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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December 9, 2021
Reading, PA – December 9, 2021 − First Lady Frances Wolf joined members of the General Assembly and representatives from the charitable food network today at Mary’s Shelter in Reading to announce an $11.4 million investment in cold storage infrastructure for food banks serving every county of Pennsylvania.
“It is critical that we turn the lessons learned throughout the pandemic into meaningful action that will make a difference in the lives of people in Pennsylvania,” said First Lady Wolf. “This investment will result in a better, stronger, more resilient food system, which translates to a better, stronger, more resilient commonwealth.”
The COVID-19 Food Bank Cold Storage Infrastructure Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan, is a grant program that will allow Pennsylvania’s food banks to purchase, expand, or upgrade cold storage facilities to ensure that they can deliver fresh food to struggling families. Eligible purchases include refrigerators, coolers, freezers, refrigerator trailers and cargo vans, building expansions, and more. This program will touch all 67 counties and is essential to addressing food insecurity and food waste.
The program will fund the following food banks across the commonwealth, through an award of $11,392,345 to Feeding Pennsylvania:
- Alliance for Nonprofit Resources – $276,000, serving Butler County
- Bucks County Opportunity Council – $55,025, serving Bucks County
- Central PA Food Bank – $2,585,000, serving Adams, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties
- Chester County Food Bank — $621,005, serving Chester County
- Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County – $137,000, serving Mercer County
- Fayette County Community Action Agency – $130,000, serving Fayette County
- Food for Families – Cambria – $279,000, serving Cambria County
- Food Helpers – Washington – $346,000, serving Washington County
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – $1,241,740, serving Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence, and Somerset counties
- Helping Harvest – Berks/Schuylkill – $1,077,000, serving Berks and Schuylkill counties
- Indiana County Community Action Program – $265,000, serving Indiana County
- Philabundance – $156,000, serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties
- Share Food Program – $2,604,000, serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties
- SHFB of Lehigh Valley and NEPA – $60,900, serving Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne counties
- SHFB of Northwest PA – $748,675, serving Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Mckean, Venango, and Warren counties
- Weinberg NEPA Regional Food Bank – $580,000, serving Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties
- Westmoreland County Food Bank – $80,000, serving Westmoreland County
- York County Food Bank – $150,000, serving York County
“It’s become very clear over the past year or so that food insecurity is a major problem not just in the commonwealth, but across the nation. The investments the Wolf Administration is making in food banks will bolster our ability to get food into the hands of people who need it the most,” said Senator Judy Schwank. “Additionally, offering a great diversity of nutritious, fresh food products thanks to refrigeration units will greatly benefit the health of Pennsylvanians.”
Governor Tom Wolf has worked to simultaneously support the charitable food system and agriculture industry throughout his administration by continuously investing in programs that connect surplus agricultural foods with families in need and funding projects to decrease food waste. Gov. Wolf first funded the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System Program in 2015 and has since invested more than $20 million to support farmers and families facing food insecurity.
In 2019, the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program was created to address cold storage needs for food banks and reduce waste of fresh food. When COVID-19 came to Pennsylvania in 2020, Gov. Wolf expanded the program and increased funding from $4 million to $9.6 million ensure food needs were met. This Cold Storage Infrastructure Program will work further meet the breadth of needs identified during the review process for the Food Recovery Infrastructure Program.
“Feeding more Pennsylvania families requires increasing capacity for transportation, refrigeration and measures to ensure that food is safe,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “These investments help Pennsylvania agriculture continue to grow, feed our economy and strengthen the charitable food system across the commonwealth.”
“The charitable food network is beyond grateful for this investment in our food banks and our partner agencies like Mary’s Shelter to increase our capacity to store and transport fresh and frozen food,” said Feeding Pennsylvania Chief Executive Officer Jane Clements in Reading today. “We are grateful to the Wolf Administration and Democratic Leadership for recognizing this critical need that will support so many food insecure Pennsylvanians.”
The Cold Storage Infrastructure Grant Program was championed by the House and Senate Democrats.
“Since the pandemic, local food cupboards and pantries have shared with me the increase in demand for food and services,” Rep Christine Sappey, D-Chester, said. “The Chester County Food Bank serves as a pivotal connection in the distribution of donated goods to local partner organizations throughout the county, so it’s important that they have the ability to ensure safe, healthy nutrition reaches families that need it. This funding will help the Food Bank accomplish that.”
“Over the course of this pandemic, we saw lines of cars for miles of people waiting for food assistance from our local food banks. It was a stark visual reminder of just how many of our neighbors live with food insecurity or are just one missed paycheck away from it,” Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, said. “I am proud to see the Governor recognizing the essential role food banks played in getting us through this pandemic and that he has made a commitment to ensure that they receive the necessary investments to continue and to expand their vital work in our communities.”
“For many of our neighbors, not knowing when their next meal will be or where it is coming from is a daily struggle,” Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, said. “As food insecurity continues to affect more and more of our most vulnerable citizens, it is vital to take a proactive approach in combatting this epidemic through initiatives such as ensuring our local food banks are properly equipped and funded. I am proud to see these resources be earmarked for such a worthwhile cause and look forward to exploring avenues to expand funding to all area food banks.”
“Food banks play a vital role in helping those in our community put food on the table,” Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, said. “By bolstering cold food storage, food banks can focus on providing quality, healthy food to those who need it rather than worrying about if their donations are going to spoil.”
“On the heels of the pandemic, I’m thrilled that Gov. Wolf’s administration is making this much needed investment to help strengthen food banks across the Commonwealth. As well, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage falls woefully short of what individuals need to make ends meet,” said Sen. Tim Kearney. “Having a strong foundation for our food banks will help ensure no individual or family will have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for other critical bills like rent or prescription medication.”
“I’m thrilled to see ARP funds being used to fund cold storage infrastructure for our food banks. Getting these dollars into the communities that have been hardest hit by not just the pandemic, but also by factors such as the loss of reliable public transportation, the lack of healthy options available in neighborhoods, and economic downturns that began long before 2020 has been an enormous priority for me and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus,” said Sen. Lindsey Williams. “We need to spend this money in ways that give us the best return on our investment, and the Cold Storage Infrastructure Program is a perfect example of how to do this.”
For more on the Wolf Administration’s efforts to improve food security throughout the commonwealth, visit agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.
December 6, 2021
Reading- December 6, 2021 − Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) announced today that ByHeart was awarded $1.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding for improvements to a Reading-based facility.
ByHeart’s Project Lexington is expected to establish the company as one of the country’s only fully integrated baby formula manufacturers, upon FDA-registration. The funding will be used to complete the construction of a canning line and dry blend area at the ByHeart facility located at 61 Vanguard Drive in Exeter Township. These improvements will secure the last piece of the supply chain in Pennsylvania at ByHeart’s manufacturing plant, making it the fourth end-to-end infant formula manufacturer in the U.S. The funding will ensure the final canned product is released from Pennsylvania and give Pennsylvania dairy farmers access to a $70 billion global market. The plant improvements are projected to create 50 new jobs and support countless others in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sector as ByHeart expands production and canning.
