June 27, 2022
HARRISBURG, June 27, 2022 − Seven members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus circulated a memo on Friday afternoon to take steps to codify into state law the personal right to make decisions about health and reproduction, including access to safe and legal abortions.
The co-sponsorship memo was circulated by state Senators Katie Muth (D- Montgomery/Chester/Berks), Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware), Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny), Maria Collett (D-Bucks/Montgomery), Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), and Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester).
“The Supreme Court decision handed down on Friday was not made in the interest of the people and shows that the highest court in our nation has a majority that is being run by harmful right wing special interests,” Muth said. “If we cannot trust the Court to protect the rights of Pennsylvanians, then it is up to us in the state legislature to defend our rights to make decisions about our own bodies. We cannot and we will never back down in the fight to protect our rights, our bodies, and our right to choice.”
The legislation comes on the heels of the devastating ruling handed down by a partisan Supreme Court on Friday that overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling and eliminates the constitutional right to an abortion after almost 50 years.
“Codifying Roe will go a long way to protect the right to determine our own bodily autonomy here in the Commonwealth. Currently, the right to make decisions about our own bodies is under threat because extremists refuse to accept the reality that abortion is a necessary and vital health care procedure,” Cappelletti said. “We must do all that we can to protect and even expand access, and this legislation is the first step to doing so.”
In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that abortion rights being left to the individual states was a violation of the right to privacy and equal protection under the law. This ruling had provided American women the reproductive freedoms and personal health choices they deserve as equal citizens.
“Last week’s Supreme Court ruling took away the federal right for millions of Americans to seek life-saving reproductive healthcare. Abortion is only legal in Pennsylvania right now because the anti-choice bills run by Republicans in the legislature have been vetoed by the governor. The time is now to codify Roe into state law to ensure that reproductive healthcare remains safe and accessible for future generations,” Williams added. “Deciding if, when, and with whom to start or grow a family is a human right. I trust people to make the best decisions about their lives, families and their healthcare. This legislation is about our right to privacy and our right to bodily autonomy and I am proud to support it.”
In the dissenting opinion filed on Friday, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer wrote that “withdrawing a woman’s right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy does not mean that no choice is being made. It means that a majority of today’s Court has wrenched this choice from women and given it to the States. To allow a State to exert control over one of “the most intimate and personal choices” a woman may make is not only to affect the course of her life, monumental as those effects might be.”
“After nearly 50 years of legal precedent, we are seeing nothing less than a rollback of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy. This ruling could be devastating to Pennsylvanians, but it does not have to be,” Collett added. “Our legislature must codify Roe v. Wade and ensure safe, legal, and accessible reproductive care for everyone, regardless of their income level or other social barriers.”
According to April 2022 polling done by Franklin & Marshall College, which has regularly polled on the issue since 2009, only 16 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances.
“Without Roe, state legislatures across the country will be lining up to restrict, ban or protect abortion access. Given that only 30% of Pennsylvanians agree with the overturning of Roe, I believe this legislation will do what our constituents expect us to do – protect access to abortion,” Schwank said. “We can’t allow the people of this commonwealth’s personal health care decisions to be made by a vocal minority.”
The Senators all agree that it is up to the legislature to step up and take action to protect women’s freedom of choice.
“While abortion currently remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, we must take steps to keep it that way. In overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court showed just how fragile protections for women’s health, women’s rights, and women’s choice are,” Comitta said. “Codifying these protections into law is a matter of representing the majority of Pennsylvania voters who believe abortion should be legal, standing up for all women, and saying no to an extremist agenda of government-mandated pregnancy.”
The Senators indicated that language is currently being drafted to codify the protections of the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling into Pennsylvania law and that it will be introduced soon.
“We just witnessed an unprecedented repeal of the rights of women in America by activist justices acting against the interest of the majority of Americans. Pennsylvania’s legislature needs to act now to ensure we protect the rights of women here in Pennsylvania,” Tartaglione said. “This legislation will ensure women retain the right to safe abortions and protects women from having the government interfere in the private decision-making process between her and her healthcare team.”
Click here to read the co-sponsorship memo that was circulated on Friday.
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June 27, 2022
Harrisburg — June 27, 2022 — Today, the four co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus were joined by senate and house Democratic Leaders Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Joanna McClinton to talk about the reversal of Roe v. Wade and the need to preserve abortion access.
The group of lawmakers vowed to protect the access to abortion Pennsylvanians currently have and warned that efforts to restrict abortion in the commonwealth will only intensify after last Friday’s decision.
“Safe and legal abortion is still the law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas. “The place where American democracy was forged is still a place where a uterus does not make a person a second-class citizen. For now. While we stand here there are closed-door meetings going on all over this building. In those meetings, the right-wing extremists who turned the United States Supreme Court from an impartial body into the most partisan and authoritarian force in the nation are giving their marching orders to the men – and, sadly, women – who control the legislature.”
“I am committed to protecting access to abortion in Pennsylvania, along with every other facet of reproductive health care,” said WHC co-chair Amanda Cappelletti. “We need to be expanding access to healthcare, not stripping it away. However, being in the minority means that pro-choice legislators can’t fight back against these threats alone. Senate Bill 956 is a dangerous constitutional amendment that the Governor will not be able to veto. We need Pennsylvanians to pay attention as this proposal to deny a person’s access to abortion moves through the legislature.”
“While we stand together to speak for the majority of people, we have to remember the Republicans control the house as they’ve done for 23 of the last 27 years,” said WHC co-chair Mary Jo Daley. “Republicans also control the Senate like they’ve done unbroken since 1994. They can bring up and pass an abortion bill or amendment any time they want. We know abortion is still safe and legal in Pennsylvania. But our fight is not over. It’s time to look to the brave people of the past that fought together for their rights and work together so that future generations regain the full right to make their own decisions about their bodies.”
