December 14, 2023
Harrisburg — December 14, 2023 — The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed two education code bills and a fiscal code bill, concluding the 2023-2024 budget months after the June 30 deadline had passed.
Although a budget was initially passed in July and signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on August 3, 2023, Senate Republicans and House Democrats struggled to reach an agreement on code bills necessary for authorizing spending on specific budgetary items.
Key funding authorized by the code bills includes $70 million in state aid for public libraries, $261 million for community colleges, $10 million for the Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program and an additional $20 million for county mental health services.
Furthermore, funding has been approved for two programs aimed at fixing school facilities. A transfer of $100,000 from Level Up has been directed to the newly established Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, with an additional $75 million allocated to the Environmental Repairs Program.
State Sen. Judy Schwank underscored the significance of these items.
“Delaying funding for public libraries, community colleges, and programs that deliver vital resources to Pennsylvania communities placed an unnecessary strain on a lot of people. The impact of this delay was felt in Berks County. While the process took way too long, I am relieved that this necessary funding will finally flow.”
Schwank further acknowledged the chaotic nature of this budget process and emphasized the importance of a more straightforward approach in the coming year.
“The six-month delay reflects poorly on the legislature. We cannot put the commonwealth through a similar ordeal next year. It’s crucial we learn some lessons and move forward with a more efficient and transparent process as we shift our focus towards the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.”
###
December 13, 2023
Reading — December 13, 2023 — Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved $284,845 in grant funding for seven security and law enforcement support projects in the 11th Senatorial District.
“I’m pleased to see various groups in our community continue to take advantage of opportunities to secure funding for important projects at the state level,” state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said. “I have consistently advocated for the Nonprofit Security Grant program and fought for its continued funding in Harrisburg. Additionally, within this group of recipients, there’s needed support allocated to assist the Reading Police Department in recruiting new officers. There’s no doubt that this funding will go a long way toward making Berks County a safer place to live, work, and play.”
The recipients and award totals are listed below:
Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program
Exeter Community Library — $25,000 for safety and security upgrades.
Jewish Federation of Reading — $25,000 for safety and security upgrades.
Kesher Zion Synagogue — $17,900 for safety and security upgrades.
Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom— $8,945 for safety and security upgrades.
Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program
City of Reading — $140,000 for recruitment incentive bonuses for 28 individuals hired as police officer trainees.
Kutztown University — $21,000 to cover the cost of Act 120 training for three officers.
State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds
County of Berks — $47,000 to cover operational expenses for the Children’s Alliance Center of Berks County.
###
December 12, 2023
Harrisburg— December 12, 2023 — Today, Senate Bill 721 passed the Pennsylvania Senate by a of vote of 50-0. The bill aims to establish a permanent Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) advisory board in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Since its inception in 1974, the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC has played a crucial role in enhancing the nutrition and health of families across the commonwealth. It provides access to healthy foods, nutrition services, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and social services. WIC is fully funded by the federal government.
WIC participation has experienced a steady decline in Pennsylvania. To address this concern, state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) sponsored legislation to create an advisory board. The primary objective of this board is to increase WIC participation and ensure that more Pennsylvanians are aware of the programs offered. The proposed advisory board will include representatives from regional WIC agencies, agency partners, advocates, grocers, health care providers and other relevant stakeholders.
“WIC has the power to help thousands of Pennsylvania families without costing the commonwealth a dime,” Schwank said. “However, we’ve seen enrollment dip. It’s clear that there is a need for the services offered by WIC in my district, as well as communities all over the commonwealth. We need to explore ways to boost enrollment and make sure every Pennsylvanian who can benefit from WIC has access to these important services.”
In 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Health created the Women, Infants and Children Advisory Group, similar to what Senate Bill 721 would create. Passing the bill would enshrine an advisory board into law, meaning a future administration couldn’t dissolve the board.
###
November 22, 2023
Reading — November 22, 2023 — Today, the signs for the Police Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Bridge were unveiled, and a ceremony was held at the Miller Center for the Arts to honor the late police officer.
Wertz dedicated 20 years of his life to public service and law enforcement. A lifelong Berks County resident, he graduated from Wilson High School in 1984. Wertz worked for six years as a correctional officer at the Berks County prison. He joined the Reading Police Department in 1997, serving as a member of the patrol division, a field training officer, and in a special detail in the criminal investigations division as part of the auto theft task force. On August 6, 2006, Wertz died in the line of duty while responding with his partner to a call to assist his fellow officers who were attempting to break up a fight.
Earlier this year, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) issued a co-sponsor memorandum in the Pennsylvania Senate to name the Penn Street Bridge in honor of Wertz. The language sponsored by Schwank was then amended in SB 621. The bill passed both chambers in October and was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on October 23, 2023.
At the event, Schwank said she was proud to support the measure and said this honor was long overdue.
“The Penn Street Bridge, for decades, has been the gateway into the City of Reading and an iconic structure known to all who call Berks County home,” Schwank said. “I believe naming this bridge in honor of Officer Wertz is a fitting way to honor a man who served his community with pride and distinction.”
Tricia Wertz, Officer Wertz’s widow, spoke at the ceremony and later unveiled the sign. She said her husband loved the City of Reading, and it was his dream to serve the city he grew up in as a police officer.