“ByHeart’s project will have a positive impact locally by creating high-paying jobs and provide a statewide boost to Pennsylvania dairy sales,” Schwank said. “Members of my staff and I got a chance to visit the facility this past spring and learned about ByHeart’s goals for the facility. This project has a lot of upsides, including creating an ecosystem for high-value dairy inputs like organic grass-fed whole milk, organic grass-fed lactose, and value-added whey proteins. For me, supporting this project’s application was a no-brainer and I’m grateful to ByHeart for seeing value in Berks County and to Gov. Wolf for funding this project.”
“As a next-generation baby nutrition company, ByHeart has chosen the Commonwealth as home to our facility and epicenter of our production,” a statement issued from ByHeart said. “We have since seen extraordinary support from both Senator Schwank and Governor Wolf to evolve our mission. It is with great humility and honor that we accept the RACP grant in order to continue our work to create highly skilled manufacturing jobs and to progress the ecosystem of dairy innovation in Pennsylvania.”
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December 6, 2021
Reading − December 6, 2021 − The second phase or Alvernia’s Reading CollegeTowne project was awarded $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding for Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.\
The grant funding will go towards developing a new health sciences and engineering program at the Reading CollegeTowne campus.
“Its exciting to see a project this important to the future of downtown Reading reach its goals this quickly,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th) said. “We are really starting to see what Reading CollegeTowne is all about. The prospect of offering student high-quality post-secondary education in crucial fields like engineering and health sciences is a huge win for the City of Reading.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a number of terrific colleges and universities that have big plans for the future of the Greater Reading area,” Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th) said. “We’ve worked hard to advocate at the state level for these projects. It’s been great to see that the value of Reading Collegetowne is being recognized in Harrisburg.”
“Reading CollegeTowne continues to be one of the many projects we can be excited about in the City of Reading,” Rep. Manny Guzman (D-127th) said. “I’m grateful to Gov. Wolf for seeing the potential of not just this project but Reading as a whole. The funding provided by the state is giving us an opportunity to make meaningful changes in our community.”
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December 6, 2021
READING, December 6, 2021 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senators Judy Schwank and Christine Tartaglione to host a public hearing on evaluating and improving drug treatment centers in Pennsylvania.
“The alarming rates of substance abuse and drug overdoses have been magnified throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. And when individuals and their families reach out for help and seek treatment, they do not have the resources and information available to make an informed choice about treatment facilities. Pennsylvania families deserve better,” Senator Muth said. “Today’s policy hearing allowed our Committee to hear from families who have tragically lost loved ones to addiction, and it also afforded us an opportunity to discuss possible legislative solutions and policy changes that can improve the evaluation process and treatment outcomes of Pennsylvania’s drug treatment centers. Patient outcome survey data should be guiding treatment plans, not insurance companies that often deny coverage for the care required for successful recovery.”
Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of drug overdose in the nation and drug overdose deaths have increased in 46 of 67 counties in Pennsylvania throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics indicated that there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from prior year.
“We must rethink our approach to adequately address the ongoing opioid epidemic, and one way to do that is to look at drug treatment centers. Individuals taking the crucial step of seeking treatment for addiction need to be given access to all the information they need to make the right decision for their own particular circumstances,” Schwank said. “This hearing provided us an opportunity to learn directly from individuals impacted by addiction, treatment providers and state regulators. It will give us a chance to better understand what factors make drug treatment more effective.”
Senator Schwank has introduced two bills – Senate Bill 975 and Senate Bill 976 – to address issues with Pennsylvania’s drug treatment facilities and recovery homes. Senate Bill 975 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to distribute an annual survey to all substance use disorder treatment centers and recovery homes operating in PA, record, and publish online for public access the responses provided by those treatment centers and recovery homes. Senate Bill 976 would prohibit any treatment center in PA to refuse admittance to anyone reporting to a treatment facility requesting medical or psychological services addressing substance use disorder – even if an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time they report. It would also prohibit any health insurance company operating in PA from refusing coverage for admittance and provision of medical and psychological services.
“Today was a crucial step in addressing the crisis that is addiction, and the failure of treatment that surrounds it,” Tartaglione said. “The shifting demographics of addiction and overdoses show us that there is no community in this commonwealth that has not been touched by its devastation, from Erie to Philly and Allentown to Pittsburgh, the PA Senate Democrats are dedicated to bettering and expanding addiction treatment services offered.”
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee heard from several panelists at Reading Area Community College that included representatives from the Opioid Crisis Action Network, the Self-Help Movement, the Caron Foundation, the Council on Chemical Abuse, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
All submitted testimony from today’s hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy
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Testimony
Panel 1: Affected People
Panel 2: Care Providers
Panel 3: Policy Solutions
December 3, 2021
Reading − December 3, 2021 − Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district), Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th) and Rep. Manny Guzman (D-127th) applauded today’s awarding of $7.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget in support of the construction of new facilities at FirstEnergy Stadium.
In December of 2020, Major League Baseball (MLB) contracted and consolidated its affiliations with minor league baseball franchises. Reading was offered a license, which maintained its affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies MLB franchise. As part of the new Minor League Baseball (MiLB) license agreements, improvements must be made to stadium facilities at all minor league baseball venues within the next two years. Improvements needed at FirstEnergy Stadium include, among other things, the construction of home and away team clubhouses and new player practice and training facilities.
“Losing the Reading Fightin Phils was never an option and keeping the team in Reading has been one of my top economic development priorities,” Schwank said. “Officials from the state, county and local level were all on the same page and acted quickly and with urgency to find funding. We really worked together, and across party lines, to get this done. The R-Phils have a storied history in Berks County as the longest-running minor league affiliate in professional baseball. People who grew up going to games now take their own kids to the ballpark. We would have lost a piece of our heritage, our identity as a community and sustained a significant hit to our regional economy. I’m deeply grateful to Gov. Wolf for understanding this team’s role as a crucial driver of economic activity and a source of community identity. Team Owner Craig Stein, General Manager Scott Hunsicker the entire R-Phils staff deserve a lot of credit for working tirelessly to ensure that baseball town continues to have a hometown team.”
“My priority has always been to protect the legacy and tradition of the Reading Phillies,” Rozzi said. “I am proud to bring home the funding necessary to support our mission of preserving FirstEnergy Stadium as the premier minor league ballpark in the country. It is my honor to keep one of the greatest organizations, the Fightin Phils, right where it belongs, here in Reading.”
“Like the pinstripes on their jerseys, the Reading Phillies are stitched into the fabric of our community,” Guzman said. “Generations of families have made it a tradition to visit this historic ballpark and root for their home team. I am so grateful this tradition and the memories that come with it will remain steadfast here in Reading.”
Funding from the state is in conjunction with dollars put forward by R-Phils ownership and funding promised by Berks County and the City of Reading. More details about the plans for the stadium and funding will be made public in the coming weeks.
