October 28, 2011
READING, Oct. 28, 2011— State Sen. Judy Schwank announced today that two Berks County townships will receive state grants to maintain their recycling programs.
Bern Township will receive a $14,211 grant, which is based on the 1,261.9 tons recycled for 2009 and the township’s population.
Colebrookdale Township will receive a $26,121 grant, which is based on the 1,286.4 tons recycled for 2009 and the township’s population.
“Residents and officials of both municipalities can be proud of the success of their local recycling programs,” Schwank said. “Their efforts are keeping materials out of landfills, preserving our natural resources, protecting our environment, and leveraging state funding to help make their recycling programs even more successful.”
The funding was administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Performance Grant Program, which provides incentives to help communities increase the amount of materials recovered through recycling and promote economic growth through job creation.
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October 26, 2011
Her proposed amendment to improve the legislation failed along party lines
HARRISBURG, Oct. 26, 2011 — Concerned that school vouchers legislation would hurt the public school students who would be left behind in its wake, state Sen. Judy Schwank today voted against Senate Bill 1.
The bill passed the Senate today by a (27-22) vote.
“This bill is not about school choice. In fact, our public schools will only suffer under this legislation,” Schwank said. “I’m extremely concerned that poorer school districts, which are already suffering from state budget cuts, will face further cuts if students leave for alternative education.
“Many of our public schools are making progress. They are succeeding despite difficult economic circumstances like budget cuts and poverty,” Schwank said. “Senate Bill 1 will only impede that progress. We must look out for all students, the majority of whom will not be impacted by this legislation.
“I believe that students deserve every opportunity to succeed. We can accomplish this in many ways, including some portions of Senate Bill 1,” she said. “However, the fundamental measures in this bill will have a long-lasting negative impact on our public schools. I could not support this measure today.”
The senator said she was concerned about the portion of the legislation that would require that all basic education funding and subsidies would leave with the students who transfer to another school through the voucher plan.
In response, Schwank offered an amendment that would have placed a limit on the financial loss that school districts would experience if students leave their public school for alternative education. The Senate opposed the amendment by a 19-30 vote.
“When we talk about providing the best opportunities for our school children, we must be realistic. School districts should be held accountable for their curriculum, but our public schools are also a necessary part of our society,” Schwank said. “We had an opportunity today to make sure that Senate Bill 1 was more fiscally responsible through this amendment and I’m disappointed that the Senate voted in opposition.”
Schwank said she supported aspects of the school voucher legislation; notably, the extension of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), which provides financial assistance to working and middle class families seeking educational options for their children.
She voted in favor of two Democratic-sponsored amendments that called for further increases to the EITC plan in the legislation; however, those measures were defeated on the Senate floor today.
Senate Bill 1 now heads to the House for consideration.
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October 26, 2011
READING, Oct. 26, 2011 — A sewer project in Virginville, Richmond Township will receive significant state funding to relieve residential septic system issues, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, who was instrumental in ensuring that the project would receive appropriate financial support.
Richmond Township will receive a $1,095,351grant and a $631,849 low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funds will be used toward the construction of a conventional sewage system in the Virginville Area of Richmond Township.
Once completed, the project will eliminate an ongoing problem with malfunctioning septic systems in the community.
“The residents of Virginville have put up with these issues for too long, and a new sewage system will provide significant relief,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that this project is receiving state support.”
Richmond Township previously received a $500,000 H2O grant to support this project through the efforts of the senator. This time, Schwank successfully urged PENNVEST to treat the Virginville Project as a stand-alone, start-up project.
“It was important that this sewer project receive its own consideration so it could receive the attention and the funding package that it deserved,” she said. “The state’s support of the project will help keep monthly service rates manageable for Virginville residents, many of whom are senior citizens with modest incomes.”
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October 20, 2011
Harrisburg, October 20, 2011 – Testimony before a joint legislative hearing today strongly supports the call for changing the authority and restrictions in Pennsylvania law relating to municipal government, state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said after the hearing.
“It’s obvious that our current laws no longer give communities the tools they need to look after their well-being. In too many cases, we already are seeing towns and cities entering into slow death spirals,” said Schwank, a former Berks County commissioner and past-Chairperson of the State Planning Board.
Witnesses appearing before the panel on Thursday painted stark pictures of the fiscal problems facing communities across the state, including many that now or in the foreseeable future will be unable to provide basic services because of declining tax bases and increasing demands as their populations shrink and age.
“We have to turn this around and begin to seriously deal with these issues as a state. The problems are enormously complex, and some of the answers have the potential to be tremendously challenging politically,” she said. “If we don’t begin to act, everything else we do to encourage economic development and jobs across Pennsylvania will have unreasonably limited meaning and impact.
“It’s not enough, as one of the witnesses pointed out, to get troubled communities to the point where bills are paid. They still have to be places where people want to live.”
Schwank made her comments following the first of two scheduled joint hearings by the Senate and House committees on Local Government, the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee and the House Urban Affairs Committee into the effectiveness of the Municipalities Financial Recovery law, popularly known as Act 47 for financially-distressed communities.
Since Act 47 became law in 1987, more than two dozen communities including Harrisburg and Reading — a city which Senator Schwank represents — have sought its protection. Only six municipalities have completed recovery under Act 47; 11 municipalities remained under Act 47 for more than a decade.
