December 6, 2016
HARRISBURG, December 6, 2016 – Two Berks County economic development/transportation enhancement projects will receive much needed boosts thanks to $1.6 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grant funding approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funds will strengthen Muhlenberg Township’s efforts to increase safety along Fifth Street Corridor and enhance the proposed redevelopment of the Vanity Fair Outlet complex in Wyomissing and West Reading, according to Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks/Lancaster). Schwank worked closely with Gillen to advocate for the Wyomissing project.
According to the state legislators, $900,000 will help Equus Capital Partners, Ltd., support transit enhancements and pedestrian improvements as part of the redevelopment of the VF Outlet complex. Muhlenberg Township will receive $750,000 to improve infrastructure at multiple intersections along Fifth Street to provide safer crosswalks, install visible medians and other improvements as part of the township’s revitalization plan.
“As the township has grown, so has foot traffic along the Fifth Street Corridor, which is why we need enhanced safety features,” said Sen. Schwank. “These funds will improve the corridor for pedestrians and motorists alike and help them safely travel to and from businesses and other destinations along Muhlenberg’s main business corridor.”
“I am pleased that these important infrastructure projects are moving forward in our community,” Rep. Gillen said.
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Contact: Jamie Klein
Sen. Judy Schwank
Phone: (610) 929-2151
[email protected]
November 4, 2016
Harrisburg, November 4, 2016 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced that two Berks County educational organizations have been awarded state grants totaling $40,577. The grants are for the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers.
“These funds will help keep our students safe and allow them to focus on their education,” said Schwank said.
Wyomissing Area School District will receive $15,598 for cameras and door access controls. The Berks County Intermediate Unit will receive $24,979 for a metal detector and cameras.
The money is intended to help prevent and reduce violent incidents in schools through programs and security equipment.
Sen. Schwank noted these Berks grants were part of a total $6.5 million in grant funding awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as authorized by the general assembly.
For more information, visit www.education.pa.gov.
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Follow Sen. Schwank on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
October 28, 2016
Harrisburg, October 28, 2016 – Today Gov. Tom Wolf awarded $500,000 in Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to renovate Reading Area Community College’s science laboratory, State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-126th District) and Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D-127th District) announced.
“This money is so important to our county,” Schwank said. “It will allow RACC to better prepare our students for jobs in the real world.”
The grant will allow RACC to completely renovate existing labs in Berks Hall, which will result in state-of-the-art biology and anatomy labs. The chemistry and physics labs will move to the Schmidt Training & Technology Center.
“Once these renovations are complete, RACC will become more attractive to prospective students looking for a quality education,” Caltagirone said.
“As the workforce becomes more competitive, this funding will keep RACC in the race to attract students and prepare them for the future,” Rozzi said.
RACC, which is located in the city of Reading, was founded in 1971 and offers students classes to fulfill Associate degrees as well as certificate and diploma programs.
“There are more and more jobs available in the technology and healthcare fields, and now our students will be able to better compete with students from colleges around the country,” Schwank said.
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October 26, 2016
Harrisburg – October 26, 2016 − The State Senate today approved bipartisan legislation authored by Senators Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks) that would significantly change the state’s truancy laws.
The legislation, spurred by the 2014 death of a Berks County mother in prison as a result of a truancy violation, shifts the focus of dealing with truancy to schools from the court system, and imposes new requirements before a case can be sent to the courts or a person can be jailed for truancy.
“This bill returns the power to address truancy to the schools, the administrators and teachers who know their students best,” Schwank said. “This really is the right way to address truancy.”
“The Commonwealth’s truancy statute is in dire need of revisions that will refocus the law on improving school attendance and solving a child’s problems rather than needlessly incarcerating parents who cannot afford to pay fines,” Greenleaf said. “Our current truancy statute has resulted in the tragic death of a jailed mother—and inexcusable failure of justice.”
Instead of relying on court intervention, schools would be first required to address the underlying cause of a student’s unexcused absence by the development of individualized plans. Prison sentences could be used only as a last resort and for no more than three days.
Schwank called Eileen DiNino’s 2014 death in Berks County Prison a wake-up call that led to increased awareness about the differences in how different school districts and courts handled truancy cases.
“The bill won’t bring Eileen back, but hopefully it will prevent any other family from experiencing the same pain,” Schwank said.
Under the bill, which now will be returned to the House of Representatives to approve the changes made by the Senate, schools will be required respond to truancy cases as soon as a child becomes truant. Schools would be required to notify parents or guardians and offer intervention services on the first instance of truancy.
If the truancy is repeated, schools would be required to attempt to meet with the parents or guardian and explore the need and availability of assistive services, before they could refer a case to the court system.