“I can’t speak much about how Scott was as a cop, but I know he wanted to put the bad guys away and protect the good ones,” Wertz said. “He always treated the good people the way they deserved to be treated. He definitely had an impact on all of the lives he touched and on the city he loved so dearly. He is a hero, and we miss him.”
Berks County District Attorney John Adams, City of Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, Reading Police Head Chaplain Nicholas Camacho and Criminal Investigator Chris Jenkins also spoke at the ceremony. Dave Bray performed the National Anthem and his original song “Survivor.”
November 16, 2023
Harrisburg, PA – November 16, 2023 – State Senators John I. Kane and Judy Schwank have teamed up to introduce new legislation that will allow K-12 students to take excused mental health days in Pennsylvania. In collaboration, Representative Napoleon Nelson has introduced a companion bill in the PA House, HB 1519. If passed, Senate Bill 886 will enable Pennsylvania to join 12 other states providing students excused absences from classes to focus on their mental well-being.
Senate Bill 886 will ensure that students have the option to take a mental health day without a doctor’s note or diagnosis and recognizes everyone has mental health. Allowing students to take mental health days allows for students to connect with resources and support as opposed to truancy court. It is a no cost way to begin to address stigma, jumpstart conversations, and build a culture of care within school.
A statewide committee of high school students, coordinated by the PA Youth Advocacy Network, provided feedback and input on the legislation and organized advocacy efforts around the legislation. This collaboration is part of the PA Youth Advocacy Network goal of bringing youth and youth-serving organizations together to advocate for mental health systems change.
“Empowering our students to take mental health days sends the message that taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health and reduces the stigma around seeking help,” said Senator Kane. “We must prioritize the mental well-being of our students and provide them with the necessary tools to succeed both academically and personally. We’ve talked to students from around our Commonwealth, and they are letting us know loud and clear that this is exactly what they need.”
“Students today are under a lot of pressure and deal with a whole host of distractions that can impact their mental health,” Schwank said. “Everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time, which is why giving students the freedom to step back and catch their breath is so important. Granting students mental health days allows them to take the time they need, clear their heads and recharge. This minor change to the Public-School Code, I believe, could have a major impact and help Pennsylvania students achieve balance.”
“It is past time that mental health supports in schools are normalized,” Nelson said. “This legislation will allow for school administrators and educators to help students who need to take absences and give parents peace of mind that their children won’t be penalized for taking steps to deal with their stress and emotional health,” said Nelson. “While we must take the time to grapple with billion-dollar education funding debates, it should not prevent us from addressing this simple, free, effective solution to our students’ mental health needs.”
The bill has gained momentum and support from both parents and students throughout Pennsylvania. According to a recent poll by Verywell Mind and the magazine Parents, 75 percent of parents feel that schools should offer mental health days to students. The pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis in the United States, especially for children. Almost half of parents surveyed said their teen experienced a new or worsening mental health condition after the pandemic started, and pandemic restrictions made it difficult to seek help.
“Students want to feel valued and understood, and by acknowledging mental well-being, they can be more focused and engaged, creating a positive culture benefiting the entire school community,” said Saanvi, a grade 12 student from Chester County.
“As a student, I can attest to the importance of mental health days,” said Ishani, a grade 11 student from Montgomery County. “Excused mental health days not only give students a much-needed break but also show that we’re making progress in getting rid of the negative stigma often associated with teen mental health.”
###
October 31, 2023
Reading − October 31, 2023 − Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced today she plans to introduce two bills that would aid Pennsylvania public school districts seeking a merger.
The first bill would provide funding from the commonwealth to offset increased per-pupil and administrative costs for up to five years following a merger. With this, the funding required would be assessed through a study, paid for by the commonwealth, to determine the estimated costs of merging. The second bill would establish an advisory commission to develop a comprehensive plan for public education along with school district consolidation.
The bills come in response to flooding over the summer that rendered Antietam Middle Senior High School unusable. While school districts should not be forced or incentivized into merging, Schwank said she believes resources at the state level are needed to support mergers in the event local school boards and district administrators decide to pursue that option.
“Both bills provide commonsense support to the school district merger process without taking any decision-making away from local communities,” Schwank said. “Every local school district still retains the right to decide if a merger is the correct decision for its circumstance. However, since a merger is such a big undertaking and comes at considerable costs, I believe the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania needs to be a part of the process and ensure all mergers go over as smoothly as possible.”
###
October 30, 2023
HARRISBURG – October 30, 2023 – The House of Representatives passed key legislation sponsored by Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks) that would eliminate a section from the state’s Education Code that prohibits teachers from wearing any dress, mark, emblem, or insignia indicative of their faith or denomination.
The passage of Senate Bill 84 will make Pennsylvania the 50th and final state to eradicate an archaic law that violated the First Amendment in classrooms. Without the change, a teacher who violated this ban is subject to removal from teaching for a year or permanently disqualified from teaching after multiple offenses.
“William Penn built our commonwealth on religious freedom and tolerance. It is about time Pennsylvania crossed this archaic law out of its books,” Phillips-Hill said. “I look forward to the governor’s signature on this bill to ensure our Commonwealth upholds Penn’s founding principle that protects people of all faiths by upholding our First Amendment rights in the classroom.”
