Schwank Applauds Awarding of Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Funding

Reading — January 11, 2023 — Today, state Sen. Judy Schwank applauded the awarding of over $4.3 million in Violence Intervention Program grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. 

The awards in Berks County are as follows:

Berks Community Action Program, Inc. $800,000 in funding to create and implement the FAST (Family Assistance & Support for TEENS) Program.

Center for Children’s Law and Policy  $830,600 in funding to support the implementation of a community diversion program. The grant application was filled in partnership with The Village of Reading, EducationWorks, and Empact Solutions. 

Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County — $607,267 to support, enhance and expand social-emotional and mental health programming for at-risk youth.

Penn State University  $1,619,017 to establish the Berks Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, which will be a new initiative that will employ evidence-based strategies to serve youth ages 14-21 in Berks County. 

Reading Hospital  $193,078 to implement a hospital-based violence intervention program and provide community education and resources.

Salvation Army, Reading — $261,676 to expand its current Violence Prevention Program focused on both case management and afterschool programming by hiring an additional Violence Prevention Program Coordinator.

Schwank applauded the Berks County recipients of the VIP grant funding for navigating a competitive grant funding process. 

“We continue to see groups in Berks County put together strong applications for grant funding and that reality is being recognized and rewarded at the state level,” Schwank said. “The projects that are being supported will go a long way towards creating safer communities across Berks County.” 

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11th District Receives Over $5 Million in Community Safety Grant Funding

Reading — December 14, 2022 — This morning, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency announced that the 11th Senatorial District received a total of $5,160,209 in grant funding for community safety initiatives.

The funding comes from a variety of different PCCD funding opportunities including the Non-Profit Security Grant Fund, Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program, the State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds the Federal Victims of Crime Act, State Rights and Services Act, and State Victims of Juvenile Offenders Funds and others.

State Sen. Judy Schwank applauded the county, local governments, and non-profits that received funding for taking advantage of the opportunities provided by PCCD. She also highlighted the fact that the funding for the Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program came from the federal American Rescue Plan.

“It’s always exciting to see funding flow into our area,” Schwank said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that this list of projects will help us achieve safer communities across Berks County. I commend the county, the local governments, and the non-profits that received funding today for putting together strong applications and taking full advantage of the funding opportunities our state government has to offer.”

The recipients are listed below.

Non-Profit Security Grant Fund

 Abilities in Motion — $20,000 for safety and security upgrades.

Chabad Lubavitch of Berks County, Inc. — $150,000 for safety and security upgrades.

Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program

Central Berks Regional Police Department — $153,250 for an upgrade to the current record management system to transition to NIBRS and upgrade the in-house server.

Muhlenberg Township — $427,462 for in-car camera systems, license plate readers, and body-worn cameras with peripheral support equipment.

City of Reading — $2,029,000 for portable tablet computers for patrol, investigations, and services division personnel, recruitment funding, pole cameras, and training (use of force, implicit bias, de-escalation).

West Reading Borough — $153,988 for NIBRS-compliant Records Management System software, backup system, server, in-car cameras, laptop, desktops, license plate reader, body-worn camera storage, XF print all-in-one law enforcement handhelds.

Wyomissing Borough — $98,000 NIBRS-compliant record management system, desk workstation, and mobile computers.

County of Berks — $552,341 for one part-time Firearms Examiner position for two years to supplement the work of the current full-time Firearms Examiner. The funding will also be used to purchase and install a laboratory to allow for the safe discharge of firearms on-site to expedite analysis.

City of Reading — $686,768 to staff a Neighborhood Gun Violence Unit in the Patrol Division that will investigate gun violence incidents at the street level in neighborhoods, assign two investigators to follow up on gun violence incidents, provide funding for increasing the frequency and effectiveness of the Reading Police Department’s multi-agency Operation Ceasefire Details, and the purchase of pole cameras.

Clare of Assisi House — $100,000 to support the Women’s Empowerment After Prison Project.

State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds

County of Berks — $47,000 to support the Children’s Alliance Center.

State Victims of Juvenile Offenders Funds

County of Berks — $528,038 to support the District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Assistance Unit.

County of Berks — $214,362 to support the Juvenile Probation Victim/Witness Assistance Unit.

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Schwank Retains Democratic Caucus Leadership Position for 2023-2024 Legislative Session

Harrisburg — November 15, 2022 — State Sen. Judy Schwank was reappointed Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus Administrator, retaining her role in caucus leadership for the upcoming 2023-2024 legislative session.

Schwank said she is grateful for the opportunity to continue in a leadership role and said the position provides Berks County with more influence in Harrisburg.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the legislative priorities of our caucus reflect the needs of my constituents,” Schwank said. “There are reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming session. I believe that with the leadership team our caucus has chosen today, we are in a strong position to deliver for Pennsylvania.”

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Schwank Applauds Neighborhood Assistance Program Investments for Berks County 

Reading — November 3, 2022 — Today Gov. Tom Wolf announced $1.82 million in tax credits to support projects in the 11th Senatorial District through the Neighborhood Assistance Program.  

NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems. The applicants and tax credit amounts are as follows: 

  • Alvernia University — $41,250  
  • Helping Harvest — $11,000  
  • Habitat for Humanity— $100,000   
  • Kutztown University Foundation — $99,375  
  • Berks Latino Workforce Development — $150,000  
  • Barrio Alegria — $71,250 
  • Berks Encore — $26,250 
  • GoggleWorks — $675,000  
  • SuperNatural & Fresh Produce, Inc. — $500,000  
  • Medical Arts Development, LP — $150,000      

Sen. Judy Schwank thanked Gov. Wolf for his continued commitment to Berks County and the ongoing redevelopment effort in downtown Reading. She said the tax credits demonstrate that Berks County is home to many organizations that are making the area a better place to live.   

“It’s encouraging to see so many transformative projects in Berks County and the City of Reading get the support they deserve from the commonwealth,” Schwank said. “Today’s announcement from the governor demonstrates that Berks County’s private sector wants to be a part of enacting positive change within our community.”  

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance submitted the application for the tax credit on SuperNatural & Fresh Produce, Inc’s behalf. The project will help a minority-owned business transform a dilapidated property in the city of Reading into a location with fresh produce, meats and a deli. In addition, the project will be a wholesale distribution warehouse, manufacturing facility for fresh dough discs and a fast- dining option creating 120 full-time jobs. 

The full list of investments in the Lehigh Valley Region, project descriptions, and the private sector contributors can be found here.  

