February 1, 2019
Harrisburg, February 1, 2019 − Caernarvon Township will receive $208,854 in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding approved today by PennDOT, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced. The funds will be used to decrease the turning radius from Route 10 onto Shiloh Road and improve sight distances at the intersection.
Multimodal Transportation Funds are meant to improve transportation infrastructure and promote economic development.
“This investment of state dollars will improve traffic safety in the area and help facilitate several economic development projects in the area,” Schwank said. “It’s a win-win for residents of the area and our local and regional economies.”
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January 8, 2019
Harrisburg, January 8, 2018 Sen. Judy Schwank was again appointed to Senate leadership by being renamed the Democratic vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations committee by Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). The committee is the legislative panel charged with allocating billions of taxpayer dollars throughout the commonwealth.
“The appropriations committee has the primary responsibility to ensure the budget is balanced and state services are properly funded,” Schwank said. “I’m honored to serve in this way for another legislative session and will continue to advocate for the issues that are important to Berks County and to ensure that Pennsylvanians’ limited tax dollars are used wisely.”
Schwank will also once again serve as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee.
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December 4, 2018
Reading, December 5, 2018 − State Sen. Judy Schwank and State Rep. Mark Rozzi are hosting a free Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment event from 10 a.m. to noon at the Muhlenberg Township Building at 210 George Street on Dec. 12. Pennsylvania’s Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman will open the event and be available for media questions.
During the two-hour session, healthcare consumers will have access to expert help signing up for ACA coverage only as Medicare enrollment ends December 7. The open enrollment period for ACA ends December 15.
Participants will need documentation to verify his or her annual income (a W-2 or pay stub) and a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID.
“Access to healthcare is critically important for all Pennsylvanians and increased access to affordable healthcare results in more families living healthier and more productive lives,” Schwank said. “It is my hope that this event gives the citizens of Reading and Berks County another opportunity to sign up for healthcare.”
“We want to make sure everyone has access to the resources necessary to choose the best health care plan for themselves and their families – and the deadline to sign up is approaching quickly,” Rozzi said. “It can seem like a daunting process, but help is available. I’m happy to work with Sen. Schwank to make it easy for local residents to get that assistance.”
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Lebanon VA Medical Center will also be onsite to assist any Veterans attending in enrolling in VA health care as well as to provide other informational materials related to VA benefits. Veterans seeking to enroll in VA health care at the event should bring a copy of the DD214, their 2017 tax return and a list of their medical expenses. VA health care enrollment meets ACA coverage requirements and Lebanon VA Medical Center maintains a community clinic locally in Wyomissing. Veterans with any eligibility questions prior to the event can call Lebanon VA Medical Center enrollment specialists at (717) 228-6000.
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October 17, 2018
READING, October 17, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs has awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Education $1 million to equip students and educators across the state with strategies to prevent school violence, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) and State Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D-127th District) announced.
The following Reading School District schools will receive funds awarded through the STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program and authorized by the STOP School Violence Act enacted in March 2018:
- Northeast Middle School
- Northwest Middle School
- Reading Intermediate High School
- Reading Senior High School
- Southern Middle School
- Southwest Middle School
“This funding will help Reading School District better serve its students,” Schwank said. “Students need a safe environment to focus on their studies, and this money will help provide that setting.”
“Students, faculty and staff all deserve to learn and work in a safe environment, we must do everything we can to support them,” Rozzi said.
“In this day and age, we must do all we can to equip our students and educators with tools they can use to keep safe. This funding will go a long way toward achieving that goal,” Caltagirone said.
The Department of Education is working with Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national, nonprofit organization established following the mass shooting at a Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 to provide training to educators and students across the state.
The funding will be used to implement SHP’s Start With Hello and Say Something, which are among SHP’s Know the Signs programs aimed at empowering students. Start With Hello encourages and guides students in creating socially inclusive school communities, while Say Something trains students to recognize the signs and appropriately intervene when they identify someone as exhibiting behaviors that they may be a threat to themselves or others.
