April 4, 2016
HARRISBURG, April 4, 2016 – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously approved Sen. Judy Schwank’s resolution for an advisory task force to find better ways to address drug addiction and treatment.
“I believe the task force will find that Pennsylvania needs better coordination and, perhaps, a stronger commitment to drug addiction prevention, care and intervention, especially as heroin and opioid overdoses have racked so many of our communities,” Schwank said.
“We suspect more can and should be done because we read about Pennsylvanians dying from drug overdoses too many times on too many days. I’ve listened during public forums and impromptu meetings with constituents who say treatment programs should have the resources to provide more beds for care or they should be able to act quicker and with more focus.
“I look forward to the advisory panel’s work and final report to help stop this growing problem, and I thank the Senate for its understanding and support to make this happen. Treatment works.”
The special panel proposed in Schwank’s Senate Resolution 267 would complete an inventory of the locations and types of drug treatment programs and determine if there is a need for additional help or better coordination.
It would also determine the ease and availability of access by Pennsylvania residents to effective treatment; examine the prevalence and practical impact of using private or public funding or health insurance coverage to pay for treatment; decide how to better help consumers determine the effectiveness and value of different types of treatment and programs, and propose how to nurture promising emerging types of treatment and best practices.
The task force will work under the supervision of the Joint State Government Commission – a bipartisan, bicameral research agency – and have 18 months to deliver its report and recommendations.
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Contact: Mark Shade
Phone: (717) 787-5166
[email protected]
March 28, 2016
READING, March 28, 2016 – Women business owners and entrepreneurs will have the unique opportunity to learn how to grow their businesses Wednesday, March 30, during a special seminar in Reading sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank and a group of private and public partners.
The “W.E. R.O.A.R. Summit: Women Entrepreneurs, Relationships, Opportunities, Assistance and Resources,” is a free event that will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 701 Penn St., Reading.
“Women business owners and entrepreneurs are critical to the strength and vitality of our local, state, and national economies, but they face many unique challenges and obstacles in achieving success,” said Sen. Schwank. “The ‘W.E. R.O.A.R. Summit’ will bring together, in one event and at one place, a diverse array of business experts, agencies, and organizations, whose purpose is to help women-owned businesses succeed.”
Schwank said the summit is designed to benefit seasoned business owners, start-ups, and entrepreneurs alike.
Erin Andrew, director of the Office of Women’s Business Ownership for the United States Small Business Administration, will deliver the keynote address.
The event will also include breakout sessions led by business experts on: “Starting and Growing A Business,” “Securing Financing,” “Strategic Planning,” and “Taking Your Business to the Next Level.”
A variety of economic development organizations, financial institutions, and agencies will be available to provide information and guidance to help attendees succeed with their businesses.
Schwank said the summit is a collaborative effort with The Pennsylvania Community Development and Finance Corp, Tompkins VIST Bank, and the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center, with special assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Even though the event is free to attend, registration is required. For more information or to attend, people may call 610-898-6151 or visit https://weroar2016.eventbrite.com.
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March 22, 2016
HARRISBURG, March 22, 2016 – On the plaza of the state government building that houses Pennsylvania’s highest appellate courts, state Sens. Anthony Hardy Williams and Judy Schwank called for renewed efforts to improve the accountability of commonwealth justices and said punishment still must be delivered to those involved in the recent email scandal.
The statewide email scandal ensnared former PA Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin, who announced his retirement a week ago.
“Pennsylvania cannot continue to have a system that allows – and shields – its jurists and prosecutors from punishment for unethical behavior,” Sen. Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) said in response to a growing public mistrust of the judicial discipline system. “The Court of Judicial Discipline must be free from conflicts of interest like those which arise naturally when disciplining their own appointing authority.”
“The inappropriate handling by the Judicial Conduct Board in recent cases against sitting state Supreme Court Justices show how vulnerable our current investigative and disciplinary processes are to inappropriate influence by the Supreme Court,” Sen. Schwank (D-Berks) said. “To restore confidence in the courts and our judicial process, we need now to deal effectively with judicial misconduct at all levels.”
As part of their reform efforts, the senators co-sponsored Senate Bill 1083 to remove the state Supreme Court from the judicial discipline process, and to:
- Revitalize the conduct board and disciplinary court by transferring the Supreme Court’s power to appoint members to those panels to the governor and legislature
- Reduce the number of judges allowed to sit on the panels and increase the number of public citizen members
- Make them fiscally independent of the court and prohibit the Supreme Court from inserting itself in these cases.
