June 22, 2023
Harrisburg − June 22, 2023 − The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has unanimously passed SB 262, which will require the Department of Health to annually publish severe maternal morbidity data using hospitalization discharge data.
The CDC defines severe maternal morbidity as unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short or long-term consequences to a woman’s health. The bill will allow Pennsylvania to track the prevalence of maternal morbidity in the commonwealth and provide valuable data.
SB 262 is part of a package of bills aimed at addressing maternal mortality and improving maternal health outcomes introduced by Schwank with House companion bills prime sponsored by Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia). The bill has the support of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus.
Research published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology finds that for every maternal death, 100 women suffer from severe maternal morbidity. In 2021 alone, roughly 120,500 women nearly died from childbirth.
Additionally, the U.S. maternal mortality rate is consistently higher than other wealthy nations. Black women are disproportionately impacted by maternal mortality, with a rate 2.6 times higher than White women.
Alarms were raised around Black maternal health when Olympic track and field star Tori Bowie died from childbirth complications in May of 2023. Schwank said Bowie’s story demonstrates how much work is yet to be done to fully address the maternal mortality crisis at all levels of government.
“We have a moral obligation to do everything in our power to end maternal mortality in Pennsylvania and throughout the country,” said Schwank. “Tori Bowie was a world-class athlete and only 32 years old. Her story is a tragedy, and I think we need to be very clear about this; we have the ability to do so much better. Lives are literally on the line.”
Dr. Aasta Mehta, the Medical Officer of Women’s Health at the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, said SB 262 will make pregnancy safer for all Pennsylvanians.
“I applaud the General Assembly for passing SB 262 which empowers the Department of Health to release yearly data on the incidence of severe maternal morbidity in the commonwealth,” Mehta said. “This information serves as a vital tool for monitoring and surveillance, identifying risk factors, improving healthcare quality, and evaluating interventions. By understanding the patterns and causes of severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth, we can develop targeted strategies to reduce maternal morbidity rates and enhance the overall well-being of birthing people. Commitment to data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policies will drive us towards a future where every birthing person receives the comprehensive care they deserve, ensuring safer pregnancies and brighter futures for families.”
Schwank also said she’s optimistic that the unanimous bipartisan support for SB 262 will open the door for more collaborations on legislation addressing maternal mortality.
“I think we are realizing that this impacts all of us,” Schwank said. “With that in mind, we must work together to improve maternal health outcomes for all Pennsylvanians. I’m very pleased that SB 262 passed both chambers with unanimous support. I hope we can continue to work in a bipartisan manor to address maternal morbidity and mortality.”
SB 262 will now head to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.
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June 6, 2023
Harrisburg — June 6, 2023 — Today, SB 262, sponsored by Senator Judy Schwank (D-11th), passed the Pennsylvania Senate by a vote of 50-0. Schwank’s bill is part of a legislative package on maternal mortality. SB 262 adds “severe maternal morbidity” to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This change will allow Pennsylvania to gather data on short and long-term health complications from childbirth.
“We are living through a maternal mortality and morbidity crisis,” Schwank said. “We can do so much better than we are right now, and we have to start treating this crisis with urgency. SB 262 is a step in the right direction and will provide us with the information we need to better understand the scale of this problem.”
SB 262 is the companion to legislation introduced by Rep. Morgan Cephas in past sessions and has the support of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus. Schwank said she believes the House of Representatives will quickly take up the bill and send it to Gov. Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.
“I’m very confident my colleagues in the House will waste little time advancing this bill through committee and get it to the governor’s desk,” Schwank said. “Maternal morbidity and mortality touch the lives of far too many Pennsylvanians. It’s incumbent on us to search for solutions at the state level. Getting SB 262 passed and signed into law is an important first step.”
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June 2, 2023
Reading — June 2, 2023 — Yesterday afternoon, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) visited the Mt. Penn Fire Company to check on the ongoing renovations to the heavily used day room.
On March 16, 2023, the Mount Penn Fire Company was awarded $60,000 in Local Shares Account-Statewide program grant funding to support the renovations. The LSA-Statewide was established by the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“I was proud to support this project and am thrilled to see it moving along,” Schwank said after the visit. “Our first responders are who we rely on in times of need. It’s crucial they have the tool, resources and facilities necessary to get the job done. I have no doubt that the new day room, once completed, will be put to good use.”
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26 de mayo de 2023
HARRISBURG, 26 de mayo de 2023 - La senadora estatal Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), presidenta del Comité de Política Demócrata del Senado de Pensilvania, y la senadora Judy Schwank (D-Berks) coorganizaron una audiencia pública a principios de esta semana en Harrisburg para discutir la eficacia y la accesibilidad de los servicios de apoyo, las medidas preventivas y el impacto socioeconómico que el abuso tiene sobre las personas y las familias.
La audiencia, celebrada en el Capitolio del Estado de Pensilvania, en Harrisburg, contó con tres paneles de testimonios de expertos en política pública, aplicación de la ley y prevención de la violencia doméstica.
"La Coalición de Pensilvania contra la Violencia Doméstica declaró que hubo 3.209 solicitudes de servicio no atendidas relacionadas con la violencia doméstica en 2022. Eso es más de 3,000 personas que lidiaron con un incidente de violencia doméstica el año pasado que no pudieron ser ayudadas porque no financiamos adecuadamente los servicios humanos en Pensilvania", dijo Muth. "Debemos abordar estos problemas y garantizar que los programas que apoyan a los sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica tengan fondos y recursos estatales adecuados".
Según la Coalición Nacional contra la Violencia Doméstica, 1 de cada 4 mujeres y 1 de cada 9 hombres sufren violencia física grave por parte de su pareja, violencia sexual por contacto con su pareja y/o acoso por parte de su pareja.
"La violencia doméstica es a menudo un problema que se pasa por alto, así que estoy muy contento de que hayamos podido escuchar directamente de la gente sobre el terreno que apoya a los supervivientes de Pennsylvania lo que necesitan", dijo Schwank. "El testimonio dejó claro que la legislatura debe intensificar y proporcionar un flujo constante de apoyo financiero para abordar adecuadamente la violencia doméstica. A medida que nos dirigimos a la temporada de presupuesto, es imperativo que tomemos lo que hemos oído hoy y convertir esas palabras en acción."
El senador Muth y el senador Schwank han presentado el proyecto de ley 281 del Senado en esta sesión, que exigiría que los propietarios de armas de fuego por primera vez reciban formación en materia de manejo y almacenamiento seguros de armas de fuego, concienciación sobre el suicidio, concienciación sobre el acceso de los niños, concienciación sobre la violencia doméstica, concienciación y prevención de la agresividad en la carretera e interacción segura con las fuerzas del orden mientras se porta un arma de fuego. El senador Schwank también ha presentado el proyecto de ley del Senado 388 que requeriría que las escuelas establezcan políticas específicas sobre la violencia en las citas, incluidos los procedimientos de denuncia para los estudiantes, padres, tutores legales o terceros; procedimientos disciplinarios y sanciones para los estudiantes que perpetren violencia en las citas contra otros estudiantes; e información sobre la ley de Protección contra el Abuso.
El proyecto de ley 281 del Senado sigue en la Comisión Judicial del Senado y el proyecto de ley 388 del Senado sigue en la Comisión de Educación del Senado.
