closing around them. It’s shameful.”
Schwank said the committee should look at a range of issues, including the current education funding formula and alternative funding sources; the issue of property tax reform and how to sustainably fund education in the next 10 to 20 years; how to maintain local direction of schools while maximizing effective use of funds; determine which programs are essential for a 21st century model of public education; how to address schools in fiscally distressed communities; explore revising the PA school code and recommend shared services and school consolidation options.
“This is one issue where every Pennsylvania citizen is a stakeholder, so the Corbett administration’s vision for public education should be clear,” Schwank said. “At the same time, the public should play a key part in determining its future. Education is just too important to impose an agenda without giving citizens a voice.”
Representatives from several local school districts spoke in support of the senator’s resolution and the need to discuss education funding methods, especially as school districts across the state are struggling to balance budgets.
“In my 17 years as a teacher I’ve never seen anything this dire. We’re struggling to repair antiquated equipment so students can get basic understanding of their education,” said Rik Immendorf, a high school physics teacher at Reading High School. “I fully support the need to have those of us on front lines on a commission, and not just political pals talking about school districts. We shouldn’t balance the budget on the backs of students and that’s what Gov. Corbett is doing right now.”
“What we’re seeing today is a movement on the part of some to become somewhat elitist on who we educate,” said Dr. Martin Handler, superintendent of Brandywine Heights School District. “This is a terrific first step, having people who work in education make the recommendations and plans for education. I believe allowing people who have expertise to develop plans is the way to go.”
Handler said school districts are even being forced to cut education even at the most basic level — early education.
“All research shows that’s where students sustain greatest amount learning,” Handler said. “Financial challenges are forcing school districts to reconsider funding full-day kindergarten. That’s unconscionable and will have negative affects far into future.”
Exeter School Board member Carole Kutscher said her district’s long-range plans like full-day kindergarten and a successful high school co-op program have been compromised because of school funding cuts.
“I think it’s just ridiculous… it’s almost criminal,” Kutscher said. “No business would operate this way.”
Mitch Hettinger, a middle school teacher in the Reading School District, said the education cuts also impact schools’ brightest students, who will likely go on to college and contribute back to their community.
“These students are motivated to go out and do things in our community. Our students go to college, get their education degree and they come back to the City of Reading to work in the school district they love, only to be laid off because of the cuts that Gov. Corbett forced on students,” Hettinger said. “I think this is an outstanding concept and I am 100 percent in favor of it.”
“It goes beyond Reading. Like most urban school districts, we’re at the tipping point as to what’s going to happen,” said Reading School Board member James Washington. “We’re all going to be suffering.”
Samantha Matthies, a 2012 graduate of the Berks Career and Techology Center, argued for the importance of arts programs in schools.
Matthies recently won the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s annual radio public service announcement contest for high-school students. This year’s theme was discouraging distracted driving.
Commenting on the ornate Capitol in Harrisburg that she recently visited, she said. “Art is right in the Capitol building. Why can’t it be in our schools? It’s what keeps passion in our world. It’s just as important as the mandatory classes you have to take and it should be in our schools.”
“Sam is just one example of what we’re turning out in our schools in Berks County and in the commonwealth and we’re watching it all erode by budget fiat,” Schwank said. “That’s not the way to plan for success. I think basic education deserves to be studied.”
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May 18, 2012
READING, May 18, 2012 — Two local municipalities have been awarded significant state grants for their recycling efforts, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
Exeter Township received an $83,897 Recycling Performance Grant based on the 8,808 tons recycled for 2010 and the township’s population.
Muhlenberg Township received a $44,022 Recycling Performance Grant based on the 5,515.8 tons recycled for 2010 and the township’s population.
“Recycling helps the environment and promotes an industry that supports jobs and our economy,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that the state continues to support community efforts to recycle.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections’ Recycling Performance Grant Program provides incentives to help Pennsylvania communities increase the amount of materials recovered through recycling and promote economic growth through job creation and market expansion.
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May 8, 2012
May 8, 2012 – At a rally today in Harrisburg, people with disabilities, advocates, families, service organizations and supporters called on the state legislature to oppose the proposed 20 percent in state budget cuts to programs that support individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-Phila.) said individuals with intellectual disabilities thrive when they receive ongoing support, and community-based services are crucial and needed more than ever.
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“You would think that we’d want to secure more funding for the programs that help this population of individuals. Instead, it has become one of the governor’s targets for budget,” Kitchen said. “I am outraged that this administration has yet again put its sights on the Department of Public Welfare to make debilitating cuts.”
