July 31, 2018
Reading, July 31, 2018 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) will join members of the Berks County Intermediate Unit to announce state grant funding to support a new school safety initiative, CrisisGo.
The app is an emergency communication platform that gives school districts the mobile communications tools necessary to ensure that teachers, staff and administrators know exactly what to do during any emergency and allows them to continuously communicate as a crisis unfolds.
It will be deployed to all public school districts and some private schools in Berks County this fall.
“This state funding is giving schools a way to enhance their emergency preparedness planning,” Schwank said. “I’m thrilled to announce this initiative.”
Schwank will speak during a press conference within the BCIU’s School Administrator’s Conference.
What: Press Conference announcing CrisisGo funding
When: Aug. 2, 2018, 10 a.m.
Where: Perkins Student Center, Penn State Berks, 1801 Broadcasting Road
Who: Media invited
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May 24, 2018
Reading, May 24, 2018 − On Tuesday, May 29, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) will unveil three new highway signs on Route 176 in Berks County. The signs are the result of a road-naming bill that renamed Route 176 in Berks in honor of veterans. Berks County’s inclusion in the bill was the result of the joint legislative efforts of Schwank and Gillen.
Under the legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf in February, separate sections of the Morgantown Expressway between its intersections with Route 422 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike would be marked to recognize veterans of the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq and Afghanistan War, respectively.
“We must always remember what veterans have done for us, and this is one way we’ll preserve our gratitude,” Schwank said. “This legislation was brought to life by local veterans who wanted a way to honor their brothers-and sisters-in-arm.”
At Tuesday’s event, several veterans will speak about what the signs mean to them.
What: Press Conference unveiling highway signs
Who: Sen. Schwank, Rep. Gillen, local veterans
Where: PennDOT work shed near Hafer Equipment Ltd, 34 Angstadt Lane, Birdsboro
Parking: Available at Schuylkill River Trail entrance
When: May 29, 10 a.m.
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March 23, 2018
Historic Day for Women in PA
HARRISBURG, PA − March 23, 2018 − Sponsored by Senator Judith L. Schwank (D-Berks County), Executive Women’s Council of Pittsburgh (EWC) has been instrumental in bringing the Senate Resolution 255 to the forefront. The Resolution, titled “Encouraging equitable and diverse gender representation on the boards and in senior management of companies in Pennsylvania,” currently stands in the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. A Press Conference encouraging this extraordinary milestone for women in the Commonwealth will occur Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, PA.
Featured speakers at the Press Conference include Senator Schwank, Andrea Funk, former CEO of Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC, a pipe supplier in Berks County, Christine Koebley, President of EWC and Heather Arnet, CEO at Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest PA.
The Resolution urges privately held and publicly traded businesses and nonprofits doing business in the Commonwealth to have a minimum of 30 percent women directors by December 31, 2020 progressing toward equal representation of men and women on an annual basis with measurable results. Further, that gender diversity will be good for business in Pennsylvania.
“We know women bring a different perspective to the table and we need that perspective,” Schwank said. “It’s far past time to recognize the potential women have to improve businesses and corporations.”
Co-Sponsors include: Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Andrew E. Dinniman (D-Chester), Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny), Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), Sen. James R. Brewster (D-Westmoreland), Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Sen. John P. Sabatina Jr. (D-Philadelphia), Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr. (R-Berks), Sen. Patrick M. Browne (R-Lehigh), Sen. John T. Yudichak (D-Carbon), Sen. Victor J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia), and Sen. Lawrence M. Farnese (D-Philadelphia).
According to the Harvard Business Review, women drive 80 percent of all purchasing decisions in the U.S., but according to the national nonprofit 20/20 Women on Boards, women represent 20 percent of board leadership in Fortune 500 companies. Catalyst, a nonprofit organization supporting women in the workplace says that when Fortune 500 companies are ranked by the number of women on their boards, they report a 42 percent greater return on sales and a 53 percent higher return on equity than the rest.
The Harvard School of Public Health states that more board diversity mirrors client and customer bases, helping businesses understand purchasing and usage decisions. Without women on organization’s boards, valuable opportunities to bring voices representing a huge number of potential and actual customers and clients is missed.
Increasing women in the boardroom as well as hiring women in management widens the talent pool. According to the U.S. Department of Education, for school-year 2016-17, women earned 57 percent of B.A.’s, 58 percent of M.A.’s and 52 percent of doctoral degrees.
