May 7, 2019
Schwank, Sabatina, Street promote organics, tax-exemptions, tax credit expansion, urban agriculture
Harrisburg – May 7, 2019 – Senate Democrats introduced key pieces of the PA Farm Bill today, including measures to promote organic farming, exempt taxes for beginning farmers, increase tax credits and stimulate urban farming.
The four-bill package is being sponsored by Sens. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) and Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia).
“The bills we are offering cover a wide range of issues that impact farmers,” Schwank said. “The measures will not only help current farmers deal with industry issues and regulations but will spur urban agriculture and aid novice farmers as they deal with tax issues.”
Schwank, the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, has two bills in the package. The first bill (Senate Bill 623) would establish the Pennsylvania Preferred Organic Program. Pennsylvania is second among all states in organic sales. The voluntary program would ensure that the PA Preferred trademark is applied across all production modes and encourages organic producers to meet federal standards.
“The legislation builds on Pennsylvania’s stature in organic farming, will enhance brand recognition and open new doors for marketing our products around the nation,” Schwank said.
Schwank’s second measure (Senate Bill 624) would exempt beginning farmers from paying the realty transfer tax on the purchase of a farm preserved under the Farmland Preservation Program. Pennsylvania now has more than 5,500 farms involved the program.
“Our farmland preservation program is highly successful, yet in some areas new farmers are reluctant to purchase preserved land due to high land prices,” Schwank said. “This bill helps remove a cost impediment and will be an incentive for beginning farmers to put more land under cultivation.”
Sabatina, who served as Democratic chair of Agriculture and Rural Affairs as a member of the state House of Representatives and is now a member of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, is sponsoring a measure designed to encourage natural resource protections and promote efficiency in agriculture production.
The Northeast Philadelphia lawmaker’s bill (Senate Bill 622) would increase tax credits offered through the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program for implementing best management practices to $3 million. The bill would also raise the lifetime cap to $250,000 from the current $150,000 per operation.
“Access to tax credits encourage farmers to implement best management practices, and rewards those already doing so,” Sabatina said. “Using the best methods to farm: cuts overall costs, makes farms more productive and protects natural resources.
“For a relatively small costs, Pennsylvania will receive significant benefits.”
Urban agriculture would be boosted in the fourth bill (Senate Bill 627) in the package offered by Street. Street, a North Philadelphia lawmaker who serves on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, is sponsoring a bill that would provide grants to improve agriculture and increase market opportunities.
The bill would offer grants for projects that focus on developing urban farms and market opportunities. The program would reimburse urban farmers, market developers, aggregators and other projects involving resource sharing and community development for project costs.
“There are tremendous opportunities for urban farmers and those interested in developing agriculture in large cities because of sheer market concentration,” Street said. “Those who live in cities need access to fresh foods and locally grown products.
“Small plots of ground can be cultivated, which can lead to the creation of locally-developed farm markets.”
Schwank said the governor should be applauded for bringing such a large and multi-faceted farm proposal to the General Assembly. She said that the package’s approach not only aids producers but also meets market needs.
“Our agriculture industry has the potential for rapid growth if we make the kind of sweeping changes that are necessary to help future generations of farmers,” Schwank said. “The PA Farm Bill addresses producer and market needs, combines innovation with investment and focuses on real solutions.”
Schwank, Sabatina and Street called for bipartisan support of the PA Farm Bill. They said they are open to working with Republicans and the governor to ensure that key aspects of the plan are adopted prior to the General Assembly’s summer recess.
“There are many farming-related issues where we can build bipartisan support and move key legislation quickly,” Sabatina said. “The bills offered by Senators Schwank, Street and I are realistic, commonsense measures that meet immediate needs.”
Street said he is encouraged that Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate have expressed interest in moving pieces of the PA Farm Bill.
“We can all get behind the effort to help farmers, producers and market developers access new business opportunities,” Street said. “This strengthens farming overall and bolsters Pennsylvania’s economy.”
The senators said they expect the PA Farm Bill to be a high priority during budget deliberations.
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Contact: Hugh Baird
Phone: 717 787-5166
Email: [email protected]
May 7, 2019
Harrisburg, May 7, 2019 – Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) joins legislative members of the Task Force on Lead Exposure at a press conference today to discuss the legislative recommendations that were part of ‘Lead Exposure Risks and Response in Pennsylvania: Report of the Advisory Committee and Task Force on Lead Exposure.’ The legislative members of the task force included Senators Lisa Baker (R – Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming), Wayne Fontana (D – Allegheny), Judy Schwank (D – Berks), Pat Stefano (R – Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland) and Gene Yaw (R – Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Susquehanna/Union).
