November 12, 2020
Reading, November 12, 2020 − The Pennsylvania Department of Education today awarded Schuylkill Valley Community Library $134,712 in a Keystone Grant for building improvements, including replacing the roof, improving ADA accessibility and adding restrooms, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) announced.
Award recipients were selected through a competitive grant process. The Keystone grants will aid public library facilities in installing equipment, upgrading security systems, and more.
“Libraries play a key role in our communities,” Schwank said. “I’m thrilled to see some of these funds help make the Schuylkill Valley Community Library more accessible to the Leesport community.”
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October 15, 2020
Reading, October 15, 2020 The Penn State Agricultural Council today recognized State Senator Judy Schwank (D-11th district) as their Leadership Award recipient for 2019.
The Council, first formed in 1961, is comprised of organizations, groups and businesses that represent a strategic agricultural or related interest in Pennsylvania.
The Leadership Award is one of three awards given annually to outstanding leaders in the agricultural community in Pennsylvania that:
- Demonstrate outstanding communication and advocacy skills.
- Exhibit the highest levels of professionalism, performance, innovation, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Encourage personal development, partnerships, collaboration, and respect.
- Serve as a role model, mentor, diplomat, and inspiration.
The other awards are the Youth Leadership Award (to a student) and the Leadership in Action Award (given to an organization, group or event).
Nominations are solicited from Penn State Ag Council member organizations and their membership. The selection committee is comprised of the Penn State Ag Council President and the Penn State Ag Council Membership Committee.
“It’s truly an honor to receive this award,” Schwank said. “This is the part of my work as a state senator that I find so rewarding. Our agriculture industry in Pennsylvania and the agriculture economy are so important to me, to my constituents and to all of the people of the Commonwealth.”
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6 de octubre de 2020
Harrisburg, October 6, 2020 Today the Pennsylvania Senate approved 50-0 a bill that would allow milk processors more flexibility in labeling. The legislation was inspired by a dairy industry study Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) requested in 2018 which suggested clarifying milk date coding requirements as a way for the state to bolster the dairy industry.
SB 1330 allows milk processors to use a “best by” date instead of a “sell by” date, which was also recommended by a recently released report by the Dairy Future Commission of which Schwank was a member. The proposal also allows milk processors to request a later “best by” or “sell by” date from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture than the current 17-day milk code, after product testing.
“Other states don’t have that 17-day milk code requirement, which is an arbitrary deadline and really doesn’t reflect the freshness of the milk,” Schwank said. “Milk doesn’t necessarily spoil once you get to day 18. But consider consumers in the grocery store – they buy the carton with the latest date. This legislation will help make Pennsylvania milk the fresher choice.”
The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
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September 15, 2020
READING, Sept. 15, 2020 – State Reps. Tom Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi and State Sen. Judy Schwank announced three Berks county organizations received more than $190,000 from the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program. The program, funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is meant to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today approved the following grants:
- GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, $66,263
- Foundation for the Reading Public Museum, $85,280
- Reading Symphony Orchestra, $39,083
Funds may be used to offset lost revenue for eligible cultural organizations and museums that were subject to closure by the proclamation of disaster emergency issued by Governor Tom Wolf on March 6, 2020, and any renewal of the state of disaster emergency and that experienced a loss of revenue related to the closure.
“During this difficult time, it’s rewarding when we are able to reach out to local organizations to provide support,” Caltagirone said. “I am relieved to see three local organizations will receive the help they need.”
“I’m hopeful these grants will help our local organizations and help diminish some of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rozzi said. “This year has been one unlike any other, so it’s rewarding to see federal funds going back to our community to help some of the organizations in need.”
“Arts and cultural organizations play a critical role in improving the quality of life and economic vitality of Reading and Berks County,” Schwank said. “These funds will help our local organizations weather the impact of COVID-19 and continue to serve our community.”
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August 27, 2020
Harrisburg, PA – August 27, 2020 – Today, State Senators Iovino, Street, Brewster, Schwank, and Hughes joined members of the Commonwealth’s small business community via Zoom to advocate for bipartisan legislation that would help Pennsylvania businesses file claims on their business interruption insurance policies, a potential source of funds that could help prevent businesses from being forced to close their doors. Business interruption insurance is coverage that replaces income lost in the event that business is halted due to a disaster. Since the pandemic and resulting shutdown, many Pennsylvania small businesses have sought financial relief by filing claims on their business interruption insurance policies, only to be denied due to ambiguous insurance policy language.
“To confront the most daunting economic challenge of our time, we need to put in place every available option to provide safety nets and recovery tools to support our businesses and our economy – and that includes business interruption insurance,” said Senator Pam Iovino (D – Allegheny & Washington). “Businesses that have consistently paid their business interruption insurance premiums expect their insurance coverage to provide security during a time of need. They need to know that a lifeline they planned for is available and within reach, and this bipartisan bill would do just that.”
Senator Iovino’s legislation, Senate Bill 1127, is designed to clarify Pennsylvania law and specifically applies to businesses with business interruption coverage that contains a “civil authority” clause. These clauses provide protections when government action, typically taken in response to a natural disaster or similar life-threatening event, prevents the business from operating. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has characterized the pandemic as a “natural disaster and a catastrophe of massive proportions.” Also, the legislation would clarify that the presence of COVID-19 in a community constitutes “property damage.”
Under this legislation, businesses would not receive additional payment beyond what their existing coverage permits. Insurance companies would not be mandated to immediately pay claims – the normal claims review process would take place before any payments are made.
Senate Bill 1127 was referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on April 30. The next step in the legislative process would be a Senate hearing.
“The economic damage caused by the pandemic is something our communities have never faced,” said Senator Sharif Street (D – Philadelphia). Small businesses are the foundation of economic ecosystems throughout communities in the Commonwealth, we must do all we can to sustain them. As Democratic Chair of the Banking & Insurance committee I am committed to working with Chairman Scavello (R) to convene a hearing pending growing reports of businesses across communities having their insurance claims denied. This bill will ensure that we protect the small businesses that drive our economy which have been interrupted through no fault of their own. I’m proud to join Senator Iovino, a leader in this bipartisan effort. “
“Businesses that have paid insurance premiums to financially protect themselves when there is an interruption in operations – such as when the coronavirus pandemic struck – shouldn’t have to struggle when a claim is made,” said Senator Jim Brewster (D – Allegheny & Westmoreland). “Entrepreneurs and small business owners rely on insurance to cover these types of situations.
Covering losses from situations beyond the control of businesses is exactly why you buy and pay for insurance. There should be no problems when operations are suspended and claims are filed.”
Lori Poe, who co-owns The Tandem Connection Bike & Running Shop in Washington County with her husband, said “if we were able to get some reimbursement from our insurance company for the business interruptions and loss of our second store, it would help us stay above water in the winter months when we are typically very slow. We appreciate Senator Iovino, her staff, and other legislators going to bat for the small businesses in our area.”
“As President/CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest regional chambers in the Commonwealth, I feel compelled to advocate and to support legislation that is specifically designed to add a ‘lifeline’ to our small business community devastated by the pandemic,” said Chris Heck. “Financial relief should not be denied to those due to ambivalent insurance policy language. We support Senate Bill 1127, introduced by our PA Senator, Pam Iovino.”
“There’s no doubt about it – small businesses in Pennsylvania are suffering,” Senator Judy Schwank (D – Berks) said. “These businesses, which have done everything we’ve asked of them, should not be further penalized by their insurance carriers because of vague language.”
Jack Goodrich, a Pittsburgh attorney who specializes in business interruption insurance claims, said that “all we want to do is protect the small business owners that are the backbone of this country. They paid their premiums for years and deserve compensation now for their business losses through no fault of their own.”
“Small businesses all across Pennsylvania are bearing an undue share of the economic collapse caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” said state Senator Vincent Hughes (D – Philadelphia & Montgomery). “Taking action on business interruption insurance is a must. We should be providing every option possible to help their survival and recovery because they are the backbone of our economy.”
A downloadable video of today’s virtual press conference can be accessed here.
