June 18, 2013
Harrisburg, June 18, 2013 – Sen. Judy Schwank today said her bill naming Route 662 in Ruscombmanor Township, Berks County, as the “Chief Warrant Officer-2 Jarett M. Yoder Highway” has been reported out of committee.
The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 984, a little more than two months after the 26-year-old graduate of Oley Valley High School died when his Apache helicopter crashed in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
“We lost one of the best when Officer Yoder’s helicopter went down,” Schwank said. “In naming Route 662 after him, I hope he will always be remembered and thanked when motorists drive on this road, which passes near his boyhood home.”
Yoder served with the 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. When he died, he was serving his second deployment since enlisting in the National Guard in 2005, which is the year he graduated from high school. Prior to Afghanistan, Yoder served in Iraq in 2008 with the 1-111th Infantry Regiment of the PA National Guard.
“Chief Warrant Officer Yoder was married before his final trip to that war-torn part of the world and he has since been posthumously awarded the Bronze Star,” Schwank said. “He served the United States of America with distinction and bravery. While his family and friends will always remember the goodness of their husband, son and brother, let the rest of us never forget him by making sure we pass this tribute.”
SB 984 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
June 13, 2013
Harrisburg, June 13, 2013 – Sen. Judy Schwank announced today that an additional 106 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of $266,500 worth of conservation easements.
The Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, of which Schwank is a member, approved the preservation of the Larry & Patricia Bauscher farm in Greenwich Township, Berks County.
“One farm at a time we are saving Berks County’s invaluable agricultural spaces,” said Schwank. “Preserving the Bauscher tract for future generations of farming is what this great program is designed to do. My thanks to them for taking this important step.”
Since its inception, 4,426 farms totaling 475,000 acres have been preserved statewide. Berks County has counts 653 farms in the statewide total and 65,740 acres.
Berks County remains first in the state for farmland preservation.
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
June 13, 2013
HARRISBURG, June 13, 2013 – Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Pennsylvania’s new Special Education Funding Formula Commission opened public hearings today in Harrisburg by listening to experts from throughout the state talk about the intricacies of special education funding.
The 15-member commission is looking to write a new funding formula to deliver more targeted instruction and programs, and to more effectively pay for special education throughout the commonwealth. The commission has until Sept. 30 to submit its recommendations.
“The special education officials who testified today made it very clear that this is a problem that needs to be solved, even though it will be difficult to do so,” Schwank said. “Special education is highly personal – and it needs to be because each student who is educated this way is different. There will not be one solution for everyone.”
To underline the senator’s point, Betsy Somerville, the director of special education in the Canon-McMillan School District in western PA, said it’s hard to budget for her 701 special education students.
“It’s so individualized. It truly is,” Somerville said.
“Needs are idiosyncratic,” said Louise Fick, Parkland School District’s supervisor of special education.
To address the challenge, Schwank said the commission will continue holding public hearings this year. While locations will be announced later, the newly created panel is scheduled to meet July 10, July 25, Aug. 7, Aug. 22, Sept. 4 and Sept. 19.
The Special Education Funding Formula Commission came into being after House Bill 2 was signed into law on April 25. HB2 is guiding the group to consider funding for students with least-intensive to most-intensive disabilities. Other factors will also be considered.
Autism, blindness, physical disability, deafness, mental retardation and mentally gifted students are considered under current state law to be eligible for special education instruction.
Special education, itself, is “specially designed instruction” that, once determined, is mapped by an individualized education program, or IEP. The IEP is designed to meet the student’s learning needs and to keep him or her in the general education curriculum. However, special education students are not required to do all of the same work at the same level and pace as other students.
“We learned much today from the special education experts who appeared before us,” Schwank said. “This will be a challenging issue to solve, but I believe it’s one this commission will rise to meet for the betterment of our children.”
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
June 12, 2013
HARRISBURG, June 12, 2013 – People who would like to participate in Pennsylvania’s property tax/rent rebate program have another six months to do so, state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said today.
The deadline is now Dec. 31, 2013.
“This is good news for people who need help with housing expenses,” Schwank said. “Pennsylvania’s rebate program makes owning or renting more affordable for low-income residents.”
To qualify, a homeowner or renter must be:
- At least 65 years old OR
- 50 years old and a widow or widower OR
- At least 18 years old and disabled OR
- Permanently disabled during the claim year, which would be 2012.