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October 12, 2018
Harrisburg, October 12, 2018 − Today the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that nearly 200 county and municipal governments will be getting a boost to their recycling and leaf collection programs this year, thanks to $37 million in Recycling Development and Implementation Grants.
“This investment of state funds will significantly bolster local recycling efforts and will make a real difference in protecting our environment,” said State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks). “I commend our local officials for their successful efforts in securing funding through this competitive state program.”
Through the grant program, municipalities and counties in Pennsylvania are eligible for up to 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs. Municipalities that are designated financially distressed under the Financial Distressed Communities Act are eligible to receive funding for an additional 10 percent of approved costs. Grants were also awarded based on programs designed to meet current market demands for recyclable goods.
Examples of eligible projects include operating leaf compost facilities; developing web-based programs on recycling for consumers; expanding recycling processing facilities; installing data collection systems on recycling vehicles; continuing and creating curbside recycling programs; and developing educational materials to encourage residents to properly recycle.
Some of the Berks County projects include:
- Berks County Solid Waste Authority, $85,545;
- Bern Township, $239,292;
- Cumru Township, $47,152;
- Exeter Township, $248,074;
- Kenhorst Borough, $25,974;
- Lower Alsace Township, $283,249;
- Maxatawmy Township, $32,538;
- Muhlenberg Township, $335,619;
- Reading City, $349,992;
- West Reading Borough, $141,772;
- Wyomissing Borough, $122,715.
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October 5, 2018
Harrisburg, October 5, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools has selected Kutztown Area School District to receive $10,190 for programming to address school violence, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced.
Specifically, the district was the recipient of the Office for Safe Schools’ 2018-19 Safe Schools Targeted Program Grant. The grants are part of a statewide effort to help schools reduce unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promote an environment of greater productivity, safety and learning; andenhance anti-violence efforts between schools and parents, local governments, law enforcement and community organizations.
“I commend Kutztown Area School District officials for pursuing this funding to help students and staff be more aware of how to be safe,” Schwank said. “Through this grant, and the district’s participation in the CrisisGo pilot, Kutztown has been at the forefront of proactively providing a safe school environment.”
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October 2, 2018
Harrisburg, October 2, 2018 − Exeter Township will receive $2.9 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding approved today by PennDOT, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced. The funds will strengthen the township’s efforts to increase safety along Perkiomen Avenue.
Exeter Township will receive $2,955,670 to design and construct pedestrian improvements on Perkiomen Avenue, which includes continuous sidewalk, pedestrian lighting, pedestrian buffer, trees, and defined entrances and exits for business driveways.
“Foot traffic has grown along Perkiomen Avenue as the township has grown, which is why we need enhanced safety features,” Schwank said. “These funds will improve the avenue for pedestrians and motorists alike and help them safely travel to and from businesses and other destinations along Exeter’s main business corridor.”
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October 1, 2018
HARRISBURG, PA – October 1, 2018 – Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (PPC) today presented Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) with its annual “Be Someone for Kids” award in recognition of her work to enact public policies that benefit the commonwealth’s children.
“As the Democratic chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, Judy Schwank has played a critical role in recent years in helping to propose and enact numerous laws to better protect our commonwealth’s children,” said PPC President and CEO Joan Benso. “We all owe her a debt of gratitude, and our ‘Be Someone for Kids’ award is one way we are saying thanks for standing up for kids.”
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children has worked closely with Sen. Schwank since she arrived in the General Assembly in 2011. Since then she has worked to improve the lives of children including her support for increased investments in high quality pre-k, home visiting child care and basic education funding. The position Sen. Schwank holds on the Appropriations Committee enables her to set priorities for children as part of the state budget process on an annual basis. Additionally, in her role on the Health and Human Services Committee as well as her position on the Aging and Youth Committee have elevated her to be a champion on issues such as child welfare and children’s health care coverage.