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Ku Klux Klan supported laws to eliminate religious insignias in the classroom due to the anti-Catholic sentiment at the time. Pennsylvania’s original 1895 law served as the model for three dozen states that pursued similar anti-First Amendment laws. Most recently, Nebraska repealed its law back in 2017. This made Pennsylvania the only state in the nation with such a law still on the books.
“Pennsylvania holds religious freedom as a core value, and any legislation that restricts an individual’s right to express their faith is incompatible with our commonwealth’s founding principles,” Schwank said. “With the House’s approval of Senate Bill 84, I’m proud to say we’ve rectified a longstanding error in Pennsylvania law, now permitting teachers to wear religious garb in the classroom. This move brings Pennsylvania in line with the rest of the nation, ending our status as the only state still upholding this kind of prohibition.”
The legislation heads to the governor for his signature.
###
October 24, 2023
Reading − October 24, 2023 − Last night, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 621 into law. The bill included language to rename the Penn Street Bridge the Police Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Bridge.
Wertz dedicated 20 years of his life to public service and law enforcement. A lifelong Berks County resident, he graduated from Wilson High School in 1984. Wertz worked for six years as a correctional officer at the Berks County prison. He joined the Reading Police Department in 1997, serving as a member of the patrol division, a field training officer, and in a special detail in the criminal investigations division as part of the auto theft task force. On August 6, 2006, Wertz died in the line of duty while responding with his partner to a call to assist his fellow officers who were attempting to break up a fight.
Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) sponsored the language in Senate Bill 621 to name the bridge in Wertz’s honor. Schwank said it’s a fitting tribute to Wertz’s service to the City of Reading.
A formal event will be held to celebrate the naming of the bridge when the signage is ready.
###
October 17, 2023
HARRISBURG − October 17, 2023 − The Pennsylvania Senate today passed a resolution on unanimous consent sponsored by Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Judy Schwank (D-11) condemning the unprovoked terrorist attack launched by Hamas against the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, and expressing deep condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives as a result of this senseless act of violence.
“We cannot be silent,” said Senator Santarsiero. “We must call out the barbarous terrorist attack by Hamas. The loss of life of more than 1,000 Israelis, the kidnapping of 200 innocent civilians, and the wounding of thousands more must be condemned. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for joining Senator Schwank and me in this strong renunciation of the terrorist organization Hamas and in showing support for the Israeli people.”
“The October 7 attack on Israel was shocking in scale and savagery,” said Senator Schwank. “This was the worst incidence of violence inflicted on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Jews all over the world and certainly the Israeli people are still reeling. It’s important that Pennsylvania stand with Israel and the people impacted by this horrific attack and express support for all those affected. Most importantly, we all must join together and advocate for a lasting and meaningful peace for all.”
The resolution reads, in part:
RESOLVED, That the Senate condemn the unprovoked terrorist attack launched by Hamas against the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, the Jewish Sabbath, also known as Shabbat; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate express deep condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives as a result of this senseless act of violence; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate pledge its solidarity with the Israeli people during this challenging time and its unwavering support for the State of Israel’s right to defend itself against this barbaric war and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate call upon the Congress of the United States and the international community to condemn unequivocally acts of terrorism and violence deliberately targeting civilians and to support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
The resolution passed 49-0.
###
October 11, 2023
Reading — October 11, 2023 — Last night, state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks) hosted United Against Abuse: A Domestic Violence Panel Discussion in conjunction with SAFE Berks at Reading Area Community College’s Miller Center for the Arts.
The panel featured domestic violence survivor and RACC Instructor Norma Castro, SAFE Berks Managing Director of Community Engagement Stacey Jordan and Berks County Assistant District Attorney Amanda Sobotka. RACC President Dr. Susan Looney and Luis Serrano also spoke at the event.
Serrano shared the story of his mother, who was tragically killed during a domestic violence incident. On June 25, 2009, Serrano’s mother, Maria Serrano, was attacked, raped and set on fire by her former boyfriend. She suffered burns to 60% of her body and passed away 45 days later from acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Serrano noted that there were no warning signs in his mother’s case. He urged the audience to act if they see signs of abuse and utilize community resources.
“My message to you guys today is if you see any signs of domestic violence, if you hear any signs of domestic violence, do not be afraid to speak up,” Serrano said. “If you have a relative, a friend, a coworker that you know is being abused mentally or physically, SAFE Berks is here. Or call the police. That’s what they are there for. These organizations are here to help.”
When asked about potential signs of abuse in a relationship, Castro cited manipulation and intimidation as common red flags and said small gestures like pinching and hair-pulling can lead to escalations. Castro said her son’s safety is what ultimately prompted her to seek help escaping her abusive relationship.
“The abuse was always there,” Castro said. “I was always asked when I sought help what I did wrong, which made me feel like I was triggering something. I had a son, and as my son was getting older and I realized my son might end up being a victim and getting hurt, I knew I had to get him out.”
Castro went to SAFE Berks for help and was able to leave the relationship, go back to school and start a family.
“It was scary, and I lost all my materialistic things, but I was able to start a new life and educate myself on what a healthy relationship looks like.”
For individuals in an abusive relationship, telling their partner they are leaving can be a flash point. Jordan was asked how SAFE Berks can help individuals make that break.
“Every individual is different, every situation is different, every abuser looks different, but one of the services we offer is safety planning, and that is available to folks 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year,” Jordan said. “We have a trained advocate on the other side of a hotline or a text line that if someone is exploring their options of leaving the abusive relationship, they can talk to them about gathering some things, putting it somewhere safe, having a neighbor or a sign that lets people know they are trying to escape.”
