April 23, 2020
Harrisburg – April 23, 2020 – State Senators Judy Schwank (D – Berks) and Lindsey Williams (D – Allegheny) joined State Representatives Joanna McClinton (D- Philadelphia) and Sara Innamorato (D – Allegheny) for a telephone town hall hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) to discuss COVID-19 legislation.
“This public health crisis has unearthed glaring inequities faced by our working class and low-income families,” Schwank said. “Ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to basic necessities like health care, decent housing, food and quality childcare will take bold actions. Please join our teleconference to share your thoughts on how we will improve our Commonwealth.”
The legislators discussed the bills that have been brought forward to assist in K-12 online learning, work to make unemployment compensation more accessible and comprehensive, and the movement of the Pennsylvania primary election to June 2 for the health and safety of all residents of the Commonwealth.
“We’ve been working to pass legislation that will protect and support our constituents, our communities, and our businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that’s through providing our front-line essential workers with PPE or ensuring that childcare facilities can stay open to care for the children of those essential workers while they risk their lives for us,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to discuss these and other measures with people from across Pennsylvania.”
A full list of legislation proposed by the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats to adequately respond to the needs of all Pennsylvanian’s during this pandemic can be found here on our website.
“Even as we stayed home to save lives by flattening the curve, we made sure the people’s voice is heard,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair, McClinton. “This statewide telephone town hall proved now, more than ever, the people want us fighting for the issues that matter – fair pay, safe workplaces for everyone, paid sick leave and so much more that needs to happen even after the virus has been defeated. I want to thank the thousands of people who took time to join us and remind us all it’s always the right time to stand up for fairness and justice for all.”
For more information of McClinton’s work to help those effected by the COVID-19 pandemic, visit her website.
“When I hear the stories of how my neighbors are struggling, my heart breaks,” said state Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny. “It is clear that to address these real needs we need to reimagine our social contract. We need a government that provides for the people before it rushes to defend private profits. We need policies that puts food on families’ tables, and keeps people safely housed while they shelter-in-place. We have already sacrificed so much in this fight, and it is clear after talking to people at events like this that not only do we have more to do, but we must continue to fight to put people first.”
To follow all the work that Innamorato is doing to help those effected by this pandemic, visit her website.
All legislators voiced their support for the American Working Family Relief Action Plan to protect workers, ensure adequate healthcare, and provide economic relief as we endure and emerge from this pandemic.
For the most up to date information concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus statistics and protection guidelines in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Dept. of Health’s website.
April 22, 2020
READING, April 22, 2020 – Reading School District and the Berks County Intermediate Unit have been selected for Continuing of Education Equity Grants (CEEG) for the 2019-2020 academic year, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District), State Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D-127th District) and State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) announced.
CEEG grants are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education.
The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or be used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving CEEG grants.
The following organizations received a CEEG grant:
- Berks County IU 14: $11,300.00
- Reading School District: $500,000.00
“In these difficult times it is imperative that we give students access to every resource available to ensure that they are able to continue learning, especially in districts like Reading where not every student has access to a computer or the internet,” Schwank said. “These funds will help our dedicated education professionals better reach their students.”
“Access to education is of paramount importance, and some of those connections have been lost while students have been out of school,” Caltagirone said. “I’m grateful to see these funds bridge that gap.”
“We know that students have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rozzi said. “These grants will help bring a little bit of normalcy back to their lives by getting them back in touch with their teachers.”
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April 22, 2020
READING, April 22, 2020 – A low-interest loan in the amount of $1.7 million approved today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) will help fund the Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority’s recently completed Perkiomen Avenue Water Main Replacement Project, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11) and state Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126).
“This project will help ensure that the residents of Mount Penn Borough and the Antietam Valley continue to enjoy the benefit of a safe and high-quality municipal water service for decades to come,” Schwank said. “I commend local officials for their foresight and diligence in coordinating this infrastructure project with PennDOT’s Perkiomen Avenue upgrade work.”
“Replacement of aging infrastructure and preventative maintenance are some of the more difficult challenges local officials face,” Rozzi said. “This project addresses both those needs—it protects water quality, improves service reliability, and will lessen the potential of breaks and service loss.”
The project included the replacement of 5,740 feet of water lines, as well as valves, hydrants, and customer service connections.
PENNVEST funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, and loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards.