“PPC is a child welfare, health care, early childhood education and K-12 education advocacy organization, and we pride ourselves in building partnerships with members in the General Assembly who share the goal of ensuring a bright future for Pennsylvania’s children,” Benso said. “Judy’s prior experience as a county commissioner has been invaluable in helping us to establish a wonderful partnership because she has been working to make life better for children for more than 20 years.”
PPC launched the “Be Someone for Kids” award in 2015 to honor those who have made extraordinary efforts to help Pennsylvania’s nearly 2.8 million children. This year’s award was given to Sen. Schwank by Benso during a ceremony at the state Capitol attended by several dozen people including legislative colleagues, officials from Berks County, and children’s advocates. PPC thanks the generous sponsors who supported this event; Customers Bank, Highmark, Maverick Strategies, PA Chamber of Business & Industry, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, PNC Financial Services, PPL Corporation, and Shelly Lyons Public Affairs & Communications.
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CONTACT: Justin Fleming 717-236-5680 or jfleming@papartnerships.org
September 27, 2018
East Stroudsburg, PA − September 27, 2018 − East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announced the selection of its 2018 Legislative Fellow, State Senator Judith L. Schwank, at a breakfast held in her honor on Thursday, September 27. ESU President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., introduced Senator Schwank at the event to university faculty, students, staff and special guests from the community.
Pictured from left to right: ESU Council of Trustees member, Bruno Klaus; Professor of communication and member of the Legislative Fellow Committee, Andrea McClanahan, Ph.D.; ESU 2018 Legislative Fellow, State Senator Judith L. Schwank, ESU President, Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D.; Student Senate President, Judaha Amoroso; ESU Council of Trustees Chair, Patrick Ross ’67.
The Legislative Fellow program, established in 1999, is designed to bring state legislators to campus to participate in a variety of campus activities and to meet formally and informally with students, faculty and staff throughout the year. As part of the program, ESU Legislative Fellows may also request a student intern.
The program is co-sponsored by the university administration and the local chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF). Fellows are selected by a committee of faculty and administrators, and jointly appointed by the university president and the president of APSCUF at the beginning of each academic year.
Senator Schwank was elected to represent the 11th Senatorial District in a 2011 special election. She was re-elected in 2012 and 2016. She serves as the democratic chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee, and democratic vice chair of the Appropriations Committee. She also serves on the Aging and Youth, Local Government, State Government, and Policy Committees. Senator Schwank has also been appointed by Senate leadership to the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness.
Schwank earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in agricultural education from Penn State University. After college, she worked as a Berks County horticultural agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension and established the Master Gardener Program. She became director of the Berks County Cooperative Extension Program in 1991 and was elected as the first female Berks County Commissioner in 2000.
Schwank serves as president of 10,000 Friends and is a member of the board of directors for Girl Scouts of Southeast Pennsylvania She also served as Dean of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College.
Senator Schwank resides in Reading, Pa. with her husband, Jim. She is the proud parent of three children and has four grandchildren.
For more information on the Legislative Fellow program, contact Miguel Barbosa, chief of staff in ESU’s Office of the President at 570-422-3545.
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September 26, 2018
Harrisburg, September 26, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Senate today approved a bill introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) to criminalize the coercion of sexual conduct.
Senate Bill 1134, which Schwank and Vulakovich introduced earlier this year, was approved by the upper chamber, 48-0.
Sextortion occurs when sex or sexual images are demanded in lieu of money or other items with financial value. The act is recognized as a form of sexual assault and is criminalized in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Texas and Utah.
“This legislation was brought forward by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR), and I was proud to join their efforts to end sexual extortion,” Schwank said. “Its use has grown in both intensity and frequency in the digital age, outpacing our current laws and mechanisms, and leaving victims without adequate recourse.”
“As a former police officer, I have seen this inexcusable and exploitive behavior,” Vulakovich said. “Too often, victims are often unable to recover from the stigma and its psychological repercussions. This legislation will create stronger punishments to help deter this cruel behavior.”
Donna Greco, PCAR’s Policy Director, applauded both senators for the legislation.
