May 24, 2023
HARRISBURG – May 24, 2023 – Sens. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Judy Schwank (D-11) provided the following statements urging the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (MMB) to extend the Over-Order Premium during their June 7 public meeting.
“Last month, we opened the doors to dairy industry stakeholders to begin crafting solutions to the ongoing over-order premium dilemma in Pennsylvania,” said Vogel. “It is a great start to the conversations we seek to have in the near future, which is why the MMB needs to extend the over-order premium and give us the opportunity to continue to work with stakeholders in an organized and efficient manner.”
“Last month’s conversation allowed dairy stakeholders to address the over-order premium on Class I milk, but we still have work to do to find a long-term solution,” said Schwank. “The dairy industry has drastically changed since the over-order premium was enacted. We want to find a thoughtful resolution to the issues surrounding the over-order premium and welcome continued stakeholder input. This will take time, which is why we encourage the MMB to extend the over-order premium and allow for continued collaboration as we work towards a solution that meets the modern needs of Pennsylvania’s dairy producers.”
The MMB will be hosting its public meeting on Wednesday, June 7, at 9 a.m., at the Department of Agriculture Building, Room 309, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. To listen to the hearing dial 267-332-8737 and enter conference ID 849 531 250.
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May 9, 2023
HARRISBURG – May 9, 2023 − Today, Sens. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), majority chair; and Judy Schwank (D-11), minority chair; and members of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee gave a unanimous, favorable recommendation for Russell Redding to serve as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
“Secretary Redding has remained dedicated to serving and advocating for Pennsylvania’s ever-growing agriculture industry in his role as secretary over the last several administrations, as an educator, and as a farmer,” said Vogel. “He not only is a great asset to our Legislature, but to our Commonwealth. I want to congratulate him on his successful recommendation and look forward continuing to work with him to better the future of agriculture in our state.”
“Russell Redding has provided outstanding service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture for many years and fully deserves to be reconfirmed,” said Schwank. “Under his leadership, the agency has thrived, and he’s formed a deep connection with Pennsylvania’s agriculture community. I’m very pleased to see his nomination take a step forward and fully expect my Senate colleagues to join me in voting to reconfirm him as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture.”
Redding’s nomination will be re-referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations.
During its meeting, the committee also considered Senate Bill 152 (Sen. Judy Ward, R-30), Senate Bill 277 (Sen. Gene Yaw, R-23); and Senate Bill 694 (Sen. Frank Farry, R-6), which were unanimously approved.
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May 2, 2023
Action comes as federal trial against shooter gets underway
HARRISBURG, May 2, 2023 – With trial of the perpetrator in the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack underway, state Rep. Dan Frankel and state Sen. Judith Schwank are encouraging their colleagues in the General Assembly to wear blue ribbons on Wednesday to show their support for family members and survivors of the attack.
“Family members and survivors of the Oct. 27th attack live with those events every single day, and the court proceedings and media attention they generate stand to intensify those painful memories,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “We can’t erase the trauma for those hurting, but by wearing this ribbon, we can let them know that we stand with them and wish them strength.
“As a body, we can also act quickly to pass the anti-hate crimes legislation we recently unveiled. Doing so will send a strong, bipartisan message that our commonwealth will not tolerate acts of hatred against Pennsylvanians based on how they worship, who they are or who they love.”
Schwank said, “This is just one small way we can express support for the family members and survivors of the Pittsburgh Synagogue attack as the trial begins. It’s crucial that we do not allow this attack to be forgotten or minimized and that it serves as a reminder to us all of the very real threats members of the Jewish faith face. Together, we can send a message to all that wish to intimidate, threaten or attack others that hatred will not be tolerated in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
The bipartisan anti-hate crime bill package recently unveiled by Frankel, state Sen. Democratic Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, would expand protections to cover LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities, strengthen civil and criminal penalties, increase training for police and educators, encourage the reporting of hate-based incidents in schools and provide a means for those convicted of hate crimes to perform community service or complete classes related to the motivating factor in the crime.
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April 26, 2023
Harrisburg — April 26, 2023 — Today, state lawmakers and advocacy groups rallied to support SB 393, SB 394, and both House companion bills at the Capitol Plaza Fountain.
The bills would allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients to be certified as teachers in Pennsylvania schools and permit undocumented students that graduated from a Pennsylvania high school to receive in-state tuition and financial aid. Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said that both bills support Dreamers and undocumented students while acknowledging their contributions to the commonwealth.
“We should be doing everything we can to help talented and dedicated young people that want to serve in our public schools and complete their post-secondary education in Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “Given the teacher shortage and declining enrollments at our state system schools, it just doesn’t make sense to tell these folks, eager to give back to their communities, to go somewhere else. That should never happen.”
As of 2020, 17 states permit DACA recipients to become certified teachers. Neighboring states New Jersey, New York and West Virginia have passed laws that certify DACA recipients as teachers, which means qualified, motivated DACA educators can easily move to a neighboring state and teach there. Additionally, 16 states offer comprehensive access to in-state tuition, scholarships and financial aid. This includes Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.
Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh), Majority Chair of the House Education Committee, said he is eager to consider the bills in committee. He called on the advocacy groups assembled at the event to push their lawmakers to support the legislation.
“This is not only a question of whether we have the best education system possible or about economic growth for our commonwealth,” Schweyer said. “It’s a question of fairness and a moral question. The good news, now we are not only in a position where we can have these conversations and raise awareness, but we can actually start moving this legislation.”
Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks), who has issued a co-sponsor memorandum to certify DACA recipients as teachers, said the measure offers an opportunity to ease Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage.
“Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage is worsening, and qualified immigrants can help with this teaching crisis,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I am introducing a bill to amend the qualifications of a teacher by adding that department-certified or permitted teachers who hold a valid immigrant visa, work visa, or valid employment authorization document which allows them to work in the United States are eligible to teach in the public schools of the Commonwealth.”
Other speakers at the event included Kutztown University Student education student Andrea Jeronimo, Program Manager at the Woori Center Dr. Kate Firestone, Norristown Area School District Teacher Selenia Tello, Senior Managing Director of External Affairs for Teach for America Mamie Doyle Mannella, Isabelle Martinez of CASA and Pennsylvania Executive Director of Teach Plus Laura Boyce.
For more information about today’s event, please visit senatorschwank.com/PADREAMAct.