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August 17, 2020
Senator Judy Schwank, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran and Reading City Council Member Maria Goodman-Hinnershitz view Egleman’s Dam
Reading − August 17, 2020 − Twelve Berks County municipalities and municipal authorities, including the City of Reading, have been awarded state water and sewer infrastructure grants totaling $1.78 million by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) announced today.
“Properly functioning water and wastewater infrastructure protects public health and safety and promotes economic growth,” Schwank said. “I strongly advocated for these grants to help our local communities make necessary improvements.”
Of note, the City of Reading is receiving two grants: A $350,000 H2O grant to modify Egleman’s Dam in Reading and a $125,000 Small Water and Sewer System Grant to improve the Fritz Island wastewater treatment plant.
“It is especially important that the City of Reading is receiving state grant assistance to complete Egleman’s Dam and substantial state help to complete a project at the Fritz Island treatment plant project,” Schwank said. “With its limited resources, the city might not have been able to finish these critical infrastructure improvements without this state grant funding.”
“This state investment in our city will help my administration continue our efforts to improve one of our most scenic parks and our wastewater system for the benefit of all city residents,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Moran. “Partnerships like this with state government are critically important for Reading’s future, and I want to thank Senator Schwank and her colleagues for working diligently to help secure these funds.”
Two other H2O grants include:
- Oley Township Municipal Authority, Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks, $250,000
- Muhlenberg Township Authority, Leiscz’s Bridge Road Intercept Replacement, $100,000
Additionally, Schwank announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved Small Water and Sewer System grants for:
- Ruscombmanor Township, MS4 Stormwater BMPS, $55,765
- Oley Township Municipal Authority, Sewer Collection System Televising Manhole Rehab, $100,000
- Robeson Township Municipal Authority, Sewing Pumping State #2 Improvements, $50,000
- Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority, Generate Update, $100,000
- Cumru Township, Tamarack Train I&I, $100,000
- City of Reading, Fritz Island Grit Chamber Project, $125,000
- Centre Township Municipal Authority, Kingsgate WWTP Upgrade, $50,000
- Borough of Laureldale, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Replacement Project, $100,000
- Borough of Kutztown, Solids Handling Improvements, $100,000
- Birdsboro Municipal Authority, Hay Creek Raw Water Pump Station, $100,000
- West Reading Borough, Linden Lane Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, $200,000
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12 de agosto de 2020
Harrisburg - 12 de agosto de 2020 - A petición de la senadora estatal Judy Schwank (demócrata de Berks) y de las representantes estatales Morgan Cephas (demócrata de Filadelfia) y Mary Jo Daley (demócrata de Montgomery), la Comisión de Política Demócrata del Senado ha celebrado hoy una audiencia pública virtual conjunta con la Comisión de Política Demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes sobre la mortalidad materna durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Legisladores y expertos en la materia debatieron sobre las respuestas innovadoras a la mortalidad materna antes y durante la pandemia de coronavirus, que supuso una carga única para el sistema sanitario general y los servicios tradicionales.
"Las crecientes tasas de mortalidad materna en Estados Unidos ya eran muy preocupantes antes de que se produjera la pandemia de coronavirus, pero mientras seguimos luchando contra la propagación del COVID-19, tenemos que asegurarnos de que continuamos trabajando en favor de políticas que ofrezcan a las nuevas madres y a sus bebés los resultados más saludables posibles", declaró Schwank. "Nuestro sistema sanitario no sólo debe seguir preparándose para los efectos del COVID-19, sino que también debe seguir vigilante para asegurarse de que las embarazadas y las nuevas madres reciben el mejor tratamiento y los mejores cuidados posibles."
La senadora Lisa Boscola (demócrata de Lehigh/Northampton), presidenta del Comité de Política Demócrata del Senado, prosiguió: "Hemos dedicado mucho tiempo durante esta pandemia a debatir las mejores formas de proteger a tantos segmentos diferentes de la sociedad. La mortalidad materna no es sólo un problema de las mujeres, sino que afecta a la unidad familiar en su conjunto. Hoy hemos tenido la oportunidad de debatir las mejores formas de proteger a las madres y a sus bebés en sus momentos más vulnerables. Esta conversación pendiente, y las soluciones prácticas que de ella han surgido, salvarán vidas".
Según la Harvard Business Review, las mujeres de Estados Unidos tienen el mayor riesgo de morir por complicaciones en el embarazo entre 11 países de ingresos altos. De 1991 a 2014, la mortalidad materna en Estados Unidos aumentó de 10,3 por 100.000 nacidos vivos a 23,8 por 100.000 nacidos vivos.
"La pandemia de COVID-19 ha pillado por sorpresa a nuestras comunidades, tanto en lo que respecta a la salud como a las secuelas económicas. A medida que seguimos analizando la cuestión de la mortalidad materna, debemos unirnos para examinar las formas en que podemos conseguir más financiación y desarrollar políticas que se traduzcan en mejores resultados sanitarios para todas las madres, de modo que puedan prosperar y cuidar de sus familias", declaró Cephas. "Mientras este virus hace estragos, estoy deseando escuchar a los expertos para que podamos informar mejor a los líderes de todos los sectores y garantizar que nuestro futuro sea más brillante que nuestro pasado".
Daley continuó: "Pensilvania tiene una tasa de morbilidad materna alarmante, y la pandemia está poniendo de relieve las barreras y la desigualdad en la atención. Agradezco a los expertos que se han unido hoy a nosotros para debatir las mejores prácticas para proteger a nuestras madres y recién nacidos, y espero que éstas se conviertan en políticas de ámbito estatal."
La secretaria de Salud de Pensilvania, la Dra. Rachel Levine, dijo en 2019 que casi 700 mujeres mueren por complicaciones relacionadas con el embarazo cada año en Estados Unidos, y más de la mitad de esas muertes son prevenibles. Agregó que las mujeres negras enfrentan casi el doble de las tasas de mortalidad materna en comparación con la población general.
"La tasa de mortalidad materna de un país suele utilizarse para medir la eficacia global del sistema de prestación de asistencia sanitaria mediante la evaluación de la atención médica general. Es necesario tener esto en cuenta cuando se manifiestan crisis como la pandemia de COVID-19", declaró la Dra. Aasta Mehta, responsable médica de salud de la mujer, División de Salud Materna, Infantil y Familiar del Departamento de Salud Pública de Filadelfia.
"Cuando se trata de desmantelar el racismo en nuestras instituciones y dentro del sistema sanitario estadounidense, el sesgo implícito es un factor impulsor sobre el que debemos llamar la atención y al que debemos hacer frente", afirmó Zahada Gillette-Pierce, formadora de la organización de salud sexual y reproductiva AccessMatters. "El sesgo implícito se manifiesta a menudo en los entornos sanitarios cuando los proveedores de atención sanitaria no reconocen el dolor, cuando restringen las prácticas culturales tradicionales de parto o, en última instancia, asumen un papel jerárquico en la toma de decisiones debido a los estereotipos que tienen o a sesgos profundamente arraigados."
Aunque no se ha demostrado que el COVID-19 sea más peligroso para las madres embarazadas que para las que no lo están, se ha producido un cambio significativo en los procedimientos de parto en casi todos los hospitales del país. Las futuras madres no sólo tienen que llevar una mascarilla durante toda su estancia en el hospital, sino que también se les ha limitado la posibilidad de elegir a una sola persona para que las acompañe durante el parto y su estancia en el hospital. Esto ha hecho que las mujeres que han dado a luz durante la pandemia pierdan el apoyo en el parto de comadronas, doulas y otros especialistas que pueden aliviar el estrés del parto y reducir potencialmente los casos de mortalidad materna, según un artículo publicado por la Escuela de Salud Pública de Harvard, y del que se han hecho eco hoy los declarantes.
Nicole Chaney, enfermera matrona titulada del Centro de Partos de Reading, afirma: "El 22% de los condados de Pensilvania no tienen un hospital con unidad de maternidad".