Jordan stressed that every circumstance is different, so the resources provided vary. She emphasized that no matter the situation, SAFE Berks can help.
“The message here is that we are here and able to assist folks and kind of walk through that process the whole way, the whole journey.”
A member of the audience submitted the following question: If a rape charge can still go through and lead to a conviction if there is no DNA or other evidence? Without hesitation, Sobotka said yes and encouraged victims to contact law enforcement regardless of the circumstances.
“I don’t care when this happened to you. I don’t care how old you were. I don’t care where it happened. I want to hear about this,” Sobotka said. “It’s not for you to worry about that stuff. That’s my job to worry about that and to figure out how I can help you.”
Sobotka added that it’s common to have cases that lack DNA evidence, and bringing charges can still be successful.
“Trust me, we will help you, and we can prosecute those cases.”
Besides raising awareness for domestic violence, Schwank said the event’s goal was to stand in solidarity with survivors and show that community groups are ready and willing to help.
“You would think that after years and years, we could freely and openly discuss domestic violence,” Schwank said. “Yet there is still a stigma where people don’t feel comfortable talking about what occurs behind closed doors. Tonight, we want to raise awareness, but we also want to focus on prevention and let folks know that they aren’t alone.”
A recurring theme during the panel discussion was the need to provide education about domestic and dating violence to people beginning at a young age. Cepeda-Freytiz said this is something she will continue to work on with local school districts and community groups.
“We have to think about how we integrate this type of education and modify it so it’s age-appropriate for students,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “We have to be able to better equip our community with the tools and the resources they need because this affects all of us at all ages.”
Over 60 community members attended the event, and Centro Hispano provided Spanish translation services. The entire event can be watched here.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month will continue in Berks County on Monday, October 16 with the 22nd Annual SAFE Berks Silent Witness March.
October 4, 2023
Harrisburg − October 4, 2023 − Today, the Pennsylvania Senate advanced Senate Bill 621, which designates the Penn Street Bridge as the Police Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Bridge.
Wertz dedicated 20 years of his life to public service and law enforcement. A life-long Berks County resident, he graduated from Wilson High School in 1984. Wertz worked for six years as a correctional officer at the Berks County prison. He joined the Reading Police Department in 1997, serving as a member of the patrol division, a field training officer, and in a special detail in the criminal investigations division as part of the auto theft task force. On August 6, 2006, Wertz died in the line of duty while responding with his partner to a call to assist his fellow officers who were attempting to break up a fight.
The bill must pass the Pennsylvania House of Representatives before the naming is official. Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), who sponsored the language naming the bridge in honor of Wertz, said she expects the bill to pass the House without issue. Schwank added that she believes this is a fitting tribute to Wertz.
“Officer Wertz was a dedicated public servant and loving husband and father,” Schwank said. “Like many members of our community, I don’t want his service and personal sacrifice to be forgotten. The Penn Street Bridge is iconic and is the gateway to the City of Reading. Naming it in Officer Wertz’s honor will preserve his story and legacy for future generations.”
###
October 2, 2023
Reading − October 2, 2023 − Sen. Judy Schwank, Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and SAFE Berks will host United Against Abuse: A Domestic Violence Panel Discussion on Tuesday, October 10, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Area Community College Miller Center for the Arts.
Doors will open for the event at 5 p.m. with informational tables. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask the panel questions anonymously during the event. The event aims to connect people in Berks County who have experienced or know someone who has experienced domestic violence with resources that can help and raise awareness for the issue during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Domestic violence touches the lives of so many people in various ways,” Schwank said. “Raising awareness and letting people know that we have resources in our community that can help is important. I believe we’ve put together a great program, and I’m proud to partner with Rep. Cepeda-Freytiz and SAFE Berks to draw attention to an often-overlooked issue.”
“As a legislator and woman, I believe it is vital to discuss signs of domestic violence and tactics for preventing it and promoting healthy relationships,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Sen. Schwank and I want to encourage a sense of responsibility in our community. We need to raise awareness about domestic violence, we need more activists for change. It is critical for us to address and discuss this issue, its impact on individuals and families. We will also provide resources for survivors to support them in their healing process.”
The panel discussion will also be livestreamed at senatorschwank.com/live.
###
September 28, 2023
Reading — September 28, 2023 — Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) has issued the following statement in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s denial of Pennsylvania’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration relating to the storm and flooding on July 9, 2023.
“While we realized this outcome was a possibility, that does not make the news of this decision by FEMA any easier to swallow. Despite this setback, I will continue searching for government assistance for the Antietam School District and the many Berks County residents hit hard by flooding in July. In anticipation of this decision, I contacted the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency last week and formally requested that funding allocated to a pilot individual disaster relief program be released in Berks County to affected residents. The clock continues to tick, and people are still without the assistance they need.”
Schwank added the lengthy wait for the federal government to render a decision on the Major Disaster Declaration has been extremely frustrating.
“People want answers, and they want to know what is being done to help them recover from this severe weather event,” Schwank said. “I empathize with those folks. Given the devastation we saw in some areas of Berks County, it’s hard to imagine that we don’t meet the federal threshold for assistance. However, this is the hand we’ve been dealt, and we need to pivot quickly given the circumstances.”