On the high end, homeowners and renters who earn less than $8,000 a year are eligible to receive a rebate of up to $650. Homeowners who make between $18,001 and $35,000 can receive up to $250, while the minimum eligibility for renters is a $500 rebate for those making between $8,001 and $15,000. Proof of age and income are required.
“Thanks to proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery, hundreds of thousands of residents across the state will benefit by participating in the property tax/rent rebate program,” Schwank said. “I encourage eligible residents of the 11th Senatorial District to apply.”
Call Schwank’s district office at 610-929-2151 to request an application or ask questions or visit the Department of Revenue’s website, www.revenue.state.pa.us.
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May 30, 2013
FREDERICKSBURG, May 30, 2013 – State Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and the Senate Education Committee today listened to school district and charter school officials about legislation affecting cyber charter school funding.
Schwank’s Senate Bill 335 would exempt school districts from paying cyber charter schools if that district offers a cyber program similar to the one offered by the non-district cyber charter school.
“My goal is to alleviate the pressure school districts are experiencing in using limited fiscal resources to pay outside providers of cyber education. If a school district can offer a comparable or better cyber schooling option, then it shouldn’t have to pay for both options,” Schwank said while emphasizing she is not an opponent of charter schools.
Schwank – who earlier this year was appointed to a new Special Education Funding Commission to recommend a new funding formula to more effectively pay for special education throughout the commonwealth – said districts would only be exempt from paying the cyber charter funds if that district had a comparable program within its borders.
“Where a district offers a cyber program equal in scope and content to the non-district cyber charter school, my legislation will remove that responsibility for funding,” Schwank said. “If the district doesn’t have a similar cyber program, it would pay the tuition for that attending pupil.”
Parents who choose to send their child to another district’s brick-and-mortar school are responsible for paying that cost themselves, and Schwank said SB 335 would force the same requirement for cyber charters.
“It is acknowledged that some students can and do opt for a different educational model than that which is provided by public schools and they pay for that option. The same should be true of students who choose a cyber charter education. It is a matter of equity and using limited fiscal resources to serve the most students,” she said.
Officials from the Northern Lebanon and Conrad Weiser school districts, Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Commonwealth Connections Academy, Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, and the 21st Century Cyber Charter School testified before the Senate Education Committee.
Schwank said she appreciated the time and commitment of the school officials; noting their input is an invaluable part of the legislative process for SB 335.
“We as a commonwealth cannot fulfill every desire. Public education was never intended to do that. Our mandate is provide students with a good education that serves the needs of the commonwealth,” Schwank said.
The PA Department of Education defines charter schools as “self-managed public schools” that only come into being once they are approved by local school districts. Cyber schools, on the other hand, are approved by the Department of Education.
Cyber and charter schools are controlled by parents, teachers, community leaders, and colleges or universities, and are exempt from many educational mandates, except for nondiscrimination, health and safety, and accountability.
Pennsylvania has 173 brick-and-mortar charter schools and 16 cyber charter schools. Together, they educate 105,000 students.
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Follow Sen. Schwank on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
May 29, 2013
READING, May 29, 2013 – Sen. Judy Schwank and the Senate Education Committee will listen to public testimony beginning at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at Northern Lebanon High School, about legislation affecting cyber charter schools.
Senate Bill 335, which Schwank proposed in January, would exempt school districts from paying cyber charter schools if that district offers a cyber program similar to a non-district cyber charter school.
Officials from the Northern Lebanon and Conrad Weiser school districts, Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Commonwealth Connections Academy, Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, and the 21st Century Cyber Charter School are scheduled to testify.
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: Senate Education Committee public hearing on Sen. Schwank’s SB 335
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: Harlan A. Daubert Performing Arts Center, Northern Lebanon High School, 345 School Drive, Fredericksburg.
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Follow Sen. Judy Schwank on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
May 13, 2013
No Legislative Oversight, Lack of Financial Backing Panned by Senate Democrats
Harrisburg, May 13, 2013 – A new unfunded education mandate now being quietly pursued by the Corbett administration will soon saddle school districts with a $300 million expense and threaten graduation for thousands of students across Pennsylvania, Senate Democrats said today at a Capitol news conference.
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Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) Democratic chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Sens. Judy Schwank, John Blake and Jim Brewster all expressed their displeasure and concerns about the proposed changes.
