September 21, 2017
Reading, September 21, 2017 − Legislation sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) that would require the POW-MIA flag to be flown whenever the American and state flags are flown on state grounds received unanimous support from the Senate State Government Committee.
In the last 100 years, more than 1,100 Pennsylvania families have lost loved ones whose bodies have no known resting spot where their service and sacrifice can be marked and remembered. The black-and-white POW-MIA flag depicts the silhouette of a soldier with his head bowed. Behind the soldier are the images of a watchtower, a strand of barbwire and the words “POW,” “MIA” and “You are not forgotten.”
Congress designated the flag in 1990 as “the symbol of our nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia.”
“The POW-MIA flag is a call to everyone – veterans and civilians alike – to remember that there are many Americans who will never know if their loved ones are still alive, or if they were properly buried,” Schwank said. “My bill will ensure we remember the painful sacrifice these families have made, and continue to make every day. I’m happy to have support from my colleagues.”
The bill would require the POW-MIA flag be flown along with the U.S. flag on state grounds and buildings. The legislation does not impose the requirement on local governments or school districts.
Senate Bill 822 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
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September 1, 2017
Senate Democrats have been in the forefront of efforts to address exposure to lead
Harrisburg – September 1, 2017 – State Sen. Vincent J. Hughes and Senate Democrats applauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s support of universal testing of children under the age of 2 to determine their risk of lead poisoning.
The governor has urged the state Department of Health to work collaboratively with the General Assembly and community partners on crafting legislation to compel testing of children under the age of 2 for lead exposure.
Hughes (D-Philadelphia), along with several Senate Democrats, including Sens. Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny), Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) Judy Schwank (D-Berks), John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia) have been leaders in the effort to combat lead poisoning.
Senate Democrats have offered a comprehensive legislative package to help children, day care centers and home buyers deal with the threat of lead poisoning. Senate Resolution 33, which called for a task force to study lead exposure, was approved by the Senate in early June.
“The governor’s call for universal lead testing of children under the age of 2 is a huge step forward,” Hughes said. “Finding out the depth of the problem will enable us to better design a more effective strategy to deal with lead and help prevent problems associated with lead.”
According to the Department of Health, 28 percent of children in Pennsylvania under 2 years of age were tested for lead in 2015. Several years ago, lead seeping into Flint, Michigan’s public water system caused a devastating health crisis and spurred governments to examine the levels of lead exposure. Eighteen Pennsylvania cities tested higher than Flint for elevated blood lead levels.
Senate Democrats first introduced a comprehensive package of measures dealing with lead in 2016 following the Flint crisis. The legislative package included five bills that would establish a task force to study the issue and account for the age of the state’s housing stock, pipelines and school buildings; require school buildings to be tested for lead; require the licensing of lead testing centers; require property sales agreements to include an option for water testing for lead; and create a “Superfund for Lead Abatement” that would help pay lead remediation costs.
“We can do better and protect children and families from lead poisoning,” Hughes said. “The governor’s support is key to our success in addressing lead in our communities, homes and schools.
“My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are ready to move aggressively on legislation that gets to the root cause of the problem.”
Information about the incidence of lead exposure would enable families to access available services, Hughes said.
In December 2016, Hughes announced that $125,000 in state grant dollars were available to help Philadelphia deal with lead issues.
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August 15, 2017
Reading, August 16, 2017 − Sen. Judy Schwank will hold a Child Care Seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Exeter Community Library on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
In a panel discussion, representatives from Community Services for Children, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) and the Albright Early Learning Center will cover what tools parents and caregivers can use to determine the quality and fit of a child care program, how to pay for that program and will discuss the current child care climate in Pennsylvania.
Quality early childhood education is proven to prepare Pennsylvania’s youngest for a lifetime of learning, Schwank said.
“Affordable, quality child care is one of my biggest priorities, and parents and caregivers need to know how to navigate the maze of options available to them,” Schwank said. “My goal is that everyone who attends this event will leave knowing what they need to be watching for when considering child care programs.”
Who: Sen. Judy Schwank
What: Child Care Seminar
When: Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Exeter Community Library, 4565 Prestwick Drive, Reading 19606
Information: Contact Jamie Klein at 610-929-2151.
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July 18, 2017
Harrisburg, July 18, 2017 – On Monday, July 17th, the Pennsylvania Senate approved Rick Kauffman’s appointment by Gov. Tom Wolf to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Kauffman, Bern Township, was nominated by Sen. Judy Schwank.