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Schwank Applaud Passage of Expedited Partner Therapy Act

Harrisburg — November 1, 2022 — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 317, sponsored by Sens. Patrick Browne (R-Lehigh), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), Judy Schwank (D-Berks), and Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) by a vote of 173 to 26. 

Senate Bill 317 grants health care practitioners and pharmacists the authority to prescribe sexually transmitted infections antibiotics without having examined the patient in accordance with the Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases guidance document issued by the CDC. This means a health care practitioner or pharmacist can prescribe treatment for an individual experiencing STI symptoms and their partner without examining the partner first.  

In 2021, there were 2.5 million reported cases of STDs according to the CDC. These diseases can cause significant health issues and are widely preventable when individuals have access to the required treatment.

“We’ve seen STIs increase in the commonwealth and elsewhere in the country,” Schwank said. “Modern medicine has given us the tools we need to combat STIs, and I believe this legislation ensures more Pennsylvanians have access to the treatments they need to overcome these diseases and live healthy, productive lives.”

The bill was first introduced by the bipartisan group of lawmakers in 2017. Schwank said she’s pleased to see the bill finally get over the finish line. 

“It goes to show you that when pragmatic lawmakers work together, we can get things done, even if it takes longer than we’d like it to.”

AccessMatters, a non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, was one of the many public health groups that advocated for Senate Bill 317’s passage. 

“AccessMatters applauds the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Gov. Wolf for the recent passage of Senate Bill 317, the Expedited Partner Therapy Act,” said Melissa Weiler Gerber, President & CEO of AccessMatters. “Senate Bill 317 will help reduce barriers and increase access to expedited partner therapy, an evidence-based, cost-effective method of reducing community spread of STIs by removing barriers to care. Pennsylvania has high STI rates, and this legislation is an important step forward to reduce transmission and help mitigate serious health concerns through increased access to care.”

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

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Senate Democrats Discuss Issue of Anti-Abortion Centers at Capitol Hearing

HARRISBURG, October 28, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) to host a hearing to explore the issues and history of state funding for so-called crisis pregnancy centers.

The hearing, which was the second held by the Senate Democratic Policy Committee on the topic of anti-abortion centers, took place at the Capitol in Harrisburg and featured testimony from medical professionals, students, a former volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center, and an advocate for the so-called crisis pregnancy centers.

“No one seeking healthcare should have to worry about whether or not they are being deceived or lied to about the actual available medical care they are seeking. We have heard so many horror stories about the deceptive practices and agendas of anti-abortion centers over these two policy hearings,” Muth said. “We need to do more to protect pregnant women and we need to ensure they have access to evidence-based care and fact-based information from real, licensed medical professionals.” 

Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are nonprofit organizations masquerading as reproductive health centers whose primary purpose is to dissuade pregnant people from considering abortion care. These mostly religious-based organizations exist to discourage and limit access to all available reproductive healthcare options and delay necessary prenatal and medical care.

“Prenatal and postpartum services are vitally important and should be subject to stringent health and safety requirements from qualified professionals. Not all anti-abortion centers operate with the same levels of deception,” Schwank, the Chair of the Women’s Health Caucus, said. “There are plenty that clearly indicate their affiliations and pro-life agenda. Our concern is for the centers that are strategically and deliberately misleading people about the services that they offer.” 

In submitted testimony, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) noted that Pennsylvania is one of a few states that use a portion of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support what are called ‘alternatives to abortion services’ that are required to promote pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Eligible grantees under the language in Pennsylvania law may not “promote, refer for or perform abortions or engage in any counseling which is inconsistent with” the stated mission of the promotion of childbirth. Since the 2014-15 fiscal year, Pennsylvania has distributed $60 million to Real Alternatives, $51 million of which is straight from state tax dollars. Real Alternatives declined to participate in today’s policy hearing to answer questions.

“Anti-abortion centers have no place in our healthcare system. Women and pregnant people must be able to access the appropriate reproductive and pre-natal healthcare that best suits their needs,” Cappelletti added. “As long as anti-abortion centers are operational, they will continue to use their deceitful tactics to prevent women and pregnant people from receiving the care that they need.”

Participants in the hearing included Dr. Courtney Schreiber, Chief, Division of Family Planning, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Sarah Bowen, Executive Director, Promise of Life Network; Caitlin Chubb, Clinical Supervisor, Mindful Changes Counseling; and students from the University of Pittsburgh.

All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy

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Sens. Vogel, Schwank Send Letter to Milk Marketing Board Voicing Opposition to House Bill 224

Harrisburg — October 25, 2022 — Today, state Sens. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks), the chairs of the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (PMMB) expressing their concerns about House Bill 224.

House Bill 224 seeks to amend the Milk Marketing Law and give the PMMB the authority, by official order, to fix, coordinate, facilitate or establish the collection and distribution of premiums established by the PMMB on milk and dairy products.  In the letter, Vogel and Schwank raised concerns about making hasty changes to Pennsylvania’s over-order premium laws, which have been in place since 1988.  

“No one disputes that our current over-order premium is very complex and that changing it will produce varying impacts upon those in the dairy industry,” Vogel and Schwank said in the letter. “We recognize that this industry has diminished, due in part to a decrease in milk consumption, and want to act in the best interest of farmers. It is therefore in the best interest of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, and its consumers, that any changes are carefully crafted through thorough review and consideration.”

The lawmakers are also requesting that the PMMB reauthorize the current over-order premium beyond Dec. 31, 2022.  “It is imperative that this premium be maintained until further examination and consideration may be made or it is anticipated that unintended volatility in the commonwealth’s dairy industry could ensue. We firmly believe that inaction on your part could result in a significant impact on consumers at the grocery store during these inflationary times.”

Vogel and Schwank closed the letter by saying they look forward to working collaboratively with the PMMB and all members of the general assembly and hope to address the over-order premium system early in the 2023-2024 Legislative Session.

“Let us be clear, we whole-heartedly support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. However, this must be demonstrated in a balanced manner and from and educated perspective; we must be diligent and fair in how we approach such a monumental change for dairy producers.”

 

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Schwank to Host Telephone Town Hall on Voting in the Upcoming Election

Reading — October 21, 2022 — On Thursday, October 27, 2022, state Sen. Judy Schwank will host a telephone town hall on voting and the upcoming general election.

