November 28, 2012
READING, Nov. 28, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank announced today that several Berks County municipalities have been awarded state grants toward improvement projects in local parks and greenways.
“Our local parks and green spaces are precious community resources, so it’s important that we ensure that they are around for generations to come,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “These state grants will help fund improvement projects that will make these parks and greenways more accessible to the public and will help protect and conserve our natural resources.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administered the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation (Key 93) Funds, which are part of the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. This program provides financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other nonprofits for the planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
Berks County received $217,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Antietam Lake Park, Lower Alsace Township, including the construction of an environmental education center, parking area, pedestrian walkways, installation of site utilities, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.
Fleetwood Borough received $40,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Community Park, including the installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Kutztown Borough received $100,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Kutztown Park, including the construction of a pavilion/comfort station, installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Natural Lands Trust, Inc. received $135,000 toward the acquisition of approximately 59 acres located along Mullen Hollow Road in Robeson and Union townships for open space, passive recreation and stream protection.
Reading City received $100,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of Kieffer Park, including the construction of ball field and pedestrian walkways, installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, lighting, site amenities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements.
Schuylkill River Greenway Association received $55,000 to prepare a feasibility study to determine the type, size and location of a pedestrian bridge over State Route 724, and identify design solutions to mitigate river debris accumulation at the existing river bridge over the Schuylkill River.
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November 27, 2012
READING, Nov. 27, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank applauded the work of the Task Force on Child Protection, which today released its report detailing recommendations for improving Pennsylvania’s laws regarding child abuse.
“This is a very important report that offers a comprehensive blueprint on how to address the issue of child abuse,” said Schwank, who is a member of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “The thoughtful perspective that the task force took was excellent. Its recommendations would bring Pennsylvania into the 21st century in dealing with the shameful problem of child abuse.”
“Armed with this insightful report, lawmakers must take a more aggressive approach in dealing with child abuse and how we can craft laws that will more effectively protect our children and punish those who harm them,” Schwank said. “We must not put off acting on the recommendations in the report. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee to explore and implement legislative remedies as outlined in the report.”
Child abuse protection is especially critical in Berks County, which was ranked fifth in the state for number of reported child abuse cases in 2011, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s 2011 Annual Child Abuse Report.
“It is all of our responsibility as citizens to protect our children from sick individuals who prey upon them,” Schwank said. “Too often, child abuse goes unreported. This report is a call to action and the first step toward improving our laws.”
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November 9, 2012
READING, Nov. 9, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank is cautioning all seniors to be vigilant of organizations requesting payment for completing the state Property Tax and Rent Rebate application.
“Many seniors have alerted us to potential scams and moneymaking schemes tied to the state rebate program,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “It is important for seniors to be aware that this rebate can be completed and forwarded free of charge at my district office, as well as other state agencies.”
For more information about the program and for an applications, individuals can contact Schwank’s district office at 1940 N. 13th St. in Reading at 610-929-2151 or the State Revenue Department at 625 Cherry St. in Reading at 610-378-4401
To qualify for a rebate, individuals must be at least 65 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2011, a widow or widower 50 years or older or permanently disabled during all or part of the 2011 claim year.
The program’s income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners remains at $35,000 with the maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Low-income, elderly renters may also receive rebates ranging from $500 to $650, but the income limit is $15,000 a year for renters.
The deadline to submit an application is Dec. 31.
“Individuals who think they qualify for a rebate should complete and mail their application to the Department of Revenue as soon as possible,” Schwank said.
If seniors feel they have been a victim of a potential scam please contact the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 717-787-9707 or contact Schwank’s district office.
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October 30, 2012
Harrisburg – October 30, 2012 – (4:30 p.m.) In an afternoon conference call briefing, Robert Powelson, chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and Glenn M. Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, outlined new developments relating to Hurricane Sandy and the impact that the storm has had on Pennsylvania.