In addition to requesting PEMA release the pilot individual relief program funding, Schwank is calling on federal representatives to search for other funding sources to aid Berks County residents.
“We can’t leave a single stone unturned at any level of government,” Schwank said. “The problems we are facing don’t disappear just because we got some bad news. We need to continue work to provide people with the relief they need.”
###
September 20, 2023
Reading – September 20, 2023 – Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announces over $2 million in funding for Berks County-based agencies and organizations from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). This funding will deliver support and resources to keep Berks County residents safe in the places they call home.
“I am pleased that numerous organizations in Berks County have received much-needed funding to continue community safety initiatives,” said Schwank. “I extend my gratitude to the PCCD for allocating funds towards making Berks County a safer place to live. The services supported by this funding are essential and this group of recipients know how to deliver for the people of Berks County, so I’m thrilled to see their important work is being recognized and funded at the state level.”
The recipients are listed below:
Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Funds
- Berks County — $454,448 for CCAPPG Funds
Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funds
- Berks County Commissioners — $138,802 for enhancing services to Berks County Victims
- CASA of Berks County — $47,561 for the continuation of Child Victim Advocacy Services
- SAFE Berks — $1,196,413 for Safe Berks VOCA 2023-2025
- Community Justice Project — $45, 187 for Immigration Legal Services for Victims
- MidPenn Legal Services — $680,360 for Legal Interventions for Victims Empowerment – LIVE
Federal State Opioid Response (SOR) Funds
- Kutztown University — $82,648 for Phase IV: Continuation of Bridging AOD Misuse & MH
###
August 21, 2023
Reading — August 21, 2023 — Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency announced that the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program application window is now open.
$5 million in funding is available from PCCD for nonprofits primarily serving individuals, groups, or institutions included in a bias motivation category for single-bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s 2017 Hate Crime Statistics publication. Awards range from $5,000 to $150,000 and can be used on the following items:
- Safety and security planning and training.
- Purchase of safety and security equipment and technology.
- Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security.
- Vulnerability and threat assessments.
Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) was among the lawmakers to sponsor the legislation establishing the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018. Schwank said that the program has been well received and effective.
“The support this program receives in the budget year after year tells me that it’s helping many communities all over Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “We’ve seen groups in Berks County take advantage of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, and I want to see that continue. I’m encouraging any eligible organizations with security needs to consider putting together an application.”
The deadline to apply is October 10, 2023. Applications can be submitted online here.
###
August 10, 2023
Reading − August 10, 2023 − Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) welcomed Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Sec. Rick Siger to Reading to meet with community leaders and tour projects supported by state grant funding.
Siger’s visit began at Centro Hispano for a meeting with City of Reading Mayor Eddie Morán and Reading’s state house delegation. The group discussed ways the commonwealth can support ongoing economic development projects in the city.
Following the meeting, Schwank and Siger made stops at the GoggleWorks, Alvernia University’s Reading CollegeTowne and FirstEnergy Stadium, all of which have completed or are in the process of undertaking projects using state grant funding.
“I really appreciate Sec. Siger for taking the time to join us in Reading today and learn about some of the exciting things happening here,” Schwank said. “Reading has a lot of potential for economic growth, and I want to make sure all the tools the state has available are brought to bear. With a new administration and secretary in place, it’s invaluable for us to have an opportunity to meet with DCED and show them what we’ve been able to accomplish in recent years with support from the commonwealth.”
“It was a pleasure to join Sen. Schwank today to see first-hand what Reading has to offer,” said Siger. “Projects like GoggleWorks and CollegeTowne are excellent examples of what makes this city so diverse and vibrant. DCED looks forward to working with Sen. Schwank, Mayor Moran and Reading’s leadership as they continue to build a foundation for future growth and prosperity.”
###
August 4, 2023
Harrisburg, Pa. − August 4, 2023 — Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) and Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced today that all Pennsylvania students will once again have access to free school breakfast for the 2023-24 school year. This announcement follows yesterday’s budget signing by Governor Josh Shapiro, who has been a vocal advocate for extending the Universal School Breakfast program and expanding access to school lunches.
“Students will be heading back to school in the next few weeks and knowing that they will be able to start every day ready to learn with a healthy breakfast is a huge relief for families and schools,” said Senator Williams. “School meals are just as essential to learning as textbooks and pencils– students can’t learn when they’re hungry. I’m incredibly glad to see this program funded for the 2023-24 school year as we work to make this cornerstone of food security for students permanent.”
“Starting the day with a complete, nutritious meal sets students up for success in the classroom,” said Senator Schwank. “So many kids have benefitted from the federal funding for school breakfast over the past few years. It would have been wrong to roll back universal breakfast, considering how many of our students have come to rely on these meals. I’m incredibly proud that Pennsylvania has stepped up to continue to provide breakfast for our students in this year’s budget. I give a ton of credit to Gov. Shapiro for making this item a priority and delivering for Pennsylvania’s students.”
The Universal School Breakfast program was started by former Governor Tom Wolf during the 2022-23 school year after pandemic-era federal waivers that had given all students access to free school breakfast and lunch expired. Following advocacy from Senator Williams and others, Governor Wolf established the Universal School Breakfast Program to provide free breakfast for all Pennsylvania students enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This program proved to be an enormous success, with many school districts seeing the number of students taking the opportunity to eat a healthy breakfast at school doubling from pre-pandemic numbers.