“Rick served Penn State Extension with distinction for more than three decades,” Schwank said. “His management skills and administrative experience will serve him well within the Fish and Boat Commission. I’m thrilled by his appointment.”
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is made of 10 commissioners who serve four year terms. Two members serve at large and are experienced in boating and water safety education. The other eight represent specific regions in the Commonwealth.
Kauffman will represent District 8, which includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties.
Kauffman said serving as a commissioner is a way for him to honor Pennsylvania’s outdoor heritage.
“It’s a way for me to give back for all the outdoor recreational opportunities I’ve had that the Fish and Boat Commission covers,” he said. “I hope I can be of some help in guiding our sportsmen and sportswomen in the right direction in the years to come.”
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June 10, 2017
Harrisburg, June 10, 2017 A bill introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank and Sen. David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) to protect construction workers and improve driver safety in active work zones was approved by the Senate today.
Senate Bill 172, which Schwank and Argall introduced in December, was approved by the upper chamber, 45-3.
SB 172 would provide a three-year trial period for PennDOT to place speed cameras in active work zones on limited access highways. Work zones across Pennsylvania have been the site of numerous crashes, including 23 deaths in 2015, which is why this legislation is so needed, Schwank said.
“Children of the men and women who work to improve our roads shouldn’t have to wonder if their parents are going to come home,” Schwank said. “This legislation will make work a little safer for them, and for the motorists who drive through work zones.”
The bill moves to the House now for consideration.
“There have been too many serious or deadly accidents on Pennsylvania’s interstate highways and the turnpike. It’s time we do something about it,” she said. “Speed-camera enforcement has worked in other places. It can work here, too.”
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April 20, 2017
HARRISBURG, April 20, 2017 – The State YMCA of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs honored Sen. Judy Schwank with a Champion of Youth Award at the 2017 YMCA Champions of Youth Luncheon.
The luncheon, held at the Red Lion Hotel in Harrisburg, is the opening event of the Pennsylvania YMCA Youth and Government Program’s annual Model Legislation Convention. Over the weekend, 660 students representing more than 30 high schools and YMCAs converge on the State Capitol and act as Representatives, Senators, Lobbyists, Administration, Reporters, Attorneys and Supreme Court Justices.
Schwank was chosen for the Champion of Youth Award because of her commitment to local YMCAs, like the Tri Valley Branch in Fleetwood, and her support of YMCA of Reading & Berks County events.
Michael Miller, a Hershey High School senior and the Model Legislation’s Speaker of the House, introduced Schwank to the luncheon.
“The YMCA of Reading and Berks County is extremely lucky to have her as State Senator and we at the YMCA Youth and Government program are honored to have her as our friend, too,” he said. “She advocates for our teens and wholeheartedly supports our model legislature through our Sponsor Your Seat program.”
Schwank said she was in awe of the magnitude of the YMCA’s Youth and Government Program, and grateful to help in any way she can.
“This is going to be a transformative event in your life,” she said. “You’ll have the chance of a lifetime to really model what happens in government.”
Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler County) also received a Champion of Youth award.
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April 19, 2017
HARRISBURG, April 19, 2017 – This week Sen. Schwank and Sen. Elder Vogel (R-47) introduced legislation meant to protect farmers from grain brokers who suddenly go out of business. A grain broker, or dealer, is someone who buys grain from a farmer and then sells it to a third party.
Pennsylvania currently has no regulations requiring grain brokers or dealers to provide any indemnification coverage; meaning if grain farmers have sold their grain to a broker who then loses funding, those farmers will not be compensated for their grain nor will they get the grain back.
Sen. Schwank learned of a constituent, Michael Braucher of Braucher Farms, who lost money when the dealer he enlisted to sell his grain went out of business.
“Pennsylvania’s lack of protection puts our grain farmers at risk and makes farmers from other states think twice before doing business in Pennsylvania. This legislation will help prevent other farmers from the financial hardship Mike Braucher has endured,” Schwank said. “Other states protect their farmers. It’s time we do the same.”
The new legislation requires brokers and dealers to get a bond as a security for the farmer if the dealer or broker were to default. Small dealers who handle less than 5000 bushels annually and farmers feeding grain to livestock and poultry would be exempt.
Schwank is the minority chair of the state senate’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
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March 29, 2017
HARRISBURG, March 29, 2017 – Four Berks County municipalities will receive a total of $450,000 in new state investments for their ongoing efforts to improve water and sewer services.