There could be any number of reasons for truancy, Schwank said. For example, sick or working parents who are unable to transport the student to school; or families who cannot afford childcare use students to babysit younger siblings. No matter the reason, missing school can have long-lasting repercussions, especially for low-income families.
“If students aren’t in school they can’t learn,” Schwank said. “It’s another strike against them.”
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October 24, 2016
Harrisburg – October 24, 2016 – State Senator Judith L. Schwank today announced that two Berks County municipalities, Laureldale Borough and Exeter Township, have been approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for $180,000 in grant funding through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program to support recreation improvement efforts.
According to Senator Schwank, Laureldale Borough will receive $150,000 to support improvements, including the installation of new, permanent restroom facilities and repaving of parking areas, at the Borough’s Dominic Manzella Community Park. Exeter Township will receive $30,000 to support the development of a comprehensive parks, recreation, and open space plan.
“These state grant funds will allow both municipalities to better address the recreational needs of area residents for many years to come,” said Senator Schwank, who strongly advocated for the approval of these grants. “I commend local officials for taking the initiative to pursue these funds.”
The Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program is funded through the Act 13—Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
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October 17, 2016
Harrisburg, October 17, 2016 – On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, beginning at 7 p.m., Senator Judy Schwank is sponsoring her annual College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar in the Commissioners Board Room of the Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. And, on Saturday, October 22, 2016, beginning at 10:30 a.m., Senator Schwank is sponsoring a Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA) Preparation Lab in the First Floor Classroom of the Muhlenberg Township Building at 210 George Street, Reading, Pennsylvania.
“The costs of college and other postsecondary schools continue to increase,” said Senator Schwank. “Fortunately, there is assistance available to help students and families pay for higher education, and they need to know how to find it and apply it. Both of these events will help them navigate the college financial process.”
At Wednesday’s College Financial Aid Awareness Seminar, a financial aid expert from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and Ben Rosenberger, Director of Financial Aid at Reading Area Community College, will be on hand to explain the sources of college financial aid available to families and answer questions about the student aid application process.
At Saturday’s FAFSA Preparation Lab, financial aid experts from PHEAA, RACC, and Albright College will be hand to help students and families file online their 2017-2018 Free Application for Federal Student. Due to changes in Federal guidelines, students for the first time will be able to file their FAFSA forms starting October 1st for the following school year (2017-2018).
Both events are free and open to the public; however, due to a limited number of computer terminal available, preregistration is required for the FAFSA Preparation Lab. For more information or to register for the FAFSA Lab, families can call 610-929-2151.
September 28, 2016
Harrisburg – Sept. 28, 2016 – Legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Schwank that would provide early intervention services for infants and mothers when the mother is affected by post-partum depression received unanimous support today from the Senate committee on Public Health and Welfare.
The state currently provides early intervention services to children with disabilities and developmental delays from birth to age five.
“This is an important step. Studies suggest that about 21,000 mothers a year in Pennsylvania are affected by Post-partum depression,” said Senator Schwank, who co-authored the bill with Senator Camera Bartolotta, R-Washington County.
“A baby’s brain development can be impacted and they face increased risk of abuse or neglect, as well as higher medical costs.”
Under the proposal, mothers and infants referred by physicians would be included in the existing state program for services to at-risk children, including assessment, tracking and assistive services.
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September 27, 2016
Harrisburg – Sept. 27, 2016 – State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today introduced legislation to reinstate a decades old program that exempts agricultural conservation easements from Pennsylvania’s Realty Transfer Tax (RTT).
The proposed bill would provide exemptions for 270 farms impacted by a 2014 administrative rule change, helping save farmers more than $1.3 million.
“For generations, farmers and their families have had an expectation that property sold for agricultural easement would be sheltered from any real estate transfer taxes,” Schwank said. “While the amount of revenue in question may seem minuscule, the impact felt by farmers and their families is significant and could influence whether or not farmers continue to enroll in the program.”
For three decades agricultural easement transfers were not subject to the RTT collected by the state Department of Revenue. The 2014 department ruling reversed that exemption, subjecting farms statewide to the RTT.
Though changed earlier this year, the legislation, Act 84, failed to make the exemption retroactive to the department’s ruling. As a result, the department continues to collect the RTT from farmers who settled land transfers from approximately mid-2015 to the present.
In many instances, farmers transferring property have entered settlement unaware of taxes due and in extreme cases were charged the RTT plus interest.
Schwank said that the proposed legislation clarifies the original intent of Act 84, provides much needed tax relief and eliminates confusion over taxes owed between farmers and the department.