For more information, please contact Suzi Neft at 412-721-4320 and suzineft@icloud.com or Jamie Klein at 610-929-2151 and Jklein@pasenate.com.
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March 16, 2018
HARRISBURG, PA − March 16, 2018 − On Monday, March 19 at 12 pm, Democratic women of the General Assembly will gather for a roundtable discussion on what it means to be a woman elected to office in light of Women’s History Month.
They’ll answer questions from the audience, from viewers of the live stream and questions that were submitted in advance of the event.
The panel will be moderated by WGAL anchor Danielle Woods, and is open to the public – but seating is limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Twenty seats will be reserved for juniors and seniors from the Harrisburg School District who are currently taking a course in women’s studies.
It will be livestreamed to www.pasenate.com, www.facebook.com/PASenateDems and www.twitter.com/PASenateDems
RSVP on Facebook
Date: Monday, March 19, 2018
Time: 12pm
Where: Capitol Media Center
Who:
- Senator Judy Schwank
- Representative Carol Hill Evans
- Representative Patty Kim
Media is encouraged to attend!
March 14, 2018
Reading, March 14, 2017 The second session of state Sen. Judy Schwank’s fifth annual “Berks County Model Senate” will give area high school participants to experience the legislative committee process and the opportunity to interview subject matter experts.
The session will open at 11 a.m. in Sen. Schwank’s district office on George Street. The committee sessions are scheduled to take place at noon.
“In the first session, students learned how to elect leaders and propose bills,” Schwank said. “Tomorrow, they’ll introduce bills and hear testimony from experts to help guide their votes.”
Thursday’s Model Senate will include six committee sessions. The topics and experts include:
- Agriculture – Bill Evans, Sen. Schwank’s Chief of Staff
- Judicial – Justin Bodor, Assistant Berks County DA
- Environment – Susan Werner, PA Department of Environmental Protection
- State Government – Debbie Olivieri, Berks County Board of Elections Chief Clerk
- Education – Dr. Solomon Lausch, former Schuylkill Valley School District superintendent and current executive director of the Berks Business Education Coalition
- Health & Welfare – TJ Huckleberry, Director of Berks Medical Society.
Sen. Schwank’s Model Senate will meet once more before concluding.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank’s fifth annual Berks County Model Senate
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 15
WHERE: Conference room, Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building, 210 George St., Reading
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February 13, 2018
Reading, February 13, 2018 −Four dozen high school students from 13 Berks County schools will get a close-up look at being a legislator on Thursday, Feb. 15, during Sen. Judy Schwank’s fifth annual “Berks County Model Senate.”
The event, which will be the first of three planned sessions of the Model Senate, will begin at 11 a.m. in the Muhlenberg Township Building conference room.
This is the fifth consecutive year for Schwank’s Berks County Model Senate.
“I continue to be greatly impressed by the students who participate in our Model Senate program,” Schwank said. “They are keenly interested in governmental affairs and take the program very seriously. They are the future of our county and the commonwealth.”
During tomorrow’s Model Senate, students will elect a governor, caucus leaders, and appoint committee chairs. The students will then decide which bills will be introduced in the Senate and bring up their own proposals for debate.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank’s fifth annual Berks County Model Senate
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15
WHERE: Conference room, Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building, 210 George St., Reading
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December 11, 2017
Reading, December 11, 2017 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is hosting a press conference with State Inspector General Bruce Beemer to heighten public awareness of welfare fraud and announce a new enforcement initiative.
“Unfortunately, welfare fraud is an issue in my district,” Schwank said. “It is my hope that we protect these dollars and ensure these programs are being used for what was intended, helping the most needy.” Schwank noted that in fiscal year 2016-2017 there were 768 Office of State Inspector General (OIG) investigations into welfare fraud in Berks County alone.
Earlier this year, Act 29 became law and provided the OIG with original jurisdiction over criminal statutes relating to public benefit fraud. The law also gave the OIG the ability to issue subpoenas or search warrants and partner directly with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Schwank and Beemer will discuss how this new enforcement authority will be brought to bear on the problem of welfare fraud.
“Selling SNAP cards to merchants for cash is a crime which happens in Reading, and cities like it, every day. The merchants who buy these cards for pennies on the dollar prey on the vulnerable and literally take food from the needy,” Beemer said. “With the Senate’s help, my office now has new enforcement tools to prosecute this kind of trafficking in public benefits. I look forward to joining Senator Schwank to announce our new enforcement efforts in Berks County and across Pennsylvania.”