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April 26, 2023
HARRISBURG – April 26, 2023 – The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Minority Chairwoman Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), held a public hearing today to open an in-depth discussion about the state’s Over Order Premium on Class I milk and what the future of that premium could look like.
Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (PMMB), Pennsylvania State Grange (PSG), Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), Pennsylvania Milk Dealers Association, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Association of Dairy Cooperatives (PADC), and the Pennsylvania Dairy Association were present to lend their expertise and point of view to the conversation.
“The issues surrounding the over order premium are not new to the dairy industry and today’s hearing was meant to be a collaborative effort between all involved parties to see if and how we can potentially address the premium in the future,” said Vogel. “This matter has proven to be one of complexity and is not one to be taken lightly as it is comprised of many moving parts.”
“Pennsylvania’s dairy industry has changed dramatically since the launch of the Over Order Premium,” Schwank said. “Today’s hearing was an essential first step in working towards a transparent and equitable process for updating the Over Order Premium. It’s encouraging that so many stakeholders offered informed and thoughtful testimony. I believe we have many opportunities to craft a program that better reflects the needs of Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers and processors.”
Over the past several decades, there has been much debate as to the effectiveness, fairness, and necessity of the current over order premium being that the premium was initially adopted by the PMMB in 1988 as part of a drought relief order.
During the hearing, testifiers seemed to be divided on whether the premium should be fully dissolved going forward.
Some PMMB members felt the premium is getting more difficult to defend and has proven to showcase an inequality in distribution to dairy farmers, while other PMMB members pointed out the premium is beneficial to dairy farmers and may need some modernizing to increase the effectiveness of the premium.
Other testifiers such as the PSG recommended while it would be good to entertain improvements to the premium, other avenues should be explored as well to ensure there are equitable measures established for all of the state’s valued dairy producers.
The PFB supported the notion the General Assembly has the greatest ability to enact material changes to the premium with the PADC suggesting the Legislature amending the Milk Marketing Law to allow the PMMB to change how the premium for state dairy farmers is collected and distributed.
Additionally, there was collectively expressed support of a legislative package that was sponsored by Vogel and Schwank (Senate Bills 840 and 841) last session, which would give the PMMB the ability to collect information it currently does not have the authority to collect and is necessary for effective administration of the Milk Marketing Law; and add milk distributors to the Milk Marketing Fee Act.
Vogel added, “I want to thank everyone for taking the time to have this important discussion. The valuable information and perspectives shared will be most helpful as we try to navigate through this complex issue moving forward.”
Pennsylvania is divided into six milk marketing areas overseen by the PMMB and the federal government who monitor and enforce minimum payments to milk producers. The state-mandated over order premium is paid to Pennsylvania farmers for milk that is produced, processed, and used as class I milk (fluid drinking milk) in Pennsylvania. The Federal Milk Marketing Orders only cover specific geographic areas in Pennsylvania and can cross state lines; these orders establish minimum prices for all classes of producer milk.
To watch the full hearing, click here.
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April 18, 2023
READING, PA (April 18)—Yesterday, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) joined Berks Stands Up, Make the Road Pennsylvania, Sunrise Movement, and Berks County elected officials, community leaders, and residents in a united call for permanent funding for Pennsylvania’s groundbreaking Whole-Home Repairs Program.
The Whole-Home Repairs Program passed in July 2022 with an initial $125-million appropriation to create and launch the program. But after decades of disinvestment in PA homes, the need is immense.
“My office has received more than 6,000 calls from residents who heard about the Whole-Home Repairs Program and who, for the first time, feel a sense of hope that their government will be an ally in providing them with the support they need to stay in their homes and in their communities,” said Senator Saval. “The need for this program is every bit as huge as we anticipated—and that’s why we’re calling on the state’s General Assembly to secure permanent funding. Whole-Home Repairs deserves investment because Pennsylvanians deserve investment.”
The Whole-Home Repairs Program establishes a one-stop shop in each county for lifesaving home repairs and weatherization, making it so that Pennsylvanians can stay warm, safe, and dry in homes they can afford while building out Pennsylvania’s workforce and creating new family-sustaining jobs in a growing field.
“This program is the first of its kind in this country—we are a model for other states,” said State Senator Judy Schwank (D–Berks). “This program allows us to make a substantial investment in Pennsylvania’s housing stock and to keep people safe. Every county in Pennsylvania needs this program. The right to housing is a fundamental right. All Pennsylvanians deserve a safe place to call home. With permanent funding, we can continue to put the safety and wellbeing of people and communities first.”
Demand for the program has been overwhelming, even before applications have opened for residents, and is expected to quickly outpace the available funds. Results of a spring 2022 survey by Data for Progress and People’s Action showed that a quarter of PA voters live in a home that needs a critical repair, and a third face high energy burdens, citing utility bills that are unaffordable.
“The cost of supplies has increased. The cost of utilities has increased. We want to stay in our homes, and we want our families to stay in their homes,” said State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D–Berks). “This program makes sure that hardworking families are able to afford and maintain their homes. Pennsylvanians have the right to feel safe and supported. We need more money to be allocated, and we need it to be recurring. As a new legislator, I will work continuously with my colleagues to make sure that this is possible.”
“Whole-Home Repairs is one of the most exciting bipartisan efforts to come out of Harrisburg in recent history,” said Spring Township Supervisor Jess Royer. “Homeowners and renters alike will have the ability to modernize their homes, reduce safety and health risks, and resist the gentrification threatening many well-established communities.”
Local residents of Berks County added their voices in support of the program.
“I have lived in the same apartment my entire life,” said Ezra Feliciano, with Berks Stands Up and Sunrise Movement. “This apartment is my house. It is my home. But my home needs to be fixed, like many homes in Reading. When I heard about the Whole-Home Repairs Program, I was instantly filled with hope. I started dreaming: ‘With that money we would have a new bathroom that is accessible for my mother.’ There are many families like mine. They deserve hope, too.”
“I have five children, and three of them live with me. The youngest is a child who has special needs,” said Maria Hernandez, with Make the Road Pennsylvania. “With a lot of sacrifice, my husband and I bought the house where we live 20 years ago. We cannot afford the repairs that our house needs. It’s urgent for the Whole-Home Repairs Program to receive the additional funding that homeowners and renters across the state need.”
In conjunction with the Week of Action, more than five dozen organizations released an open letter to the state’s General Assembly to call on representatives to allocate $300 million for the Whole-Home Repairs Program this year and to make funding for the program permanent.