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September 16, 2016
Harrisburg, September 16, 2016 − More than $2.5 million in grant funds from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will be used to transform a brownfield site near the Reading Regional Airport in Bern Township into an industrial park, State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-5th District) announced.
“In today’s highly competitive economy, businesses are looking for shovel-ready sites when deciding where to locate. This project provides Berks County with a much needed ready-to-go location, which will be very attractive to businesses and will result in more jobs coming to our area,” Senator Schwank said. “I commend Governor Wolf for recognizing the potential and importance of this project for our local and regional economies and investing state dollars to make it a reality. I was pleased to join with Representative Jozwiak in strongly advocating for approval of RACP funds for this important economic development initiative.”
The grant approved today for the Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BCIDA) will specifically be used to support infrastructure improvements including reconstruction of Aviation Road, site clearance, environmental cleanup, installation of a natural gas line, on-site internal road development plus water and sewer lines.
“Berks Park 183 is a great example of a success story which recognized the critical and immediate need for strategic planning of a shovel ready, sustainable project,” said Representative Jozwiak. “The RACP funding for this infrastructure improvement project at the Reading Airport will not only positively impact Bern Township, but Berks County as a whole with over 500 full time permanent jobs, real estate tax revenues and helping to boost our local economy.”
The future industrial park, situated on the 155-acre brownfield site in Bern Township will include seven buildings. Once completed, BCIDA hopes to attract small manufactures specializing in assembly, warehousing and research and development. The project is projected to provide more than 200 indirect jobs, 750 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs.
Funds for the more than $13.3 million project were requested by the BCIDA, a public sector economic development agency focused on identifying shovel-ready sites for local development.
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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August 24, 2016
Harrisburg – Aug. 24, 2016 – State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) congratulated the owners of two Berks County farms who joined the ranks of more than 5,000 Pennsylvania farms preserved through the efforts of the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board.
“Berks County is a big reason Pennsylvania has preserved over 5,000 farms,” Schwank said today following the Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation Board’s meeting at Smuckerland Farms located in Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster County.
“The 227 acres of prime, local agricultural space added by the board means Berks County farms will remain a leader in producing nutritious food for generations to come.”
The total conservation easements for the following Berks County farms totals $566,750:
- Wagner Farms Partnership, Oley Township, 113.20 acres;
- Leon S. & Alta M. Zimmerman, Longswamp & Maxatawny Township, 113.50 acres.
In Berks County, 713 farms consisting of 70,354 acres have been preserved.
“Our county has preserved more acres of farmland than any other county,” said Schwank. “We have demonstrated and made preserving farms a priority.”
Pennsylvania is recognized as a national leader for farms and acres preserved. Since the Farmland Preservation program began in 1988, more than $1.3 billion has been invested by federal, state, county and local governments to preserve more than half a million acres on farms in 57 counties for future agricultural production.
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August 11, 2016
Harrisburg – Aug. 11, 2016 – Upgrades at Reading’s Fritz Island Waste Water Treatment Facility will be completed thanks to $27.1 million in additional funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said today.
“I’m encouraged by the approval of additional state funding to support this important project” Schwank said. “Our residents depend on the efficient operation of this plant for clean water and a functional sewer system. These upgrades are critical to the future of the plant.”
The $27.1 million loan is in addition to $121.8 million that was previously approved by PENNVEST for the facility.
Schwank said that the funding was approved at a special meeting of the PENNVEST board today. The additional funding ensures that all necessary improvements to the facility can be made.
At the Fritz Island solids plant, the dollars will be used to address numerous discharge system issues. It will also pay for the construction of a primary clarifier distribution structure, the rehabilitation of other primary clarifiers and other system improvements.
At the liquids plant, the funds will be used for construction projects to prevent the discharge of sewage into the Schuylkill River.
PENNVEST funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards.
Reading is under a federal consent decree to fix problems in the city’s sewer system, which serves more than 22,000 households in Reading and customers in other municipalities
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July 22, 2016
Harrisburg – July 22, 2016 – Legislation recently signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf legalizing the growing of industrial hemp in Pennsylvania represents a significant step forward for the agricultural industry in Pennsylvania, State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said today.
“Pennsylvania will now be on the same playing field as other states that have passed hemp legislation” Schwank said. “Bringing this multi-million dollar industry back to Pennsylvania will provide new opportunities for farmers and give Pennsylvania the chance to open new doors for generations of farmers to come.”
Schwank spearheaded the legislation in the Senate and was a tireless advocate for the reestablishment of the industrial hemp industry. Her legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate, while companion legislation – introduced in the House – made its way through the General Assembly and onto the governor’s desk earlier this week.