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April 30, 2012
READING, April 30, 2012 — Berks Community Health Center has been selected to receive a Community Primary Care Challenge Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone.
The $500,000 grant will increase access to primary health care services in Reading. This health center is expected to open in June at the site of Reading Hospital’s health dispensary at 838 Penn St.
“This significant grant will go a long way to provide enhanced accessibility to primary and preventative health services,” said Schwank (D-11th dist.). “I’m pleased that the state recognizes the importance of health centers. They are literally a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens.”
“The Berks Community Health Center will also ease the burden on our emergency rooms, where many vulnerable citizens go when they have no other option,” said Caltagirone (D-127th dist.). “This state grant will benefit citizens and our health care providers alike, and I am grateful for the state support.”
The Community Primary Care Challenge Grant program was created to increase access to primary medical and dental services in areas that the federal government has designated as medically underserved.
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April 25, 2012
READING, April 25, 2012 — The City of Reading has received significant state funding toward a project that will improve the city’s sewer system, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone.
The $10 million low-interest loan, administered by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), will go toward the replacement of the existing force main and the installation of two metering chambers, several air release valve vaults, and other improvements at the site of pumping station.
The system’s hydraulically overloaded force main has resulted in numerous leaks and subsequent raw sewage discharge into the Schuylkill River. The replacement of the force main and other improvements will create an additional flow to the treatment plant, which will eliminate breakages, overloads to the sewer system, backups and raw sewage discharges.
“This project will not only improve the functionality of the sewer system but it will also keep pollutants out of our river,” Schwank said. “Citizens depend on our sewer systems to work properly and thanks to this funding award, the city can fix the problems and ensure that our system is working efficiently.”
“We are grateful for the state’s support with the completion of this important city project,” Caltagirone said. “In addition to improving the system, the project will create 50 jobs, which is always good news.”
Reading is under a federal consent decree to fix problems in the city’s sewer system, which serves more than 22,000 households in Reading and bulk customers in 13 other municipalities.
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April 19, 2012
HARRISBURG, April 19, 2012 — An additional 57 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $143,000 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farm will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Mark and Kim Weber Brecknock Twsp. 57.20
“It’s important that we not only protect our farmlands but help our farming families continue to thrive because they are helping to sustain our state’s number one industry, agriculture,” Schwank said. “Thanks to the preservation board, another family farm has been preserved.”
Statewide, 4,265 farms totaling 461,206 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 636 farms consisting of 64,460 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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April 16, 2012
READING, April 16, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank is partnering with Spring Clean Berks, in conjunction with The Great American Clean Up, to hold an upcoming cleanup initiative in the 11th Senatorial District.
Individuals of all ages are welcome to volunteer at the clean up, which will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at various Berks County sites to be determined.
“Spring cleaning isn’t just an annual chore for households. Even the outdoors could use some sprucing up,” Schwank said. “This clean up is designed to improve our community’s environment by safely removing and reducing debris in our neighborhoods, and I invite everyone to join us for this fun and beneficial event to make our communities look even more beautiful.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Great American Clean Up will provide the necessary supplies, which can be picked up that morning at Albright College at the Rockland Professional Center, Boscov’s East Department Store, and Kutztown University.
For more information and to volunteer, contact Schwank’s district office at 610-929-2151.
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April 11, 2012
READING, April 11, 2012 — As firefighters continue to manage a wildfire in southeastern Berks County, state Sen. Judy Schwank reminds residents to be extra cautious about preventing a wildfire.
“A warm winter and dry, windy spring have become favorable conditions for wildfires in Berks County, as we’re now seeing in French Creek State Park,” Schwank said. “Because the plant life in our parks and forests is still dry and dormant, these fires can catch easily and spread rapidly, threatening wildlife, residential communities and the safety of our firefighters. It’s extremely important that all citizens take precautions to prevent a fire, whether they live in an urban, suburban or rural community.”
Nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s wildfires occur in March, April and May and scorch 10,000 acres of woodlands across the state every year, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry. Open fires are prohibited in state forestland from March 1 to May 25.
Even careless cigarette smoking can be dangerous said Schwank, who noted that a lit cigarette that was discarded in a flower bed at her Reading district office started a small fire a few months ago.
“Forest fires are certainly a major risk but garden beds and roadside areas are also very dry and possibly flammable,” Schwank said. “I urge everyone to be conscious about preventing a fire, whether they are considering building a campfire, burning trash or flicking a cigarette. A fire can happen anywhere, especially in this dry, windy weather.”