According to information conveyed during the briefing, there were 903 Pennsylvanians in shelters and there have been three fatalities as a result of the hurricane striking Pennsylvania. As of mid-afternoon, 41 counties have issued disaster declarations and 1.2 million citizens were without power – 570,000 in PECO’s service area in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. There is the potential that power may not be restored for seven to 10 days.
Although the storm was making its way out of the state, Pennsylvania may still feel the impact of the storm. Two large shelters were being opened at West Chester University and East Stroudsburg University.
Also it was noted that hospitals, nursing homes and counties needed generators and that some schools may remain closed due to energy and flood issues. There has been no interruption of welfare benefits.
In regards the election, an extension has been granted to apply for an absentee ballot if county courthouses – and the elections offices – were closed due to the storm. The length of the extension is dependent upon the number of days the elections board was idled. The original application deadline was today.
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October 30, 2012
Absentee ballot deadline extended in Pennsylvania as state recovers from this massive storm.
Harrisburg, October 30, 2012 – (9:20 a.m.) Gov. Tom Corbett provided additional details on how Pennsylvania is dealing with Hurricane Sandy earlier today at a briefing held at Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) headquarters.
Later today, the governor said he will be speaking with President Barack Obama and will be in contact with Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie of New York and New Jersey respectively, to determine if resources are able to be shared.
The center of former Hurricane Sandy is now over Chambersburg and the strength of the storm has diminished. There has been local flooding and reports of wind damage. Two deaths have been reported.
The governor said that 1.3 million Pennsylvanians are without power this morning. There are 603 people in shelters and that 48 shelters are operational. Thirty-eight counties have issued disaster declarations. PEMA is on level one status and 1,700 National Guard troops have been deployed.
SEPTA and Amtrak remain closed although speed restrictions on interstates have been lifted, except for I-90 and I-79 in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The storm dumped between 6-9 inches of snow in the Laurel Highlands and that western Pennsylvania will see additional impacts in Pennsylvania as the storm moves west then north.
Last night, the governor indicated that there would be an extension for submitting absentee ballot applications in those counties where the courthouses have been closed as a result of the storm. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the deadline for voters to request absentee ballots – originally 5 p.m. Tuesday – has been extended by up to two days, depending on how many days county offices were forced to close because of the storm.
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Resources:
An excellent list of telephone numbers for utilities and other contact information was released yesterday and posted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Find out up-to-date information about Hurricane Sandy from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on its website www.readypa.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA
Information about major state road closures is available by calling 511 or by www.511pa.com
Find the nearest Red Cross shelter
October 29, 2012
October 29, 2012 — (6 p.m.) Gov. Tom Corbett held briefing to update the status of Hurricane Sandy and its impact on Pennsylvania. The governor said that the storm had 90 mile per hour winds and was making landfall in New Jersey and expected to move west. The storm was moving at 28 miles per hour but would slow down over land.
The eye of the storm is expected to pass south of Harrisburg by 2 a.m turn north and pass State College by 2 p.m. tomorrow. It is expected to take a path over Philadelphia and will hug the southern border of Pennsylvania. The outer winds of the storm will reach Johnstown. The governor expected flooding to be significant in some portions of the state.
There are 58 evacuation centers that are able to handle 31,000 people. As of 6 p.m., 100,000 Pennsylvanians were without power. The governor said he was going to close the interstates near Philadelphia beginning at 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. There are currently 308 Pennsylvania residents in shelters as a result of the storm.
In response to a question from the media, the governor indicated that there would be an extension for submitting absentee ballot applications in those counties where the courthouses have been closed as a result of the storm. The extent of the extension would depend on the number of days that the courthouse was closed.
Resources:
An excellent list of telephone numbers for utilities and other contact information was released today and posted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Find out up-to-date information about Hurricane Sandy from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on its website www.readypa.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA
Information about major state road closures is available by calling 511 or by www.511pa.com
Find the nearest Red Cross shelter
Important information about Hurricane Sandy – Additional Information will be posted as it is made available:
- President Obama has signed a disaster declaration for Pennsylvania.