“We are not opposed to the implementation of Common Core standards for Pennsylvania’s students,” Dinniman said. “But we are opposed to Common Core standards without adequate state financial resources for our schools so that all of our students have the opportunity to succeed under those standards, including those in financially distressed school districts.
“For the Commonwealth to increase standards without the adequate fiscal resources is a charade. It is a sham that will only lead to false hope,” Dinniman said.
Common Core standards are being sought by the state Department of Education as a way to determine proficiency and graduation eligibility.
According to Dinniman, the implementation of Common Core standards will result in an unfunded mandate of at least $300 million for local schools. There is no specified funding or plan to provide for the remedial instruction, the redesign of curriculum, or the project-based assessments for those who repeatedly fail the tests.
“The implementation of these new standards should be reviewed thoroughly by the General Assembly,” Costa said. “This whole new testing structure will cost taxpayers dearly and it is being implemented without a full understanding of the benefits for students, teachers, administrators and taxpayers.
“A complete explanation of what is being sought by the department is necessary before Pennsylvania schools put these new standards into play.”
Schwank, who represents the economically and academically struggling Reading School District, said the new testing will be particularly devastating to fiscally challenged schools.
“School districts like Reading, as well as many others around the state, are drowning in red ink now,” Schwank said. “These new mandates, without proper fiscal support, will make their financial plight even worse.
“There is certainly nothing wrong with increasing proficiency standards but students, teachers and schools must have resources to invest to address deficiencies.”
To implement new standards and testing procedures without adding dollars makes no sense, Blake (D-Lackawanna) noted. Especially, he said, after the Corbett administration has slashed basic education support by $900 million.
“To add new core testing procedures and a mandate at a cost exceeding $300 million after cutting education support is irresponsible,” Blake said. “The local property taxpayer is going to get squeezed and economically strapped schools and taxpayers will bear an even greater burden.”
Brewster said instead of implementing more tests and costs, educators and the Corbett administration need to step back and decide whether the current testing structure is constructive. He has proposed Senate Bill 823 to create a bi-partisan commission to recommend changes or a total scrapping of the current student testing procedures.
“My belief is we need to look at what we are doing with student testing and come up with a new, better approach that accurately reflects student, school, teacher and community performance,” Brewster said. “Today’s tests are flawed and the whole system is need of restructuring.”
Senate Democrats also lamented that the new Common Core tests involve 10 days of testing, which takes even more time away from traditional instruction.
They added that districts could receive a deeper financial bludgeoning if students fail to pass the tests.
The new Common Core standards will exacerbate the problem of teaching to the test, Senate Democrats said.
May 8, 2013
HARRISBURG, May 8, 2013 – Mapping the future of special education funding in Pennsylvania will not happen without the input of state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks).
Schwank has been appointed to the newly created 15-member Special Education Funding Commission by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati. The commission has until Sept. 30 to recommend a new funding formula that would be designed to more effectively pay for special education throughout the commonwealth.
“Pennsylvania’s current special education spending directives are out-of-date and often fail to adequately address the needs of children,” Schwank said. “Some special education facilities need more financial assistance than they are currently receiving and some need less. I am looking forward to helping to change this reality and I thank Sen. Scarnati for naming me to the commission.”
The Special Education Funding Commission was created when Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law House Bill 2 on April 25.
In addition to the chairs and vice-chairs of the House and Senate education committees, the panel will include eight legislators, the secretaries of education and budget, and the state deputy secretary for elementary and special education.
Schwank said the commission will hold public hearings this summer to help it develop a new funding formula. HB2 is guiding the group to consider funding for students with least-intensive to most-intensive disabilities. Other factors will also be considered.
“From Reading to Erie to Philadelphia, the commonwealth needs a better way to make sure our critical special education dollars are getting to the right teachers in the right districts,” Schwank said.
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
May 3, 2013
HARRISBURG, May 3, 2013 – Three of Berks County’s leading Democratic state lawmakers today welcomed Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s findings of the operation of the Reading School District.
Sen. Judy Schwank and Reps. Tom Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi said the findings, troubling as they continue to be, show that substantial and meaningful change needs to happen now in Reading.
“Unfortunately, mismanagement continues to be as much a part of the Reading School District as reading, writing and arithmetic,” said Caltagirone (D-Reading). “Our kids – the students who walk the halls of every Reading School District elementary, middle, intermediate unit, and high school – must return to be the central focus of how this district performs beginning today.”