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April 8, 2020
Harrisburg, PA − April 8, 2020 − The Senate adjourned Tuesday afternoon after the House Republicans indicated they would not be taking up Senate Bill 841, legislation that would have enabled local municipalities to hold their meetings remotely, permitted e-notary use; lengthened the time period a property tax payer can receive an early payment discount and delay penalties for late payments to Dec. 31st; and allowed businesses to make delayed payments on EITC. Another important amendment offered by Senator Pam Iovino (D-Allegheny) allowed school districts to renegotiate contracts to ensure contracted school workers can get paid and continue to receive benefits.
The amended SB 841 passed the Senate with bipartisan support. While the Senate Democrats and Republicans chose to put partisan difference aside, the House Republicans were pushing to please special interests and big donors. Intending to use this crisis as leverage, Speaker Turzai and his caucus passed legislation to prematurely allow businesses to reopen during this public health crisis and create a partisan task force to interfere with the Governor’s disaster response, both of which unnecessarily risk lives and threaten to expend the emergency.
“While the Governor and Department of Health Secretary offer leadership on public safety in daily briefings and Democratic members of the PA House and Senate draft legislation to protect working people who are either out of work or employed on the front lines of essential businesses, Republicans are putting lives at risk and undermining the Governor and Secretary Levine’s best efforts to end this crisis,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. “Instead of taking the advice of our Health Secretary, they are trying to slow down our response and hasten the re-opening of non-essential businesses against the guidance of every public health entity in the country.”
The House Republicans were seeking even more egregious measures to provide civil immunity to big businesses, upend school districts ability to pay their teachers, and leave our corrections department employees at serious threat of the Coronavirus. Perhaps worst of all, the language does nothing to protect frontline workers, provide assistance to those that are out of work, or to help small businesses weather this crisis.
In an amendment to Senate Bill 327, House Republicans designed a task force with partisan appointees to usurp the Governor’s ability to rapidly respond to this quickly-evolving crisis. Their bill would require the Secretary of Health to leave PEMA, take hours away from public health crisis planning and defend her work in front of a redundant, political body.
The Senate Democratic Caucus will not support these bills. Alternatively, this caucus will be supporting legislation on the following issues:
- The American Working Family Relief Action Plan for front-line worker protections (Collett/L. Williams)
- Protecting workers during public health emergencies (Santarsiero)
- COVID-19 Food Worker Safety Act (Tartaglione)
- COVID-19 Grocery Store Worker Safety Act (Tartaglione)
- Payment of contract services in schools (Iovino)
- Childcare assistance (Schwank/L. Williams)
- Emergency expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act to provide paid sick leave (Farnese)
- Crisis grants for volunteer fire and EMS companies due to COVID-19 (Brewster)
- Require business interruption insurance to cover COVID-19 related business closures (Hughes)
- Eviction protection for all disaster emergencies (Farnese)
- Coronavirus disease and schools: allowing for online instruction (Dinniman)
- Creating a Common Wealth Fund to collect donations from individuals to provide for essential needs of those in need (AH Williams)
- Providing a presumption of eligibility for Workers’ Compensation benefits for workers that get sick in the workplace (Tartaglione)
- Ensuring receipt of a stimulus check from the Federal government is not included in an individual’s income for purposes of qualifying for social safety nets (Schwank)
- Exempting stimulus checks from the Federal government from State and local taxation (Brewster)
- Collaborating with financial institutions to mandate mortgage loan forgiveness, assistance to homeowners that were laid off due to state emergencies (Farnese)
“While many working Pennsylvanians are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, facing lost hours or even complete unemployment, others who find themselves in more fortunate circumstances have expressed a desire to help their fellow citizens by either donating to a local charity or patronizing local businesses,” said Senator Anthony H. Williams. “By establishing the “Pennsylvania Common Wealth” restricted account, taxpayers could redirect all or a portion of their stimulus check to the state, which in turn would be authorized to direct those funds into programs which help the neediest Pennsylvanians – property tax & rent rebates, temporary assistance for needy families, CHIP or medical assistance.”
“Pennsylvania needs solutions that help protect its working people who have been hit the hardest by the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic,” Senator Vincent Hughes said. “We in the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus have put forth a number of policy proposals that would do just that, meanwhile House Republicans have chosen to ignore these needs and push an agenda that jeopardizes public health and puts additional pressure on working people by delaying immediate relief. Our mission should be helping people in this unprecedented time of need and we will remain vigilant in protecting hardworking folks across the commonwealth.”