- Most state offices affected by the storm will be closed for 48 hours.
- The speed limit on all highways has been lowered.
October 18, 2012
HARRISBURG, Oct. 18, 2012 — A measure that strengthens penalties for underage drinking and public drunkenness is headed to the governor’s desk after receiving overwhelming support in the state legislature, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
Senate Bill 941 would raise the fine for underage drinking and public drunkenness to a maximum fine of $1,000. Currently, it’s $300 for all offenses, and $500 for second and subsequent offenses.
“Irresponsible drinking is a problem in many communities, especially college towns. It’s a quality of life issue but also a safety issue, so it’s important that we take steps to deter behaviors like underage drinking and public drunkenness,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “With five colleges here in Berks County, this legislation should give our students pause to understand the consequences and responsibilities of consuming alcoholic beverages.”
The bill now awaits approval from the governor to become law.
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October 11, 2012
HARRISBURG, Oct. 11, 2012 — An additional 92.9 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $232,250 that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farms will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Rebman-Reed Tulpehocken Twp. 92.9
“Farmland preservation is a crucial way to protect our agricultural industry while supporting our local farming families and all their hard work,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that we are once again preserving hundreds more acres of land solely for farming use.”
Statewide, 4,342 farms totaling 468,091 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County, 643 farms consisting of 64,950 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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October 4, 2012
READING, Oct. 4, 2012 — As concerns of gang violence and gang recruitment grow in Reading, state Sen. Judy Schwank said that this week’s Senate passage of anti-gang legislation offers a step toward deterring this disturbing activity that plagues neighborhoods and recruits children.
House Bill 1121 would make recruiting criminal street gang members a crime and would increase sentences for crimes committed in association with a criminal street gang.
The senator said the movement of this legislation is of particular interest to the City of Reading, as it has been reported that the recent fights at the Citadel intermediate school may be gang related.
“It’s particularly disturbing that gangs are luring our children into a life of danger, criminal activity, and violence. The fights at the Citadel are endangering students and faculty and disrupting the students’ education. If gang activity is a source of the violence, then it’s imperative that we seek proactive measures to put an end to it now,” Schwank said. “We need to send a clear message that gang recruitment will not be tolerated, especially among our youth. House Bill 1121 is a solid step in the right direction for Reading and communities all across the commonwealth.”
The bill is now back in the House of Representatives for consideration.
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October 2, 2012
HARRISBURG, Oct. 2, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank said today’s Commonwealth Court ruling on the state’s voter ID law will give voters more time to prepare for future elections while ensuring their right to vote this November.
“There have been many questions from voters all across the state on whether they had the right form of photo ID and how to obtain it,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “Today’s ruling resolves those questions for now, and voters need not worry about whether their vote will be counted in this November’s General Election.”
Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson today issued a preliminary injunction on the law, which requires voters to present a valid form of photo ID in order to cast a ballot. The injunction is temporary. Voters may be asked for ID when they vote in the Nov. 6 General Election but will still be able to vote without photo ID.
“The judge’s decision was a fair ruling, in light of the confusion about the law among voters and administration officials alike over the past few months,” Schwank said. “No voter should have to agonize about whether they can exercise their right to vote. For now, they can go to the polls with confidence and focus on selecting the candidates they feel will serve their needs best.”
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September 20, 2012
READING, Sept. 20, 2012 — Agriculture is not only the No. 1 industry in Berks County, but also in Pennsylvania. The future of local farming and food prices will have a direct impact on the industry, consumers, businesses and the economy.
As farming experts continue to examine ways that the industry is sustaining itself and evolving, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today hosted a roundtable discussion at Fleetwood Grange Hall in Fleetwood, Pa. to talk about farm profitability.