Act 92 allows for the growing, cultivation and marketing of market industrial hemp within the state and permits growing industrial hemp for research purposes by agencies, colleges, and universities. The new law also establishes the Hemp Research Board and charges it with developing regulations, applications for registration, inspections, a database of registered persons, registration fees, guidelines for labeling and testing.
Schwank said there are many ways to use industrial hemp including its application in textiles, building materials, industrial and environmental products, food and paper.
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July 1, 2016
HARRISBURG — July 1, 2016 — The Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BCIDA) was approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for a state low-interest Business In Our Sites (BIOS) loan in the amount of $1,119,709 to improve electrical infrastructure at the Reading Airport Industrial/Business Park located in Bern Township, according State Senator Judy Schwank.
Senator Schwank noted that the funds will help the Authority pay for needed work to extend power lines and install related infrastructure to expand electrical power capacity and availability at the airport, which will accommodate existing and future industrial development and growth in the area.
“The Reading Airport holds tremendous potential for development and the BCIDA and the local officials have been working diligently to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to entice new businesses to locate here,” said Senator Schwank.“This investment of state funds will help put us in a better position to attract new ventures to our area and promote job growth.”
Senator Schwank noted that the Business In Our Sites Program provides loans for the acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others. The program is administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (“CFA”).
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July 1, 2016
HARRISBURG, July 1, 2016 – Three regional conservation, watershed protection, and civic improvement groups will receive a total of $470,000 in new state investments for their ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the outdoor experience for Berks County residents.
Sen. Judy Schwank and Reps. Thomas Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi today said the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved grants for:
- Implementation of the Berks County Conservancy’s Angelica Park master plan, $200,000;
- Recreation Commission of the Antietam Valley, Carsonia Park Improvement Project and Watershed Restoration Project, $215,000;
- Berks County Community Foundation, 18th W.O.N.D.E.R. Neighborhood Improvement Project, $55,000.
“All three of these projects are especially significant because they not only will vastly improve regional recreational resources and preserve the local environment, but also because they are the result of remarkable cooperation among a diverse array of elected and appointed officials and community-based organizations and agencies,” Sen. Schwank said following CFA’s approval of the new investments. “I am just as grateful for the dedication, passion and vision of the many people who work for these groups and strive to improve the quality of life for all Berks Countians.”
“These grant awards are great news for the City of Reading and surrounding communities,” Rep. Caltagirone said. “Everyone who worked so hard to put together such high quality proposals for these competitive grant funds deserves special recognition”
“These projects represent important investment not only in the present needs of our community, but for future generations,” Rep. Mark Rozzi said. “Residents of the Antietam Valley, the City of Reading and beyond will benefit from these projects for decades to come. I was pleased to work with my colleagues and local officials and citizens to make these a reality.”
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Contact: Stacey Witalec
Sen. Judy Schwank
Phone: (717) 787-7683
[email protected]
Contact: Chris Winters
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone
Phone: (717) 787-3525
[email protected]
Contact: Chad Schlanger
Rep. Mark Rozzi
Phone: (717) 783-3290
[email protected]
July 1, 2016
HARRISBURG, July 1, 2016 – Historic Skyline Drive will soon be receiving much needed upgrades thanks to a $969,298 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to reconstruct a 2.4 mile stretch of Skyline Drive in Alsace and Lower Alsace Townships and the City of Reading, according to Sen. Judy Schwank and Reps. Thomas Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi. All three state legislators worked together to strongly advocate for the grants approval.
According to the state legislators, Lower Alsace Township will receive the grant and will work with Alsace Township and the City to complete the project. As part of the reconstruction of Skyline Drive, road markings will be added to create shared pedestrian/bicyclist lanes and crosswalks added at key locations to improve safety. Stormwater facility upgrades will be installed to improve water runoff and limit potential water damage to the roadway in the future.
“This project represents an important investment in improving one of Berks County’s most iconic roadways,” said Senator Schwank. “This effort is especially significant because it involves cooperation among three municipalities, incorporates multiple modes of transportation, and improves safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.”
“Skyline Drive provides access to some of the most beautiful vistas in all of Pennsylvania, as well to our City’s most recognizable and historic landmark, the Pagoda,” added Rep. Caltagirone. “These improvements will help ensure that both residents and visitors continue to have access to these beautiful natural and historical resources.”
“In recent years, Greater Reading has earned an international reputation for being a destination of choice for cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, who are drawn to both the beauty and challenges Mount Penn offers,” noted Rep. Rozzi. “This project will build on that reputation, enhancing not only access to the recreational opportunities the mountain offers, but also creating economic benefits by drawing more visitors to our area and attracting more premiere events like the Reading 120 and the Duryea Hill Climb.”