“PCAR is grateful to senators Schwank and Vulakovich for their leadership on this legislation. We applaud the senate for their unanimous passage of SB 1134 today,” Greco said. “Establishing sextortion as a crime in the commonwealth will help protect victims who too often fall through the cracks of our criminal justice system. This bill clarifies and elevates sexual extortion as the serious sex crime that it is.”
The bill moves to the House now for consideration.
Contact: Jamie Klein (610) 929-2151, jklein@pasenate.com (Schwank)
Nathan Silcox (717)-787-6538, nsilcox@pasen.gov (Vulakovich)
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September 20, 2018
Reading, September 20, 2018 − Due to the privatization of a York County home, the Berks Heim is estimated to receive an additional $596,000 during the 2018-2019 fiscal year, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced.
“The Berks Heim has a remarkable reputation in our county, and countless Berks Countians have had a loved one, friend or neighbor stay at the Heim,” Schwank said. “The facility’s dedication to providing its residents top-notch care is one of the reasons why I am so pleased to learn about this extra funding.”
Originally, the Berks Heim was expected to receive $2.556 million through Internal Government Transfers (IGT) for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. But due to Medicare rates increasing and the privatization of the York County home, the Berks Heim will receive the additional $596,000, which will mean $3.152 million in funding.
In 2016, the Heim received approximately $1.28 million in IGT funds and in 2017, it received approximately $1.45 million.
Part of the increase is one time in nature because York County is contributing to the upper payment limit for the days they were a county home for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The remaining homes get to reap the benefit of that room since York is not eligible for a payment.
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September 20, 2018
Reading, September 20, 2018 Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced the availability of $5 million in grant funding to help Pennsylvania dairy farmers overcome challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. This historic funding, made available for the first time under the Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program, is the most recent of several initiatives from the Wolf Administration to support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.
“I’m happy to see this quick action to assist our dairy industry in the Commonwealth,” Schwank said. “I supported this funding in this year’s budget as a way to ensure our Berks County farmers have resources available to them as they explore additional options to expand and transition their dairy operations.”
The Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program was established under Act 42 of 2018 and will provide $5 million in grants to eligible applicants for researching new technologies, products and best practices; marketing to new domestic and international markets and exploring new business opportunities to diversify their operation and revenue streams; transitioning to organic production methods; and incorporating or expanding value-added dairy production, such as cheese and yogurt products. The program is now open for applications after guidelines were approved at today’s Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) board meeting.
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September 18, 2018
HARRISBURG, September 18, 2018 – Three local recreation and conservation projects were approved today for grant funding totaling $375,000 by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to Sen. Judy Schwank and Reps. Thomas Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved grants for:
- Berks County Conservation District, Antietam Valley Storm Water Improvements and Lake Restoration, $125,000
- Reading, Schuylkill River Trail Gap Improvement Project, $125,000.
- Reading, Replacement of the YMCA of Reading and Berks County’s Washington Street location’s roof, $125,000.
“These state grant funds will allow Reading and the Berks County Conservation District to better address the recreational needs of area residents for many years to come,” Schwank said. “I’m glad that we have local officials taking initiative and pursing these funds.”
“The approval of these funds is great news for Reading and the surrounding communities who benefit from YMCA programming,” Caltagirone said. “I commend all involved who worked hard to put together high-quality proposals for these competitive grant funds.”
“These projects, especially the YMCA improvement, represent important investments not only in the present needs of our community, but for future generations,” Rozzi said. “Residents of the Antietam Valley, the City of Reading and beyond will benefit from these projects.”
The funding is through the Act 13—Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
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Contact:
Jamie Klein
610 929-2151
jklein@pasenate.com
September 18, 2018
HARRISBURG, September 18, 2018 – Thirteen Berks County municipalities will receive a total of $1.325 million in new state investments for their ongoing efforts to improve water and sewer services.