“This is how we can begin to meet the scale of the crisis,” the organizations state. “The Whole-Home Repairs Program is a housing security initiative, an energy and climate resiliency initiative, an anti-blight initiative, a jobs initiative, and a community safety initiative. It will enable children to grow up in homes free from lead and mold, families to build generational wealth and wellness, and seniors to remain in their homes as they experience changes in their abilities.”
The full text of the open letter and the list of signatories is available here: https://pastandsup.org/news/open-letter:-permanent-funding-for-whole-home-repairs/.
Full event listings (including times, locations, and partner groups) for the week of action and more information about the Whole-Home Repairs Program are available on Senator Saval’s website: www.pasenatorsaval.com/WholeHomeRepairs. The full recordings of all past events and accompanying photographs are also posted to the website. Pennsylvania residents are invited to add their names as supporters of the program.
March 21, 2023
HARRISBURG, March 21 – State. Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, announced Tuesday the formation of Pennsylvania’s first ever Jewish Legislative Caucus.
“Representing the community that suffered the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history, I have seen that protecting the needs of vulnerable groups can’t be incidental – we need to create spaces where we can make them the focus,” said Frankel, whose district includes the neighborhood of Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and the site of the 2018 attack on three congregations in the Tree of Life building.
Schwank added, “It’s important to have a caucus that is vocal and stands against hatred and hate-based violence, not just against Jewish Pennsylvanians, but Pennsylvanians of all faiths. I’m looking forward to taking an active role with this caucus, working with my fellow members and connecting with Jewish communities throughout the commonwealth.”
The Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus will work to incorporate the perspectives and needs of Pennsylvania’s Jewish communities in legislation passed by the General Assembly. This includes:
- Speaking out against antisemitism and other forms of intolerance and standing for a Commonwealth that is welcoming to all.
- Working to protect the civil rights of all Pennsylvanians.
- Modernizing Pennsylvania’s laws to address the growing threat of hate crimes.
- Improving security measures for organizations predominately serving Jewish communities and other vulnerable communities at risk for hate-based violence.
- Celebrating Jewish culture and heritage in Pennsylvania.
- Serving as a liaison to local, statewide and national organizations serving Jewish populations/communities.
- Providing a structure and organization for caucus members to coordinate advocation for caucus goals.
Members of the Jewish Legislative Caucus include legislators who are Jewish themselves or connected to Jewish communities through their families or the populations they represent. Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly that joined are:
- Frankel- Co-Chair
- Schwank- Co-Chair
- Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery)
- Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery)
- Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton)
- Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia)
- Rep. Steven Malagari (D-Montgomery)
- Rep. Dan Miller (D-Allegheny)
- Rep. Abigail Salisbury (D-Allegheny)
- Rep. Ben Sanchez (D-Montgomery)
- Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh)
- Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester)
- Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia)
- Rep. Ben Waxman (D-Philadelphia)
- Rep. Joseph Webster (D-Montgomery)
Frankel plans to reintroduce a package of bills to modernize laws relating to hate crimes and ethnic intimidation in Pennsylvania.
March 17, 2023
Reading — March 17, 2023 — Today, a group of Democratic state lawmakers announced $250,000 in Local Share Account grant funding to study the restoration of passenger rail between Reading and Philadelphia.
In April of 2022, County Commissioners representing Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties voted to create the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. The SRPRA is tasked with exploring the restoration of rail services between Reading and Philadelphia with stops in Pottstown, Norristown, and potentially others.
Passenger and commercial rail between Reading and Philadelphia dates back to the mid-1800s. In 1971, the Reading Company, more commonly known as the Reading Railroad, filed for bankruptcy. In 1976, the Reading Company sold all its assets, and passenger rail services ceased a few years later in 1981.
In the intervening years, multiple attempts to reestablish passenger rail between the two cities have failed. A report on restoring rail between Reading and Philadelphia funded by Berks Alliance and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance found that all communities along the route would enjoy substantial economic benefits including the creation of new jobs, higher income for residents and property development opportunities.
The report’s findings and the subsequent formation of the SRPRA are the most promising steps forward since rail service ended. Additionally, a partnership between the SRPRA, PennDOT, and the Federal Railroad Association has already been established.
The funding secured by the lawmakers will support an operational feasibility study, including a safety review, to establish the full scope of services associated with the balance of freight and passenger rail along Norfolk Southern and SEPTA’s right-of-way from Reading to Philadelphia.
“People in Berks County have been clamoring for the return of passenger rail for decades,” state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said. “We certainly have a long way to go, but thus far we have been able to work effectively across different levels of government and things are headed in the right direction. This project has the potential to completely revitalize Berks County.”
“The people in my district are big proponents of public transportation, whether it be for their daily commutes, shopping trips, or visits to family and friends,” Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) said. “This funding brings us one step closer to a more connected, accessible region with the potential to boost local economies up and down the restored rail line, including here in Montgomery County.”
“My district is passionate about solutions that solve more than one problem, and this funding is a step in the right direction to increasing accessible, affordable public transportation, while helping local economies and uplifting our communities,” Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-Delaware, Montgomery) said. “Hopefully, this study will lead to added passenger rail options connecting more Pennsylvanians in the Commonwealth.”
“Expanding the availability of reliable passenger rail travel to our region is so important to the future of our workforce and to the continued economic development of our municipalities and small business community,” Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks, Chester, Montgomery) said. “We need to ensure that all residents have access to the job opportunities and services across our region and passenger rail will greatly improve that connectivity. I was glad to work with my SEPA colleagues to support this important feasibility study.”
“Residents and businesses across Chester County stand to benefit from new public transportation options within our region,” Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) said. “With this new study, we are one step closer to creating a more inter-connected transportation system allowing more people from across Southeastern Pennsylvania to enjoy the welcoming communities of Chester County.”
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March 17, 2023
READING, March 17, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) earlier this week at Alvernia University in Reading to discuss strategies to engage youth to reduce violence and keep them out of the justice system.
The hearing featured testimony from experts in law enforcement and state agencies as well as nonprofit service providers who each discussed the challenges and opportunities related to Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system and community violence.
“This week’s hearing was a great opportunity to really learn about what is working and what challenges are facing our service providers and our judicial system when dealing with violence and crime among our youth. We need to do all we can to ensure that our children are not just surviving – but that they are thriving,” Muth said. “We have to continue working together, learning what works and documenting what works so that we can invest state funding into programs and services that are proven to work to keep juveniles out of our justice system and keep our communities safe.”