The lawmakers said their proposal needs to be considered soon by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“If you’re a woman, a minority, LGBT, these emails reveal just how so many people charged with protecting you and your interests view you and talk about you in private,” Schwank said. “Tragically, it’s the same way that people who make you feel unsafe in your home view you: as an unequal, as an object to be mocked, mistreated and abused.”
Also egregious, the senators said, was Judicial Conduct Board Chief Counsel Robert Graci’s purposeful decision to not immediately disclose his role as campaign manager for Eakin.
“Graci’s performance and the co-conspiracy to cover up these embarrassing emails by state Attorney General First Deputy Bruce Beemer and state Supreme Court Special Counsel Robert Byer are why we are re-stating our call for them to be removed from office,” Williams said. “We are also seeking sanctions against federal prosecutors who were involved in this outrage.”
Sen. Williams said he received a “pro-forma” response to a Dec. 4 letter he mailed to Peter J. Smith, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District in Harrisburg. That letter asked Smith to reprimand or terminate the assistant U.S. attorneys under his charge involved in this matter. No such action has been made public in the nearly three months since that initial response.
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Contact: Mark Shade
Phone: 717-787-9220
[email protected]
March 21, 2016
HARRISBURG, March 21, 2016 – Two of Pennsylvania’s leading legislative voices for better performance and oversight of the commonwealth’s judicial system will hold a press conference at 11 a.m., tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22, to call for judicial performance and oversight proposals to be considered and for further measures against former Supreme Court Justice Eakin and those involved in “Hategate.”
Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) and Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) will demand punitive action against those involved in the widespread dissemination of pornographic, racist and misogynistic emails.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sens. Williams, Schwank to hold press conference on judicial reform
WHEN: 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 22
WHERE: Plaza, PA Judicial Center, 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg
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March 16, 2016
HARRISBURG, March 16, 2016 – State Sen. Judy Schwank’s proposal to return hemp as a legal, cash crop in Pennsylvania was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate today.
Senate Bill 50, which Schwank and Sen. Mike Folmer introduced more than a year ago, was approved by the upper chamber, 49-0.
“The United States imports $650 million worth of hemp from Canada and China,” Schwank said during floor remarks. “In Canada hemp is estimated to be more than a $2 billion crop. Pennsylvania farmers who can grow hemp should be allowed to once again.”
If approved by the governor, SB 50 would start small with a pilot program under the supervision of academic and state government experts.
“The goal is to research best practices and clear the way for Pennsylvania to become a hemp-farming powerhouse,” Schwank said. “I am not expecting hemp to be used commercially for many years, but this pilot program gets Pennsylvania’s foot in the door, and opens the possibilities for future generations of farmers.”
Senate Bill 50 has yet to garner a negative vote. The Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, of which Schwank is the Democratic chair, voted 11-0 in favor of the bill this past October.
The legislation moves to the House now for consideration.
“Hemp would allow Pennsylvania to be on the same playing field with states that have already passed some form of hemp legislation,” Schwank said. The soil and climate here in PA is perfect for growing hemp and hemp got its start in PA. We have townships such as Hempfield Township in Lancaster that were named after the crop and its viability in the area.
“I don’t think there are arguments against hemp; I look at it more as a misunderstanding.”
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March 16, 2016
HARRISBURG, March 16, 2016 – The state Senate Health and Welfare Committee today unanimously approved a proposal by state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) calling for a broad study of addiction treatment concerns in Pennsylvania.
The proposal now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
“The sharp increases in heroin and opioid abuse in recent years here and across the country have really revealed the great need for a more coordinated understanding of and approach to dealing with addiction,” Schwank said following the committee’s approval. “Our work to fight this growing crisis has been earnest, but it remains too fragmented.
“Having a task force focus on the problem will allow us to identify necessary changes that we hope can make a huge difference for the many families who are facing the impact and challenges of addiction.”
Under Schwank’s resolution, SR 267, which has broad bi-partisan support of a majority of the Senate, the task force would be created under the Joint State Government Commission, which is a research agency of the General Assembly.
The task force would:
- Count the locations and types of treatment programs
- Assess the need for additional treatment resources
- Determine the ease and availability of access by Pennsylvania residents to effective treatment
- Examine the prevalence and practical impact of using private or public funding or health insurance coverage to pay for treatment
- Decide how to better help consumers determine the effectiveness and value of different types of treatment and programs, and
- Propose how to nurture promising emerging types of treatment and best practices.
Representatives from the departments of Corrections, Drug and Alcohol Programs, Education, Health, Human Services, Insurance, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, hospitals, treatment providers, medical professionals, recovering former users, family members of users, and other appropriate groups will serve on the task force.