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November 19, 2021
Reading, PA – November 19, 2021 – Berks County State Legislators announced three Greater Reading Area projects received a total of $1,352,687 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community of Economic Development’s (DCED) Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
Governor Mifflin School District was awarded a $620,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grant for Secondary Campus Transportation Improvements. Mifflin will use the grant to update and improve S Waverly Street, the main access point to the district’s Middle School and High School. The project will include updating crosswalks, sidewalks, implementing traffic-calming measures, and constructing a new entrance. The street improvements are an integral part of the plan to build the new Governor Mifflin Community Center.
“This is just one piece of a much larger project Governor Mifflin has taken on,” Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) said. “When I met with school district administrators about the plans for a new facility and what it would mean not only for students, but the entire community, it was clear to me this project was worthy of support. The safety improvements to Waverly Street will ensure an already busy street is capable of accommodating the increased traffic it will see when the facility is constructed and help keep students and faculty safe.”
“Competition for Multimodal Transportation Program grants is always very strong,” Rep. Mark Gillen (R-128th district) said. “I commend Governor Mifflin School District officials for developing a successful grant proposal, which included input from the community, and which will greatly improve safety through the school complex. These state grant funds will complement the significant investment the district is making in its school campus construction project, which will pay dividends for the Governor Mifflin community for many decades to come.”
The City of Reading received $600,000 for the 18th Ward Bicycle Pedestrian Trail Project. The funding will improve and connect bicycle trails and is a piece of the ongoing 18th Wonder Revitalization Association plan announced in 2017.
“Trails and spaces residents can use for outdoor recreational activities make our community healthier and give us all an opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Berks County,” Schwank said. “The ongoing improvements taking place in the 18th ward ensure that the needs of residents are met. I’m grateful the commonwealth sees the value in this project.”
“It’s been an honor to work with the community and business leaders of the 18th Ward and the 18th Wonder Community Association,” Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th district) said. We set a vision for the area and I am thrilled to see it coming to fruition. This is a huge addition for residents and visitors of the area!”
City of Reading Mayor Eddie Morán also touted the importance of the project and thanked Schwank for supporting the city’s grant application.
“I am tremendously grateful to Senator Schwank for helping the City of Reading secure this grant,” said Morán. “Connectivity and accessibility for all is a priority for me. Upon completing this project, we will have new ADA ramps, a pedestrian and bike trail, better signage, and other enhancements, ensuring the 18th Ward and Oakbrook community can safely perform their daily tasks with the option to use alternative transportation. Our goal continues to be to make Reading a better place to live, learn, work and play.”
The CFA also approved Act 13 Programs grants at today’s board meeting. The Borough of Fleetwood was awarded $132,687 in Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) grant funding. The money will be used to construct a new bandshell, seated area covering, American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant pathways and new landscaping at Fleetwood Park.
“When Fleetwood officials realized the existing bandshell was structurally compromised, they quickly acted to and moved forward with a plan to replace it,” Schwank said. “The bandshell has been a central feature in the Fleetwood community for years and has been home to countless event that bring people together. The new and improved bandshell will be structurally sound, safe and provided expanded coverage so events don’t have to be canceled due to rain.”
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November 15, 2021
Reading, PA – November 15 – State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) will host a telephone town hall on Thursday, November 18 at 7 P.M. on fraud prevention.
The event will give constituents an opportunity to ask questions they may have about how to protect themselves from credit card scams, identity theft and other common schemes.
Guests will include:
- Lucas Miller, Pennsylvania State Inspector General
- John Adams, Berks County District Attorney
- Sarah E. Frasch, Chief Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection
To sign up for the telephone town hall or submit a question, visit www.senatorschwank.com/telephone-townhall. You can also sign up to attend by texting SENSCHWANK to 833-898-5483.
For more information, please call 610-929-2151.
November 4, 2021
HARRISBURG, November 4, 2021 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined state Sens. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia), Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks) to host a virtual public hearing on the need to end lifetime parole in Pennsylvania.
“We are spending far too many resources as a state on tracking down non-violent, technical parole violations instead of focusing our efforts on enhancing and expanding re-entry programs and resources to ensure that those who have served their time have the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” Muth said. “We need to end the ineffective punishment of the prison and parole cycle. The research shows that lifetime parole sentences do not improve public safety or decrease crime. Our state has both the highest number of people on parole and the highest rate of parole supervision in the country. Pennsylvania taxpayers are paying for this useless mechanism of indefinite control that negatively impacts the lives of people who are trying to establish their lives in a positive and productive way.”
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee heard support from testifiers for drafted legislation that proposes ending lifetime parole sentences in Pennsylvania. The proposed Sunset for Probation and Parole Act would cap parole sentences at six years and allow a pathway for a reduction of that sentence to three years by creating a system to reduce the length of a parole sentence by 30 days for each 30 days the person goes without a parole violation.
“Pennsylvania has too many people under supervision, we lead the nation in this regard. Mass supervision and mass incarceration are inextricably linked. Probation and Parole was intended to reduce the number of people we incarcerate. But given the abuses and how the system has evolved it is now feeding mass incarceration,” Street said. “I appreciate the humanity of today’s testifiers and advocates for presenting ideas around policy to fix this. It is a moral imperative that we not over incarcerate and over supervise. It is also a fiscal imperative that government be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money. Ultimately the people we pay to do this work will have a fuller lives as will those under constant supervision.”
Participants in the hearing included three Pennsylvania residents impacted by parole; Megan French-Marceilin, Color of Change; Reuben Jones, Dignity and Power Now; Insha Rahman, Vera Institute for Justice; and Nicole Porter, Sentencing Project.
“It is unacceptable that members of our communities, who have served the allotted time for the crimes they were convicted of, go on to face an unending parole sentence upon their release. This does not make our communities safer or reduce recidivism, it does the exact opposite. It allows innocent people to be sent back to jail for technically violating the terms of their parole but committing no additional criminal offenses,” Williams added. “This is not justice, and we must end this systemically unjust practice that results in a costly and undue revolving door from our communities back into the prison system.”
According to a report by Human Rights Watch, Pennsylvania has the highest rate of parole in the nation, and in 2016, more people were sent to state correctional facilities for parole violations than for any other crime.
“Like many states, Pennsylvania hasn’t taken the steps necessary to improve the fairness of our criminal justice system. More and more, people are beginning to realize that locking people up isn’t always the best answer to society’s problems. What we can do is invest in people and provide everyone with an opportunity to right wrongs and live up to their current potential,” Schwank said. “This excellent group of testifiers very powerfully shared how we can go about doing this in Pennsylvania and why it’s important that we take action now.”
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, approximately sixteen states have abolished or curtailed discretionary parole. Most states range from having a system of presumptive parole — when certain conditions are met, release on parole is guaranteed — to having policies and practices that make earning release very difficult.
“The testimony heard this morning throws into sharp relief the onerous and cruel design of the current parole system – a system that is working precisely as designed to extend carceral punishment through invisible shackles,” Megan French-Marcelin, PhD, Campaign Director for Criminal Justice at Color of Change, said. “If we know that more than half of people in state prisons are there on parole violations, we could cut the prison population in half – thus ending family separation and encouraging the socioeconomic stability of families and communities.”