According to statistics provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), youth violence continues to steadily decline and fewer youth are coming into Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system. PCCD reported that between 2012 and 2021, the arrest rate for violent crime among youth in Pennsylvania decreased by 72 percent. And last year, the number of Pennsylvania youth who received a juvenile justice disposition was 15 percent lower than the prior year, and 57 percent lower than 2013-14 levels.
“I think we all understand that while every community in Pennsylvania is different, we all deal with crime. Too often, I think we react to incidents in our community instead of looking at root causes. That’s really what this hearing was all about,” Schwank said. “We had a great group of testifiers that provided us with terrific information that we can use to ensure programs that are making a difference are being supported across the commonwealth.”
According to a 2022 New York Times Magazine report, gun violence has surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among American children and youth. PCCD Executive Director Michael Pennington cited statistics stating that between 2011 and 2020, 1,151 individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 lost their lives to gun violence in Pennsylvania.
“Unfortunately, juvenile violence is all too common in Philadelphia and across the state, leaving young people and their families caught in the literal crossfires. Neighbors are desperate for solutions, desperate for prevention, desperate for help,” Haywood added. “We need to support our young people through mentorship, multi-systemic counseling and services, and unwavering love.”
Participants in the hearing included Judge Scott E. Lash, Berks County Court of Common Pleas; Barbara Dancy, Berks County Juvenile Probation; Radarra McLendon, Founder, Village of Reading; Ebonie Cunningham Stringer, Executive Director, Berks Youth Violence Interruption and Intervention Program; and Michael Pennington, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Other Senators that participated in the hearing virtually included Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware), Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery), Sen. John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware), Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny) and Sen. Jimmy Dillon (D-Philadelphia).
All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy
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March 16, 2023
Reading — March 16, 2023 — Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11) shared that 20 11th Senatorial District projects received a total of $4.62 million in grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The Local Shares Account-Statewide program was established by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the CFA to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, and redevelopment authorities are eligible to apply for LSA funding. Projects are only eligible if they are owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
Schwank said she is proud to support the projects listed below and thanked local leaders for putting together strong applications that address crucial needs in their communities.
“Having a lengthy list of projects that are forward thinking and worthy of funding is a good problem to have,” Schwank said. “When you have great projects that fill important local needs, it’s easy to make a case for why they deserve support. With this funding, the state is improving public safety, boosting access to recreational areas for disabled individuals, investing in the preservation of iconic Berks County venues, and more. Today is a great day for Berks County.”
Schwank added that many of the projects listed are being funded at levels to complete or substantially complete them.
- Spring Township — $800,000 for the Wyomissing Sewer Project, which will upgrade sewer pipes and alleviate wastewater concerns.
- City of Reading — $500,000 for the construction of a modern, multi-purpose training and special operations facility located in Cumru Township.
- Laureldale Borough — $482,255 to construct ADA-accessible bathroom facilities at Dominic Manzella Park.
- Kutztown Community Partnership — $450,000 in support of the rehabilitation of the historic Kutztown Strand Theatre.
- Wyomissing Borough — $400,000 for ADA and safety improvements at Stone House Park.
- Antietam Valley Municipal Authority — $376,379 for vehicle equipment upgrades for use in Alsace Township, Mt. Penn Borough, Exeter Township, St. Lawrence Borough and the City of Reading.
- Muhlenberg Township — $294,000 in support of streambank restoration and to install a riparian buffer at Laurel Run Creek.
- Mount Penn Borough — $275,000 for the reconstruction of ADA-compliant handicap ramps to be constructed on various streets throughout the borough.
- West Reading Borough — $264,750 to upgrade security cameras along the main commercial area, at the police department, and at the municipal building.
- Fleetwood Borough — $225,000 for phase two of construction to stabilize and restore the Willow Creek streambank located at Fleetwood Park.
- Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority — $207,100 for upgrades to an existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system located in Exeter Township.
- Reading Water Authority — $165,649 for monitoring upgrades for the Maidencreek Filter Plant.
- Ruscombmanor Township — $100,00 for ADA accessibility improvements in Strauss Park.
- Mount Penn Borough — $60,000 for renovations to the Mount Penn Fire Company’s heavily used day room.
- Lyons Borough Municipal Authority — $29,260 to upgrade its current water and mapping system and to conduct a leak detection test.
In addition to the LSA-statewide awards, five Berks County entities received $580,791 in LSA-Category 4 Facilities Program grant funding. Projects in counties with Category 4 licensed gaming facilities are eligible for this stream of funding (Berks, Westmoreland and York Counties).
- Greater Reading Chamber and Economic Development Corporation — $142,346 for the Franklin Street Transit-Oriented Development Strategic Plan.
- Berks County Redevelopment Authority — $125,000 to convert an old building located on Gregg Avenue in the City of Reading into office space.
- West Reading Borough — $113,552 for streetlight replacements.
- West Reading Borough — $100,000 for the redevelopment of gateway signage.
- Sinking Spring Borough — $99,893 for a brush chipper at the community yard waste site.
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March 16, 2023
Reading — March 16, 2023 — This morning, The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded Lower Alsace Township $850,000 in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding for the construction of sidewalks along Carsonia Road.
The sidewalk will stretch from Parkview Avenue to Logan Street leading towards Antietam Middle Senior High School. The sidewalk will address pedestrian safety concerns and alleviate stormwater runoff.
Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Mark Rozzi worked in tandem to secure the funding. The lawmakers said the funding dovetails nicely with PennDOT’s ongoing Carsonia Avenue and Friedensburg Road bridge replacement intersection improvement project and Antietam School District’s Stony Creek Rehabilitation Project.
“This project is a priority for the township, school district and local residents,” Schwank said. “This extended stretch of sidewalk will provide students with a safe walking path they can use to get to school and is in keeping with existing efforts to improve safety in the area. I’m very pleased to see this worthy project receive the funding it deserves.”
“I was happy to work with Sen. Schwank to ensure this funding came back to the area,” Rozzi said. “Major projects like this are unattainable for small Townships like Lower Alsace without the States assistance. This project impacts community safety which is paramount and a long-time priority of mine.”