Chaney no sólo aboga por la ampliación de la atención materna en todo el estado, sino que también dijo que la integración de la partería en más entornos médicos mejorar las experiencias de parto y la salud viene tanto para las mamás y los bebés, "Cuando valoramos la salud reproductiva como una sociedad, y proporcionar tantas opciones como sea posible para la experiencia de parto de la gente, los resultados mejorarán."
En la audiencia de hoy han testificado las siguientes personas:
- Aasta Mehta, MD, MPP, Responsable Médico de Salud de la Mujer, Departamento de Salud Pública de Filadelfia, División de Salud Materna, Infantil y Familiar
- Robert Ferguson, MPH, Director de Políticas, Jewish Healthcare Foundation
- Dr. Mark Woodland, Catedrático y Profesor Clínico de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Reading Hospital
- La'Tasha D. Mayes, Presidenta y Directora General, Nuevas Voces para la Justicia Reproductiva
- Nicole Chaney, CNM, Matrona, Centro de Nacimiento Reading
- Marianne Fray, Directora General de la Coalición de Atención a la Maternidad
- Emily C. McGahey, DM, MSN, CNM , Directora Clínica Asociada del Centro de Matronas para el Parto y la Salud de la Mujer, Copresidenta Legislativa Estatal del Colegio Americano de Enfermeras Matronas de Pensilvania.
- Sindhu Srinivas, MD, MSCE, Directora de Servicios Obstétricos, Vicepresidenta de Calidad y Seguridad del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Cofundadora del Programa Heart Safe Motherhood, Penn Medicine
- Zahada Gillette-Pierce, Formadora, AccessMatters
- Kimberly Seals Allers, estratega de salud materna e infantil, fundadora de Irth app.
Entre los senadores que asistieron a esta audiencia figuran:
Jay Costa (D- Allegheny), Larry Farnese (D- Philadelphia), Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Maria Collett (D- Bucks/Montgomery), Art Haywood (D- Philadelphia/Montgomery), y Lindsey Williams (D- Allegheny).
Entre los representantes que asistieron figuran:
Mike Sturla (D- Lancaster), Thomas Caltigirone (D- Berks), Mark Longietti (D- Mercer), Chris Sainato (D- Lawrence), Kevin Boyle (Philadelphia/Montgomery), Melissa Shusterman (D- Chester/Montgomery), Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), Sara Innamorato (D-Allegheny), Joanna McClinton (D-Philadephia/Delaware), Wendy Ullman (D-Bucks), Mary Issacson (D-Filadelfia) y Joe Webster (D-Montgomery).
Los Comités de Política Demócrata del Senado y de la Cámara de Representantes han organizado una serie de audiencias relacionadas con COVID-19, incluyendo la reapertura de las escuelas, el impacto en los hogares de ancianos y veteranos, las interrupciones en la cadena de suministro de alimentos, el efecto desproporcionado de COVID-19 en la comunidad afroamericana, la financiación relacionada con la pandemia para los centros de cuidado infantil, y la garantía de que el equipo de protección y otros apoyos sean accesibles para todos los trabajadores de primera línea.
La grabación completa de esta audiencia, así como los enlaces a todas las audiencias anteriores, están disponibles en senatorboscola.com/policy.
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July 31, 2020
Reading, July 31, 2020 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) applauds $878,612 for the former Buttonwood Gateway site in Reading granted to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Reading through the Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP).
The ISRP provides loans and grants for environmental assessments and remediation carried out by eligible applicants who did not cause or contribute to the contamination. The program is designed to foster the cleanup of environmental contamination at industrial sites, thereby bringing blighted land into productive reuse.
“This is fantastic news for our ongoing efforts to revitalize Reading,” Schwank said. “The Buttonwood Gateway project is an exciting opportunity that brings us one step closer to achieving that goal.”
Project details: The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Reading was granted $878,612 for environmental remediation of the former Buttonwood Gateway site in Reading. The authority is partnering with the Delaware Valley Development Company (DVDC) to revitalize a long-blighted property by constructing 28 interlocking townhomes with integral parking garages, 12 walk-up apartments, and six three-bedroom townhomes, all with individual entrances and on-site parking. ISRP funds will be used to excavate the soil to an off-site disposal facility; place a cap to eliminate direct contact with soil; install monitory wells and three separate phase liquid recovery wells; conduct quarterly groundwater sampling, soil sampling, and separate phase liquid sampling; liquid waste characterization and disposal; drum disposal; soil vapor reporting; inspections; well abandonment; and reporting.
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July 22, 2020
Harrisburg, July 22, 2020 Upgrades to Fleetwood Borough’s Water Distribution System will be completed thanks to $3.5 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said today.
“This state funding will help Fleetwood Borough replace a leaking water line and ensure reliable and safe drinking water for system customers,” Schwank said. “I commend local officials for their ongoing efforts to improve borough infrastructure, which will benefit local residents today and for decades to come.”
The $3.5 million, low-interest loan was approved by PENNVEST to replace 8,250 feet of 6-inch ductile iron and cement-lined piping, which serves more than 1,700 residents.
PENNVEST funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards.
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16 de julio de 2020
HARRISBURG, 16 de julio de 2020 - Un proyecto de desarrollo/mejora del transporte del distrito de Wyomissing volverá a recibir un impulso muy necesario gracias a los 633.264 dólares de subvención del Fondo de Transporte Multimodal aprobados hoy por la Autoridad de Financiación del Estado. Los Fondos de Transporte Multimodal están destinados a mejorar las infraestructuras de transporte y promover el desarrollo económico.
La subvención permitirá al distrito de Wyomissing avanzar en el proyecto multimodal de ampliación de la calle4, de 4 millones de dólares, que, entre otras cosas, conectará el bulevar North Wyomissing e Innovation Way, según la senadora Judy Schwank (D-11º distrito) y el representante Mark Gillen (R-128º distrito). La ampliación de Fourth Street proporcionará un acceso más directo entre Knitting Mills y las obras de remodelación conexas y la carretera de circunvalación Route 422, aliviando la congestión del tráfico en North Park Road y los problemas de seguridad causados por el tráfico que atraviesa los barrios residenciales. La instalación de otras mejoras multimodales, como una parada de autobús, una estación de bicicletas compartidas, aparcamientos para bicicletas y señalización de rutas peatonales y ciclistas, mejorará aún más la accesibilidad, la seguridad y la fluidez del tráfico. Schwank colaboró estrechamente con Gillen en la defensa del proyecto de Wyomissing. El proyecto recibió 2 millones de dólares en subvenciones en 2019.
"Aplaudo esta aprobación que ayudará a Wyomissing Borough continuar con sus esfuerzos para mejorar el tráfico y el acceso a los nuevos proyectos emocionantes a lo largo de North Park Road", dijo Schwank. "Estos nuevos desarrollos serán particularmente importantes para la vitalidad económica de nuestra zona, especialmente en estos tiempos difíciles".
"Me complace contribuir a impulsar la creación de empleo en el distrito de Wyomissing al tiempo que facilitamos colateralmente la fluidez del tráfico", ha declarado Gillen. "Esta financiación estatal representa una sabia inversión en el futuro económico de nuestra comunidad".
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July 9, 2020
Reading, July 9, 2020 − The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI), a statewide public-private financing program that invests in new or expanding grocery stores and other healthy food retail outlets in the state, has received $10 million as part of the PA CARES appropriation that is to be doled out to eligible food retailers in one-time grants, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) announced.
“I’ve long advocated for everyone to have access to fresh, local food – no matter where you live,” Schwank said. “I’m happy to see these grant funds become available and I highly encourage our eligible grocery stores, farm stands and farm markets to apply.”
The Initiative aims to:
- provide grant support to food retailing businesses impacted by COVID-19 to ensure that amidst the pandemic, low-income and underserved communities are able to maintain healthy food access;
- contribute to better health outcomes by improving access to fresh foods and, to the extent practicable, Pennsylvania grown and produced agricultural products (eligible products include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, and meat products grown or processed in Pennsylvania);
- stimulate investments in lower-income communities and in food retailing businesses that are owned by people who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and that serve lower-income BIPOC communities;
- remove financing obstacles and operating barriers for grocery stores and other healthy food retail in lower-income communities;
- strengthen the local food system and increase market opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers;
- support the creation and preservation of jobs and create and retain a qualified workforce.