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[/frame]“Throughout Pennsylvania’s history, agriculture has been a key industry and economic driver in Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton/Monroe), the Democratic chair of the Senate Policy Committee. “It is imperative that we understand the challenges and conditions that farmers are facing, and how our communities are impacted by the far-reaching consequences.”
From open space and farmland preservation efforts to establishing the horse racing development fund that invests gaming dollars into related agricultural activities, government leaders and farmers have often partnered successfully in Pennsylvania to keep this important industry viable. Most recently, a new state law went into effect that eliminated the state inheritance tax on working farms, providing relief and sustainability to farming families.
“Agriculture is an integral part of Pennsylvania’s past, present, and future. It’s an industry that is impacted by everything from the weather to the economy, and its successes and struggles, in turn, affect all of us,” said state Sen. Judy Schwank, the Democratic chair of the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee. “We must continue to support our farms and our farming families for the health of the industry and the future of the entire commonwealth.”
As the farming population ages, some of the panelists said they are seeing fewer young people taking an interest in a career in agriculture.
“These are extraordinary times but it’s a great place to be in terms of looking to the future,” said Russell Redding, dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College. “We need to share that story and it begins with discussions like these.”
Carl Brown, the treasurer of F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc., said the average age of his clients is 55 to 57 years old, and he said the number of young people interested in farming is declining. He said he sees fewer students involved in 4H clubs and fairs.
“Here in Pennsylvania we’re not encouraging young people to look at agriculture as a future and that really bothers me,” said Brown, a sixth generation farmer. “How does a young person buy into the business?”
The panelists said they are concerned that young people who are interested in agriculture but do not have connections are deterred from taking that risk.
Mark Goodhart, president of Crop Insurance Agents Association of Pennsylvania, noted that farmland preservation is a solid way to maintain the farming industry, and the best way to preserve farmland is to have profitable farms.
“If we can have profitable farms we have an excellent tool to the next generation into farming,” said Goodhart, who recommended informing young farmers about risk management to protect them as they enter this industry. “We need to encourage young farmers to have risk management tools. They want to have that foot in the door and we need to have risk management tools to help them.”
Christian Herr, vice president of PennAg Industries Association, said animal health is a top priority, as it’s a matter of public health and safety. He said he’s concerned about funding in order to ensure that the industry is prepared in the event of an animal disease outbreak.
“If we have serious animal disease we could be in deep trouble,” Herr said. “It’s critical that we’re properly funded to handle it.”
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September 10, 2012
READING, Sept. 10, 2012 — Nearly two dozen Berks County arts programs have received state funding, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Tom Caltagirone.
“The arts are an important part of any community. They provide entertainment, creative expression, and education to people of all ages,” said Schwank (D-11th dist.). “I’m grateful that the state is supporting our local arts programs.”
“There are many unique arts programs in Berks County that deserve recognition and support,” said Caltagirone (D-127th dist.). “This funding will help these programs continue to thrive.”
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts awarded a total of more than $172,000 in state grants to the following programs in Berks County:
- Berks Arts Council, located in Reading, received $22,687 for the support the council and $15,055 for the support the administration of the PA Partners in the Arts program to serve Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill counties.
- Berks Bards, Inc., located in Reading, received $748.
- Berks Classical Children’s Chorus, located in Reading, received $3,532.
- Berks Community Television, located in Reading, received $4,338 for the support of its arts programs.
- Berks Encore, located in Reading, received $2,000.
- Building a Better Boyertown received $2,000 for the support of the Studio B: Arts and Activities Alliance
- Clay on Main, located in Oley, received $2,000.
- Community School of Music and the Arts, located in Reading, received $3,070.
- Foundation for the Reading Public Museum received $25,639
- Goggle Works, located in Reading, received $27,204.
- Kutztown University received a $4,895 for the support of KU Presents!: Performing Arts Series
- Mifflin Community Library, located in Shillington, received $1,494 for support of the arts programs at the library
- New Arts Program, Inc., located in Kutztown, received $2,000
- Our Town Foundation, located in Hamburg, received $2,000 for the support of the Hamburg Area Arts Alliance.
