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
[email protected]
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, [email protected] (Schwank)
Scot A. Pitzer (717) 787-6538, [email protected] (Vulakovich)
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April 2, 2018
Reading, April 2, 2018 Sen. Judy Schwank and Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella are hosting an event to help working families find money they are entitled to this tax season. The event, Financial Freedom for Working Families, is part of a statewide tour in conjunction with Treasurer Torsella and other democratic senators.
The event is on April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George Street.
“These programs are designed to help our working families,” Schwank said. “We’re here to assist with the application process.”
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will find tax and financial specialists to help them navigate Earned Income Tax Credits, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, searching for unclaimed property or opening a PA 529 College Savings Plan. The following documents are needed:
EITC
- Photo ID
- Proof of income
- Social Security Number
PA 529
- Bank account number
- Routing number or voided check
- Birth date and SSN of the beneficiary
LIHEAP
- Names of people in household
- DOB for all household members
- Proof of income for all household members
- A recent heating bill
Unclaimed Property
- Photo ID and proof of residency
Visit http://www.pasenate.com/financialfreedom/ to learn more about the event.
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March 27, 2018
Harrisburg, March 27, 2018 – Sponsored by Senator Judith L. Schwank (D-Berks County), the Executive Women’s Council of Pittsburgh (EWC) has been instrumental in bringing Senate Resolution 255 to the forefront. The Resolution, titled “Encouraging equitable and diverse gender representation on the boards and in senior management of companies in Pennsylvania,” currently stands in the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee.
A Press Conference encouraging this milestone for women in the Commonwealth occurred Tuesday in the State Capitol Rotunda.
Featured speakers at the Press Conference included Senator Schwank, Andrea Funk, former CEO of Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC, a pipe supplier in Berks County, Christine Koebley, President of EWC, and Heather Arnet, CEO at Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest PA.
“We’re here to discuss something I feel is really obvious, the fact that women are different than men and women bring a unique perspective to anything that they are engaged in, and those perspectives demand consideration in every aspect of society,” Schwank said. “We have a unique voice that can bring about necessary changes.”
The Resolution urges privately held and publicly traded businesses and nonprofits doing business in the Commonwealth to have a minimum of 30 percent women directors by December 31, 2020 progressing toward equal representation of men and women on an annual basis with measurable results. Further, that gender diversity will be good for business in Pennsylvania.
Andrea Funk, the former CEO of Cambridge-Lee Industries, said despite being the top female executive in two organizations she was frequently excluded from executive meetings and presentations.
“In fact, I was most commonly the note-taker, or secretary, in many of these meetings in which the work was done and recommendations were formulated, and then excluded from the concluding meeting, in which my recommendations were presented and the ultimate decision was decided,” Funk said. “I don’t believe I was intentionally excluded but I was not intentionally included. I needed resilience and perseverance to achieve the role of CEO. It is harder to be heard without support and a seat at the table.”
Christine Koebley, President of EWC, said the group’s mission is to provide leadership and facilitate opportunities to increase political and economic power of women.
“Our online Women on Boards Database features the credentials of qualified women available for corporate and public board appointments,” she said. “We have been and continue to be contacted by organizations to provide candidates for board opportunities and have successfully placed a number of women on government boards. So, we’re hoping that once this is passed we can use that database to help facilitate finding women qualified for these roles.”
Heather Arnet, CEO at Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest PA, said SR 255 is more than a “feel-good” or “diversity” resolution.
“This is a resolution which will improve the corporate performance of companies based in Pennsylvania and that’s something all Pennsylvanians should want,” Arnet said.
In addition to EWC, members of the American Association of University Women, PowerLink, the Forum of Executive Women and the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women attended the press conference to support SR 255.
For more information, please contact Suzi Neft at 412-721-4320 and [email protected] or Jamie Klein at 610-929-2151 and [email protected].
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March 21, 2018
Harrisburg, March 21, 2018– State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) voted in favor of a package of bipartisan bills pertaining to domestic violence. The bills are aimed to empower victims of domestic violence by helping them leave their abusers and controlling their abusers’ access to firearms.
Most notable in the package is SB 501, which requires domestic abusers to surrender their firearms to law enforcement or to a licensed firearms dealer. If enacted, Schwank said the law would protect the vulnerable.