“The fact that the auditor general, who is Pennsylvania’s independent watchdog, is pointing to the further evidence of insufficient governance policies is more evidence that the Reading School District needs to get its act together and the board needs to get down to working for the best interests of the children,” Schwank (D-Ruscombmanor Twp.) said.
“Without immediate and lasting change, the Reading School District will cement a reputation that will last generations,” Rozzi (D-Muhlenberg Twp.) said. “That’s very bad news for our children. I strongly implore the school board and the administration to work together like they’ve never worked together before.”
DePasquale’s findings that Reading remains mired in an unending cycle of lapsed teacher certificates, insufficient internal controls and other problems are similar to an audit conducted a year ago by the auditor general’s office.
In January 2012, then-Auditor General Jack Wagner found 14 teachers had been working with improper certification; the district did not properly account or retain records for grant receipts and expenditures; and weaknesses in vendor computer databases could allow for unauthorized changes that could not be tracked.
The district is on the state’s “financial watch” list due to overwhelming deficits in 2012-’13 ($40 million) and in the upcoming fiscal year ($8 million).
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May 2, 2013
HARRISBURG, May 2, 2013 – State Senator Judith L. Schwank applauded the adoption of an amendment to a bill that will save the old Barto and Eastern Berks fire departments $17,000.
The Senate Finance Committee approved the amendment Wednesday as it reported out House Bill 465, which is designed to create a transfer tax exemption for fire departments that merge or are involved in other means of succession.
Schwanks’s amendment, which was introduced by Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Chester) on her behalf, makes the exemption retroactive to Nov. 1, 2011.
“Taxing fire departments that are showing the way to be more prudent users of tax revenue and public contributions should not be the answer,” Schwank (D-Berks) said. “Pennsylvania needs to help foster regionalization of police and fire departments. Sending potentially crippling tax bills for working together is not good public policy.”
Barto and Eastern Berks were assessed in 2011 following Barto’s merger with the Bally and Bechtelsville fire departments, which resulted in the Eastern Berks Fire Department, Company 97.
The new company covers Barto, Bally, Bechtelsville, Washington, District and Pike townships; and nearby portions of Douglass Township, Berks County, and Upper Hanover and Douglass townships, Montgomery County.
“Eastern Berks Fire Department is being proactive and responsive to changing economies and new patterns of volunteering,” Schwank said. “It’s important that the legislature adopt this bill and get it to Gov. Corbett’s desk for his approval.”
More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
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April 24, 2013
READING, April 24, 2013 – Sen. Judy Schwank will be working with parents, children and residents of her 11th Senatorial District to “Spring Clean Berks” on Saturday, April 27.
The senator’s 2nd annual spring cleaning of the community take place in two sessions on Saturday. Details are below.
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: 2nd Annual Spring Clean Berks with Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11)
WHEN/
WHERE: Session 1: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., “Student Environmental Spruce Up,” DCNR Nolde Forest EE Center, Cumru Township
Session 2: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., “City Clean Up,” City Park, Reading
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April 17, 2013
Harrisburg, April 17, 2013 – Senate Democrats’ 2013-14 budget priorities are heavily weighted toward job creation, education investments, strengthening the social-services safety net, modernizing liquor sales and refocusing Pennsylvania’s business tax menu to help small businesses, they announced today at a Capitol news conference.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said that Senate Democrats will go into this year’s budget negotiations with a clear purpose and “are resolved that the state’s economy must be jump-started. New jobs must be created and we have to reverse the negative course that the Corbett administration has plotted for Pennsylvania on education and protecting our most vulnerable.”
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“We have an opportunity and a responsibility to seek new investments and use resources that are available to change policy direction during this year’s budget negotiations.”
Costa said Senate Democrats believe that more than 120,000 jobs can be created quickly by enacting a responsible transportation plan, expanding Medicaid and using economic development policies outlined in their PA Works plan.
Costa was joined by a host of Senate Democrats in making today’s announcement.
Sen. Vincent Hughes, who serves as the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that by taking action now on key economic initiatives then restoring job creation and community programs to their past luster — before Corbett budgets sliced them to the core — is an excellent starting point.
“We need to start creating jobs right now and we can do that by working on transportation and Medicaid expansion,” Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said. “These initiatives coupled with rebuilding water and sewer systems, investing in schools and new technologies will create economic growth immediately.