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October 18, 2011
Day Care, Adult Care, Job Training, School-to-Work Transition, and Green Jobs are Targeted
HARRISBURG, October 18, 2011 – – Today members of the Senate Democratic caucus unveiled legislation to be introduced this week to supplement the “PA Works Now” job creation plan, which has become the centerpiece of their agenda for the fall session. Senate Democrats will continue to offer solutions to the problems that prevent Pennsylvanians from finding and maintaining jobs in hopes the dialogue in the Capitol will begin to center on this pressing issue.
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Senator Schwank on “Pa Works” Tax Incentive Proposal for Day Care unveiled at State Capitol news conference today. [audio:https://senatorschwank.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/pa-works-schwank-day-care-alternatives1.mp3|titles=pa-works-schwank-day-care-alternatives]
“We can’t drag our feet when it comes to this. Families are struggling, and with each day that goes by they lose hope in our ability to help them,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Monroe/Northampton), Senate Democratic Policy chair. “We visited a number of communities across the state and gathered valuable – and in many cases very moving – feedback. This is the number one issue on people’s minds. We need to keep talking until we make it the number one priority on the minds of those serving in Harrisburg.”
The plan focuses on 6 key areas:
Tax credit incentives to encourage employer supported day care alternatives
This measure would provide tax incentives to small businesses that help employees cover the costs of child care and adult day care. Working families should not be constrained because they can’t find day care services. It’s not good for their quality of life. And it’s not helpful to our economy.
Sen. Judy Schwank is the prime sponsor of this legislation. “Many of us know all too well that day care is expensive, and many families have to weigh the cost of day care verses their weekly paycheck,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “For others, there is no choice. They have to work, and the only way they can work is if they have child care or adult day care and know their loved ones are safe while they earn a day’s pay.”
Improve School-to-Work Transition
Successful careers in today’s knowledge based economy require most students to pursue some post secondary training. However, many of these experiences do not require a four-year baccalaureate degree. Community colleges, technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, direct employer sponsored programs, and the military services all have important roles in providing these education and training experiences. Unfortunately, many students fail to receive the necessary career advice and training in the final years of their high school education to properly transition into these training and education opportunities following their high school graduation.
Boscola is the prime sponsor of legislation that would require every local school district to develop an individual education plan to ensure that every student’s high school experience envisions and prepares them for a career path. “We need to do everything in our power to get kids on the right track early. Many don’t know all of the options available to them until they have already pursued another path,” said Boscola. “In this economy there isn’t time for do-overs. This legislation would give them the tools and information they need to make these decisions which may ultimately impact their entire lives.”
Youth Summer Job Program
Summer employment programs can provide a valuable public service while giving youth valuable training and career experience. This measure would focus exclusively on youth summer employment opportunities at state parks and municipal recreational facilities throughout the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) would directly administer jobs created at state parks, while local governments could apply to DCNR to receive grants, not to exceed $2,500 per job, for work experiences at local recreational facilities. An estimated 10,000 jobs could be supported annually through a $25 million transfer from the Oil and Gas Fund.
Sen. Shirley Kitchen is introducing the legislation this week. “This is a win-win situation,” said Kitchen (D-Philadelphia). “Not only will youth learn valuable job skills and gain work experience, but our state parks and other recreational areas, which were hit particularly hard by last spring’s budget battle and the harsh cuts that resulted, will benefit too.”
PA Training Program for Marcellus Shale Drilling Operations
Marcellus Shale drilling has been a major economic boost for many areas throughout our state. Unfortunately, significant numbers of currently employed workers at these job sites continue to be people from outside of Pennsylvania. When we enact a drilling fee on Marcellus Shale operators later this fall, an annual set-aside of $5 million should fund specialized training programs, administered through local organized labor groups, to give Pennsylvanians the necessary skill sets to fill these jobs. A portion of these funds should be earmarked specifically to develop and staff a call center, with preference for the disabled to fill these jobs. The unemployment rate among the disabled is nearly 50 percent higher than for the rest of the workforce.
Sen. Christine Tartaglione is the prime sponsor of this measure. “My bill would set aside a portion of the revenue from a Marcellus Shale extraction tax to develop specialized training programs for jobs in the gas industry. The recent cuts to higher education have made college less likely for thousands of people. With a dedicated training program geared toward the various parts of the extraction, storage and transport of natural gas, we can put Pennsylvanians back to work,” said Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia). “While we push for specialized training for jobs in the gas industry, we will also push to make sure that this effort involves every Pennsylvanian who wants to work. My bill calls for development and staffing of a call center to connect willing workers with the right training program and for that call center to be staffed by people with disabilities.”
Incentives to Grow Women & Minority Owned Businesses
We are making a renewed push to encourage the growth of women, minority, or veteran-owned, or other disadvantaged small businesses by providing an array of incentives. Sen. LeAnna Washington’s Senate Bill 696, which was introduced as part of our original PA Works package, calls for a statewide bonding guarantee program, mentor-protégée support, a 10 percent reserve program for state contracts and other targets and incentives to increase employment opportunities for these businesses.
“Women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses all have bring something different to the table that you might not see every day in every business,” said Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery). “Women have firsthand knowledge of some of the barriers to pursuing a career and the pull of other responsibilities. Minority and veteran business owners may be a bit more sensitive to the difficulties in finding work because of the hurdles and high unemployment statistics they face.”
Green Jobs Employment & Training Program
Sen. Kitchen’s Senate Bill 687, which was also introduced as part of our original PA Works package, creates the Green Work Force Training Program. The program would provide $5 million annually for each of the next three fiscal years to the Department of Labor and Industry to provide grants to vocational technical schools, community colleges, public or private higher education institutions, labor organizations, or privately licensed schools. The grants would be used to develop training programs for careers in emerging renewable energy or energy efficiency.