- Reading Area Community College received $3,245 for the support of the Miller Center for the Arts.
- Reading Choral Society received $2,000.
- Reading Musical Foundation received $9,507.
- Reading Symphony Orchestra received $19,280.
- Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Inc., located in Wyomissing, received $10,210 for the support of a Long-Term Residency (LTR) project at the Wilson Area High School, coordinating a professional theatre artist with the theatre faculty and curriculum
- Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Inc., located in Reading, received $9,310.
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August 24, 2012
READING, Aug. 24, 2012—State Sen. Judy Schwank is reminding parents, grandparents, and students that there is still time to save for college at last year’s credit prices in the Pennsylvania 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP). After Aug. 31, GSP credit prices will rise due to the increases in tuition rates for the coming academic years.
Sen. Schwank explained that the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan allows families to buy college credits at today’s prices for use when a student is ready to go to college. (Pennsylvania 529 also offers an Investment Plan, which allows families to save for college by choosing a variety of market-based investment options).
“Getting a good education is the key to a bright and successful future,” said Senator Schwank. “With the average cost of a four-year university increasing at the rate of 15 percent every two years and cumulative student loan debt nationwide over $1 trillion, it makes sense for families to save early to help their children afford the cost of college.
“For the past twenty years, the Pennsylvania 529 college savings program has helped tens of thousands of families meet the cost of college tuition,” noted Senator Schwank. “I used the PA 529 Program to help fund my daughter’s tuition at Penn State.”
“Families have until next Friday to purchase the GSP credits at last year’s rates and I encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity,” added Senator Schwank. “For families not yet enrolled in the PA 529 Program, now is a good time to begin a college savings program.”
According to Senator Schwank, saving for college through the PA 529 college savings plan offers a variety of tax benefits, including a state tax deduction of up to $13,000 per beneficiary.
Additionally information on the Pennsylvania 529 college savings program is available online at www.pa529.com or by contacting Senator Schwank’s district office at 610-929-2151.
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August 23, 2012
HARRISBURG, Aug. 23, 2012 — An additional 243 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $607,000 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farms will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Helen Kosmerl Maidencreek Twp. 177.10
Kervin & Mary Jane Weaver Richmond Twp. 66.00
Total 243.1
“Berks County has a proud tradition of family farming, and that’s why it’s so important that we preserve the land that sustains local families and our economy,” Schwank said. “Farmland conservation easements ensure that agriculture — our county’s number one industry — thrives.”
Statewide, 4,320 farms totaling 465,953 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 642 farms consisting of 64,857 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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August 9, 2012
READING, Aug. 9, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank called the recent release of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) evaluation of the response of electric utilities to outages caused by multiple severe storms last year a “step in the right direction,” but expressed concern that the agency’s efforts “might not go far enough.”
“Severe storm-related events, especially the freak snowstorm on Oct. 29, 2011, caused unprecedented, prolonged power outages throughout Berks County and the entire Commonwealth,” said Schwank.
“The PUC’s reports contain a number of positive recommendations, not the least of which is ensuring that electric distribution companies provide timely and accurate information to customers during outage events, and the ‘action items’ the commission will implement are a step in the right direction,” added Schwank. “However, while I am pleased that the Public Utility Commission has completed its lengthy and time consuming review, I am concerned that agency’s efforts might not go far enough.
“Last year’s storm-related outages caused real hardships for real people that demanded a thorough and timely response,” noted Schwank. “The wheels of government turn slowly and we need to make sure that the Commission follows through on implementing its action items to minimize the impact of future storm events, especially as we approach winter.”
Schwank noted that as a result of extensive meetings and communications she has had with officials of Met-Ed, the company had previously agreed to implement a number of procedures to improve the company’s response to weather-related outages, including stationing a company liaison in the Berks County 911 Emergency Call Center during these events.