Sen. Judy Schwank today said the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved grants for:
- Kutztown Municipal Authority, Kutztown University Meter Replacement, $50,277;
- Topton Borough, Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining, Replacement and Manhole Repairs $121,566;
- West Reading Borough Sewer Replacement Project, $156,590.
- Leesport Borough, Main Street Water Main Replacement, $121,567
“These projects are vital to the fiscal sustainability of these communities’ infrastructure improvements,” Sen. Schwank said. “We have a responsibility to our citizens, and the environment, to ensure that important projects like these are carried out. I am pleased that state government can offer assistance to communities who have limited resources to make these necessary improvements.”
Additionally, CFA approved a $400,000 First Industries Loan to Berks County’s Wanner Farms for the purchase of a 137 acre family farm.
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February 23, 2017
Reading, February 23, 2017 – State Sen. Judy Schwank is hosting an opioid addiction awareness event from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 16 at the Governor Mifflin Intermediate School in Shillington.
The event, Coping with Opioid Addiction: Real Life Experiences, is geared toward anyone who may know someone struggling with an opioid addiction. It will feature a naloxone demonstration by Reading Health System, as well as a panel discussion including people who have each had a family member suffer from an opioid addiction.
“We’ve heard from the experts,” Schwank said. “Now it’s time to hear from those who have been through the thick of a loved one’s addiction: a spouse and two parents. We’ll learn what helped them, and what didn’t.”
After the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to speak to panelists, and others who have had similar experiences, in small groups.
“Our small group discussions will allow anyone to ask questions they might be too embarrassed to ask in front of a large audience,” Schwank said. “This event will foster support for anyone going through the hardship of watching a loved one suffer from addiction.”
Schwank is the Democratic Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.
What: Coping with Opioid Addiction: Real Life Experiences
Where: Governor Mifflin Intermediate School gymnasium, 600 Governor Drive, Shillington
When: March 16, 7 to 9 p.m.
Information: 610-929-2151 or jklein@pasenate.com
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February 15, 2017
HARRISBURG, February 15, 2017 – Today Sen. Judy Schwank proposed a bill to ensure state police have sufficient resources to provide public safety services.
Schwank (D-Berks) said Senate Bill 382 would offset funds the state provides to municipalities from motor license revenue in the same amount as the value of the state police coverage to any municipality with a population of 5,000 or more.
“My bill would amend the Liquid Fuels Tax Municipal Allocation Law to reduce Motor License payments to affected municipalities in a direct dollar-for-dollar relation to the costs to provide state police coverage,” she said.
For example, if State Police determined the per capita statewide coverage cost is $70, a municipality with a population of 5,000 that relies on State Police for primary coverage would see its liquid fuels funding reduced by $350,000. The offset would remain in the Motor License Fund, where it could then be used to cover State Police operations.
The bill is a reintroduction of SB 841, which Schwank introduced in the 2013-2014 session. The bill was referred to the Law and Justice Committee, but was not acted on.
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February 1, 2017
Harrisburg – February 1, 2017 – State Senate Democrats said that Gov. Tom Wolf should call a special session of the General Assembly to ensure that legislation that results in significant property tax relief or total elimination is passed and signed into law this session.
At a news conference today at the state Capitol, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said taxpayers of Pennsylvania have waited too long for relief from escalating tax bills.
“We believe there should be a full, complete and transparent discussion of any and all tax relief or elimination proposals,” Costa said. “A special session provides the kind of platform that is needed for citizens and lawmakers to understand specifics about each proposal.”
Leading the call for the special session, state Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) said, “Relief from property tax needs to be addressed without delay.”
In the letter to the governor, the Democrats stated, “Our taxpayers have waited far too long for action on this important issue. They want lawmakers to set aside partisan agendas and enact a significant property tax reform or elimination measure–NOW.”
Working families are struggling to pay mortgages and save for college for their children while seniors have to scrape resources together to make ends meet; property taxes add to their burden, the letter said.
Boscola, who has been a long-time advocate of property tax elimination and relief, said that “my goal is to pass legislation that will eliminate the property tax and replace it with a better system to fund public education. Our homeowners deserve it and our children need it.”
Another strong proponent of calling the special session is Senate Democratic Whip Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware).
