Schweyer announces new office is open and ready to serve constituents

(Dec 09, 2024)

ALLENTOWN, Dec. 9 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting constituents that his district office is open and ready to serve the residents of the city of Allentown, the borough of Emmaus and Salisbury Township. The new office is located at 2132 South 12th St., Suite 306 . The office phone number will still be (610) 791-6270. “My staff and I are excited about this move as this location will make it easier to serve the folks from the 134th Legislative District with any of their needs and concerns,” Schweyer said. “I encourage our neighbors to come by, check out the new office and meet my amazing staff.” Schweyer's office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents may contact or visit the office with any state-related question or issue. The office can provide information and assistance with PennDOT paperwork, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, LIHEAP home heating assistance, veterans assistance, PACE/PACENET prescription-drug assistance for senior citizens and more. Constituents can also contact Schweyer by visiting his website at www.pahouse.com/Schweyer . Read more

 

Schweyer issues statement on resignation of Pennsylvania’s education secretary

(Nov 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 22 – Pennsylvania House Education Committee Majority Chairman, Peter Schweyer, today issued the following statement on the announcement of the resignation of Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Khalid N. Mumin. “Since becoming the Chair of the House Education Committee, Dr. Mumin and I have enjoyed a positive working relationship with the common goal to support and enrich Pennsylvania students as well as the teachers and faculty in our education system. His input was especially helpful as we redesigned the new basic education funding system during this past budget season. I genuinely appreciate his help and wish him the best on his future endeavors. “I would like to congratulate interim Secretary of Education, Angela Fitterer, who will be replacing Dr. Mumin. The House Education Committee and I remain fully committed to working with you and the Department of Education during and after this transition.” Schweyer represents the 134 th Legislative District which serves a portion of the city of Allentown, all of Emmaus Borough and a portion of Salisbury Township in Lehigh County. Read more

 

Allentown lawmakers present check to Salisbury Township School District to address environmental issues

(Nov 20, 2024)

Bringing home our tax dollars to support school renovations and upgrades that help ensure the safest and most comfortable learning environments possible for our children is a top priority for me. Read more

 

Schweyer alerts students, families the 2025-26 FAFSA is now open

(Nov 19, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – House Education Majority Chair, state Rep. Peter Schweyer is alerting students and their families that the 2025-26 FAFSA is now open. According to the U.S. Dept. of Education, the 2025-26 FAFSA is now available to everyone as it completes its beta testing period. “Now is the time many high school students are making their decisions on what they want to do and where they want to go for their postsecondary education,” Schweyer said. “By completing the FAFSA, students are taking the first step toward receiving state and federal student aid. This will help open more doors and give more students more options. I strongly encourage students and families to start filing the FAFSA as soon as possible.” Schweyer added, any Pennsylvania students or families who would like to start filling out the FAFSA now can do it online here: StudentAid.gov . Schweyer also currently serves on the Board of Directors for PHEAA. Read more

 

Schweyer: $232K for environmental conservation projects

(Nov 12, 2024)

Today, state Rep. Peter Schweyer announced that $232,800 in state funding has been awarded to his district for two different projects. Read more

 

Allentown lawmakers applaud over $6.56 million in state funding for local school, emergency projects

(Oct 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Reps. Peter Schweyer, Mike Schlossberg and Josh Siegel, and state Sen. Nick Miller announced today state grant funding totaling $6.56 million has been awarded for several area school, emergency and community improvement projects. “As a parent of a William Allen student, this funding is welcome news so my daughter and every student and teacher will have classrooms that are warm in winter and cool in the spring,” said Schweyer. “I want to thank my fellow legislators and Senator Miller for advocating with me on these projects which will keep our kids safe and comfortable and keep our communities thriving." Added Schlossberg, “When we say, ‘they don’t build them like they used to’, William Allen High School comes to mind. It is both a stately building and a building in need of repairs to meet the needs of our community in the 21st century. I am happy the Public School Facility Improvement Grant funding we approved for the 2024-2025 budget will serve students at Allen with the critical upgrades identified by Allentown School District leaders.” “The combined work of Allentown’s legislative delegation secured historic investments in our region’s youth. The funding of improvements to Resurrected Life’s Children’s Academy will help ensure our youngest minds and future leaders have a nurturing and supportive foundation for success through quality early childhood Read more

 

Schweyer, Schlossberg, Siegel, Miller secure over $1 million for two projects

(Oct 11, 2024)

The Allentown School District Family and Community Engagement Welcome Center project received $522,205 and the Casa Guadalupe Center project received $500,120. Read more

 

House Education Committee holds hearing on school safety and security

(Oct 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 10 – School safety administrators, resource officers, advocates and representatives from Pennsylvania agencies detailed the actions and programs they have undertaken to protect students, teachers and faculty from violence today during a House Education Committee hearing on school safety and security in Harrisburg. “School safety does not just mean safety from gun violence but the protection from and prevention of all forms of violence on school grounds,” said state Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee. “School safety is a multi-faceted issue that requires multi-faceted solutions and collaborations. I am pleased to see these agencies and administrators coming together today to have a meaningful conversation on how school safety currently looks across Pennsylvania and what we can do to continue to build on and improve our policies to ensure the safety of our children and teachers.” Thursday’s hearing at the state Capitol in Harrisburg featured testifiers from Sandy Hook Promise, The District Security Officer for the Bethlehem Area School District, the Superintendent of Northeastern School District, as well as members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Testifiers detailed the various programs and incentives school districts and administrators are undertaking to ensure the safest and secure learning environments are available for Read more