“If we are going to get out of this economic slump and compete in a national and global economy, a well-trained workforce is essential,” said Kitchen. “One of the areas that has great potential for our economic outlook is the green jobs sector. It’s an emerging industry that we must invest in if we want to move Pennsylvania forward.”
Dr. Thomas Rushton, the director of the Monroe Career & Technical Institute, also shared his firsthand experiences with school-to-work transition and gave input on how a program like the one introduced by Sen. Boscola would benefit the students he deals with in Monroe County.
PennEnvironment Director David Masur participated and shared information about the potential impact of Senate Bill 687 and the Green Workforce Training Program.
For more information on the PA Works Now program go to http://www.pasenate.com.
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October 13, 2011
Harrisburg, October 13, 2011 — An additional 285 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $681,127 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to Sen. Schwank, the following farms will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Robert French Perry Twsp. 134.8
Norman Martin Richmond Twsp. 27.4
Paul and Anna Mae Martin Richmond Twsp. 47.3
Levi and Doris Zimmerman Tulpehocken Twsp. 75.3
Total: 284.8
“Agriculture is a significant economic driver in Berks County,” Schwank said. “Farmland conservation easements ensure that the land is protected so that we can continue to provide food and preserve our county’s number one industry.”
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE).
An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
Statewide 4,208 farms totaling 455,207 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 631 farms consisting of 64,000 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
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October 11, 2011
READING, Oct. 11, 2011— Students who suffered severe losses as a result of the recent flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee may be entitled to state grant award reconsideration from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
“Many families were devastated by September’s flooding,” Schwank said. “As families with college students continue to recover, I encourage them to apply for this special reconsideration from PHEAA. It could provide families with significant financial relief from higher education costs.”
PHEAA gives special consideration to a student’s state grant application when it is determined that the family’s ability to finance educational costs has been reduced as a result of losses incurred due to flooding, as well as other disasters like fires or other unforeseeable circumstances.
A Casualty Loss Form is now available online at www.pheaa.org/casualty-loss. Individuals may also call 1-800-692-7392 for more information.
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October 6, 2011
READING, Oct. 6, 2011— State Sen. Judy Schwank this week welcomed Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander to Berks County to discuss the issues facing local social service agencies that have been affected by state budget cuts and the economy.
“Poverty is real in Berks County, whether it’s in our urban communities or our rural areas,” Schwank said. “Organizations and agencies are using every resource they have to help people move forward, but they too are feeling the squeeze of budget cuts and an unstable economy. I wanted the secretary to meet the people who are trying to help as many people as possible, even in tough times. It’s important that Secretary Alexander sees that DPW funds are going to good use.”
The daylong discussion commenced with a discussion with Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House, a multi-service organization that assists low-income and at-risk individuals and families in Reading, and Kathy Greiss, president of Friend Inc. Community Services, a multi-service social agency based in Kutztown.
While both organizations serve different populations, they share the goal of providing individuals and families the tools they need to become self sufficient. They are also struggling with budgetary constraints.
“It’s amazing that Opportunity House and Friend Inc. are still working so diligently to help others, despite lean times,” Schwank said. “The needs of low-income urban residents versus low-income rural residents are similar, but their access to services is often quite different so I’m thankful for these organizations and their dedication to our urban and rural residents.”
Schwank and Alexander then met representatives from the county’s Department of Children and Youth and Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation to discuss their needs and concerns. State Sen. Dave Argall, who also represents a portion of Berks County, attended as well.
The departments expressed their frustration with DPW’s regulations and the lack of accountability by health care providers. They discussed ways to improve the interaction between the state and county agencies.
“Our county agencies are frustrated. They want to provide a safety net for those who need it most but they know they are working with limited funds,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that the secretary could meet with the folks who are on the front lines serving vulnerable citizens because I believe it will help him make improvements to DPW.”
Alexander agreed that the system is broken and assured the group that he was working to root out fraud and waste while simplifying the massive department.
Finally, Schwank, Argall and Alexander toured Hamburg State Center, an intermediate care facility located in Hamburg that provides an array of services to 115 children and adults with varying special needs.
Alexander spoke to several parents whose now-adult children call the center home. They implored the secretary to keep Hamburg State Center open because their children receive quality medical and social services in a loving environment.
“We heard first hand from the center’s biggest advocates, the parents,” Schwank said. “Their experiences gave both the secretary and me a personal glimpse of the individuals who are benefitting from state-run facilities. To quote one of the parents, ‘They’re not institutions. They’re home.’ We must do everything we can to ensure that we don’t take the homes of our most vulnerable citizens away.”
The tour with Alexander is just one of the ways the senator is exploring the county’s needs.
“Secretary Alexander and I had an extremely productive meeting I’m encouraged that he was willing to come to Berks County and meet with local agencies and organizations,” Schwank said. “This is a good start toward moving our area forward but there’s much more work to be done. We must focus on ensuring that our agencies are properly funded and we must do more to promote job growth.
“I will continue to meet with the various communities and gain a better focus on how I can best represent the 11th Senatorial District,” she said.
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October 6, 2011
READING, Oct. 6, 2011 — A local direct mail company has been approved for significant state funds to expand its facility in Cumru Township, state Sen. Judy Schwank announced today.
Targeted Solutions, LLC, d/b/a Mail, which provides printing and direct mail services for independent pizza shops, will receive a $516,927 loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA).
The funding will be used toward the acquisition of an existing 24,000 square-foot building at the company’s location at 4125 New Holland Road in Mohnton.
The project will sustain eight jobs and create an additional 17 jobs over the next three years.