Participaron en la audiencia Beth Garrigan, Directora General de Safe Berks; Deanna Dyer, Directora de Políticas de la Coalición de Pensilvania contra la Violencia Doméstica (PCADV); la Teniente Mary Gausman, de la Policía del Estado de Pensilvania; Danni Beinschrotch, Directora de Servicios Jurídicos de la PCADV; el Honorable Christopher Mallios Jr, Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County; Aishwarya Sinha, especialista en prevención, PCADV; y Kiara Allison, doctora, coordinadora del Título IX y responsable de igualdad de oportunidades, Widener University.
Todos los testimonios presentados en la audiencia y el vídeo completo están disponibles en SenatorMuth.com/Policy
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May 25, 2023
HARRISBURG, May 25 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-chairs Rep. Dan Frankel and Sen. Judy Schwank praised the White House announcement Thursday that the Biden-Harris Administration has established the first-ever U.S. national strategy to fight antisemitism.
“While antisemitism is not new, we are seeing a deeply disturbing rise in incidents fueled by inflammatory political rhetoric and a digital world in which hate-based speech can be spread at the touch of a button. Those special challenges demand new solutions, including decisive action at the national level,” Frankel said. “I am particularly encouraged that the new plan the Biden-Harris Administration has announced is a broad one, including new action by executive agencies, calls for new legislation and outreach to mobilize every sector of society.”
Frankel and Schwank highlighted the support and participation of the Anti-Defamation League, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Asian American Foundation, the Sikh Coalition, the National Urban League, the National Basketball Players Association and many other groups.
“Antisemitism and hatred of all forms thrive in the darkness, and that’s why calling it out can be so powerful,” Schwank said. “The administration’s new plan and call to action are essential first steps in generating the kind of broad, unified efforts that can combat the dangerous rise in intolerance against Jews in the United States. I’m very grateful to President Biden and Vice President Harris for their leadership commitment on this issue.”
Frankel and Schwank founded Pennsylvania’s first ever Jewish Legislative Caucus earlier this year.
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May 24, 2023
HARRISBURG – May 24, 2023 – Sens. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Judy Schwank (D-11) provided the following statements urging the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (MMB) to extend the Over-Order Premium during their June 7 public meeting.
“Last month, we opened the doors to dairy industry stakeholders to begin crafting solutions to the ongoing over-order premium dilemma in Pennsylvania,” said Vogel. “It is a great start to the conversations we seek to have in the near future, which is why the MMB needs to extend the over-order premium and give us the opportunity to continue to work with stakeholders in an organized and efficient manner.”
“Last month’s conversation allowed dairy stakeholders to address the over-order premium on Class I milk, but we still have work to do to find a long-term solution,” said Schwank. “The dairy industry has drastically changed since the over-order premium was enacted. We want to find a thoughtful resolution to the issues surrounding the over-order premium and welcome continued stakeholder input. This will take time, which is why we encourage the MMB to extend the over-order premium and allow for continued collaboration as we work towards a solution that meets the modern needs of Pennsylvania’s dairy producers.”
The MMB will be hosting its public meeting on Wednesday, June 7, at 9 a.m., at the Department of Agriculture Building, Room 309, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. To listen to the hearing dial 267-332-8737 and enter conference ID 849 531 250.
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9 de mayo de 2023
HARRISBURG – May 9, 2023 − Today, Sens. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), majority chair; and Judy Schwank (D-11), minority chair; and members of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee gave a unanimous, favorable recommendation for Russell Redding to serve as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
“Secretary Redding has remained dedicated to serving and advocating for Pennsylvania’s ever-growing agriculture industry in his role as secretary over the last several administrations, as an educator, and as a farmer,” said Vogel. “He not only is a great asset to our Legislature, but to our Commonwealth. I want to congratulate him on his successful recommendation and look forward continuing to work with him to better the future of agriculture in our state.”
“Russell Redding has provided outstanding service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture for many years and fully deserves to be reconfirmed,” said Schwank. “Under his leadership, the agency has thrived, and he’s formed a deep connection with Pennsylvania’s agriculture community. I’m very pleased to see his nomination take a step forward and fully expect my Senate colleagues to join me in voting to reconfirm him as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture.”
Redding’s nomination will be re-referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations.
During its meeting, the committee also considered Senate Bill 152 (Sen. Judy Ward, R-30), Senate Bill 277 (Sen. Gene Yaw, R-23); and Senate Bill 694 (Sen. Frank Farry, R-6), which were unanimously approved.
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May 2, 2023
Action comes as federal trial against shooter gets underway
HARRISBURG, May 2, 2023 – With trial of the perpetrator in the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack underway, state Rep. Dan Frankel and state Sen. Judith Schwank are encouraging their colleagues in the General Assembly to wear blue ribbons on Wednesday to show their support for family members and survivors of the attack.
“Family members and survivors of the Oct. 27th attack live with those events every single day, and the court proceedings and media attention they generate stand to intensify those painful memories,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “We can’t erase the trauma for those hurting, but by wearing this ribbon, we can let them know that we stand with them and wish them strength.
“As a body, we can also act quickly to pass the anti-hate crimes legislation we recently unveiled. Doing so will send a strong, bipartisan message that our commonwealth will not tolerate acts of hatred against Pennsylvanians based on how they worship, who they are or who they love.”
Schwank said, “This is just one small way we can express support for the family members and survivors of the Pittsburgh Synagogue attack as the trial begins. It’s crucial that we do not allow this attack to be forgotten or minimized and that it serves as a reminder to us all of the very real threats members of the Jewish faith face. Together, we can send a message to all that wish to intimidate, threaten or attack others that hatred will not be tolerated in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
The bipartisan anti-hate crime bill package recently unveiled by Frankel, state Sen. Democratic Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, would expand protections to cover LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities, strengthen civil and criminal penalties, increase training for police and educators, encourage the reporting of hate-based incidents in schools and provide a means for those convicted of hate crimes to perform community service or complete classes related to the motivating factor in the crime.
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April 26, 2023
Harrisburg — April 26, 2023 — Today, state lawmakers and advocacy groups rallied to support SB 393, SB 394, and both House companion bills at the Capitol Plaza Fountain.
The bills would allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients to be certified as teachers in Pennsylvania schools and permit undocumented students that graduated from a Pennsylvania high school to receive in-state tuition and financial aid. Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said that both bills support Dreamers and undocumented students while acknowledging their contributions to the commonwealth.
“We should be doing everything we can to help talented and dedicated young people that want to serve in our public schools and complete their post-secondary education in Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “Given the teacher shortage and declining enrollments at our state system schools, it just doesn’t make sense to tell these folks, eager to give back to their communities, to go somewhere else. That should never happen.”
As of 2020, 17 states permit DACA recipients to become certified teachers. Neighboring states New Jersey, New York and West Virginia have passed laws that certify DACA recipients as teachers, which means qualified, motivated DACA educators can easily move to a neighboring state and teach there. Additionally, 16 states offer comprehensive access to in-state tuition, scholarships and financial aid. This includes Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.
Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh), Majority Chair of the House Education Committee, said he is eager to consider the bills in committee. He called on the advocacy groups assembled at the event to push their lawmakers to support the legislation.