Sen. Judy Schwank today said the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved Small Water and Sewer System grants for:
- Robeson Township Municipal Authority, Sewage Pumping Improvements, $125,000;
- Joint Authority of the Wyomissing Valley, UV Light Disinfection Enclosure, $75,000;
- Caernarvon Township Authority, Mill Road Water Softener Replacements, $50,000;
- Antietam Valley Municipal Authority, Friedensburg Road Sewer Main Extension, $125,000;
- Fleetwood Borough, E. Locust Street Water Main Extension, $125,000;
- Ruscombmanor Township, Walnuttown Road Sewer Extension, $125,000;
- Western Berks Authority, Mohrsville Water District Arsenic Removal System, $125,000;
- Alsace Township, Sewer Extension, $125,000;
- Reading Area Water Authority, Filtration Bed Rehabilitation, $125,000;
- Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority, Emergency Water Interconnection, $81,250;
- Maxatawny Township Municipal Authority, Village of Bowers Waterline Replacement Project, $81,250;
- Muhlenberg Township Authority, SCADA System Upgrades, $81,250;
- Wyomissing Borough; 2018 Capital Sewer Project, $81,250.
“These projects are vital to critical infrastructure in these Berks communities and to protect our local environment,” Schwank said. “I was pleased to advocate for these grants to help these local communities make necessary improvements.”
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September 11, 2018
READING, September 11, 2018 – Gov. Tom Wolf approved $500,000 in grant funds from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for The Berks Community Health Center to open a new location in Northeast Reading, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) State Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) and State Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D-127th District) announced.
The Health Center will be located in a portion of the former Giant Food Store at 1100 Rockland Street in Reading and will offer a multitude of services, including medical, dental, pediatric, podiatry, vision, behavioral health and more.
“This state funding represents an important investment in the health and well-being of the residents of Reading and Berks County,” Schwank said. “I’m grateful to Gov. Wolf for recognizing the importance of this project to Berks County.”
“The RACP funding for this new project at Rockland Plaza will not only positively impact Reading, but Berks County with 85 new full-time, permanent jobs and real estate tax revenues,” Rozzi said.
“The Berks Community Health Center has served thousands of patients in Reading. This new location will allow more patients access to coordinated, comprehensive medical care for additional underserved and under-insured, low-income populations of Reading,” Caltagirone said.
RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
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Contact: Jamie Klein
Sen. Judy Schwank
Phone: (610) 929-2151
jklein@pasenate.com
August 17, 2018
Reading, August 17, 2018 State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is hosting a live telecast on BCTV on Monday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. The program is on the dairy industry and will include a panel conversation between Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Penn State Extension Agent Mat Haan, Executive Director of the PA Dairymen’s Association Dave Smith and a representative of Kurtland Farms. Schwank, who is the minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, will serve as moderator.
During the live telecast, homeviewers can call 610-378-0426 to converse with the panel. The telecast can be viewed on BCTV, Comcast Reading Channel 15, Service Electric CableVision Channel 19, and Comcast Southern Berks Channel 965.
Additionally, the show will stream live on bctv.org at Watch BCTV Live. It will be available the next day on BCTV’s YouTube channel at the Community Conversation playlist.
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August 1, 2018
Reading, August 1, 2018 State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is hosting a free Aging Parent Conference on Sept. 5, 2018, at the McGlinn Conference Center, 460 St. Bernardine Street, adjacent to Alvernia University.
The conference is inspired by Schwank’s late mother, Margaret Levine, who passed away in May. In the week leading to her passing, Schwank and her family were inundated with difficult decisions that had to be made quickly. After her passing, Schwank received messages of support from friends and constituents.
“I was amazed by how many people said they were unprepared to care for their parents and deal with end-of-life decisions,” Schwank said. “These are important issues we must address as our population ages.”
The conference is aimed to serve the adults who already are caring for their elderly parents and those concerned about doing so in the near future and will cover the gamut of aging issues. The itinerary includes panel discussions with experts in eldercare, legal and financial issues. Attendees will have the option to attend a Dementia Live workshop, a dementia simulation experience, and other workshops where they can get answers to questions they have.
Speakers include the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne and Berks Encore President LuAnn Oatman. A conference schedule can be found at www.senatorschwank.com/agingparent.
Margaret Levine was a nurse for most of her life, and believed in helping others, Schwank said.