“Addressing property tax relief or elimination needs to be a top priority, but is critical that we look at all the plans closely and find common ground,” Williams said. “A special session will force the General Assembly to focus on the issue, act assertively and come forward with a proposal that is balanced and equitable.
“Our property taxpayers have waited long enough.”
Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) endorsed the call for a special session.
“The issue of property taxes has been a top priority for Pennsylvanians, many of whom have seen significant tax increases over the past few years,” Hughes said. “This special session would serve as an opportunity to thoroughly examine how we can provide the sustainable property tax relief that Pennsylvanians want and deserve while ensuring that our school districts are still properly funded.”
Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) said that a special session will allow lawmakers to fashion a plan that strikes a balance between property tax relief and reliable state support for public education.
“For many Pennsylvanians – particularly our seniors and lower income property owners – there is a very real school property tax crisis. I remain committed to a responsible solution that can significantly reduce and, if possible, eliminate the property tax burden on these lower income property owners,” Blake said. “I believe strongly that a special session on property tax reform can finally allow the legislature to strike the appropriate balance between property tax relief and the assurance of sufficient, predictable and reliable state financial support for public education.”
Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said he hoped a special session will spur lawmakers to act.
“For too long our taxpayers have watched while the General Assembly has tried to deal with reducing property taxes,” Brewster said. “There are many plans now being drafted or considered and lawmakers need to come together on a plan that provided real relief or elimination. Taxpayers have waited too long.
“A special session is an excellent forum for all plans to be discussed, including the plan to totally eliminate property taxes.”
Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) said that there are several approaches to address tax reform, but lawmakers need to be thoughtful about how tax elimination impacts schools.
“If we’re going to get serious about providing property tax relief or elimination, we must do it thoughtfully. We certainly can’t hastily approve an elimination plan at the expense of our public schools,” Street said. “There are several approaches to addressing property taxes, so a special session would provide us with a clearer path toward true relief.”
Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), who has long been an advocate of property tax elimination, said school property tax is a complicated issue.
“One large source of revenue for school funding must be replaced with multiple other sources, and we must do this fairly and uniformly,” Schwank said. “Let’s use this special session to strike a balance between relieving the heavy burden property owners face, while also providing our schools with a reliable source of investment.”
Sen. Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said that property tax reform is a complex issue, but one that must be addressed.
“Property taxes remain an important issue to address. I still maintain that the appropriate solution will prove complex. We must dedicate time and effort to ensure the solution is successful,” Haywood said.
“The property tax is no longer sustainable as the sole source of funding for public education. It is high time for us to come together in the spirit of bipartisanship to develop and enact new and lasting solutions to the ongoing burden of rising property taxes on Pennsylvania homeowners,” Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) who serves as minority chair of the Senate Education Committee said. “This is a process that must involve both school districts and direct input from taxpayers and homeowners.”
The governor is empowered to call a special session of the General Assembly under the provisions of Article II, Section 4 and Article IV, Section 12 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
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February 1, 2017
HARRISBURG, February 1, 2017 – Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Judy Schwank (D-11) reintroduced legislation today that would extend early intervention services to newborn and infant children of mothers affected by postpartum depression (PPD).
Pennsylvania has a monitoring system in place to protect infants who suffer from certain medical conditions such as low birth weight or lead poisoning, as well as those born into potentially dangerous environments, including children born to chemically dependent mothers, homeless children and infants who suffer from abuse and neglect.
The Senators’ proposal, Senate Bill 200, would add PPD to the list of conditions that are monitored through the existing state program to determine families in need of assessments, tracking and early intervention services.
“Postpartum depression can be a devastating problem both for a new mother and her child, and the consequences can last a lifetime,” Bartolotta said. “Adding these families to the state’s monitoring system will help ensure that mothers and infants receive the care and services they need.”
The American Psychological Association estimates that more than one in seven new mothers experience PPD. The condition can adversely affect a baby’s cognitive development, and carries an increased risk of abuse and neglect.
About 21,000 babies and mothers in Pennsylvania annually are believed to suffer from PPD, and the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all mothers be screened for this illness.
“Making sure every baby has a healthy start is a way to avoid serious and costlier problems later.,” said Schwank, Senate
Democratic chair of the Women’s Health Caucus. “By making sure babies of mothers with PPD get the services
they need, we’re not just doing something important for them.
“This really makes sense for all of us.”