Applications will be accepted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture until August 14, 2020. For more information on how to apply, visit https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Food_Security/Pages/Fresh-Food-Financing-Initiative-COVID-19.aspx
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June 29, 2020
Harrisburg, June 29, 2020 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th District) will soon introduce legislation to repeal the Fireworks Act of 2017. The legislation is inspired by municipalities and police and fire departments across the Commonwealth who are unable to mitigate resident complaints about fireworks that are lit day and night – causing property damage, emotional distress to children and pets, serious injuries and sleepless nights.
“I’ve heard from many constituents who are unhappy with the increase in booms, bangs and ear-splitting explosions throughout the year,” Schwank said. “This law is broken, and it needs to be repealed. Too many of our residents are getting hurt and even killed.”
Across the country, a special study estimated 7,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated by emergency room departments during a 1-month period from June 21, 2019, to July 21, 2019. Children under 15 accounted for about 36 percent of the estimated injuries.
In 2019, Schwank introduced legislation to grant municipalities the authority to regulate and limit the use of fireworks in their cities, boroughs and townships. The bill, SB 827, was never moved from the Senate’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the problem has become so significant across the commonwealth simply modifying the original legislation is not sufficient.
The legislation to repeal the Fireworks Act of 2017 is yet to be introduced as Schwank is currently seeking additional support for the bill from other members of the Pennsylvania Senate.
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June 26, 2020
Reading, June 26, 2020 − Starting Monday, June 29, State Senator Judy Schwank’s district office at 210 George Street will reopen to the public. While following Senate COVID-19 policies and precautions, Schwank and staff will once again be available to help constituents with birth certificate applications, property tax and rent rebate applications and more.
“Since the Governor issued his pandemic closure orders in mid-March, my staff and I have been providing services to our constituents remotely via telephone and e-mail,” Schwank said. “Now that Berks County has moved to the Green Reopening phase, I am pleased that we will be able to resume modified in-person services to residents of the 11th Senate District.”
Visitors are asked to wear a mask and the office will be limited to three visitors at a time.
Appointments are highly encouraged and can be scheduled by calling 610-929-2151 or e-mailing [email protected].
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
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June 25, 2020
Harrisburg, June 25, 2020 − The Pennsylvania Senate approved a bill introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) and Sen. John DiSanto (R-15th district) that enacts a series of reforms designed to remove several barriers to licensure for Pennsylvanians with criminal convictions.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
SB 637 designates a licensing board or licensing commission go through a two-stage review when considering whether an individual’s criminal conviction disqualifies him or her from licensure, Schwank said.
Before, men and women who had already served their sentences were finding themselves automatically disqualified when applying for occupational licenses.
Part of the review designated by SB 637 includes asking the applicant if the crime was directly related to the occupation her or she is pursuing. If the answer is no the review moves to further questioning to determine whether issuing the license would create a substantial risk to patients or clients or risk of re-offense.
“Finding a job is one of the most important factors in a person’s successful re-entry to their community, to their lives and to their families,” Schwank said. “The way our system worked with automatic disqualifications; the original punishment often carried well beyond the intended sentence. That is not right. This legislation will help them to make that first big step toward employment and the rest of their lives.”
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June 18, 2020
Harrisburg – June 18, 2020 – At the request of state Senators Judy Schwank (D- Berks) and Maria Collett (D- Bucks/Montgomery), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing today on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Pennsylvania’s food supply chain.
Lawmakers discussed ways the legislature can assist struggling businesses through this difficult time and how to prevent future food chain issues.
“Agriculture is integral to Pennsylvania economics and society,” said Schwank, Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. “The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected our farmers, businesses, and consumers across the state. We need to make sure that in the event of another emergency, our supply chain is better prepared to handle disruptions.”
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic triggered a statewide shutdown order, closing all nonessential businesses across the state. This led to an exponential increase in the number of people staying home who were buying more food from grocery stores. Many stocked up in case they needed to self-quarantine for two weeks because they or someone in their house were exposed to COVID-19.
On the other side of the supply chain, suppliers were harmed through a significant drop off in business with restaurants, schools and large-scale institutions.
The Reading Eagle reported that farmers were forced to dump milk, throw out fresh eggs, and let produce rot because the food supply chain had shifted so rapidly. They claim there was simply nowhere for the food to go.
“A number of businesses in my district, from meat producers to commercial equipment suppliers to linen services — have shared stories about the far reaching ripple effects of disruptions in the food chain — and that is one of the main reasons I fought for this hearing today,” Collett said. “Protecting our frontline workers and our most vulnerable communities is of the utmost importance as we continue to fight this pandemic, but we also need to make sure that we take this time to craft solutions to address the many other issues that this virus has caused.”
Benjamin Davies, accompanied by his wife Karah, of Wild Fox Farms spoke to their experience of continuing the legacy of their family farm in Pennsylvania, “Taking what we have observed during the Covid-19 Pandemic and doubling down on what worked is the only way forward. Focusing on building thriving local supply chains and building regional self-reliance will create resilience in the long term.”
Meat-packaging plants were also temporarily shut down in Pennsylvania and across the country due to the spread of COVID-19 among workers, causing further disruptions in the food supply chain. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that despite known outbreaks among workers at meat-packaging plants, Pennsylvania did not release specific data on workers who contracted COVID-19 at the plants. The Inquirer also reports that Latino workers, who primarily make up the workforce of these plants, had a higher exposure to COVID-19.
“We are supportive of efforts to direct personal protective gear to workers employed in food processing plants, such as House Bill 2435, that would create a grant program that assist these businesses for the purchase of PPE,” Darrin Youker, Director of State Government Affairs at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau said.
Youker also said that the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau also supports the ‘Very Small Meat Processing Grants’, which allowed additional meat processing plants to open or expand. He said that the additional processing capacity in Pennsylvania will further secure the supply chain for Pennsylvania farmers, and ultimately benefit consumers.
The stay-at-home order resulted in many people losing their jobs and struggling with unexpected losses in income and financial security. The order also closed all schools, so children receiving subsidized meals lost access to consistent healthy meals. Food banks and schools across the state had to rapidly adjust their food distribution methods and respond to an explosive increase in need.
The PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said that projections by Feeding America show percentage of Pennsylvanians experiencing hunger will rise from 10.9% in 2018 to 15.9% in 2020. He said that there are projections that child hunger in Pennsylvania will increase from 15.1% in 2018 to 23.8% in 2020.
The state Department of Agriculture consequently released more information and resources for those struggling with hunger.
“As counties move into stages of reopening, the department remains dedicated to providing guidance, resources, and support to the agriculture community. One area that remains a critical focus is workforce,” Redding said. He also said that the Wolf Administration will continue to provide grants for PPE those within the food supply chain.
“It is incredibly important that as we continue to put people back to work so they can support themselves and their families,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D- Lehigh/Northampton), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee. “We need to make sure workers are safe and supported as they face challenges of entering the ‘new normal’ of the post-COVID world.”
En la audiencia de hoy han testificado las siguientes personas:
- Russell C. Redding, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Caryn Long Earl, Director, Bureau of Food Distribution, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Sheri Morris, Assistant Director of Food Distribution and Laboratory Services, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Steve Tracey, Professor, Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Research, Penn State University, Smeal College of Business
- Dr. Patrick Drohan, Professor of Pedology and Creator of the Pennsylvania Agriculture Resilience Network, Penn State University
- Brad Clemens, Senior Vice President, Clemens Food Group
- Darrin Youker, Director, State Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
- Ben and Karah Davies, Wild Fox Farm, Barto, Pennsylvania
Senators Lindsey Williams (D- Allegheny), Pam Iovino (D- Allegehney/Washington), Maria Collett (D- Bucks/Montgomery) Shariff Street (D-Philadelphia), Katie Muth (D- Berks/Montgomery/Chester) John Blake (D- Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe), and Tim Kearney (D- Chester/Delaware) also attended this hearing.