“This is not only a question of whether we have the best education system possible or about economic growth for our commonwealth,” Schweyer said. “It’s a question of fairness and a moral question. The good news, now we are not only in a position where we can have these conversations and raise awareness, but we can actually start moving this legislation.”
Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks), who has issued a co-sponsor memorandum to certify DACA recipients as teachers, said the measure offers an opportunity to ease Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage.
“Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage is worsening, and qualified immigrants can help with this teaching crisis,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I am introducing a bill to amend the qualifications of a teacher by adding that department-certified or permitted teachers who hold a valid immigrant visa, work visa, or valid employment authorization document which allows them to work in the United States are eligible to teach in the public schools of the Commonwealth.”
Other speakers at the event included Kutztown University Student education student Andrea Jeronimo, Program Manager at the Woori Center Dr. Kate Firestone, Norristown Area School District Teacher Selenia Tello, Senior Managing Director of External Affairs for Teach for America Mamie Doyle Mannella, Isabelle Martinez of CASA and Pennsylvania Executive Director of Teach Plus Laura Boyce.
For more information about today’s event, please visit senatorschwank.com/PADREAMAct.
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April 26, 2023
HARRISBURG – April 26, 2023 – The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Minority Chairwoman Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), held a public hearing today to open an in-depth discussion about the state’s Over Order Premium on Class I milk and what the future of that premium could look like.
Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (PMMB), Pennsylvania State Grange (PSG), Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), Pennsylvania Milk Dealers Association, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Association of Dairy Cooperatives (PADC), and the Pennsylvania Dairy Association were present to lend their expertise and point of view to the conversation.
“The issues surrounding the over order premium are not new to the dairy industry and today’s hearing was meant to be a collaborative effort between all involved parties to see if and how we can potentially address the premium in the future,” said Vogel. “This matter has proven to be one of complexity and is not one to be taken lightly as it is comprised of many moving parts.”
“Pennsylvania’s dairy industry has changed dramatically since the launch of the Over Order Premium,” Schwank said. “Today’s hearing was an essential first step in working towards a transparent and equitable process for updating the Over Order Premium. It’s encouraging that so many stakeholders offered informed and thoughtful testimony. I believe we have many opportunities to craft a program that better reflects the needs of Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers and processors.”
Over the past several decades, there has been much debate as to the effectiveness, fairness, and necessity of the current over order premium being that the premium was initially adopted by the PMMB in 1988 as part of a drought relief order.
During the hearing, testifiers seemed to be divided on whether the premium should be fully dissolved going forward.
Some PMMB members felt the premium is getting more difficult to defend and has proven to showcase an inequality in distribution to dairy farmers, while other PMMB members pointed out the premium is beneficial to dairy farmers and may need some modernizing to increase the effectiveness of the premium.
Other testifiers such as the PSG recommended while it would be good to entertain improvements to the premium, other avenues should be explored as well to ensure there are equitable measures established for all of the state’s valued dairy producers.
The PFB supported the notion the General Assembly has the greatest ability to enact material changes to the premium with the PADC suggesting the Legislature amending the Milk Marketing Law to allow the PMMB to change how the premium for state dairy farmers is collected and distributed.
Additionally, there was collectively expressed support of a legislative package that was sponsored by Vogel and Schwank (Senate Bills 840 and 841) last session, which would give the PMMB the ability to collect information it currently does not have the authority to collect and is necessary for effective administration of the Milk Marketing Law; and add milk distributors to the Milk Marketing Fee Act.
Vogel added, “I want to thank everyone for taking the time to have this important discussion. The valuable information and perspectives shared will be most helpful as we try to navigate through this complex issue moving forward.”
Pennsylvania is divided into six milk marketing areas overseen by the PMMB and the federal government who monitor and enforce minimum payments to milk producers. The state-mandated over order premium is paid to Pennsylvania farmers for milk that is produced, processed, and used as class I milk (fluid drinking milk) in Pennsylvania. The Federal Milk Marketing Orders only cover specific geographic areas in Pennsylvania and can cross state lines; these orders establish minimum prices for all classes of producer milk.
To watch the full hearing, click here.
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April 18, 2023
READING, PA (April 18)—Yesterday, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) joined Berks Stands Up, Make the Road Pennsylvania, Sunrise Movement, and Berks County elected officials, community leaders, and residents in a united call for permanent funding for Pennsylvania’s groundbreaking Whole-Home Repairs Program.
The Whole-Home Repairs Program passed in July 2022 with an initial $125-million appropriation to create and launch the program. But after decades of disinvestment in PA homes, the need is immense.
“My office has received more than 6,000 calls from residents who heard about the Whole-Home Repairs Program and who, for the first time, feel a sense of hope that their government will be an ally in providing them with the support they need to stay in their homes and in their communities,” said Senator Saval. “The need for this program is every bit as huge as we anticipated—and that’s why we’re calling on the state’s General Assembly to secure permanent funding. Whole-Home Repairs deserves investment because Pennsylvanians deserve investment.”
The Whole-Home Repairs Program establishes a one-stop shop in each county for lifesaving home repairs and weatherization, making it so that Pennsylvanians can stay warm, safe, and dry in homes they can afford while building out Pennsylvania’s workforce and creating new family-sustaining jobs in a growing field.
“This program is the first of its kind in this country—we are a model for other states,” said State Senator Judy Schwank (D–Berks). “This program allows us to make a substantial investment in Pennsylvania’s housing stock and to keep people safe. Every county in Pennsylvania needs this program. The right to housing is a fundamental right. All Pennsylvanians deserve a safe place to call home. With permanent funding, we can continue to put the safety and wellbeing of people and communities first.”
Demand for the program has been overwhelming, even before applications have opened for residents, and is expected to quickly outpace the available funds. Results of a spring 2022 survey by Data for Progress and People’s Action showed that a quarter of PA voters live in a home that needs a critical repair, and a third face high energy burdens, citing utility bills that are unaffordable.
“The cost of supplies has increased. The cost of utilities has increased. We want to stay in our homes, and we want our families to stay in their homes,” said State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D–Berks). “This program makes sure that hardworking families are able to afford and maintain their homes. Pennsylvanians have the right to feel safe and supported. We need more money to be allocated, and we need it to be recurring. As a new legislator, I will work continuously with my colleagues to make sure that this is possible.”
“Whole-Home Repairs is one of the most exciting bipartisan efforts to come out of Harrisburg in recent history,” said Spring Township Supervisor Jess Royer. “Homeowners and renters alike will have the ability to modernize their homes, reduce safety and health risks, and resist the gentrification threatening many well-established communities.”
Local residents of Berks County added their voices in support of the program.
“I have lived in the same apartment my entire life,” said Ezra Feliciano, with Berks Stands Up and Sunrise Movement. “This apartment is my house. It is my home. But my home needs to be fixed, like many homes in Reading. When I heard about the Whole-Home Repairs Program, I was instantly filled with hope. I started dreaming: ‘With that money we would have a new bathroom that is accessible for my mother.’ There are many families like mine. They deserve hope, too.”
“I have five children, and three of them live with me. The youngest is a child who has special needs,” said Maria Hernandez, with Make the Road Pennsylvania. “With a lot of sacrifice, my husband and I bought the house where we live 20 years ago. We cannot afford the repairs that our house needs. It’s urgent for the Whole-Home Repairs Program to receive the additional funding that homeowners and renters across the state need.”