Thursday’s press conference is Beemer’s first stop in educating the public about welfare fraud and how to report and stop it.
When: 1 p.m., Thursday, December 14, 2017
Who: Sen. Judy Schwank and State Inspector General Bruce Beemer
Where: Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George Street, First Floor, Reading
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December 8, 2017
HARRISBURG, December 8, 2017 – The Women’s Health Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative group supporting women’s health issues, will introduce the Pennsylvania Agenda for Women’s Health in a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The agenda is a package of bills supported by the caucus.
Caucus co-chairs State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) and State Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) will be joined by outside advocates to discuss the agenda.
The Agenda for Women’s Health covers a broad range of proposals that advance three principle goals to enhance the health and well-being of women, families and communities:
Safety and Dignity,
Economic Security,
And Access to Health Services Across the Life Span.
When: 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 12
Where: Capitol Media Center, Capitol Complex, Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg
Who: Sen. Schwank, Rep. Frankel, Rep. Farry, Women’s Issues Advocates
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November 15, 2017
Reading, November 15, 2017 State Sen. Judy Schwank will review cleanup efforts in Ruscombmanor Township Thursday morning. The cleanup is the result of state actions after a township resident found lead battery casings and residue on a private lane. The project removed 1,000 tons of soil and included cartway and drainage improvements. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will join Sen. Schwank in the tour.
What: Noll Lane Hazardous Sites Clean-Up Project Walk-Through
When: November 16, 2017, 10 a.m.
Where: Noll Lane, Ruscombmanor Township. Between Sand Hill and Stitzer roads on Walnutttown Road Road.
Who: Senator Judy Schwank; Joe Adams, Southcentral Regional Director for PA DEP and other DEP representatives.
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November 13, 2017
Harrisburg, November 13, 2017 − Sen. Judy Schwank will introduce legislation that will ensure victims of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct are not silenced by a non-disclosure agreement.
“Non-disclosure agreements can make it easier for serial predators to continue their patterns of abuse,” Schwank said. “And victims who want to report them are often pressured into keeping quiet via NDAs. This legislation will be a positive step forward in protecting Pennsylvanians from sexual harassment.”
Sen. Schwank will discuss this proposal in the Capitol Media Center on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape will also speak.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.
Where: Capitol Media Center, Capitol Complex, Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg
Who: Sen. Judy Schwank and representatives from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
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October 2, 2017
Reading, September 26, 2017 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency are holding a College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the Muhlenberg Township Building to inform high school juniors and seniors how to apply for college financial aid.
The seminar ensures students and their parents are well informed of their many financial aid options regarding college. Representatives from PHEAA and the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators will give presentations and will be available to answer questions.
What: College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar
When: Oct. 5, 2017, 7 p.m.
Where: Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George St., Reading
Registration: Not required (More information is available by calling 610-929-2151)
Cost: Free
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August 15, 2017
Reading, August 16, 2017 − Sen. Judy Schwank will hold a Child Care Seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Exeter Community Library on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
In a panel discussion, representatives from Community Services for Children, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) and the Albright Early Learning Center will cover what tools parents and caregivers can use to determine the quality and fit of a child care program, how to pay for that program and will discuss the current child care climate in Pennsylvania.
Quality early childhood education is proven to prepare Pennsylvania’s youngest for a lifetime of learning, Schwank said.
“Affordable, quality child care is one of my biggest priorities, and parents and caregivers need to know how to navigate the maze of options available to them,” Schwank said. “My goal is that everyone who attends this event will leave knowing what they need to be watching for when considering child care programs.”
Who: Sen. Judy Schwank
What: Child Care Seminar
When: Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Exeter Community Library, 4565 Prestwick Drive, Reading 19606
Information: Contact Jamie Klein at 610-929-2151.
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April 11, 2016
READING, April 11, 2016 — Sen. Judy Schwank will hold a forum for firefighters and emergency responders Wednesday, April 13, at the Berks County Fire Training Center.
Joining the senator during the program will be Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Timothy Solobay, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Richard Flinn Jr., and Derrick Redcay, Sen. Schwank’s fire and emergency services intern.