“This bill would become law in 180 days after passage by the House and the signature of the Governor, and from the time it comes into enforcement it will definitely save lives of women and children at risk of domestic violence,” Schwank said. “This bill will go a long way in our fight to keep men, women and children safe from domestic violence.”
These are the bills which were voted by the Senate today:
- SB 313: Helps domestic violence victims remove abusers from a shared telephone plan.
- SB 449: Also known as Tierne’s Law, will allow Magisterial District Judges to use a risk assessment tool when determining bail in domestic violence cases.
- SB 500: Gives victims the opportunity to have law enforcement with them before or after a Protection-From-Abuse order is served.
- SB 501: Requires domestic abusers to surrender their firearms to law enforcement or a licensed firearms dealer.
- SB 502: Allows courts to more easily extend a PFA order when an abuser is released from custody.
- SB 919: Helps victims of domestic or sexual violence who live in public housing relocate to another unit.
- SB 1011: Also known as Marsy’s Law, amends the state Constitution to create a crime victims’ “Bill of Rights.”
Other than SB 449, which passed on concurrence, the bills now move to the House for consideration.
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March 20, 2018
HARRISBURG − March 20, 2018 − Stating that child protection is a foremost government responsibility, two state Senators have launched a push to reform laws, regulations, and funding for Pennsylvania’s child welfare system. Sens. Lisa Baker, R-20th, and Judy Schwank, D-11th, who lead the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, are looking to establish an Interbranch Commission on the Child Welfare System to help create safer conditions for the thousands of children who find themselves in need of loving, nurturing homes.
For many years, the system of children and youth services has lacked the priority, the funding, and the oversight it warrants. When resources are stretched too thin and shortcomings go unaddressed, heinous acts occur and heartbreaking tragedies result.
“While we have read about several horrific cases of child abuse, the truth is too many children in supervised situations suffer death, serious injuries, or endure abysmal living conditions,” they stated. “The fault for this falls on all of us, irrespective of party or administration or political philosophy. ”
“Recent incidents of children who were abused and died in the foster care system confirm that we need to investigate our foster care and adoption system,” Schwank said. “The proposed Interbranch Commission on the Child Welfare System, which will engage all branches of government to provide recommendations on improving the care and protection of children, is a serious undertaking. We have a solemn obligation to care for those in our society who are most vulnerable – Pennsylvania’s children in foster care are perhaps the most at risk.”
A special “State of the Child” report released last year detailed some alarming deficiencies. Declaring that the “child welfare system is broken,” Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said that despite nearly $2 billion in state spending, 46 children died in 2016, while another 79 nearly perished. Of the fatalities, almost half of those children had been placed with families already known by Children and Youth Services.
“This discussion is not an indictment of the many capable, dedicated, and accomplished folks involved in the system. The problems have been evident for some time and are largely structural, rather than evidence of poor performance,” Baker said. “It is hard to escape the conclusion that the system is underfunded and overburdened.”
As part of its investigation, the commission will be asked to:
- Determine how the child welfare system failed in recent cases of death, or the near death, of children in the child welfare system;
- Restore public confidence in the protection of children and ensure they are adequately safeguarded; and
- Offer recommendations to improve the child welfare system and prevent the reoccurrence of abuse.
Baker noted that the panel is patterned after the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice, which did an outstanding job of investigating the horrific circumstances of the Kids-for-Cash scandal in Luzerne County, and in developing an extensive series of reform recommendations, the majority of which were implemented.
“Advocacy from our communities has not been lacking,” Baker added. “The deficiency has been in effective action, making sure that money and manpower match what we put in law and regulation, and most of all, what children at risk need from us. A commission provided the light and the leadership on juvenile justice, so we have everything to gain by applying that approach to the current crisis in child protection.”
Senate Bill 1087 earned unanimous support in the Health and Human Services Committee today and moves on to consideration by the full Senate.
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March 12, 2018
Local Food, Farmer’s Markets, Rural Jobs and Investment Initiatives Featured
Harrisburg – March 12, 2018 – Bolstering farms and farmers, promoting the use of locally produced food and significantly increasing a tax credit to spur job creation and investment in rural communities is the focus of a package of bills offered by three state Senate Democrats.