All submitted testimony from today’s hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy
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Testimony
Panel 1: Directly Impacted People Sentenced to Lifetime Parole
Panel 2: Policy
Panel 3: National Experts
November 4, 2021
Reading, PA − November 4, 2021 − Yesterday, State Senator Judy Schwank (D-11th district) toured and met with the staff at the Berks Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Center at 1110 C Rockland Street, Reading, PA 19604.
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. Through WIC, pregnant women, mothers, and caregivers of infants and young children learn about good nutrition to keep themselves and their families healthy. All WIC services are free to women, infants and children who are Pennsylvania residents, at nutritional risk and meet the income guidelines.
The 100 percent federally funded program is the cornerstone for producing a healthy mother and baby. However, PA’s WIC program has been in decline for many years, despite a critical need for the program to grow, evolve, and connect families with a broad array of social, mental, education and other healthy support programs.
“The opportunity I had to meet with that staff members who deliver this resource to our community everyday was invaluable,” Schwank said. “The staff shared some great ideas with me on how we can grow WIC and make sure we are engaged with the people that could benefit most from this service. I’m not sure everyone knows this is available, so spreading the word is vital. A person’s income should never decide the quality of care they receive, especially not babies and children. I’m a firm believer that all children deserve a healthy start. I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated team at WIC and will support them in any way I can in the state legislature.”
For more information on the WIC program and information on how to apply, call 1-800-WIC-WINS. You can also apply online at www.pawic.com/OnlineApplication.aspx.
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November 1, 2021
Reading, PA- November 1, 2021- Today, State Senator Judy Schwank (D-11th district) and Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced the beginning of the Pardon Project of Berks County.
Pardon Projects pair individuals seeking a pardon for a past crime with a pardon coach. Pardon coaches help applicants tell their stories and walk them through the application process free of charge. Anyone looking to volunteer can become a pardon coach by attending a training session.
Since 2019, eight out of 10 applicants have received a hearing before the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. Governor Tom Wolf approves over 95% of applications recommended by the board.
“Pardon Project has the potential to be a game-changer in Berks County,” Schwank said. “As soon as I learned about the possibility of implementing something like this here in our community, I knew it could make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. Having a record can make it difficult for people who just want to move on with their lives to land a job or receive the occupational license they need. Pardon Project removes the unnecessary barriers to success people face and rewards them for doing the right thing.”
Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) Pardon Project Director Tobey Oxholm has been working to establish projects in counties across Pennsylvania. Oxholm contacted Schwank’s office in the Spring of 2021 about convening a Pardon Project presentation for key community groups and elected officials in Berks County. The presentation took place in early June. Oxholm has applauded how quickly the Berks County Pardon Project steering committee got up to speed.
“Over the past year, I have been working in a dozen counties across Pennsylvania to help set up Pardon Projects,” said Oxholm. “None, not one, has moved as quickly from idea to action as the one in Berks County. What’s been achieved here in record time shows the rest of the state just what is possible when a whole community comes together in common cause to help their own. I applaud Senator Schwank and all who have been working with her to make this day possible.”
Oxholm also noted that only 29 people living in Berks County submitted applications for pardon review last year.
Adams was a leading member of the steering committee tasked with establishing Pardon Project and played a crucial role in determining the eligibility guidelines for applicants.
“The burden of a criminal record can handicap individuals from obtaining employment, professional licenses, housing and many other things,” Adams said. “Pardon Project will assist people who have established a proven track record as law-abiding, productive members of our community an opportunity to obtain relief from the burden of a criminal record. Pardon Project will help those candidates apply for a pardon from the Pennsylvania Board of Pardon if they can demonstrate true remorse and change. This will be beneficial not only to the individuals seeking a pardon but in the long run, will benefit our entire community.”
Pardon Project will be overseen by Berks Connections / Pretrial Services (BCPS). The program will launch initially with a selected group of participants and pardon coaches to pilot the program and assure the process runs smoothly. As the program grows, BCPS will work with non-profits, colleges, universities, churches and other institutions to establish pardon hubs throughout Berks County.
“We have witnessed firsthand how someone’s criminal history can hinder their success long after they have completed their sentence,” said Nicole Schnovel, Co-Executive Director of BCPS. “BCPS is thrilled to coordinate the efforts of the Pardon Project of Berks County and serve as the official Pardon Hub. It a natural extension of our Life Improvement Business and we look forward to being able to offer this service to the community!”
BCPS provides pretrial services and programs for individuals re-entering society and has been leading the effort to implement a Pardon Project in Berks County since Oxholm’s presentation in June.
Brandon Flood, who was appointed as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons in 2019, knows first-hand how a criminal record can hinder success. Flood had his own prior conviction forgiven by the board and Gov. Wolf just weeks before taking the position. Flood spoke at the event and touted the promises of the project.
“Applying for a pardon in Pennsylvania is easier than it’s ever been,” Flood said. “The Berks County Pardon Project will in essence serve as an extension of our office by ensuring that prospective pardon applicants in Berks County are provided with the tools and resources that they need in order to confidently navigate the executive clemency process. The fine residents of Berks County have both Senator Schwank and the project coordinators to thank for this vitally important development.”
Although lawyers are not needed to apply for a pardon, they often volunteer as pardon coaches. The Berks County Bar Association coordinated the first Berks County pardon coach training session and contacted local lawyers about participating.
“Our members are proud to volunteer their skills for this collaborative effort to remove barriers blocking far too many from better jobs and from contributing to our community,” said Bar Association President Justin D. Bodor. “Attorneys are uniquely qualified to help balance the scales for individuals who have earned a second chance. And the Bar Association is truly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance provided by Sen. Schwank and District Attorney Adams as we embark on this new initiative together.”
It’s not just attorneys that recognize the potential impact a pardon can have on someone’s life. Magisterial District Judge Tonya Butler has voiced support for Pardon Project and served as a member of the steering committee.
“The Pardon Project of Berks County represents hope and opportunity for these members of our society who will no longer be held back due to a criminal record,” said Butler. “In my experience, many ex-offenders have already made positive impacts in our community and need to be able to realize their full potential.”
As Pardon Project gets up and running, eventually, BCPS will look to help establish pardon hubs throughout Berks County. Pardon hubs increase access to pardon information and coaches. Reading Area Community College (RACC) is one local institution that has express interest in becoming a pardon hub.
“Education can be a gateway to social and economic mobility,” said Dr. Susan Looney, President of RACC. “Providing access, opportunity, excellence and hope to those willing to commit to a fresh start is a critical and essential community investment strategy.”
Individuals who would like to be paired with a pardon coach are encouraged to contact BCPS at [email protected]. Individuals who are interested in volunteering as Pardon Coaches can contact BCPS at [email protected].
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October 22, 2021
Harrisburg – October 22, 2021 – This week Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) and Sen. Elder Vogel (R-47th district) announced plans to introduce legislation that 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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October 18, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – October 18, 2021 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-11th district) introduced an amendment to SB 224 that would authorize Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients to obtain teaching certifications in Pennsylvania.