In conjunction with the Week of Action, more than five dozen organizations released an open letter to the state’s General Assembly to call on representatives to allocate $300 million for the Whole-Home Repairs Program this year and to make funding for the program permanent.
“This is how we can begin to meet the scale of the crisis,” the organizations state. “The Whole-Home Repairs Program is a housing security initiative, an energy and climate resiliency initiative, an anti-blight initiative, a jobs initiative, and a community safety initiative. It will enable children to grow up in homes free from lead and mold, families to build generational wealth and wellness, and seniors to remain in their homes as they experience changes in their abilities.”
The full text of the open letter and the list of signatories is available here: https://pastandsup.org/news/open-letter:-permanent-funding-for-whole-home-repairs/.
Full event listings (including times, locations, and partner groups) for the week of action and more information about the Whole-Home Repairs Program are available on Senator Saval’s website: www.pasenatorsaval.com/WholeHomeRepairs. The full recordings of all past events and accompanying photographs are also posted to the website. Pennsylvania residents are invited to add their names as supporters of the program.
21 de marzo de 2023
HARRISBURG, 21 de marzo - Estado. Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, y el senador Judy Schwank, D-Berks, anunció el martes la formación de Pennsylvania de la primera Judía Caucus Legislativo.
"Representando a la comunidad que sufrió el ataque antisemita más mortífero de la historia de Estados Unidos, he visto que proteger las necesidades de los grupos vulnerables no puede ser algo accesorio: necesitamos crear espacios en los que podamos convertirlos en el centro de atención", dijo Frankel, cuyo distrito incluye el barrio de Squirrel Hill, el corazón de la comunidad judía de Pittsburgh y el lugar del ataque de 2018 contra tres congregaciones en el edificio Árbol de la Vida.
Schwank añadió: "Es importante contar con un grupo que se haga oír y se oponga al odio y a la violencia basada en el odio, no sólo contra los ciudadanos judíos de Pensilvania, sino contra los ciudadanos de todas las religiones. Estoy deseando asumir un papel activo en este grupo, trabajando con mis compañeros y conectando con las comunidades judías de toda la Commonwealth."
El Caucus Legislativo Judío de Pensilvania trabajará para incorporar las perspectivas y necesidades de las comunidades judías de Pensilvania en la legislación aprobada por la Asamblea General. Esto incluye:
- Denunciar el antisemitismo y otras formas de intolerancia y defender una Commonwealth que acoja a todos.
- Trabajar para proteger los derechos civiles de todos los ciudadanos de Pensilvania.
- Modernizar las leyes de Pensilvania para hacer frente a la creciente amenaza de los delitos motivados por el odio.
- Mejorar las medidas de seguridad de las organizaciones que prestan servicios principalmente a comunidades judías y a otras comunidades vulnerables expuestas al riesgo de violencia motivada por el odio.
- Celebración de la cultura y el patrimonio judíos en Pensilvania.
- Servir de enlace con organizaciones locales, estatales y nacionales que atienden a poblaciones/comunidades judías.
- Proporcionar una estructura y organización para que los miembros del caucus coordinen la defensa de sus objetivos.
Los miembros del Grupo Legislativo Judío son legisladores judíos o vinculados a comunidades judías a través de sus familias o de las poblaciones a las que representan. Los miembros de la Asamblea General de Pensilvania que se unieron son:
- Frankel- Copresidente
- Schwank- Copresidente
- Diputado Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery)
- Diputada Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery)
- Diputado Robert Freeman (D-Northampton)
- Diputado Tarik Khan (D-Filadelfia)
- Diputado Steven Malagari (D-Montgomery)
- Diputado Dan Miller (D-Allegheny)
- Diputada Abigail Salisbury (D-Allegheny)
- Diputado Ben Sanchez (D-Montgomery)
- Diputado Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh)
- Diputada Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester)
- Diputado Jared Solomon (D-Filadelfia)
- Diputado Ben Waxman (D-Filadelfia)
- Diputado Joseph Webster (D-Montgomery)
Frankel tiene previsto volver a presentar un paquete de proyectos de ley para modernizar las leyes relativas a los delitos de odio e intimidación étnica en Pensilvania.
17 de marzo de 2023
Reading — March 17, 2023 — Today, a group of Democratic state lawmakers announced $250,000 in Local Share Account grant funding to study the restoration of passenger rail between Reading and Philadelphia.
In April of 2022, County Commissioners representing Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties voted to create the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. The SRPRA is tasked with exploring the restoration of rail services between Reading and Philadelphia with stops in Pottstown, Norristown, and potentially others.
Passenger and commercial rail between Reading and Philadelphia dates back to the mid-1800s. In 1971, the Reading Company, more commonly known as the Reading Railroad, filed for bankruptcy. In 1976, the Reading Company sold all its assets, and passenger rail services ceased a few years later in 1981.
In the intervening years, multiple attempts to reestablish passenger rail between the two cities have failed. A report on restoring rail between Reading and Philadelphia funded by Berks Alliance and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance found that all communities along the route would enjoy substantial economic benefits including the creation of new jobs, higher income for residents and property development opportunities.
The report’s findings and the subsequent formation of the SRPRA are the most promising steps forward since rail service ended. Additionally, a partnership between the SRPRA, PennDOT, and the Federal Railroad Association has already been established.
The funding secured by the lawmakers will support an operational feasibility study, including a safety review, to establish the full scope of services associated with the balance of freight and passenger rail along Norfolk Southern and SEPTA’s right-of-way from Reading to Philadelphia.
“People in Berks County have been clamoring for the return of passenger rail for decades,” state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said. “We certainly have a long way to go, but thus far we have been able to work effectively across different levels of government and things are headed in the right direction. This project has the potential to completely revitalize Berks County.”
“The people in my district are big proponents of public transportation, whether it be for their daily commutes, shopping trips, or visits to family and friends,” Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) said. “This funding brings us one step closer to a more connected, accessible region with the potential to boost local economies up and down the restored rail line, including here in Montgomery County.”
“My district is passionate about solutions that solve more than one problem, and this funding is a step in the right direction to increasing accessible, affordable public transportation, while helping local economies and uplifting our communities,” Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-Delaware, Montgomery) said. “Hopefully, this study will lead to added passenger rail options connecting more Pennsylvanians in the Commonwealth.”
“Expanding the availability of reliable passenger rail travel to our region is so important to the future of our workforce and to the continued economic development of our municipalities and small business community,” Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks, Chester, Montgomery) said. “We need to ensure that all residents have access to the job opportunities and services across our region and passenger rail will greatly improve that connectivity. I was glad to work with my SEPA colleagues to support this important feasibility study.”
“Residents and businesses across Chester County stand to benefit from new public transportation options within our region,” Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) said. “With this new study, we are one step closer to creating a more inter-connected transportation system allowing more people from across Southeastern Pennsylvania to enjoy the welcoming communities of Chester County.”
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17 de marzo de 2023
LECTURA, 17 de marzo 2023 - Senador del Estado Katie Muth (D-Chester / Montgomery / Berks), Presidente del Comité de Política Demócrata del Senado, se unió a la senadora Judy Schwank (D-Berks) y el senador Art Haywood (D-Montgomery / Filadelfia) a principios de esta semana en la Universidad de Alvernia en Reading para discutir estrategias para involucrar a los jóvenes para reducir la violencia y mantenerlos fuera del sistema de justicia.