The advisory task force would be required to deliver its report within 18 months.
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February 18, 2016
HARRISBURG, Feb. 18, 2016 – Five more Berks County farms totaling 393 acres will be protected from future development following the approval of their applications today by Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program, state Sen. Judy Schwank said.
“We closed out 2015 by preserving Berks County’s 700th farm and I’m pleased to report that we are continuing to lead this green effort in a strong way by adding five new farms to the preservation program,” Sen. Schwank, a member of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, said following the panel’s decision. “The largest farm preserved today is 119 acres; the smallest, 21 acres. But they are all living large because of their commitment to agriculture in Berks County.”
The five farms added to the farmland preservation program received total ag easements of $979,250. The tracts are owned by:
- Glenn & Janet Brubaker, Marion Township, 102.7 acres
- Burkholder & Sauder families, Maxatawny Township, 79.3 acres
- Charles Durkin Jr., Albany Township, 70.3 acres
- Charles Durkin Jr. #2, Albany Township, 119.2 acres, and
- Michael Laskoskie, Perry Township, 20.6 acres
Berks County now has 705 farms – and 69,861 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 4,919 farms totaling 518,827 acres.
The long-term goal of the state’s program is to permanently preserve farmland. The holders of the easements have the right to prevent development or improvements of the land for purposes other than agricultural production.
For more information on PA’s farmland preservation program, visit the Bureau of Farmland Preservation’s website.
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February 1, 2016
February 1, 2016: Senator Judy Schwank (D-11) and Representative Mark Rozzi (D-126) today announced that Lower Alsace Township has been awarded a $41,300 Municipal Services Program Shared Services Grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to enhance a joint code enforcement program with Mount Penn Borough.
According to the state legislators, the two neighboring communities are consolidating their separate code enforcement officers into a joint program under the operational control of the Central Berks Regional Police Department, which serves both municipalities. These state grant funds will pay up-front and transition costs and two years of costs and increased level and quality of services, including database and website development. The total cost of the project is $82,875.
“I commend Lower Alsace and Mount Penn Officials for pursuing this joint effort to improve services in their municipalities,” said Senator Schwank. “This cooperative effort will save money and help improve the quality of life for residents of the Antietam Valley and is another excellent example of cooperation between these municipal neighbors.”
“This unique blending of police and code services is an innovative approach to managing growth and keeping blight in check,” noted Representative Rozzi. “Local officials are taking proactive steps to the maintain character and viability of area neighborhoods and that is a smart and effective approach to community-building.”
The Municipal Assistance Program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development is part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to promote the efficient and effective delivery of municipal services and improve communities across the Commonwealth.
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January 28, 2016
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28, 2016 – Work to improve trails and parks in Berks County received new state investments of about $490,000 today, state Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Mark Rozzi announced.
The investments, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are called Community Conservation Partnership Program grants, or C2P2, and target Hopewell Big Woods, Green Hills, and Carsonia Park.
“More people will be able to enjoy the beauty of these Berks County places with the help of these new state investments,” Sen. Schwank said. “Outdoor experiences make our lives richer. Fresh air, challenging hiking trails, and being close to water can broaden our horizons and help to give us new perspective.”
DCNR announced $28 million in C2P2 grants today, including the following Berks County investments:
- Phase 1 of the gateway to Hopewell Big Woods — $72,000 for the development of Gateway to the Hopewell Big Woods Rustic Park, Birdsboro. Work will include construction of pedestrian footbridge and walkway, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Green Hills Preserve, $35,000 for the acquisition of approximately 1.9 acres in Robeson Township for critical habitat and expansion of the Green Hills Preserve. National Lands Trust Inc.
- Green Hills Preserve, $103,000 for the acquisition of approximately 34 acres in Robeson Township for open space, critical habitat and expansion of the Green Hills Preserve. National Lands Trust Inc.
- Carsonia Park development ($250,000) and acquisition ($27,700) for the rehabilitation and further development of Carsonia Park in Exeter and Lower Alsace townships. Work to include construction of basketball and multi-purpose courts, baseball/multi-purpose field, stormwater management measures and pedestrian walkway, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Recreation Commission of the Antietam Valley.
“Carsonia Park is one of Berks County’s historic places, and DCNR’s decision to deliver $278,000 in grants will greatly help its supporters begin to bring it back to life,” Rep. Rozzi said. “The park opened in 1896 and was an amusement park for many years. Restoring this space will deliver wonderful amusement to its visitors for generations to come.”
Schwank and Rozzi noted that competition for the C2P2 grants was fierce.
