Lehigh Valley lawmaker pushes bill for Pa. under-21 assault weapons ban as ‘cultural divide’ stalls gun law debate

(Jun 17, 2022)

Schweyer filed a new resolution to force action on his long-stalled bill to outlaw possession of assault weapons by people under 21. Read more

 

Schweyer: Restrict Ownership of AR-15 Style Rifles to Adults Aged 21 and Above

(Jun 15, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer speaks on the need for his bill to restrict ownership of AR-15-style so-called “modern sporting rifles” to adults aged 21 and over. The AR-style rifle is overwhelmingly the weapon of choice in mass shootings, and a ban of this type would have kept the rifle out of the hands of the Buffalo and Uvalde shooters. Read more

 

Schweyer: Mental Health Services Are Overworked

(Jun 14, 2022)

At a Capitol news conference, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses the HOPE for PA plan which would invest $100 million to address the growing mental health crisis across Pennsylvania. Schweyer says the pandemic has shown just how overworked our mental health services are and these dollars would provide much needed resources that would really make a difference. Read more

 

Schweyer, Schlossberg announce state funding for Allentown fire and police departments

(Jun 14, 2022)

ALLENTOWN, June 14 – State Reps. Peter Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg today announced state funding totaling $15,000 was awarded to help support Allentown fire and police departments. “This funding is crucial to the safety for everyone who lives and works in the city of Allentown, and it ensures our police officers and fire personnel have the equipment they need to keep themselves and the people they protect every day safe from harm,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I am pleased to support projects like these, which help make our city a safer place.” “The LSA program provide a significant savings to the people of Allentown,” said Schlossberg, D-Lehigh. “Without funding like this, the city would have to rely on taxpayers to pay for the critical public safety equipment. It’s a win-win, our departments are able to get the tools they need to serve and protect us without a financial burden on residents or businesses.” The legislators added the Commonwealth Finance Authority approved funding for the following two projects in the city of Allentown: $10,000 for the Allentown Fire Department for equipment and furnishings for the Allentown Fire Academy. $5,000 for the Allentown Police Department for surveillance cameras at the public safety building. The Local Share Account includes funds from casinos located in host or contiguous counties and are distributed by the Department of Community and Economic Development Read more

 

Your View: Pa. lawmakers have duty to prevent gun violence

(Jun 09, 2022)

As Americans, we cannot turn a blind eye to gun violence. We must address this crisis of gun violence that has destroyed so many innocent lives by comprehensively addressing the issue and enacting common sense gun safety measures. Read more

 

Pa. House bill hikes cost of birth, death certificates to fight veteran suicides

(Jun 09, 2022)

The bill, sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Peter Schweyer, would hike the fee for birth and death certificates by $2 to establish a permanent funding source for a grant program aiding organizations that are working to reduce suicide deaths among veterans. Read more

 

State House makes progress on reining in abusive use of fireworks

(Jun 08, 2022)

Responding to the many concerns they have heard from local residents, Lehigh Valley lawmakers today voted to put some sensible restrictions on the use of consumer fireworks. Read more

 

Schweyer: Veteran Support Systems

(Jun 08, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer wants to work with the Pa. House Republican Caucus to support veterans. His father was a Vietnam veteran and taken from him much too soon as a result of his battles with addiction. He's working to invest in veteran support programs to help those struggling with PTSD and substance abuse disorder as a result of their service. Read more

 

Confiscate illegally operated ATVs and dirt bikes? Pa. bill would allow cities — including Allentown — to seize them as contraband

(Jun 07, 2022)

Schlossberg said it was “about giving law enforcement the tools they need” to make streets safe. Schweyer said, “Ultimately, the goal is to be able to seize these vehicles when they’re being used in a manner that is unsafe.” Read more

 

Calls for action on gun control grow after wave of mass shootings

(Jun 06, 2022)

"We can't get our arms around something that is literally killing America's children on a daily and weekly basis. It is shameful. It is the great shame of our generation," said Rep. Schweyer. Read more

 

Next monthly veterans outreach June 17 at Schweyer’s office

(Jun 03, 2022)

ALLENTOWN, June 3 – Area veterans, who may not be aware of the services or benefits available to them or their families, are encouraged to participate in state Rep. Peter Schweyer’s next monthly support program at his district office in Allentown. A representative from the American Legion will be available for in-person appointments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 17 at Schweyer’s district office , 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206. The representative will be able to discuss pensions and other compensation, as well as education, health care and death benefits. The representative is available for appointments on the third Friday of every month . “We need to ensure our veterans have the care and support they need following their service to our country,” Schweyer said. “This is a great opportunity for veterans to learn about all of the available benefits and programs and receive assistance with the application process.” 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. Masks are required and CDC guidelines must be followed during the appointment. Read more

 

Lehigh Valley officials, leaders call for increased child care and early education funding to address worker shortage

(May 27, 2022)

“The workforce marketplace has changed dramatically,” said State Rep. Peter Schweyer at the talk, noting the impacts of the pandemic on the economy. “We have to be competitive, and we have to acknowledge that it’s the commonwealth’s responsibility to do that.” Read more

 

Schweyer: Enough is Enough!