“I intend to continue to work with our local utilities and push the commission to follow through to ensure that we are all ready to deal with any future events,” Schwank said.
Schwank also pointed out that even with the efforts to minimize the impact of future weather events on utility services it is important for area residents to be ready for potential emergencies. Information on how to prepare your home and family for emergencies is available at www.readypa.gov.
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June 30, 2012
HARRISBURG, June 30, 2012 — State Senator Judy Schwank said today that while the new state budget achieves an appropriate funding level, she voted against it because it fails to properly fund important programs and services.
“This is a pass-the-buck budget” said Schwank, “It pushes costs down to local government and counties and, ultimately, the taxpayer.”
But while she opposed the budget, Schwank said many of the budget related bills make important changes that she was pleased to vote for.
She noted, as an example, that additional funding will be provided to financially distressed school districts, including $3.7 million for Reading. To ensure the money is properly spent, the bill includes Schwank’s language requiring the distressed funding money allocated to Reading is subject to review by the Department of Education and the local Intermediate Unit. She also supported legislation that expands the Education Improvement Tax Credit.
Schwank said she also voted for an inheritance tax exemption on transfers of agricultural properties between family members, as well as to incubate new industries and thousands of new jobs in the state with tax credits to develop a natural gas cracker plant in western Pennsylvania.
“These are things we need to do,” she said, “but right now it’s as if our economic plan is nothing but Marcellus Shale, and that’s not enough.”
“We are a commonwealth of many job sectors. We need to take steps to help all of them.”
June 19, 2012
HARRISBURG, June 19, 2012 – State Sen. Judy Schwank today reminded dog owners that Pennsylvania law requires that they purchase an annual dog license.
“Obtaining a state license is not only the law, but it’s also one more way you can show your love for your four-legged friend,” said Schwank, the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. “A license can be crucial if a dog gets lost, so take this simple preventative step today for your beloved pet.”
Dog owners can purchase an annual license from the state for $8.45 or a lifetime license for $51.45. For dogs that are spayed or neutered, the annual license is $6.45 and a lifetime license is $31.45.
State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed. Owners who fail to get a dog license face a maximum $300 fine per unlicensed dog.
To obtain a dog license, log on to www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on the icon “License Your Dog. It’s the Law” or visit the County Treasurer’s Office, located at the Berks County Services Center, 633 Court Street, 2nd Floor, in Reading.
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June 14, 2012
HARRISBURG, June 14, 2012 — An additional 34 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $85,250 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farm will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Frank and Carol Szarko Oley Township 34.10
“Agriculture is a significant economic driver in Berks County,” Schwank said. “Farmland conservation easements ensure that the land is protected so that we can continue to provide goods and preserve our county’s number one industry.”
Statewide, 4,293 farms totaling 463,595 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 637 farms consisting of 64,495 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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June 8, 2012
READING, June 8, 2012 — As school districts across Pennsylvania struggle with gaping budget deficits and subsequent cuts in staff and programs, state Sen. Judy Schwank joined local public school advocates today to introduce her resolution that calls on the governor to develop a comprehensive legislative plan to improve basic education.
The resolution recommends that the governor establish an advisory commission made up of parents, teachers, school administrators, higher education leaders, business leaders, and legislators to examine the issue and make specific recommendations.
“For several years we have allowed a budget process to dictate the direction of basic education in Pennsylvania. It’s time we consider the future of education in a thoughtful and deliberative process,” Schwank said. “My resolution calls on Gov. Corbett to empanel a team of experts to study education in the commonwealth and to make specific recommendations to address specific issues.”
School districts across the state are facing financial issues due to funding cuts and the end of federal stimulus funding. Locally, Reading School District is laying off more than 100 teachers and eliminating an additional 60 teaching position in the face of a $40 million budget deficit.
“No child should have to fight for their education. Their job is to go to school, study hard, engage in activities and make lifelong memories with their friends,” Schwank said. “Instead, they are losing their teachers and various programs. Schools are closing around them. It’s shameful.”