“In addition, by investing in programs such as Main Street, Elm Street and international business we can help small business here while they market their products abroad.,”
Democratic Whip Sen. Tony Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) said that the caucus was turning up the heat on the Corbett administration on jobs, health care, education and social safety net issues because the governor has failed to lead.
“We’ve outlined reasonable strategic policy alternatives that will reverse direction and provide a new path and we’ve identified revenues that will pay for the proposed expenditures,” Williams said. “Pennsylvania is rudderless on job creation and our economic numbers and business indicators under this administration illustrate the problem.
“Our most vulnerable can also not withstand another senseless round of Corbett cuts and we have to restore programs that promote help for those in need.”
Williams said that Pennsylvania is now 43rd in job creation, falling from eighth place among all states under Gov. Ed Rendell’s leadership. Plus, he said, last month’s unemployment claims fell nationally to below 350,000 but, because of Corbett policy short-sightedness, Pennsylvania led the country in new unemployment claims.
Senate Democrats said that they have laid out specific plans to achieve results in the 2013-14 budget in five areas. These include: strategic investments to create jobs; improving education; repositioning business taxes while closing business tax loopholes; modernizing the wine and spirits stores; and repairing and protecting social safety net programs.
The caucus leaders said that they’ve noted at least $750 million in annual savings, plus another $150 million in one-time revenues. They also said that we need to find resources to pay for specific new expenditures including $225 million for basic education, $50 million to aid distressed cities and communities, $40 million for transitional housing and homeownership among other items, and funds for new tax credits for a variety of areas including film production.
Democrats said that priority details include a three-year phase in of new monies to restore education dollars and key student-performance based initiatives that were cut by the Corbett administration in the last two budgets.
They also said that they would emphasize rebuilding struggling communities through their Growth, Progress and Sustainability (GPS) plan; seek new funds for transitional housing and new homeownership opportunities; and push for modernizing the wine and spirits stores rather than the opt for the risky privatization scheme that has been sought by the Corbett administration.
The Democrats indicated that they expected the negotiations to become more focused once the Senate returns to session in late April.
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April 12, 2013
READING, April 12, 2013 — The U.S. Army will hold a “farewell ceremony” at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 14, at Governor Mifflin Intermediate School for the U.S. Army’s 333rd Engineer Company (Horizontal). State Sen. Judy Schwank will attend the tribute.
The 333rd will be heading to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Most of the company’s 140 members live in the Reading area.
The media is encouraged to cover Sunday’s ceremony as well as a farewell ceremony salute at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 16, along routes 724 and 222. However, the Army is asking that the public only attend the April 16 salute.
The 333rd conducts horizontal construction operations and general engineering operations that include road work, leveling operations, finish grade for roads and airfields, and surface and drainage maintenance.
WHAT: Farewell ceremony for Army’s 333rd Engineer Company
WHEN: 11 a.m., Sunday, April 14; 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 16
WHERE: April 14: Governor Mifflin Intermediate School, 600 Governor Drive, Shillington
April 16: (Public Event) Route 724 to U.S. 222. Reserve center is at 547 Philadelphia Ave., Reading
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April 10, 2013
HARRISBURG, April 10, 2013 – State Senator Judith L. Schwank said today that a bill she has proposed would help ensure that state police have sufficient resources to provide public safety services.
Schwank (D-Berks) said Senate Bill 841 would offset funds the state provides to municipalities from motor license revenue in the same amount as the value of the state police coverage to any municipality with a population of 5,000 or more.
“The funds would then be available to help fix Pennsylvania’s deteriorating roads and bridges,” Schwank said, “And, just as important, making this change creates an incentive for larger municipalities that now rely on state police protection at the expense of state tax payers to end that practice.”
In an informal survey she conducted earlier this year, Schwank said 74 percent of the respondents said they support requiring municipalities that rely on state police coverage to pay for it.
However, Schwank said, her proposal would not apply to state police patrols on interstate highways.
“Interstate patrols primarily serve the general traveling public, and not the business and residents of the municipality where the highway is located, so those patrols would be excluded from the offset calculations,” Schwank said. “I believe this legislation can encourage regionalization of police forces and free up state police for use in other areas of enforcement.”
Gov. Corbett has proposed transferring $619 million from the motor license fund to help pay state police costs in his 2013-‘14 budget.
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April 3, 2013
HARRISBURG, April 3, 2013 – Gov. Tom Corbett today told Reading business leaders how important it is to sell the state’s successful and profitable liquor stores, but he delivered the message in the wrong city, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said today.