Senate Democratic Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Sen. Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia) and Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia) are the prime sponsors of the initiatives which are designed to aid farmers, increase access to healthy foods and ensure markets for locally produced food.
“From my many years of work with farmers and the agriculture industry, I know there are specific initiatives that will help immediately and immeasurably,” Schwank said. “The elements in this package of bills will address key aspects of farm production, market development and making the finances of farming work that much better.”
Schwank’s legislation would allow governmental entities to accept a bid higher than the lowest bid by 10 percent if they use locally-sourced food.
According to the state Department of Agriculture, 93 percent of Pennsylvanians prefer food that is locally produced. There are 58,000 farms and nearly eight million acres devoted to agricultural production in Pennsylvania.
“Giving this small price adjustment to support local food production and use is important to farmers and the farming community,” Schwank said.
Haywood, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, said his legislation would significantly expand the Farmer’s Market Development Program. Under Haywood’s plan, grant eligibility could be used for agritourism, construction and renovation of farmer’s markets, satellite markets and other infrastructure needs. The maximum grant would increase to $100,000.
“Farmer’s markets have become an integral part of the food delivery system,” Haywood said. “Fresh food is now available through farmer’s markets, which have become very popular.”
Pennsylvania has the fourth largest market in the country for direct farm sales.
“The goal of my legislation is to expand access to farmer’s markets to boost local sales and generate more income for farmers,” Haywood said. “Helping develop farmers’ markets is a win for farmers and a win for consumers.”
Another key component of aiding farmers and helping agriculture is providing fiscal stability for farmers and the industry. Hughes’ legislation would raise the rural jobs and investment tax credit from $1 million per fiscal year to $20 million over the next three years. The credit would increase $5 million each year for three fiscal years after rising to $5 million in fiscal 2018-19.
“Ensuring that farmers have capital on hand is important to successful farming and the agriculture industry,” Hughes said. “Increasing the tax credit for investment into our rural areas is critical, given that a large portion of Pennsylvania is designated as a rural area.
“Spurring investment and job creation in rural areas helps the entire state and provides direct financial assistance for farmers and the industry.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 48 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are designated as rural. These counties hold more than a quarter of the state’s population. More than 37 percent of rural household had incomes below $35,000.
The senators said that the bill package would help focus policymaking on issues impacting farmers and the agricultural industry.
“We need to do more to assist farmers and help them become more productive and successful,” Schwank said. “This legislation addresses three key components that are important to agriculture: local production, access to markets and capital.”
Hughes, who is the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, echoed Schwank’s comments.
“Finding ways to resolve issues that impact farmer productivity is a benefit to every Pennsylvania resident,” Hughes said.
Haywood said that he was pleased that the legislation was being developed as a package and said he was hopeful that the measures would be considered by the Senate this year.
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February 15, 2018
Harrisburg, February 15, 2018 − A road-naming bill to rename Route 176 in Berks County in honor of veterans was signed into law today by Gov. Tom Wolf. Berks County’s inclusion in the bill was the result of the efforts of State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks).
Under the legislation, HB 1602, separate sections of the Morgantown Expressway between its intersections with Route 422 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike would be marked to recognize veterans of the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq and Afghanistan War, respectively.
“We must always remember what veterans have done for us, and this is one way we’ll preserve our gratitude,” Schwank said. “This legislation was brought to life by local veterans who wanted a way to honor their brothers-and sisters-in-arm.”
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February 13, 2018
Reading, February 13, 2018 −Four dozen high school students from 13 Berks County schools will get a close-up look at being a legislator on Thursday, Feb. 15, during Sen. Judy Schwank’s fifth annual “Berks County Model Senate.”
The event, which will be the first of three planned sessions of the Model Senate, will begin at 11 a.m. in the Muhlenberg Township Building conference room.
This is the fifth consecutive year for Schwank’s Berks County Model Senate.
“I continue to be greatly impressed by the students who participate in our Model Senate program,” Schwank said. “They are keenly interested in governmental affairs and take the program very seriously. They are the future of our county and the commonwealth.”
During tomorrow’s Model Senate, students will elect a governor, caucus leaders, and appoint committee chairs. The students will then decide which bills will be introduced in the Senate and bring up their own proposals for debate.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Judy Schwank’s fifth annual Berks County Model Senate
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15
WHERE: Conference room, Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building, 210 George St., Reading
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February 7, 2018
Harrisburg, February 7, 2018– State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is encouraged by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s announcement of $17.5 million in emergency funding to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly in southeastern Pennsylvania.