“The members of the Advisory Committee and Task Force on Lead Exposure, created by Senate Resolution 33, have worked tirelessly to analyze the public health threat of lead exposure and their report underscores that lead exposure is an issue in every Pennsylvania county. We come together today, in the spirit of bipartisanship, to advance the legislative policy recommendations put forth by the Joint State Government Commission that will better protect Pennsylvania children from the risks of lead exposure and lead poisoning,” said Senator John Yudichak.
The advisory committee and task force made the following recommendations, several of which are being addressed through legislation announced at today’s press conference:
- Require universal blood screenings for children;
- Mandate inspections/certifications of child-care facilities with vulnerable populations;
- Ensure safe housing is available to families through a residential rental property certification program;
- Establish a statewide rental housing registry;
- Establish a lead abatement grant program to assist property owners in conducting lead abatement;
- Establish an interagency council to coordinate implementation of lead prevention programs and policies among the relevant state agencies;
- Require all school drinking water systems to be inspected and certified;
- Clarify plumbing system lead ban;
- Permit municipal authorities operating public drinking water system to replace lateral lead service lines;
- Require lead service line replacements and restrict partial lead water service line replacements;
- Adopt the Uniform Property Maintenance Code; and
- Provide guidance on private well construction.
Senator Lisa Baker and Senator Yudichak have introduced Senate Bill 312, which would require universal blood testing for children. Senate Bill 312 has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
“We have known for a while now how debilitating lead exposure is to the health and development of children. Recent revelations of lead tainted water in schools and homes have raised additional alarms. There is an obligation to have every child tested, in order to find out who has been affected, to monitor and treat those who have, and to locate the source of contamination so preventative measures can be taken,” said Senator Baker.
Senator Judy Schwank has introduced Senate Bill 39, which will require lead testing at child daycare programs. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to include lead testing of water, paint, soil and dust in the licensing process for child daycare programs. Senate Bill 39 has been referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
“My bill, SB 39, aims to protect children in day care programs by ensuring the facilities where they play and learn at the earliest ages are tested for lead,” Senator Schwank said.
Senator Gene Yaw will introduce legislation that requires all school drinking water systems to be tested for lead contamination.
“Lead contamination in schools and in public drinking water supplies is a real threat across our state and our nation,” said Senator Gene Yaw. “It’s unfortunate that schools, a place where our children spend much of their time, can have unsafe levels of lead in their water supply. The bill is one more step we can take to protect our children and school employees from potential health hazards.”
Senator Wayne Fontana plans to introduce a bill that will establish a statewide rental housing registry.
“Our fundamental job as public officials is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens. With increasingly aging infrastructure throughout our Commonwealth, it’s imperative that we do all we can to help local communities on lead abatement projects,” said Senator Fontana. “We must also monitor the sources of lead contamination in our public spaces and in private homes, so that people are educated to what degree they may be exposed. As a result of the study recommendations, my legislation will establish a statewide rental housing registry that has been certified as lead free or lead safe so as to allow potential tenants to verify if housing they are considering will be safe for their families.”
Senator Pat Stefano will be introducing legislation that clarifies the plumbing system lead ban.
“Consumer education is key in preventing lead exposure. That’s why I am introducing legislation that would put educational information in the hands of consumers who may be most at risk for led exposure,” said Senator Stefano.
The Advisory Committee and Task Force on Lead Exposure was formed after legislation sponsored by Senator Yudichak, SR 33, was approved in 2017. The Joint State Government Commission released the report in April. The report is available online at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/
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April 30, 2019
Harrisburg, Pa − April 30, 2019 − Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today announced the following state funding for school and community safety in the 11th Senate District, which Schwank represents:
- Berks Career and Technical Center, $367,626;
- Brandywine Heights Area School District, $562,775;
- Exeter Township School District, $393,632;
- Fleetwood Area School District, $23,222;
- Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center, $63,429;
- Schuylkill Valley School District, $88,500;
- Wyomissing Area School District, $236,558;
- And Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County, $350,000.
“I commend the school districts and school-related programs for pursuing funding to strengthen safety initiatives,” Schwank said. “Berks County schools are consistently at the forefront of proactively providing safe school environments.”
Act 44 of 2018 created a School Safety and Security Fund for the purposes of providing funding to school districts for school safety and security concerns and addressing community violence. Part of Pennsylvania’s 2018-2019 budget included adding $60 million to the fund with $7.5 million for community anti-violence programs and the remaining $52.5 million for school safety.