 

Education Committee Informational Meeting on School Safety and Security

(Oct 10, 2024)

On Thursday, Oct. 10, the House Education Committee convened a hearing on school safety and security. Read more

 

Education Committee roundtable discusses college affordability

(Sep 18, 2024)

STATE COLLEGE – Sept. 17 Representatives from several Pennsylvania colleges and universities detailed the actions they have undertaken to increase access to college and programs available to ensure college is affordable for students and their families. "An unfortunate reality for far too many students looking ahead to their future is the costs associated with a college degree are too expensive for them to burden,” said Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee. “While there have been a lot of steps recently undertaken in this year’s budget to address college affordability, including expand access to scholarships, there is still more we can be doing as legislators to ensure costs are manageable for students and their families." Tuesday’s hearing at the Pennsylvania State University’s brand new Engineering Collaborative Research and Education Building featured testifiers from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education, Commonwealth University, Penn Highlands Community College and Point Park University. Testifiers detailed the various programs and incentives available for Pennsylvania students to achieve their college degree. “”Affordability, whether it be the cost of textbooks, reasonable housing options, healthcare for students, and so much more impact a person’s decision to matriculate. But even more, it impacts their ability to succeed and thrive,” said Zion Sykes, President of the Read more

 

Education Committee highlights importance of adult literacy programs

(Sep 17, 2024)

HARRISBURG – Sept. 16 The importance of adult literacy to support economic growth and development were highlighted during a Pennsylvania House Education Committee hearing as members heard testimony on what can be done to expand access to these programs. "Many communities across Pennsylvania, including in my district in the Lehigh Valley, have residents that do not have a high school diploma and others who cannot read above a junior high reading level. This severely impacts their ability to work in family-sustaining careers,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “There is an urgent need for adult literacy programs to help these adults expand their education and obtain skills that will ensure employers can fill their job vacancies." Monday’s hearing featured testifiers from Beyond Literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh, The Literacy Center and I-Lead USA. Testifiers detailed the importance adult literacy programs are in communities across Pennsylvania and how their efforts are breaking barriers for adults to be hired in critical industries. “The Learning Center has witnessed significant enrollment increases for GED programs over the last few years,” said Jennifer Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of The Literacy Center. “More adults need to obtain their high school equivalency diploma to further their education and employment opportunities.” “Beyond the economic benefits, adult education fosters stronger families and more Read more

 

Education Committee Informational Meeting on College Affordability

(Sep 17, 2024)

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the House Education Committee convened an informational meeting to discuss college affordability. Read more

 

Education Committee Informational Meeting on Adult Literacy Testimony

(Sep 16, 2024)

On Monday, Sept. 16, the House Education Committee convened an informational meeting on adult literacy programs and how they benefit students and impact the local and state economies. Read more

 

Schweyer appointed to new State Board of Higher Education

(Sep 13, 2024)

HARRISBURG – Sept. 14 Pennsylvania House Education Committee Majority Chair Peter Schweyer today announced that he has been appointed to serve on the new State Board of Higher Education. “Being both a first-generation college student and a longtime supporter of higher education, it is both a privilege and an honor to be appointed by Governor Shapiro to serve in this capacity on the Board of Higher Education,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “Right now, we are seeing students impacted with rising loan totals and employment shortages in critical fields for our economy. I am looking forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to find solutions and policies to provide more affordable access to higher education.” The new State Board of Higher Education brings together leaders from higher education, the business community, labor, students, legislators, and members of the Shapiro Administration to craft a strategic plan for higher education, coordinate between higher education institutions and sectors, make higher education more accessible and affordable for students, and ensure our Commonwealth’s higher education institutions are training students with the skills and credentials needed to fill critical workforce shortages and power our economy for generations to come. The Board will be tasked to create a new Outcomes-Based Funding Council that will deliver recommendations for how best to fund state-related universities and provide a Read more

 

Schweyer appointed majority chair of House Ethics Committee

(Sep 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer announced this week he has been appointed the Majority Chair of the House Committee on Ethics. “I am honored to be named the chair of the Ethics Committee and continue the efforts of transparency and holding all who serve the people of Pennsylvania accountable,” said Schweyer. “We are living in very polarized and divisive times and it is important that this committee works in a matter that will restore the people’s trust in state government.” The House Committee on Ethics has the responsibility to investigate and deal with violations of House rules, the legislative code of ethics and the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The committee also is responsible for planning and conducting ethics education courses as required by House rules. In addition to this committee assignment, Schweyer also serves as the Majority Chair of the House Education Committee where he continues to advance legislation to provide quality and equitable education for all Pennsylvania students. Schweyer’s district office is located at 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206, Allentown. Residents can stop by or call 610-791-6270 to set up an appointment or for inquiries. Read more