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Contact: Stacey Witalec
Sen. Judy Schwank
Phone: (717) 787-7683
[email protected]
Contact: Chris Winters
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone
Phone: (717) 787-3525
[email protected]
Contact: Chad Schlanger
Rep. Mark Rozzi
Phone: (717) 783-3290
[email protected]
June 27, 2016
HARRISBURG, June 27, 2016 – Two co-chairs of the legislature’s Women’s Health Caucus praised today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a Texas abortion law that caused all but a few clinics there to close. The number of clinics in Pennsylvania also dropped after a more limited version of the stricken law was enacted here in 2011.
State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, said: “Today’s 5-3 decision by the Supreme Court clearly exposes the sham arguments made by abortion opponents that restricting access to safe, legal abortion is somehow in the best interest of women and their health.
“The motivation for these draconian legislative proposals – requiring hospital admitting privileges for abortion providers and requiring expensive construction overhauls of abortion facilities – has been clear to many of us for a long time,” said Frankel, the WHC House Democratic chair. This should also put the brakes on Pennsylvania efforts to pass additional abortion restrictions. It’s great to see the United States Supreme Court strike down the terrible law in Texas.”
Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, said: “Today’s ruling is an important victory for a woman’s constitutional right to make her reproductive decisions. It reinforces very clearly that government cannot burden this right simply by claiming it is protecting women’s health.
“Those who want to restrict reproductive rights now know for sure that they have to prove their claims,” said Schwank, the WHC Senate Democratic chair. “And that just like decisions on health care, decisions on health legislation need to be based on facts.”
The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus of legislators partnering with interest groups and advocacy organizations to develop and implement legislation and social policy that protects and respects a woman’s right to make private, personal medical decisions.
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June 9, 2016
Reading – June 9, 2016 – At the request of state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a roundtable discussion today on Pennsylvania’s Zika Virus response plan that focused on measures available for state, local and health officials to educate the public about potential health impacts.
“While I’m pleased to see that our state has already put an extensive plan into place, it is imperative that we do all we can to track the spread of this virus and to keep people informed about how they can best protect themselves,” Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/ Lehigh) said. “Today’s hearing is aimed at making sure government is doing all it can to coordinate the best possible statewide response.”
Boscola serves as Democratic chair of the Democratic Policy Committee.
Schwank, who serves as the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said “this effort will require a great deal of cooperation and coordination between state, federal and local agencies. It is imperative that we get this right and do this right.”
The Zika virus was first detected in Brazil over a year ago. Spread by infected mosquitos, the virus generally causes very mild symptoms and rarely leads to serious side effects. However, it does pose a serious threat to pregnant women because the infection can cause birth defects.
Experts at the hearing said the risk for Pennsylvanians is low, but the Ebola scare taught lessons about being prepared for things to change.
“As a community and as a state, we’re going to collaborate. It’s cirtical that our communication is clear and that it provides honest information,” said Marie Keim, Director of Epidemiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Reading Hospital. “Whether it’s twitter, whether it’s facebook, whether it’s the news, it’s important that we’re getting it out in a language that is easy to understand.
As of May 2, there were no reports of the virus being spread by mosquitoes in the continental United States yet. However, Pennsylvania does have 19 confirmed cases of people who have the virus — with 178 test results still pending.
Dr. Jason Rasgon, Associate Professor of Entomology and Disease Epidemiology at Penn State University noted the rapid manner in which research and information on Zika evolves. “I would say something and it would be outdated the next day,” Dr. Rasgon said. “That’s how quickly things are changing.”
The Wolf Administration has already established an extensive Zika response plan that outlines the phases of education, tracking, and response activities that are to occur based on various levels of mosquito activity in Pennsylvania.
Boscola credited the plan for including public awareness and education. She also said it would be critical for government agencies to work closely together to assure that the state is as prepared as possible. The state Department of Health has already set up a website on the virus at www.zika.pa.gov.
The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to use an insect repellant, take steps to keep mosquitoes out of your home; reduce standing water outside; and wear long sleeves and pants outdoors.
Joining the senators for the roundtable discussion were:
- Dr. Loren Robinson, Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, PA Department of Health
- Dana Aunkst, Deputy Secretary of Water Programs, PA Department of Environmental Protection
- Dr. Jason Rasgon, Assoc. Prof. of Entomology and Disease Epidemiology, Pennsylvania State University
- Dr. Robert S. Jones, D.O., Medical Director, Infection Prevention, Reading Health System
- Marie Keim, Director of Epidemiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Reading Hospital
- Dean Druckenmiller, District Executive, Berks County Conservation District
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June 9, 2016
Harrisburg – June 9, 2016 – The Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board today approved an additional 194 acres of Berks County farmland for preservation, state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said today.