Initial awards to school districts were made in October of 2018. The remaining $40 million was awarded today.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency received 638 applications for a total of $177.6 million in funding requests. After a review of each application, 234 applications requesting, $40 million, were approved Tuesday.
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April 2, 2019
Reading, April 2, 2019 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is hosting an event to honor Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is being held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 436 S. 7th Street in Reading at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 4.
The event is a remembrance for the 51st anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination and marks the beginning of Pennsylvania Senate Democrats call for 30 days of action to combat poverty and economic insecurity in the Commonwealth.
Speakers include:
Sen. Schwank
Rev. Jerry Jones, St. John Missionary
Rev. Alberta Jones, Bethel AME
Rev. Dr. Bruce Alick, Zion Baptist Church
Elsayed Elmarzouky, servant of the Muslim Community in Berks County
Media and the public are invited.
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March 26, 2019
Harrisburg, March 25, 2019 A Reading local recreation project was approved today for a $725,000 Multi-Modal Transportation Grant by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to Sen. Judy Schwank and Reps. Thomas Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved a grant to:
- Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and to make safety improvements along East Wyomissing and Hancock Boulevards in the city of Reading.
“This state investment will bolster efforts already underway to improve the vitality of the 18th Ward,” Schwank said. “The combined efforts of city government, local businesses and the community will lead to improved quality of life, revitalized neighborhoods and economic activity.”
“Improving the recreational and commercial amenities available within the 18th Wonder Project Area will benefit residents and visitors alike, and will pay dividends for many years to come,” Caltagirone said.
“I’m proud to represent an area that recognizes the importance of maintaining and expanding its recreational infrastructure,” Rozzi said. “This is a win-win for residents, business and government.”
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March 6, 2019
Hughes, Schwank, Haywood offer multi-faceted approach
Harrisburg – March 6, 2019 – Senate Democrats said today that they are sponsoring a three-bill legislative package designed to provide additional tax credits to farmers, encourage the use of locally sourced food and expand farmers’ markets.
State Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery), Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Sen. Art Haywood, (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee are the prime sponsors of the package.
Hughes’ legislation would raise the Rural Jobs and Investment Tax Credit from its current capped amount of $1 million per year to $20 million over four years.
“A comprehensive economic plan requires investments in a broad array of industries, including agriculture,” Hughes said. “There is strong justification to raise the tax credit cap and allow farmers to retain and reinvest because agriculture is a key feature of our economy.”
Hughes noted that 48 of 67 counties in Pennsylvania are classified as rural and that more than a quarter of the state’s population lives in rural counties.
Schwank, who has a long record of involvement in agriculture issues, is the prime sponsor of a measure to help farmers sell their products locally. Under Schwank’s legislation, the requirement for using the lowest bidder on a state contract for the purchase of food would not apply to locally sourced products, provided the deviation in price was not more than 10 percent from the lowest bidder.
“It is important that local markets be better developed, and one way to achieve this goal is through a pricing incentive that encourages the use of food produced in state,” Schwank said. “Our farms are able to deliver high-quality foods to local markets at reasonable prices.”
Pennsylvania has more than 58,000 farms and an estimated 7.7 million acres are involved in agriculture production. According to survey data, 93 percent of Pennsylvanians prefer locally produced food.
Haywood said rising demand has opened an opportunity to expand the Farmers’ Market Development Program to serve more communities. His legislation would enable grants through the program to be used for agritourism initiatives, renovations, and establishment of new satellite locations the bill also increases grants per market from $10,000 to $100,000.
“Consumer demand for fresh blueberries, mangoes, and spinach continues to grow exponentially and the expansion of farmers’ markets provide local access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” Haywood said. “Farmers’ markets offer an effective way to make fresh foods available, especially in areas where they are not.”
Pennsylvania has the fourth-largest market in the nation for direct farm sales.
The senators indicated that they were reintroducing the legislation. The bills were initially introduced last session (Senate Bills 1075 -1077) but were not scheduled for a vote.
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March 5, 2019
Harrisburg, March 5, 2019 − Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) recently introduced legislation to expand hemp production in Pennsylvania. SB335, the Industrial Hemp Act, recognizes hemp as an allowable cosmetic ingredient, food, food additive or herb to be regulated as any other food ingredient or food commodity.
“Hemp is a multi-million-dollar industry that is expected to grow as a result of the 2018 Federal Farm Bill which removed hemp from the federal controlled substance list.” Schwank said. “This legislation will allow farmers continued access to a new market and put them on the same playing field as other states like Colorado that have passed hemp food legislation.”