April 9, 2012
READING, April 9, 2012 – State Sen. Judy Schwank reminds families that the deadline for most college-bound students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming school year is May 1.
All first-time applicants for state scholarship aid, including students who plan to enroll in degree programs or college transfer programs at junior colleges or other colleges or universities, and students seeking to renew their state grant aid, must file their FAFSA by this deadline, according to Schwank.
The application deadline for non-renewal students enrolling in community colleges, business or trade schools, nursing schools, or two-year programs that are not transferrable to another institution is Aug. 1.
The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for almost all forms of need-based financial aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, federal Pell Grant, many scholarships and institutional awards and low-cost student loans.
“Financial aid makes higher education affordable for many students and their families,” Schwank said. “As students seek ways to pay for college despite the economy and ever-rising tuition costs, it’s important to apply for financial aid because families could receive much-needed financial support.”
During the 2011-12 school year, 190,000 students statewide received $430.9 million in state scholarship grants. In the 11th Senatorial District alone, 4,372 students receive scholarship grant aid valued at $9.7 million. The average grant award in the 11th Senatorial District was $2,855.
Families can access the 2012-13 FAFSA and seek assistance completing the FAFSA online by visiting the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) website, www.pheaa.org or by calling the senator’s district office at 610-929-2151.
March 28, 2012
HARRISBURG, March 28, 2012 — The Senate passed legislation today that would lift restrictions on small community farm equipment dealers that want to carry and sell competitive products, while providing more options for sellers and consumers of farm products, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
Currently, the Pennsylvania Dealership Law regulates contracts between independent dealers and suppliers of agricultural equipment. Under Senate Bill 1169, independent agricultural equipment dealers and suppliers would be able to sell multiple product lines.
“This legislation will certainly help agriculture – Pennsylvania’s and Berks County’s number one industry – by allowing independent farm equipment sellers to better serve their rural customers and compete with big box chain stores. Additionally, it would provide farmers with more convenient access to parts and service so that they can do their job more efficiently and profitably,” said Schwank, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee.
“Lifting certain restrictions of farm equipment sales helps the economy, the industry and all consumers of Pennsylvania agricultural products.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania State Grange support this legislation, Schwank said.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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March 13, 2012
READING, March 13 – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Thomas Caltagirone, D-Berks, and state Sen. Judy Schwank announced the approval of more than $30,000 in grants by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to improve the juvenile justice system in Berks County.
Caltagirone, who serves on the PCCD board, said: “These grants will help Berks County Courts handle juvenile criminal cases quickly and smoothly because the offices will have appropriate staff to accommodate case loads.
“Ultimately, this makes the court system more accountable to the public and more effective in rehabilitating troubled children,” Caltagirone continued. “It also eliminates unnecessary and costly courtroom appearances and backlogs. It’s important to remember that when we let children get lost in the criminal justice system, in the long run, no one benefits.”
“The court system is critical to maintaining order and enforcing laws, so obviously we want to make sure they are appropriately staffed,” Sen Schwank added. “This funding will help the courts meet increasing demands on their resources, but it also will give minors the counsel they need to get their lives back on track, and hopefully avoid future entanglements with the law.”
The Berks County District Attorney’s Office received $15,042 for two assistant district attorneys and one support staff for the Berks County Juvenile Court. The funding will help increase pre-hearing diversion cases, pre-hearing case negotiations, and decrease the number of preventable case continuances.
The Berks County Public Defender’s Office received $15,043 to partially fund a fully-time assistant public defender and support staff to meet increasing needs of juvenile offenders. The funding will ensue that juveniles are represented at the earliest opportunity and help public defender staff reduce conflicts that cause court delays and the need for new counsel.
The funding comes from the federal Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program for continuation projects.
March 6, 2012
READING, March 6, 2012 — The Berks County Solid Waste Authority and two local municipalities have been awarded significant state grants for their recycling efforts, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
“These funds will enhance local recycling efforts that will, in turn, improve our environment,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that the state is encouraging communities to make Pennsylvania a cleaner and greener place to live and work.”
The Berks County Solid Waste Authority received a $26,310.92 grant that will be used to reimburse 50 percent of the costs for developing and operating a November 2011 household hazardous waste collection event at the Exeter Township Municipal Building. The grant was authorized by the Pennsylvania Small Business and Household Pollution Prevent Grant Program.
Kenhorst Borough received a $7,585 Recycling Performance Grant, based on the 475.1 tons recycled by the borough in 2009 and the borough’s population. Mohnton Borough received a $7,669 Recycling Performance Grant, based on the 371.2 tons recycled in 2009 and the borough’s population. This grant program provides incentives to help communities increase recycling and promote economic growth.