“Roe has protected my ability to make decisions about my own body for my entire adult life,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th). “I can’t tell you how difficult it is for me to think that my granddaughters will grow up in a country that affords them fewer rights than it did their grandmother. That’s the very definition of going backward.”
“The Republicans have shown us they don’t believe in women’s rights,” said McClinton. “They’ve shown us that they don’t believe it should be up to each and every birthing person in the commonwealth to decide what happens to their own bodies. They’ve shown us that time and time again. But we’re not here crying with tears, we’re here ready to rumble.”
“With this one decision, American life was so fundamentally altered in a way I have not seen at any other point in my career as a public servant – probably in my entire lifetime,” said Costa. “We stand firm in our commitment to do everything we can to preserve and maintain legal and safe access to abortion in Pennsylvania as it stands today. What we have to do is take that dark nightmare of Friday’s decision and do everything we can to secure this right. We have to turn this frustration into advocacy.”
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June 24, 2022
Reading − June 24, 2022 − The following is a statement from state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) condemning today’s reversal of Roe V. Wade.
“Today’s ruling is a severe blow to women across the country. A crucial right that has allowed women to make their own health care decisions has been stripped away. While abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania, we will see a renewed effort to ban or restrict abortion in the state legislature. Already, we have seen a constitutional amendment floated as an option to circumvent a potential veto. Make no mistake, this decision endangers the future of reproductive rights in Pennsylvania and for millions of Americans throughout the country.”
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June 24, 2022
Harrisburg − June 24, 2022 − Co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) and members of the Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Caucus criticized today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ruling by the court not only upheld a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks but also goes further and overturns both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, opening the door for states to outright ban or severely restrict abortion.
The ruling eliminates the constitutional right to an abortion recognized by the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Since a draft of the opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked and its authenticity subsequently confirmed by the court, advocacy groups, elected officials, and stakeholders have been issuing dire warnings about what such a radical decision would mean and the detrimental impact it would have on the health of millions of Americans.
After today’s decision, the 13 states that passed trigger laws now have bans or severe restrictions already enshrined into law, leaving millions of Americans without access to abortion immediately. Arkansas, Idaho and Oklahoma law now criminalizes abortion with penalties ranging from 5 to ten years in prison.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is absolutely gutting and a severe blow to women across the country,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th). “We have a maternal mortality crisis in the commonwealth and the U.S. that will only be furthered by this reckless and ideologically driven decision. Our goal now needs to be preserving the access Pennsylvanians currently have to reproductive health care that will no doubt be subject to renewed attacks in the state legislature.”
“The overturning of Roe v. Wade is a devastating decision that will impact millions of women and child-bearing individuals across the country,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Amanda Cappelletti. “Women and child-bearing individuals are not second-class citizens. Bodily autonomy is a human right and abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania. I will do everything in my power to ensure it stays that way here in our commonwealth.”
“Despite today’s decision, here in Pennsylvania, we have to ensure that we maintain the right to legal and safe abortion access and that we continue fighting for women and families across the state for this option,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-192nd). “Limiting access to abortion healthcare will only exacerbate the maternal health care deserts that we’ve seen across our state and worsen the burden of the decisions that women and families need to make during this challenging time in their lives.”
“This decision is not only an extreme disappointment, but it is completely out of step with what the majority of Americans support, including here in Pennsylvania,” said State Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-43rd). “When reproductive rights are threatened, women’s health care on all levels is at risk. Instead of restricting health care for women, Senate Democrats are committed to making the healthcare system work even better for women and their specific health needs. Instead of stripping women of their rights and opening the door for others to lose fundamental rights as well, Senate Democrats will use our positions to identify real health challenges and solutions for women in this Commonwealth. Proactive, unbiased, convenient, and supportive healthcare should easily be a reality for women, and we will continue to make it a priority.”
“It’s a very scary day for our country,” said Sen. Katie Muth (D-44th). “This decision shows that the highest court in the land now includes radical politics into their decision-making process. This is what happens when the bench is stacked by a President who was unfit to serve the public. Now, we must take our anger and turn it into action, and hold every elected official accountable because we will never back down in the fight to protect our rights, our bodies, and our right to choice.”
“While this decision was expected, it is no less devastating,” said Sen. Maria Collett (D-12th). “Without Roe, what happens in the Pennsylvania legislature is more important than ever, and members of the Republican majority have already moved unpopular bills that turn back the clock and effectively ban all abortion. We need to be expanding access to healthcare across our commonwealth, not eliminating it, and I will continue to fight to ensure women can control their own medical decisions.”
“Fundamentally, the SCOTUS’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is an attack on every person’s constitutional right to make decisions about their bodies and reproductive health,” said Sen. Tim Kearney (D-26th). “Research shows that limiting access to abortions will cause more harm, inequities, and possibly deaths—especially for the poor and communities vulnerable to health disparities or lack of adequate healthcare. Now Pennsylvania must take the necessary steps to protect abortion rights. The onus will fall on our Commonwealth, and voters this coming election to select candidates whose policy positions align with their own. We must do what we can to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to safe and legal abortions.”
“To say I am disappointed in this decision would be a tremendous understatement,” said Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19th). “This ruling from the Supreme Court is a blatant attack on the personal freedoms, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare of women across the nation. Abortion is healthcare. Decisions women make about their own bodies should only be between them and their doctors. Today’s ruling will stand as an organizing call to redouble our efforts to protect reproductive rights and access to vital women’s healthcare in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.”