The bill states that hemp products must not must not contain more than 0.3 percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is below the psychoactive threshold. Instead, producers will be able to extract cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound that has nutritional and cosmetic uses and is already being sold in consumable food in Pennsylvania.
“CBD is already here,” Schwank said. “We need to ensure what consumers are buying are clearly labeled quality products.”
The bill has already received support from the Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council.
“This is a great start to ensure Pennsylvania is at the forefront of all things hemp,” said the council’s Executive Director Erica McBride-Stark. “It is another step in Pennsylvania’s commitment to create a world-class hemp industry.”
Schwank, the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, has long recognized the importance of hemp. She spearheaded legislation in the Senate and was a tireless advocate for the reestablishment of the industrial hemp industry. Her legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate, while companion legislation – introduced in the House – made its way through the General Assembly and onto the governor’s desk in July of 2016.
“Hemp, and products made from it, played a large role in our history, and has immeasurable benefits for the future of our Commonwealth,” Schwank said. “I hope my senate colleagues will recognize this opportunity and move this bill forward.”
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February 28, 2019
HARRISBURG – February 28, 2019 – Bipartisan legislation would improve screening and treatment of new mothers affected by postpartum depression, according to the bill’s sponsors, Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Judy Schwank (D-11).
The Prenatal and Postpartum Counseling and Screening Act would require health care providers to offer information to pregnant women regarding parenting and prenatal depression, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis and other emotional trauma counseling. New mothers would also be required to undergo screening for postpartum depression symptoms prior to hospital discharge and at postnatal check-up visits.
“Postpartum depression can create a whole host of health risks for both mothers and babies, so identifying and treating this condition is crucial,” Bartolotta said. “We need to make sure mothers are aware of the signs of postpartum depression, as well as all of the resources that are available to help families who are affected by it.”
Many mothers experience a mild, short-term form of postpartum depression commonly referred to as the “baby blues.” However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 10 to 20 percent of mothers experience more intense symptoms that can last a year or more and may require counseling and/or medication.
“This legislation is an important step in ensuring every baby has a healthy start,” Schwank said. “Thousands of mothers a year in Pennsylvania are affected by Post-partum depression and it’s vital they have access to the services they need to avoid serious and costlier problems later. For the benefit of new mothers, babies and families throughout the Commonwealth, I am hopeful that this legislation can be enacted quickly.”
At least six other states have enacted similar laws to improve diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression.
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CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463
February 1, 2019
Harrisburg, February 1, 2019 − Caernarvon Township will receive $208,854 in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding approved today by PennDOT, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced. The funds will be used to decrease the turning radius from Route 10 onto Shiloh Road and improve sight distances at the intersection.
Multimodal Transportation Funds are meant to improve transportation infrastructure and promote economic development.
“This investment of state dollars will improve traffic safety in the area and help facilitate several economic development projects in the area,” Schwank said. “It’s a win-win for residents of the area and our local and regional economies.”
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December 4, 2018
Reading, December 5, 2018 − State Sen. Judy Schwank and State Rep. Mark Rozzi are hosting a free Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment event from 10 a.m. to noon at the Muhlenberg Township Building at 210 George Street on Dec. 12. Pennsylvania’s Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman will open the event and be available for media questions.
During the two-hour session, healthcare consumers will have access to expert help signing up for ACA coverage only as Medicare enrollment ends December 7. The open enrollment period for ACA ends December 15.
Participants will need documentation to verify his or her annual income (a W-2 or pay stub) and a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID.
“Access to healthcare is critically important for all Pennsylvanians and increased access to affordable healthcare results in more families living healthier and more productive lives,” Schwank said. “It is my hope that this event gives the citizens of Reading and Berks County another opportunity to sign up for healthcare.”
“We want to make sure everyone has access to the resources necessary to choose the best health care plan for themselves and their families – and the deadline to sign up is approaching quickly,” Rozzi said. “It can seem like a daunting process, but help is available. I’m happy to work with Sen. Schwank to make it easy for local residents to get that assistance.”
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Lebanon VA Medical Center will also be onsite to assist any Veterans attending in enrolling in VA health care as well as to provide other informational materials related to VA benefits. Veterans seeking to enroll in VA health care at the event should bring a copy of the DD214, their 2017 tax return and a list of their medical expenses. VA health care enrollment meets ACA coverage requirements and Lebanon VA Medical Center maintains a community clinic locally in Wyomissing. Veterans with any eligibility questions prior to the event can call Lebanon VA Medical Center enrollment specialists at (717) 228-6000.