“I believe this conference will honor her memory, and I hope that it will provide a foundation for anyone starting the journey of caring for his or her parents,” Schwank said.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: McGlinn Conference Center, 460 St. Bernardine Street, Reading
What: Aging Parent Conference
Who: Speakers include Sen. Judy Schwank, Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne, Berks Encore President LuAnn Oatman and others
More information/register: www.senatorschwank.com/agingparent
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July 12, 2018
Reading, July 12, 2018 State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) was encouraged by Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement that 70 municipalities will receive more than $31 million to support traffic signal upgrades. Funding comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s “Green Light-Go” program.
Three of the municipalities receiving funding are in Berks County.
- Brecknock Township: $1,652 for LED replacement at the traffic signal at State Routes 568 and 625.
- Exeter Township: $89,600 for upgraded video detection at Perkiomen Avenue (U.S. Route 422)/Gibraltar Road and Demoss Road/Gibraltar Road.
- Reading: $844,640 for modernization of four traffic signals along North Front Street.
“I’m pleased that these Berks communities were able to access this important funding that will ensure the safety of the public, as well as smoother traffic flow,” Schwank said.
The grants are provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go Program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements including, but not limited to: light-emitting diode (LED) technology instillation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies.
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June 18, 2018
Harrisburg, June 18, 2018 − Legislation sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) to study the Commonwealth’s dairy industry was approved by the Senate today.
Senate Resolution 384, which Schwank introduced last week, directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report making recommendations for initiatives to assist dairy producers in the Commonwealth in response to the decreasing demand for dairy products and decreasing milk prices.
“Dairy farmers are hurting financially. We’re operating in a global market: There’s an oversupply of milk, fewer people are drinking milk, fewer places process milk and there are far more options to choose from, like so called “nut milks.” This combination has created historically low milk prices,” Schwank said. “It’s time for us to seriously search for solutions on a state level.”
Among the issues to be examined:
- Identifying the measures proposed or undertaken by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to assist dairy producers.
- Examining the statutes, best practices and proposed measures that other states are using to provide assistance to their dairy producers.
- Identifying current factors that contribute to the decrease in dairy product consumption and milk prices.
- Identifying the number and types of specialty dairy products, such as lactose free milk, that are sold in the Commonwealth by out of state dairy producers and examine how milk produced in the Commonwealth can be utilized to meet the increased demand for this specialty dairy products market.
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee has one year to report all findings and conclusions to the Senate.
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June 6, 2018
Harrisburg, June 6, 2018 − Legislation sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) that would increase penalties against merchants or vendors who exploit the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by trafficking SNAP cards was approved by the Senate today.
Senate Bill 1127, which Schwank introduced in March, was approved by the upper chamber, 49-0.
“We’ve talked and talked about welfare fraud, and this a chance for us to actually do something about it,” Schwank said.
The bill will make SNAP Trafficking a second degree felony, and will distinguish a merchant trafficker from a recipient.
“It will give police departments around the commonwealth, and the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General, a meaningful way to combat SNAP trafficking,” she said. “It’s going to ensure that benefits are going to those who need them the most.”
The bill moves to the House now for consideration.
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June 1, 2018
Reading, June 1, 2018 State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is inviting Berks farmers to a roundtable discussion with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on Wednesday, June 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Berks County Agricultural Center Auditorium at 1238 County Welfare Road in Bern Township.
The event is an opportunity for farmers to discuss all the issues they are encountering concerning Pennsylvania agriculture with Secretary Redding and Schwank, who is minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
“I know our Berks farmers are busy, which is why we chose to hold this event in Berks,” Schwank said. “This is a chance for Secretary Redding and me to hear what the issues are straight from those who are the most affected by them.”
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May 21, 2018
Reading, May 21, 2018 − Sen. Judy Schwank is inviting constituents to meet her for coffee, doughnuts and conversation at the Wyomissing Restaurant and Bakery at 1245 Penn Avenue in Wyomissing from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 24.