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January 31, 2017
Reading, January 25, 2017 – State Sen. Judy Schwank, Berks Country and the Berks Agricultural Resource Network invite Berks County students to share their thoughts about farming in an essay and video contest celebrating National Ag Day. The day reminds people where their food comes from and the contribution agriculture makes to their everyday lives.
Essays will be grouped into three categories based on the students’ grade. A winning essay from each grade level will receive a cash award from BARN and be published in the March 22nd edition of Berks Country.
The categories and essay topics are as follows:
- Fourth to sixth grade: In 100 to 150 words answer the question, What does a farmer do in a day?
- Seventh to eighth grade: In 250-300 words, answer the question, What three things would you have on your farm and why?
- Nine to twelfth grade: In 450-500 words discuss, What are the benefits of eating local food?
- Fourth to twelfth grade: In a short video, create an advertisement for a local agriculture product. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube.
Essays must be submitted online at www.senatorschwank.com/essay by March 3rd.
The National Ag Day program was started in 1973 by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) to encourage every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
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Follow Sen. Schwank on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
January 23, 2017
Reading, January 18, 2017 Sen. Judy Schwank is hosting an informational seminar on pardons, expungements and the new Limited Access processes on Saturday, Jan. 28, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Muhlenberg Township municipal building at 210 George Street.
The program is a joint effort between Schwank and Lt. Governor Mike Stack, and is geared to help those whose criminal records are unfairly blocking work and other opportunities.
“More often than not, many with criminal records continue to serve penalties long after the courts are done with them,” Schwank said. “They are unable to move on with their lives. This can be a first step toward a more productive life.”
“We are trying to educate Pennsylvanians about pardons and similar processes and how they can be tools to help people repair their lives for past mistakes that they have made,” Stack said. “I am a strong believer in forgiveness and I support giving people second chances.”
For more information, call 610-929-2151.
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December 29, 2016
Reading, December 29, 2016 Sen. Judy Schwank will serve as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee, as well as continue her post as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) announced today.
“Serving on these committees will allow me to discuss issues of critical importance to my district, like the opioid abuse crisis and farmland profitability,” she said. “I also hope to work toward more efficient and effective deliveries of human services.”
Schwank was also recently named vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations committee. The committee is the legislative panel charged with allocating billions of taxpayer dollars throughout the commonwealth.
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December 14, 2016
Harrisburg, December 14, 2016 In conjunction with Penn State Extension, Sen. Judy Schwank has released an instructional video demonstrating how to kill spotted lanternfly eggs. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that state officials worry could damage the state’s grape and wine industries. While most adult spotted lanternflies have frozen to death, their eggs can survive over winter and are viable from about October through July.
In the video, Extension educator Emelie Swackhamer uses a plastic card to remove two egg masses from a bench. The masses are scraped into a sealable plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol to kill them. Double-bagging the eggs also works. The video is part of a larger segment on the spotted lanternfly for Sen. Schwank’s monthly television show. The segment will air on BCTV on Sundays in January.
Schwank, Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, cautions anyone scraping eggs to do so safely.
She also applauds efforts between local, state and federal agencies to eradicate the lanternfly.
“Without the partnerships between our townships and boroughs and the state department of agriculture, the spotted lanternfly would surely be a problem in multiple states,” she said. “If you have questions about scraping eggs, please contact your local extension agent.”
The invasive pest was first discovered in Berks County in September 2014. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture mandated quarantine to control its spread now includes several municipalities within Bucks, Chester, Lehigh, Northampton and Montgomery counties. For more information, visit the agriculture department’s website: www.agriculture.pa.gov.
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December 8, 2016
Harrisburg, December 8, 2016 − Senator Judy Schwank was named the Democratic vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations committee by Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). The committee is the legislative panel charged with allocating billions of taxpayer dollars throughout the commonwealth.
“The appropriations committee has the primary responsibility to ensure the budget is balanced and state services are properly funded,” she said. “I look forward to working with Senator Hughes and the rest of the leadership team and will continue to advocate for the issues that are important to Berks County.”
Currently Schwank serves as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and is a member of the Aging & Youth, Public Health & Welfare and the State Government Committee.
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December 6, 2016
HARRISBURG, December 6, 2016 – Two Berks County economic development/transportation enhancement projects will receive much needed boosts thanks to $1.6 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funds will strengthen Muhlenberg Township’s efforts to increase safety along Fifth Street Corridor and enhance the proposed redevelopment of the Vanity Fair Outlet complex in Wyomissing and West Reading, according to Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks/Lancaster). Schwank worked closely with Gillen to advocate for the Wyomissing project.