 

Allentown lawmakers applaud over $1M in tax credits for community projects

(Sep 10, 2024)

These investments will go a long way to support local organizations, such as Ripple Community, Inc. with providing opportunities for folks to live with dignity in affordable homes. In addition, Davinci and CADCA will continue to nourish and inspire the minds of our children to pursue their dreams. Read more

 

Schweyer’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Sept. 20

(Sep 10, 2024)

ALLENTOWN, Sept. 9 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans that his monthly support program will be held on Friday, Sept. 20 at his district office in Allentown. A representative from the American Legion will be available for appointments at Schweyer’s district office, 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206. Appointments are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service officer will be available to assist veterans and their families with benefits and services available to them. The representative also will be available to discuss pensions and other compensation, as well as education, health care and death benefits. Legion membership is not required; however, anyone interested in speaking with the adviser should schedule appointments by contacting Schweyer’s office at 610-791-6270. Read more

 

Allentown legislators welcome over $571K in state funding for school facility repairs and upgrades

(Sep 09, 2024)

As the parent of two daughters in the Allentown School District, I have seen firsthand what no heat in the winter and no A/C in June can mean for students trying to learn. I am pleased to see this much needed money coming to our schools. It will make a huge difference for our children. Read more

 

Schweyer announces upcoming PHEAA financial aid webinars

(Sep 09, 2024)

ALLENTOWN, Sept. 6 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting area families of upcoming PHEAA financial aid webinars to help explore options beyond graduation. “Many of our high school students are making their decisions on what to do and where to go for their post-graduation education, including the types of scholarships, grants and loans they’ll need to apply for,” said Schweyer. “These PHEAA webinars offer a great way to review they options available, tips for applying and preparing for loan repayments. I encourage all families to participate in these webinars to be better prepared for the next phase of their education.” According to Schweyer, the following webinars are being offered in September and October: Searching for Scholarships & Affording the Balance: Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Noon and Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:30PM. Financial Aid Timeline—Know What to Do When: Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6:30PM and Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Noon. Borrowing for Education—Which Loan is Right for Me?: Tuesday, October 8 at Noon and Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30PM. The Two-Step Approach to Finding an Affordable Higher Education: Thursday, October 10 at 6:30PM and Thursday, October 31 at Noon. Schweyer added, all families looking to participate can register for the webinars, here: https://www.pheaa.org/virtual . Read more

 

Schweyer hosting blood drive with Miller-Keystone Blood Center

(Sep 06, 2024)

ALLENTOWN, Sept. 5 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is teaming up with Miller-Keystone Blood Center to help address a critical shortage of blood supplies in the Lehigh Valley. Lehigh County residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment during the following times between Sept. 22 and Oct. 3: Monday and Wednesday from 12PM to 7PM and Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30AM to 2PM at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, 740 Hamilton St., Suite 120, Allentown. Donors are encouraged to call 1-800-223-6667 and mention Group ID: E299 when scheduling their appointment. “There will always be a need for blood in order to save lives and only volunteer donors can replenish supplies needed for people in our region,” Schweyer said. “I encourage everyone who is able to sign up and donate. Your blood could be used to save the life of your neighbor, colleague, friend or loved one.” Schweyer added he will be proudly rolling up his sleeve to donate blood on October 3 at 2PM. His office also will be on site at the blood drive to provide information on state programs and resources and to answer questions on state-related issues. Questions can be directed to Schweyer's office at 610-791-6270. Read more

 

Schweyer announces new office is open and ready to serve constituents
Dec 09, 2024

Schweyer issues statement on resignation of Pennsylvania’s education secretary
Nov 22, 2024

Allentown lawmakers present check to Salisbury Township School District to address environmental issues
Nov 20, 2024

Schweyer alerts students, families the 2025-26 FAFSA is now open
Nov 19, 2024

Schweyer: $232K for environmental conservation projects
Nov 12, 2024

Allentown lawmakers applaud over $6.56 million in state funding for local school, emergency projects
Oct 22, 2024

Schweyer, Schlossberg, Siegel, Miller secure over $1 million for two projects
Oct 11, 2024

House Education Committee holds hearing on school safety and security
Oct 10, 2024

Education Committee Informational Meeting on School Safety and Security
Oct 10, 2024

Education Committee roundtable discusses college affordability
Sep 18, 2024

Education Committee highlights importance of adult literacy programs
Sep 17, 2024

Education Committee Informational Meeting on College Affordability
Sep 17, 2024

Education Committee Informational Meeting on Adult Literacy Testimony
Sep 16, 2024

Schweyer appointed to new State Board of Higher Education
Sep 13, 2024

Schweyer appointed majority chair of House Ethics Committee
Sep 10, 2024

Allentown lawmakers applaud over $1M in tax credits for community projects
Sep 10, 2024

Schweyer’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Sept. 20
Sep 10, 2024

Allentown legislators welcome over $571K in state funding for school facility repairs and upgrades
Sep 09, 2024

Schweyer announces upcoming PHEAA financial aid webinars
Sep 09, 2024

Schweyer hosting blood drive with Miller-Keystone Blood Center
Sep 06, 2024