“USDA has recognized how important it is to support us in our fight against the spotted lanternfly,” Schwank said. “With USDA, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, as well as local farmers, businesses and homeowners, we have a strong chance of controlling how far the spotted lanternfly spreads, and minimizing the physical and economic damage created by this insect.”
The emergency funding comes at a key time, Schwank said, because spotted lanternfly eggs have not yet hatched. The funds will allow for a two-pronged approach with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service managing the outer perimeter of the infestation and PDA focusing on a 3-mile perimeter surrounding the core infested area, according to a USDA press release.
Pennsylvania also remains committed to the cause. Earlier this week Gov. Tom Wolf proposed $1.6 million in his budget address to fight the spotted lanternfly.
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January 22, 2018
Harrisburg, January 22, 2018 − Today State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) introduced a resolution that would encourage Pennsylvania corporations to pursue more equal and diverse gender representation in senior management and on boards of directors.
“Companies benefit from the input of women,” Schwank said. “We’ve seen the numbers, we have tangible evidence that women have so much to offer to their companies. This is an important and positive step for businesses as well as for the community.”
Studies have shown that companies with more women in positions of power outperform companies without equal representation.
The resolution, SR 255, recommends all nonprofit, privately held and publicly traded institutions and companies in the Commonwealth make a commitment to increase gender diversity on their boards of directors and in senior management positions by Dec. 31, 2020.
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January 18, 2018
Reading, January 18, 2018 – State Sen. Judy Schwank, Berks Country and the Berks Agricultural Resource Network invite Berks County students to share their thoughts about farming in an essay and video contest celebrating National Ag Day. The day reminds people where their food comes from and the contribution agriculture makes to their everyday lives.
Essays will be grouped into three categories based on the students’ grade. A winning essay from each grade level will receive a cash award from BARN and be published in the March 21st edition of Berks Country. Winning videos will air on BCTV.
The categories and essay topics are as follows:
- Fourth to sixth grade: Farmers can raise sheep for their meat, wool or lanolin—a waxy substance found on sheep’s wool that is often used in lotions. Some farmers have raised sheep for landscaping or even as pets. In 100 to 150 words answer the question, If you were a farmer, why would you raise sheep?
- Seventh to eighth grade: The Spotted Lanternfly was found in Berks County in 2014 and threatens Pennsylvania’s grape and wine industries, as well as its hardwoods and fruit tree industries. In 250-300 words, write a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf explaining why Berks County farmers are worried about the Spotted Lanternfly.
- Nine to twelfth grade: Pennsylvania legalized the growing of industrial hemp in 2016 for research purposes by agencies, colleges and universities. Industrial hemp has many uses in textiles, building materials, industrial and environmental products, food and paper. In 450-500 words present an argument for why farmers should grow hemp.
- Fourth to twelfth grade: Bountiful Berks is a branding program developed by BARN to identify local products. A list of what the brand includes can be found at senatorschwank.com/essay. In a 30-second video, create an advertisement for a Bountiful Berks product. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube.
Essays and videos must be submitted online at www.senatorschwank.com/essay by February 19.
The National Ag Day program was started in 1973 by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) to encourage every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and to appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
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December 22, 2017
Harrisburg, December 22, 2017 − Three organizations in Reading will receive a total of $2.25 million in new state investments for their ongoing efforts to revitalization the city and improve educational opportunities for students and the community at large.
Gov. Tom Wolf today approved Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for:
- Berks County Convention Center Authority, Expansion of Santander Arena, $1.5 million;
- Reading, Alvernia University, Recreation, Wellness and Health Science Complex, $500,000;
- Reading, Albright College, Albright College Track & Field Facility, $250,000.
The monies will help the Convention Center Authority expand the Santander Arena by adding approximately 22,000 square feet of complementary and contiguous food and beverage, entertainment, meeting and support space. And will help Alvernia University community access to campus and Angelica Park, and Albright College prepare for a new track and field venue.
“These organizations are key economic and educational institutions in Reading,” Schwank said. “I am pleased by Gov. Wolf’s announcement and was more than happy to advocate for these projects.”