DCNR said it received 430 grant applications seeking more than $92 million. Grants were awarded for municipal and regional community recreation and park projects, land acquisition, rivers conservation efforts, and planning.
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January 27, 2016
HARRISBURG, Jan. 27, 2016 – State Sen. Judy Schwank, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Address, issued the following statement today after voting against the report the committee submitted to the full Senate by a 5-2 vote.
“I voted against the report because, despite the majority’s reliance on unproved or unprovable and disputed claims, the evidence throughout has been clear and consistent that the attorney general remains constitutionally qualified within both the letter and the intent of the state Constitution to hold her office.
“It also was consistent and clear that there are no duties of a legal nature that the attorney general personally must perform, and that all duties of her office are being fulfilled and are not likely to go unfilled as a result of the suspension of her law license. No incompetency is apparent on a fair reading of the record, and the root of the suspension itself is a pending criminal proceeding, which Senate precedent makes grounds for removal by impeachment only and not for removal in this manner.
“The proceedings also revealed a lack of clear standards for the proof that should be required to remove an elected official and for a process properly transparent from start to finish. Instead, it also leaves other members of the Senate, who might be called to vote on removal, without a credible opportunity to gauge the weight and credibility of the evidence themselves.
“Not only was the attorney general denied the opportunity to question any of the witnesses in our hearings, but the irregularity of the proceedings was highlighted even today by the admission of apparent testimony into the Senate record without the opportunity for members of the committee to inquire into them.”
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December 10, 2015
HARRISBURG, Dec. 10, 2015 – Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program approved the entry of three Berks County farms today, bringing the number of local tracts protected from future development to 700, state Sen. Judy Schwank said today.
“Berks County loves its farms and ag-related industries, and protecting our 700th farm is significant and praise-worthy,” Sen. Schwank, a member of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, said following the panel’s approval of today’s applications. “My thanks to the owners of these three farms for recognizing their role in agriculture and acting to make sure their land will continue to produce delicious food for years to come.
The three farms added to the farmland preservation program received total ag easements of about $266,000. They include:
- John T. Bicksler, Tulpehocken Township, 15.3 acres
- Daniel and Melanie Hetrick, Upper Bern Township, 50 acres, and
- Hoppes, Kehl and Reinert families, Oley Township, 41.2 acres
Berks County now has 700 farms – and 69,468 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, the commonwealth has protected 4,892 farms totaling 516,417 acres with nearly $1.29 billion in easements.
The long-term goal of the state’s program is to permanently preserve farmland. The holders of the easements have the right to prevent development or improvements of the land for purposes other than agricultural production.
For more information on PA’s farmland preservation program, visit the Bureau of Farmland Preservation’s website.
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December 3, 2015
Harrisburg – Dec. 3, 2015 – Legislation that would preserve a tool that the agriculture industry uses to finance projects is now on its way to the governor for his signature into law, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), the bill’s author.
“The legislation removes the sunset provisions in law related to the First Industries Program,” Schwank said. “What this means is that farm credit institutions will be able to continue guaranteeing loans for agricultural projects.
“We need to ensure that all tools are available for the agriculture industry to continue to grow and prosper in Pennsylvania that’s why I am confident that the governor will sign the bill into law.”
Schwank’s bill, Senate Bill 756, was approved by the state House of Representatives today 188 -3. The legislation unanimously cleared the Senate in late June.
The bill removes the program end date – or sunset date — which was statutorily set for July 15, 2015. By removing the sunset date, the Commonwealth Financing Authority can continue to guarantee loan principal of more than 51 but less than 90 percent of an agricultural project, Schwank said.
“There is no question that state help in financing projects is critically important to the agricultural community,” Schwank said.
Schwank said that farm credit institutions are frequent users of the First Industries Program. The program was developed to help strengthen agriculture and tourism. Loans from the program, or loan guarantees, can be used to acquire land or buildings, construction projects or purchase equipment.
“We need to do all we can to promote agriculture and make financing available for those who work in the industry,” Schwank said. “Farming is a capital intense industry and it requires significant private investment working in tandem with public dollars to ensure that projects can be completed.”
The Berks lawmaker said that she was very appreciative of the efforts of the Republican chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), for his support and co-sponsorship of the bill and his assistance in pushing the measure through the Senate.
Schwank serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. She has been involved in farming issues and land preservation for many years. She started the Berks Municipal Land Preservation Program and has been a strong advocate of retaining farmland in Berks County.