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee has already hosted a number of hearings related to COVID-19, including the impact on nursing and veterans homes, the disproportionate effect on the African American Community, pandemic-related funding for childcare centers, and assuring that protective equipment and other support is accessible for all frontline workers.
La grabación completa de esta audiencia, así como los enlaces a todas las audiencias anteriores, están disponibles en senatorboscola.com/policy.
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8 de junio de 2020
HARRISBURG - 8 de junio de 2020 - Los miembros del Caucus Demócrata del Senado de Pensilvania anunciaron la dirección de $ 225 millones en fondos federales de la Ley CARES para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas en toda la mancomunidad. Esta financiación fue autorizada por el recientemente promulgado COVID-19 Suplemento de Emergencia a la Ley de Asignación General de 2019 y fue una pieza central del Plan PA CARES del caucus.
La ayuda se distribuirá del siguiente modo: 100 millones de dólares se destinarán al Programa de Revitalización de Empresas de Main Street, 100 millones de dólares al Programa de Revitalización de Empresas Históricamente Desfavorecidas y 25 millones de dólares para el aplazamiento del pago de préstamos y reservas para pérdidas en préstamos afectados por el COVID-19. La ayuda será dirigida por el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario y Económico a las Instituciones Financieras de Desarrollo Comunitario (CDFI), que están íntimamente familiarizadas con las necesidades de las pequeñas empresas más vulnerables de nuestras comunidades.
"Quiero dar las gracias al gobernador Wolf por comprometer el liderazgo en la Asamblea General para informar el proceso de traslado de la ayuda federal a los más perjudicados por la pandemia de COVID-19. También quiero dar las gracias al liderazgo de la bancada demócrata del Senado que trabajó con nuestros miembros para formular un plan estratégico para el despliegue de casi $ 4 mil millones en ayuda federal", dijo el senador estatal John Blake (D-Lackawanna). "El programa Main Street Business Revitalization es un reflejo de esa cooperación y liderazgo, y se reunirá con los propietarios de pequeñas empresas de Pensilvania donde están, en la calle principal, después de casi tres meses de pérdida o ausencia de ventas. Permitirá a los propietarios de pequeñas empresas de toda la Commonwealth hacer frente a sus pagos de seguros, alquileres, primas de seguros de salud, impuestos locales y otros gastos que de otro modo no podrían afrontar debido a la pérdida de ventas. Por último, quiero dar las gracias a las 17 CDFI de todo el estado, así como al DCED, por su profesionalidad, agilidad, urgencia y dedicación para hacer llegar lo antes posible esta financiación federal a las pequeñas empresas que más la necesitan."
Las empresas elegibles solicitarán a través de uno de los socios de la Red CDFI y tendrán que haber estado operando en o antes del 15 de febrero de 2020, y debe haber pagado impuestos a los gobiernos estatales y federales. Las pequeñas empresas históricamente desfavorecidas deben tener 25 empleados o menos y haber sufrido pérdidas como consecuencia de la orden de permanencia en el hogar del 19 de marzo del gobernador Tom Wolf. Las organizaciones que soliciten subvenciones del programa de pequeñas empresas históricamente desfavorecidas también deben ser propiedad y estar gestionadas en un 51% por personas social y económicamente desfavorecidas.
"El anuncio de los programas Main Street e Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization proporcionará un alivio bienvenido para las empresas familiares en los barrios de toda la Commonwealth", dijo el senador estatal Vincent Hughes (D-Filadelfia/Montgomery). "Desde que comenzó esta pandemia, hemos escuchado las necesidades de los talleres de chapa y pintura, las barberías, las esteticistas, los propietarios de pizzerías, los establecimientos de soul food y otros negocios de nuestras comunidades. Las necesidades de estas empresas que no pudieron obtener la ayuda que tanto necesitaban de otros programas estatales y federales fueron una prioridad en el anuncio del Programa PA CARES de nuestro Caucus Demócrata del Senado el 29 de abril. Durante meses, mi oficina ha trabajado con una red de organizaciones comunitarias de confianza que tienen un historial probado de trabajo con nuestras pequeñas CDFI para encontrar una solución para ayudar a nuestras empresas de barrio. Creo que estos programas son esa solución. Todavía hay más trabajo por hacer, pero estos programas son una victoria para Pensilvania y sus pequeñas empresas."
Las empresas podrán optar a subvenciones de hasta 50.000 dólares. Las subvenciones pueden utilizarse para cubrir gastos de funcionamiento durante el cierre y en el periodo de transición hasta la reapertura, asistencia técnica y formación, alivio del pago de deudas para prestatarios de CDFI y reservas para préstamos incobrables.
"Nuestras pequeñas empresas en todo el estado hicieron sacrificios para que pudiéramos aplanar la curva de COVID-19 y salvar vidas", dijo el líder demócrata del Senado Jay Costa, Jr. "Ahora que empezamos a recuperarnos, nuestras empresas necesitarán y merecen ayuda para volver a abrir sus puertas, volver a contratar a su personal y servir a nuestras comunidades de nuevo. Les damos las gracias por su paciencia a través de este tiempo difícil, y estamos dispuestos a ofrecer los programas, préstamos y asistencia que necesitan."
Las empresas deberán presentar propuestas para su revisión en las que se documenten las pérdidas de ventas, los ingresos previstos, la duración del cierre como consecuencia del COVID-19 y los recibos de socorro de otras ayudas públicas federales, estatales y locales. Las empresas elegibles presentarán su solicitud directamente a través de una CDFI local.
"Uno de los objetivos del plan de estímulo para la recuperación tras la pandemia que presenté en marzo era poner en marcha las operaciones empresariales y acelerar la recuperación económica facilitando recursos para que más hombres y mujeres vuelvan a trabajar más rápidamente", declaró Brewster. Utilizar el dinero federal de CARE para reforzar las empresas y facilitar la transición a la vida laboral es de vital importancia". La iniciativa caucus CARES incluye una pieza del plan y será especialmente útil para las pequeñas empresas mientras cubren gastos y gestionan los costes de puesta en marcha. Además, supondrá una ayuda para las pequeñas empresas que no hayan podido acceder a otros programas de asistencia empresarial estatales o federales."
Los fondos distribuidos serán supervisados por el DCED para hacer un seguimiento del número total de subvenciones concedidas en el marco de estos programas, incluido el condado, el número de puestos de trabajo salvados gracias a las subvenciones, el importe total del pago y aplazamiento de préstamos, los costes administrativos, etc.
"Gracias al gobernador Wolf y su administración por reconocer la necesidad de nuestro Programa de Revitalización de Negocios Main Street e incorporar esa propuesta en el plan de la Commonwealth para apoyar a nuestras pequeñas empresas, que representan casi la mitad de la fuerza de trabajo del sector privado en Pensilvania - 2,5 millones de puestos de trabajo", dijo el senador Iovino (D-Allegheny/Washington). "Las pequeñas empresas son los creadores de empleo en nuestras comunidades, los generadores de ingresos para nuestra Commonwealth, y la piedra angular de las calles principales vibrantes. Como los propietarios de pequeñas empresas están luchando para aguantar, este paquete de subvenciones de 225 millones de dólares es exactamente el tipo de salvavidas que estos motores económicos necesitan para apoyar nuestra recuperación."
Para más información sobre el plan de recuperación COVID-19, integral y centrado en las personas, visite pasenate.com/pacares.
May 27, 2020
Harrisburg – May 27, 2020 – At the request of state Senators Judy Schwank (D – Berks) and Lindsey Williams (D – Allegheny), the Senate and House Democratic Policy Committees today held a virtual public hearing to discuss critical funding for childcare centers, pre-K, and Head Start programs; and their hard-working employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has exposed the true struggle of working families to access quality childcare at all levels,” Schwank said. “As we ask these essential workers to put themselves on the frontlines of fighting this virus, they should have the peace of mind that their children have the highest quality of care and academic resources.”
Williams added, “Pre-pandemic, one of the most important issues we as a Commonwealth faced was access to quality, affordable childcare. Asking parents to return to work now without providing them quality childcare for their children is unthinkable. We need to pay providers the wages they deserve for keeping our children safe and educating them during such crucial development periods. A fair and just economic recovery for our workforce must include investing in childcare.”