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December 14, 2017
Reading, December 14, 2017 − State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) hosted a press conference with State Inspector General Bruce Beemer to heighten public awareness of welfare fraud and announce a new enforcement initiative to stop the illegal sale of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cards.
“Unfortunately, welfare fraud is an issue in my district,” Schwank said. “It is my hope that we protect these dollars and ensure these programs are being used for what was intended, helping the most needy.” Schwank noted that in fiscal year 2016-2017 there were 768 Office of State Inspector General (OIG) investigations into welfare fraud in Berks County alone.
“We don’t know the reasons someone might sell their SNAP card,” Schwank said. “They may need cash for rent, a repair, or, sadly, they may be struggling with an addiction and use the cash to buy drugs.”
Earlier this year, Act 29 became law and provided the OIG with original jurisdiction over criminal statutes relating to public benefit fraud. The law also gave the OIG the ability to issue subpoenas or search warrants and partner directly with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
“Selling SNAP cards to merchants for cash is a crime which happens in Reading, and cities like it, every day. The merchants who buy these cards for pennies on the dollar prey on the vulnerable and literally take food from the needy,” Beemer said. “With the Senate’s help, my office now has new enforcement tools to prosecute this kind of trafficking in public benefits. I look forward to joining Senator Schwank to announce our new enforcement efforts in Berks County and across Pennsylvania.”
Thursday’s press conference was Beemer’s first stop in educating the public about welfare fraud and how to report and stop it. If you suspect fraud you can report it via phone at 1-800-932-0582 or make an online complaint using the “Report Fraud” section of the OIG’s website.
“The State Inspector General’s Office is now ready, willing and — thanks to the legislature and the governor — able to vigorously enforce these provisions of the law,” Beemer said.
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December 13, 2017
Harrisburg, December 13, 2017 A road-naming bill to rename Route 176 in Berks County in honor of veterans was approved today by the Pennsylvania Senate. Berks County’s inclusion in the bill was the result of the efforts of State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks).
Under the legislation, HB 1602, separate sections of the Morgantown Expressway between its intersections with Route 422 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike would be marked to recognize veterans of the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq and Afghanistan War, respectively.
“Local veterans came to me with this idea because they wanted a way to honor their brothers-and sisters-in-arm, and to encourage the public to remember what they did for us,” Schwank said. “I’m thrilled that it’s moving a step closer to becoming reality.”
Because the Senate amended the bill to include the Berks County highway, it now returns to the House of Representatives for its approval before it can be sent to Governor.
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December 12, 2017
HARRISBURG, December 12, 2017 – The Women’s Health Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative group supporting women’s health issues, introduced the Pennsylvania Agenda for Women’s Health in a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The agenda is a package of bills supported by the caucus.
Caucus co-chairs State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) and State Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) were joined by outside advocates to discuss the agenda.
The Agenda for Women’s Health covers a broad range of proposals that advance three main goals to enhance the health and well-being of women, families and communities: Safety and Dignity, Economic Security and Access to Health Services Across the Life Span.
“The Women’s Health Agenda is about empowering the 6.5 million women living in Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “These bills will help them, and, in turn, help Pennsylvania prosper. The ability for our state to grow culturally and economically depends on how we face new challenges. The Women’s Health Caucus recognizes that we cannot afford attitudes and practices that hamper, stifle and waste the talent, skills and creativity women – and sometimes only women – can bring to the table.”
“Members from all political parties have a shared interest in empowering women to live healthier, happier lives. It is encouraging that the scope of this effort has expanded in recent years to include not only physical health, but also the financial and emotional wellbeing of women as well,” said Women’s Health Caucus Member, Sen. Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks). “The Women’s Health Caucus has done a tremendous job of bringing more of these issues to the forefront, and it is an honor to work with all of the members of this body to advance bills that promote a safer and healthier future for women.”
“The PA Agenda for Women’s Health provides a clear vision to address the issues facing women in the Commonwealth today,” Frankel said. “At a time when we’re hearing from women that they’ve had enough of the constant attacks on their reproductive choices, lack of concern for their safety and barriers to success in the workplace, our Agenda will hopefully show them that there are legislators in Harrisburg who are listening and making a plan to pass legislation that will enhance their lives and the lives of their families.”
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