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November 24, 2015
HARRISBURG, Nov. 24, 2015 – Because of the hard work and groundswell of support from Berks County residents and Pennsylvanians, state Sen. Judy Schwank said today she is disappointed with the Senate’s defeat of a bill that would have eliminated the regressive property tax, but she said she will fight on to change how the commonwealth pays for public education.
“One no vote does not mean the issue is dead forever,” Sen. Schwank said today. “I’m pledged to resolving the unfair burden that school property taxes place on property owners.
“Let’s find the objections to property tax reform and work to fine tune the plan and educate others on its benefits. Our seniors deserve our continued focus. Our schools must have a better and more reliable source of public investment.
“Many of us understand that this is a complicated issue. It lacks uniform application across the commonwealth. It looks to replace one large source of revenue with others. But because we were so close to getting this done in the Senate, it means we are just that close to finding the ultimate solution.”
An amendment that mirrored Senate Bill 76 was defeated by the Senate Monday evening, 25-24.
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October 27, 2015
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27, 2015 – Berks County Democratic Sen. Judy Schwank has been appointed to a special bipartisan senate panel to look into whether Attorney General Kathleen Kane may serve with a suspended law license.
Fellow Democrats Art Haywood (Philadelphia) and Sean Wiley (Erie County) are also on the committee as are Republicans John Gordner (Columbia County), Lisa Baker (Luzerne County) and Gene Yaw (Bradford County).
“This is a privilege and responsibility that I take very seriously. I appreciate the trust and faith of my Democratic leader, and I look forward to working with the other members to reach a conclusion,” Schwank said.
Schwank’s “Special Committee on Senate Address” is created under Rule 5(a)(2) of Senate Rules.
The committee must issue a preliminary report to the full Senate with preliminary findings within 30 days. The report must also include an outline of procedures the committee will use should it elect to move forward with any actions.
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October 27, 2015
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27, 2015 – Without opposition, state Sen. Judy Schwank’s proposal to once again make industrial hemp a legal cash crop in Pennsylvania moved out of committee and to the Senate floor today.
The Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, of which Schwank is the Democratic chair, voted 11-0 in support of the Berks County lawmaker’s Senate Bill 50.
“Industrial hemp is another crop they can use as something new or something they can use as ground cover or to prevent erosion if their fields are fallow or if flooding affects them,” Schwank said following the committee’s vote today. “We hope that, once we get this started, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can become a powerhouse in the growth of hemp for all kinds of uses.”
SB 50 would allow the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp as part of a research program at a college or university – in accordance with federal law – under the regulation of a five-member Industrial Hemp Licensing Board that would be established within the Department of Agriculture.
Industrial hemp would also be recognized in Pennsylvania as an oilseed.
“Industrial hemp is not marijuana, and it’s not medical marijuana,” Schwank said. “It’s an age-old plant that has benefitted farmers and consumers for thousands of years, and it holds the promise of helping Pennsylvania farmers in significant ways, once again.”
Sen. Schwank said there are some 50,000 ways industrial hemp can be used, including in textiles, building materials, industrial products, food, paper, and environmental products.
“This is a multi-million dollar industry in the U.S. and there is great demand for these products,” Schwank said. “There are so many opportunities for this, and we’re losing out by not being able to grow it.”
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October 8, 2015
Harrisburg, Oct. 8, 2015 – Additional acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved following today’s approval of the purchase of conservation easements by the state Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks).
Schwank, who is a preservation board member, said that nearly 15 acres of farmland in Perry Township belonging to Marie M. Hill valued at $35,000 will be preserved from non-agricultural development.
“It is critical that farming remains viable and it can be if farmland is protected from commercial development,” Schwank said. “The work of preserving farms is on-going and the board needs to continue bringing more farmland into the program.
“Farming is an economic powerhouse and a leading industry in Pennsylvania and it can only stay vibrant if land is preserved for generations to come.”
Pennsylvania is a national leader in preserving farmland. The Pennsylvania farmland preservation program went into effect in 1988 and the first conservation easement was purchased in December 1989.
Statewide 4,860 farms totaling 514,022 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County, 697 farms consisting of 69,361 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
“As someone who has worked on farming issues and with farmers for generations, I am proud that Berks County has more acreage protected than any other county in the entire state,” Schwank said. “The new 15 acre parcel in Berks that has been preserved will add even more depth to the program in the county.”
Schwank has long been involved in agriculture and farming issues. Previously, she served as horticultural agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension and established the Master Gardener Program. She was also director of the Berks County Cooperative Extension Program. Schwank is currently the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board has 17 members. It is responsible for distributing funds in addition to monitoring county preservation programs.