La audiencia contó con el testimonio de expertos en aplicación de la ley y agencias estatales, así como proveedores de servicios sin ánimo de lucro, que debatieron sobre los retos y oportunidades relacionados con el sistema de justicia juvenil de Pensilvania y la violencia en la comunidad.
"La audiencia de esta semana ha sido una gran oportunidad para conocer realmente lo que funciona y los retos a los que se enfrentan nuestros proveedores de servicios y nuestro sistema judicial a la hora de abordar la violencia y la delincuencia entre nuestros jóvenes. Tenemos que hacer todo lo posible para garantizar que nuestros niños no sólo sobreviven, sino que prosperan", dijo Muth. "Tenemos que seguir trabajando juntos, aprendiendo lo que funciona y documentando lo que funciona para que podamos invertir fondos estatales en programas y servicios que se ha demostrado que funcionan para mantener a los menores fuera de nuestro sistema judicial y mantener nuestras comunidades seguras."
Según las estadísticas proporcionadas por la Comisión de Delincuencia y Crimen de Pensilvania (PCCD), la violencia juvenil sigue disminuyendo de manera constante y menos jóvenes están entrando en el sistema de justicia juvenil de Pensilvania. PCCD informó que entre 2012 y 2021, la tasa de arrestos por delitos violentos entre los jóvenes de Pensilvania disminuyó en un 72 por ciento. Y el año pasado, el número de jóvenes de Pensilvania que recibieron una disposición de justicia juvenil fue 15 por ciento menor que el año anterior, y 57 por ciento menor que los niveles de 2013-14.
"Creo que todos comprendemos que, aunque cada comunidad de Pensilvania es diferente, todas nos enfrentamos a la delincuencia. Con demasiada frecuencia, creo que reaccionamos a los incidentes en nuestra comunidad en lugar de buscar las causas profundas. Eso es realmente de lo que trataba esta audiencia", dijo Schwank. "Tuvimos un gran grupo de testigos que nos proporcionó información excelente que podemos utilizar para asegurar que los programas que están haciendo una diferencia están siendo apoyados en toda la Commonwealth."
Según un informe de 2022 del New York Times Magazine, la violencia con armas de fuego ha superado a los accidentes de tráfico como principal causa de muerte entre los niños y jóvenes estadounidenses. El director ejecutivo del PCCD, Michael Pennington, citó estadísticas que afirman que entre 2011 y 2020, 1.151 personas de entre 10 y 19 años perdieron la vida a causa de la violencia armada en Pensilvania.
"Por desgracia, la violencia juvenil es demasiado común en Filadelfia y en todo el estado, dejando a los jóvenes y a sus familias atrapados literalmente en el fuego cruzado. Los vecinos están desesperados por soluciones, desesperados por prevención, desesperados por ayuda", añadió Haywood. "Tenemos que apoyar a nuestros jóvenes a través de la tutoría, el asesoramiento y los servicios multisistémicos, y el amor inquebrantable".
Participaron en la audiencia el juez Scott E. Lash, del Tribunal de Causas Comunes del condado de Berks; Barbara Dancy, de Libertad Condicional Juvenil del condado de Berks; Radarra McLendon, fundadora de Village of Reading; Ebonie Cunningham Stringer, directora ejecutiva del Programa de Interrupción e Intervención en la Violencia Juvenil de Berks; y Michael Pennington, director ejecutivo de la Comisión sobre Delincuencia y Crimen de Pensilvania.
Otros senadores que participaron virtualmente en la audiencia fueron el líder demócrata del Senado, Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), la senadora Tina Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia), el senador Tim Kearney (D-Delaware), la senadora Maria Collett (D-Montgomery), el senador John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware), el senador Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny) y el senador Jimmy Dillon (D-Filadelfia).
Todos los testimonios presentados en la audiencia y el vídeo completo están disponibles en SenatorMuth.com/Policy
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16 de marzo de 2023
Lectura - 16 de marzo 2023 - Hoy, el senador Judy Schwank (D-11) compartió que 20 proyectos del Distrito Senatorial11 recibió un total de $ 4,62 millones en fondos de subvención de la Autoridad de Financiación de la Commonwealth.
El programa Cuenta de Participaciones Locales-Estado fue establecido por la Ley de Desarrollo y Juego de Carreras de Caballos de Pensilvania de 2004, que prevé la distribución de los ingresos del juego a través de la CFA para apoyar proyectos de interés público dentro de la Mancomunidad de Pensilvania. Los condados, municipios, autoridades municipales, agencias de desarrollo económico y autoridades de reurbanización pueden solicitar financiación del CEJ. Los proyectos sólo son elegibles si son propiedad y están mantenidos por un solicitante elegible o una organización sin ánimo de lucro.
Schwank dijo que se sentía orgullosa de apoyar los proyectos que se enumeran a continuación y dio las gracias a los líderes locales por presentar candidaturas sólidas que abordan necesidades cruciales en sus comunidades.
"Tener una larga lista de proyectos con visión de futuro y merecedores de financiación es un buen problema", dijo Schwank. Cuando hay grandes proyectos que satisfacen importantes necesidades locales, es fácil argumentar por qué merecen apoyo". Con esta financiación, el Estado está mejorando la seguridad pública, impulsando el acceso a zonas recreativas para personas con discapacidad, invirtiendo en la preservación de lugares emblemáticos del condado de Berks, y mucho más. Hoy es un gran día para el condado de Berks".
Schwank añadió que muchos de los proyectos enumerados se están financiando a niveles que permiten completarlos o completarlos sustancialmente.
- Spring Township - 800.000 $ para el proyecto de alcantarillado de Wyomissing, que modernizará las tuberías de alcantarillado y aliviará los problemas de aguas residuales.
- Ciudad de Reading - 500.000 dólares para la construcción de unas modernas instalaciones polivalentes de entrenamiento y operaciones especiales situadas en el municipio de Cumru.
- Laureldale Borough - 482 255 dólares para construir instalaciones sanitarias accesibles a la ADA en el parque Dominic Manzella.
- Kutztown Community Partnership - 450.000 dólares para la rehabilitación del histórico teatro Strand de Kutztown.
- Wyomissing Borough - 400.000 $ para ADA y mejoras de seguridad en Stone House Park.
- Antietam Valley Municipal Authority - 376.379 dólares para la modernización de equipos de vehículos para su uso en Alsace Township, Mt. Penn Borough, Exeter Township, St. Lawrence Borough y la ciudad de Reading.
- Municipio de Muhlenberg: 294.000 dólares para la restauración de las riberas y la instalación de una zona de amortiguación ribereña en el arroyo Laurel Run.
- Mount Penn Borough - 275.000 dólares para la reconstrucción de rampas para discapacitados conformes con la ADA que se construirán en varias calles del municipio.
- West Reading Borough - 264.750 dólares para mejorar las cámaras de seguridad a lo largo de la principal zona comercial, en el departamento de policía y en el edificio municipal.
- Fleetwood Borough - 225.000 dólares para la segunda fase de la construcción destinada a estabilizar y restaurar la orilla del arroyo Willow Creek, situado en el parque Fleetwood.