“This loan will ultimately help Targeted Solutions, as well as the many local pizza shops the company caters to,” Schwank said. “Small businesses like Targeted Solutions, and even our corner takeout restaurants, play an economic important role in Berks County, so I’m pleased that the state is investing in our area.”
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September 27, 2011
September 27, 2011, Harrisburg – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced today that Berks County will receive nearly $27,000 in state grants to assist with recycling efforts and waste management.
“Recycling and waste management are two effective ways to combat pollution in Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “The Department of Environmental Protection recognizes this and works diligently to provide local communities the resources they need to combat pollution. These funds will go a long way toward helping these communities with their recycling and waste management programs.”
The Berks County Solid Waste Authority will receive a $22,861 grant to reimburse 50 percent of the costs for developing and operating a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection at the Exeter Township Municipal Building, which was held on April 26. The Authority also received a $2,087 to reimburse 50 percent of the costs for the development and operation of a HHW collection event for pharmaceuticals, which was held on April 16.
These grant funds were distributed through DEP’s Pennsylvania Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Grant Program.
Also receiving grant funding was Fleetwood Borough. The borough received $2,026 based on the 187.2 tons of recycling in 2009 and the municipality’s population. The funding, provided through DEP’s Recycling Performance Grant Program, was awarded to help the borough increase the amount of materials recycled.
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September 26, 2011
HARRISBURG – September 26 – State Senate Democrats today unveiled their revised job creation plan, called “PA Works Now,” which they claim would create 80,000 new jobs and leverage billions in private investment to generate jobs and economic activity.
[hdvideo id=13 ]
State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said job creation is the number one priority for this fall’s session of the General Assembly. He added that the PA Works Now package does not require new broad based taxes, is fully paid for and does not put additional strain on the state General Fund.
“PA Works Now features a new investment vehicle called the Pennsylvania Investment Bank that will quickly pump $1.2 billion into the economy and create jobs,” Costa said. “Our goal is to jump start the economy and create new jobs in the shortest possible time.
“Job creation is the most important issue lawmakers must tackle this fall.”
The Democrats’ plan includes renewed investment in job-producing programs and public works such as water and sewer projects as well as money for new business investments. The plan also provides a new round of capital infusion for the state Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund and would establish Pennsylvania’s version of the successful “Georgia Works” on-the-job training program.
The Pennsylvania Investment Bank would target more than $1.2 billion for water and sewer system reconstruction, new business investment and other public works. The bank would capture funds generated from existing borrowing capacity. The bank would use $500 million in Commonwealth Finance Authority dollars plus a half-billion from PENNVEST (Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority).
The investment bank would also utilize $80 million in funds from a proposed Marcellus Shale tax or fee along with surplus state revenues. Democrats estimate that these sources would generate $180 million.
“There are so many workers who are looking for jobs and even more who are worried about what is next for them in this very difficult economic recovery,” Costa said. “Our comprehensive PA Works Now plan addresses job creation and presents an opportunity to move our economy forward.”
Democrats said action is needed now on their job creation plan because of the recent increase in unemployment. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate spiked by nearly a half percent from July to August – rising to 8.2 percent. Since May, the number of unemployed Pennsylvanians grew by 45,000.
Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) decried the alarming increase in unemployment and the inaction of both the Corbett Administration and Republican lawmakers who control floor action in both the state House and Senate.
“The Corbett Administration has failed to respond to the hardship in the labor market in any discernable way,” Hughes said. “The administration is either tone-deaf to the plight of the unemployed or focusing on political wedge issues that do not create jobs. They’ve produced no new jobs plan.
“The priorities of the administration are skewed,” Hughes said.
Hughes criticized Corbett and Republicans for focusing on changing the apportionment of electoral votes, English-only legislation and voter ID legislation. These issues interest only “politicos on the extreme political fringe of the Republican Party. These proposals do nothing to help our economy grow,” Hughes said.
“We are stuck debating issues that appeal to the political extreme at the expense of working families,” Hughes said. “Working men and women need jobs. They don’t need political talk. That is a sham and it’s a shame.”
Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said the state has lost an opportunity to reverse negative economic trends. She noted that the recent business downturn has had a disproportionate impact on educators, women, minorities and Pennsylvania’s youth.
According to Schwank, the Corbett budget cuts have put several thousand educators or school staff out of work. The Berks county lawmaker said Senate Democrats will soon flesh-out a package of bills that would specifically help women, minorities and young people find jobs.
“Failing to take action now condemns those who have a difficulty getting jobs in a robust economy – women, minorities and our youth – to even deeper despair when the labor market contracts,” Schwank said. “Doing nothing on job creation is not an answer and it’s not fair. That’s why we need to work on a jobs plan like PA Works Now.”
Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe), who previously served as secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, said PA Works Now would inject much-needed capital into business investment and job creation programs. He said doing so is essential toward generating economic activity and employment opportunities now.
“There is no question that our recovery from the recession is soft,” Blake said. “The state has a responsibility to incent private sector investment for job growth.”
Costa, Hughes, Schwank and Blake were joined by a host of Senate Democratic colleagues at the Capitol news conference.
Senate Democrats unveiled a previous version of PA Works earlier this year.
Senators who attended today’s news conference included Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia), Caucus Chairman Richard Kasunic (D-Fayette/Somerset), Caucus Secretary Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Caucus Administrator Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) and state Sens. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester), Daylin Leach (D-Delaware/Montgomery), John Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Monroe/Carbon) and Tim Solobay (D-Washington/Greene).
