Free gun locks available to public

June 17, 2011

State Sen. Judy Schwank threaded a thin steel cable through the cylinder housing of a .38-caliber revolver, snapped one end of the cable into a gunlock and removed the key.

“It’s as simple as that,” said Michael J. Gombar, chief of the Berks County detectives.

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Senator Schwank Holds Gun Safety Event

June 16, 2011

Reading, June 16, 2011– State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) joined with several law enforcement officials today to hold a gun safety event at her district office.  The event was intended to promote safe handling and storing of personal firearms.

“Proper storage and handling of firearms, especially in homes with small children, is crucial,” Schwank said.  “It is my hope that through this event and the information we provide here today, more gun owners can keep their families safe through proper gun storage.”

At the event, Sen. Schwank and Berks County District Attorney John Adams discussed the importance of properly securing guns with a gun lock.

“Too often we find ourselves investigating incidents where a gun accidentally discharged resulting in the loss of life or a limb,” Adams said.  “These accidents could easily be prevented by the use of a gunlock.”

The chief county detective, Michael J. Gombar, provided a demonstration of how gunlocks work, and several other law enforcement officials discussed how important this effort is based on their experiences in their respective jurisdictions.

“Often firearm accidents in the home are the result of improper and unsecure firearm storage,” Schwank said.  “This is risky and can result in the possibility of a child finding a loaded firearm and doing themselves or someone else serious bodily harm.”

Schwank added that when storing a firearm, owners should always:

  • Make sure the gun is not loaded;
  • Clean the gun properly;
  • Use a trigger lock; and
  • Store guns in a secure place away from children.

She added that the installation of gun locking devices is very important.  Free gun locks were distributed to attendees at the event and are available free charge at Sen. Schwank’s District Office (1940 N. 13th St., Suite 232, Reading), the District Attorney’s Office in the County Services Center, and at various police stations around the county.

Gunlocks were provided by Project ChildSafe, a nationwide program whose purpose is to promote safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearms owners through the distribution of key safety education messages and free gun locking devices.

“All citizens who own guns, especially if there are children in the home, should have a gun lock,” Schwank said. “Gun locks are a great way to prevent the tragedy of accidental shootings in the home.  This will make it that much easier to keep your guns safe.”

Senator Schwank stated that with more children being home on summer break, it was an important time to hold an event like this.

Also participating in the event were Berks County First Assistant District Attorney M. Theresa Johnson, Reading Deputy Police Chief Mark Talbot, Sr., and Detective Joseph Brown, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 71.

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Senator Schwank Praises Committee Passage of PACE/PACENET Legislation

June 14, 2011

Harrisburg, June 14, 2011– State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) hailed efforts today by the Senate Aging and Youth Committee to protect PACE and PACENET enrollees with legislation that would prevent their losing benefits because of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to Social Security.

“We need to make sure that seniors can get the prescriptions they need,” said Schwank, a member of the committee. “This proposal will ensure that cost-of-living increases do not put them outside the income limits for PACE/PACENET, sometimes by as little as a few cents.”

The committee unanimously approved sending the bill, HB 463, to the full Senate for its consideration. It would impose a three-year moratorium against removals due to COLAs, and already has been passed in the House of Representatives.

The state Department of Aging projects that without the change about 9,000 people currently receiving PACENET would lose their benefits, while an estimated 21,000 people enrolled in PACE would have to move to PACENET, making them responsible for higher co-pays.

PACE/PACENET benefits are paid for by proceeds from the state Lottery.

“I hope the full Senate will swiftly act on this bill. We need to honor the state’s commitment to our seniors,” Schwank said.  “Not being able to afford the prescriptions they need is an option no senior should have to face.”

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Updated: Legislator Visitation Day a Success!

6 de junio de 2011

The Alternate Energy Presentation at the Daniel Boone High School on May 31, 2011, was a big hit. Senator Judith Schwank and Representative David Maloney captured the students’ attention during the physics laboratory demonstrations and meet and greet portion of the event prior to the assembly.

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Size matters to taxpayers – Opinion – The Times-Tribune

June 1, 2011

An array of bills in both houses indicates that many lawmakers finally have come to understand the need to reduce the size of the state Legislature. Unfortunately, the question remains as to whether they will act.