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Phila.) said, “Investing in childcare centers is investing in the next generation, our children. As a working mom with two young kids I know just how important it is to have great childcare right in the neighborhood, providing safe, reliable care. Childcare centers are places of learning, growing and nurturing for our children, and we need to do everything we can to support them so that when working parents are at work, their doors are open!”
Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) added, “Balancing childcare and a job is one of the very real challenges that parents face in normal times. Considering the topsy-turvy world of COVID-19 and the economic necessity of getting people back to work, we must do everything we can to stabilize and support childcare centers so that our children and caregivers have a safe, healthy place to work and play.”
According to the Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA campaigns, Pennsylvania could see the permanent closures of nearly one-third of its childcare centers due to this extended economic shut down.
Pennsylvania has received $106 million in funding to support childcare providers through the federal CARES Act, with $51 million already being allocated and in the process of being distributed to eligible certified childcare providers through regional Early Learning Resource Centers.
However, Schwank, Williams, Fiedler and Daley plan to introduce legislation to further assist childcare centers with administrative expenses, including payroll, and compensate for the loss of tuition payments from families. They also want to extend Pre-K and Head Start programs into the summer to mitigate early childhood learning losses for students.
“We need to make every effort to support our essential workers, and also to support those who will be returning to work as our counties enter the Yellow and Green phases of reopening across Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D – Lehigh/Northampton), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee. “I am very happy that we are able to host these virtual hearings to obtain ideas on the best ways to help our workers during this COVID-19 pandemic.”
Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee, thanked Representatives Fiedler and Daley for “requesting this important hearing. Childcare centers serve a vital role in our economy that must not be overlooked, and they deserve our support to ensure safety for all.”
Testifiers at the policy committee hearing included numerous experts and advocates who spoke on what is needed in the childcare sector during this pandemic, and the best ways that the legislature can assist workers and their families.
“Childcare is a critical infrastructure to the economic well-being of Pennsylvania and her citizens now,” said Tracey Campanini, deputy secretary of the state’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning. “High-quality childcare is critical to Pennsylvania’s future. As important as the discussion is to reopen childcare, I would just remind you there were funding needs of this industry that existed prior to COVID-19.”
Oriana Hood, owner of Pembroke Pee Wee Daycare & Little People Daycare School of Lehigh Valley, told the lawmakers that childcare centers face great uncertainty and daunting financial challenges as Pennsylvania struggles to regain some level of “normalcy.”
“We need help recouping monies lost; we need help to open and remain functional until everyone feels comfortable coming back, she said. “I pray that the businesses I have worked so hard to make a success can remain intact. But for all of this to happen we need funds to operate.
Joining Campanini and Hood, the following testified:
- Jen DeBell, executive director, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children;
- Donna Cooper, executive director, Public Citizens for Children and Youth;
- Cara Ciminillo, executive director, Trying Together;
- Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez, executive director, Children’s Playhouse Early Learning Center;
- Laura Heckart, director, Albright Early Learning Center;
- Laura Crispin, Professor of Economics, Saint Joseph’s University;
- Kate Reber, parent; and
- Beckey Flaherty, executive director, Shady Lane School
In addition to Boscola, Schwank and Williams, the following senators participated: Pam Iovino (D-Allegheny), Maria Collett (D-Bucks/Montgomery), John Blake (D-Lackawanna) and Shariff Street (D-Phila.) Joining Sturla, Fiedler and Daley were the following House Legislators: Sara Innamorato (D-Allegheny), Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), Joe Webster (D-Montgomery) and Dan Miller (D-Allegheny).
A full recording of the hearing will be available at senatorboscola.com/policy.
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May 11, 2020
Harrisburg, May 11, 2020 Legislation proposed by state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) that would ensure Pennsylvanians who receive federal stimulus payments don’t lose state related benefits because of an increase in income received unanimous support from the Senate Finance Committee.
“While I applaud Congress for approving these cash payments, I worry for individuals, particularly seniors, who could lose benefits they rely on because their income will be recertified as too high to be eligible,” Schwank said. “These one-time payments should not be the tipping scale between receiving or losing a benefit.”
Income verified benefits include: the property tax/rent rebate program, PACE/PACENET, childcare subsidies, medical assistance and CHIP.
Senate Bill 1100 now heads to the full Senate for consideration
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May 7, 2020
READING, May 7, 2020 – At the request of State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district), the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate will intercede on behalf of ratepayers in a case involving the Pennsylvania American Water Company’s request to increase its overall water and wastewater rates.
The PAWC recently requested that the Public Utility Commission grant an overall rate increase of $138.6 million over two years for all of its water and wastewater operations. This would mean a nearly 80 percent increase for the average customer by the second year.
Schwank wrote a letter to the POCA on behalf of her constituents who will be affected by the proposed increase. In addition, Schwank has requested that the PUC schedule public hearings to allow residents and business owners to express their concerns on the proposed rate increase. (As yet, she has not received a reply from the Commission to her request.)
“With more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians currently out of work and seeking unemployment compensation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are already struggling to pay their bills,” Schwank said. “While it is not unreasonable for a company to seek sufficient revenue to cover operating and capital expenses and earn a reasonable return on their investment, now is not the right time to pursue it.”
“When it comes to these matters, we need to make sure the public has the opportunity to have their voices heard,” Schwank added. “And, I am grateful that the Consumer Advocate is willing and able to lend the expertise and resources of her office to help protect the interests of consumers.”
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May 1, 2020
READING, May 1, 2020 – State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) will be hosting a live telephone town hall on issues associated with the coronavirus COVID-19 on Wednesday, May 6, at 6:05 p.m. Joining her are:
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Gerard Oleksiak; and
- Dr. Debra Powell, Section Chief of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director for Infection Prevention for Tower Health Reading Hospital.
To sign up for the telephone town hall, visit https://www.senatorschwank.com/telephone-townhall.
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23 de abril de 2020
Harrisburg - 23 de abril de 2020 - Senadores del Estado Judy Schwank (D - Berks) y Lindsey Williams (D - Allegheny) se unió a los Representantes del Estado Joanna McClinton (D - Filadelfia) y Sara Innamorato (D - Allegheny) para una reunión telefónica organizada por el Intercambio de Innovación del Estado (SiX) para discutir la legislación COVID-19.
"Esta crisis de salud pública ha sacado a la luz desigualdades flagrantes a las que se enfrentan nuestras familias de clase trabajadora y de bajos ingresos", dijo Schwank. "Garantizar que todos los ciudadanos de Pensilvania tengan acceso a necesidades básicas como la atención sanitaria, una vivienda digna, alimentos y guarderías de calidad requerirá medidas audaces. Por favor, únase a nuestra teleconferencia para compartir sus ideas sobre cómo vamos a mejorar nuestra Commonwealth."
Los legisladores discutieron los proyectos de ley que se han presentado para ayudar en el aprendizaje en línea K-12, el trabajo para hacer la compensación por desempleo más accesible y completa, y el movimiento de las elecciones primarias de Pensilvania al 2 de junio para la salud y la seguridad de todos los residentes de la Commonwealth.
"Hemos estado trabajando para aprobar leyes que protejan y apoyen a nuestros electores, nuestras comunidades y nuestras empresas durante la pandemia de COVID-19, ya sea proporcionando a nuestros trabajadores esenciales de primera línea EPP o asegurando que las guarderías puedan permanecer abiertas para cuidar a los hijos de esos trabajadores esenciales mientras arriesgan sus vidas por nosotros", dijo Williams. "Estoy deseando tener la oportunidad de debatir estas y otras medidas con personas de toda Pensilvania".
Una lista completa de la legislación propuesta por los demócratas del Senado de Pensilvania para responder adecuadamente a las necesidades de todos los Pennsylvanian durante esta pandemia se puede encontrar aquí en nuestro sitio web.