The grant programs operate under the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
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February 16, 2012
HARRISBURG, Feb. 16, 2011 — An additional 112 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $279,750 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farm will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Wolfskill Family Farm Lower Heidelberg Twp. 111.9
“Our farmlands play a crucial role in the vitality of our state and local economy, so it’s imperative that we preserve our agricultural industry,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that another family farm has been preserved, thanks to the preservation board.”
Statewide, 4,243 farms totaling 459,007 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 635 farms consisting of 64,403 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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February 15, 2012
HARRISBURG, Feb. 15, 2012 — Starting today, the public may now access birth and death records online and in person for free at the Pennsylvania State Archives thanks to a new law, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
“This is good news for families who are seeking information about their loved ones and for researchers who are looking to learn more about their communities,” Schwank said. “The new law will make it more convenient to search the state’s archives for this important information.”
Under the new law, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Department of Health are expanding public access to birth and death certificates. Birth certificates are now available to the public 105 years after issuance and death certificates are available 50 years after issuance. This means that births from 1906 and deaths from 1906 to 1961 are available, and one year of births and deaths will be added each year from now on. Records prior to 1906 are held at the county level.
To access the records, visit www.health.state.pa.us and click on the “Birth and Death Certificates” link, or visit the State Archives at 350 North St. in Harrisburg. Researchers would need t know the year of the event, the correct spelling of the name they are searching for, and/or the county of the birth or death.
Access to the records is free. The Department of Health will continue to charge a $3 processing fee to order non-certified copies online. Copying fees may also apply at the State Archives, as well as research fees for search requests.
The legislation received unanimous support in the Senate and was signed into law as Act 110 of 2011.
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February 7, 2012
HARRISBURG, Feb. 7, 2012—State Sen. Judy Schwank today said that, for a second straight year, the governor’s Pennsylvania budget proposal calls for short-sighted cuts and no long-term solution for moving Pennsylvania forward.
“Once again, we have been offered a budget proposal that focuses more on short-sighted cuts than long-term strategic investment,” Schwank said of the $27.14 billion 2012-13 state budget. “The budget proposal announced today fails to foster job creation, close corporate tax loopholes or find a long-term transportation infrastructure funding solution.
“While the governor’s budget proposal includes no state tax increases, we will certainly feel the pain of the budget cuts in our wallets,” Schwank said. “School districts are once again victims of the budget. They will be forced to cut programs, lay off more educators, and turn to the taxpayers to make up the difference through property tax hikes.”
“Higher education has also become a target of significant budget cuts,” Schwank said. “These cuts will not only hurt the quality of education that our colleges and universities provide, but also put an affordable college education further out of reach for too many families.
“Foreign companies will continue to take advantage of the Delaware Loophole and avoid paying taxes to this commonwealth, but the middle class will be forced to empty their pockets at a time when money is already so tight,” she said.
Schwank said she has seen the consequences of failing to assist existing local businesses that want to expand and create jobs.
“When we turn our backs on the businesses that want to be here, they are lured away to other states, and we lose,” she said. “In the coming months I will be working with my senate colleagues to develop a more sustainable and responsible budget.”
Schwank delivered the Senate Democratic Caucus response to the governor’s budget address, which can be viewed online.
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January 25, 2012
READING, Jan. 25, 2012 — A Reading development project has been awarded significant state funding toward the construction of a four-star downtown hotel, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Tom Caltagirone.
The Greater Berks Development Fund has been awarded a $5 million Building PA Fund loan to support, among other projects, the Downtown Reading Hotel Project.
Reading Hospitality, LLC will develop a 190,000 square-foot, four-star Doubletree Hotel located directly across from the Sovereign Center.
“The construction of a new hotel will provide a real boost to our local tourism and economy,” said Schwank (D-11th dist.). “It will entice visitors of the Sovereign Center to stay overnight in Reading before or after a show, and will attract companies and organizations to host meetings and presentations in Reading.”
“I’m so pleased that the state is investing in our area,” said Caltagirone (D-127th dist). “Hotels are economic engines for cities, and it will give out-of-town guests an opportunity to visit our shops and restaurants and enjoy all that Reading and Greater Berks have to offer.”
The funds were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
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January 19, 2012
READING, Jan. 19, 2012 — Reading School District has been awarded a $500,000 federal grant to help foster after-school educational programs, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Tom Caltagirone.
Reading was one of 17 school districts across the state to receive the 21st Century Community Learning Center Challenge grant, which will be used to establish community learning centers that would provide educational services to students in struggling school districts.