“The farmland preservation program is so vitally important to the agriculture community of Berks County and all across the state,” Schwank said. “Preserving farmland for agricultural purposes enhances family farming, promotes efficient land use and keeps acres in production without outside development pressures.”
Schwank who is a member of the board in addition to serving as Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said that 110. 7 acres in Centre Township and another 82.7 acres in Perry Township will be preserved.
The board approved conservation easements valued at $483,500 to preserve the farmland.
“Berks County has been a statewide leader in preserving farmland,” Schwank said. “We have a long history of farming in the county and with the help of preservation activities we will continue to keep land in agricultural production.”
The farm that will be preserved in Centre Township belongs to Dale and Carolyn Machmer. The Perry Township farm is owned by Marie Strause and Carol Fetherol.
Statewide 4,977 farms totaling 522,545 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County, 711 farms consisting of 70,227 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
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June 8, 2016
Harrisburg – June 8, 2016 – Legislation sponsored by state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), requiring the POW-MIA flag to be flown on state grounds is one step closer to becoming law today after a unanimous vote by the Senate State Government Committee.
Schwank praised the efforts of her colleagues to honor the lives and service of military personnel listed as prisoners of war or missing in action.
“I am so pleased that my colleagues joined me in realizing that we can never forget the names and the faces of those held prisoner and those still waiting to return home,” Schwank said. “This legislation will allow us to show support for our service men and women and their families, while honoring their service and sacrifice.”
Senate Bill 1157 would require the POW-MIA flag be flown along with the U.S. flag on state grounds and buildings. The legislation does not impose the requirement on local governments or school districts.
In the last 100 years, more than 1,100 Pennsylvania families have lost loved ones whose bodies have no known resting spot where their service and sacrifice can be marked and remembered. The black-and-white POW-MIA flag depicts the silhouette of a soldier with his head bowed. Behind the soldier are the images of a watchtower, a strand of barbwire and the words “POW,” “MIA” and “You are not forgotten.”
Congress designated the flag in 1990 as “the symbol of our nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia.
Senate Bill 1157 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
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June 6, 2016
Harrisburg – June 6, 2016 – State Senator Judy Schwank today announced that the filing deadline for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2016.
“More than half a million Pennsylvanians took advantage of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program last year,” Schwank said. “Extending the program application deadline to the end of the year provides the opportunity for more Pennsylvanians in need to take advantage of this important program.”
Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits those eligible age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit for the program is $35,000 per year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded.
Funded through the Pennsylvania Lottery and slots gaming revenue, the maximum standard rebate is $650 however supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can bolster rebates to nearly $1,000. Since the beginning of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program in 1971, eligible Pennsylvanians have received more than $5.9 billion in property tax and rent relief.
For more information about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program or to apply visit www.revenue.pa.gov or call toll-free 1-888-222-9190.
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May 18, 2016
Harrisburg, May 18, 2016 – With drug overdose deaths reaching epidemic levels, Senate Democrats unveiled legislation today to address the opioid addiction crisis from prevention through recovery.
“Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate and there is no easy solution to fix the problem,” Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said. “When addiction finds its way into a family, it can nearly paralyze them for fear of what the future may hold.”
Recognizing the need to provide support at all levels, the Senate Democrats’ legislation focuses on providing new opportunities for education and treatment as well as expanded support options in the community for addicts, professionals and families.
“We cannot address this problem in a vacuum and must work to provide the necessary services and support to everyone involved,” Costa said. “Families are being affected and communities torn apart as a result of opioid abuses and heroin addiction.”
Opioids are a class of drug that include heroin as well as the prescription pain relievers oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and others. According to a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health study, fatal drug overdoses in Pennsylvania increased 14 fold between 1979 and 2014.
“We are in the midst of the worst ever overdose death epidemic and the worst public health crisis of the last 100 years, Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs Gary Tennis said. “It will continue to take a collaborative effort among many partners to effectively address this crisis.”
The package of legislation includes:
Emergency Addiction Treatment Program – Charging the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs with establishing a comprehensive program that includes new addiction treatment facilities for those drug users that are currently going without care; new intake methods to provide information to those with addiction problems or their family and friends; advice and assistance in accessing treatment; and data collection to help identify patterns of addiction.
School Aged Children Opioid Awareness Education Program – Requiring the Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Health, and Education to work cooperatively to design an opioid awareness education programs to be delivered in schools.
Addiction Treatment Professional Loan Forgiveness Program – Require the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to develop an addiction treatment professional loan forgiveness program.