“As public servants, our most important duty is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens. This includes making difficult decisions in challenging times. We all want businesses to reopen, employees back on the job, students back in classrooms and some semblance of normal life to resume, but that cannot happen unless we first continue mitigation efforts and follow the advice of our scientists and experts,” said Senator Wayne D. Fontana. “Anything contrary can set back progress and cause further harm on our economy and most importantly, on human health. The bipartisan legislation the Senate approved provides some necessary guidance and relief to local governments, businesses, school employees and property taxpayers during this unprecedented situation. It is unconscionable that House Republicans blatantly disregarded that duty and have chosen not to act.”
“The spread of coronavirus has not quieted the voice of special interests in Harrisburg and that’s tragic,” said Senator Larry Farnese. “Mitigation through isolation is working and we have to recognize that sacrifice through legislation that actually helps front-line workers instead of just saying nice things on social media.”
“This crisis and the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic requires leadership, transparency and cooperation – not partisan politics,” said Senator John Blake. “While we’ve worked well with the Senate majority on real solutions that actually help people in this crisis, the House majority looks to undermine the executive authority of the Governor as well as the advice of medical and scientific experts regarding public health. I applaud the work being done by Governor Wolf and his administration to keep Pennsylvanians safe and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. I will continue to support important legislation to help our business community, front-line workers and medical professionals; and to protect our citizens, schools and local governments across this state. We need to remain vigilant in following the recommendations of the PA Department of Health and the federal CDC.”
“Issues that the Commonwealth was already facing have been exacerbated by this pandemic, and child care services and early learning programs are near the top of the list. Childcare centers are teetering on the brink of insolvency, which is why part of our legislative package addresses early childhood learning and safe, quality childcare. We will not be able to restart Pennsylvania’s economy without this key component,” Senator Judy Schwank said. “Additionally, it’s vital that the income requirements of state programs like PACENET and Property Tax and Rent Rebate are adjusted so that Pennsylvanians receiving federal aid are not penalized later.”
“The key to an effective response to the pandemic is to ensure that our citizens are protected, health risks are addressed, and our economy restarts quickly,” Senator Jim Brewster said. “That’s why I introduced a six-point stimulus plan that will help small business, protect workers and create jobs once we are clear the threat posed by the pandemic. In addition, we need to make sure to address the immediate and long-term needs of first responders and all workers and businesses who are providing essential services during this time of extraordinary stress.”
“There is no segment of our Commonwealth that hasn’t been upended by this crisis. Everything is a priority. But in order to save livelihoods, we must first save lives,” said Senator Maria Collett. “As a nurse, I know firsthand the challenges our health care workers are up against and the urgency of passing legislation like the American Working Family Relief Action Plan for Front-Line Workers. Our doctors, nurses, first responders, senior care aides and others should not have to worry about getting sick or infecting others while performing their essential work.”
“It is irresponsible for the state to reopen businesses at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. Those who are not essential workers should remain home,” said Senator Art Haywood. “We need to do all we can as legislators to support essential employees risking their lives on a daily basis,” said Senator Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia). “I will continue to support the work Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine have done to inform the public to remain safe and stay home.”
“The citizens of Pennsylvania are counting on their elected representatives to save lives by responding swiftly, pragmatically, and in a bipartisan manner to slow the spread of this highly contagious virus,” said Senator Pam Iovino. “To fulfill our duty to the public, we must follow the consensus guidance of public health professionals, focus on protecting front-line essential workers, and put in place protections that allow furloughed or unemployed workers and small businesses to weather the economic disruption.”
“As the Democratic chair of the Local Government Committee, I worked with stakeholders for weeks to craft the provisions of SB 841, I am disappointed these commonsense measures, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, are being held up by House Republicans for little reason,” said Senator Tim Kearney. “The House should immediately pass SB 841 and focus on bringing relief to Pennsylvanians, rather than sabotaging the Governor’s efforts to keep our families safe.”
“Yesterday, the majority party in both chambers failed to use their legislative power, where they can literally pass any bill they want to, and instead decided to pack up and go home without,” said Senator Katie Muth. “Failing to pass meaningful bills when people are fighting for their lives is simply negligent.”
“Now is not the time to play politics,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero. “Saving lives has to be the first priority. In order to do that, we must all do our part and follow the Governor’s and Department of Health’s plans as they’ve been explained to us countless times. SB 841 is just one of many ways our caucus has worked in a bipartisan effort to provide relief to those who need it most. However, SB 327 is exactly what our healthcare professionals warn us against. Promoting a premature return to normalcy will only undermine our effort to keep the public safe, and further endanger thousands of lives.”