March 7, 2023
HARRISBURG, PA: Today, Senate Democrats and House Democrats held a joint press conference to respond to Governor Shapiro’s Budget Address. Senate Democrats are pleased with a commonsense budget that invests in the future of Pennsylvania, and are excited to continue the negotiation process throughout the spring.
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has expressed unity in a few key priorities for Pennsylvania: education, workforce development, gun violence prevention, housing, seniors, and healthcare, including mental healthcare. This budget invests seriously in all these core areas responsibly both immediately and long-term.
“Governor Shapiro has put forth a thoughtful, reasonable, and doable budget,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “This budget prioritizes our children, our educators, our workforce, our small businesses, and our seniors. This is a solid plan to move Pennsylvania forward, and I look forward to bipartisan cooperation with the Senate Republican Caucus as we go into hearings in the coming weeks.”
Senate Democrats have worked tirelessly to introduce and pass bills aimed at solving many of the problems this budget seeks to address. These include bills intended to fully fund public education and solving the teacher shortage crisis.
Senate Democrats have also fought for increased investments in community-based antiviolence programs. The Democratic caucus was proud to champion Senator Nikil Saval’s Whole Home Repairs program, an investment in Pennsylvania’s aging and inaccessible housing stock. Additionally, the Democratic caucus has also long called for investments in protecting our environment, which would create good-paying green jobs throughout the commonwealth. The Women’s Health Caucus has fought for resources to address maternal health outcomes and mortality, especially among Black and brown women. This budget takes logical, intentional steps in each of these areas, supporting Democrats’ work and priorities.
“The governor has said in meetings prior to today’s address that he is looking for a new spirit of collaboration in putting together the state budget,” said Appropriations Chair Senator Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia. “My colleagues and I welcome that new energy and are confident we will work together to accomplish many impactful things for Pennsylvanians in the 7th District and across the commonwealth with this budget.”
Senate Democrats are especially excited about Governor Shapiro’s calls for a $15/hour minimum wage and adult-use recreational cannabis. Both of these measures would immediately boost the economy of Pennsylvania, putting money directly in the pockets of working families, small businesses, and government coffers. Senator Tina Tartaglione and Senator Art Haywood have long called for a livable minimum wage; Pennsylvania’s $7.25/hour minimum wage is lower than that in every neighboring state.
“Governor Shapiro’s proposal offers us an opportunity to move Pennsylvania forward and come to a consensus on key issues,” said Senator Judy Schwank of Reading. “The proposed investments in public safety, workforce development and education are pragmatic and will deliver real results for the people of this Commonwealth. Working through the budget is always a long process, but I believe today’s proposal is a very promising start point.”
Video footage of the press conference is available for viewing at PASenate.com/video. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
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March 7, 2023
Harrisburg, PA- March 7, 2023 — Following Governor Josh Shapiro’s inaugural Budget Address to the Joint General Assembly today, Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny), Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and advocates applauded the Governor’s proposed $38.5 million investment to continue the Universal Free Breakfast Program and expand access to free lunch.
Pennsylvania’s Universal Free Breakfast Program began on October 1, 2022 after Senator Williams, legislators, and advocates, including the School Nutrition Association of PA (SNAPA) and the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank, urged Governor Wolf to act after the Federal Government ended funding and waivers that had provided free breakfast and lunch for all students during the pandemic. This program provides free school breakfast to all students at schools that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. However, the Universal Free School Breakfast Program was limited to the 2022-23 school year.
“I was incredibly encouraged to hear that Governor Shapiro included extending the Universal School Breakfast program and expanding access to free lunch in his first budget address,” said Senator Williams. “These programs provide our students with healthy meals that allow them to be ready to learn every single day. Providing breakfast and lunch is just as essential to learning as providing textbooks and desks—students can’t learn when they’re hungry.”
Within a month of the implementation of the Universal Free Breakfast Program, local school districts saw participation in their breakfast programs skyrocket by as much as 42%, as students took advantage of the opportunity to have a healthy breakfast to fuel their bodies and brains before a day of learning.
“I’ve heard from students who are excited to be able to spend time eating with their friends in the morning, now that breakfast is available to everyone again. Kids know when they’re being singled out for free meals, no matter how hard the adults try to hide it. When we level the playing field, we eliminate the shame and make meals a fun and community experience again,” said Senator Williams. “I’ve also heard from parents and caregivers that the Universal Breakfast Program has been an invaluable help, especially as we see prices rise at the grocery stores, gas stations, and utility bills.”
SNAPA also commended Governor Shapiro today for his continued support of the education and health of Pennsylvania’s school children by proposing funds that support school breakfast at no cost. “Continuing universal free school breakfast across Pennsylvania helps to ensure every student will start their day with a healthy, nutritious meal,” said Melissa Froehlich, SNAPA Public Communication Chair. “Research supports that a well-nourished child who starts the day with breakfast is more likely to be at school, has improved concentration and is more willing to participate in the classroom. Universal free breakfast for all students in Pennsylvania will strengthen child nutrition programs, and address equity and stigmas around school breakfast so more children will have access to nutritious meals and set our students up for success in the classroom.”
Senator Williams and Senator Schwank have introduced Senate Bill 180 that will codify the Universal School Meals program, which will provide all students both breakfast and lunch and also erase existing lunch debt, allowing school districts to start fresh at the beginning of this new program. The full text of the legislation is available here. Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20) has introduced companion legislation in the House.
Senator Schwank also applauded Governor Shapiro’s proposed investment in school meals, saying “When students go hungry, they aren’t in a position to excel in the classroom and reach their full potential. That’s why I’m so encouraged to see the extension of Pennsylvania’s Universal Free Breakfast Program included in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal. It’s of benefit to all Pennsylvanians to help our kids succeed by providing them with the nutritious meals they need to get the most out of the school day. I’m very optimistic that we can work across the aisle and accomplish this in this year’s budget.”
Individuals can learn more about the Universal School Meals program and how it fits into combatting child hunger here. You can also sign on to be a part of the citizen coalition urging legislators to support Universal School Meals legislation and fight child hunger here.
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March 6, 2023
HARRISBURG, PA – March 6, 2023 – On Friday, March 3rd Senators Street, Schwank, Tartaglione and Hughes, reintroduced Sacred Spaces legislation, amending Section 3307 of Title 18 (Institutional Vandalism) to enhance the existing statute to give District Attorneys expanded options for combating vandalism of sacred spaces such as faith institutions, cemeteries, or memorials.