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August 24, 2011
READING, August 24, 2011 – – Local and state agriculture professionals today traded ideas and shared concerns and goals regarding food safety and agriculture profitability in Pennsylvania with the state Senate Democratic Policy Committee at a roundtable discussion at Penn State University, Berks Campus.
“Protecting Pennsylvania’s food supply is of paramount importance, not only to maintaining the profitability of the state’s agricultural industry, but to the health and safety of Pennsylvania citizens,” said committee Chair Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh). “I am happy to have had this opportunity to meet with top agriculture and food safety experts in the state to discuss ways to keep Pennsylvania consumers safe from food-borne illnesses that threaten the health of the public and the economic development of the state.”
The discussion centered on how to keep food safe and Pennsylvania agriculture profitable. Topics included legislation regarding food safety regulations, particularly how they pertain to fresh produce, farmers, and farmers markets; a discussion on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP); a discussion on food-borne illnesses and the most common causes of the illnesses; and information on how Pennsylvania producers are keeping food safe, as well as the challenges the industry faces regarding food safety.
“We have all read about the series of recent incidents regarding food-borne illnesses throughout the nation and here in Pennsylvania. As both a lawmaker and a consumer, this greatly concerns me,” said state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks). “It was very beneficial for my Senate colleagues to join me here in Berks County to discuss this critical issue. We must understand how these illnesses spread and eliminate that problem from the food supply chain. It is important to our citizens and to the economic welfare of the state, as agriculture is our leading industry.”
Schwank, who serves as Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, requested this meeting in an effort to examine current policy on food safety and to discuss concerns the industry and the public have regarding the issue.
The informal roundtable discussion featured experts and educators from agriculture, academia, health and the food industry.
“This roundtable discussion is a step in ensuring that our current food safety laws are working to keeping consumers safe,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). “Senate Democrats are dedicated to protecting the health and welfare of our citizens and we thank the panelists for their expert input on this issue. As we move forward in this process, it is our hope that we can rely on these experts to help guide future policy on this matter.”
State Sen. John Wozniak (D-Cambria/Somerset/Centre/Clinton/Clearfield) was also on hand at the event.
“It is important that we all work together — the legislature, the industry, and the public — to protect against food-borne illnesses,” Wozniak said. “This discussion was a great opportunity to begin open dialogue on food safety issues.”
Panelists included Dr. Lydia Johnson, director of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services; James Weaver, GAP-certified farmer at Meadow View Farm; Dr. Hassan Gourama, associate professor of food science at PSU Berks; Gary Zanecosky, director of quality at Giorgio Foods, Inc.; Brian Snyder, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture; and Brent Ennis, Southeast district executive director of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Johnson stated that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is committed to protecting Pennsylvania citizens from food-borne illness.
“It is essential that we protect the citizens of Pennsylvania,” Johnson said. “Because contamination can happen at every step in the food process, we must have consistent regulations.”
Weaver expressed concerns that cuts in funding make it difficult for farmers to comply with regulation requirements.
“Cuts in funding hurt farmers,” Weaver said. “It makes the process progressively harder as time goes on. I fear there will come a point in time where it is too hard for farmers.”
Gourama discussed the importance of researching food-borne illnesses and their causes, but also stressed the importance of funding this research.
“We must improve detection methods to determine where contamination is coming from,” Gourama said. “Researching this issue takes money, but it is harder to get funding due to the economy.”
Zanecosky stressed the importance of collaboration between the agricultural industry and academia.
“In order to stay in this business, you have to be on the cutting edge,” Zanecosky said. “Academia is the cutting edge.”
Snyder stressed the need for assistance from the legislature to keep food safe and agriculture profitable.
“There are four things that the legislature can do to assist farmers,” Snyder said. “Provide access to capital and quality insurance; clear, flexible and consistent regulations; tax code adjustments, and public support.”
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August 16, 2011
Harrisburg, August 16, 2011 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Democratic chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs, has asked federal regulators for an explanation of the delay in the recent recall of contaminated turkey products until consumers were sickened and died.
“It is dumbfounding to learn that no action was taken until this month, when federal officials knew at least as early as March that turkey processed at the plant in question repeatedly tested positive for Salmonella,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “This is a common, antibiotic-resistant strain that we know poses unacceptable risks of sickness and death. It is just mind-boggling that federal regulators cannot or will not step in before what we know can happen actually does.”
Schwank, who has a lengthy background as a county agricultural agent and educator, said she has asked for an explanation of the events, which reports say claimed at least one life, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal Food and Drug Administration.
“It’s not clear yet why this happened, or what role states can play to prevent a repetition, but with Agriculture being the largest industry in Pennsylvania, we need to have answers to those questions for consumers and farmers alike,” Schwank said. “There are lives and livelihoods at stake here. This isn’t some academic game. It’s real life. If there is a role for states, we want to make sure we meet it.”
Schwank said she also is reaching out to Pennsylvania members in Congress to assist her in order to make sure the matter will not be ignored by the agencies.
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August 15, 2011
HARRISBURG, Aug. 15, 2011 – Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is calling for Senate Committee action on her legislation that would reduce the size of the Pennsylvania legislature by more than one third, from 253 to 163 members.
Schwank, the author of Senate Bill 1079, said change is necessary not just to reduce costs, but so that the legislature can respond more quickly and effectively to allow Pennsylvania to compete for business and growth.
“Our legislative framework is past its expiration date,” Schwank said. “A smaller legislature will cut costs and be able to respond more effectively in a world that moves at the speed of light instead of the speed of horses.”