“I am appalled and disappointed in the Supreme Court for overturning decades of precedent and nearly overnight rolling back generations of work that had been hard-fought and won,” said Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd). “Make no mistake, the Supreme Court today did not end abortions in the United States, they ended safe abortions in the United States. We must now continue the fight that so many have been fighting for years and elect pro-choice, pro-women candidates this fall. We must now act to ensure and enshrine in Pennsylvania law the right to access abortion care for all women.”
Collectively, the WHC co-chairs are now expressing the importance of organizing around abortion rights and moving to preserve the access to abortion that is currently available in Pennsylvania.
As of now, abortion remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, however, Pennsylvania House and Senate Republicans have signaled they will move aggressively to ban or restrict abortion in the commonwealth.
They’re currently floating the possibility of moving a vaguely worded constitutional amendment stating that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in Pennsylvania through both chambers to circumvent a veto. The constitutional amendment could be placed on the ballot as early as the 2023 primary election.
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June 22, 2022
Harrisburg, PA – June 22, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats held a press conference shortly after President Joe Biden made a call to federal and state law makers to pause gas taxes.
“Our stance is simple; we are calling on state Republicans to join us in supporting a suspension to the state gas tax. We know there is concern about a loss of revenue while the pause is in place, but Pennsylvania has billions in surplus funds that can be used to maintain roads and bridges during the gas tax holiday,” said Senator Jay Costa, Senate Democratic Leader. “This is about putting people over corporate profit. We need to implement a gas tax holiday, use Pennsylvania’s budget surplus to ensure our roads and bridges still receive the funding they need, and hold the oil and gas industry accountable to pass the savings to consumers.”
Several Democratic Senators joined Sen. Costa, including Sen. Hughes, Sen. Boscola, Sen. Cappelletti, Sen. Flynn, Sen. Haywood, Sen. Santarsiero, Sen. Schwank, and Sen. Street. All expressing their support for President’s call to states to pause the gas tax and make sure those savings were felt by consumers and not absorbed by the oil and gas industry.
“We have the money to support a gas tax holiday. We can give hardworking families some relief at the gas pump and still make sure our roads and bridges receive funding,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “And when we do this tax reduction, the oil and gas industry need to leave those savings for consumers. We’re stepping up. We’re responding to the President’s call. It’s time for state Republicans and the oil and gas industry to step up too.”
Senator Lisa Boscola and Senator Marty Flynn recently introduced bills that would temporarily pause the gas tax in Pennsylvania. A statewide gas tax holiday could amount to an average of thirty cents a gallon in savings to consumers.
“I applaud President Biden’s call for a gas tax holiday,” said Sen. Marty Flynn. “Right now, Pennsylvania families are paying triple the price for gas compared to what they paid last year. This is one of the most pressing issues for families, and we have money in the bank to help them. I’m done naming bridges, it’s time we do something for the people.”
“Gas tax relief is something we can do immediately in this inflation storm,” said Senator Lisa Boscola. “The billions in surplus we have is taxpayer money, and taxpayers deserve some of this money back. Combined with the federal plan, a state gas tax holiday would give real savings to families.”
Sen. Collett, Sen. Dillon, Sen. Fontana, Sen. Kearney, and Sen. Lindsey Williams also attended the press conference to show support for a proposed state gas tax holiday.
A full video of the press conference and remarks from all speakers from the Democratic Senate Caucus is available online.
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June 15, 2022
Harrisburg — June 15, 2022 — Today, SB967, which would establish a Women, Infants, and Children advisory board in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, passed the senate by a vote of 49-1.
The Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC has improved the nutrition and health of families in Pennsylvania since 1974 by providing access to healthy foods, nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care, and social service referrals. The program is fully funded by the federal government.
However, participation in WIC has been steadily declining in Pennsylvania. The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Judy Schwank, would create a board that would work to grow participation and make sure more Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the program.
The board would be comprised of regional WIC agencies, agency partners, advocates, grocers, health care providers, and other participants. The board would be tasked with advising the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the program to increase enrollment.
“I greatly appreciate that my colleagues in the senate also see the value a WIC advisory board would bring to the commonwealth,” Schwank said. “This is a program that can be of benefit to so many Pennsylvanians without costing the commonwealth a dime. However, diminished participation over the years really places WIC at risk of losing funding and rolling back some of the vitally important services it offers to low-income individuals. We can’t let that happen.”
The bill will now be sent to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for its concurrence.
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June 13, 2022
Reading—June 13, 2022— The following is a statement from state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) on the passing of Reading City Council President Jeffrey S. Waltman, Sr.
“I’m incredibly saddened by the sudden passing of my friend and colleague Jeffrey Waltman, who served the City of Reading honorably for 22 years. Reading has lost a wonderful public servant and an incredible human being. During his time on council representing his district and as president and vice president, Jeff demonstrated a passion for the place he called home. He fought tirelessly for a future full of promise on behalf of the citizens of Reading. He was a champion for economic development and historic preservation in the city. He understood that the city’s rich history was worth celebrating and saw the city’s potential even during difficult times. Even on the most contentious issues, Jeff was a patient and understanding leader on City Council with an ability to bring all stakeholders together and work towards pragmatic solutions. His leadership and business acumen helped the city navigate challenging financial situations and move beyond Act 47. Everything he did throughout his career was in pursuit of the common good for his family, friends, neighbors, and constituents. While we acknowledge his loss is painful, we can take solace in knowing his service has paved the way towards a brighter tomorrow for the City of Reading.”