Instead of a typical Town Hall, Sen. Schwank has decided to hold an open forum for constituents to address concerns, share comments and ask questions.
The event is free and open to the public.
What: Coffee and Conversation
Where: Wyomissing Restaurant and Bakery, 1245 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing
When: Thursday, May 24, 9:30 am. to 11 a.m.
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May 8, 2018
Reading, May 8, 2018 − In conjunction with Penn State Extension, Sen. Judy Schwank has released six instructional videos relating to the identification and control of the spotted lanternfly.
In the videos, three Extension educators – Emelie Swackhamer, Amy Korman and Don Seifrit – show us how to identify Tree of Heaven, a known favorite of the insect, and how to use a few control measures. The videos, available at www.senatorschwank.com/spotted-lanternfly demonstrate:
- How to identify Spotted Lantern Fly egg masses
- How to identify Ailanthus altissima, the Tree-of-Heaven
- How to apply a systemic insecticide as a soil drench
- How to apply a systemic insecticide as a bark spray
- How to band trees for a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture volunteer program
- How to make your own tree bands
Schwank, Democratic Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, said the videos will be useful as homeowners prepare for the hatching season.
“Now that spring is here, and summer is around the corner, spotted lanternfly eggs will soon be hatching,” Schwank said. “That’s why we put these videos together. We want to give homeowners another tool to stave off this pest.”
The invasive pest was first discovered in Berks County in September 2014. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture mandated quarantine to control its spread which includes several counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit the agriculture department’s website: www.agriculture.pa.gov.
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How to Identify and Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
How to Apply Systemic Pesticides as a Bark Spray
How to Make Your Own Tree Bands
How to Identify Ailanthus altissima, the Tree of Heaven
How to Band Trees for Voluntary Spotted Lanternfly Tree Banding Program
How to Apply Systemic Pesticides as a Soil Drench
April 20, 2018
Reading, April 20, 2018 − State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) was encouraged by Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement that 300 census tracts across the commonwealth have been nominated as Qualified Opportunity Zones. Qualified Opportunity Zones are a tool for promoting long-term investment in low-income communities.
Six of those zones are in Berks County.
“This would give Reading and West Reading a chance to expand their economic opportunities,” Schwank said. “This would result in enhanced community growth.”
Final approval from the Department of Treasury is expected in May.
The list of nominated tracts, additional data, evaluation criteria, and an interactive map can be found at DCED’s Qualified Opportunity Zones website: https://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding/federal-funding-opportunities/qualified-opportunity-zones/
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April 18, 2018
Harrisburg, April 18, 2018 – Senators Judy Schwank (D-11) and Randy Vulakovich (R-38) have introduced legislation that aims to criminalize the coercion of sexual conduct.
Senate Bill 1134 would establish sextortion as a specific criminal offense with consequences comparable to similar sexual offenses.
“This is behavior we see affecting people, primarily women, at all levels of society,” Schwank said. “It is a demeaning experience that no one should have to go through to get housing, employment or just to live their lives. This has been tolerated for too long. We need to treat it like the crime it is.”
Sextortion occurs when sex or sexual images are demanded in lieu of money or other items with financial value. The act is recognized as a form of sexual assault and is criminalized in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Texas and Utah.
While sextortion has a long history, its use has grown in both intensity and frequency in the digital age, outpacing current laws and mechanisms, while leaving victims with inadequate resource and perpetrators unaccountable. Victims confront sextortion today in daily interactions.
“As a former police officer, I have seen this inexcusable and exploitive behavior proliferate and this legislation would ban the cruel practice – the victims are often unable to recover from the stigma and the psychological repercussions for the rest of their lives,” said Vulakovich. “I believe we need to create stronger punishments so Pennsylvanians know this conduct will not be tolerated.”
The legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, the Office of Victim Advocate and the District Attorney’s Association. It was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Contact: Jamie Klein (610) 929-2151, jklein@pasenate.com (Schwank)
Scot A. Pitzer (717) 787-6538, spitzer@pasen.gov (Vulakovich)
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