The most recent proposals, by state Sen. Judy Schwank of Berks County, is one of four and the first from a Democrat. It also is the most sweeping. It would reduce the House by more than 40 percent – 82 seats, from 203 to 121 – and the Senate by 20 percent, from 50 seats to 40.

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Senator Schwank Proposes Smaller Senate and House of Representatives

May 25, 2011

Harrisburg, May 25, 2011 – Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today introduced a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly by more than a third.

“The legislature has to be unleashed from the old way of thinking, which costs taxpayers millions of dollars more each year than is either appropriate or necessary,” said Senator Schwank, a former director of the non-profit advocacy group 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania and two-term Berks County Commissioner.  “We have to move away from a structure that no longer makes sense and costs more than we need or can afford to pay.

“Modern technology allows people to remain in constant, even immediate contact with their legislators, and our legislative framework should reflect the fact that we don’t stay in touch by telegraph and horse buggies anymore.”

Senator Schwank’s bill, SB 1079, would cut 82 members from the House of Representatives, shrinking it to 121 members from 203. The Senate would lose 10 members, going to 40 Senators from 50 now.

Doing so would reduce the ratio of House members to Senators to 3:1 from 4:1, Senator Schwank said, noting that her proposal has bi-partisan support.

“The legislature has to be flexible enough to reflect legitimately local interests,” Senator Schwank said. “But it also must deal with the reality that today’s events impact communities of interest that are far broader than fixed municipal or legislative boundaries.”

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Senator Schwank Hails Passage of O’Pake-initiated Truants Bill

May 25, 2011

Harrisburg, May 24, 2011 – Senator Judith L. Schwank applauded Senate approval today of truants legislation that was initiated by the late Senator Michael A. O’Pake.

“This was one of the last bills that Mike authored in his career,” Senator Schwank said. “I’m very happy that one of my earliest votes as his successor allowed me to successfully support its passage.

“It’s kind of a symbolic bridge, but it’s one that will offer real hope for people. I believe he would have appreciated that as much as I do.”

The legislation will allow persons whose driving privileges were suspended for truancy to regain them by returning to school and graduating, obtaining a G.E.D. diploma, or when they turn 21. Costs and fines related to the suspensions would need to be paid to regain driving privileges.

O’Pake drafted the legislation in his last term, at the request of Berks County court and school officials who said the six-month license suspension in Pennsylvania for violating mandatory school attendance laws means chronic truants often have suspensions for years after they graduate or clearly will not return to school.

As a result, they said, the suspensions are counter-productive and cause problems finding and keeping  work, and contribute to other needless complications.

After O’Pake died on December 27, the bill was re-introduced on his behalf for the 2011-2012 legislative session by Senator Andy Dinniman (D-Chester).

“Senator O’Pake was a good friend and a great public servant, and I was honored to take over sponsorship of what turned out to be one of his last public policy initiatives in a long and distinguished career,” Dinniman said.  “I now look forward to House members approving this bill and the governor signing it.”

The legislation now will go to the House of Representatives for its approval.

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Schwank to Hold District Office Open House

May 18, 2011

Reading, May 18, 2011 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today announced that she will be holding an open house at her district office this Thursday, May 19 from 2 to 7 p.m.  The office is located at the Rockland Professional Center, 1940 North 13th Street, Suite 232, Reading, PA 19604.

“I am pleased to take this time to meet with my constituents from Berks County, who were so crucial to my election,” Senator Schwank said.  “This open house will offer a great opportunity for the community to get acquainted with the services available to them at my district office and to discuss their issues and concerns. I look forward to meeting with you all.”

The senator and members of her staff will be on hand to go over the many services that are available to constituents.  Some services include PennDOT assistance, birth and death certificates, assisting with and submitting forms and acting as liaison for individuals with state, local and federal issues.

Regular office hours will be Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The telephone number is 610-929-2151.  The fax number is 610-929-2576.

Please visit www.senatorschwank.com for more information.

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Senator Schwank Calls DEP Step the Right Move for Regulating Marcellus Shale Operations

May 6, 2011

Harrisburg, May 6, 2011 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today welcomed the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to return enforcement authority of Marcellus Shale drilling operations to DEP field investigators.