Senator Sharif Street shared that “at minimum, it is our responsibility as a government to ensure Pennsylvanians are free to express themselves, including their religious beliefs, without fear or risk of retribution. The continued defacement of places of worship is meant to intimidate whole communities and an inadequate response to these acts of hate inevitably results in more violent acts of intolerance.”
In recent years there has been an increase in the deliberate vandalism of churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship by those who wish to express hate. On February 25, 2023, a “National Day of Hate” garnered significant attention and warnings from law enforcement about rising antisemitism and possible attacks on religious institutions across the United States.
Senator Judy Schwank stated that “Faith-based hatred and vandalism is deeply disturbing and has no place in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, we’ve witnessed vandalism at religious and sacred spaces increase over the past few years. The protecting sacred spaces legislation we are introducing will send a clear message to those that wish to spread hate and intimidate other that they will be held accountable for their actions.”
In Philadelphia Jewish cemeteries have been targeted by vandals and on February 24th, 2023, the Philadelphia Masjidullah Mosque was defaced. On February 8th, 2023, in Reading, the Jesus is Alive World Center was severely damaged accruing more than $70,000 in repair costs. Religious intolerance, whether through rhetoric or acts of hate, have increasing consequences.
“In a state that was founded on the principle of religious liberty, it is abhorrent to see continued attacks and intimidation on and to our Commonwealth’s places of worship,” said Senator Tartaglione, “expanding the tools prosecutors across Pennsylvania can use to protect sacred spaces is a crucial step in combatting the hate we have seen grow out of the dark and dangerous fringes of society.”
Senator Vincent Hughes echoed that sentiment, stating “I’m proud to partner with my colleagues on this legislation, because acts of vandalism and hate against our sacred spaces have no place in Pennsylvania.”
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March 1, 2023
(Harrisburg, PA) March 1, 2023 — Today, on the first day of Women’s History Month, Chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, Senator Judith Schwank (D-11 Berks), Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-148 Montgomery), and Representative Gina Curry (D-164 Delaware) were joined by Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) members to kick off the 2023-2024 legislative session by announcing a new mission and platform and by launching a new joint Subcommittee and website!
The WHC shared its new mission statement:
The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus of legislators partnering with advocacy groups to advance legislation and policies that promote equity and protect the health and wellbeing of women, gender expansive people, and families in Pennsylvania. As a caucus, we recognize the intersectionality of social issues that support physical and mental health. We are committed to closing existing disparities and removing barriers Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds face when seeking healthcare and systems of support. Integral to our mission is the belief that all Pennsylvanians have the right to make private, personal medical decisions.
On their newly redesigned website, the WHC launched a new platform that outlines their legislative and advocacy goals as a caucus. Included in the platform are sections on Reproductive Freedom, Ending the Maternal Mortality Crisis, Health Care Access and Equity, Economic Empowerment, and Justice and Inclusion.
“Our caucus is proud to launch our new mission and platform that is driven by our commitment to protecting individual freedoms, focusing on access and equity, economic empowerment, and justice and inclusion. I am thrilled to serve as a co-Chair of the caucus once again as these shared values guide us in our legislative and advocacy work for this session,” said Representative Mary Jo Daley. “With the historic election of Speaker McClinton in the House, I’m sure we will be able to make progress on the critical issues the Women’s Health Caucus is fighting for.”
The WHC welcomed a new Co-Chair to the Caucus, Representative Gina Curry. As a co-chair of the WHC, Curry is committed to addressing issues facing Pennsylvanians like maternity care deserts and systemic inequities in the health care system. “I look forward to working diligently to provide adequate and equitable access to health care that impact the women in my district and across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Curry. “My goal is to provide innovative ways to educate and bring a comprehensive, expansive awareness and solutions to women’s healthcare needs.”
Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus has also announced a joint Subcommittee with the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Women and Girls of Color, which will be Chaired by Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-24 Allegheny). Mayes, founder and former president and CEO of New Voices for Reproductive Justice, has been an unwavering advocate for improving the health and well-being of marginalized communities. “Our Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus is ready to meet the needs of women, femmes, girls and gender-expansive folx across this Commonwealth. As Chair of the Joint Subcommittee on Women and Girls of Color, I am deeply committed to leading a legislative and policy agenda that centers the health and well-being of our most marginalized communities especially Black women and women of color, mothers and caretakers and LGBTQ+ women and folx. I am proud to serve with my colleagues in the Women’s Health Caucus,” said Representative Mayes.
Overall, the theme of the WHC agenda for this session is to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have affordable access to the care they deserve. “Equitable access to health care services and economic security are both crucial components of a healthy lifestyle. That’s why this session, the Women’s Health Caucus is not only going to continue its work of ending care deserts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but we will also raise our efforts to ensure that all Pennsylvanians are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace,” said Senator Judy Schwank. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel the empowerment that comes from economic freedom, and our caucus is dedicated to making that a reality.”
The Women’s Health Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to protecting reproductive rights here in Pennsylvania. WHC members have proudly been at the forefront of fighting against anti-abortion bills in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and have introduced policies and solutions that would protect and expand access to reproductive health care in Pennsylvania. The Caucus works with several advocacy groups to ensure the policies they propose will have the greatest impact. This session, the Caucus is proud to have 79 legislators participating as members.
“One of the best parts of being a Co-Chair of the Women’s Health Caucus is the opportunity to host a forum where legislators can have discussions with advocates and folks who have firsthand experience with the problems our policy proposals aim to solve,” said Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17 Montgomery), co-Chair of the PA WHC. “Our caucus’ shared values allow us to work together towards our goals in the strongest way possible.”
Explore the WHC’s new website at pawomenshealthcaucus.com. Stay up to date with the Caucus on social media by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Watch the recording of the press event here.
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February 14, 2023
Reading — February 14, 2023 — Today, state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced that her office has opened a satellite constituent services office in Spring Township.
The office is in the Spring Township Administration Building located on 2850 Windmill Rd, Reading, PA 19608. The office will be open on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on other days by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 610-929-2151 or by sending an email to [email protected].
Spring Township, Sinking Spring Borough and the Berks County portion of Adamstown Borough became a part of the 11th senatorial district during last year’s reapportionment process. Schwank said the satellite office will help her connect with her new constituents.
“It’s very important to me that the folks who have been added to the 11th district have convenient access to the services they need,” Schwank said. “I believe this satellite office will provide my staff and I with a great opportunity to connect with our newest constituents and get a better feel for the community and its needs.”