SB 224 removes barriers teachers from out of state face when trying to obtain a teaching certification in Pennsylvania to help address the commonwealth’s ongoing teacher shortage. Schwank’s amendment also seeks to address the teacher shortage by allowing DACA recipients to teach in Pennsylvania.
“We all know about the teacher shortage. It’s a big problem, and even though I support SB 224, I don’t think this legislation alone will get us where we need to be,” Schwank said. “We are trying to fix the teacher shortage by importing teachers from other states while we have people who are already living in Pennsylvania who are ready, willing, and capable of teaching in our schools, but we aren’t letting them. That doesn’t make sense to me. We should be doing both.”
Schwank also noted that DACA recipients who want to teach often join Teach for America or relocate to neighboring states.
“Young teachers who grew up in Pennsylvania and want to go back into the communities they call home and make a difference are being pushed away. These are individuals with college degrees and all the necessary qualifications. The only thing holding them back is where they were born, which they had no control over. Not to mention, in addition to the teacher shortage, we are also struggling with a real lack of diversity among our teachers which has real consequences.”
Numerous studies have found that students perform better in the classroom when their teacher is a racial or ethnic match. According to The Education Trust, a national non-profit working to close the diversity gap in schools, 12.1 percent of Pennsylvania students are Latino while only 1.1 percent of teachers are.
The amendment failed by a vote of 21-27. SB 224 passed unanimously and is now headed to the Pennsylvania House or Representatives.
October 5, 2021
HARRISBURG, October 5, 2021 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined state Sens. Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks) to host a virtual public hearing on the need for workplace accommodations for pregnant Pennsylvanians.
“Statistics show that women make up about half of the workforce, and working women are the primary or sole breadwinners in 40% of American families. Even still, women face obstacles in the workplace that compromise their ability to provide for their families – including pregnancy discrimination and an employer’s refusal to grant an employee’s reasonable request for temporary, minor accommodations,” Muth said. “Senate Bill 716 is commonsense legislation that would protect pregnant Pennsylvanians and I hope today’s hearing brought attention to these much-needed accommodations in the workplace.”
The Policy Committee heard support from testifiers for Senator Cappelletti’s Senate Bill 716, which makes it unlawful for an employer to refuse an employee’s request for a reasonable accommodation, unless doing so would represent an undue hardship to the employer.
“Today’s hearing illustrated how necessary the protections in Senate Bill 716 are for pregnant Pennsylvanians,” Cappelletti said. “Pregnant people should not have to choose between a paycheck and a healthy pregnancy, especially when small and reasonable changes can be made to accommodate pregnant workers while maintaining a healthy, productive work environment.”
Participants in the hearing included Marianne Fray, CEO, Maternity Care Coalition; Sophia Elliot, Legal Fellow, Women’s Law Project; Kerin Kohler, Social Worker, Women’s Health Center; and Myra Taylor, SEIU member, Registered Nurse, Allegheny General Hospital.
“The problems we face in terms of workplace accommodations for pregnant women aren’t new. As our testifiers highlighted, far too many women face pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, and disproportionately, they tend to be women of color. Denying pregnant women simple, commonsense accommodations can lead to long-term health complications and force women out of the workforce,” Schwank added. “Enacting SB 716 is a long overdue, noncontroversial measure that will no longer force women to choose between their health and a paycheck.”
Per the bill, some reasonable accommodations include providing periodic rest or a chair for an employee who stands for a long period of time, assistance with heavy lifting, access to drinking water, uncompensated break time and temporary job restructuring. Additionally, the legislation will forbid employers from denying employment opportunities to employees based on their request for accommodations.
“When an employer denies a pregnant person reasonable accommodations — like a
break to use the restroom or access to drinking water—the pregnant employee is forced to choose between a paycheck and working in unsafe conditions,” Sophia Elliot, Women’s Law Project, said. “SB 716 ensures that employers protect the safety and advance the equality of a critical and large segment of the workforce, but by the same token this bill does not impose an undue hardship on any employer.”
Currently, twelve states have passed legislation requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees.
“The number of pregnancy discrimination claims filed annually with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has been steadily rising for two decades,” Marianne Fray, CEO, Maternity Care Coalition, said. “Pregnancy discrimination affects all birthing people, but disproportionately affects women of color, many of whom are represented in low-income jobs.”
All submitted testimony from today’s hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy
# # #
Testimony
September 27, 2021
Harrisburg, PA − September 27, 2021 − The Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus again calls on their colleagues and the citizens of Pennsylvania to support the #OptInPA Campaign, a movement to help birthing people and improve maternal health across the state with policies that would ensure families have a healthy start for newborn Pennsylvanians.
Once a Pennsylvanian is born, their new parents need to have the resources available to give the newborn a safe, healthy life that will have a successful and happy outcome. The goals of this campaign ensure just that.
The #OptInPA campaign is motivated by two goals:
- Highlighting Pennsylvania’s need for holistic, extended postpartum coverage, specifically as it pertains to families that participate in Medical Assistance;
- Gaining public support for the program to implement its permanent extension through action at Pennsylvania’s executive level.
Maternal mortality is a crisis in Pennsylvania that has been climbing over the last few years. It is driven by inequities in healthcare coverage. An estimated 1 in 10,000 women and birthing individuals, including 1 in 5,000 black birthing people are dying after childbirth. Fifty-eight percent of those deaths occurred between 42 and 365 days after delivery, beyond the standard 60 days of Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for pregnant people in Pennsylvania. In addition, 53 percent of the cases of maternal death between 2013 and 2018 affected birthing parents who were enrolled in Medical Assistance when they delivered.
This policy change can be transformative for Pennsylvania’s new parents. It is within the power of the executive branch to permanently extended this expansion, which is the ultimate goal of this campaign.
Legislators must focus on policies like #OptInPA, rather than wasting time and energy on policies which have the proven effect of increasing maternal mortality rates. Our work is done best when we are working to solve problems and improve everyone’s access to healthcare. We ask our allies in this fight to continue to voice their support for #OptInPA and other measures that will increase access to healthcare and lead to positive outcomes for Pennsylvania’s families.
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September 22, 2021
Harrisburg, Pa. − September 22, 2021 − Senators Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny), Katie Muth (D-Chester, Montgomery, and Berks), Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery and Delaware), John Kane (D-Chester and Delaware), Tim Kearney (D-Chester and Delaware), and Judy Schwank (D-Berks) held a press conference yesterday to urge Senate Republicans and Majority Leader Senator Kim Ward to join them in making a real commitment to accountability and transparency by giving consideration to the 14 individual Senate Rules Amendments that they have introduced.
“It’s time to stop talking about how we can be better at transparency and accountability and time to actually do better,” said Senator Williams. “These Rules Amendments are all simple, non-partisan measures that will ensure the voices of every Pennsylvanian are heard, not just those with power and influence. We are asking Senator Ward, as the Chair of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, to consider these individual Resolutions on their merits, because each and every one is a good government measure aimed at improving the quality of representation, accessibility, and transparency of the Senate for all Pennsylvanians and instilling more confidence in this institution.”