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May 3, 2022
Harrisburg, PA − May 3, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC), Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery, Delaware), Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) and Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-Narberth), released the following joint statement after reading the draft statement that was leaked out of the Supreme Court of the United States last night regarding Roe v. Wade:
“The draft opinion leaked to the press last night confirmed the worst fears of millions of people throughout the country: the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. This is despite hours of testimony under oath during confirmation hearings where some of the justices that are, according to reports, ruling with the majority, stated that Roe was settled law. We know this impending ruling will not end abortion. Instead, abortions will only become more dangerous in many states. In fact, twelve states already have trigger bans on the books, meaning abortion could be severely restricted or outright banned in the coming months.
While abortion remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, we are closer than we have been in 50 years to that no longer being a reality. Make no mistake, without the Governor’s veto pen, the majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Pennsylvania Senate would have passed trigger bans of their own. In fact, a photo posted online showed members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly participating in a “Post Roe Strategy Summit” in the Capitol just last month. Some members wasted little time putting out statements hailing the not-yet-official decision. If it was not already clear, it should be now, the majority in the Pennsylvania Legislature will move quickly to pass abortion bans here in the commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus remains steadfast in its support of the right to choose. Our members remain united and ready to fight on behalf of reproductive health rights. As your elected officials, we are leading the charge to protect the right to choose. We can’t do it alone. We need every Pennsylvanian to stand with us in our mission to ensure everyone in the commonwealth has access to the health care services they need and deserve. In our free country, everyone must be free to choose their own destiny.”
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April 28, 2022
BLUE BELL, April 28, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today joined Senator Maria Collett, Senator Amanda Cappelletti, Senator Carolyn Comitta and Senator Judy Schwank to host a public hearing on the challenges faced by college students and staff in regard to childcare.
“Our hearing today highlighted the frustrating reality that affordable, accessible, and quality childcare is an unmet need for families across the Commonwealth,” Muth said. “We need to support the parents and the single mothers who are trying to fight their way out of poverty and economic struggle, trying to make ends meet, further their education, and trying to make a better life for their children. It is time for Harrisburg and Washington to step up and invest in childcare services.”
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing, hosted in the Health Sciences Center at Montgomery County Community College, featured three panels of testimony from students, educators, advocates, and public policy experts who will discuss the lack of affordable and accessible childcare at institutions of higher education.
“Parents who want to further their education deserve the opportunity to do so,” Cappelletti said. “By building in resources for parents to have access to affordable, quality childcare when continuing their education, we can open up more economic opportunities for families in Pennsylvania to be successful.”
According to a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, nearly four million U.S. undergraduate students—or 22 percent of all undergraduate students—are raising children while attending a postsecondary education program. The study found that 70 percent of student parents are mothers – and over two in 5 of all student parents are single mothers.
“More than 20 percent of college undergraduate students are also parents. Ensuring those student-parents have access to childcare is a matter of both equity and economics,” Collett said. “Our Commonwealth cannot grow and prosper when parents of young children are unable to save for the future, find family sustaining jobs, and pursue and complete their education. It’s far past time for the Commonwealth to acknowledge this and adequately invest in our childcare infrastructure. With billions of unspent federal ARP dollars, now is the time to do so.”
One of the programs discussed at the hearing was the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program which is fully-funded by the US Department of Education to establish campus-based child care programs that help low-income student-parents stay in school and graduate. Pennsylvania also offers the Child Care Works program which is managed by the Early Learning Resource Centers.
“Many Pennsylvanians have faced the difficult decision to choose between affording childcare or continuing a higher education. Childcare programs offer critical educational skills and support for children and their families,” Comitta added. “Affordability, quality, and access to these programs are the obstacles and disparities that we must work to address and ensure that all working parents can shape a healthy, safe, and successful future for their family.”
Participants in the hearing included May Yaghnam, a mother of four and a student at the Community College of Philadelphia; Kristina Valdez, Executive director, Along the Way; Kelly Lake; Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Project Director, Community College of Philadelphia; Dr. Kalani Palmer, Associate Professor in Human Development and CCAMPIS Project Director, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and Tracey Campanini, Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
“It’s clear the business model for childcare is broken and creative solutions are needed to meet the modern needs of Pennsylvanians. Linking childcare and higher education is one way to allow parents to pursue the education they need to increase their earning potential, and it would benefit staff and faculty as well,” Schwank said. “Today’s hearing provided us with some ideas about ways we can expand childcare services in the commonwealth and provide these crucial services at more Pennsylvania colleges and universities.”
All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy
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April 22, 2022
Reading – April 22, 2022 – Today, State Sen. Judy Schwank announced two 11th District projects will receive $4.45 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) grant funding from the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.
$1.45 million will go to Reading Historical Properties, LP for the rehabilitation of the historical Trexler Mansion located at 46 South Fifth Street in the City of Reading. The building was formerly the Reading Elk Lodge from 1909 to 1978. Renovations will include interior and exterior rehabilitation of the building. The developer’s goal is for the building to be a venue for events as well as office space for local businesses.
“Reading is home to numerous buildings that have historic significance to our community and unique architecture,” Schwank said. “The rehabilitation of these buildings and extending their service life well into the future is a crucial component of the overall redevelopment of downtown Reading. This investment further demonstrates Governor Wolf’s commitment to downtown Reading’s revitalization.”
$3 million was awarded to the Rodale Institute, a nonprofit that promotes organic farmer training, research, and consumer education. The funding will go towards a brand-new Science Center facility located in Maxatawny Township. The new Science Center will replace Rodale’s existing outdated lab and provide the surrounding communities with a state-of-the-art facility.
“This is a major investment in Pennsylvania agriculture. Rodale Institute is a world-renowned educational leader in regenerative agriculture and organic food production. The facilities and research that this funding will support has implications for food supply as well as mitigating climate change. It will serve our local farmers as well who are capitalizing on the increasing consumer demand for local and healthy foods.”