Schwank noted that besides technological changes that have replaced physical presence as the essential means of communication, the speed at which developing events must be responded to has been slashed from weeks and months to hours and minutes.
Schwank is reaching out to other senators who have introduced similar legislation to work together to get a bill before the full Senate, and has asked the chair of the Senate Committee on State Government, where the bills have been referred for review, to schedule a committee vote on them.
“These proposals have been mostly ignored for 20 years, but the Senate held a hearing on them within the last half-dozen years, and the House recently did likewise, “ she noted. “The winds of change are picking up, and Pennsylvanians deserve the opportunity to exercise their right to decide what the General Assembly should look like.”
August 10, 2011
Reading, August 10, 2011 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) joined with Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes (D- Phila. Montgomery) and local officials to discuss the recently passed 2011-2012 state budget and other economic issues affecting Pennsylvania and the region.
“Throughout the country and right here in Pennsylvania, we are facing serious economic challenges that will require us all to think innovatively on how to address these challenges,” Senator Schwank said. “I am glad that we had this opportunity to sit down with local officials to discuss their budgetary needs and how they can be addressed in a cost-effective, practical manner.
“There is no doubt that the economic downturn has had a great impact on this region, but if we work together to face the realities of the recently passed state budget, I am sure that we can find a way to weather this fiscal storm.”
Senator Hughes provided a detailed overview of the state budget and its impact on local governments, school districts and citizens. The senators also provided information on economic development resources and other programs available to local municipalities to assist them during the difficult economic times.
“The challenges facing the people of Pennsylvania and the communities they reside in will be significant as a result of Governor Corbett’s budget,” said Hughes. “It is imperative that my colleagues and I in the legislature work closely with local officials to let them know what resources are currently available to them, as well as find new ways in moving these communities forward during fiscally challenging times.”
Schwank added that it will take compromise to get through the tough economic times facing the state.
“We must work together to find creative ways to support vital programs that our citizens depend upon,” Schwank said. “Working together will be imperative in these upcoming months. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature, as well as local leaders and officials to address these fiscal issues.”
# # #
July 27, 2011
Reading, July 27, 2011 – Testifying today at a Public Utility Commission (PUC) public input hearing, state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) expressed her concerns over the Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) rate increase request.
The PAWC is requesting a 13.3 percent increase in Senator Schwank’s district. She said many of her constituents would struggle to pay such a huge rate hike.
“An average customer in my district, using 49,800 gallons of water annually would see their annual bill increase from $581.40 per year to $658.44 per year,” Schwank said. “That is an increase of $77 per year. While $77 may not seem like a lot, when considered cumulatively with the increases most of us are facing for other necessities of life – gas, electric, insurance premiums, property taxes – this increase is significant.”
Senator Schwank said that this is especially true for seniors, the unemployed and others on fixed incomes.
“Every increase in the bills of this vulnerable population stretches their already strained budgets to the limit,” Schwank said. “This proposed increase in water rates will exacerbate problems for seniors and many others struggling to make ends meet.”
Schwank added that local businesses will also feel the pain of the proposed increase, especially small businesses struggling to stay afloat in today’s difficult economic times.
“Businesses using 23,000 gallons of water per month could see their water bill jump to $242 per month from $207 if this rate increase is granted,” Schwank said. “While this may not force businesses to close, it would put them at competitive disadvantages, cause business owners to reevaluate their existing operations and give pause to new businesses that are considering moving to our area. This, in turn, could have detrimental consequences to Reading’s economic recovery.”
Schwank called on the PUC to carefully review and consider the testimony presented by consumers and experts during the hearing, taking into account the significant impact the requested rate increases would have on all PAWC customers.
“It is important that all arguments – for and against – this proposed rate increase be considered,” Schwank said. “Only then can the commission render a decision that is just, reasonable and fair for all parties involved.”
# # #
June 28, 2011
Harrisburg, June 28, 2011 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said she voted against the 2011-2012 state budget passed today by the Senate because of its failure to support vital programs for education, job growth and the environment.
“We could have done better with this budget to build for the future and to offer hope to our citizens, and especially to our youth, that a better day will come,” Schwank said. “We left that part of the job, the real purpose of a budget, undone.”
Schwank said that even in the face of difficult financial challenges that required cost cutting, a better job of strategically allocating resources was required.
“Where are the allocations to educating the workforce for the future, the economic development programs that small businesses and major industries rely on to help grow and create jobs, and for land-use planning so local governments can accommodate business growth,” she asked. “In an effort to spread the pain, we might have made it worse than it needed to be.”
Schwank, a former Berks County commissioner and director of the advocacy group 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, voted against the budget worked out in recent days by the governor and Republican majorities in the state Senate and House of Representatives.
She said numerous opportunities to improve the budget were missed by keeping Democrats out of the discussions until the budget literally was ready to be voted on.
“As far as I know, Democrats and Republicans both come to Harrisburg with the same goal to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” she said. “The process used to deliver this budget seems to have forgotten the real reason we are here.”
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June 26, 2011
Appropriation Would Have Resembled State Funding Level for 2010-11
Harrisburg, June 26, 2011 – In an effort to cushion the 19 percent budget cut to Penn State University funding, Senator Judy Schwank today offered an amendment that would restore Penn State funding to state funding levels for 2010-11. The amendment was rejected by Senate Republicans.
“With the threat of higher tuition costs, elimination of research programs, and faculty layoffs, it was imperative that we try to alleviate some of the burdens facing Penn State University and our other state-related universities,” Senator Schwank said. “While the House Republicans have made very modest funding restorations to these institutions, the funding is not nearly enough.”