The event will begin at 7 P.M. and will offer individuals to ask questions about drop boxes, mail-in ballots, election security and all things voting. Guest will include:

  • Pennsylvania Department of State Acting Sec. Leigh Chapman
  • Committee of Seventy Policy Director Patrick Christmas
  • State Rep. Mark Rozzi
  • State Rep. Manny Guzman

“There’s been lots of misinformation around voting and the electoral process in recent years that I know many of my constituents find very concerning.” Schwank said. “Our nation’s democracy is in a state of crisis and confidence in the validity of our elections among voters is at an all-time low. Accurate information and faith in the electoral process is crucial to a functioning democracy. I’m hopeful this event will provide voters with the information they need to cast their ballot with confidence.”

Individuals can register to participate and pre-submit questions by visiting senatorschwank.com/telephone-townhall.

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Non-Profit Security Grant Now Open, $5 Million Available for  Enhanced Security Measures

ReadingSeptember 30, 2022 — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will begin accepting applications for a new round of the Non-Profit Security Grant Fund Program today with a pool of $5 million available. 

The application period will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 of 2022. Funding can be used to purchase metal detectors, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, special emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, deadbolts, trauma kits, theft control devices and more. The funding can also be used to upgrade existing security equipment and to implement safety and security planning.

The $5 million going toward the program was allocated as a part of this year’s budget. Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) has introduced a bill that would permanently fund the program. She is encouraging eligible Berks County non-profits to apply for funding.

“I’m hopeful groups in Berks County will take advantage of this opportunity as they have in the past,” Schwank said. “This is an opportunity to fill crucial needs and improve safety in Berks County, especially at places of worship. I believe this program is worthy of yearly funding and will continue to advocate for legislation to make it permanent.”  

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Women’s Health Caucus Highlights Summer Recess Activities, Plans to Continue Advocating for Abortion Rights in Fall Session

Harrisburg — September 22, 2022 — Building on great progress made for maternal health over the last year, the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus continues the fight to improve health outcomes for women and families and continues to work to protect reproductive health access for all.

Since the U.S Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, the Caucus (WHC) has held a series of press conferences, policy hearings, and events on protecting abortion rights and improving maternal health outcomes. WHC members plan to continue to speak out on the importance of access to reproductive health care through to the end of the 2021-2022 legislative session.

Governor Wolf and Josh Shaperio

Protecting Abortion Providers

On July 11, 52 members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate Democratic Caucuses signed a letter requesting that Gov. Tom Wolf take executive action to protect Pennsylvania abortion providers from out-of-state prosecution.  

In a growing number of states, doctors face the possibility of being investigated, charged, and even sentenced to jail time for providing an abortion. Most notably, an Indiana doctor is currently being investigated for providing an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio. 

Anti-abortion lawmakers in Missouri have a proposal that would punish any individual who helps a Missouri resident cross state lines to have an abortion and others expected to explore similar options to prevent patients from getting abortions in nearby states.

The letter sent by the WHC requested that Gov. Wolf use executive action to declare that Pennsylvania would not cooperate with any out-of-state investigation seeking to charge a medical professional or abortion patient with a crime while also requesting protections for non-residents who travel to seek care in the Commonwealth. 

The following day, Gov. Wolf issued an executive order and fulfilled our member’s requests. The WHC applauded Gov. Wolf’s decision and thanked him for his commitment to upholding access to reproductive health care. 

Likewise, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro stated in July that, “If any attorney general, if any law enforcement official in any other state tries to mess with a Pennsylvania provider, they will have to go through us. We will protect them.” Gov. Wolf and Attorney General Shapiro’s actions send a clear message that Pennsylvania will not allow its providers to be intimidated. 

On July 29, WHC co-chairs Sen. Judy Schwank, Sen. Amanda Cappelletti and Rep. Mary Jo Daley joined Gov. Wolf and Attorney General Shapiro at The Women’s Center of Montgomery County to discuss the executive order. They were also joined by the Center’s Executive Director Maria Macaluso and Jefferson Health-Abington Hospital physician Dr. Karen Feisullin. 

The event highlighted the link between unexpected pregnancy and domestic violence. Domestic violence shelters in states with abortion bans have already seen an increase in calls since the Dobbs ruling. The speakers also talked about the need to protect our medical providers and ensure they have the freedom to act decisively and without fear of prosecution while rendering care.

Post-Roe PA Policy Hearings

Senators Amanda Cappellett and Judy Schwank

The WHC hosted three House and Senate joint Policy Committee hearings on the abortion landscape in Pennsylvania following the Dobbs decision. The first hearing took place in Harrisburg and featured testimony from Acting Secretary of Health and Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson. 

During her testimony and while answering questions, Johnson reiterated that abortion remains safe and legal in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Johnson said the Pennsylvania Department of Health sent letters to abortion providers in Pennsylvania clarifying this. She also stressed that any further restrictions on abortion and other forms of reproductive health care would result in the loss of life. 

“Bodily autonomy and privacy should be a human right,” Johnson said. “The consequences of forced pregnancy can be dangerous to maternal health and may increase chances of maternal morbidity. If abortion or emergency contraceptive services were to become further limited in Pennsylvania, it would likely exacerbate this crisis.”

The second post-Roe PA hearing took place in Philadelphia and featured statewide and regional reproductive health care advocates and physicians. The hearing discussed the importance of protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care in Pennsylvania.   

Dr. Aasta Mehta, a Medical Officer of Women’s Health for the Philadelphia Health Department, testified that Pennsylvania is in the midst of a maternal mortality crisis, one that’s disproportionately impacting Black and low-income people. Dr. Mehta said restricting abortion access will only exacerbate that crisis.

“Evidence shows that access to reproductive health services, including abortion, improves health outcomes and supports economic mobility and success. Being denied access to abortion poor health, financial, and family outcomes for women and birthing people,” said Mehta.

The third hearing took place in Pittsburgh. Neighboring state Ohio has implemented a six-week abortion ban. As a result, abortion providers in western Pennsylvania are seeing an influx of patients from outside of the commonwealth. 

President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania Sydney Etheridge testified that the increase in patients was predictable and that abortion providers in the area are ready to meet the challenge. 

“Despite the strain, this has put on our centers–not to mention the challenges travel and other barriers can put on patients–our staff continues to do all they can to ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it,” said Etheridge. “While abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania at this time, it is critically important that abortion remain accessible not just for Pennsylvanians, but for those coming to our state in search of compassionate care.”

 

Vice President Harris Visits PA Lawmakers in Philadelphia

Vice President Harris Visits PA Lawmakers in Philadelphia

On July 17, the WHC hosted Vice President Harris who traveled to Philadelphia to meet with over three dozen House and Senate Democrats to talk about the need to fight to protect access to abortion. The meeting was one of a series of events Harris conducted in states across the country as the fight over abortion rights shifts to state legislatures after the Dobbs decision. 