Senator Schwank and Senator Williams have introduced SB 180, the No Student Should Go Hungry – Universal School Meals bill, which would provide free school lunch and breakfast to all students who are not already covered through the federal free and reduced-price-meal and Community Eligibility Provision programs. The bill will also eliminate existing school lunch debt so both schools and families can have a fresh start. Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20) has introduced companion legislation in the House.
Since the introduction of this legislation, locally elected school boards across the state have passed resolutions expressing their support for the Universal School Meals legislation. Schools such as the Fox Chapel Area School District have reported seeing a nearly 122% increase in breakfasts served daily since the implementation of Universal School Breakfasts. As the Resolution notes, “multiple studies show that students with access to free breakfast have improved attendance rates… improved participation rates, fewer behavioral incidents, lower suspension rates, and better health outcomes.”
Individuals can learn more about the Universal School Meals program and how it fits into combating child hunger here. You can also sign on to be a part of the citizen coalition urging legislators to support Universal School Meals legislation and fight child hunger here.
###
August 2, 2023
Reading – August 2, 2023 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) has introduced a package of renter’s protection bills in the Pennsylvania Senate.
SB 859 would establish criteria for the voluntary acceptance of reusable tenant screening reports. Landlords use tenant screenings to gain vital information like credit ratings, criminal records and eviction history. As the renter’s market has become increasingly competitive, applicants often must apply for multiple apartments and shell out payments for each application. This places undue financial hardship on prospective renters. A reusable tenant screening is valid for 30 days.
SB 860 would establish a $25 rental application fee cap. Rental application fees can range from $25 to $75, often higher than the administrative costs associated with processing the application. The legislation would impose a cap limiting a landlord’s ability to overcharge prospective tenants and profit from application fees.
This legislation was introduced with Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and is the companion to HB 366, introduced by Rep. MaryLouise Isaacson (D-Philadelphia).
The final bill in the package, SB 861, would create a yearly land rent increase cap for manufactured homes. Manufactured home communities provide a source of affordable housing for seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities on fixed incomes.
Since residents own the home but not the land it resides on, large companies can and have purchased these plots of land and substantially increased the lot rent. Such increases can leave residents on fixed incomes in a tenuous financial position. The bill would place a cap on land rent and protect manufactured homeowners from sharp land rent increases. The idea for this legislation was brought to Schwank by residents of Douglas Village in Berks County.
All three bills have the support of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
“In Pennsylvania, housing inequalities exist in every borough, township, city, and county,” said Adrian Garcia, PHRC Director of Fair Housing and Commercial Property. “As rent and monthly fees continue to rise, many who are on fixed incomes, which typically include seniors and individuals with disabilities, are forced to decide between paying their rent or paying for necessities. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission applauds Sen. Schwank for introducing these bills to protect renters in Pennsylvania. These bills are a step in the right direction to ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.”
Schwank said the package of bills seeks to provide commonsense protections for renters throughout the commonwealth.
“Pennsylvania’s renters deserve to have someone looking out for them,” Schwank said. “We are facing a long list of issues when it comes to affordable housing, and renters especially have watched prices rise and eat into more and more of their earnings. For many, securing a safe, affordable place to call home becomes more difficult with each passing day. These bills will not fix all the issues renters face. However, they will provide a layer of badly needed protection.”
###
July 18, 2023
Harrisburg, PA – July 18, 2023 – Today, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Mongomery/Delaware) and Senator Judith Schwank (D-Berks) circulated a co-sponsorship memo detailing their intent to introduce a legislative package called the Abortion Protections Package. After the Dobbs v. Jackson decision that reversed Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, millions of Americans have been denied or struggled to access reproductive healthcare they need and deserve. This legislative package will include six bills that will offer protections to Pennsylvanians seeking reproductive care, out of state patients seeking reproductive care in Pennsylvania, and abortion providers.
“As the anti-abortion movement looks for more creative ways to punish people who are seeking the healthcare that they need and deserve, we must get proactive about offering protections to people who are seeking and providing reproductive care here in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Cappelletti. “This package will ensure the safety of patients who are getting the care they deserve and of our abortion providers – who we are grateful to have helping patients in a time of need. I’m hopeful my colleagues will see the vital need for these bills and will move this package forward with urgency once it is introduced.”
The Abortion Protections Package will be made up of six pieces of legislation that will:
- Prohibit Pennsylvania courts from cooperating with out-of-state civil and criminal cases involving reproductive healthcare services; prevent officials from other states from arresting individuals in Pennsylvania for an abortion-related crime.
- Prohibit Pennsylvania courts from enforcing another state’s judgment for a case involving the provision of reproductive healthcare services.
- Instruct healthcare licensure boards not to take adverse action against providers who offer reproductive healthcare services to out-of-state residents.
- Instruct insurance companies not to take adverse action against providers who offer reproductive healthcare services to out-of-state residents.
- Protect abortion providers’ home addresses from public discovery.
- Protect reproductive health care records from disclosure in civil actions or criminal investigations.
Taken together, these measures will ensure that everyone within our Commonwealth’s borders are protected in their right to access an abortion and the doctors and nurses who provide it are freely able to provide healthcare.