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April 14, 2022
Reading – April 14, 2022 – Today, three organizations located in Pennsylvania’s 11th Senatorial District received a total of $194,000 in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which stemmed from legislation introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank (Act 83 of 2019), is available to nonprofit entities that principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for a single bias hate crime incident identified by the FBI. Those incident categories include: race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity.
Eligible projects include:
- Purchase of safety and security equipment
- Threat awareness and response training
- Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security
- Vulnerability and threat assessments
- Any other safety or security-related project that enhances the safety or security of the nonprofit organization
Schwank was a part of discussions with the governor and other state legislators about improving security for organizations that could be the targets of a hate crime following the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in October of 2018. During the current legislative session, Schwank introduced SB 228, which would permanently fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The bill was referred to the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee on Feb 22, 2021 and is yet to receive consideration.
Earlier this year, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $4.5 million in American Rescue Plan dollars would be put towards the program on top of the $500,000 remaining available funds. After funding for the program was replenished, Schwank reached out to eligible organizations in her district to inform them about the grant opportunity.
The three 11th Senatorial District organizations awarded funding are:
- GoggleWorks – $150,000
- Sacred Heart School – $25,000
- Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom – $19,094
“This is a program I’m proud to support and I’m very happy to see organizations in Berks County consistently take advantage of this opportunity,” Schwank said. “This is a good example of how small dollar grants can go a long way towards improving community safety. Everyone deserves to feel safe, especially in schools or places of worship. I remain hopeful that we can come to an agreement in Harrisburg to make the Nonprofit Security Grant Program permanent.”
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April 6, 2022
Harrisburg – April 6, 2022 – Today, State Sens. Judy Schwank and Sharif Street issued a co-sponsor memorandum for a bill they plan to introduce that would ban the sale of delta-8 THC products in Pennsylvania.
The Food and Drug Administration defines delta-8 THC as a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties. It can be manufactured in higher amounts by synthetically converting a better-known non-intoxicating compound, CBD, into delta-8 THC. In September of 2021, the FDA issued a warning that “potentially unsafe household chemicals” are sometimes used to convert CBD to delta-8 THC.
Under the federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, hemp was removed from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). The act defines hemp as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% delta-9 THC or less, which is considered too low to have a psychoactive effect. However, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 did not address delta-8 THC, allowing it to go unregulated at the federal level.
This omission created a loophole that allows vendors to sell delta-8 THC products like edibles, vapes, and tinctures with no oversight. Currently, delta-8 THC products can be purchased by individuals 21 or older at gas stations and neighborhood corner stores.
“What we are seeing right now is a completely unregulated market for these products and they are becoming more popular with each passing day,” Schwank said. “I’m particularly concerned about underage teens using these products because we have no clue how they are manufactured. I’ve already heard about high school-age children in my district getting sick after using delta-8 THC, so they are finding ways to access it.”
Schwank also noted that the outlandish flavors these products come in seem to be geared towards teenagers.
“The omission of delta-8 THC from federal regulation has left us with a legally defined ‘hemp’ product with psychotropic effects that exists outside PA’s Medical Marijuana Program and may be accessible to those under the age of 21,” Street said. “It was never the intent for hemp to get anyone high. It is important that consumers are aware of what they are purchasing, and it is our responsibility as government to ensure safety and consumer protection. This legislation fixes this problem and reminds us of the importance of a well-regulated and secure market for cannabis.”
You can read the full co-sponsor memo here.
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March 25, 2022
Reading, PA – March 25, 2022 – This morning Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) and Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th) spoke at Kutztown University’s 18th Annual Community Forum about SB 163 and HB 1140, which would require public employees and licensed medical professionals to receive bias training once every two years.
Public and private school teachers would also be required to receive training as well as faculty members at trade schools and institutions of higher learning. The two bills are companion pieces of legislation Schwank and Rozzi are working together to advance in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Kutztown University’s Social Work Department worked closely with the legislators on developing the bills.
The legislation defines social bias as, “A belief or set of associations about an individual or a group of individuals based upon physical characteristics, race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious creed or sexual orientation which can result in the inaccurate attribution of particular qualities to the individual or group of individuals.”
“This legislation would help public servants and medical professionals better understand how their actions, regardless of intention, might be perceived by individuals of a different sexual orientation, race or religious background,” Schwank said. “The training and support provided by these bills are non-controversial and necessary to help make Pennsylvania a welcoming place for everyone. Additionally, many private sector employees receive similar training to improve customer service and workplace performance.”
“Sen. Schwank and I worked closely with stakeholders, including Kutztown University, to write this bill,” Rozzi said. “Together, we were able to formulate what we believe is incredibly impactful legislation that would increase cultural competence throughout Pennsylvania with minimal capital investment. I’m so grateful for the positive responses we received from students today, the very demographic who would benefit from this bill’s passage.”
SB 163 was referred to the Pennsylvania State Intergovernmental Committee in February of 2021 and is yet to receive a vote. Likewise, HB 1140 was referred to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives State Government Committee in April of 2021 and is yet to receive consideration.
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March 18, 2022
Reading – March 18, 2022 – Sen. Judy Schwank hosted the second session of her annual model senate program today at the Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building.
During the second session, over 40 high school students from local school districts participated in committee hearings with experts based in Berks County and in Harrisburg. Experts included Assistant Berks County District Attorney Justin Bodor, Executive Director of the Berks County Medical Society T.J. Huckleberry, Executive Director of the Berks Business Education Coalition Solomon Lausch, and members of Schwank’s staff.