Among the Pennsylvania lawmakers that attended the event were WHC co-chairs Rep. Morgan Cephas, Rep. Mary Jo Daley, and House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton. 

“We are not asking anyone to compromise their beliefs or abandon their faith,” said Harris. “We are simply saying the government should not be in the position nor should the government have the power to replace its beliefs for those of the woman. That’s what we are saying. We are talking about a situation in our nation right now where states and so-called leaders are passing laws that would criminalize medical health professionals, health care providers. We are talking about several states in our nation who will not allow an exception for rape or incest.”

Harris also spoke about the national effort to codify abortion access into law. 

 

Kansas Voters Defeat Constitutional Amendment

Pro-Women Pro-Health Pro-Choice

On August 2, the WHC co-chairs issued a statement applauding the defeat of a Kansas constitutional amendment that would have paved the way for the state’s Republican-controlled legislature to pass an abortion ban. 

Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate are trying a similar maneuver. In July, SB 106, a package of constitutional amendments, passed both chambers. The package contained an amendment that would remove the right to an abortion from the Pennsylvania constitution. If the package of constitutional amendments passes again next session, the amendment could be on the ballot as soon as the 2023 primary election. 

In the statement, the WHC co-chairs said, “Let this be a warning to those who voted in the dead of night to move forward a ‘No Right to Abortion’ constitutional amendment in Pennsylvania: you can try to do an end-around a pro-choice governor, but you cannot do an end-around the voters.”

Wolf Administration, WHC Members Affirm the Importance of Reproductive Health

Wolf Administration, WHC Members Affirm the Importance of Reproductive Health

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services held a series of events throughout the season with WHC members and advocacy groups to affirm the need for all Pennsylvanians to feel safe accessing all forms of reproductive health care. 

The first event, which was held in Pittsburgh, was attended by DHS Sec. Meg Snead, representatives from the City of Pittsburgh, Planned Parenthood, and Healthy Start Pittsburgh among others. Sen. Lindsey Williams, Sen. Katie Muth, Rep. Dan Frankel, Rep. Emily Kinkead, and Rep. Sara Innamorato represented the WHC at the event. 

“With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we know that many people are confused and worried about getting the reproductive health care they need and deserve to keep themselves and their families healthy,” said Snead. “We are here to tell all Pennsylvanians: whatever stage you are at in your life, there is safe, affordable reproductive, perinatal, and postpartum health care available.”

Snead joined WHC members for a similar DHS press events in Philadelphia and Harrisburg and have another scheduled in the coming days. Rep. Cephas, Rep. Daley, and Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler attended the Philadelphia event at City Hall on behalf of the WHC.

 

Moving Forward

Abortion is Healthcare

As both chambers returned to session the second week in September, WHC members are exploring and introducing legislative opportunities to protect and expand access to abortion and reproductive health care and members continue to hold events highlighting the importance of having access to care across Pennsylvania.

On September 20, WHC members joined several advocacy groups on the steps of the Capitol for a reproductive rights rally. Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Dan Frankel spoke on behalf of the WHC. The lawmakers made it clear to the crowd that the WHC will not stop fighting for the rights of Pennsylvanians.  

The members plan to kick-off their #ActionForAccess campaign, a call to action for legislators, decision-makers, advocates, providers, and residents across the commonwealth. More to come on that soon.

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Women’s Health Caucus Holds Press Event on Postpartum Medicaid Expansion, Protecting Access to Abortion

Harrisburg—September 21, 2022 — This morning, members of the Women’s Health Caucus, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and an advocate from Planned Parenthood held a press event to talk about postpartum Medicaid expansion and the need to protect abortion rights in the commonwealth. 

On April 1, 2022, postpartum Medicaid coverage was expanded from 60 days to 12 months in Pennsylvania. This action was made possible by a provision in the American Rescue Plan Act. The Wolf Administration and DHS Acting Sec. Meg Snead took advantage of the provision which will provide low-income Pennsylvanians and their children with the postpartum care they need for a healthy start. 

The event also highlighted the need to protect and expand access to abortion and all forms of reproductive health care in the face of ongoing efforts to ban and restrict abortion in Pennsylvania.

In America, we talk a lot about valuing live, but it is more dangerous to be pregnant and give birth here than in any other developed country in the world,” said DHS Special Advisor Sara Goulet. “We are the only industrialized nation where women are dying at a higher rate now than they were 25 years ago.”  

“The mission of the Women’s Health Caucus is to improve maternal health outcomes and total family health for every Pennsylvanian regardless of race, income, or religion,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks). “Abortion and all forms of reproductive health care are a part of that conversation and must be protected to ensure no one is denied the care they need.”

“The full scope of reproductive health care includes access to abortion,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery, Delaware). “Your ability to access it and your ability to freely discuss your options is a part of that spectrum of care. Whatever your reason for getting an abortion is, it is valid.” 

“Access to health care is essential, especially during the first twelve months of pregnancy,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery). “This historic investment in the children and birthing people of Pennsylvania is one of the most important steps that can be taken to combat maternal mortality in the commonwealth.” 

“In light of the deeply alarming crisis of maternal mortality and ongoing efforts to roll back reproductive freedom and access to care, we are sending a message,” said Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester). “All Pennsylvanians must feel safe accessing the full scope of reproductive, perinatal, and maternal health care.” 

“Thankfully, as we stand here today in Pennsylvania, abortion is still legal, but meaningful access to reproductive health care isn’t created equal,” said Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny). “Black women and other communities of color continue to experience maternal mortality rates twice as high as white women. We are fighting to preserve access to safe, legal abortion, and we also need to continue to improve the full picture of reproductive health care services for Pennsylvania.” 

“We all know that the attacks on reproductive health care and the lack of support for maternal health care hurt Black and Brown communities the most,” said Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware, Chester). “It’s imperative for racial justice that we defend the reproductive care in Pennsylvania. That’s why I’m grateful DHS moved to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers.”

“Instead of addressing maternal mortality, instituting paid family leave or tackling any number of pieces of pending legislation that could improve women’s lives, extremists in Harrisburg keep introducing unpopular bills attacking our right to make our own choices about our own health,” Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery, Bucks). “We will keep up the fight to ensure Pennsylvanians can access the care they deserve.”  

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Schwank Announces $642,426 in PCCD Grant Funding for Berks County

Reading − September 15, 2022 − Yesterday the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved grant funding for three Berks County projects.