“Reading is in the midst of an economic struggle similar to other cities and towns in Pennsylvania. Likewise, it is fraught with a rising crime rate, which was the catalyst for the recent crime summit the governor attended. To make it easier for more people to buy more beer and liquor will only add to our problems,” Schwank said. “This is not the kind of help or direction we need from Harrisburg.
“Even the governor’s promise to turn over the proceeds of the liquor sell-off, if it happens, is weak. What will school districts do when the money is spent? This is a carrot-and-stick ploy that will taste more like sawdust when there are no more state-owned liquor stores and the ability to buy alcohol lurks on every corner.
“There will be 5,000 new wine and beer licenses issued if Gov. Corbett gets his way. Too many of those news establishments will be in my district and the social ills they create will only exacerbate Reading’s and Berks County’s problems.
“Forty percent of violent crimes involve the consumption of alcohol as do 40 percent of all fatal automobile crashes. Communities that have more bars and liquor stores per capita experience more violent crime.
“Our system of selling spirits should be updated, and I support the modernization legislation that is being proposed in the Senate.”
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
March 28, 2013
READING, March 28, 2013 — State Sen. Judy Schwank will hold a town hall meeting at 7 p.m., April 4, for residents of Exeter Township and surrounding communities in the Community Room of the Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Exeter.
“This is an opportunity for us to have a conversation about the issues impacting our communities,” said Schwank (D-Berks).
The meeting is part of an ongoing series of town halls the senator hosts in various communities throughout the 11th Senatorial District.
For more information, call 610-929-2151.
WHO: State Sen. Judy Schwank
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday, April 4
WHERE: Community Room, Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Exeter.
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February 14, 2013
HARRISBURG, February 14, 2013 — State Sen. Judy Schwank today praised the Attorney General’s decision to stop the Corbett administration’s rush to sell off the state lottery without legislative oversight.
“Like many of us, the Attorney General saw the lottery plan as a broad overreach of the administration’s authority and her decision to reject the contract will allow more public scrutiny of plans to improve the lottery to raise more revenue for senior programs,” she said.
Kane’s decision was announced at a news conference in Harrisburg today after weeks of thorough review.
“There could be room for improvement and, in fact, lottery employees have offered a solid alternative to foreign-based lottery management,” Schwank said. “But it’s critical that any changes, especially those that might expand gambling or threaten the tax relief generated by casinos, should get a thorough and public vetting.”
Schwank said the administration’s rush to complete the deal with Camelot Global Services caused concern in the legislature where there is little support for allowing revenue intended for senior programs to be tapped for corporate profit.
“Any time you try to do a deal quickly and privately, it’s going to raise concern,” Schwank said. “I’m glad the Attorney General has put the brakes on this.”
February 5, 2013
HARRISBURG, February 5, 2013 — State Sen. Judy Schwank today issued the following statement on the governor’s 2013-14 state budget address:
“Today’s budget plan did not provide a solid long-term plan for lifting up our economy. As our smaller cities and urban areas across the state continue to struggle, we should be focused on putting Pennsylvanians back to work.”
On education, Schwank said, “I’m very concerned about the governor’s plan to pass on the windfall from liquor privatization to our education system. We can’t guarantee a dollar amount at this time to our schools, many of which are desperately in need of more funding, and we shouldn’t dangle a one-time payout in front of them. Our schools need secure, sustained funds in order to maintain and improve conditions for our students. Block grants provide that extra resource, but it’s unfair to provide temporary relief by selling off our liquor stores and licenses.
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“We should focus on a better long-term vision for our education system. We need to provide students with the right tools and support to achieve and succeed while ensuring that school districts aren’t forced to make up for losses by placing the burden on property taxpayers.
“This is just the start of many conversations and debates over the state budget, and our work begins today. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to participating in budget hearings over the next few weeks to determine the best course for our state’s numerous agencies.”
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January 30, 2013
HARRISBURG, Jan. 30, 2013 — The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously approved legislation that would ensure that all NCAA-imposed fines on Penn State University as a result of the infamous child sex abuse scandal remain in Pennsylvania, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
In light of the notorious Jerry Sandusky case, Penn State has agreed to a $60 million NCAA fine over five years to address child sexual abuse. Senate Bill 187 ensures that the money is used to fund Pennsylvania programs and services for child sexual abuse victims.