Schwank, Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, on April 11 called on Corbett to have the authority restored after DEP took the unheard of step of ordering that all enforcement efforts would need approval by the Secretary. 

Schwank noted that proper enforcement is an economic concern as well as an environmental one because the drilling is taking place primarily in rural and agricultural areas, and agriculture is the state’s most important industry.

“Where’s the profit in opening the gates of the gas fields wide open if it weakens, maybe permanently, our largest industry?” Schwank questioned. “We have to develop and keep a sensible long view.”

Schwank said that the reversal, announced Thursday, can help ease doubts that such concerns are getting the backseat to industry interests and contributors to the governor. 

“It’s a hopeful sign that the administration recognized a mistake and changed course,” Schwank said. “We can’t permit the protection of resources to be brushed aside in the rush to reach the natural gas in the Marcellus Shale.

“Even the perception that there is a lack of real and vigilant enforcement can lead to short-cuts and rounded corners, and there is no room to doubt that would be bad.” 

Schwank noted that on Thursday she visited drilling operations in Bradford County, and was favorably impressed.

 However, she said the number of violations and accidents in the industry’s brief history and the pressure to quickly bring more wells on line raise dark echoes of the state’s long history of industrial ravages on landscapes and waterways that cannot be ignored. 

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Editor’s Note:  Senator Schwank’s Letter to Gov. Tom Corbett follows:   

 

April 11, 2011

 

Honorable Thomas Corbett
Governor
The Capitol
Harrisburg, PA

Dear Governor Corbett:

            I am writing to respectfully ask that you rescind the recent directive by Acting Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer that halts field regulatory enforcement of the natural gas industry in the Marcellus Shale region, and requires future enforcement proceedings to have his personal approval.

             As you no doubt know, more than 1,400 Notices of Violations already have been issued against the industry. It goes without saying that this is a significant number in the short time for which the industry has been exploiting Marcellus Shale fields in the Commonwealth. As the industry continues to grow, and more and more drilling sites open in the Marcellus and other potential fields, the risk of increasing numbers of violations and harm will grow. Removing the authority of field officers handcuffs the wrong side and sends an unacceptable signal to drillers that they have a friend in Pennsylvania. Sadly, it tells communities and landowners that they are on their own.

             The solution to allegations of enforcement inconsistency cannot be to turn the executive office of our environmental protection agency into a downfield blocker for industry violations, in the meantime dropping the ball on many other matters that require executive-level attention at DEP. This administration instead should do what any well-run business would do, and ensure that field personnel have proper training and supervision.

            This move also deepens suspicion about the relationship between drilling interests and the administration, with implications about the impact of political donations and influence on public health and safety concerns that have not been seen since the days of the coal, rail and steel barons.  Decades and billions of dollars in remediation efforts have not yet removed the deep scars that they left on our mountains and valleys.

            We can have economic benefits and jobs without surrendering the people’s interests to multi-national corporations. The state Constitution that you swore earlier this year to uphold includes the provision that our natural resources are “the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”  I urge you to honor those words as sincerely as any others you may hear.

            Give the natural gas drilling industry the same type of regulatory enforcement that every other industry faces, and untie DEP’s hands.

 Sincerely,

 

Senator Judith L. Schwank
 Dem. chair, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee 

JLS:wc

 

CC: A/Secretary Krancer

           

 

             

 

Schwank Announces Grant Funding for Local Sewer Projects

May 6, 2011

Four Berks County local governments, including the Lyons Borough Municipal Authority, the City of Reading, Richmond Township, and Ruscombmanor Township, have been awarded state H2O Water and Sewer grants totaling $3.715 million by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, Senator Judith L. Schwank announced today.

According to Senator Schwank, the Lyons Borough Municipal Authority has been awarded a $1.715 million grant to support improvements and upgrades to the Authority’s wastewater treatment plant. Senator Schwank noted that the grant funding will help offset the $4 million upgrade cost of the Authority’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. In addition to allowing the authority to meet DEP plant discharge limits, the project will also accommodate the growth plans of East Penn Manufacturing, the authority’s largest customer and Berks County’s largest industrial employer. It is projected that the company will be able to add hundreds of good paying jobs when the treatment plant upgrade is complete.