Kutztown University received $133,300 in Federal State Opioid Response Funds in support of the SBIRT Enhancement Project. SBIRT is an acronym for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, a public health approach that delivers intervention services to individuals at risk of developing substance abuse issues. Kutztown University offers SBIRT screening to students.

Berks Connections/Pretrial Services received two Federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grants for a total of $499,998. The funding will go towards the reentry services for Berks County residents with previous justice system involvement.

Brecknock Township received $9,128 in grant funding from the Federal Body Warn Camera Policy and Implementation Program in support of the Brecknock Township Police Department BWC Program.

Sen. Judy Schwank said all three projects demonstrate a commitment to making Berks County a better place to live. 

“These funds will go towards a wide range of initiatives that will be of great benefit to the entire county,” Schwank said. “Addressing substance abuse, investing in reentry services, and body cameras that help keep officers safe and strengthen evidence quality are all items I believe the vast majority of Berks Countians wholeheartedly support. I commended this group of award recipients for putting together strong applications and taking advantage of these grant funding opportunities.”

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Roundtable Focuses on Deceptive Practices of So-Called “Crisis Pregnancy Centers”

HARRISBURG, September 7, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and state Reps. Bridget Kosierowski (D-Lackawanna) and Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester/Montgomery) to host a roundtable discussion on the deceptive practices of so-called Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) in Pennsylvania.

The roundtable discussion at the State Capitol in Harrisburg was a part of a series of events hosted jointly by the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and the House Democratic Policy Committee on the future of reproductive healthcare in Pennsylvania.

“As we heard yesterday, over 150 anti-abortion centers operate in our state, and many receive taxpayer dollars. The testimony yesterday revealed the dangers of having these so-called “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” (anti-abortion clinics) that only exist to discourage and limit access to abortion, delay proper medical care, and spread misinformation about pre-/post-natal care and sexual health.  In Pennsylvania, these sham centers are not required to have an actual licensed healthcare provider working in a facility, and these centers are not subject to patient confidentiality requirements, allowing private health and personal information to be shared and sold off without consent or knowledge by the person seeking care,” Muth said. “The powers that be need ensure consumers are protected from sham centers that spend millions of dollars on deceptive marketing to advertise themselves as healthcare centers when in fact they don’t actually provide such services and don’t have medical licenses to provide actual healthcare services.  These deceptive practices can lead to human harm and even the death of an expecting mother because of a delay in care caused by these centers wasting precious time with sham guidance.”

Most CPCs do not deliver medical services and do not employ full-time medical staff but rather rely on volunteers who are not licensed or trained to deliver medical services and are not bound to medical, ethical or regulatory standards. They lure in clients by marketing free medical services like “non-diagnostic” ultrasounds to manipulate the false impression they offer legitimate medical services.

“It’s important that all Pennsylvanians understand where we are directing their tax dollars. Crisis Pregnancy Centers have been lavished with funding from the commonwealth and have used that funding to promote dubious business and medical practices and push an anti-choice agenda on vulnerable patients in need of real advice,” Schwank said. “Moreover there is no accountability for the millions of dollars spent on these centers. Women need quality reproductive healthcare that provides them with real medical advice and follow-up services to support them in whatever decision they make regarding an unplanned pregnancy.”

Pennsylvania has been using taxpayer dollars to support CPCs in the state budget since 1997. The Commonwealth also was the first state to distribute Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) money to CPCs in 2002, redirecting this money intended to help low-income families instead toward anti-abortion outreach and the spread of medical misinformation. Since then, at least nine other states have followed suit, financially supporting CPCs with TANF dollars.

“An overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians and people across the country are in fact pro-choice – those trying to take the right to choice and the right to a safe, legal reproductive health care are in the minority,” Kosierowski added. “The most personal medical decision a woman makes should be between herself and her doctor, not between a male-dominated legislature or the Supreme Court. A woman’s right to choose should be just that – a woman’s right to choose.”

Participants include Ashley Underwood, Director, Equity Forward; Tara Murtha, Director of Strategic Communications, Women’s Law Project; Croney Bouse, MPH, State Field Director, Planned Parenthood PA Advocates; Melissa Wiler Gerber, President/CEO, AccessMatters; and Kelly Davis, Executive Director, New Voices for Reproductive Justice.

“An unexpected pregnancy can be a scary situation and the need for prenatal care can lead many women to crisis pregnancy centers. However, these centers – often tied to religious organizations – offer misleading healthcare information from volunteers without medical qualifications. Ultimately, their aim is to delay medical procedures until it is too late to legally terminate a pregnancy, which these centers never present as an option,” Shusterman said. “I have introduced a legislative package that will end funding these organizations and redirect those funds to family planning organizations that actually meet women’s health needs. Women deserve honesty and the right to make informed choices about their bodies.”

All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy.

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Testimony

State Sen. Judy Schwank Issues Statement in Support of Statewide Nursing Home Worker Strike

Reading — September 2, 2022 — Today, state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) joined striking nursing home workers of the Fairlane Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation at Reading in support of their demands for fair pay and staffing. She issued the following statement on the statewide nursing home worker’s strike:

“Just a few months ago, we passed a state budget that allocated $600 million to the nursing home industry, 70% of which is required to be used to support staff. The employees on the picket lines have the most important jobs in these facilities and are coming off an incredibly challenging period during the pandemic. To deny them a fair contract, after all they’ve done these past few years and in the face of rising consumer costs, is simply wrong. It’s time for management to do the right thing and come to an agreement that rewards these workers for the crucial work they do to look after our most vulnerable senior citizens.” 

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Schwank Applauds $2 Million in Grant Funding for Sustainable Agriculture Research

Reading — July 31, 2022 — Today, Sen. Judy Schwank, minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, applauded the Wolf Administration for awarding six organizations with over $2 million in grant funding for sustainable agriculture research.

Two Berks County based organizations received a total of $635,000 in funding. Below is the list of grant recipients: 

  • The Center for Dairy Excellence, Dauphin County – $30,000
  • Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Berks County – $135,000
  • Pennsylvania State University, Centre County – $1,259,976
  • Rodale Institute, Berks County – $500,000
  • Stroud Water Research Center, Chester County – $85,000
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia – $177,021

Schwank, who has been one of the leading advocates for climate-smart agriculture in the state legislature, said she believes Pennsylvania is poised to become a leader in implementing innovative agriculture practices that combat climate change. 

“When you look at some of the work groups in Pennsylvania are doing to promote agriculture while protecting our natural resources, you can’t help but feel good about the direction of the commonwealth’s agriculture industry,” Schwank said. “I have the utmost confidence that with continued support, Pennsylvania can become a model other states follow in terms of climate-smart agriculture. I’m proud to see two Berks County based organizations take advantage of this opportunity.” 