- Autoridad Municipal del Borough de Mount Penn - 207.100 dólares para la modernización de un sistema existente de Control de Supervisión y Adquisición de Datos (SCADA) situado en el municipio de Exeter.
- Autoridad del Agua de Reading - 165.649 dólares para mejoras de supervisión de la planta de filtros de Maidencreek.
- Municipio de Ruscombmanor - 100.00 dólares para mejoras de accesibilidad ADA en Strauss Park.
- Mount Penn Borough - 60.000 dólares para renovar la sala de día de la Compañía de Bomberos de Mount Penn, muy utilizada.
- Lyons Borough Autoridad Municipal - $ 29,260 para actualizar su actual sistema de agua y cartografía y para llevar a cabo una prueba de detección de fugas.
Además de las subvenciones de LSA para todo el Estado, cinco entidades del condado de Berks recibieron 580.791 $ en subvenciones del Programa de Instalaciones de Categoría 4 de LSA. Los proyectos de los condados con instalaciones de juego autorizadas de Categoría 4 pueden optar a esta corriente de financiación (condados de Berks, Westmoreland y York).
- Greater Reading Chamber and Economic Development Corporation - 142.346 $ para el Plan Estratégico de Desarrollo Orientado al Tránsito de Franklin Street.
- Berks County Redevelopment Authority - 125.000 $ para convertir en oficinas un antiguo edificio situado en la avenida Gregg de la ciudad de Reading.
- Distrito de West Reading - 113.552 $ para la sustitución de farolas.
- West Reading Borough - 100.000 dólares para la remodelación de la señalización de la entrada.
- Sinking Spring Borough - 99.893 $ para una astilladora en el vertedero comunitario.
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16 de marzo de 2023
Reading — March 16, 2023 — This morning, The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded Lower Alsace Township $850,000 in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding for the construction of sidewalks along Carsonia Road.
The sidewalk will stretch from Parkview Avenue to Logan Street leading towards Antietam Middle Senior High School. The sidewalk will address pedestrian safety concerns and alleviate stormwater runoff.
Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Mark Rozzi worked in tandem to secure the funding. The lawmakers said the funding dovetails nicely with PennDOT’s ongoing Carsonia Avenue and Friedensburg Road bridge replacement intersection improvement project and Antietam School District’s Stony Creek Rehabilitation Project.
“This project is a priority for the township, school district and local residents,” Schwank said. “This extended stretch of sidewalk will provide students with a safe walking path they can use to get to school and is in keeping with existing efforts to improve safety in the area. I’m very pleased to see this worthy project receive the funding it deserves.”
“I was happy to work with Sen. Schwank to ensure this funding came back to the area,” Rozzi said. “Major projects like this are unattainable for small Townships like Lower Alsace without the States assistance. This project impacts community safety which is paramount and a long-time priority of mine.”
7 de marzo de 2023
HARRISBURG, PA: Hoy en día, los demócratas del Senado y los demócratas de la Cámara celebró una conferencia de prensa conjunta para responder a la Gobernadora Shapiro del Presupuesto. Los demócratas del Senado están satisfechos con un presupuesto de sentido común que invierte en el futuro de Pennsylvania, y están dispuestos a continuar el proceso de negociación durante la primavera.
El Caucus Demócrata del Senado de Pensilvania ha expresado su unidad en algunas prioridades clave para Pensilvania: educación, desarrollo de la mano de obra, prevención de la violencia armada, vivienda, personas mayores y atención sanitaria, incluida la mental. Este presupuesto invierte seriamente en todas estas áreas fundamentales de forma responsable, tanto de forma inmediata como a largo plazo.
"El gobernador Shapiro ha presentado un presupuesto reflexivo, razonable y factible", dijo el líder demócrata Jay Costa. "Este presupuesto da prioridad a nuestros niños, nuestros educadores, nuestra fuerza de trabajo, nuestras pequeñas empresas, y nuestros ancianos. Este es un plan sólido para mover Pennsylvania hacia adelante, y espero con interés la cooperación bipartidista con el Caucus Republicano del Senado a medida que avanzamos en las audiencias en las próximas semanas."
Los demócratas del Senado han trabajado incansablemente para presentar y aprobar proyectos de ley destinados a resolver muchos de los problemas que este presupuesto pretende abordar. Entre ellos se incluyen proyectos de ley destinados a financiar íntegramente la educación pública y a resolver la crisis de escasez de profesores.
Los demócratas del Senado también han luchado por aumentar las inversiones en programas comunitarios contra la violencia. La bancada demócrata se enorgullece de defender el programa del senador Nikil Saval Whole Home Repairs, una inversión en las viviendas envejecidas e inaccesibles de Pensilvania. Además, el grupo demócrata también ha pedido durante mucho tiempo inversiones en la protección de nuestro medio ambiente, lo que crearía empleos verdes bien remunerados en toda la mancomunidad. El Grupo de Salud de la Mujer ha luchado por recursos para abordar los resultados de la salud materna y la mortalidad, especialmente entre las mujeres negras y morenas. Este presupuesto da pasos lógicos e intencionados en cada una de estas áreas, apoyando el trabajo y las prioridades de los demócratas.
"El gobernador ha dicho en las reuniones previas al discurso de hoy que él está buscando un nuevo espíritu de colaboración en la elaboración del presupuesto del Estado", dijo el Presidente de Asignaciones senador Vincent Hughes de Filadelfia. "Mis colegas y yo damos la bienvenida a esa nueva energía y estamos seguros de que vamos a trabajar juntos para lograr muchas cosas impactantes para los residentes de Pensilvania en el Distrito 7 y en toda la mancomunidad con este presupuesto."
Los demócratas del Senado están especialmente entusiasmados con los llamamientos del Gobernador Shapiro a favor de un salario mínimo de 15 dólares por hora y del cannabis recreativo para uso de adultos. Ambas medidas impulsarían inmediatamente la economía de Pensilvania, poniendo dinero directamente en los bolsillos de las familias trabajadoras, las pequeñas empresas y las arcas del gobierno. La senadora Tina Tartaglione y el senador Art Haywood llevan mucho tiempo pidiendo un salario mínimo digno; el salario mínimo de 7,25 $/hora de Pensilvania es inferior al de todos los estados vecinos.
"La propuesta del gobernador Shapiro nos ofrece la oportunidad de hacer avanzar a Pensilvania y llegar a un consenso sobre cuestiones clave", dijo la senadora Judy Schwank, de Reading. "Las inversiones propuestas en seguridad pública, desarrollo de la mano de obra y educación son pragmáticas y ofrecerán resultados reales para la gente de esta Commonwealth. Trabajar en el presupuesto es siempre un proceso largo, pero creo que la propuesta de hoy es un punto de partida muy prometedor."
El vídeo de la rueda de prensa está disponible en PASenate.com/video. Si lo desea, puede descargar las imágenes.
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7 de marzo de 2023
Harrisburg, PA- March 7, 2023 — Following Governor Josh Shapiro’s inaugural Budget Address to the Joint General Assembly today, Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny), Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and advocates applauded the Governor’s proposed $38.5 million investment to continue the Universal Free Breakfast Program and expand access to free lunch.