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October 17, 2018
READING, October 17, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs has awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Education $1 million to equip students and educators across the state with strategies to prevent school violence, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) and State Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D-127th District) announced.
The following Reading School District schools will receive funds awarded through the STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program and authorized by the STOP School Violence Act enacted in March 2018:
- Northeast Middle School
- Northwest Middle School
- Reading Intermediate High School
- Reading Senior High School
- Southern Middle School
- Southwest Middle School
“This funding will help Reading School District better serve its students,” Schwank said. “Students need a safe environment to focus on their studies, and this money will help provide that setting.”
“Students, faculty and staff all deserve to learn and work in a safe environment, we must do everything we can to support them,” Rozzi said.
“In this day and age, we must do all we can to equip our students and educators with tools they can use to keep safe. This funding will go a long way toward achieving that goal,” Caltagirone said.
The Department of Education is working with Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national, nonprofit organization established following the mass shooting at a Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 to provide training to educators and students across the state.
The funding will be used to implement SHP’s Start With Hello and Say Something, which are among SHP’s Know the Signs programs aimed at empowering students. Start With Hello encourages and guides students in creating socially inclusive school communities, while Say Something trains students to recognize the signs and appropriately intervene when they identify someone as exhibiting behaviors that they may be a threat to themselves or others.
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October 12, 2018
Harrisburg, October 12, 2018 − Today the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that nearly 200 county and municipal governments will be getting a boost to their recycling and leaf collection programs this year, thanks to $37 million in Recycling Development and Implementation Grants.
“This investment of state funds will significantly bolster local recycling efforts and will make a real difference in protecting our environment,” said State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks). “I commend our local officials for their successful efforts in securing funding through this competitive state program.”
Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for up to 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs. Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10 percent of approved costs. Grants were also awarded based on programs designed to meet current market demands for recyclable goods.
Examples of eligible projects include operating leaf compost facilities; developing web-based programs on recycling for consumers; expanding recycling processing facilities; installing data collection systems on recycling vehicles; continuing and creating curbside recycling programs; and developing educational materials to encourage residents to properly recycle.
Some of the Berks County projects include:
- Berks County Solid Waste Authority, $85,545;
- Bern Township, $239,292;
- Cumru Township, $47,152;
- Exeter Township, $248,074;
- Kenhorst Borough, $25,974;
- Lower Alsace Township, $283,249;
- Maxatawmy Township, $32,538;
- Muhlenberg Township, $335,619;
- Reading City, $349,992;
- West Reading Borough, $141,772;
- Wyomissing Borough, $122,715.
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October 5, 2018
Harrisburg, October 5, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools has selected Kutztown Area School District to receive $10,190 for programming to address school violence, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced.
Specifically, the district was the recipient of the Office for Safe Schools’ 2018-19 Safe Schools Targeted Program Grant. The grants are part of a statewide effort to help schools reduce unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promote an environment of greater productivity, safety and learning; andenhance anti-violence efforts between schools and parents, local governments, law enforcement and community organizations.
“I commend Kutztown Area School District officials for pursuing this funding to help students and staff be more aware of how to be safe,” Schwank said. “Through this grant, and the district’s participation in the CrisisGo pilot, Kutztown has been at the forefront of proactively providing a safe school environment.”
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October 2, 2018
Harrisburg, October 2, 2018 − Exeter Township will receive $2.9 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding approved today by PennDOT, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced. The funds will strengthen the township’s efforts to increase safety along Perkiomen Avenue.
Exeter Township will receive $2,955,670 to design and construct pedestrian improvements on Perkiomen Avenue, which includes continuous sidewalk, pedestrian lighting, pedestrian buffer, trees, and defined entrances and exits for business driveways.
“Foot traffic has grown along Perkiomen Avenue as the township has grown, which is why we need enhanced safety features,” Schwank said. “These funds will improve the avenue for pedestrians and motorists alike and help them safely travel to and from businesses and other destinations along Exeter’s main business corridor.”
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October 1, 2018
HARRISBURG, PA – October 1, 2018 – Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (PPC) today presented Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) with its annual “Be Someone for Kids” award in recognition of her work to enact public policies that benefit the commonwealth’s children.
“As the Democratic chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, Judy Schwank has played a critical role in recent years in helping to propose and enact numerous laws to better protect our commonwealth’s children,” said PPC President and CEO Joan Benso. “We all owe her a debt of gratitude, and our ‘Be Someone for Kids’ award is one way we are saying thanks for standing up for kids.”