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Schwank, BCPS Announce $100,000 in State Funding for Pardon Project

Reading — August 10, 2022 — Today, Sen. Judy Schwank and Berks Connections/Pretrial Services (BCPS) announced that BCPS received $100,000 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support the Pardon Project of Berks County.

Pardon Projects pair individuals seeking a pardon with trained pardon coaches who guide them through the application process free of charge. In November of 2021, Schwank, BCPS, and Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced the beginning of the Pardon Project of Berks County’s pilot program. The program’s guidelines and eligibility criteria were developed with input from Adams, Magisterial District Judge Tonya Butler, Executive Director of the Berks County Bar Association Executive Kori Walter, and then Berks County Bar Association President Justin Bodor.

The grant funding will go towards 18 months of salary for a full-time Pardon Project Coordinator and other costs associated with bolstering the program.

“Getting a pardon can transform an individual’s life by opening doors to a variety of opportunities that are too often closed for people who’ve made a mistake,” Schwank said. “The mission of Pardon Project is worthy of support, and I’m committed to ensuring it succeeds in Berks County. Growing the program is the logical next step after a successful pilot period and significant community interest. I’m excited to see what it will become once a full-time staff member is fully devoted to Pardon Project.”

“We are so thankful for Sen. Schwank’s assistance in securing these funds,” said BCPS Co-Executive Director Nikki Schnovel. “The ability to have a dedicated Pardon Project Coordinator who is trained in the process will not only assure that participants working with Pardon Project of Berks County will be submitting a strong application with a higher likelihood of success, but will also increase the amount of participants that we can assist, allowing for a greater impact on the community!”

More information about the Pardon Project of Berks County can be found by visiting berksconnections.org/pardonprojectofberkscounty.

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Schwank Calls on County Commissioners to Convene Panel to Improve Elections

Reading — August 8, 2022 — Today, Sen. Judy Schwank sent a letter to the Berks County Commissioners requesting they convene a panel to remedy the election issues outlined in a report made public last Thursday in preparation for the 2022 general election.

The letter is in response to a string of errors that have occurred while administering recent Berks County elections that culminated with a series of mistakes during the 2022 primary. These errors are especially damaging in the wake of a continued onslaught of unfounded allegations of stolen elections and widespread fraud following to 2020 presidential election. 

“Having been in the shoes of the commissioners, I have great respect for the work they do and know how difficult it is to administer an election,” said Schwank. “A mistake here or there is understandable and forgivable if the officials overseeing it take ownership and work to ensure it doesn’t happen again. When they continue to happen election after election, that means there is a systemic issue that badly needs to be addressed before the 2022 general election. Berks County residents deserve to hear what’s being done to ensure the upcoming election goes off without a hitch and every legal vote is counted correctly.”

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Letter Berks County Board of Elections Aug 2022

 

Schwank Issues Co-Sponsor Memo to Require Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Lodging and Truck Stop Employees

Harrisburg — July 27, 2022 — This week, state Sen. Judy Schwank issued a co-sponsorship memorandum on her plan to require employers in the lodging and truck stop industry to provide Human Trafficking Awareness training to employees. 

Human trafficking is a crime and a human rights abuse in which perpetrators use force, coercion, or fraud to compel victims into servitude or commercial sexual exploitation. Act 130, commonly referred to as Safe Harbor, was signed into law in 2018. It created immunity for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation from some crimes, gave direction to the Department of Human Services to coordinate specialized services for sexually exploited children, required training for law enforcement on how to identify and help victims, and established the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund to support care for victims and to prevent human trafficking. Schwank’s proposed legislation would build on Safe Harbor and help individuals who are likely to interact with human trafficking victims identify warning signs.   

Currently, the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association does connect members and their staff with free human trafficking prevention training via Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking. BEST offers comprehensive human trafficking prevention training across the country. The training is voluntary and is offered as a courtesy program to its members and staff. Schwank’s proposed legislation would require those industries to receive training once every two years. The training must be 20 minutes long and must be within six months of the beginning of employment.  

“Human trafficking remains a very serious threat in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. Providing valuable training to our restaurant and truck stop industry workers would equip them with the tools they need to identify warning signs and potentially help a victim who finds themselves in a perilous situation.”

Schwank added that the General Assembly has a record of working cooperatively to address human trafficking in Pennsylvania and believes her plan will garner broad bipartisan support. 

“We’ve had some success getting meaningful legislation through both chambers on this issue in the past and I believe we can do it again,” Schwank said. “It’s too important and we owe it to the victims of these heinous crimes to do everything we can to help them. Even if it saves just one life, it’s worth it.” 

California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas are among other states that have enacted similar laws. 

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Women’s Health Caucus Hosts Second Policy Hearing on Post-Roe Pennsylvania

Philadelphia July 26, 2022 — Today, the Women’s Health Caucus conducted its second joint hearing with the House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees on Pennsylvania abortion access post-Roe. The hearing was held at the William Way Community Center and featured testimony from Dr. Aasta Mehta from the Philadelphia Department of Health and Signe Espinoza, the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates, Céshia Elmore, a Community Organizer for New Voices for Reproductive Justice, and Dr. Sarah Gutman from the University of Penn Medicine. 

WHC co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas provided opening remarks at the hearing and highlighted the threat to abortion access in Pennsylvania. She said today’s hearing was about understanding how abortion access can be protected and expanded in Pennsylvania. 

“We have a Republican Caucus in Harrisburg that is looking to ban abortion across the commonwealth as quickly as they can,” said Rep. Cephas. “That’s going to require us to stay steadfast and focus on factual information about how limiting abortion access continuously increases health risks to mothers and birthing people.”

“The Supreme Court decision on abortion has created confusion for people capable of pregnancy across the country,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Mary Jo Daley. “It is important that Pennsylvanians know that abortion care is still safe and legal and that our doors are open for people needing an abortion to come to our state. The second policy hearing in post-Roe Pennsylvania brings together health care providers and advocates for pregnant people to discuss the future of abortion care in Pennsylvania.”

“Abortion is still safe and legal in Pennsylvania, but we have a lot of work to do when it comes to expanding reproductive healthcare access in the commonwealth,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Amanda Cappelletti. “Many women and child-bearing individuals already face barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare, such as maternity healthcare deserts and hospital closures, and the access to abortion care remains inaccessible for many individuals across the commonwealth. We must protect the right to bodily autonomy and provide greater accessibility.”