Senator Schwank’s amendment would have federalized inmate healthcare to free up dollars to adequately fund Penn State University and the Agriculture Research and Extension program, which receives funding as a part of Penn State’s College of Agriculture Sciences.
The Schwank amendment, along with other General Fund restorations would have restored Penn State funding to $318,072,000.
“Senate Democrats realize the importance of our state-related universities, this is why I have introduced this amendment,” Schwank said. “These institutions attract billions of federal and private research dollars that translate into new technologies and new jobs.
“We must not allow our distinguished institutions to suffer needlessly from severe budget cuts. While I realize that Pennsylvania is facing a sizable budget crisis that will require tightening the belt across the board, the needs of our learning institutions should not be ignored at this time.”
Senator Schwank added that as a former director of the Berks County Cooperative Extension Program, she recognizes the importance of adequately funding the Agriculture Research and Extension Program.
“The loss of these critical funds could potentially and irrevocably harm the agricultural industry in Pennsylvania, as well as diminish the College of Agricultural Science’s impact on agricultural research, Senator Schwank said. “By increasing funding to Penn State University, we will, in turn, do all that we can to protect our agricultural industry, ensure that agricultural research is allowed to flourish and maintain the safety of our food sources.”
# # #
June 23, 2011
Harrisburg, June 23, 2011 – A number of Berks County municipalities have received state grants totaling $62,772 for local recycling programs, according to state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks).
“Recycling is a vital part of keeping our local communities clean and our environment safe,” Schwank said. “These funds will go a long way to help communities boost their recycling efforts, improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and keep our air and our drinking and recreational water systems clean and healthy.”
The state’s Recycling Performance Grant Program provides incentive to help Pennsylvania communities increase recycling collection and promote economic growth through job creation and market expansion.
Grant funds were awarded to the following municipalities, based on the amount of materials recycled in 2009 and the municipality’s population:
- Berks County – $25,594 (2,789.5 tons recycled)
- West Reading Borough, Berks County – $19,497 (1,251.5 tons recycled)
- Kutztown Borough, Berks County – $5,071(428.5 tons recycled)
- Bally Borough, Berks County – $4,828 (182.4 tons recycled)
- Longswamp Township, Berks County – $3,460 (305.6 tons recycled)
- Bernville Borough, Berks County – $3,131 (130.9 tons recycled)
- Leesport Borough, Berks County – $1,191 (99.9 tons recycled)
The grants were awarded as a part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Recycling Performance Grant Program.
# # #
June 22, 2011
Harrisburg, June 22, 2011 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today introduced legislation to establish a general right to vote prior to scheduled Election Days.
“Voting is a right, and exercising it should not be a test of someone’s ability, commitment or simple good luck to get to the polling booth between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Election Day,” Schwank said.
“Voters’ lives are every bit as demanding and complicated here as they are in the more than 30 states like California and Florida that already do what I am proposing, “ she said. “What works there ought to be given a chance here.”
Schwank’s legislation would provide for “No-Excuse” absentee voting, in which absentee ballots can be obtained without justification. She said using absentee voting processes already in place would be less costly than opening polls ahead of Election Day, as many states do.
Schwank, who served as Berks County Commissioner and executive director for the public advocacy organization 10,0000 Friends of Pennsylvania before being elected to the Senate, noted that absentee ballots have been allowed in Pennsylvania since the 1870s, but only when military, job or religious obligations, illness or infirmity prevent going to the polls.
“That was an innovative idea 140 years ago. But the complexities and demands of life today are quite different, so is the appreciation for the importance of universal voting,” Schwank said. “Many workers, particularly in service careers, routinely find themselves working unscheduled overtime or shifts, and last-minute interruptions that change plans happen to everyone. Meetings and doctor appointments you can reschedule, but not voting.
“We want to encourage Pennsylvanians to be interested and invested in our government, so let’s give them the same chance tens of millions of other Americans have. As important as transparency and accountability in government are, participation is really the spinach of democracy.”
Schwank’s legislation includes two bills: SB 1171 would amend the election code to extend absentee ballot processes to all voters; SB 1172 would amend the state Constitution to make clear that the processes could be extended to all voters.
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June 16, 2011
Reading, June 16, 2011– State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) joined with several law enforcement officials today to hold a gun safety event at her district office. The event was intended to promote safe handling and storing of personal firearms.
“Proper storage and handling of firearms, especially in homes with small children, is crucial,” Schwank said. “It is my hope that through this event and the information we provide here today, more gun owners can keep their families safe through proper gun storage.”
At the event, Sen. Schwank and Berks County District Attorney John Adams discussed the importance of properly securing guns with a gun lock.
“Too often we find ourselves investigating incidents where a gun accidentally discharged resulting in the loss of life or a limb,” Adams said. “These accidents could easily be prevented by the use of a gunlock.”
The chief county detective, Michael J. Gombar, provided a demonstration of how gunlocks work, and several other law enforcement officials discussed how important this effort is based on their experiences in their respective jurisdictions.
“Often firearm accidents in the home are the result of improper and unsecure firearm storage,” Schwank said. “This is risky and can result in the possibility of a child finding a loaded firearm and doing themselves or someone else serious bodily harm.”
Schwank added that when storing a firearm, owners should always:
- Make sure the gun is not loaded;
- Clean the gun properly;
- Use a trigger lock; and
- Store guns in a secure place away from children.
She added that the installation of gun locking devices is very important. Free gun locks were distributed to attendees at the event and are available free charge at Sen. Schwank’s District Office (1940 N. 13th St., Suite 232, Reading), the District Attorney’s Office in the County Services Center, and at various police stations around the county.