The Senate adopts its own Operating Rules every two years at the beginning of the new Session. This past January, Senator Muth and Senator Williams introduced an alternative set of Senate Rules that incorporated many of today’s Amendments; unsurprisingly, these changes never received consideration and the Majority Party’s “status quo” proposal was adopted over the objections of many in the Minority Party.
“Our government should be transparent but unfortunately many of the operating rules of the Senate allow the Majority Party to prioritize politics over policy and silence other members who are trying to advocate for their constituencies and often, for what is right and just,” Senator Muth said. “For far too long, we have allowed the majority to dictate the rules and operations of the State Senate – our package of Senate Rules Reform Resolutions signals that our Caucus will no longer accept business as usual when it comes to an open and fair legislative process.” “The way the Senate operates is inherently broken,” stated Senator Cappelletti. “It furthers a power imbalance that silences the voices of all Pennsylvanians. By reforming the Senate rules, we can have more equity and transparency. We can have a government that hears the people and works for the people.”
Also included in the Senate Rules Amendment package are measures that require that all legislation receives a vote (SR 76) in committee. Currently, fewer than 1 out of every 5 bills introduced by the General Assembly ever receives consideration. Action would also be required on bills that receive unanimous approval in the House or that are co-sponsored by a majority of members from the Majority Party and a majority of members from the Minority Party, (SR 85).
“It is time for partisan games to come to an end and real accountability to begin,” stated Senator Kearney. “Voters didn’t send us here to waste time and taxpayer money, they sent us here to grow our economy, fix our broken infrastructure, make our communities healthy, and support our children’s education. I have been in this chamber for almost three years, and every day it becomes clearer how much of an impact these rules have on my ability to do my job.”
“I’m a working class guy — I spent four decades as a union plumber. And I don’t think you should need an advanced degree to follow and voice your opinion about what your elected officials are doing,” said Senator Kane. “My colleagues and I are introducing rules reforms to make sure our government is working for the people. It’s long past time that Pennsylvanians had real representation in the Senate.”
“Our constituents deserve the highest level of transparency when it comes to what is happening within our state government,” said Senator Schwank. “All the bills proposed as a part of this package will help give people faith that our government is working for them, and they should expect nothing less. Many of these measures are commonsense solutions that give everyone an opportunity to be heard.”
The full list of Rules Resolutions introduced and awaiting action by the Senate Rules Committee is:
SR 75 (Cappelletti): Ensuring Adequate Public Notice of Senate Action
SR 76 (Williams): Every Bill Gets a Vote
SR 77 (Muth): Expanding Legislative Requirements and Action for Bills on Concurrence
SR 78 (Williams): Requiring Majority and Minority Party Participation to Conduct Official Business
SR 79 (Muth): Ensuring Bipartisan Representation on Special Committees
SR 80 (Muth): Every Resolution Gets a Vote
SR 81 (Muth): Every Amendment Gets a Vote
SR 82 (Williams): Ensuring Equitable Representation on Standing Committees
SR 83 (Williams): Requiring Amendment Votes to be Placed on the Senate Publicly Facing Website
SR 85 (Kearney): Require Action on Bipartisan and Unanimous Legislation
SR 86 (Muth): Live Video Feed of Senate Floor
SR 114 (Kane): Mandating a Two-Thirds Vote for Certain Motions
SR 155 (Schwank): Authorizing Minority Party Chairs to Hold Committee Hearings
SR 156 (Schwank): Empowering Minority Chairs to Add Legislation to the Committee Agenda
Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti Contact: Sara Kelly
[email protected]/ 845-216-4057
Senator Katie Muth Contact: Jeff Cavanaugh
[email protected]/ 570-351-6138
Senator John Kane Contact: Abby Diebold
[email protected]/ 484-861-4686
Senator Tim Kearney Contact: Aignér Cleveland
[email protected]/ 610-544-6120
Senator Judy Schwank Contact: Spencer Thornburg
[email protected]/ 610-929-2151
Senator Lindsey M. Williams Contact: Becky Boyle
[email protected]/ 412-364-0469
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August 30, 2021
Harrisburg, PA – August 30, 2021 – Today, State Senators Nikil Saval and Judy Schwank announced they will soon introduce legislation to support Governor Tom Wolf’s call for mask mandates in the state. Senator Schwank’s forthcoming bill would require general indoor masking in early childhood education and childcare programs on a conditional basis for those over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status. Senator Saval’s bill would require school districts to implement universal indoor masking within K-12 classrooms.
Both pieces of legislation will be introduced in the wake of Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman and House Speaker Bryan Cutler rejecting the Governor’s request for the General Assembly to reconvene and approve a statewide requirement for masks to be worn in schools. According to the health and safety plans submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), currently fewer than 10% of schools have enacted a masking policy, which is counter to CDC guidance for K-12 schools.
“The past 18 months have been devastating for all of us, but school children—isolated from their friends, teachers, and school support systems—have experienced a particular and acute version of this trauma. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that kids can return to their schools, while simultaneously ensuring that teachers, family members, and communities can stay safe. In-door masking policies, as part of a school’s COVID prevention strategy, are effective to the degree that transmission levels in schools are often lower than community transmission levels. For the physical and mental safety of our children and the stability of working families throughout the Commonwealth, it’s crucial that PA schools adhere to CDC guidance and implement universal indoor masking,” said Senator Saval.
The call for a statewide mask mandate in schools has been supported by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
“The COVID-19 pandemic badly exacerbated the problems we face with childcare. The closing of childcare facilities has adversely affected our workforce, especially the role of women in our workforce. I know for parents and guardians across the commonwealth, the health and safety of their children is their highest priority. Because a lot of children are still unable to get vaccinated and the uncertainty around new variants, we need to do everything we can to ensure our youngest students, educators, childcare workers and all staff are protected,” said Senator Schwank.
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August 2, 2021
READING, PA − August 2, 2021 − State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) and Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th district) announced three Berks County organizations received a total of $475,000 in Keystone Communities Program (KCP) grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
The City of Reading received $400,000 in grant funding for the Downtown 800 Block Penn Street South Courtyard Improvement Project, which aims to add new lighting to improve safety, install a new drainage system and create new paving and landscaping. The project also includes increased parking for visitors and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant walkways within the courtyard.
Berks Alliance was granted $50,000 in funding for the Reading Façade Improvement Program. The program seeks to improve to external appearance, lighting and security of storefronts and enhance the overall aesthetic of downtown Reading.
The West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation received $25,000 in support of priorities identified by the Vision and Master Plan of Downtown West Reading. The grant funding will go towards façade improvements that will further boost the attractiveness of West Reading.
“The funding awarded to the City of Reading, Berks Alliance and the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation is well deserved,” Schwank said. “All three groups have put together thoughtful plans that will make Berks County a more beautiful place to live while simultaneously improving safety and boosting economic development.”
“Revitalization and the continual improvement of Reading and West Reading bring positive social and economic change to Berks County,” Rozzi said. “I’m happy to see these state dollars going to work right here in our community and contributing to the betterment of our area.”