According to the state legislators, $900,000 will help Equus Capital Partners, Ltd., support transit enhancements and pedestrian improvements as part of the redevelopment of the VF Outlet complex. Muhlenberg Township will receive $750,000 to improve infrastructure at multiple intersections along Fifth Street to provide safer crosswalks, install visible medians and other improvements as part of the township’s revitalization plan.
“As the township has grown, so has foot traffic along the Fifth Street Corridor, which is why we need enhanced safety features,” said Sen. Schwank. “These funds will improve the corridor for pedestrians and motorists alike and help them safely travel to and from businesses and other destinations along Muhlenberg’s main business corridor.”
“I am pleased that these important infrastructure projects are moving forward in our community,” Rep. Gillen said.
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Contact: Jamie Klein
Sen. Judy Schwank
Phone: (610) 929-2151
jklein@pasenate.com
November 4, 2016
Harrisburg, November 4, 2016 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced that two Berks County educational organizations have been awarded state grants totaling $40,577. The grants are for the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers.
“These funds will help keep our students safe and allow them to focus on their education,” said Schwank said.
Wyomissing Area School District will receive $15,598 for cameras and door access controls. The Berks County Intermediate Unit will receive $24,979 for a metal detector and cameras.
The money is intended to help prevent and reduce violent incidents in schools through programs and security equipment.
Sen. Schwank noted these Berks grants were part of a total $6.5 million in grant funding awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as authorized by the general assembly.
For more information, visit www.education.pa.gov.
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Follow Sen. Schwank on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
October 28, 2016
Harrisburg, October 28, 2016 – Today Gov. Tom Wolf awarded $500,000 in Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to renovate Reading Area Community College’s science laboratory, State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) and Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D-127th District) announced.
“This money is so important to our county,” Schwank said. “It will allow RACC to better prepare our students for jobs in the real world.”
The grant will allow RACC to completely renovate existing labs in Berks Hall, which will result in state-of-the-art biology and anatomy labs. The chemistry and physics labs will move to the Schmidt Training & Technology Center.
“Once these renovations are complete, RACC will become more attractive to prospective students looking for a quality education,” Caltagirone said.
“As the workforce becomes more competitive, this funding will keep RACC in the race to attract students and prepare them for the future,” Rozzi said.
RACC, which is located in the city of Reading, was founded in 1971 and offers students classes to fulfill Associate degrees as well as certificate and diploma programs.
“There are more and more jobs available in the technology and healthcare fields, and now our students will be able to better compete with students from colleges around the country,” Schwank said.
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October 26, 2016
Harrisburg – October 26, 2016 − The State Senate today approved bipartisan legislation authored by Senators Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks) that would significantly change the state’s truancy laws.
The legislation, spurred by the 2014 death of a Berks County mother in prison as a result of a truancy violation, shifts the focus of dealing with truancy to schools from the court system, and imposes new requirements before a case can be sent to the courts or a person can be jailed for truancy.
“This bill returns the power to address truancy to the schools, the administrators and teachers who know their students best,” Schwank said. “This really is the right way to address truancy.”
“The Commonwealth’s truancy statute is in dire need of revisions that will refocus the law on improving school attendance and solving a child’s problems rather than needlessly incarcerating parents who cannot afford to pay fines,” Greenleaf said. “Our current truancy statute has resulted in the tragic death of a jailed mother—and inexcusable failure of justice.”
Instead of relying on court intervention, schools would be first required to address the underlying cause of a student’s unexcused absence by the development of individualized plans. Prison sentences could be used only as a last resort and for no more than three days.
Schwank called Eileen DiNino’s 2014 death in Berks County Prison a wake-up call that led to increased awareness about the differences in how different school districts and courts handled truancy cases.
“The bill won’t bring Eileen back, but hopefully it will prevent any other family from experiencing the same pain,” Schwank said.
Under the bill, which now will be returned to the House of Representatives to approve the changes made by the Senate, schools will be required respond to truancy cases as soon as a child becomes truant. Schools would be required to notify parents or guardians and offer intervention services on the first instance of truancy.
If the truancy is repeated, schools would be required to attempt to meet with the parents or guardian and explore the need and availability of assistive services, before they could refer a case to the court system.
There could be any number of reasons for truancy, Schwank said. For example, sick or working parents who are unable to transport the student to school; or families who cannot afford childcare use students to babysit younger siblings. No matter the reason, missing school can have long-lasting repercussions, especially for low-income families.