Senator Schwank also noted that the City of Reading will receive a $1 million grant to support the Fritz Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. Senator Schwank pointed out that the City received a $5 million state H20 grant in 2009 to support Phase I of the Fritz Island Plant upgrade.

In addition, Senator Schwank said that Richmond Township will receive a $500,000 grant to support the Virginville Sewer Project. She also noted that Ruscombmanor Township will receive $500,000 to support the Breezy Corners Sewer Project.

“This state grant funding will help local officials address critical infrastructure needs and environmental issues and promote economic growth,” said Senator Schwank. “With literally hundreds of grant applications totaling billions of dollars submitted for H20 grant funding and only $172 million available this round, competition for this state aid was fierce.”

“I strongly advocated for these Berks County projects and am pleased these were approved,” concluded Senator Schwank.

Schwank Appointed Democratic Chair of Senate Agriculture Committee

April 13, 2011

HARRISBURG, April 13, 2011 – State Senator Judy Schwank will serve as Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Democratic Leaders announced today.

Schwank, who was sworn in last week to complete the term of the late Senator Michael O’Pake, said the committee is an opportunity to continue to boost Pennsylvania’s largest industry.

“I am pleased to chair this very important committee,” Schwank said.  “Agriculture is so very critical to Pennsylvania’s economy with approximately $6.1 billion in annual revenue.  I will continue to foster initiatives that invest in agriculture and boost economic development and stability in Pennsylvania’s rural communities.”

Senator Schwank has a long history of agriculture experience.  She received her B.S. and M.Ed. in agricultural education from Penn State University.  Schwank then worked as a Berks County horticultural agent with the Penn State Cooperative Extension for 19 years, during which time she established the Master Gardener Program. In 1991, she became the first female director of the Berks County Cooperative Extension Program, a position she held until 1999. In January 2010, she was appointed Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College.

“In the midst of such financial difficulties, it is imperative that we continue to consider new and innovative ways to enhance agriculture in the state,” Schwank said.  “It is also imperative that we continue to protect our food sources and our citizens with strict food inspection policies and regulations.”

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, (D-Allegheny), said Schwank brings a magnitude of knowledge and experience to the committee.

“Senator Schwank has had a long career in the agriculture industry which gives her a unique perspective into the needs of Pennsylvania,” Costa said.  “Her leadership will help create new opportunities to boost agricultural economic development and ensure the protection of the health and safety of Pennsylvania citizens through smart food inspection policies.”

Schwank will also serve on the Senate Aging & Youth, Public Health & Welfare, Local Government and Intergovernmental Affairs committees.

“These diverse committee assignments will provide me added opportunities to assist the citizens of Berks County and throughout Pennsylvania,” Schwank said.  “I am looking forward to the challenges of each committee.”

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Judy Schwank Sworn-in on Tuesday as Senator for 11th District

April 5, 2011

Harrisburg, April 5, 2011 – Calling job creation and educational opportunity fundamental needs that Pennsylvania must meet for its future success, Judy Schwank (D- Berks) was sworn into office today as state Senator for the 11th District.

“We know the serious challenges facing our region and Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “Fortunately, people here also have the character not to be daunted by them, and to recognize that very real opportunities lie ahead for us as well.

“We have to be prepared for both. Tearing out a solid foundation is the wrong way to start putting your house in order.”

Senator Schwank, who will be the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee, said she will use her experience as a leader in agriculture, government and the non-profit and academic realms to work with members on both sides of the aisle to recreate a Pennsylvania government that is leaner, more efficient and more effective.

After being sworn in by Rabbi Minna Bromberg of Kesher Zion Synagogue in Reading, in front of an audience that included more than 100 supporters who caravanned by car and bus to Harrisburg,  Schwank said her predecessor, the late Senator Mike O’Pake, set the gold standard during nearly 40 years representing the district.

“It is both an honor and a humbling experience to succeed Mike,” Schwank said. “He always placed his trust in voters, and he always concerned himself with working productively in a bipartisan fashion. Those are priorities we shared and which I will follow.

“Berks County voters want their concerns to be heard and addressed in Harrisburg. They are not interested in petty political goals because their needs and dreams are real, not political.”

A resident of Fleetwood with her husband, Jim, Schwank said she also will focus on legislative and property tax reform.

Schwank won a special election on March 15 to serve the remainder of the four-year term of O’Pake, who died in December.

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