Committee hearings are an important part of being a legislator,” Schwank told the students. “When you get into committee, you have to come ready to ask questions and get into the fine details of the legislation. If it’s going to move forward and become law, you don’t want any surprises down the road.”
After the committee hearings, the students returned to their respective caucuses and discussed what they learned about the bills being considered. Brady Detwiler, a junior from Governor Mifflin, said he enjoyed getting a chance to hear from experts about the pieces of legislation.
“It’s been amazing to meet a lot of people from different fields and get their perspective on the bills we are considering,” Detwiler said. “Having the opportunity to ask questions about the bills allowed me to get a better understanding and see that a bill might look good on paper but there is a lot that needs to be considered when you are drafting legislation and there are many factors that aren’t obvious at first.”
Anna Kate Gwiazdowski, a senior for Schuylkill Valley, reflected on everything she’s learned during model senate so far and talked about the connections she’s made with other students.
“It’s been a really valuable opportunity meeting students from other schools in the county and getting different opinions on issues that affect all of us,” Gwiazdowski said. “Learning about the legislative process has been eye-opening. I’m really getting a sense of what Senators do.”
Next month the students will join Schwank in Harrisburg where they will be introduced before the Pennsylvania Senate and then hold their own senate session where they vote on the bills they have chosen.
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March 10, 2022
Harrisburg, PA − March 10, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC), Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery, Delaware), Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) and Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-Narberth), released the following joint statement to express the caucus’ gratitude on Abortion Provider Appreciation Day:
“Today, March 10, 2022, is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day. We would like to take the opportunity to thank abortion providers across Pennsylvania as they continue to provide vital healthcare services in the face of these unprecedented attacks on the right to choose and under the additional pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we are facing attacks on abortion access at every level- and in every shape and form anti-abortion legislators can imagine- it is crucial that we uplift abortion providers who are persevering through this political climate to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare for their patients.
Join us in thanking abortion providers across the nation today!”
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February 18, 2022
Reading – February 18, 2022 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) welcomed roughly 40 students from local high schools to her office in Muhlenberg Township to participate in the first of three sessions for her annual model senate program.
After a year off due to the pandemic, the model senate has returned. Since 2013, Schwank has invited students from local public and private schools in her district to participate in the program. The model senate consists of three days, two of which take place at Schwank’s district office and the final day at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.
Today, the students elected a governor and leadership positions for each caucus. After that, each caucus met separately to discuss the bills they will consider during committee hearings. Each student is assigned to a committee. During the upcoming session in March, each committee will hold hearings with an expert testifier and ask questions about the bills that are being considered.
Students are given a packet of suggested bills but are encouraged to make changes or come up with their own. Many of the bills in the packet are based on real legislation currently being considered in the Pennsylvania Senate.
“Over the years, we’ve had great success with the model senate,” Schwank said. “The students seem to have a lot of fun doing it and hopefully they come away with a better understanding of government and the legislative process. Now more than ever, I think it’s important for kids who are interested in politics and government to get an idea of how things really work and start getting an idea of how they can be a positive influence.”
Schwank also said she believes the model senate is an opportunity for students to get a feel for government before they enter college and decide which major and career path they’d like to pursue.
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February 16, 2022
Reading – February 16, 2022 – Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) visited Amanda E. Stout Elementary school to meet and read to a first grade class and to discuss SB 964, which would require Pennsylvania public schools to have a certified librarian on staff.
Schwank became the primary sponsor of SB 964 when its previous sponsor, John Sabatina, left the Pennsylvania Senate. In 2021, 48 school districts in Pennsylvania did not have a certified librarian in any of its buildings, impacting nearly 90 thousand K-12 students.
Schwank said her time as a volunteer tutor for the Ready.Set.READ! program gave her insight into the important work school librarians do helping students hone their reading skills.
“During my time as a tutor, I spent a lot of time in school libraries and got to see up close the impact a good librarian can have on students,” Schwank said. “Librarians play a crucial role helping students find and analyze reliable sources of information and apply it to their schoolwork. So, whether it’s sparking a student’s interest in reading or helping them navigate the shelves in order to find the information they need for a project, there are multiple ways librarians have a big impact on educational outcomes.”
Schwank also noted that one of the reasons schools go without librarians is inadequate education funding. Schwank added that Gov. Tom Wolf’s recent budget proposal, which would increase basic education funding for all 18 public schools in Berks County, would make it easier for schools to afford librarians and reduce reliance on local tax bases.
“Librarians disappearing from our public schools may seem like a small problem, but it’s a symptom of a much larger issue the commonwealth hasn’t been willing to reckon with,” Schwank said. “The way we fund public schools is broken and has been for quite some time.”
Schwank added that despite ranking fifth in total population among the 50 states, Pennsylvania ranks 46th in funding allocated by state governments to education.
SB 964 and its Pennsylvania House of Representatives companion bill HB 1168 have been co-sponsored by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. To date, both bills are yet to be considered in either the House or Senate Education committees.
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February 9, 2022
Harrisburg, PA − February 9, 2022 − The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) applaud Governor Tom Wolf for his budget proposal that utilizes the nearly $6 billion budget surplus and puts Pennsylvania on the path to make historic investments in education, criminal justice, and public health.
We are proud to see numerous proposals related to the health and wellness of women and families across the Commonwealth, specifically:
- $8 million to extend postpartum coverage for birthing parents eligible for Medical Assistance to 12 months.
- $15 million, a 77% increase, to implement additional evidence-based home visiting and family support services to 3,800 additional families across the Commonwealth.
- $1.2 million to add postpartum depression as an eligible tracking category for early identification of need for early intervention services.
- $500,000, a 50% increase, to support “It’s On Us PA”, which promotes healthy relationships and protects students from sexual violence.