"Incluso cuando nos quedamos en casa para salvar vidas aplanando la curva, nos aseguramos de que se escuchara la voz de la gente", dijo McClinton, presidente del grupo demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes. "Este ayuntamiento telefónico estatal demostró que ahora, más que nunca, la gente quiere que luchemos por las cuestiones que importan: salarios justos, lugares de trabajo seguros para todos, baja por enfermedad remunerada y muchas más cosas que deben suceder incluso después de que el virus haya sido derrotado. Quiero dar las gracias a las miles de personas que se tomaron su tiempo para unirse a nosotros y recordarnos a todos que siempre es el momento adecuado para defender la equidad y la justicia para todos."
Para más información sobre el trabajo de McClinton para ayudar a los afectados por la pandemia de COVID-19, visite su sitio web.
"Cuando escucho las historias de cómo mis vecinos están luchando, mi corazón se rompe", dijo la representante estatal Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny. "Está claro que para hacer frente a estas necesidades reales tenemos que reimaginar nuestro contrato social. Necesitamos un gobierno que atienda a las personas antes de apresurarse a defender los beneficios privados. Necesitamos políticas que pongan comida en la mesa de las familias y que mantengan a la gente con una vivienda segura mientras se refugian. Ya hemos sacrificado mucho en esta lucha, y está claro después de hablar con la gente en eventos como este que no sólo tenemos más que hacer, sino que debemos seguir luchando para poner a las personas en primer lugar."
Para seguir todo el trabajo que Innamorato está haciendo para ayudar a los afectados por esta pandemia, visite su sitio web.
Todos los legisladores expresaron su apoyo al Plan de Acción de Ayuda a las Familias Trabajadoras Estadounidenses para proteger a los trabajadores, garantizar una asistencia sanitaria adecuada y proporcionar alivio económico mientras soportamos y salimos de esta pandemia.
Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre las estadísticas del coronavirus COVID-19 y las directrices de protección en Pensilvania, visite el sitio web del Departamento de Salud de Pensilvania.
22 de abril de 2020
READING, 22 de abril de 2020 - El Distrito Escolar de Reading y la Unidad Intermedia del Condado de Berks han sido seleccionados para la Continuación de las Becas de Equidad Educativa (CEEG) para el año académico 2019-2020, anunciaron la senadora estatal Judy Schwank (D-11º Distrito), el representante estatal Tom Caltagirone (D-127º Distrito) y el representante estatal Mark Rozzi (D-126º Distrito).
Las becas CEEG están diseñadas para ayudar a proporcionar acceso e inclusión a todos los alumnos, salvando las distancias para los estudiantes que actualmente tienen limitada su capacidad de participar en la continuidad de la educación.
Las subvenciones pueden destinarse a la compra de equipos informáticos, como ordenadores portátiles, tabletas y puntos de acceso a Internet, o al suministro de material didáctico, como lecciones en papel y material didáctico. Las escuelas con los porcentajes más altos de alumnos sin acceso a los recursos tienen prioridad para recibir las subvenciones del CEEG.
Las siguientes organizaciones recibieron una subvención del CEEG:
- IU 14 del condado de Berks: $11,300.00
- Distrito escolar de Reading: 500.000 $.
"En estos tiempos difíciles es imperativo que demos a los estudiantes acceso a todos los recursos disponibles para garantizar que puedan seguir aprendiendo, especialmente en distritos como Reading, donde no todos los estudiantes tienen acceso a un ordenador o a Internet", dijo Schwank. "Estos fondos ayudarán a nuestros dedicados profesionales de la educación a llegar mejor a sus alumnos".
"El acceso a la educación es de suma importancia, y algunas de esas conexiones se han perdido mientras los estudiantes han estado fuera de la escuela", dijo Caltagirone. "Agradezco que estos fondos salven esa brecha".
"Sabemos que los estudiantes se han visto duramente afectados por la pandemia del COVID-19", afirma Rozzi. "Estas ayudas contribuirán a devolverles un poco de normalidad a sus vidas poniéndoles de nuevo en contacto con sus profesores".
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22 de abril de 2020
READING, April 22, 2020 – A low-interest loan in the amount of $1.7 million approved today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) will help fund the Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority’s recently completed Perkiomen Avenue Water Main Replacement Project, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11) and state Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126).
“This project will help ensure that the residents of Mount Penn Borough and the Antietam Valley continue to enjoy the benefit of a safe and high-quality municipal water service for decades to come,” Schwank said. “I commend local officials for their foresight and diligence in coordinating this infrastructure project with PennDOT’s Perkiomen Avenue upgrade work.”
“Replacement of aging infrastructure and preventative maintenance are some of the more difficult challenges local officials face,” Rozzi said. “This project addresses both those needs—it protects water quality, improves service reliability, and will lessen the potential of breaks and service loss.”
The project included the replacement of 5,740 feet of water lines, as well as valves, hydrants, and customer service connections.
PENNVEST funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, and loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards.
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April 9, 2020
READING, April 9, 2020 – State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th district) will be hosting a live telephone town hall on issues associated with the coronavirus COVID-19 on Monday, April 13, at 6 p.m. Joining her are medical professionals including:
- Psychologist Dr. Timothy Ring, American Red Cross Disaster Relief Specialist who practices at Berkshire Psychiatric & Behavioral Health Services, P.C.
- Penn State Health St. Joseph President John R. Morahan
- Penn State Health St. Joseph Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Jeffrey Held
- Penn State Health St. Joseph Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer Sharon Strohecker
To sign up for the telephone town hall, visit https://www.senatorschwank.com/telephone-townhall.
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April 8, 2020
Harrisburg, PA − April 8, 2020 − The Senate adjourned Tuesday afternoon after the House Republicans indicated they would not be taking up Senate Bill 841, legislation that would have enabled local municipalities to hold their meetings remotely, permitted e-notary use; lengthened the time period a property tax payer can receive an early payment discount and delay penalties for late payments to Dec. 31st; and allowed businesses to make delayed payments on EITC. Another important amendment offered by Senator Pam Iovino (D-Allegheny) allowed school districts to renegotiate contracts to ensure contracted school workers can get paid and continue to receive benefits.
The amended SB 841 passed the Senate with bipartisan support. While the Senate Democrats and Republicans chose to put partisan difference aside, the House Republicans were pushing to please special interests and big donors. Intending to use this crisis as leverage, Speaker Turzai and his caucus passed legislation to prematurely allow businesses to reopen during this public health crisis and create a partisan task force to interfere with the Governor’s disaster response, both of which unnecessarily risk lives and threaten to expend the emergency.
“While the Governor and Department of Health Secretary offer leadership on public safety in daily briefings and Democratic members of the PA House and Senate draft legislation to protect working people who are either out of work or employed on the front lines of essential businesses, Republicans are putting lives at risk and undermining the Governor and Secretary Levine’s best efforts to end this crisis,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. “Instead of taking the advice of our Health Secretary, they are trying to slow down our response and hasten the re-opening of non-essential businesses against the guidance of every public health entity in the country.”
The House Republicans were seeking even more egregious measures to provide civil immunity to big businesses, upend school districts ability to pay their teachers, and leave our corrections department employees at serious threat of the Coronavirus. Perhaps worst of all, the language does nothing to protect frontline workers, provide assistance to those that are out of work, or to help small businesses weather this crisis.
In an amendment to Senate Bill 327, House Republicans designed a task force with partisan appointees to usurp the Governor’s ability to rapidly respond to this quickly-evolving crisis. Their bill would require the Secretary of Health to leave PEMA, take hours away from public health crisis planning and defend her work in front of a redundant, political body.