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July 7, 2021
Reading, PA − July 7, 2021 − Kutztown, Shillington and Wyomissing Boroughs were awarded Green Light-Go grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) totaling over $780,000, according to State Senator Judy Schwank.
Kutztown received $40,054, Shillington $320,911 and Wyomissing $420,384 in Green Light-Go grant support. The funding will be used to replace outdated controllers, upgrade LED lenses, enhance operational equipment and other modernization upgrades.
“Local officials know better than anyone what their residents want,” Schwank said. “All three municipalities receiving Green Light-Go funding recognized the need to improve traffic safety. Our citizens want to be sure the roads and intersections they use for their daily commutes are equipped with the latest advancements in traffic safety. The funding award will help make sure that is the case in each of these communities.”
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June 29, 2021
Reading, PA − June 29, 2021 − My office has seen a significant uptick in calls related to unemployment fraud since the implementation of the new Unemployment Compensation (UC) system. As many are aware, the rollout of this new system has been very difficult. Unfortunately, the rise in fraud claims will only exacerbate problems we are seeing and steer resources away from claimants who truly need help. Even members of my staff and I have been the targets of phishing attempts and fraudulent claims.
If you believe someone may have used your identity to file an unemployment claim, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), you should do the following:
To report someone who has filed for UC benefits using your personal information such as your name, Social Security Number, and date of birth without your knowledge or consent, please visit the UC Benefits Website and click “Report Fraud” to complete and submit the Identity Theft Form. Do not log in.
- To report benefit fraud related to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), fill out a Benefits Fraud Form on the L&I website.
- You can also call the L&I Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469.
- File a police report with your local municipality. A copy of the police report must be provided to the Office of Unemployment Compensation.
- If you are a victim of identity theft, please visit the Federal Trade Commission website to learn how to start a recovery plan.
- If you can’t access the FTC website, call your federal representative for assistance.
- If you are concerned your personal information may have been stolen and want to protect your identity when filing a federal tax return, you can request an Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN) from the IRS.
Recently scammers have been attempting to use text messages to collect sensitive information. L&I sends automated text alerts but will never request your personal information via text message. Please exercise caution if you receive text messages from unverified numbers or comments on social media offering help via an email address or direct link. Additionally, never give out personal information through messaging apps or social media.
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June 23, 2021
Harrisburg, PA − June 23, 2021 − The Pennsylvania Senate voted 50-0 to approve a bill that would allow milk processors more flexibility in labeling. The legislation stems from a dairy industry study Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) requested in 2018 which suggested clarifying milk date coding requirements as a way for the state to bolster the dairy industry.
SB 434 allows milk processors to use a “best by” date rather than a “sell by” date, which was one of the steps recommended by the Dairy Future Commission. The proposal also allows milk processors to request a later “best by” or “sell by” date than the current 17-day milk code, which allows Pennsylvania milk to compete with milk processed in other states.
“A lot of other states don’t have 17-day milk code requirements which have nothing to do with safety,” Schwank said. “Milk doesn’t spoil once you get to day 18. When consumers are in the milk aisle at the grocery store, they are going to reach for the carton with the latest date. This is putting our dairy industry at a competitive disadvantage. This legislation will change that and make Pennsylvania milk the fresher choice.”
The bill will be headed to Governor Tom Wolf’s desk to be signed into law.
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June 10, 2021
Reading, June 10, 2021 Three projects put forward by the Berk County will receive $884,403 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for three projects according to Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district), Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th district) and Rep. Manny Guzman (D-127th district).
Berks County will also receive $409,955 in State Intermediate Punishment Treatment Funds for the Berks Intermediate Punishment FY21/22 project and $454,448 in Improvement of Adult Probation Service Grant-In-Aid Funds for the Berks County APO Grant in Aid FY20/21 project. The funding will be used to provide treatment for individuals facing drug related offenses and to strengthen services for those on probation.
Berks will also receive $20,000 in support from the Capital Case Indigent Defense Funds. The funds will be used for a mitigation expert for a capital homicide case from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
“These grant funds will have an immediate positive impact on the health and safety of all Berks County residents,” said Sen. Schwank. “Strategic investments in our justice system are crucial and have tremendous social benefits for entire communities.”
“This much-needed state support will go a long way to improve the criminal justice system here at home,” Rep. Rozzi said. “These grants will allow for the increase of treatment services, including supporting detox and alcohol intervention. In short, these funds will allow the people who want help find the support they need and progress toward making a positive impact in their family’s lives as well as in their community.”
“I remain committed to fighting for criminal justice reform and ending mass incarceration, and while much more work still needs to be done, I’m pleased to see that one of these grants will allow the Berks County Jail System to decrease its incarcerated population,” Rep. Guzman said. “Implementing a probation program with restrictions for people convicted of non-violent drug or alcohol offenses will allow people to recover and receive the treatment they need. Jail is not the only answer for every person, at some point we also need to treat the issue that led to the crime.”
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Contact: Spencer Thornburg
Sen. Judy Schwank
Phone: 610-929-2151
Email: [email protected]
May 25, 2021
HARRISBURG, PA − May 25, 2021 − Chairs, members, and advocates of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) gathered today to reaffirm their commitment to protecting abortion access in response to the recent anti-abortion hearings in the Pennsylvania House Health Committee and the current anti-abortion legislation moving through the General Assembly.
Chairs of the caucus, Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery, Delaware), Representative Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) and Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) were joined by Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), member and co-founder of the caucus, as well as a patient advocate, Kelsey, who shared her story.
“I proudly stood with my colleagues of the Women’s Health Caucus today, in support of reproductive healthcare,” said Senator Schwank. “Today, we heard about commonsense evidence-based policies that will increase the health and wellbeing of people from across the Commonwealth. These policies, which include steps to address maternal mortality outcomes, increase access to contraceptives and protect a person’s medical information, have been overlooked. Instead, House Republicans chose to promote legislation that totally undermines the constitutional right that all people have to make their own healthcare choices. Women choose to have an abortion for a myriad of reasons, all of which are deeply personal. We can never fully know or even understand the situations that people face in their lives, particularly their reproductive healthcare. Their choice is one that is fundamentally their own to make, and politicians have no place in this decision.”
As a caucus, we remain committed to fighting anti-abortion legislation and rhetoric. Additionally, we propose that the House Health Committee address issues that are real challenges for every day Pennsylvanians, rather than waste time and taxpayer money on advancing this shame-based, anti-abortion rhetoric that will end in a veto from the Governor.
“Rather than focus our efforts on building a better and more equitable healthcare system that delivers adequate and coordinated care, our Republican colleagues chose to spend our time and tax payers’ dollars on hearings seeking to block women from accessing constitutionally protected abortion care,” said Representative Cephas. “During a pandemic we have real issues and challenges facing Pennsylvanians. With an ending in sight for COVID-19, now is the time to have real conversations and move policies that are geared towards ensuring the health of communities across the Commonwealth.”
Today, the PA House Health Committee voted three anti-abortion bills out of committee. Read them here: HB1500, HB118, HB904. These bills all have the same ultimate goal, to make abortions illegal in Pennsylvania. The WHC will continue to work to protect access to abortion and call out shame-based, anti-abortion rhetoric.