“The victims were from Pennsylvania, the abuse was perpetrated here, and the crimes were investigated and prosecuted by our authorities,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “This is the state of both the injury and of the injured, and it is the only state that is paying for the healing, so it should be the only place where the funds are spent.”
The legislation covers services to the victims of child sexual abuse regardless of when the abuse occurred.
“Victims of child sexual abuse often suffer throughout their lives with emotional challenges, chemical dependency and even physical afflictions,” Schwank said. “Additionally, children whose legal residences might be in other states do and will continue to find refuge here in shelters or with relatives or a foster family. They should be served too.
“This legislation presents great promise for victims in Pennsylvania, and I hope the House of Representatives will also act swiftly to approve it and send it to the governor so that it will become law as soon as possible,” she said.
January 9, 2013
HARRISBURG, Jan. 9, 2013 — State Sen. Judy Schwank today applauded a decision by the Corbett Administration to move the financial report filing deadline to Feb. 1, 2014 for local clubs and charitable non-profit organizations that run small games of chance to raise funds. The initial deadline was Feb. 1, 2013.
“While the passage of Act 2 of 2012 authorized the payout of higher prize limits by eligible organizations that run small games of chance, the financial reporting requirements imposed by the new law and the initial report filing deadline set by the Department of Revenue created a great deal of consternation and confusion among organization volunteers,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “That is why I joined with several of my colleagues from the Senate Democratic Caucus in December to ask that the administration delay the filing deadline for small games of chance financial reports.
“I am pleased that the administration agreed to our request,” Schwank continued. “This will give our many local volunteer organizations, including volunteer fire companies, which rely on small games of chance to raise funds, some breathing room and the General Assembly time to consider any potential legislative fixes to Act 2 that may be necessary.”
Read a copy of the letter.
January 8, 2013
HARRISBURG, Jan. 8, 2013 — The Senate Democratic Leadership has appointed state Sen. Judy Schwank as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Members of this committee make key funding decisions and determine the fiscal impact of legislation on Pennsylvania. The committee members also develop the state budget and determine Pennsylvania’s spending priorities.
“I’m very excited to be joining this important committee to ensure that Pennsylvania properly spends taxpayer dollars,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “Determining state spending priorities is a major responsibility, especially as we prepare to receive the governor’s budget address in February and participate in subsequent budget hearings. I look forward to this new challenge.”
Schwank has also been reappointed as Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. She said she looks forward to once again serving in this position and debating legislation that assists the top industry in Pennsylvania and in Berks County.
“Agriculture plays a crucial role in the health of our state’s economy and in the prosperity of our farms, so it’s important that our laws are up to date and protecting the agricultural industry,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “I’m honored to once again serve as chairwoman of this committee and to continuing to work on agricultural issues, which impact every citizen.”
Schwank has a long history of agriculture experience. Recently, as chairwoman she has visited farms and agricultural businesses throughout the commonwealth, and last year she hosted a Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing in Fleetwood on farm profitability. She is also a member of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Extension Committee (NSARE), a national agricultural committee that focuses on small scale and sustainable agriculture.
Schwank has also been appointed as a member of the Public Health and Welfare, Aging and Youth, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.
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December 18, 2012
Harrisburg, December 18, 2012 – Acknowledging the escalating problems in economically-challenged communities across the state, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats today discussed their plans to address a wide range of problems impacting aging and distressed cities.
The “Growth, Progress & Sustainability” or GPS plan focuses on developing new policies that foster cooperation while addressing and strengthening the core of distressed communities.
“The reality is instead of planning for growth and economic development, many cities are contemplating bankruptcy,” Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said. “We could no longer stand back and watch while the rich heritage of Pennsylvania erodes amid shrinking tax revenues and tax bases.”
Costa said the intention of the plan is to help transform communities and bring some much needed light to the end of the tunnel.
“Pennsylvania needs a new road map to help our cities and our towns,” said Senator John Wozniak (D-Cambria). “Communities are struggling – from Scranton to Harrisburg and Reading to Johnstown and all places in between. Today we’re presenting the GPS plan to serve as a foundation to address the issues and transform our cities and communities.”