“This legislation would bolster Pennsylvania’s commitment to legal abortion while sending a clear message to neighboring states that we will not be bullied,” said Senator Schwank. “We’ve watched states all over the country race to implement archaic abortion bans since the Dobbs decision. In Pennsylvania, abortion remains safe and legal. Our providers should not be looking over their shoulder or fearful of potential out-of-state prosecution for rendering health care to their patients.”
Advocates agree that Pennsylvania needs to pass policies that will further protect reproductive rights and access in our Commonwealth, especially now, as we witness the fallout from the Dobbs decision across the nation.
“Abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania, and legislation like this bolsters the state’s commitment to protecting safe access to legal care during this critical time. Health care providers and patients shouldn’t live under the distress of potentially being targeted for providing or receiving health care. Our providers are medical experts who seek to give their patients the essential care they need, and they must be able to provide timely abortion care without fear or intimidation from state politicians, rogue prosecutors, and anti-abortion activists,” said Sydney Etheredge, CEO of Planned Parenthood Western Pennsylvania.
“Senator Cappelletti and Senator Schwank have been champions for access to sexual and reproductive health care since they came to the Senate. We applaud their efforts with this package of legislation, and Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates will always support bills that protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care,” said Signe Espinoza, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates.
Research shows assaults against abortion clinic staff and patients rose by 128% in 2021 from the previous year. Pennsylvania needs to enact this legislative package swiftly to protect both patients and providers.
“Healthcare is not a crime. We are grateful to Senators Cappelletti and Schwank for introducing legislation to proactively fight anti-abortion efforts to restrict our travel, punish our family members for helping us find medical care in a crisis, prosecute doctors for honoring their oath, and access our private medical records. We will not allow anti-abortion extremists to strip Pennsylvanians of our freedom, safety, and privacy,” said Amal Bass, interim co-executive director of Women’s Law Project.
Read the co-sponsorship memo here.
###
June 29, 2023
Reading − June 29, 2023 − State Sen. Judy Schwank applauded Gov. Josh Shapiro’s announcement this afternoon that the U.S. Small Business Administration has agreed to his request to provide up to $2 million in loan assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to businesses in West Reading impacted by the R.M. Palmer factory explosion.
“I commend Gov. Shapiro and his team for making this additional assistance available to West Reading businesses who are still experiencing financial hardship,” said Schwank. “This assistance might not have been made available without the Governor’s personal involvement, concern and follow-through.”
Schwank emphasized that her office will continue to assist businesses and constituents recovering from the blast.
“My staff and I continue to be available to assist residents and small businesses impacted by the tragic events of March 24 in accessing all state, local and private resources they may need,” said Schwank. “The overwhelming outpouring of support West Reading received from Berks County and all over the commonwealth shows what can be accomplished when we come together to help our neighbors when an unexpected tragedy strikes.”
Schwank’s office can be contacted by phone at (610) 929-2151 or by email at [email protected].
June 22, 2023
Harrisburg − June 22, 2023 − The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has unanimously passed SB 262, which will require the Department of Health to annually publish severe maternal morbidity data using hospitalization discharge data.
The CDC defines severe maternal morbidity as unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short or long-term consequences to a woman’s health. The bill will allow Pennsylvania to track the prevalence of maternal morbidity in the commonwealth and provide valuable data.
SB 262 is part of a package of bills aimed at addressing maternal mortality and improving maternal health outcomes introduced by Schwank with House companion bills prime sponsored by Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia). The bill has the support of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus.
Research published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology finds that for every maternal death, 100 women suffer from severe maternal morbidity. In 2021 alone, roughly 120,500 women nearly died from childbirth.
Additionally, the U.S. maternal mortality rate is consistently higher than other wealthy nations. Black women are disproportionately impacted by maternal mortality, with a rate 2.6 times higher than White women.
Alarms were raised around Black maternal health when Olympic track and field star Tori Bowie died from childbirth complications in May of 2023. Schwank said Bowie’s story demonstrates how much work is yet to be done to fully address the maternal mortality crisis at all levels of government.
“We have a moral obligation to do everything in our power to end maternal mortality in Pennsylvania and throughout the country,” said Schwank. “Tori Bowie was a world-class athlete and only 32 years old. Her story is a tragedy, and I think we need to be very clear about this; we have the ability to do so much better. Lives are literally on the line.”
Dr. Aasta Mehta, the Medical Officer of Women’s Health at the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, said SB 262 will make pregnancy safer for all Pennsylvanians.
“I applaud the General Assembly for passing SB 262 which empowers the Department of Health to release yearly data on the incidence of severe maternal morbidity in the commonwealth,” Mehta said. “This information serves as a vital tool for monitoring and surveillance, identifying risk factors, improving healthcare quality, and evaluating interventions. By understanding the patterns and causes of severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth, we can develop targeted strategies to reduce maternal morbidity rates and enhance the overall well-being of birthing people. Commitment to data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policies will drive us towards a future where every birthing person receives the comprehensive care they deserve, ensuring safer pregnancies and brighter futures for families.”
Schwank also said she’s optimistic that the unanimous bipartisan support for SB 262 will open the door for more collaborations on legislation addressing maternal mortality.
“I think we are realizing that this impacts all of us,” Schwank said. “With that in mind, we must work together to improve maternal health outcomes for all Pennsylvanians. I’m very pleased that SB 262 passed both chambers with unanimous support. I hope we can continue to work in a bipartisan manor to address maternal morbidity and mortality.”