“I am proud to stand with members of the Women’s Health Caucus as we pledge to the women of Pennsylvania that we will continue to stand up for their right to choose – not what to choose. We know that women are perfectly capable of making their own decisions about their own bodies and that women will make the best decisions for themselves and their families,” said Representative Daley.
The Governor has also reaffirmed his will veto any bill that comes across his desk which would limit access to reproductive health care.
“I stand firm in my commitment and support of reproductive rights,” said Governor Tom Wolf.“While members of the legislature continue to play politics around health choices, I will not let the Commonwealth go backwards on reproductive rights or access to health care. I will veto any anti-choice legislation that lands on my desk.”
“Controlling what happens to our bodies is a fundamental right. Patients are entitled to bodily autonomy without the legislature intervening in personal and private medical decisions. I suggest my colleagues focus on the numerous real issues facing our Commonwealth, like the increasing maternal mortality rate, rather than wasting resources on pushing shame-based, anti-abortion rhetoric by introducing bills that will end up being vetoed,” said Senator Cappelletti.
Watch the full press conference here.
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May 17, 2021
Harrisburg – May 17, 2021 – At the request of state Senators Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing on the impact of the Pennsylvania state system of higher education’s (PASSHE) redesign plan.
“I serve on PASSHE’s Board of Governors, and through that role I’ve had the opportunity to meet with students, faculty, university presidents and trustees from all of the campuses,” Schwank said. “I know firsthand how important these institutions are to both the students who attend them and the communities where they are located. The system is an undeniable asset to the commonwealth. I’m hopeful that through honest and constructive dialogue, my colleagues and I will learn more about the current status of PASSHE and the impact that the integration plan will have on every aspect of the system. Our task as legislators, and all stakeholders, is to get us to a plan that will help the system survive and thrive. Many Pennsylvanians are counting on us to bring stability to the system and set it on a course to serve generations of learners.”
PASSHE has advocated for a system redesign since its strategic review in 2016. The comprehensive review was conducted because fiscal challenges within the 14-member network of PASSHE showed that the current financial course they were on was untenable.
Act 50 of 2020 provides the authority and guidance for the Board of Governors of PASSHE to restructure the PASSHE’s institutions.
“Over the last few months, we’ve heard from Chancellor Greenstein on his proposed redesign plan, but one of the things missing from those conversations has been the voices of those most directly impacted by these changes—our students, faculty members, and staff,” said Senator Williams. “Our state system schools are intended to make a college degree affordable for Pennsylvania students, especially for our minority and first-generation students and right now, we’re not fulfilling that mission. I continue to have questions and concerns about the proposed consolidation plan and whether it will provide the type of relief that our struggling state system and our students desperately need.”
Dr. Jamie Martin, President of APSCUF, said that the consolidation of universities in the western region (California, Clarion, and Edinboro) and in the northeastern region (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield) are a serious concern for her and her faculty union members.
“The concerns we have for our students range from questions regarding course availability, especially opportunities for face-to-face classes, and the way in which the 25% price reductions described in the plans will be achieved,” Martin said.
Ross Brumagin, President AFSCME Local 2329 and an Edinboro University High Voltage Electrician, said that he was concerned that the current redesign plan does not prioritize preserving jobs.
“We’ve been steadily losing AFSCME-represented positions for a decade now. We had 231 positions in 2011, 217 in 2015, and now we have just 125. We just went through layoffs in November 2020 because of PASSHE’s so-called “financial sustainability” policy. Then on top of that, they are proposing to integrate Edinboro with the Universities of Clarion and California under the umbrella of one accredited university – and eliminate even more jobs,” Brumagin said.
Shawn O’Dell, President AFSCME Local 2360 and a Lock Haven University employee and graduate, said that she is concerned that her degree will eventually be from an unaccredited university based on how the consolidation plans continue.
Cameron O’Neill, Junior at Bloomsburg University and a members of the Honors College, testified about her experience as a current student and the challenges she and her peers have faced as a result of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that this experience has made them even more apprehensive about the proposed consolidation plans that rely heavily on hybrid online and in person education models. O’Neill also voiced concern about what she saw as a lack of outreach to current students to about the consolidation and redesign process, and whether or not they were in favor of this plan.
“I can confirm that the only thing I have received (and completed) regarding our needs was one survey asking for a name of the consolidated schools. There was no option on that survey that asked if we thought this was a good idea,” O’Neill said.
Dr. Marc Stier, Director of Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center, said in his testimony in regards to the student experience that decrease in attendance at PASSHE schools is not necessarily the result of demographic changes, but the fact that prices at these institutions have increased dramatically.
“Tuitions have risen dramatically at PASSHE schools as state funding has precipitously declined. State funding is now only 38% of the 1983-84 level. The state ranks 47th out of 50 states in per capita investment in higher education. As state has fallen, the student share of costs has increase dramatically,” Stier said.
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, President of Clarion University and Interim President of Edinboro University, testified at the hearing about why PASSHE feels that the redesign and consolidation are necessary, “We see integration as a next step in this evolution – one that brings inevitable uncertainties, but is also necessary to ensure that we can continue to serve our mission and the students who are at its heart.”
“Integration will allow these three sister institutions in Western Pennsylvania to harness their collective strengths and provide students with a wealth of opportunities not found at any single institution,” Pehrsson continued.
Dr. Dan Greenstein, Chancellor of PASSHE, also participated in today’s hearing, and responded to the criticisms that the redesign process has not been transparent, or student centered. He said that he was grateful for the feedback he has heard today and from the public comment period available still ongoing in the PASSHE redesign process.
In response to questions about why this process what happening now and why it could not wait for a longer period of time, Greenstein said, “By not addressing these problems and continuing to push them down the road we make the inequalities within our system worse.”
Greenstein said that based on the past 10 years of financial predictions, the trends of what will happen to the universities if nothing is done is clear, and they will eventually run out funds to operate successfully.
“As someone with significant student debt myself after pursuing a graduate degree, I know how important it is for Pennsylvanians to have access to quality and affordable higher education. I am very grateful for all who joined us at this hearing today to continue to discuss the best options to create a Pennsylvania state system of higher education that prioritizes students, faculty, and the communities that house the education institutions of Pennsylvania,” Sen. Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said.
Below are all who participated in today’s hearing:
- Dr. Jamie Martin, President of APSCUF
- Cameron O’Neill, Junior at Bloomsburg University (Honors College)
- Justina Arena, Junior at California University
- Ross Brumagin, President AFSCME Local 2329, Edinboro University High Voltage Electrician
- Shawn O’Dell, President AFSCME Local 2360, Lock Haven University Clerk Typist 3
- Dr. Marc Stier, Director, Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center
- Dr. Dan Greenstein, Chancellor
- Aaron Walton, President, Cheyney University
- Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, President, Clarion University and Interim President, Edinboro University
- Mia Swales, Student Trustee, Lock Haven University
The full recording of this roundtable, as well as the written testimony from participants, can be found at senatormuth.com/policy. A full recording of this hearing can also be found on the PA Senate Democratic Facebook page.