“Government’s most important role is the protection of its people. Since the COVID-19 crisis the Senate has met three times, with little to show for it. Communities across the commonwealth have no interest in the paralysis of government especially in the most desperate of times. What they do care about is the protection of our essential workforce, the interruption of our small businesses, job loss, staying in their homes and educating their children. The only thing that matters is the preservation and protection of every resource needed to keep families safe during this health crisis,” said Senator Sharif Street.
“We need to be back in Harrisburg, we need to get back to work. We must work together to ensure our communities are protected during uncertain times.”
“As thousands of Pennsylvanians continue to get sick and hundreds die, now is no time to play partisan politics,” Senator Tina Tartaglione said. “As public leaders, we must unite behind the common goal of reducing the threat of this virus and mitigating the harm being done to our constituents. The package of bills we have proposed will directly help all Pennsylvania families, including essential workers, displaced workers, first responders, school children, those who have become sick, and those in need. I urge all legislators from all political parties to support these bills.”
“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives is our top priority. We also need to protect and support our constituents, our communities, and our businesses,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “Our front-line essential workers – our hospital workers, grocery store workers, emergency service personnel and others – cannot afford to wait for PPE. They needed it weeks ago. Our childcare facilities need our help to stay open and provide care to the children of our essential workers while they risk their lives for us. Our small businesses need financial support to stay afloat. Our municipalities need the ability to meet remotely and make decisions that will ensure the safety of all of residents. There are a lot of needs right now and our constituents do not have time for us to waste playing partisan games or naming bridges. The Senate Democrats have offered concrete solutions that will help people. We should all be working together to get them to the Governor’s desk for signature as soon as possible.”
More information on the work of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus during the COVID-19 crisis can be found at pasenate.com/covid19.
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March 28, 2020
HARRISBURG, March 28, 2020 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-11th District) and State Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-38th District) will soon introduce legislation to support childcare centers, pre-K, and Head Start programs, as well as their hard-working employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA campaigns, Pennsylvania could see permanent closures of nearly one-third of its childcare centers from an extended economic shut down, which is why Schwank and Williams are taking action.
Their proposed legislation would:
- Provide $100 million to childcare centers to cover administrative expenses, including payroll, and fill the loss of tuition payments from families;
- Provide $17 million for Pre-K and Head Start to cover administrative expenses, including payroll to compensate for lost co-payments that would otherwise have been collected;
- Appropriate $50 million to extend Pre-K and Head Start programs into the summer to mitigate early childhood learning losses for students.
“Early childhood learning and safe, quality childcare is critical for restarting our economy as we come out of this crisis,” Schwank said. “It’s important that we act quickly to strengthen and sustain our childcare and early learning systems.”
Key, but often neglected components of workforce development are early childhood learning and childcare. However, these programs are critical to enabling parents to return to work confident that their children are being properly cared for and are receiving the education they will need to succeed in life.
“We know that affordable, quality childcare is a major barrier to entry into the workforce during normal times. Our essential workers should not have to worry about finding childcare as they work to care for us in hospitals, keep supermarkets stocked, and keep our communities clean and safe,” Williams said. “Childcare workers have traditionally been underpaid and undervalued, but times like these show how critical their role is. We must treat these professionals like the integral part of our workforce that they are.”
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March 16, 2020
Reading, March 16, 2020 − In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, beginning Tuesday, March 17, State Sen. Judy Schwank’s district office at 210 George Street will be closed to the public and will instead serve constituents by e-mail, phone and fax.
“This measure is out of an abundance of caution,” Schwank said. “As you are able, please avoid large gatherings and stay home if you are feeling sick.”
To reach Schwank’s office during business hours (Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), e-mail [email protected]; call 610-929-2151; or send a fax to 610-929-2576.
As the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex is closed for the next 14 days, Schwank’s Harrisburg office is also closed during that time.
Additionally, in adhering to the CDC’s recent recommendation to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people, Schwank’s Earth Day Celebration scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Third and Spruce Recreation Center in Reading is cancelled, as is a Coffee with Constituents event on Wednesday, April 15, at Airport Diner in Kutztown.
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March 11, 2020
Reading, March 11, 2020 − A Mohnton church and Wyomissing Synagogue each received a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Non-Profit Security Grant to improve the safety and security of their facility, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11) announced.