“If students aren’t in school they can’t learn,” Schwank said. “It’s another strike against them.”
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October 24, 2016
Harrisburg – October 24, 2016 – State Senator Judith L. Schwank today announced that two Berks County municipalities, Laureldale Borough and Exeter Township, have been approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for $180,000 in grant funding through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program to support recreation improvement efforts.
According to Senator Schwank, Laureldale Borough will receive $150,000 to support improvements, including the installation of new, permanent restroom facilities and repaving of parking areas, at the Borough’s Dominic Manzella Community Park. Exeter Township will receive $30,000 to support the development of a comprehensive parks, recreation, and open space plan.
“These state grant funds will allow both municipalities to better address the recreational needs of area residents for many years to come,” said Senator Schwank, who strongly advocated for the approval of these grants. “I commend local officials for taking the initiative to pursue these funds.”
The Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program is funded through the Act 13—Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
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October 17, 2016
Harrisburg, October 17, 2016 – On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, beginning at 7 p.m., Senator Judy Schwank is sponsoring her annual College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar in the Commissioners Board Room of the Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. And, on Saturday, October 22, 2016, beginning at 10:30 a.m., Senator Schwank is sponsoring a Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA) Preparation Lab in the First Floor Classroom of the Muhlenberg Township Building at 210 George Street, Reading, Pennsylvania.
“The costs of college and other postsecondary schools continue to increase,” said Senator Schwank. “Fortunately, there is assistance available to help students and families pay for higher education, and they need to know how to find it and apply it. Both of these events will help them navigate the college financial process.”
At Wednesday’s College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar, a financial aid expert from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and Ben Rosenberger, Director of Financial Aid at Reading Area Community College, will be on hand to explain the sources of college financial aid available to families and answer questions about the student aid application process.
At Saturday’s FAFSA Preparation Lab, financial aid experts from PHEAA, RACC, and Albright College will be hand to help students and families file online their 2017-2018 Free Application for Federal Student. Due to changes in Federal guidelines, students for the first time will be able to file their FAFSA forms starting October 1st for the following school year (2017-2018).
Both events are free and open to the public; however, due to a limited number of computer terminal available, preregistration is required for the FAFSA Preparation Lab. For more information or to register for the FAFSA Lab, families can call 610-929-2151.
September 28, 2016
Harrisburg – Sept. 28, 2016 – Legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Schwank that would provide early intervention services for infants and mothers when the mother is affected by post-partum depression received unanimous support today from the Senate committee on Public Health and Welfare.
The state currently provides early intervention services to children with disabilities and developmental delays from birth to age five.
“This is an important step. Studies suggest that about 21,000 mothers a year in Pennsylvania are affected by Post-partum depression,” said Senator Schwank, who co-authored the bill with Senator Camera Bartolotta, R-Washington County.
“A baby’s brain development can be impacted and they face increased risk of abuse or neglect, as well as higher medical costs.”
Under the proposal, mothers and infants referred by physicians would be included in the existing state program for services to at-risk children, including assessment, tracking and assistive services.
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September 27, 2016
Harrisburg – Sept. 27, 2016 – State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today introduced legislation to reinstate a decades old program that exempts agricultural conservation easements from Pennsylvania’s Realty Transfer Tax (RTT).
The proposed bill would provide exemptions for 270 farms impacted by a 2014 administrative rule change, helping save farmers more than $1.3 million.
“For generations, farmers and their families have had an expectation that property sold for agricultural easement would be sheltered from any real estate transfer taxes,” Schwank said. “While the amount of revenue in question may seem minuscule, the impact felt by farmers and their families is significant and could influence whether or not farmers continue to enroll in the program.”
For three decades agricultural easement transfers were not subject to the RTT collected by the state Department of Revenue. The 2014 department ruling reversed that exemption, subjecting farms statewide to the RTT.
Though changed earlier this year, the legislation, Act 84, failed to make the exemption retroactive to the department’s ruling. As a result, the department continues to collect the RTT from farmers who settled land transfers from approximately mid-2015 to the present.
In many instances, farmers transferring property have entered settlement unaware of taxes due and in extreme cases were charged the RTT plus interest.
Schwank said that the proposed legislation clarifies the original intent of Act 84, provides much needed tax relief and eliminates confusion over taxes owed between farmers and the department.
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