“These hearings are just one way we can continue to keep this issue front and center,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Judy Schwank. “It’s important that we do everything in our power to communicate where abortion access stands in Pennsylvania right now and where we are headed if people don’t stay engaged. The testimony we’ve heard so far makes it clear that stripping away abortion access away from Pennsylvanians is not in the best interest of this commonwealth.”

The first post-Roe Pennsylvania hearing took place on July 19 in Harrisburg and featured testimony from Pennsylvania’s Acting Physician General Denise Johnson. The next hearing will take place in Pittsburgh on August 11. 

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Testimony

Schwank Helps Secure $2.8 Million CFA Grant for Berks County Industrial Development Authority

Reading July 19, 2022 − This morning, the Commonwealth Financing Authority voted to approve over $2.8 million in grant funding to the Berks County Industrial Development. 

In addition to the $2.8 million, BCIA will also receive a $4.2 million loan from the commonwealth. The financial assistance will go towards redeveloping a former World War II base within Berks Park 183 adjacent to the Reading Airport. The site has been vacant for 80 years. Renovations to the site will include excavation, water and sewer, utilities, storm water management, road improvements, and landscaping. 

“It’s great to see Berks County continue to take advantage of state resources and take on big revitalization projects,” Sen. Judy Schwank said. “Redevelopment around the Reading Airport has been ongoing for many years and there is still a lot of work to be done, but this substantial award will go a long way toward bringing a space that’s sat lifeless for decades back to prominence. This project in particular checks all the boxes. It leverages state funds to support development, which will provide good jobs for area residents and generate substantial future economic growth.” 

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Schwank Backs State Investment in Apprenticeship Program

Reading — July 14, 2022 — Today, Sen. Judy Schwank commended the Wolf Administration for investing $264,980 in a union apprenticeship program that will serve 18 counties, including Berks.

The funding was awarded to the Insulators Local 23 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee for a program aimed at growing the number of registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in Pennsylvania. The funding was awarded through the PAsmart program, which was created by the Wolf Administration in anticipation of increased employment opportunities within the building and construction trades as a result of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law by President Biden in November 2021.

Sen. Schwank supported Insulators Local 23’s application for funding and other projects that enhance union job training. 

“I’ve been fortunate to have multiple great projects that invest in union job training efforts that provide a direct economic boost to Berks County come across my desk over the years. Many areas in the City of Reading and throughout Berks County require redevelopment and the support being given to this program is a meaningful step in the right direction. This demonstrates that Pennsylvania has the foresight needed to make the most of the federal infrastructure dollars that will be headed our way soon. It was an easy decision to support this funding application and I applaud Gov. Wolf for his continued investment in our community.”

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Women’s Health Caucus Applauds Gov. Wolf’s Executive Order Protecting Abortion Providers from Out-of-State Prosecution

Harrisburg — July 12, 2022 — Today, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he signed an executive order that will protect Pennsylvania abortion providers facing prosecution in another state for providing individuals with reproductive health care services. The executive order comes a day after the four co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus along with an additional 48 state lawmakers signed a letter calling on Gov. Wolf to take this action. 

WHC co-chairs Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery, Delaware), Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia), and Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) issued the following statement applauding the governor’s executive order:

“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is fortunate to have a governor who has time and time again displayed a commitment to upholding access to reproductive health care. With Roe’s reversal and anti-abortion laws taking effect throughout the country, Pennsylvania is expected to see a major influx of out-of-state travelers seeking an abortion. Under no circumstances can we allow neighboring states to intimidate or charge a provider operating legally within the commonwealth’s borders with a crime. This executive order further affirms that Pennsylvania is ready and willing to fight off any actions that seek to restrict access to abortion and reproductive health care. We thank Gov. Wolf for heeding our call for action and for moving quickly and decisively to protect Pennsylvania’s abortion providers.”      

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Senate Democrats to Introduce Legislation to Codify Roe v Wade Protections in PA Law

HARRISBURG, June 27, 2022 − Seven members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus circulated a memo on Friday afternoon to take steps to codify into state law the personal right to make decisions about health and reproduction, including access to safe and legal abortions.

The co-sponsorship memo was circulated by state Senators Katie Muth (D- Montgomery/Chester/Berks), Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware), Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny), Maria Collett (D-Bucks/Montgomery), Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), and Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester).

“The Supreme Court decision handed down on Friday was not made in the interest of the people and shows that the highest court in our nation has a majority that is being run by harmful right wing special interests,” Muth said. “If we cannot trust the Court to protect the rights of Pennsylvanians, then it is up to us in the state legislature to defend our rights to make decisions about our own bodies. We cannot and we will never back down in the fight to protect our rights, our bodies, and our right to choice.”

The legislation comes on the heels of the devastating ruling handed down by a partisan Supreme Court on Friday that overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling and eliminates the constitutional right to an abortion after almost 50 years.

“Codifying Roe will go a long way to protect the right to determine our own bodily autonomy here in the Commonwealth. Currently, the right to make decisions about our own bodies is under threat because extremists refuse to accept the reality that abortion is a necessary and vital health care procedure,” Cappelletti said. “We must do all that we can to protect and even expand access, and this legislation is the first step to doing so.”

In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that abortion rights being left to the individual states was a violation of the right to privacy and equal protection under the law. This ruling had provided American women the reproductive freedoms and personal health choices they deserve as equal citizens.

“Last week’s Supreme Court ruling took away the federal right for millions of Americans to seek life-saving reproductive healthcare. Abortion is only legal in Pennsylvania right now because the anti-choice bills run by Republicans in the legislature have been vetoed by the governor. The time is now to codify Roe into state law to ensure that reproductive healthcare remains safe and accessible for future generations,” Williams added. “Deciding if, when, and with whom to start or grow a family is a human right. I trust people to make the best decisions about their lives, families and their healthcare. This legislation is about our right to privacy and our right to bodily autonomy and I am proud to support it.”

In the dissenting opinion filed on Friday, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer wrote that “withdrawing a woman’s right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy does not mean that no choice is being made. It means that a majority of today’s Court has wrenched this choice from women and given it to the States. To allow a State to exert control over one of “the most intimate and personal choices” a woman may make is not only to affect the course of her life, monumental as those effects might be.”

“After nearly 50 years of legal precedent, we are seeing nothing less than a rollback of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy. This ruling could be devastating to Pennsylvanians, but it does not have to be,” Collett added. “Our legislature must codify Roe v. Wade and ensure safe, legal, and accessible reproductive care for everyone, regardless of their income level or other social barriers.”

According to April 2022 polling done by Franklin & Marshall College, which has regularly polled on the issue since 2009, only 16 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances.