Pennsylvania’s Universal Free Breakfast Program began on October 1, 2022 after Senator Williams, legislators, and advocates, including the School Nutrition Association of PA (SNAPA) and the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank, urged Governor Wolf to act after the Federal Government ended funding and waivers that had provided free breakfast and lunch for all students during the pandemic. This program provides free school breakfast to all students at schools that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. However, the Universal Free School Breakfast Program was limited to the 2022-23 school year.
“I was incredibly encouraged to hear that Governor Shapiro included extending the Universal School Breakfast program and expanding access to free lunch in his first budget address,” said Senator Williams. “These programs provide our students with healthy meals that allow them to be ready to learn every single day. Providing breakfast and lunch is just as essential to learning as providing textbooks and desks—students can’t learn when they’re hungry.”
Within a month of the implementation of the Universal Free Breakfast Program, local school districts saw participation in their breakfast programs skyrocket by as much as 42%, as students took advantage of the opportunity to have a healthy breakfast to fuel their bodies and brains before a day of learning.
“I’ve heard from students who are excited to be able to spend time eating with their friends in the morning, now that breakfast is available to everyone again. Kids know when they’re being singled out for free meals, no matter how hard the adults try to hide it. When we level the playing field, we eliminate the shame and make meals a fun and community experience again,” said Senator Williams. “I’ve also heard from parents and caregivers that the Universal Breakfast Program has been an invaluable help, especially as we see prices rise at the grocery stores, gas stations, and utility bills.”
SNAPA also commended Governor Shapiro today for his continued support of the education and health of Pennsylvania’s school children by proposing funds that support school breakfast at no cost. “Continuing universal free school breakfast across Pennsylvania helps to ensure every student will start their day with a healthy, nutritious meal,” said Melissa Froehlich, SNAPA Public Communication Chair. “Research supports that a well-nourished child who starts the day with breakfast is more likely to be at school, has improved concentration and is more willing to participate in the classroom. Universal free breakfast for all students in Pennsylvania will strengthen child nutrition programs, and address equity and stigmas around school breakfast so more children will have access to nutritious meals and set our students up for success in the classroom.”
Senator Williams and Senator Schwank have introduced Senate Bill 180 that will codify the Universal School Meals program, which will provide all students both breakfast and lunch and also erase existing lunch debt, allowing school districts to start fresh at the beginning of this new program. The full text of the legislation is available here. Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20) has introduced companion legislation in the House.
Senator Schwank also applauded Governor Shapiro’s proposed investment in school meals, saying “When students go hungry, they aren’t in a position to excel in the classroom and reach their full potential. That’s why I’m so encouraged to see the extension of Pennsylvania’s Universal Free Breakfast Program included in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal. It’s of benefit to all Pennsylvanians to help our kids succeed by providing them with the nutritious meals they need to get the most out of the school day. I’m very optimistic that we can work across the aisle and accomplish this in this year’s budget.”
Individuals can learn more about the Universal School Meals program and how it fits into combatting child hunger here. You can also sign on to be a part of the citizen coalition urging legislators to support Universal School Meals legislation and fight child hunger here.
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March 6, 2023
HARRISBURG, PA – March 6, 2023 – On Friday, March 3rd Senators Street, Schwank, Tartaglione and Hughes, reintroduced Sacred Spaces legislation, amending Section 3307 of Title 18 (Institutional Vandalism) to enhance the existing statute to give District Attorneys expanded options for combating vandalism of sacred spaces such as faith institutions, cemeteries, or memorials.
Senator Sharif Street shared that “at minimum, it is our responsibility as a government to ensure Pennsylvanians are free to express themselves, including their religious beliefs, without fear or risk of retribution. The continued defacement of places of worship is meant to intimidate whole communities and an inadequate response to these acts of hate inevitably results in more violent acts of intolerance.”
In recent years there has been an increase in the deliberate vandalism of churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship by those who wish to express hate. On February 25, 2023, a “National Day of Hate” garnered significant attention and warnings from law enforcement about rising antisemitism and possible attacks on religious institutions across the United States.
Senator Judy Schwank stated that “Faith-based hatred and vandalism is deeply disturbing and has no place in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, we’ve witnessed vandalism at religious and sacred spaces increase over the past few years. The protecting sacred spaces legislation we are introducing will send a clear message to those that wish to spread hate and intimidate other that they will be held accountable for their actions.”
In Philadelphia Jewish cemeteries have been targeted by vandals and on February 24th, 2023, the Philadelphia Masjidullah Mosque was defaced. On February 8th, 2023, in Reading, the Jesus is Alive World Center was severely damaged accruing more than $70,000 in repair costs. Religious intolerance, whether through rhetoric or acts of hate, have increasing consequences.
“In a state that was founded on the principle of religious liberty, it is abhorrent to see continued attacks and intimidation on and to our Commonwealth’s places of worship,” said Senator Tartaglione, “expanding the tools prosecutors across Pennsylvania can use to protect sacred spaces is a crucial step in combatting the hate we have seen grow out of the dark and dangerous fringes of society.”
Senator Vincent Hughes echoed that sentiment, stating “I’m proud to partner with my colleagues on this legislation, because acts of vandalism and hate against our sacred spaces have no place in Pennsylvania.”
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1 de marzo de 2023
(Harrisburg, PA) March 1, 2023 — Today, on the first day of Women’s History Month, Chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, Senator Judith Schwank (D-11 Berks), Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-148 Montgomery), and Representative Gina Curry (D-164 Delaware) were joined by Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) members to kick off the 2023-2024 legislative session by announcing a new mission and platform and by launching a new joint Subcommittee and website!
The WHC shared its new mission statement:
The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus of legislators partnering with advocacy groups to advance legislation and policies that promote equity and protect the health and wellbeing of women, gender expansive people, and families in Pennsylvania. As a caucus, we recognize the intersectionality of social issues that support physical and mental health. We are committed to closing existing disparities and removing barriers Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds face when seeking healthcare and systems of support. Integral to our mission is the belief that all Pennsylvanians have the right to make private, personal medical decisions.
On their newly redesigned website, the WHC launched a new platform that outlines their legislative and advocacy goals as a caucus. Included in the platform are sections on Reproductive Freedom, Ending the Maternal Mortality Crisis, Health Care Access and Equity, Economic Empowerment, and Justice and Inclusion.
“Our caucus is proud to launch our new mission and platform that is driven by our commitment to protecting individual freedoms, focusing on access and equity, economic empowerment, and justice and inclusion. I am thrilled to serve as a co-Chair of the caucus once again as these shared values guide us in our legislative and advocacy work for this session,” said Representative Mary Jo Daley. “With the historic election of Speaker McClinton in the House, I’m sure we will be able to make progress on the critical issues the Women’s Health Caucus is fighting for.”
The WHC welcomed a new Co-Chair to the Caucus, Representative Gina Curry. As a co-chair of the WHC, Curry is committed to addressing issues facing Pennsylvanians like maternity care deserts and systemic inequities in the health care system. “I look forward to working diligently to provide adequate and equitable access to health care that impact the women in my district and across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Curry. “My goal is to provide innovative ways to educate and bring a comprehensive, expansive awareness and solutions to women’s healthcare needs.”
Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus has also announced a joint Subcommittee with the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Women and Girls of Color, which will be Chaired by Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-24 Allegheny). Mayes, founder and former president and CEO of New Voices for Reproductive Justice, has been an unwavering advocate for improving the health and well-being of marginalized communities. “Our Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus is ready to meet the needs of women, femmes, girls and gender-expansive folx across this Commonwealth. As Chair of the Joint Subcommittee on Women and Girls of Color, I am deeply committed to leading a legislative and policy agenda that centers the health and well-being of our most marginalized communities especially Black women and women of color, mothers and caretakers and LGBTQ+ women and folx. I am proud to serve with my colleagues in the Women’s Health Caucus,” said Representative Mayes.
Overall, the theme of the WHC agenda for this session is to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have affordable access to the care they deserve. “Equitable access to health care services and economic security are both crucial components of a healthy lifestyle. That’s why this session, the Women’s Health Caucus is not only going to continue its work of ending care deserts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but we will also raise our efforts to ensure that all Pennsylvanians are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace,” said Senator Judy Schwank. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel the empowerment that comes from economic freedom, and our caucus is dedicated to making that a reality.”
The Women’s Health Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to protecting reproductive rights here in Pennsylvania. WHC members have proudly been at the forefront of fighting against anti-abortion bills in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and have introduced policies and solutions that would protect and expand access to reproductive health care in Pennsylvania. The Caucus works with several advocacy groups to ensure the policies they propose will have the greatest impact. This session, the Caucus is proud to have 79 legislators participating as members.
“One of the best parts of being a Co-Chair of the Women’s Health Caucus is the opportunity to host a forum where legislators can have discussions with advocates and folks who have firsthand experience with the problems our policy proposals aim to solve,” said Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17 Montgomery), co-Chair of the PA WHC. “Our caucus’ shared values allow us to work together towards our goals in the strongest way possible.”
Explore the WHC’s new website at pawomenshealthcaucus.com. Stay up to date with the Caucus on social media by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Watch the recording of the press event here.
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February 14, 2023
Reading — February 14, 2023 — Today, state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced that her office has opened a satellite constituent services office in Spring Township.
The office is in the Spring Township Administration Building located on 2850 Windmill Rd, Reading, PA 19608. The office will be open on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on other days by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 610-929-2151 or by sending an email to senatorschwank@pasenate.com.
Spring Township, Sinking Spring Borough and the Berks County portion of Adamstown Borough became a part of the 11th senatorial district during last year’s reapportionment process. Schwank said the satellite office will help her connect with her new constituents.
“It’s very important to me that the folks who have been added to the 11th district have convenient access to the services they need,” Schwank said. “I believe this satellite office will provide my staff and I with a great opportunity to connect with our newest constituents and get a better feel for the community and its needs.”
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February 9, 2023
Reading — February 9, 2023 — This morning, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) spoke during the public comment section of the Berks County Commissioner’s meeting to express her interest in collaborating with county officials on the rollout of the Whole Home Repairs program.
$120 million in funding was allotted to the Whole Home Repairs program last summer as a part of the 2022-2023 Pennsylvania budget. That money was distributed to applying counties with Berks County receiving $3,656,555. A portion of the funding will go toward administration and workforce development. Individual homeowners are eligible for up to $50,000 to repair, update or adapt their homes.
Schwank said she recognizes the impact the Whole Home Repairs program can have in Berks County and said it’s generated significant interest from constituents. She emphasized the importance of a successful rollout.
“We need to get the word out about the program and more importantly monitor the progress of the program,” Schwank said. “There is great demand for this program and a large unmet need in helping homeowners and landlords improve their properties.”
Schwank also noted that the outcome of the initial rollout could affect whether or not the program continues to be funded at the state level.
“I would like to see this program funded again in the upcoming state budget, but we need to make sure the program works first,” Schwank said. “My hope is that the Whole Home Repairs initiative will set us on a path of continuous improvement for our local housing stock. Let’s work together to ensure the success of this program today so that we can support possible additional funding for this program down the road.”
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January 24, 2023
Reading, PA – January 24, 2023 – State Sen. Judy Schwank issued the following statement regarding Cream-O-Land Dairy, Inc.’s purchase of Clover Farms.
“I’ve been aware that the owners of Clover Farms were looking at the possibility of selling for quite some time now. From what I understand, independent dairy farmers who have been shipping their milk to Clover Farms have a commitment from Cream-O-Land Dairy to continue that arrangement, and the plant in Berks County will remain operational, so I’m hoping this is a seamless transition. Milk processors are a key component of the dairy industry infrastructure in Pennsylvania; so it’s important that we maintain existing processing plants. Clover Farms is an iconic brand, and is known as a premium local product, my hope is it will continue to be while under new ownership.”
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January 18, 2023
HARRISBURG – The Senate of Pennsylvania approved a measure to eliminate a section from the state’s Education Code that prohibits a teacher from wearing any dress, mark, emblem, or insignia indicative of his or her faith or denomination, according to the measure’s sponsors, Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks).
Senate Bill 84 would align Pennsylvania with every other state in the nation in preserving and protecting First Amendment rights for educators.
“This long overdue legislation needs to reach the governor’s desk to make Pennsylvania the 50th state to eradicate this archaic law once and for all,” Phillips-Hill said. “With its broad, bipartisan support from legislators and a diverse coalition of stakeholders, this bill will uphold William Penn’s founding principles that our Commonwealth stands for religious freedom and tolerance.”
The senators argue the existing archaic law violates the First Amendment.
“It’s a First Amendment right to express your religious beliefs. Everyone, and most certainly our educators, should be free to exercise that right in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is not an endorsement of any one religion; it allows people of all faiths to express themselves,” Schwank said.
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Ku Klux Klan supported similar laws across the nation due to anti-Catholic sentiment at the time. Pennsylvania’s original 1895 law served as the model for three dozen states that pursued similar anti-First Amendment laws. Today, Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with this law in place. Nebraska was the most recent state to repeal its law in 2017.
This measure now advances to House of Representatives for its consideration.
January 13, 2023
Reading — January 13, 2023 — 107 Berks County residents attended and received assistance at Thursday evenings expungement and pardon clinic.
The event took place at the DoubleTree in Reading and was hosted by Magisterial District Judges Tonya Butler and Carissa Johnson. The event was sponsored by state Sen. Judy Schwank, Berks Connections/Pretrial Services, MidPenn Legal Services, and the Berks County Bar Association.
Butler said the event came about when she learned that individuals who either had charges dismissed or were found not guilty didn’t automatically have those charges removed from their records.
“We can dismiss a charge, but what we didn’t know was that the charge was still going to be on their record,” Butler said. “We were blown away in regards to that.”
Johnson added that securing an expungement or pardon clears barriers to employment and allows individuals to return to society and become productive members of their community.
“I think what people fail to realize is that once a person goes to jail, they don’t stay there forever,” Johnson said. “You always have to ask yourself if you want that person to be better than they left, the same as they left, or worse.”
“I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish tonight,” Schwank said following the event. “I had a chance to speak with so many of my constituents and hear firsthand about the support they received and how it’s going to allow them to move forward. My hat is off to all the folks who volunteered their time and helped make this happen.”
Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Celeste Trusty and Berks County District Attorney John Adams were at the event and answered questions from attendees.
Also in attendance at the event were state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, state Rep. Manny Guzman, Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera, and Berks County COO Kevin Barnhardt.
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