Schwank said the committee should look at a range of issues, including the current education funding formula and alternative funding sources; the issue of property tax reform and how to sustainably fund education in the next 10 to 20 years; how to maintain local direction of schools while maximizing effective use of funds; determine which programs are essential for a 21st century model of public education; how to address schools in fiscally distressed communities; explore revising the PA school code and recommend shared services and school consolidation options.
“This is one issue where every Pennsylvania citizen is a stakeholder, so the Corbett administration’s vision for public education should be clear,” Schwank said. “At the same time, the public should play a key part in determining its future. Education is just too important to impose an agenda without giving citizens a voice.”
Representatives from several local school districts spoke in support of the senator’s resolution and the need to discuss education funding methods, especially as school districts across the state are struggling to balance budgets.
“In my 17 years as a teacher I’ve never seen anything this dire. We’re struggling to repair antiquated equipment so students can get basic understanding of their education,” said Rik Immendorf, a high school physics teacher at Reading High School. “I fully support the need to have those of us on front lines on a commission, and not just political pals talking about school districts. We shouldn’t balance the budget on the backs of students and that’s what Gov. Corbett is doing right now.”
“What we’re seeing today is a movement on the part of some to become somewhat elitist on who we educate,” said Dr. Martin Handler, superintendent of Brandywine Heights School District. “This is a terrific first step, having people who work in education make the recommendations and plans for education. I believe allowing people who have expertise to develop plans is the way to go.”
Handler said school districts are even being forced to cut education even at the most basic level — early education.
“All research shows that’s where students sustain greatest amount learning,” Handler said. “Financial challenges are forcing school districts to reconsider funding full-day kindergarten. That’s unconscionable and will have negative affects far into future.”
Exeter School Board member Carole Kutscher said her district’s long-range plans like full-day kindergarten and a successful high school co-op program have been compromised because of school funding cuts.
“I think it’s just ridiculous… it’s almost criminal,” Kutscher said. “No business would operate this way.”
Mitch Hettinger, a middle school teacher in the Reading School District, said the education cuts also impact schools’ brightest students, who will likely go on to college and contribute back to their community.
“These students are motivated to go out and do things in our community. Our students go to college, get their education degree and they come back to the City of Reading to work in the school district they love, only to be laid off because of the cuts that Gov. Corbett forced on students,” Hettinger said. “I think this is an outstanding concept and I am 100 percent in favor of it.”
“It goes beyond Reading. Like most urban school districts, we’re at the tipping point as to what’s going to happen,” said Reading School Board member James Washington. “We’re all going to be suffering.”
Samantha Matthies, a 2012 graduate of the Berks Career and Techology Center, argued for the importance of arts programs in schools.
Matthies recently won the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s annual radio public service announcement contest for high-school students. This year’s theme was discouraging distracted driving.
Commenting on the ornate Capitol in Harrisburg that she recently visited, she said. “Art is right in the Capitol building. Why can’t it be in our schools? It’s what keeps passion in our world. It’s just as important as the mandatory classes you have to take and it should be in our schools.”
“Sam is just one example of what we’re turning out in our schools in Berks County and in the commonwealth and we’re watching it all erode by budget fiat,” Schwank said. “That’s not the way to plan for success. I think basic education deserves to be studied.”
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May 18, 2012
READING, May 18, 2012 — Two local municipalities have been awarded significant state grants for their recycling efforts, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
Exeter Township received an $83,897 Recycling Performance Grant based on the 8,808 tons recycled for 2010 and the township’s population.
Muhlenberg Township received a $44,022 Recycling Performance Grant based on the 5,515.8 tons recycled for 2010 and the township’s population.
“Recycling helps the environment and promotes an industry that supports jobs and our economy,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that the state continues to support community efforts to recycle.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections’ Recycling Performance Grant Program provides incentives to help Pennsylvania communities increase the amount of materials recovered through recycling and promote economic growth through job creation and market expansion.