“This is an innovative plan that will reinforce the lessons our students are learning in the classroom in a safe environment,” said Schwank (D-11th dist.). “We have so many bright and eager students in the Reading School District who want to learn, and thanks to this grant, they will be able to continue their studies after school dismissal.”
“Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed, and so many students can benefit from extra opportunities to learn and grow,” said Caltagirone (D-127th dist.). “This grant will help the Reading School District ensure that students are receiving a quality education.”
Reading was selected among 119 applicants from across the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Education distributed a total of $20.9 million in federal grant funding.
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December 23, 2011
Free enrollment is now available for a limited time.
READING, Dec. 23, 2011—State Sen. Judy Schwank today said families who open or contribute to a Pennsylvania 529 College Savings account before Dec. 31 will be able to enroll for free and reduce their 2011 Pennsylvania state taxable income.
“It is never too early or too late to start saving for college, especially as tuition costs continue to rise over the years,” Schwank said. “Families who contribute before Dec. 31 will be able to reap valuable tax benefits, as well as contribute to their children’s higher education.”
Taxpayers can deduct up to $13,000 per beneficiary in PA 529 contributions from Pennsylvania taxable income on their state tax returns for 2011. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $26,000 per beneficiary if each spouse has taxable income of at least the amount deducted. Additionally, family and friends can contribute up to $65,000 in a single year ($130,000 for a married couple filing jointly) for each beneficiary without incurring federal gift tax consequences (assumes no other gifts in the next four years).
Plus, earnings in a 529 plan are not subject to yearly taxes as they grow, and when used for qualified higher education expenses, earnings are tax-exempt when withdrawn.
PA 529 College Savings Program is offering free enrollment – a $50 savings – for all new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts opened before Dec. 31 at www.PA529.com. Use code “StartToday” when prompted. There is no enrollment fee for the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP).
“During this holiday season, there is no better gift to give a child than a gift of an education, especially during this free enrollment period,” Schwank said. “Make a resolution for 2012 to start saving for college right now.”
To open or contribute to an account, visit www.PA529.com or call 1-800-440-4000.
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December 15, 2011
HARRISBURG, Dec. 15, 2011 — An additional 291 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $726,000 that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farms will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Larry & Denise Grumbine Bethel Twp. 126.9
Terry & Sue Kunkel Albany Twp. 93.6
Rachel Theis Oley Twp. 69.9
Total: 290.4
“I’m proud to say that Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the program,” Schwank said. “Agriculture is the economic engine here, and we are making significant contributions to the state’s economy, so it’s imperative that we continue to preserve our precious and fruitful farmlands.”
Statewide 4,229 farms totaling 457,537 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County, 634 farms consisting of 64,291 acres have been preserved.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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December 14, 2011
HARRISBURG, Dec. 14, 2011 — State Sen. Judy Schwank today issued the following statement on legislation that redraws the Congressional map in Pennsylvania into 18 districts, which passed the Senate today by a (26-24) vote:
“This map is a travesty and there’s no reasonable explanation from what I can see,” Schwank said. “At one time, Berks County was represented by one member of Congress. Considering the makeup of our population, that shouldn’t be uncommon. But somehow, we became a magnet for political upheaval and disruption, ripe for cherry-picking voters for political benefit.
“Over the past decade, we were surgically carved into four Congressional districts with a sharp partisan scalpel. The proposed plan for the next decade is more of the same,” said Schwank, who voted against Senate Bill 1249. “We will continue to have not one, but four members of Congress attempting to represent the good people of Berks County in Washington.”
Under the legislation, Berks County would be represented by the 6th, 7th, 15th and 16th districts in the U.S. House of Representatives. Only one other county on the approved Congressional map — Montgomery County — would be represented by more members of Congress.
Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, both of which have triple the number of residents that Berks County, each contain three Congressional districts.
“It is completely and totally unnecessary to divide up our county except, of course, to ensure a political stranglehold on this legislature and Congress,” Schwank said. “The new 7th Congressional district, which snakes its way into Berks, is a disgrace. It is the absolute definition of the word ‘gerrymander.’
“The purpose of redistricting is to reflect changes in population to ensure that the people are properly represented in the state legislature and in Congress,” Schwank said. “The Congressional redistricting map is a blatant attempt to protect seats.
“To slice and dice our county away for political gain is not in the best interest of the 403,000 Pennsylvanians who live in Berks County,” Schwank said. “These actions seek only to divide rather than unite and they are disrespectful to the wishes of the people for fair representation.”
Senate Bill 1249 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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