- $30 million to fund two new childcare options for state employees.
- $1 million for reentry services to women.
- Increase in the minimum wage: proposing an increase to $12 an hour effective July 1, 2022, with an annual increase of 50 cents until it reaches $15 in 2028.
“I’m thrilled to see many proposals geared towards expanding healthcare coverage, increasing access to childcare, and broadening evidence-based home visiting,” said Senator Amanda Cappelletti, WHC co-chair, (D-Montgomery/Delaware). “While these plans are a step in the right direction, our Caucus will be fighting to eliminate using taxpayer dollars to fund anti-abortion centers, which are proven to use deceptive practices to trick people into carrying their pregnancies to term. This funding is an embarrassment to Pennsylvania and must come to an end.”
Notably, included in the proposal is the expansion of Medical Assistance for postpartum individuals for up to 12 months. This investment in a crucial part of the #OptInPA campaign that our caucus has been championing for months. Nationally, the United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates when compared to similarly wealthy countries. Growing evidence shows that the postpartum period lasts longer than 60 days and extending coverage for a full year can reduce maternal mortality rates and improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
“We’ve been fortunate to have a Governor and administrative team that understands the importance of maternal health. The funding for postpartum services in this year’s budget, which has been a priority of the Women’s Health Caucus, is very promising,” said Senator Judy Schwank, WHC co-chair (D-Berks). “Additionally, investments to bolster child care and pre-k will allow women who have left the workplace during the pandemic to return. I believe this proposal recognizes the opportunity we have to make big investments in working families from every corner of this commonwealth. Overall, I’m pleased with the Governor’s budget and I’m grateful for his continued commitment to the women and families of Pennsylvania.”
“At its heart, we all know that a state budget is a financial plan which reflects our priorities. Prioritizing women’s health means prioritizing Pennsylvania’s families,” said Representative Morgan Cephas, WHC co-chair (D-Philadelphia). “I am glad to see support for postpartum care, reentry services, and family support services amongst many other provisions announced in the Governor’s 2022 proposal.”
For more information on the proposals put forth in Governor Tom Wolf’s budget, see here.
Follow the Women’s Health Caucus on Twitter and Facebook. Check out our website here.
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February 1, 2022
Reading − February 1, 2022 – On Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m., Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) will be hosting a virtual event on student mental health via zoom.
The event is open to the public and will feature four Berks County based experts who have been working to address mental health needs in schools. Participants can submit questions to be answered before or during the event.
“Everywhere I go, this is a topic people want to talk about,” Schwank said. “The pandemic has been a difficult time for students and parents alike. Each day, students can’t say for certain what the school day will look like, or if the event they’ve been looking forward to will take place or be canceled. More and more, we are seeing the uncertainty the pandemic has brought take a toll on students. That’s why I want to give parents an opportunity to get answers to the questions they have about what can be done to help kids be healthy and successful in school.”
Panelists will include:
- Michelle Reichard-Huff, Director of Early Childhood & Student Services at BCIU
- Anne Fisher, Director of Student Support at Reading School District
- Pam Seaman, Berks County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Program Administrator at County of Berks
- Marybeth Torchia, Superintendent of Boyertown Area School District
To register or submit a question, please visit senatorschwank.com/mentalhealth. A recording of the event will be posted to the same link the following day.
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January 27, 2022
Reading – January 27, 2022 – This morning, Gov. Tom Wolf and members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate announced $4.5 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) would be made available for non-profits that could be the targets of a hate crime.
The creation of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program was spearheaded by state legislators, including Sen. Judy Schwank, in the aftermath of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Squirrel Hill in October of 2018. To date, $10 million has been distributed statewide to help organizations enhance security.
“As a Squirrel Hill native and a member of the Jewish faith, the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting affected me deeply,” Schwank said. “It was a rare moment where legislators and community leaders came together and decided that we had to take action to make sure something like it never happens again. Everyone in the commonwealth, regardless of religion, deserves to feel safe in their place of worship. I’m grateful to see this crucial program continue.”
Eligible organizations are nonprofits that principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category identified by the 2017 FBI Hate Crime Statistics Publication. The list includes race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity.
Since 2020, the following entities in Berks County received funding from the Non-Profit Security Grant Program:
2020
- Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mohnton, $23,648
- Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing, $25,000
2021
- Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing, $9,897
- The LGBT Center of Greater Reading, Reading, $11,525
- Abilities in Motion, Reading, $6,500
Schwank and Sen. Jay Costa have sponsored SB 228 to permanently fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
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January 26, 2022
Reading – January 26, 2022 – This afternoon, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) announced the Berks Community Action Program, Inc. (BCAP) received $600,000 for violence prevention initiatives.
Over $24 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grant funding was distributed statewide. A previous round of funding, which was approved in December, awarded an additional $15,708,048 across the commonwealth bringing the combined total of December and January awards to $39,949,901.
BCAP plans to use the funding to support and grow a multitude of services it’s established to combat poverty and engage youth in positive social and educational activities. All these efforts aim to reduce and eliminate gang involvement and gun violence in Berks County. Additionally, BCAP has plans to deploy a trained outreach specialist in conjunction with other trained staff from partner organizations to interact with youths engaged in gang activity and gun violence.
“When you look at the proposal BCAP put together, it’s very clear a lot of thought about what our community needs was put into this application,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) said. “Having professionals who are trained to go out in communities and interact with young people who aren’t headed down the right path is absolutely invaluable. This funding will ensure BCAP has the resources they need to continue making a positive impact on Berks County. I applaud BCAP for the work they do and the PCCD for continuing to direct financial resources to Berks County.”