The new grants, which stemmed from legislation supported by Schwank (Act 83 of 2019), are meant for non-profit entities that principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for a single bias hate crime incident identified by the FBI. Those incident categories include: race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity.
Eligible projects include:
- Purchase of safety and security equipment
- Threat awareness and response training
- Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security
- Vulnerability and threat assessments
- Any other safety or security-related project that enhances safety or security of the non-profit organization
Of more than 800 applications, the two Berks recipients are:
- Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mohnton, $23,648
- Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing, $25,000
“The sad reality is that hate crimes can happen anywhere,” Schwank said. “The grants will help these local worship centers better ensure the safety of their congregations and the many community groups who also use their facilities.”
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December 19, 2019
READING, December 19, 2019 –The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded $50,000 to Reading Muhlenberg CTC to purchase new equipment aligned to training students in high-demand occupations, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) and State Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D-127th District) announced.
The grant is one of 32 competitive grants totaling nearly $1.2 million awarded to Career and Technical Centers (CTC) and Area Vocational-Technical Education Schools across the state to purchase equipment aligned with the needs of local employers for use in PDE-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and to provide hands-on training to students in those programs.
The maximum grant allowed under the program is $50,000, and each grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from a local source, which could include local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners.
Reading Muhlenberg CTC’s grant will help purchase the following equipment:
- Mechanical Training System
- CNC Plasma Cutter
“This funding will help Reading Muhlenberg CTC give their students the opportunity to learn on state-of-the-art equipment,” Schwank said. “Students will learn the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century work place.”
“Students deserve to learn in classrooms equipped with the most up-to-date technology available to prepare them for the future,” Rozzi said. “This funding will support Reading Muhlenberg CTC in that endeavor.”
“In this day and age, we must look to the future and consider what will be most useful to our students in their upcoming careers,” Caltagirone said. “This funding will go a long way toward achieving that goal.”
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November 12, 2019
HARRISBURG, November 12, 2019 – A Wyomissing Borough development/transportation enhancement project will receive a much-needed boost thanks to $2 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Multimodal Transportation Funds are meant to improve transportation infrastructure and promote economic development.
The grant will allow Wyomissing Borough to move forward with the municipality’s planned $4 million 4th Street Extension Multimodal Project, which, among other things, will connect North Wyomissing Boulevard and Innovation Way, according to Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) and Rep. Mark Gillen (R-128th district). Extending Fourth Street will provide more direct access between the Knitting Mills and related redevelopment and the Route 422 Bypass, alleviating traffic congestion on North Park Road and safety issues caused by traffic cutting through residential neighborhoods. The installation of other multimodal improvements such as a bus stop, bike share station, bike racks, and sharrows and pedestrian and bike route signs will further improve accessibility, safety, and traffic flow. Schwank worked closely with Gillen to advocate for the Wyomissing project.
“The scope and pace of area redevelopment projects like The Knitting Mills are creating tremendous positive regional impacts,” Schwank said. “The Fourth Street Extension Project will help ensure that our local transportation infrastructure can accommodate this growth, which benefits pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists alike.”
“I commend Wyomissing officials for their foresight and diligence in pursuing this important project,” Gillen said. “This state funding represents a wise investment in the economic future of our community.”
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October 30, 2019
Harrisburg, October 30, 2019 – All Pennsylvania voters would be able to vote by mail under legislation approved Monday by the Pennsylvania Senate. The bill includes language proposed by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district), who has been a leading advocate for “no-excuse” absentee voting for years.
Schwank said the expansion of absentee balloting to all voters is why she voted in favor of the bill, which makes numerous changes to the elections process. The language was approved by the State House of Representatives last week and now goes to Gov. Tom Wolf, who is expected to sign it promptly.
Under the bill, SB 421, a voting system that mirrors the current process for voters unable to vote in person on election day will be established, allowing any qualified voter to vote by absentee ballot without needing an excuse. The bill also extends the deadline to get mailed-in ballots to county voting offices until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
“Pennsylvania voters should have the same rights as voters in other states,” Schwank said. “The right to vote is a distinguishing characteristic of our democracy and the opportunity to exercise that right is something we must protect. SB 421 makes it easier for Pennsylvanians to vote by giving them the option to vote in the privacy of their own homes and removes the worry of an emergency keeping them from the polls on election day.”
“Voters shouldn’t have to hope that their plans to vote on election day aren’t foiled by unforeseeable or unexpected circumstances,” she said. “They shouldn’t have to choose between fulfilling their roles as citizens and meeting urgent demands for their time, attention and resources.”
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