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February 9, 2023
Reading — February 9, 2023 — This morning, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) spoke during the public comment section of the Berks County Commissioner’s meeting to express her interest in collaborating with county officials on the rollout of the Whole Home Repairs program.
$120 million in funding was allotted to the Whole Home Repairs program last summer as a part of the 2022-2023 Pennsylvania budget. That money was distributed to applying counties with Berks County receiving $3,656,555. A portion of the funding will go toward administration and workforce development. Individual homeowners are eligible for up to $50,000 to repair, update or adapt their homes.
Schwank said she recognizes the impact the Whole Home Repairs program can have in Berks County and said it’s generated significant interest from constituents. She emphasized the importance of a successful rollout.
“We need to get the word out about the program and more importantly monitor the progress of the program,” Schwank said. “There is great demand for this program and a large unmet need in helping homeowners and landlords improve their properties.”
Schwank also noted that the outcome of the initial rollout could affect whether or not the program continues to be funded at the state level.
“I would like to see this program funded again in the upcoming state budget, but we need to make sure the program works first,” Schwank said. “My hope is that the Whole Home Repairs initiative will set us on a path of continuous improvement for our local housing stock. Let’s work together to ensure the success of this program today so that we can support possible additional funding for this program down the road.”
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January 24, 2023
Reading, PA – January 24, 2023 – State Sen. Judy Schwank issued the following statement regarding Cream-O-Land Dairy, Inc.’s purchase of Clover Farms.
“I’ve been aware that the owners of Clover Farms were looking at the possibility of selling for quite some time now. From what I understand, independent dairy farmers who have been shipping their milk to Clover Farms have a commitment from Cream-O-Land Dairy to continue that arrangement, and the plant in Berks County will remain operational, so I’m hoping this is a seamless transition. Milk processors are a key component of the dairy industry infrastructure in Pennsylvania; so it’s important that we maintain existing processing plants. Clover Farms is an iconic brand, and is known as a premium local product, my hope is it will continue to be while under new ownership.”
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January 18, 2023
HARRISBURG – The Senate of Pennsylvania approved a measure to eliminate a section from the state’s Education Code that prohibits a teacher from wearing any dress, mark, emblem, or insignia indicative of his or her faith or denomination, according to the measure’s sponsors, Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks).
Senate Bill 84 would align Pennsylvania with every other state in the nation in preserving and protecting First Amendment rights for educators.
“This long overdue legislation needs to reach the governor’s desk to make Pennsylvania the 50th state to eradicate this archaic law once and for all,” Phillips-Hill said. “With its broad, bipartisan support from legislators and a diverse coalition of stakeholders, this bill will uphold William Penn’s founding principles that our Commonwealth stands for religious freedom and tolerance.”
The senators argue the existing archaic law violates the First Amendment.
“It’s a First Amendment right to express your religious beliefs. Everyone, and most certainly our educators, should be free to exercise that right in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is not an endorsement of any one religion; it allows people of all faiths to express themselves,” Schwank said.
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Ku Klux Klan supported similar laws across the nation due to anti-Catholic sentiment at the time. Pennsylvania’s original 1895 law served as the model for three dozen states that pursued similar anti-First Amendment laws. Today, Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with this law in place. Nebraska was the most recent state to repeal its law in 2017.
This measure now advances to House of Representatives for its consideration.
January 13, 2023
Reading — January 13, 2023 — 107 Berks County residents attended and received assistance at Thursday evenings expungement and pardon clinic.
The event took place at the DoubleTree in Reading and was hosted by Magisterial District Judges Tonya Butler and Carissa Johnson. The event was sponsored by state Sen. Judy Schwank, Berks Connections/Pretrial Services, MidPenn Legal Services, and the Berks County Bar Association.
Butler said the event came about when she learned that individuals who either had charges dismissed or were found not guilty didn’t automatically have those charges removed from their records.
“We can dismiss a charge, but what we didn’t know was that the charge was still going to be on their record,” Butler said. “We were blown away in regards to that.”
Johnson added that securing an expungement or pardon clears barriers to employment and allows individuals to return to society and become productive members of their community.
“I think what people fail to realize is that once a person goes to jail, they don’t stay there forever,” Johnson said. “You always have to ask yourself if you want that person to be better than they left, the same as they left, or worse.”
“I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish tonight,” Schwank said following the event. “I had a chance to speak with so many of my constituents and hear firsthand about the support they received and how it’s going to allow them to move forward. My hat is off to all the folks who volunteered their time and helped make this happen.”
Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Celeste Trusty and Berks County District Attorney John Adams were at the event and answered questions from attendees.
Also in attendance at the event were state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, state Rep. Manny Guzman, Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera, and Berks County COO Kevin Barnhardt.
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January 11, 2023
Reading — January 11, 2023 — Today, state Sen. Judy Schwank applauded the awarding of over $4.3 million in Violence Intervention Program grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
The awards in Berks County are as follows:
Berks Community Action Program, Inc. — $800,000 in funding to create and implement the FAST (Family Assistance & Support for TEENS) Program.
Center for Children’s Law and Policy — $830,600 in funding to support the implementation of a community diversion program. The grant application was filled in partnership with The Village of Reading, EducationWorks, and Empact Solutions.
Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County — $607,267 to support, enhance and expand social-emotional and mental health programming for at-risk youth.
Penn State University — $1,619,017 to establish the Berks Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, which will be a new initiative that will employ evidence-based strategies to serve youth ages 14-21 in Berks County.
Reading Hospital — $193,078 to implement a hospital-based violence intervention program and provide community education and resources.
Salvation Army, Reading — $261,676 to expand its current Violence Prevention Program focused on both case management and afterschool programming by hiring an additional Violence Prevention Program Coordinator.
Schwank applauded the Berks County recipients of the VIP grant funding for navigating a competitive grant funding process.
“We continue to see groups in Berks County put together strong applications for grant funding and that reality is being recognized and rewarded at the state level,” Schwank said. “The projects that are being supported will go a long way towards creating safer communities across Berks County.”
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December 14, 2022
Reading — December 14, 2022 — This morning, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency announced that the 11th Senatorial District received a total of $5,160,209 in grant funding for community safety initiatives.
The funding comes from a variety of different PCCD funding opportunities including the Non-Profit Security Grant Fund, Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program, the State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds the Federal Victims of Crime Act, State Rights and Services Act, and State Victims of Juvenile Offenders Funds and others.