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October 1, 2015
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1, 2015 – With many Pennsylvanians suffering “sticker shock” when they get a bill for medical procedures they believed their insurance company would cover, state Sen. Judy Schwank today urged the commonwealth to stop the practice of so-called “balance billing.”
The Berks County Democrat testified Thursday morning during a special state Insurance Department public hearing on the issue.
“Situations like this have every appearance of bait-and-switch and that is just part of the problem balance billing poses,” Schwank testified. “These debts are not just hidden, they are almost impossible for the typical health care consumer to discover beforehand.”
Balance billing is when a consumer is billed unexpectedly for a difference between the provider’s charge and the payment allowed by the insurer. It is especially a problem when patients are billed after services are provided outside their insurer’s networks without the patient being aware of it.
“The passage of the Affordable Care Act was good news for millions of men and women because screenings for breast cancer, colon cancer and other diseases – where early detection is vital – are now covered in every insurance policy without a co-pay or deductible,” Schwank said.
“Imagine the shock when someone who finally has insurance, uses it for a health screening they put off too long because of their concerns about being able to afford it, and then gets a bill for the screening they might not be easily able to afford.”
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller, who has expressed similar concerns as Sen. Schwank, called today’s public hearing on balance billing.
“The practice of balance billing is particularly troubling when the patient uses a doctor and facility that is in-network according to their health insurance, but is never told that a service they receive is delivered by another provider not in their insurance network,” Miller has said publicly. “In many instances, the patient only finds this out when they get a bill for the amount not covered by insurance.”
Schwank said Berks County residents are blessed to have two excellent hospitals, but even with them, balance billing is hurting many health care consumers.
“Earlier this year I learned through an insurance broker that a number of women who went to them for mammograms had been balance-billed,” the senator testified. “It turned out that that the radiologists working at the hospital were not hospital employees, but were employees of a private practice that served both hospitals and was outside the women’s insurance networks.”
Schwank said balance billing is not fair in these cases because the details of which specialist is employed by which health care provider is practically impossible to figure out.
She said she will work with the department to achieve appropriate legislative or administrative changes.
“Whether we use an ‘assignment of benefits’ process, such as New York enacted earlier this year, a dispute resolution board or some other method, patients deserve to know beforehand whether they will be personally responsible for their care costs,” Sen. Schwank testified.
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September 24, 2015
READING, Sept. 24, 2015 – Students, parents and others who have questions about paying for college will want to save Oct. 1 on their calendars so they can benefit from Sen. Judy Schwank’s annual “College Financial Aid Awareness Night.”
The free event will run from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Muhlenberg Township building, and it will include presentations by the senator and financial aid experts from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and Reading Area Community College.
“Change is a constant in the world of college financial aid and it’s important to get the best tips and ideas to ensure to best navigate this sometimes difficult task,” Sen. Schwank said. “PHEAA and RACC’s financial aid experts have been excellent and very helpful in the past, and I am sure they will help ease many worries or fears next week.”
Additional information is available by contacting Schwank’s Reading District office, 610-929-2151.
Media coverage is invited.
WHO: Sen. Judy Schwank’s “College Financial Aid Awareness Night”
WHEN: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1
WHERE: Muhlenberg Township Building, 210 George St., Reading
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August 13, 2015
HARRISBURG, Aug. 13, 2015 – A 54-acre tract in Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, is now under the commonwealth’s farmland preservation shield, state Sen. Judy Schwank said today.
Lawrence and Donna Arnold received nearly $135,000 in conservation easements in exchange for including their farm in the long-running program.
“The Arnolds have worked this land and they have worked to protect their farm for years,” Sen. Schwank, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, said following the panel’s approval of the application. “Because the Arnold farm is now protected from future non-agricultural development, it will continue to produce valuable products for Pennsylvanians for years to come.”
With the addition of the Tulpehocken Township acreage, Berks County now has 696 farms – and 69,361 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, the commonwealth has protected 4,831 farms totaling 511,335 acres with nearly $1.29 billion in easements.
Local, county or state government – or any combination of the three – may buy easements. Counties that decide to have an easement purchase program must create an agricultural land preservation board.
The long-term goal of the state’s program is to permanently preserve farmland. The holders of the easements have the right to prevent development or improvements of the land for purposes other than agricultural production.
For more information on PA’s farmland preservation program, visit the Bureau of Farmland Preservation’s website.
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July 29, 2015
READING, July 29, 2015 – Businesses working to save electricity or protect the environment can now apply for a state grant for pollution prevention and energy conservation projects, Sen. Judy Schwank said today.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Small Business Advantage Grants offer first-come, first-served matching grants up to $9,500.