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children has worked closely with Sen. Schwank since she arrived in the General Assembly in 2011. Since then she has worked to improve the lives of children including her support for increased investments in high quality pre-k, home visiting child care and basic education funding. The position Sen. Schwank holds on the Appropriations Committee enables her to set priorities for children as part of the state budget process on an annual basis. Additionally, in her role on the Health and Human Services Committee as well as her position on the Aging and Youth Committee have elevated her to be a champion on issues such as child welfare and children’s health care coverage.
“PPC is a child welfare, health care, early childhood education and K-12 education advocacy organization, and we pride ourselves in building partnerships with members in the General Assembly who share the goal of ensuring a bright future for Pennsylvania’s children,” Benso said. “Judy’s prior experience as a county commissioner has been invaluable in helping us to establish a wonderful partnership because she has been working to make life better for children for more than 20 years.”
PPC launched the “Be Someone for Kids” award in 2015 to honor those who have made extraordinary efforts to help Pennsylvania’s nearly 2.8 million children. This year’s award was given to Sen. Schwank by Benso during a ceremony at the state Capitol attended by several dozen people including legislative colleagues, officials from Berks County, and children’s advocates. PPC thanks the generous sponsors who supported this event; Customers Bank, Highmark, Maverick Strategies, PA Chamber of Business & Industry, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, PNC Financial Services, PPL Corporation, and Shelly Lyons Public Affairs & Communications.
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CONTACT: Justin Fleming 717-236-5680 or [email protected]
September 27, 2018
East Stroudsburg, PA − September 27, 2018 − East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announced the selection of its 2018 Legislative Fellow, State Senator Judith L. Schwank, at a breakfast held in her honor on Thursday, September 27. ESU President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., introduced Senator Schwank at the event to university faculty, students, staff and special guests from the community.
Pictured from left to right: ESU Council of Trustees member, Bruno Klaus; Professor of communication and member of the Legislative Fellow Committee, Andrea McClanahan, Ph.D.; ESU 2018 Legislative Fellow, State Senator Judith L. Schwank, ESU President, Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D.; Student Senate President, Judaha Amoroso; ESU Council of Trustees Chair, Patrick Ross ’67.
The Legislative Fellow program, established in 1999, is designed to bring state legislators to campus to participate in a variety of campus activities and to meet formally and informally with students, faculty and staff throughout the year. As part of the program, ESU Legislative Fellows may also request a student intern.
The program is co-sponsored by the university administration and the local chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF). Fellows are selected by a committee of faculty and administrators, and jointly appointed by the university president and the president of APSCUF at the beginning of each academic year.
Senator Schwank was elected to represent the 11th Senatorial District in a 2011 special election. She was re-elected in 2012 and 2016. She serves as the democratic chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee, and democratic vice chair of the Appropriations Committee. She also serves on the Aging and Youth, Local Government, State Government, and Policy Committees. Senator Schwank has also been appointed by Senate leadership to the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness.
Schwank earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in agricultural education from Penn State University. After college, she worked as a Berks County horticultural agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension and established the Master Gardener Program. She became director of the Berks County Cooperative Extension Program in 1991 and was elected as the first female Berks County Commissioner in 2000.
Schwank serves as president of 10,000 Friends and is a member of the board of directors for Girl Scouts of Southeast Pennsylvania She also served as Dean of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College.
Senator Schwank resides in Reading, Pa. with her husband, Jim. She is the proud parent of three children and has four grandchildren.
For more information on the Legislative Fellow program, contact Miguel Barbosa, chief of staff in ESU’s Office of the President at 570-422-3545.
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September 20, 2018
Reading, September 20, 2018 − Due to the privatization of a York County home, the Berks Heim is estimated to receive an additional $596,000 during the 2018-2019 fiscal year, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced.
“The Berks Heim has a remarkable reputation in our county, and countless Berks Countians have had a loved one, friend or neighbor stay at the Heim,” Schwank said. “The facility’s dedication to providing its residents top-notch care is one of the reasons why I am so pleased to learn about this extra funding.”
Originally, the Berks Heim was expected to receive $2.556 million through Internal Government Transfers (IGT) for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. But due to Medicare rates increasing and the privatization of the York County home, the Berks Heim will receive the additional $596,000, which will mean $3.152 million in funding.
In 2016, the Heim received approximately $1.28 million in IGT funds and in 2017, it received approximately $1.45 million.
Part of the increase is one time in nature because York County is contributing to the upper payment limit for the days they were a county home for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The remaining homes get to reap the benefit of that room since York is not eligible for a payment.