“Without Roe, state legislatures across the country will be lining up to restrict, ban or protect abortion access. Given that only 30% of Pennsylvanians agree with the overturning of Roe, I believe this legislation will do what our constituents expect us to do – protect access to abortion,” Schwank said. “We can’t allow the people of this commonwealth’s personal health care decisions to be made by a vocal minority.” 

The Senators all agree that it is up to the legislature to step up and take action to protect women’s freedom of choice. 

“While abortion currently remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, we must take steps to keep it that way. In overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court showed just how fragile protections for women’s health, women’s rights, and women’s choice are,” Comitta said. “Codifying these protections into law is a matter of representing the majority of Pennsylvania voters who believe abortion should be legal, standing up for all women, and saying no to an extremist agenda of government-mandated pregnancy.”

The Senators indicated that language is currently being drafted to codify the protections of the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling into Pennsylvania law and that it will be introduced soon. 

“We just witnessed an unprecedented repeal of the rights of women in America by activist justices acting against the interest of the majority of Americans. Pennsylvania’s legislature needs to act now to ensure we protect the rights of women here in Pennsylvania,” Tartaglione said. “This legislation will ensure women retain the right to safe abortions and protects women from having the government interfere in the private decision-making process between her and her healthcare team.” 

Click here to read the co-sponsorship memo that was circulated on Friday.

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Women’s Health Caucus Co-Chairs, Democratic Leaders Vow to Protect Abortion Access in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg — June 27, 2022 — Today, the four co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus were joined by senate and house Democratic Leaders Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Joanna McClinton to talk about the reversal of Roe v. Wade and the need to preserve abortion access. 

The group of lawmakers vowed to protect the access to abortion Pennsylvanians currently have and warned that efforts to restrict abortion in the commonwealth will only intensify after last Friday’s decision.  

“Safe and legal abortion is still the law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas. “The place where American democracy was forged is still a place where a uterus does not make a person a second-class citizen. For now. While we stand here there are closed-door meetings going on all over this building. In those meetings, the right-wing extremists who turned the United States Supreme Court from an impartial body into the most partisan and authoritarian force in the nation are giving their marching orders to the men – and, sadly, women – who control the legislature.” 

“I am committed to protecting access to abortion in Pennsylvania, along with every other facet of reproductive health care,” said WHC co-chair Amanda Cappelletti. “We need to be expanding access to healthcare, not stripping it away. However, being in the minority means that pro-choice legislators can’t fight back against these threats alone. Senate Bill 956 is a dangerous constitutional amendment that the Governor will not be able to veto. We need Pennsylvanians to pay attention as this proposal to deny a person’s access to abortion moves through the legislature.”

“While we stand together to speak for the majority of people, we have to remember the Republicans control the house as they’ve done for 23 of the last 27 years,” said WHC co-chair Mary Jo Daley. “Republicans also control the Senate like they’ve done unbroken since 1994. They can bring up and pass an abortion bill or amendment any time they want. We know abortion is still safe and legal in Pennsylvania. But our fight is not over. It’s time to look to the brave people of the past that fought together for their rights and work together so that future generations regain the full right to make their own decisions about their bodies.” 

“Roe has protected my ability to make decisions about my own body for my entire adult life,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th). “I can’t tell you how difficult it is for me to think that my granddaughters will grow up in a country that affords them fewer rights than it did their grandmother. That’s the very definition of going backward.”

“The Republicans have shown us they don’t believe in women’s rights,” said McClinton. “They’ve shown us that they don’t believe it should be up to each and every birthing person in the commonwealth to decide what happens to their own bodies. They’ve shown us that time and time again. But we’re not here crying with tears, we’re here ready to rumble.”

“With this one decision, American life was so fundamentally altered in a way I have not seen at any other point in my career as a public servant – probably in my entire lifetime,” said Costa. “We stand firm in our commitment to do everything we can to preserve and maintain legal and safe access to abortion in Pennsylvania as it stands today. What we have to do is take that dark nightmare of Friday’s decision and do everything we can to secure this right. We have to turn this frustration into advocacy.”

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Senate Democrats Support Pres. Biden’s Call for State Gas Tax Holiday

Harrisburg, PA – June 22, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats held a press conference shortly after President Joe Biden made a call to federal and state law makers to pause gas taxes.  

“Our stance is simple; we are calling on state Republicans to join us in supporting a suspension to the state gas tax. We know there is concern about a loss of revenue while the pause is in place, but Pennsylvania has billions in surplus funds that can be used to maintain roads and bridges during the gas tax holiday,” said Senator Jay Costa, Senate Democratic Leader. “This is about putting people over corporate profit. We need to implement a gas tax holiday, use Pennsylvania’s budget surplus to ensure our roads and bridges still receive the funding they need, and hold the oil and gas industry accountable to pass the savings to consumers.”

Several Democratic Senators joined Sen. Costa, including Sen. Hughes, Sen. Boscola, Sen. Cappelletti, Sen. Flynn, Sen. Haywood, Sen. Santarsiero, Sen. Schwank, and Sen. Street. All expressing their support for President’s call to states to pause the gas tax and make sure those savings were felt by consumers and not absorbed by the oil and gas industry.

“We have the money to support a gas tax holiday. We can give hardworking families some relief at the gas pump and still make sure our roads and bridges receive funding,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “And when we do this tax reduction, the oil and gas industry need to leave those savings for consumers. We’re stepping up. We’re responding to the President’s call. It’s time for state Republicans and the oil and gas industry to step up too.”

Senator Lisa Boscola and Senator Marty Flynn recently introduced bills that would temporarily pause the gas tax in Pennsylvania. A statewide gas tax holiday could amount to an average of thirty cents a gallon in savings to consumers.

“I applaud President Biden’s call for a gas tax holiday,” said Sen. Marty Flynn. “Right now, Pennsylvania families are paying triple the price for gas compared to what they paid last year. This is one of the most pressing issues for families, and we have money in the bank to help them. I’m done naming bridges, it’s time we do something for the people.”

“Gas tax relief is something we can do immediately in this inflation storm,” said Senator Lisa Boscola. “The billions in surplus we have is taxpayer money, and taxpayers deserve some of this money back. Combined with the federal plan, a state gas tax holiday would give real savings to families.”

Sen. Collett, Sen. Dillon, Sen. Fontana, Sen. Kearney, and Sen. Lindsey Williams also attended the press conference to show support for a proposed state gas tax holiday.

A full video of the press conference and remarks from all speakers from the Democratic Senate Caucus is available online.

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