Opioid Addiction Prevention and Treatment Assessment – Impose a 10 percent assessment on the first sale of an opioid into the state. Revenues from the assessment will be used to support the purchase of naloxone for local law enforcement and emergency management personnel in addition to supporting addiction prevention and treatment programs.
Responding to the Senate Democratic proposals to the drug and alcohol problem, Deb Beck from the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania said that the drug and alcohol problem “has reached epidemic levels in the state and these proposals will be life saving in impact.”
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May 17, 2016
HARRISBURG, May 17, 2016 – Newborn and infant children of mothers affected by postpartum depression (PPD) would be eligible for early intervention services under legislation introduced today by Sens. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington).
Senate Bill 1269 would add PPD to the list of conditions that qualify for assessments, tracking and early intervention services. The state already monitors infants with certain medical conditions, such as low birth weight or lead poisoning, as well as those born into potentially dangerous environments, including children born to chemically dependent mothers, homeless children and infants who suffer from abuse and neglect
“Postpartum depression is a severe and potentially long-lasting condition that can put the health of the mother and the baby at risk,” Bartolotta said. “By adding postpartum depression to the list of qualifying conditions, we hope to ensure infants and their mothers who suffer from this condition have access to the services that are already in place in our communities to support healthy child development.”
“All babies deserve a healthy start in life,” said Schwank, Senate Democratic chair of the Women’s Health Caucus. “Making sure that babies of mothers with PPD are able to get available services they may need is important, and it just makes sense for both the mother and child.”
The American Psychological Association estimates that more than one in seven new mothers experience PPD. The condition can adversely affect a baby’s cognitive development, and carries an increased risk of abuse and neglect.
Postpartum depression is typically defined as a major depressive episode for the mother arising either during her pregnancy or within a year of the baby’s birth. About 21,000 babies and mothers in Pennsylvania annually are believed to suffer from it, and the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all mothers be screened for this illness.
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CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463 (Sen. Bartolotta)
William Casey (717) 787-8925 (Sen. Schwank)
May 10, 2016
HARRISBURG, May 10, 2016 – Sparked by the tragic death of a Berks County mom who died after being imprisoned for her child’s delinquent truancy fines, Sen. Judy Schwank has won the Pennsylvania Senate’s approval of a bipartisan bill to keep parents from this kind of punishment.
Senate Bill 359 is heading to the House on a 48-0 vote.
“There are many causes for truancy, but we have largely been relying on a single solution to it: treating it as a crime with the unfounded belief that that would fix the problems,” Schwank said today during floor debate. “Mrs. Dinino died in prison, with her children at home alone, simply because she could not pay $2,000 in fines that had accumulated against her.”
The Berks County Democrat said the 2014 death of Eileen DiNino – a widowed mother of seven who was placed in Berks County Prison because Pennsylvania law mandates a five-day sentence for failing to pay truancy fines – was the “wake-up call.”
“It was a shock … to learn that Pennsylvania mandated a prison sentence in truancy cases. It was an even greater shock to discover that not only do we have this bad idea of mandating prison for parents who are unable to pay truancy fines but, even worse, it is randomly applied.”
Should Senate Bill 359 win the approval of the House and governor, Schwank said no parent will go to jail for a delinquent truancy bill under most circumstances.
Also, the senator emphasized that the bipartisan legislation, which she worked on with Republican Sens. Stewart Greenleaf (Montgomery County) and Lloyd Smucker (Lancaster), will remind people that getting children an education is the most important reason for updating the law.
“Eileen’s death, sadly, put a human face to this ineffective injustice, and this bill today will not bring her back to her family and friends,” Sen. Schwank said. “But it did prompt a very deep and serious reconsideration of the issue that resulted in SB 359.
“The causes of truancy are much deeper than a child simply choosing not to go to school. There are reasons for these choices, and they reflect many other concerns than whether or not a child attended class on a given day.”
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April 25, 2016
READING, April 25, 2016 – More than five dozen Berks County EMS and fire companies will receive state grants totaling more than $840,000 to help with training, equipment purchases and construction or renovation of facilities, Sen. Judy Schwank announced today.
Twelve Berks County EMS units will receive $86,156, and 54 fire companies are counting a total of $755,728 from the Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.
“Our first responders need the public’s support to help protect our homes and property and come to our aid when we are in distress,” Sen. Schwank said. “Getting this money to our many fire departments and EMS units will help accomplish many goals while improving public safety.”
All fire companies and volunteer ambulance and rescue squads are eligible for the grants.