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January 25, 2022
Harrisburg – January 25, 2022 – Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D- 11th district) and Sen. Elder Vogel (R-47th district) unveiled Senate Bill 1032, which would protect farmers from grain handlers that become insolvent.
Pennsylvania currently has no regulations providing indemnification coverage to farmers if a grain buyer goes out of business. The inspiration for the legislation came from two Berks County farmers who lost thousands of dollars when the dealer they’d been working with to sell their grain went out of business.
“The lack of protection afforded to Pennsylvania’s grain farmers puts them at significant risk and makes other farmers think twice before doing business here,” Schwank said. “This legislation will make sure other farmers don’t have to endure this economic hardship and blow to their livelihood when they’ve lived up to their end of the bargain. Other states protect their farmers. It’s time for Pennsylvania to do the same.”
The legislation would create a fund called the Agricultural Commodity Indemnity Fund (ACIF) to be used to reimburse farmers if their grain handler goes out of business. The ACIF will be funded by a half cent per bushel fee paid by farmers selling or storing grain with licensed grain handlers, and annual grain handler license fees. The per-bushel assessment will be discontinued once the fund reaches $10 million, and the assessment will not be reinstated unless the fund drops to $8 million.
“The establishment of ACIF will provide security for Pennsylvania farmers who do business with grain dealers, by preventing potentially devastating impacts should the company with which they have engaged in business become insolvent,” Vogel said. “Further, it will promote local licensed grain handlers in areas of the Commonwealth that border states with such a fund already in place.”
Several other states offer similar protections. The legislation proposed by Schwank and Vogel is based on laws adopted in other states and has the support of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
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January 21, 2022
Reading – January 21, 2022 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) applauded today’s awarding of $176,798 in Safe Schools Targeted Grants to Berks County school districts by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“Every investment we can make in school safety is worthwhile in my eyes,” Schwank said. “It’s important schools that have identified safety needs and have plans in place to make improvements have the resources they need to get things done. I give Gov. Wolf and the Department of Education credit for recognizing school safety is something worth investing in and for making sure Berks County received its fair share.”
The following schools in Berks County received funding.
Equipment Grant Awardees:
- Antietam School District- $25,000
- Fleetwood Area School District- $24,980
- Oley Valley School District- 24,999
Program Grant Awardees:
- Antietam School District- $20,000
- Oley Valley School District- $19,999
Additionally, three non-public schools received a total of $61,820 in Equipment Grants. Statewide, $8 million was awarded to 303 learning education agencies.
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December 30, 2021
Reading – December 30, 2021 – The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) today announced that five Berks County projects were awarded $894,200 in grant funding.
Statewide, 317 projects, including four in the 11th senatorial district, received investment through the Community Conversation Partnership Program (CCPP). A statewide total of $70 million will go towards projects that revitalize communities, create new recreational opportunities, and conserve natural spaces.
Fleetwood Borough received $250,000 for the rehabilitation of Fleetwood Park. Improvements to the park will include renovation of the stage and construction of a new bandshell, a seating area, a shade structure, pedestrian walkways, and a parking area. Also funded increased ADA access and landscaping improvements.
Muhlenberg Township was awarded $143,500 for the rehabilitation and further development of Laurel Run Park. Park renovations will include a parking area, the installation of pickleball courts, a multi-purpose field, pavilions, and pedestrian walkways. Also included under the project are new signage and ADA-compliant pathways.
The City of Reading received $237,000 for the rehabilitation of Reading Iron Playground. Funding will go towards the construction of a basketball court, soccer field, pedestrian walkways, and a parking area. Additionally, new playground equipment with required safety surfacing will be installed.
The Borough of was awarded $247,000 to further the development of Topton Park. Work will include the construction of pedestrian walkways and bridges as well as increased ADA access, landscaping, signage, and other related site improvements.
“It’s encouraging that the commonwealth continues to make investments here in Berks County,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) said. “There’s no shortage of great projects being put forward by local leaders and I’m happy to see them get the financial support they deserve. I hope this continues and I know my fellow state lawmakers representing Berks County will join me in making sure our projects are given the resources they need.”
Elsewhere in Berks County, Tulpehocken Township received $16,700 for a master site development plan for the 4.8-acre Tulpehocken Township Recreation Area. Funding will go towards commissioning a written report.
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December 15, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – December 15, 2021 – After today’s joint Pennsylvania House and Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs committee hearing on fireworks law, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) provided the following statement:
“Today’s hearing was useful. We heard directly from local government officials, law enforcement officials, and a representative for fireworks retailers. I believe everyone at the hearing agreed that things need to change, but the next step in the process is unclear. The state legislature alone created the problems we’re seeing, not only in Berks County but statewide, in terms of fireworks. We must be willing to acknowledge that and take action. Increased local control was repeatedly referenced as a potential solution short of a full repeal of consumer-grade fireworks. This may be a path forward, but the undue burdens the state is placing on local first responders and the Pennsylvania State Police would still need to be addressed. Additionally, stiffening penalties would go a long way towards enforcing the current law, which is routinely flouted.”
“My position on this issue has been shaped in large part by constituents speaking out. In Berks County, the feedback from constituents has been overwhelming, consistent, and very clear. People want something to be done about this. There has been a disconnect between Harrisburg and what is happening elsewhere in Pennsylvania over the past few years when it comes to fireworks. Continuing to slow walk changing the law or insisting that this is just an enforcement issue doesn’t do anything for people who are fed up with inaction. We created the problem, it’s time for us to take ownership of that fact, listen to constituents, and work together to find solutions. After today’s hearing, I’m more optimistic we can get something through the legislature and finally take ownership of this.”
Earlier this year, Sen. Schwank introduced SB 757, which would repeal the sale of consumer-grade fireworks.
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