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September 20, 2018
Reading, September 20, 2018 Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced the availability of $5 million in grant funding to help Pennsylvania dairy farmers overcome challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. This historic funding, made available for the first time under the Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program, is the most recent of several initiatives from the Wolf Administration to support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.
“I’m happy to see this quick action to assist our dairy industry in the Commonwealth,” Schwank said. “I supported this funding in this year’s budget as a way to ensure our Berks County farmers have resources available to them as they explore additional options to expand and transition their dairy operations.”
The Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program was established under Act 42 of 2018 and will provide $5 million in grants to eligible applicants for researching new technologies, products and best practices; marketing to new domestic and international markets and exploring new business opportunities to diversify their operation and revenue streams; transitioning to organic production methods; and incorporating or expanding value-added dairy production, such as cheese and yogurt products. The program is now open for applications after guidelines were approved at today’s Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) board meeting.
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September 18, 2018
HARRISBURG, September 18, 2018 – Three local recreation and conservation projects were approved today for grant funding totaling $375,000 by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to Sen. Judy Schwank and Reps. Thomas Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved grants for:
- Berks County Conservation District, Antietam Valley Storm Water Improvements and Lake Restoration, $125,000
- Reading, Schuylkill River Trail Gap Improvement Project, $125,000.
- Reading, Replacement of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County’s Washington Street location’s roof, $125,000.
“These state grant funds will allow Reading and the Berks County Conservation District to better address the recreational needs of area residents for many years to come,” Schwank said. “I’m glad that we have local officials taking initiative and pursing these funds.”
“The approval of these funds is great news for Reading and the surrounding communities who benefit from YMCA programming,” Caltagirone said. “I commend all involved who worked hard to put together high-quality proposals for these competitive grant funds.”
“These projects, especially the YMCA improvement, represent important investments not only in the present needs of our community, but for future generations,” Rozzi said. “Residents of the Antietam Valley, the City of Reading and beyond will benefit from these projects.”
The funding is through the Act 13—Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
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Contact:
Jamie Klein
610 929-2151
[email protected]
September 18, 2018
HARRISBURG, September 18, 2018 – Thirteen Berks County municipalities will receive a total of $1.325 million in new state investments for their ongoing efforts to improve water and sewer services.
Sen. Judy Schwank today said the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved Small Water and Sewer System grants for:
- Robeson Township Municipal Authority, Sewage Pumping Improvements, $125,000;
- Joint Authority of the Wyomissing Valley, UV Light Disinfection Enclosure, $75,000;
- Caernarvon Township Authority, Mill Road Water Softener Replacements, $50,000;
- Antietam Valley Municipal Authority, Friedensburg Road Sewer Main Extension, $125,000;
- Fleetwood Borough, E. Locust Street Water Main Extension, $125,000;
- Ruscombmanor Township, Walnuttown Road Sewer Extension, $125,000;
- Western Berks Authority, Mohrsville Water District Arsenic Removal System, $125,000;
- Alsace Township, Sewer Extension, $125,000;
- Reading Area Water Authority, Filtration Bed Rehabilitation, $125,000;
- Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority, Emergency Water Interconnection, $81,250;
- Maxatawny Township Municipal Authority, Village of Bowers Waterline Replacement Project, $81,250;
- Muhlenberg Township Authority, SCADA System Upgrades, $81,250;
- Wyomissing Borough; 2018 Capital Sewer Project, $81,250.
“These projects are vital to critical infrastructure in these Berks communities and to protect our local environment,” Schwank said. “I was pleased to advocate for these grants to help these local communities make necessary improvements.”
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September 17, 2018
Reading, September 17, 2018 − On Thursday, September 27, beginning at 6 p.m., Sen. Judy Schwank is sponsoring her annual College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar in the Commissioners Board Room of the Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George Street, Reading.
And, on Saturday, October 6, beginning at 10:30 a.m., Sen. Schwank is sponsoring a Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA) Preparation Lab in the First Floor Classroom of the Muhlenberg Township Building at 210 George Street, Reading.
“College and other postsecondary schools continue to become more and more expensive,” Schwank said. “Fortunately, help is available for students and families to pay for higher education, but they need to know how to find it and apply it. Both of these events will help students and families navigate the college financial process.”
At the September 27 College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar, a financial aid expert from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (PASFAA) will be on hand to explain the sources of college financial aid available to families and answer questions about the student aid application process.