“Berks Countians take pride in our natural resources and businesses looking for financial assistance can fund their projects and help all of us enjoy a better quality of life,” Schwank said as she shared the news of the grant’s availability. “Our office has helped several local business secure grant funding through this program over the past few years.”
The Small Business Advantage Grant is a reimbursement program that provides up to half – but no more than $9,500 – of a project’s cost.
Eligible projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses.
Eligible applicants must have no more than 100 employees; be a for-profit, small-business owner; and be taxed as a for-profit business located within Pennsylvania. The project to which the grant will apply must be located within the applicant’s commonwealth-based facility.
DEP began accepting applications July 27. The agency’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program webpage has more information. Berks County businesses may also call Sen. Schwank’s district office at 610-929-2151.
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July 22, 2015
HARRISBURG, July 22, 2015 – The ongoing rejuvenation of Reading’s treatment facilities today counted the approval of a $37.2 million low-interest loan for the replacement of the Fritz Island solid waste treatment plant.
Just as it approved an $84.6 million loan in April for Reading’s wastewater treatment plant, PENNVEST approved the new low-interest advance during its meeting today. The $37.2 million project will also help to protect the Schuylkill River from raw sewage discharges, and it will help to resolve National Pollutant Discharge System violations.
The new project is expected to create 65 construction jobs.
“With hard, diligent work, the understanding of PENNVEST’s board, and the cooperation of the U.S. Department of Justice, it is our pleasure to announce the approval of this new loan to get the Fritz Island solid waste treatment plant working correctly again,” said Sen. Judy Schwank. “Years of neglect jeopardized south Reading and the people living downstream from Fritz Island, but that’s about to change in a big way.”
“We need these funds to make sure Reading residents are protected from pollution and the Schuylkill River flows cleanly and freely,” Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D-Reading) said. “More than $121 million is being delivered to Fritz Island and the city from PENNVEST, which is the help we need to improve the systems’ ability to deliver great service and to restore Reading’s role as good environmental stewards.”
The 20-year loan carries a one-percent interest rate and it will not impact the rates residents now pay for solid waste treatment.
“It’s a good news kind of day for Reading and its environs,” said Rep. Mark Rozzi. “Not only will raw sewage stop traveling into the Schuylkill during rainy weather and bodies of surface water that support the river be better protected, but residents’ monthly bills will not go up because of this project.”
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants to PENNVEST from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards.
Funds are not released until bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST.
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July 8, 2015
MONROEVILLE, July 8, 2015 – State Sen. Judy Schwank – who has worked to protect Berks County farmland, enhance open spaces throughout Pennsylvania, and safeguard natural resources – has been named a “legislative leader” by the organization that advocates for the commonwealth’s 66 conservation districts.
Schwank, along with Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-Beaver), were named co-recipients of the PA Association of Conservation Districts’ “2015 Legislative Leadership Award.”
“I work to make sure Pennsylvania’s natural resources are preserved and protected,” Sen. Schwank said today following her acceptance of the award during the association’s annual awards luncheon. “I believe it is important to support landowners and farmers with proper planning and practices to meet their conservation needs and ensure we have healthy soils and clean water for future generations.
“I am grateful for PACD’s recognition of my work, but the real tribute is to the residents of the 11th Senatorial District and the officials who guide our own conservation district because their passion for preservation is understood.”
The PA Association of Conservation Districts delivers the Legislative Leadership Award to a lawmaker “whose outstanding efforts have helped further the activities and accomplishments of PACD and the 66 conservation districts.”
Sen. Schwank serves as the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and she is also a member of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board.
Schwank’s senatorial district sits in the Berks County Conservation District, which has been operating since 1946.
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June 30, 2015
HARRISBURG, June 30, 2015 – Ignoring Berks County residents’ call for relief from skyrocketing property tax bills, the Republican state legislature today steamrolled its $30.2 billion budget, absent the support of state Sen. Judy Schwank.
Schwank said the General Assembly is making a mistake by ignoring the pleadings of Berks County home owners, students and teachers, and farmers who need help.
“Did anyone catch any mention of school property tax elimination or relief in this Republican budget plan? I didn’t hear it,” Schwank said during Senate debate this afternoon.
“This is the issue I hear about everywhere I go in my district. When I’m at the farmers market, at sporting events, at the mall and even in my office, I hear a steady stream of elderly taxpayers at the end of their rope. They are tapped out. They can’t afford that steadily rising tax anymore.
“Gov. Wolf, to his credit, made property tax relief an issue in his budget proposal. He suggested increasing and expanding the sales tax and personal income tax, as well as a severance tax on natural gas, to amplify the state’s share of education funding so that we pay our fair share and our local school districts can stop raising taxes.