Gunlocks were provided by Project ChildSafe, a nationwide program whose purpose is to promote safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearms owners through the distribution of key safety education messages and free gun locking devices.
“All citizens who own guns, especially if there are children in the home, should have a gun lock,” Schwank said. “Gun locks are a great way to prevent the tragedy of accidental shootings in the home. This will make it that much easier to keep your guns safe.”
Senator Schwank stated that with more children being home on summer break, it was an important time to hold an event like this.
Also participating in the event were Berks County First Assistant District Attorney M. Theresa Johnson, Reading Deputy Police Chief Mark Talbot, Sr., and Detective Joseph Brown, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 71.
# # #
June 14, 2011
Harrisburg, June 14, 2011– State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) hailed efforts today by the Senate Aging and Youth Committee to protect PACE and PACENET enrollees with legislation that would prevent their losing benefits because of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to Social Security.
“We need to make sure that seniors can get the prescriptions they need,” said Schwank, a member of the committee. “This proposal will ensure that cost-of-living increases do not put them outside the income limits for PACE/PACENET, sometimes by as little as a few cents.”
The committee unanimously approved sending the bill, HB 463, to the full Senate for its consideration. It would impose a three-year moratorium against removals due to COLAs, and already has been passed in the House of Representatives.
The state Department of Aging projects that without the change about 9,000 people currently receiving PACENET would lose their benefits, while an estimated 21,000 people enrolled in PACE would have to move to PACENET, making them responsible for higher co-pays.
PACE/PACENET benefits are paid for by proceeds from the state Lottery.
“I hope the full Senate will swiftly act on this bill. We need to honor the state’s commitment to our seniors,” Schwank said. “Not being able to afford the prescriptions they need is an option no senior should have to face.”
# # #
June 13, 2011
Harrisburg, June 13, 2011– State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) has introduced legislation requiring the state to more efficiently pay for the costs of county children’s services agencies.
“The state has really been riding on counties’ shoulders to pay for the services to protect abused and dependent children,” Senator Schwank said. “It’s a method that is inefficient and unfair, and also unnecessary since we already have a better model for how to do it.
Schwank, who previously served two terms as Berks County Commissioner, said the need for her proposal, SB 1137, is reflected in the fact that it has an equal number of co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle representing counties in every section of the state.
Senator Schwank added that the state reimburses counties for the service costs now, but counties must first pay for the services and then often must wait months for the state reimbursements.
“The state is basically forcing counties to float a loan to it. It really is an unfunded mandate,” Senator Schwank said. “Unfortunately, it also makes the services more expensive because they typically are such a large portion of county budgets that counties themselves commonly have to take out tax anticipation loans to pay for them until they get the state reimbursements.”
Schwank said her legislation would substitute a process that is now used to pay for mental health services provided by counties. That requires that counties be paid at the start of each fiscal quarter for the services anticipated during it, with a final squaring up at the end of the fiscal year.
# # #
May 25, 2011
Harrisburg, May 25, 2011 – Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today introduced a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly by more than a third.
“The legislature has to be unleashed from the old way of thinking, which costs taxpayers millions of dollars more each year than is either appropriate or necessary,” said Senator Schwank, a former director of the non-profit advocacy group 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania and two-term Berks County Commissioner. “We have to move away from a structure that no longer makes sense and costs more than we need or can afford to pay.
“Modern technology allows people to remain in constant, even immediate contact with their legislators, and our legislative framework should reflect the fact that we don’t stay in touch by telegraph and horse buggies anymore.”
Senator Schwank’s bill, SB 1079, would cut 82 members from the House of Representatives, shrinking it to 121 members from 203. The Senate would lose 10 members, going to 40 Senators from 50 now.
Doing so would reduce the ratio of House members to Senators to 3:1 from 4:1, Senator Schwank said, noting that her proposal has bi-partisan support.
“The legislature has to be flexible enough to reflect legitimately local interests,” Senator Schwank said. “But it also must deal with the reality that today’s events impact communities of interest that are far broader than fixed municipal or legislative boundaries.”
# # #
May 25, 2011
Harrisburg, May 24, 2011 – Senator Judith L. Schwank applauded Senate approval today of truants legislation that was initiated by the late Senator Michael A. O’Pake.
“This was one of the last bills that Mike authored in his career,” Senator Schwank said. “I’m very happy that one of my earliest votes as his successor allowed me to successfully support its passage.
“It’s kind of a symbolic bridge, but it’s one that will offer real hope for people. I believe he would have appreciated that as much as I do.”
The legislation will allow persons whose driving privileges were suspended for truancy to regain them by returning to school and graduating, obtaining a G.E.D. diploma, or when they turn 21. Costs and fines related to the suspensions would need to be paid to regain driving privileges.
O’Pake drafted the legislation in his last term, at the request of Berks County court and school officials who said the six-month license suspension in Pennsylvania for violating mandatory school attendance laws means chronic truants often have suspensions for years after they graduate or clearly will not return to school.
As a result, they said, the suspensions are counter-productive and cause problems finding and keeping work, and contribute to other needless complications.
After O’Pake died on December 27, the bill was re-introduced on his behalf for the 2011-2012 legislative session by Senator Andy Dinniman (D-Chester).
“Senator O’Pake was a good friend and a great public servant, and I was honored to take over sponsorship of what turned out to be one of his last public policy initiatives in a long and distinguished career,” Dinniman said. “I now look forward to House members approving this bill and the governor signing it.”
The legislation now will go to the House of Representatives for its approval.
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