The following Berks County EMS and fire companies have been earmarked for support:
EMS
Bally Community Ambulance Assoc., $6,991.46
Southern Berks Regional EMS Service, $7,147.70
Blandon Community Ambulance Inc., $7,201.70
Boyertown Lions Community Ambulance Service Inc., $7,201.70
Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Co No 1, $7,201.70
Hamburg Emergency Medical Services Inc., $7,201.70
Lower Alsace Ambulance, $7,201.70
Muhlenberg Area Ambulance, $7,201.70
Oley Fire Company, $7,201.70
Schuylkill Valley Emergency Medical Services, $7,201.70
Topton American Legion Comm Amb Service Inc., $7,201.70
Western Berks Ambulance Association Inc., $7,201.70
FIRE COMPANIES
Friendship Fire Company No 1 of Geigertown, $5,600
Central Berks Fire Company, $11,511.46
Rescue Fire Co No 1 Of Mt Aetna, $11,511.46
Marion Fire Company of Stouchburg, $11,739.29
Union Fire Company Of Bethel, $11,739.29
Alsace Manor Fire Company Truck Crew, $11,967.12
Community Volunteer Fire Company of Lower Alsace Township, $11,967.12
Pioneer Hose Co No 1, $11,967.12
Community Fire Co of Frystown, $12,194.96
Ruscombmanor Fire Company No 1, $12,194.96
Walnuttown Fire Co #1, $12,194.96
Central Fire Co #1 of Laureldale, $12,422.79
Hamburg Volunteer Forest Fire Crew Inc., $12,422.79
Community Fire Co of Seisholtzville, $12,650.62
Community Fire Company Virginville, $12,650.62
Friendship Fire Company # 2, $12,650.62
Shoemakersville Fire Co No 1, $12,650.62
Lyons Volunteer Fire Co 1, $12,878.46
Shartlesville Community Fire Company No 1, $12,878.46
Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Company No 1, $12,900.00
Monarch Fire Co #1, $13,334.12
Amity Fire Company, $13,561.96
Blandon Fire Company No 1, $13,561.96
Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Co No 1, $13,561.96
Gibraltar Fire Co., $13,561.96
Greenfields Fire Co. 1, $13,561.96
Keystone Fire Co No 1 of Shillington, $13,561.96
Keystone Fire Company Rehrersburg, $13,561.96
Kutztown Volunteer Fire Department, $13,561.96
Mount Pleasant Fire Company, $13,561.96
Temple Fire Company 1, $13,561.96
Topton Volunteer Fire Company, $13,561.96
Western Berks Fire Department, $13,561.96
Berks Emergency Strike Team, $13,789.79
Bernville Community Fire Company, $13,789.79
Brecknock Township Fire Company No 1, $13,789.79
City of Reading Pennsylvania Dept of Fire & Rescue Services, $13,789.79
Cumru Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, $13,789.79
Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department, $13,789.79
Goodwill Fire Co #1 of Hyde Park, $13,789.79
Hereford Fire Company, $13,789.79
Kempton Fire Co Inc., $13,789.79
Mount Penn Fire Company, $13,789.79
Oley Fire Company, $13,789.79
Strausstown Volunteer Fire Company No 1, $13,789.79
Township of Spring Firefighters Inc., $13,789.79
Twin Valley Fire Department, $13,789.79
Union Fire Company No 1 of Leesport, $13,789.79
Union Fire Company No. 1 of Hamburg, $13,789.79
West Reading Fire Company No 1, $13,789.79
Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company, $13,789.79
Wyomissing Fire Department, $13,789.79
Eastern Berks Fire Department, $36,561.96
Boyertown Area Fire & Rescue Inc., $36,789.79
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April 14, 2016
HARRISBURG, April 14, 2016 – The number of acres of Berks County agricultural land protected by Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program eclipsed 70,000 today, state Sen. Judy Schwank said.
The milestone happened when the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, of which Schwank is a member, added four more Berks County farms, totaling 169.9 acres, to its ag easement list.
“Nearly 110 square miles of Berks County are now dedicated to all things agriculture,” Sen. Schwank said. “This is a remarkable achievement and something for every Berks County resident to be proud about reaching.”
The four farms added to the farmland preservation program received total ag easements of $424,750. The tracts are owned by:
- Kenneth & Diane Leiby, Perry Township, 37.6 acres
- John & Kimberly McGrath, Amity Township, 61 acres
- Kathy M. Reifsnyder, Upper Tulpehocken Township, 34.2 acres
- Kenneth R. Sholl, Bethel Township, 37.1 acres
Berks County now has 709 farms – and 70,031 acres – in the state’s farmland preservation program. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the program.
Since the farmland preservation program started in 1988, Pennsylvania has protected 4,951 farms totaling 520,619 acres.
For more information on PA’s farmland preservation program, visit the Bureau of Farmland Preservation’s website.
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