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May 8, 2012
May 8, 2012 – At a rally today in Harrisburg, people with disabilities, advocates, families, service organizations and supporters called on the state legislature to oppose the proposed 20 percent in state budget cuts to programs that support individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-Phila.) said individuals with intellectual disabilities thrive when they receive ongoing support, and community-based services are crucial and needed more than ever.
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“You would think that we’d want to secure more funding for the programs that help this population of individuals. Instead, it has become one of the governor’s targets for budget,” Kitchen said. “I am outraged that this administration has yet again put its sights on the Department of Public Welfare to make debilitating cuts.”
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April 30, 2012
READING, April 30, 2012 — Berks Community Health Center has been selected to receive a Community Primary Care Challenge Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone.
The $500,000 grant will increase access to primary health care services in Reading. This health center is expected to open in June at the site of Reading Hospital’s health dispensary at 838 Penn St.
“This significant grant will go a long way to provide enhanced accessibility to primary and preventative health services,” said Schwank (D-11th dist.). “I’m pleased that the state recognizes the importance of health centers. They are literally a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens.”
“The Berks Community Health Center will also ease the burden on our emergency rooms, where many vulnerable citizens go when they have no other option,” said Caltagirone (D-127th dist.). “This state grant will benefit citizens and our health care providers alike, and I am grateful for the state support.”
The Community Primary Care Challenge Grant program was created to increase access to primary medical and dental services in areas that the federal government has designated as medically underserved.
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April 25, 2012
READING, April 25, 2012 — The City of Reading has received significant state funding toward a project that will improve the city’s sewer system, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone.
The $10 million low-interest loan, administered by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), will go toward the replacement of the existing force main and the installation of two metering chambers, several air release valve vaults, and other improvements at the site of pumping station.
The system’s hydraulically overloaded force main has resulted in numerous leaks and subsequent raw sewage discharge into the Schuylkill River. The replacement of the force main and other improvements will create an additional flow to the treatment plant, which will eliminate breakages, overloads to the sewer system, backups and raw sewage discharges.
“This project will not only improve the functionality of the sewer system but it will also keep pollutants out of our river,” Schwank said. “Citizens depend on our sewer systems to work properly and thanks to this funding award, the city can fix the problems and ensure that our system is working efficiently.”
“We are grateful for the state’s support with the completion of this important city project,” Caltagirone said. “In addition to improving the system, the project will create 50 jobs, which is always good news.”
Reading is under a federal consent decree to fix problems in the city’s sewer system, which serves more than 22,000 households in Reading and bulk customers in 13 other municipalities.
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April 19, 2012
HARRISBURG, April 19, 2012 — An additional 57 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $143,000 dollars that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farm will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Mark and Kim Weber Brecknock Twsp. 57.20
“It’s important that we not only protect our farmlands but help our farming families continue to thrive because they are helping to sustain our state’s number one industry, agriculture,” Schwank said. “Thanks to the preservation board, another family farm has been preserved.”
Statewide, 4,265 farms totaling 461,206 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 636 farms consisting of 64,460 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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April 16, 2012
READING, April 16, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank is partnering with Spring Clean Berks, in conjunction with The Great American Clean Up, to hold an upcoming cleanup initiative in the 11th Senatorial District.
Individuals of all ages are welcome to volunteer at the clean up, which will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at various Berks County sites to be determined.
“Spring cleaning isn’t just an annual chore for households. Even the outdoors could use some sprucing up,” Schwank said. “This clean up is designed to improve our community’s environment by safely removing and reducing debris in our neighborhoods, and I invite everyone to join us for this fun and beneficial event to make our communities look even more beautiful.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Great American Clean Up will provide the necessary supplies, which can be picked up that morning at Albright College at the Rockland Professional Center, Boscov’s East Department Store, and Kutztown University.
For more information and to volunteer, contact Schwank’s district office at 610-929-2151.
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