“Each year I try to hold an event to provide information to firefighters and other emergency responders on issues and initiatives in Harrisburg that affect the vital work they do for all of us, and give them an opportunity to ask questions and air concerns,” said Sen. Schwank. “The top firefighting official in the commonwealth and Pennsylvania’s top emergency management official will be on hand to speak and listen to our local fire and emergency response personnel.
“I am especially pleased to have had the assistance in organizing the forum of Derrick Redcay, my fire services intern who served as a junior volunteer firefighter and who has responded courageously and successfully to a stroke that has confined him to a wheel chair,” Sen. Schwank said. “His hard work and expertise will help ensure that the event is informative and impactful.”
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank to hold Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Forum
WHEN: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 13
WHERE: Berks County Fire Training Center, 895 Morgantown Road, Reading
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Follow Sen. Schwank on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
March 16, 2016
READING, March 16, 2016 – The second session of state Sen. Judy Schwank’s third annual “Berks County Model Senate” will give area high school participants to experience the legislative committee process and the opportunity to interview subject matter experts.
The session will open at 11 a.m. in Sen. Schwank’s district office on George Street. The committee session are scheduled to take place at noon.
“Our model senators have learned how to elect leaders and propose bills to help their constituents and improve the quality of life in their communities,” Schwank said. “Tomorrow, they will introduce their bills and sit opposite people who understand the impact their ideas could have on people as they work to make their bills become law.”
Thursday’s Model Senate will include six committee sessions. The topics and subject matter experts include:
Agriculture – Sen. Judy Schwank
Judicial – Richard Podguski, the director of the Bureau of Offender and Re-Entry at the Board of Probation and Parole
Environment – Greg Kauffman, a legislative liaison for the PA Department of Environmental Protection
State Government – Ron Young, PennDOT district press officer
Education – Dr. Solomon Lausch, former Schuylkill Valley School District superintendent and current executive director of the Berks Business Education Coalition
Health & Welfare – Mary Turner, MS, the program coordinator for “Keystone Education Yields Success,” or KEYS, at Reading Area Community College
Sen. Schwank’s Model Senate will meet once more before concluding.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank’s third annual Berks County Model Senate
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 17
WHERE: Conference room, Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building, 210 George St., Reading
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Follow Sen. Schwank on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
February 17, 2016
READING, Feb. 17, 2016 – Four dozen high school students from 13 Berks County schools will get a close-up look at being a legislator tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 18, during Sen. Judy Schwank’s third annual “Berks County Model Senate.”
The event, which will be the first of three planned sessions of the Model Senate, will begin at 11 a.m. in the Muhlenberg Township Building conference room.
This is the third consecutive year for Schwank’s Berks County Model Senate.
“The students who have participated in the Model Senate in the past learned valuable lessons about civic duty, the public spotlight, and what it takes to get bills through the legislative process,” Sen. Schwank said. “The 48 students who will be at the township building tomorrow can expect a similar enriching experience.”
During tomorrow’s Model Senate, students will elect a governor, caucus leaders, and appoint committee chairs. The students will then decide which bills will be introduced in the Senate and bring up their own proposals for debate.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank’s third annual Berks County Model Senate
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18
WHERE: Conference room, Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building, 210 George St., Reading
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Follow Sen. Schwank on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
May 27, 2015
READING, May 27, 2015 – Students at one of Reading elementary schools will receive new books and free ice cream sandwiches at 1:45 p.m., Friday, May 29, thanks to donations by the United Way and a local Dairy Queen, Sen. Judy Schwank said today.
Schwank is a tutor in Glenside Elementary School’s “Ready. Set. Read!” program, where the donations will be made.
Dairy Queen Owner Hamid Chaudhry will distribute 475 ice-cream sandwiches to students while the United Way will deliver age-appropriate books to each of Glenside’s pupils. Sen. Schwank will also be in attendance.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank, Dairy Queen and the United Way to deliver free books, ice cream sandwiches to Glenside Elementary students
WHEN: 1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Friday, May 29
WHERE: Glenside Elementary, 500 Lackawanna St., Reading.
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
May 12, 2015
READING, May 12, 2015 – Residents of Mohnton and south central Berks County can learn more about choosing their electricity generator and getting the latest from Harrisburg during Sen. Judy Schwank’s next town hall meeting.
The 90-minute get-together will start at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 14, in the social hall of Robeson Evangelical Lutheran Church.