Senate Democrats are committed to working with local leaders to further develop the GPS plan which highlights broad areas of legislative interest. The areas the Senate Democrats outlined are including:
- Economic development
- Rebuilding the local tax base
- Urban blight
- Crime/Public Safety Initiatives
- Education & workforce development
- Modernizing and streamlining local government to reduce costs
- Act 47 and Local government Unit Debt Act
According to Senate Democrats, many of the identified communities continue to face huge obstacles as each attempts to provide government services at a time when tax revenues and tax bases are shrinking. They said that they recognize no solution can be effective or lasting without addressing each of the interconnected parts outlined in the plan and understanding how they affect residents.
“Revitalizing our urban areas and strengthening surrounding communities requires we assess and understand their struggles,” said Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks). “Our focus needs to be squarely on quality of life for the families living in these areas. We owe it to them to ensure these issues are addressed and their needs met, as we move forward.”
Working with local governments, Senate Democrats acknowledged the need for vision, focus and commitment. This includes providing the tools communities need to help themselves before their circumstances become untenable, they said.
“We want public policy that is proactive, cooperative and supportive, not reactive, punitive and vindictive,” said Senator John Blake (D-Lackawanna). “We want to develop long-term, sustainable solutions that will enable these communities to rebuild and thrive.”
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December 13, 2012
READING, Dec. 13, 2012 — An additional 168 acres of Berks County farmland will be preserved through the purchase of conservation easements valued at $420,000 that were approved today by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Preservation Board member.
According to the senator, the following farms will be preserved:
Family Municipality Acres Preserved
Pearl Noll Richmond Twp. 49.20
Naomi Mae Stutzman Longswamp Twp. 118.80
Total: 168.0
“Our farmlands play a crucial role in the vitality of our state and local economy, so it’s imperative that we preserve our agricultural industry,” Schwank said. “I’m pleased that our families farms are being preserved thanks to the preservation board funds.”
Statewide 4,364 farms totaling 470,155 acres have been preserved since the program’s inception. In Berks County 645 farms consisting of 65,118 acres have been preserved. Berks County has preserved more acreage of farmland than any other county in the state program.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Board is intended to permanently preserve large clusters of viable agricultural lands by acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE). An ACE prevents the development of the land for any purpose besides productive agriculture.
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December 11, 2012
READING, Dec. 11, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank reminds everyone that the filing deadline for senior citizens and other individuals eligible for the 2011 Property Tax and Rent Rebate is Dec. 31.
“This program has provided beneficial property tax relief to many individuals and families, so I encourage eligible folks to apply now,” Schwank said. “Last year alone, 18,906 eligible Berks County residents received a rebate, totaling nearly $9.2 million in tax payer relief for our county.”
The Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program provides financial assistance for homeowners and renters who are 65 years or older, widows or widowers over the age of 50, and permanently disabled persons over the age of 18.
The program’s income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners is $35,000. The rebate ranges from $250 to $650 depending on the individual’s gross income. Some homeowners may receive larger rebates than requested, based income and/or property taxes, because they may qualify for a supplemental property tax rebate up to $975. Qualifying renters must have an income under $15,000 and their rebate ranges from $500 to $650.
For additional information or help completing the Property Tax or Rent Rebate application, contact Schwank’s District Office at 1940 N. 13th St. in Reading, or by phone (610) 929-2151.
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December 10, 2012
READING, Dec. 10, 2012 – State Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Thomas Caltagirone announced today that the governor will join state and local officials to hold a crime summit in January in Reading.
Schwank and Caltagirone made the comments after a meeting with city and county officials today in Schwank’s offices on plans for the summit and discussions with the governor’s office and Reading businessman Albert Boscov.
Schwank, who arranged the meeting last week after Caltagirone approached her with similar concerns to hers about the need to bring more resources and services to assist the city to deal with crime, said the summit will take place on Jan. 18.
“It was clear this morning that everybody is on the same page,” Caltagirione said. “We’ve got to get this moving. We all understand the main issues that have to be addressed, and there a lot of people who need to be brought into the discussion to begin doing it.”
Mayor Vaughn Spencer, City Council President Francis Acosta, County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt and District Attorney John T. Adams met with Schwank and Caltagirone at the legislators’ request.
“Reading is really in a difficult position,” Schwank said. “It must respond with a police bureau that has some 50 fewer officers than it had only a few years ago. It is a tremendous gap to close in a very challenging time both fiscally and in terms of crime, and we all understand that its impact is not limited to the city.”
She said the next step will be to bring key law enforcement and elected officials from the local, state and federal government, including the governor, together to develop a strategy to guide the effort.
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