The Senate Democratic Caucus will not support these bills. Alternatively, this caucus will be supporting legislation on the following issues:
- The American Working Family Relief Action Plan for front-line worker protections (Collett/L. Williams)
- Protecting workers during public health emergencies (Santarsiero)
- COVID-19 Food Worker Safety Act (Tartaglione)
- COVID-19 Grocery Store Worker Safety Act (Tartaglione)
- Payment of contract services in schools (Iovino)
- Childcare assistance (Schwank/L. Williams)
- Emergency expansion of the Family Medical Leave Act to provide paid sick leave (Farnese)
- Crisis grants for volunteer fire and EMS companies due to COVID-19 (Brewster)
- Require business interruption insurance to cover COVID-19 related business closures (Hughes)
- Eviction protection for all disaster emergencies (Farnese)
- Coronavirus disease and schools: allowing for online instruction (Dinniman)
- Creating a Common Wealth Fund to collect donations from individuals to provide for essential needs of those in need (AH Williams)
- Providing a presumption of eligibility for Workers’ Compensation benefits for workers that get sick in the workplace (Tartaglione)
- Ensuring receipt of a stimulus check from the Federal government is not included in an individual’s income for purposes of qualifying for social safety nets (Schwank)
- Exempting stimulus checks from the Federal government from State and local taxation (Brewster)
- Collaborating with financial institutions to mandate mortgage loan forgiveness, assistance to homeowners that were laid off due to state emergencies (Farnese)
“While many working Pennsylvanians are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, facing lost hours or even complete unemployment, others who find themselves in more fortunate circumstances have expressed a desire to help their fellow citizens by either donating to a local charity or patronizing local businesses,” said Senator Anthony H. Williams. “By establishing the “Pennsylvania Common Wealth” restricted account, taxpayers could redirect all or a portion of their stimulus check to the state, which in turn would be authorized to direct those funds into programs which help the neediest Pennsylvanians – property tax & rent rebates, temporary assistance for needy families, CHIP or medical assistance.”
“Pennsylvania needs solutions that help protect its working people who have been hit the hardest by the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic,” Senator Vincent Hughes said. “We in the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus have put forth a number of policy proposals that would do just that, meanwhile House Republicans have chosen to ignore these needs and push an agenda that jeopardizes public health and puts additional pressure on working people by delaying immediate relief. Our mission should be helping people in this unprecedented time of need and we will remain vigilant in protecting hardworking folks across the commonwealth.”
“As public servants, our most important duty is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens. This includes making difficult decisions in challenging times. We all want businesses to reopen, employees back on the job, students back in classrooms and some semblance of normal life to resume, but that cannot happen unless we first continue mitigation efforts and follow the advice of our scientists and experts,” said Senator Wayne D. Fontana. “Anything contrary can set back progress and cause further harm on our economy and most importantly, on human health. The bipartisan legislation the Senate approved provides some necessary guidance and relief to local governments, businesses, school employees and property taxpayers during this unprecedented situation. It is unconscionable that House Republicans blatantly disregarded that duty and have chosen not to act.”
“The spread of coronavirus has not quieted the voice of special interests in Harrisburg and that’s tragic,” said Senator Larry Farnese. “Mitigation through isolation is working and we have to recognize that sacrifice through legislation that actually helps front-line workers instead of just saying nice things on social media.”
“This crisis and the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic requires leadership, transparency and cooperation – not partisan politics,” said Senator John Blake. “While we’ve worked well with the Senate majority on real solutions that actually help people in this crisis, the House majority looks to undermine the executive authority of the Governor as well as the advice of medical and scientific experts regarding public health. I applaud the work being done by Governor Wolf and his administration to keep Pennsylvanians safe and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. I will continue to support important legislation to help our business community, front-line workers and medical professionals; and to protect our citizens, schools and local governments across this state. We need to remain vigilant in following the recommendations of the PA Department of Health and the federal CDC.”
“Issues that the Commonwealth was already facing have been exacerbated by this pandemic, and child care services and early learning programs are near the top of the list. Childcare centers are teetering on the brink of insolvency, which is why part of our legislative package addresses early childhood learning and safe, quality childcare. We will not be able to restart Pennsylvania’s economy without this key component,” Senator Judy Schwank said. “Additionally, it’s vital that the income requirements of state programs like PACENET and Property Tax and Rent Rebate are adjusted so that Pennsylvanians receiving federal aid are not penalized later.”
“The key to an effective response to the pandemic is to ensure that our citizens are protected, health risks are addressed, and our economy restarts quickly,” Senator Jim Brewster said. “That’s why I introduced a six-point stimulus plan that will help small business, protect workers and create jobs once we are clear the threat posed by the pandemic. In addition, we need to make sure to address the immediate and long-term needs of first responders and all workers and businesses who are providing essential services during this time of extraordinary stress.”
“There is no segment of our Commonwealth that hasn’t been upended by this crisis. Everything is a priority. But in order to save livelihoods, we must first save lives,” said Senator Maria Collett. “As a nurse, I know firsthand the challenges our health care workers are up against and the urgency of passing legislation like the American Working Family Relief Action Plan for Front-Line Workers. Our doctors, nurses, first responders, senior care aides and others should not have to worry about getting sick or infecting others while performing their essential work.”
“It is irresponsible for the state to reopen businesses at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. Those who are not essential workers should remain home,” said Senator Art Haywood. “We need to do all we can as legislators to support essential employees risking their lives on a daily basis,” said Senator Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia). “I will continue to support the work Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine have done to inform the public to remain safe and stay home.”
“The citizens of Pennsylvania are counting on their elected representatives to save lives by responding swiftly, pragmatically, and in a bipartisan manner to slow the spread of this highly contagious virus,” said Senator Pam Iovino. “To fulfill our duty to the public, we must follow the consensus guidance of public health professionals, focus on protecting front-line essential workers, and put in place protections that allow furloughed or unemployed workers and small businesses to weather the economic disruption.”
“As the Democratic chair of the Local Government Committee, I worked with stakeholders for weeks to craft the provisions of SB 841, I am disappointed these commonsense measures, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, are being held up by House Republicans for little reason,” said Senator Tim Kearney. “The House should immediately pass SB 841 and focus on bringing relief to Pennsylvanians, rather than sabotaging the Governor’s efforts to keep our families safe.”
“Yesterday, the majority party in both chambers failed to use their legislative power, where they can literally pass any bill they want to, and instead decided to pack up and go home without,” said Senator Katie Muth. “Failing to pass meaningful bills when people are fighting for their lives is simply negligent.”
“Now is not the time to play politics,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero. “Saving lives has to be the first priority. In order to do that, we must all do our part and follow the Governor’s and Department of Health’s plans as they’ve been explained to us countless times. SB 841 is just one of many ways our caucus has worked in a bipartisan effort to provide relief to those who need it most. However, SB 327 is exactly what our healthcare professionals warn us against. Promoting a premature return to normalcy will only undermine our effort to keep the public safe, and further endanger thousands of lives.”
“Government’s most important role is the protection of its people. Since the COVID-19 crisis the Senate has met three times, with little to show for it. Communities across the commonwealth have no interest in the paralysis of government especially in the most desperate of times. What they do care about is the protection of our essential workforce, the interruption of our small businesses, job loss, staying in their homes and educating their children. The only thing that matters is the preservation and protection of every resource needed to keep families safe during this health crisis,” said Senator Sharif Street.
“We need to be back in Harrisburg, we need to get back to work. We must work together to ensure our communities are protected during uncertain times.”
“As thousands of Pennsylvanians continue to get sick and hundreds die, now is no time to play partisan politics,” Senator Tina Tartaglione said. “As public leaders, we must unite behind the common goal of reducing the threat of this virus and mitigating the harm being done to our constituents. The package of bills we have proposed will directly help all Pennsylvania families, including essential workers, displaced workers, first responders, school children, those who have become sick, and those in need. I urge all legislators from all political parties to support these bills.”
“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives is our top priority. We also need to protect and support our constituents, our communities, and our businesses,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “Our front-line essential workers – our hospital workers, grocery store workers, emergency service personnel and others – cannot afford to wait for PPE. They needed it weeks ago. Our childcare facilities need our help to stay open and provide care to the children of our essential workers while they risk their lives for us. Our small businesses need financial support to stay afloat. Our municipalities need the ability to meet remotely and make decisions that will ensure the safety of all of residents. There are a lot of needs right now and our constituents do not have time for us to waste playing partisan games or naming bridges. The Senate Democrats have offered concrete solutions that will help people. We should all be working together to get them to the Governor’s desk for signature as soon as possible.”
More information on the work of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus during the COVID-19 crisis can be found at pasenate.com/covid19.
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