“Electric choice has proven to be a popular subject in Berks County because many residents are seeking alternatives to increasingly expensive rates,” the senator said. “The PUC is planning to join us on Thursday to deliver the very latest news and tips on how electricity consumers can make good decisions.”
These community-wide town hall meetings are an essential part of Sen. Schwank’s work in the 11th Senatorial District.
Media coverage is welcomed.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank to hold Town Hall Meeting in Mohnton
WHEN: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Social hall, Robeson Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3520 Plow Road, Mohnton
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Follow Sen. Judy Schwank via Facebook and Twitter and her website.
April 27, 2015
At the request of state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), the state Senate Democratic Policy Committee is coming to Reading to hold a roundtable discussion on employment challenges facing people with criminal records.
The meeting will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, in the Schmidt Technology and Training Center Building, Reading Area Community College, 10 S. 2nd St, Reading, PA 19603. The public is welcome to attend.
“When it comes to lesser crimes, few people believe that a person’s past mistakes should relentlessly haunt or curtail their ability to find a decent job to support themselves and their family,” Schwank said. “This discussion will focus on problems that both ex-offenders and employers face.
“I requested that this committee discussion be held in Reading to help amplify our region’s input on this important statewide issue,” Schwank said.
“While acknowledging that reasonable restrictions and prohibitions are appropriate in many cases, we must still do all we can to remove needless barriers that prevent qualified workers from accessing the job market”, said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton), who chairs the committee. “These same barriers hamper businesses from fulfilling their workforce needs.”
Boscola said the open-ended discussion will likely focus on pending “second chance” legislation that would expedite the criminal record expungement process for non-violent offenders. She said the panel would also focus on preventing prison recidivism and improving workforce opportunities and access for non-violent offenders.
In addition to committee members, the following are expected to take part in the discussion:
- Vaughn D. Spencer, Mayor of Reading
- Peggy Kershner, Co-Executive Director of the Berks Connections Pre-Trial Services
- Janet Ginzberg, Staff Attorney, Employment Law Unit, Community Legal Services, Philadelphia
- Cindy Daub, Executive Director of Re-entry and Quality Assurances, PA State Board of Probation and Parole
- James C. Young, Criminal Justice Committee Chair, Reading NAACP
- Hamid Chaudhry and Steve Elmarzouky, local business owners; and
- Rev. Sandra L. Strauss, Director of Public Advocacy, PA Council of Churches
Media coverage is welcome and encouraged.
March 31, 2015
Public Utility Commission to talk electric choice
READING, March 31, 2015 – Residents of Centerport and northern Berks County will have the opportunity at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 2, to learn more about electric choice and share their thoughts and concerns on other topics during Sen. Judy Schwank’s next town hall meeting.
“Electric choice has been around for a while but not everyone is aware of how it works or what to do to take advantage of the program,” Schwank said. “An expert on the topic from the PUC will join the town hall to make sure everyone’s questions are answered. They’ll also show attendees how to save money on their monthly utility bills.
“We will also talk about other local issues, thoughts and concerns.”
Thursday’s town hall will happen at the Central Berks Lions Club. These community-wide meetings are an essential part of the senator’s work in the 11th Senatorial District.
Media coverage is welcomed.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank to hold town hall meeting in Centerport
WHEN: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Central Berks Lions Club, 2207 Main St., Centerport
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Follow Sen. Judy Schwank on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
March 26, 2015
HARRISBURG, March 26, 2015 – Sen. Judy Schwank will give students from her district a first-hand glimpse of life as a state lawmaker on Friday, March 27, at Albright College during the second session of her 2nd annual Berks County Model Senate.