SB 262 will now head to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.
###
June 6, 2023
Harrisburg — June 6, 2023 — Today, SB 262, sponsored by Senator Judy Schwank (D-11th), passed the Pennsylvania Senate by a vote of 50-0. Schwank’s bill is part of a legislative package on maternal mortality. SB 262 adds “severe maternal morbidity” to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This change will allow Pennsylvania to gather data on short and long-term health complications from childbirth.
“We are living through a maternal mortality and morbidity crisis,” Schwank said. “We can do so much better than we are right now, and we have to start treating this crisis with urgency. SB 262 is a step in the right direction and will provide us with the information we need to better understand the scale of this problem.”
SB 262 is the companion to legislation introduced by Rep. Morgan Cephas in past sessions and has the support of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus. Schwank said she believes the House of Representatives will quickly take up the bill and send it to Gov. Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.
“I’m very confident my colleagues in the House will waste little time advancing this bill through committee and get it to the governor’s desk,” Schwank said. “Maternal morbidity and mortality touch the lives of far too many Pennsylvanians. It’s incumbent on us to search for solutions at the state level. Getting SB 262 passed and signed into law is an important first step.”
###
June 2, 2023
Reading — June 2, 2023 — Yesterday afternoon, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) visited the Mt. Penn Fire Company to check on the ongoing renovations to the heavily used day room.
On March 16, 2023, the Mount Penn Fire Company was awarded $60,000 in Local Shares Account-Statewide program grant funding to support the renovations. The LSA-Statewide was established by the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“I was proud to support this project and am thrilled to see it moving along,” Schwank said after the visit. “Our first responders are who we rely on in times of need. It’s crucial they have the tool, resources and facilities necessary to get the job done. I have no doubt that the new day room, once completed, will be put to good use.”
###
May 26, 2023
HARRISBURG, May 26, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) co-hosted a public hearing earlier this week in Harrisburg to discuss the effectiveness and accessibility of support services, preventive measures, and the socioeconomic impact that abuse has on individuals and families.
The hearing, held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, featured three panels of testimony from experts in public policy, law enforcement, and prevention of domestic violence.
“The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence stated that there were 3,209 unmet requests for service related to domestic violence in 2022. That is over 3,000 people dealing with a domestic violence incident last year that couldn’t be helped because we don’t adequately fund human services in Pennsylvania,” Muth said. “We must address these issues and ensure the programs that support domestic violence survivors have adequate state funding and resources.”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking.
“Domestic violence is often an issue that’s overlooked, so I’m very pleased that we were able to hear directly from the folks on the ground supporting Pennsylvania’s survivors about what they need,” Schwank said. “The testimony made it clear that the legislature must step up and provide a consistent stream of financial support to adequately address domestic violence. As we head into budget season, it’s imperative that we take what we heard today and turn those words into action.”
Senator Muth and Senator Schwank have introduced Senate Bill 281 this session which would require that first time firearm owners receive training in areas of safe handling and storage of firearms, suicide awareness, child access awareness, domestic violence awareness, road rage awareness and prevention and safe interaction with law enforcement while carrying a firearm. Senator Schwank has also introduced Senate Bill 388 which would require schools to establish specific policies regarding dating violence, including reporting procedures for students, parents, legal guardians, or third parties; disciplinary procedures and penalties for students perpetrating dating violence against other students; and information regarding the Protection from Abuse law.
Senate Bill 281 remains in the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Bill 388 remains in the Senate Education Committee.
Participants in the hearing included Beth Garrigan, CEO, Safe Berks; Deanna Dyer, Policy Director, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV); Lt. Mary Gausman, Pennsylvania State Police; Danni Beinschrotch, Legal Services Manager, PCADV; Hon. Christopher Mallios Jr., Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County; Aishwarya Sinha, Prevention Specialist, PCADV; and Kiara Allison, PhD., Title IX Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Officer, Widener University.
All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy
# # #
May 25, 2023
HARRISBURG, May 25 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-chairs Rep. Dan Frankel and Sen. Judy Schwank praised the White House announcement Thursday that the Biden-Harris Administration has established the first-ever U.S. national strategy to fight antisemitism.
“While antisemitism is not new, we are seeing a deeply disturbing rise in incidents fueled by inflammatory political rhetoric and a digital world in which hate-based speech can be spread at the touch of a button. Those special challenges demand new solutions, including decisive action at the national level,” Frankel said. “I am particularly encouraged that the new plan the Biden-Harris Administration has announced is a broad one, including new action by executive agencies, calls for new legislation and outreach to mobilize every sector of society.”
Frankel and Schwank highlighted the support and participation of the Anti-Defamation League, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Asian American Foundation, the Sikh Coalition, the National Urban League, the National Basketball Players Association and many other groups.
“Antisemitism and hatred of all forms thrive in the darkness, and that’s why calling it out can be so powerful,” Schwank said. “The administration’s new plan and call to action are essential first steps in generating the kind of broad, unified efforts that can combat the dangerous rise in intolerance against Jews in the United States. I’m very grateful to President Biden and Vice President Harris for their leadership commitment on this issue.”
Frankel and Schwank founded Pennsylvania’s first ever Jewish Legislative Caucus earlier this year.
###