State Sen. Judy Schwank applauded the county, local governments, and non-profits that received funding for taking advantage of the opportunities provided by PCCD. She also highlighted the fact that the funding for the Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program came from the federal American Rescue Plan.
“It’s always exciting to see funding flow into our area,” Schwank said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that this list of projects will help us achieve safer communities across Berks County. I commend the county, the local governments, and the non-profits that received funding today for putting together strong applications and taking full advantage of the funding opportunities our state government has to offer.”
The recipients are listed below.
Non-Profit Security Grant Fund
Abilities in Motion — $20,000 for safety and security upgrades.
Chabad Lubavitch of Berks County, Inc. — $150,000 for safety and security upgrades.
Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program
Central Berks Regional Police Department — $153,250 for an upgrade to the current record management system to transition to NIBRS and upgrade the in-house server.
Muhlenberg Township — $427,462 for in-car camera systems, license plate readers, and body-worn cameras with peripheral support equipment.
City of Reading — $2,029,000 for portable tablet computers for patrol, investigations, and services division personnel, recruitment funding, pole cameras, and training (use of force, implicit bias, de-escalation).
West Reading Borough — $153,988 for NIBRS-compliant Records Management System software, backup system, server, in-car cameras, laptop, desktops, license plate reader, body-worn camera storage, XF print all-in-one law enforcement handhelds.
Wyomissing Borough — $98,000 NIBRS-compliant record management system, desk workstation, and mobile computers.
County of Berks — $552,341 for one part-time Firearms Examiner position for two years to supplement the work of the current full-time Firearms Examiner. The funding will also be used to purchase and install a laboratory to allow for the safe discharge of firearms on-site to expedite analysis.
City of Reading — $686,768 to staff a Neighborhood Gun Violence Unit in the Patrol Division that will investigate gun violence incidents at the street level in neighborhoods, assign two investigators to follow up on gun violence incidents, provide funding for increasing the frequency and effectiveness of the Reading Police Department’s multi-agency Operation Ceasefire Details, and the purchase of pole cameras.
Clare of Assisi House — $100,000 to support the Women’s Empowerment After Prison Project.
State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds
County of Berks — $47,000 to support the Children’s Alliance Center.
State Victims of Juvenile Offenders Funds
County of Berks — $528,038 to support the District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Assistance Unit.
County of Berks — $214,362 to support the Juvenile Probation Victim/Witness Assistance Unit.
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November 15, 2022
Harrisburg — November 15, 2022 — State Sen. Judy Schwank was reappointed Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus Administrator, retaining her role in caucus leadership for the upcoming 2023-2024 legislative session.
Schwank said she is grateful for the opportunity to continue in a leadership role and said the position provides Berks County with more influence in Harrisburg.
“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the legislative priorities of our caucus reflect the needs of my constituents,” Schwank said. “There are reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming session. I believe that with the leadership team our caucus has chosen today, we are in a strong position to deliver for Pennsylvania.”
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November 3, 2022
Reading — November 3, 2022 — Today Gov. Tom Wolf announced $1.82 million in tax credits to support projects in the 11th Senatorial District through the Neighborhood Assistance Program.
NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems. The applicants and tax credit amounts are as follows:
- Alvernia University — $41,250
- Helping Harvest — $11,000
- Habitat for Humanity— $100,000
- Kutztown University Foundation — $99,375
- Berks Latino Workforce Development — $150,000
- Barrio Alegria — $71,250
- Berks Encore — $26,250
- GoggleWorks — $675,000
- SuperNatural & Fresh Produce, Inc. — $500,000
- Medical Arts Development, LP — $150,000
Sen. Judy Schwank thanked Gov. Wolf for his continued commitment to Berks County and the ongoing redevelopment effort in downtown Reading. She said the tax credits demonstrate that Berks County is home to many organizations that are making the area a better place to live.
“It’s encouraging to see so many transformative projects in Berks County and the City of Reading get the support they deserve from the commonwealth,” Schwank said. “Today’s announcement from the governor demonstrates that Berks County’s private sector wants to be a part of enacting positive change within our community.”
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance submitted the application for the tax credit on SuperNatural & Fresh Produce, Inc’s behalf. The project will help a minority-owned business transform a dilapidated property in the city of Reading into a location with fresh produce, meats and a deli. In addition, the project will be a wholesale distribution warehouse, manufacturing facility for fresh dough discs and a fast- dining option creating 120 full-time jobs.
The full list of investments in the Lehigh Valley Region, project descriptions, and the private sector contributors can be found here.
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November 1, 2022
Harrisburg — November 1, 2022 — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 317, sponsored by Sens. Patrick Browne (R-Lehigh), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), Judy Schwank (D-Berks), and Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) by a vote of 173 to 26.
Senate Bill 317 grants health care practitioners and pharmacists the authority to prescribe sexually transmitted infections antibiotics without having examined the patient in accordance with the Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases guidance document issued by the CDC. This means a health care practitioner or pharmacist can prescribe treatment for an individual experiencing STI symptoms and their partner without examining the partner first.
In 2021, there were 2.5 million reported cases of STDs according to the CDC. These diseases can cause significant health issues and are widely preventable when individuals have access to the required treatment.
“We’ve seen STIs increase in the commonwealth and elsewhere in the country,” Schwank said. “Modern medicine has given us the tools we need to combat STIs, and I believe this legislation ensures more Pennsylvanians have access to the treatments they need to overcome these diseases and live healthy, productive lives.”
The bill was first introduced by the bipartisan group of lawmakers in 2017. Schwank said she’s pleased to see the bill finally get over the finish line.
“It goes to show you that when pragmatic lawmakers work together, we can get things done, even if it takes longer than we’d like it to.”
AccessMatters, a non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, was one of the many public health groups that advocated for Senate Bill 317’s passage.
“AccessMatters applauds the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Gov. Wolf for the recent passage of Senate Bill 317, the Expedited Partner Therapy Act,” said Melissa Weiler Gerber, President & CEO of AccessMatters. “Senate Bill 317 will help reduce barriers and increase access to expedited partner therapy, an evidence-based, cost-effective method of reducing community spread of STIs by removing barriers to care. Pennsylvania has high STI rates, and this legislation is an important step forward to reduce transmission and help mitigate serious health concerns through increased access to care.”
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
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