The session will comprise of the “Senate Committee Hearings,” where the student Senators will have the opportunity to hear and cross examine expert testimony and on the bills created by our model legislators. The witnesses “subpoenaed,” include:
Health and Welfare
Bill: SB 9 Welfare Drug Benefit Testing Act
Speaking: Kathy Knoll, Council on Chemical Abuse
Agriculture
Bill: SB 12 Farmers in our Schools/Students in our Farms
Speaking: Theresa Tracey, executive director, Berks County FSA Office
Education
Bill: SB 15 State Standardized Testing Act
Speaking: Shannon Burghardt, Brandywine Heights High School Social Studies Department
Judicial
Bill: SB 18 Voter Identification Act
Speaking: Deborah Olivieri, director, Berks County Election Services
Environmental
Bill: SB1 Fracking Observation Board
Speaking: Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
State
Bill: SB 6 Infrastructure Reinvestment Act
Speaking: Alan Piper, Berks County Planning Commission
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: Second session of Sen. Schwank’s “Model Senate” (Committee Hearings)
WHEN: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., committee hearings will begin at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: South lounge, Albright College’s Student Center ,1621 N. 13th St, Reading
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Follow Sen. Judy Schwank on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
March 10, 2015
READING, March 10, 2015 – Sen. Judy Schwank will join Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, Sen. Mike Folmer and others at 6:30 p.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, during a town hall meeting dealing with proposals to allow medical cannabis and industrial hemp in Pennsylvania.
Sen. Schwank is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 50, which would allow the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp as part of a research program at a college or university – in accordance with federal law – under the regulation of an Industrial Hemp Licensing Board.
Senate Bill 3, of which Schwank is a sponsor, would allow the use of medical cannabis.
Media coverage is invited.
WHO: Sen. Judy Schwank to participate in town hall meeting on industrial hemp and medical cannabis
WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 11
WHERE: Leedy Theatre, Mund College Center, Lebanon Valley College, Annville.
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
February 25, 2015
HARRISBURG, Feb. 25, 2015 – State Sen. Judy Schwank and advocates will hold a press conference at 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, in the senator’s district office, to announce the introduction of her bill to best address Pennsylvania’s pension crisis.
The combined unfunded pension liability for the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the State Employees’ Retirement System is about $50 billion, and the municipal pension shortfall has reached $7.7 billion.
Nearly half of Pennsylvania’s 1,223 municipalities are distressed and underfunded.
“Much is at stake, and it’s important we get this right the first time,” Sen. Schwank said.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank to formally introduce pension review bill
WHEN: 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26
WHERE: Commissioner’s Boardroom, 1st floor, 210 George St., Reading
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
February 12, 2015
READING, Feb. 12, 2015 – Berks Countians looking for help in paying college tuition can get free guidance and tips this Saturday, Feb. 14, during a FAFSA Preparation Seminar in Sen. Judy Schwank’s district office.
“While improvements have been made to the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid, it can still be overwhelming and confusing, so I am encouraging anyone who plans to attend college or is planning to help someone cover their tuition to attend my free seminar Saturday morning,” Sen. Schwank said.
Financial aid experts from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, or PHEAA, and Kutztown University will be on hand to guide participants.
Computers will be available for attendees so they can complete and submit their FAFSA applications.
Seating is limited, so interested residents should call Sen. Schwank’s office to reserve a spot at 610-929-2151.
Media coverage is welcomed.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank to hold FAFSA Preparation Seminar
WHEN: 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 14
WHERE: Sen. Schwank’s district office, 210 George St., Reading, Suite 201
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Follow Sen. Judy Schwank on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
December 5, 2014
READING, Dec. 5, 2014 – Reading city food market owners and representatives from local, state and federal governments will meet with state Sen. Judy Schwank at 6:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8, at Reading Area Community College.
The informational meeting will detail changes to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, and other local business issues.
Representatives from the City of Reading, state Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey’s office are scheduled to be in attendance.
Media coverage is welcomed.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank to talk business, issues with local company owners, government officials
WHEN: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8
WHERE: Room 118, Schmidt Technology Center, Reading Area Community College, 10 S. 2nd St., Reading
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Follow Sen. Judy Schwank on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
December 2, 2014
READING, Dec. 2, 2014 – Sen. Judy Schwank will hold her second annual “Elected Municipal Officials’ Meeting” at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, at Wyomissing Family Restaurant.
This event gives local leaders with the opportunity to obtain information that impacts their municipality and to interact with state officials whose agencies directly affect their work. It also gives Sen. Schwank the opportunity to hear the concerns of local government officials.
“This event gives our local elected officials the opportunity to not only meet and network with other officials but it also gives us the opportunity to coordinate our efforts to better serve our community,” Schwank said.
Schwank has invited Brian Eckert from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Jay McGee from the PennDOT to talk about available state resources and programs.
For more information, call 610-929-2151.
Media coverage is welcomed.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank’s “Elected Municipal Officials’ Meeting”
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 4
WHERE: Wyomissing Family Restaurant
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Follow Sen. Judy Schwank on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