“I am in support of totally eliminating – not just reducing – school property taxes. As a prime sponsor on Senate Bill 76, I, along with more than 80 taxpayer groups throughout the state, think elimination is the only way to go. But I know and taxpayers know that the money to fund education has to come from somewhere.
“I am less than enthused, as are my constituents, that there is no tax increase in this budget. They know and you know that that is a cruel joke.
“Who do we think we are fooling with a so called ‘No Tax Hike’ budget? The taxpayers of Pennsylvania get it and they know this budget isn’t what they had hoped for,” Schwank said.
In addition to property tax elimination, Schwank said lawmakers must come up with a significant pension reform plan that works, adoption of the more equitable school funding formula so students can get an excellent education no matter their zip code, and a more committed agriculture investment.
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June 26, 2015
Hundreds of Berks Co. workers in poultry industry delivering $253 million economic impact people who privately raise chickens must also be vigilant
HARRISBURG, June 26, 2015 – Because the latest avian influenza outbreak has wiped out 50 million birds across the country and appears to be headed this way, Sen. Judy Schwank is working with state agriculture officials as they develop response and recovery plans should the disease strike in Pennsylvania.
Schwank said this highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak is moving from western states to the east as birds migrate. The most recent state to report an avian outbreak is Michigan.
“Nearly 220 Berks County residents who live in the 11th Senatorial District work in the poultry industry and have a positive economic impact to our economy of more than a quarter billion dollars,” Schwank said. “Much is at stake if this avian influenza outbreak hits our backyard.
“In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, we are keeping a close eye on the movement of this disease, which has no known impact on human health, and are urging our local poultry producers to not wait to begin biosecurity measures to safeguard their flocks.
“Even private residents who raise a handful of chickens in their backyard must be vigilant,” she said.
Since December, Schwank, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said two versions of avian influenza Type-A virus strains – the H5N2 and the H5N8 – have emerged. The highly pathogenic H5N2 is killing 95 percent of the infected birds.
While the disease has moved from the Pacific region of the United States to the Central flyway and the Mississippi flyway, it has not yet intersected the Atlantic flyway, which covers Pennsylvania.
Schwank said state agriculture officials have formed an HPAI task force and have been working since February with PennAg Industries, industry leaders and academia to monitor the situation and map preparedness plans.
Part of the planning includes steps for depopulation and biosecurity measures and increasing state surveillance and monitoring efforts.
Because of the avian influenza outbreak, there will be no avian shows at any of the state’s 109 fairs or the 2016 Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.
“Precaution and action are the two most important elements right now,” Sen. Schwank said. “We need to take the proper steps to safeguard this vital industry in Berks County and statewide.”
Of the 219 total poultry jobs in Schwank’s senatorial district, 215 are in processing and four are in production.
Another 760 jobs are in supplier and ancillary poultry industries and count for more than $56 million in total wages.
Agriculture is a vital industry in Berks County. Sen. Schwank is a member of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, which has, so far, preserved the most farmland of any county in the commonwealth.
For more information, FAQs and checklists, visit Sen. Schwank’s website: https://www.senatorschwank.com/avian-flu.
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June 11, 2015
HARRISBURG, June 11, 2015 – Berks County’s farmland preservation movement expanded today when a state panel added another 280 acres to the commonwealth’s preservation program.
Sen. Judy Schwank, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, said the group added the acreage with its purchase of conservation easements for three farms:
Glenn Henne/Rebecca DeBenedictis, JeffersonTownship 42.8 acres
Steven Henne, Upper Tulpehocken Township 88.7 acres
Daniel Unterkofler, Centre Township 148.1 acres
“Glenn and Rebecca, Steven, and Daniel have stepped up to make sure their land is used for farming and agriculture for decades to come and we should all feel good about that,” Schwank said. “Berks County now has 695 farms – and 69,307 acres in the state’s farmland preservation program. This is money well spent.”
Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the program.
Today’s easement for the three farms totaled $699,000.
Since the farmland preservation program started in 1988, the commonwealth has protected 4,802 farms totaling 508,478 acres with nearly $1.29 billion in easements.
Local, county or state government – or any combination of the three – may buy easements. Counties that decide to have an easement purchase program must create an agricultural land preservation board.
The long-term goal of the state’s program is to permanently preserve farmland. The holders of the easements have the right to prevent development or improvements of the land for purposes other than agricultural production.
For more information on PA’s farmland preservation program, visit the Bureau of Farmland Preservation’s website.
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