At the October 6 FAFSA Preparation Lab, financial aid experts from PHEAA and other organizations will be hand to help students and families file online their 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student. Students can file their FAFSA forms starting October 1st for the 2019-2020 school year.
Both events are free and open to the public; however, due to a limited number of computer terminal available, preregistration is required for the FAFSA Preparation Lab on October 6. For more information or to register for the FAFSA Lab, families can call 610-929-2151.
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September 11, 2018
READING, September 11, 2018 – Gov. Tom Wolf approved $500,000 in grant funds from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for The Berks Community Health Center to open a new location in Northeast Reading, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) and State Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D-127th District) announced.
The Health Center will be located in a portion of the former Giant Food Store at 1100 Rockland Street in Reading and will offer a multitude of services, including medical, dental, pediatric, podiatry, vision, behavioral health and more.
“This state funding represents an important investment in the health and well-being of the residents of Reading and Berks County,” Schwank said. “I’m grateful to Gov. Wolf for recognizing the importance of this project to Berks County.”
“The RACP funding for this new project at Rockland Plaza will not only positively impact Reading, but Berks County with 85 new full-time, permanent jobs and real estate tax revenues,” Rozzi said.
“The Berks Community Health Center has served thousands of patients in Reading. This new location will allow more patients access to coordinated, comprehensive medical care for additional underserved and under-insured, low-income populations of Reading,” Caltagirone said.
RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
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Contact: Jamie Klein
Sen. Judy Schwank
Phone: (610) 929-2151
[email protected]
August 17, 2018
Reading, August 17, 2018 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is hosting a live telecast on BCTV on Monday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. The program is on the dairy industry and will include a panel conversation between Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Penn State Extension Agent Mat Haan, Executive Director of the PA Dairymen’s Association Dave Smith and a representative of Kurtland Farms. Schwank, who is the minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, will serve as moderator.
During the live telecast, homeviewers can call 610-378-0426 to converse with the panel. The telecast can be viewed on BCTV, Comcast Reading Channel 15, Service Electric CableVision Channel 19, and Comcast Southern Berks Channel 965.
Additionally, the show will stream live on bctv.org at Watch BCTV Live. It will be available the next day on BCTV’s YouTube channel at the Community Conversation playlist.
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August 1, 2018
Reading, August 1, 2018 State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is hosting a free Aging Parent Conference on Sept. 5, 2018, at the McGlinn Conference Center, 460 St. Bernardine Street, adjacent to Alvernia University.
The conference is inspired by Schwank’s late mother, Margaret Levine, who passed away in May. In the week leading to her passing, Schwank and her family were inundated with difficult decisions that had to be made quickly. After her passing, Schwank received messages of support from friends and constituents.
“I was amazed by how many people said they were unprepared to care for their parents and deal with end-of-life decisions,” Schwank said. “These are important issues we must address as our population ages.”
The conference is aimed to serve the adults who already are caring for their elderly parents and those concerned about doing so in the near future and will cover the gamut of aging issues. The itinerary includes panel discussions with experts in eldercare, legal and financial issues. Attendees will have the option to attend a Dementia Live workshop, a dementia simulation experience, and other workshops where they can get answers to questions they have.
Speakers include the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne and Berks Encore President LuAnn Oatman. A conference schedule can be found at www.senatorschwank.com/agingparent.
Margaret Levine was a nurse for most of her life, and believed in helping others, Schwank said.
“I believe this conference will honor her memory, and I hope that it will provide a foundation for anyone starting the journey of caring for his or her parents,” Schwank said.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: McGlinn Conference Center, 460 St. Bernardine Street, Reading
What: Aging Parent Conference
Who: Speakers include Sen. Judy Schwank, Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne, Berks Encore President LuAnn Oatman and others
More information/register: www.senatorschwank.com/agingparent
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July 31, 2018
Reading, July 31, 2018 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) will join members of the Berks County Intermediate Unit to announce state grant funding to support a new school safety initiative, CrisisGo.
The app is an emergency communication platform that gives school districts the mobile communications tools necessary to ensure that teachers, staff and administrators know exactly what to do during any emergency and allows them to continuously communicate as a crisis unfolds.
It will be deployed to all public school districts and some private schools in Berks County this fall.
“This state funding is giving schools a way to enhance their emergency preparedness planning,” Schwank said. “I’m thrilled to announce this initiative.”
Schwank will speak during a press conference within the BCIU’s School Administrator’s Conference.
What: Press Conference announcing CrisisGo funding
When: Aug. 2, 2018, 10 a.m.
Where: Perkins Student Center, Penn State Berks, 1801 Broadcasting Road
Who: Media invited
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