(May 26, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer is calling on the House Republicans to bring stalled gun reform legislation to a vote in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas. A parent of children in the Allentown School District, he is pushing for the legislature to advance the bills before Tuesday’s tragedy happens again. Read more

 

Policy hearing discusses ATVs and dirt bikes terrorizing PA streets

(May 03, 2022)

Lawmakers from across Pennsylvania attended a hearing today about ATV riders and dirt bike enthusiasts taking to the streets, terrorizing law-abiding traffic, and threatening their own safety and anyone in their path. Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers consider increased penalties to address ATV and dirt bikes that are ‘terrorizing’ streets

(May 03, 2022)

Schweyer, who represents the Lehigh Valley, said he’s confident that the policy hearing will increase interest in sponsoring a bill to tackle illegal ATV and dirt bike use. Read more

 

Lehigh lawmakers to introduce bill to de-criminalize helpful spouses

(Apr 28, 2022)

In response to Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin’s announcement that he will have detectives monitor both in person and via video the county's ballot drop boxes to make sure voters are returning only their ballot, Reps. Mike Schlossberg, Peter Schweyer and Jeanne McNeill are taking action. Read more

 

Allentown middle school receives $7K donation for new wrestling mats

(Apr 28, 2022)

South Mountain Middle School received a $7,000 donation Thursday to buy new wrestling mats. The funding was spearheaded by State Rep. Peter Schweyer. Read more

 

Policy hearing explores cash bail in PA

(Apr 27, 2022)

During a PA House Democratic Policy Committee hearing today in Harrisburg, lawmakers explored cash bail in Pennsylvania and what eliminating it here would do to address systemic business and community issues. State Reps. Summer Lee and Peter Schweyer held the hearing at this morning at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Read more

 

Schweyer lauds $12 million in state investments to improve Allentown

(Apr 25, 2022)

ALLENTOWN, April 25 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer was instrumental in bringing $12 million in state funding back to the city of Allentown for three critical development projects that will boost jobs and improve the quality of life for city residents and workers. “These projects will go toward community building, job security and the revitalization of Allentown. They will contribute to the betterment of our community, whether by educating the young minds of tomorrow or by providing safer and easier access to quality health care or redeveloping sites to increase the local economy,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I’d also like to thank Governor Wolf for recognizing Allentown’s need for the new DaVinci Science Center, which just recently broke ground for the new facility, by authorizing the funding.” Schweyer said the funding, made possible through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Program will benefit the following projects: The Da Vinci Science Center – received $10 million to construct a 67,300-square-foot science center which will be home to more than 30,000 square feet of STEM-based interactive exhibits, an 8,600-square-foot STEAM Learning Center, a 150-seat demonstration theater, a grand courtyard and exhibit space, and other amenities for visitors. St. Luke’s Hospital – received $1 million to connect the Sigal Center with the St. Luke's Parking Garage next to it. Parking garage improvements Read more

 

Schweyer: Prioritize the Fair Funding Formula!

(Apr 13, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer believes that the #PaHouse should act now and fully implement the #FairFundingFormula. He encourages parents from across the Lehigh Valley and beyond to call the GOP majority and insist public education get the attention it deserves this budget season. Read more

 

Lehigh Valley lawmaker pushes bill for Pa. under-21 assault weapons ban as ‘cultural divide’ stalls gun law debate
Jun 17, 2022

Schweyer: Restrict Ownership of AR-15 Style Rifles to Adults Aged 21 and Above
Jun 15, 2022

Schweyer: Mental Health Services Are Overworked
Jun 14, 2022

Schweyer, Schlossberg announce state funding for Allentown fire and police departments
Jun 14, 2022

Your View: Pa. lawmakers have duty to prevent gun violence
Jun 09, 2022

Pa. House bill hikes cost of birth, death certificates to fight veteran suicides
Jun 09, 2022

State House makes progress on reining in abusive use of fireworks
Jun 08, 2022

Schweyer: Veteran Support Systems
Jun 08, 2022

Confiscate illegally operated ATVs and dirt bikes? Pa. bill would allow cities — including Allentown — to seize them as contraband
Jun 07, 2022

Calls for action on gun control grow after wave of mass shootings
Jun 06, 2022

Next monthly veterans outreach June 17 at Schweyer’s office
Jun 03, 2022

Lehigh Valley officials, leaders call for increased child care and early education funding to address worker shortage
May 27, 2022

Schweyer: Enough is Enough!
May 26, 2022

Policy hearing discusses ATVs and dirt bikes terrorizing PA streets
May 03, 2022

Pennsylvania lawmakers consider increased penalties to address ATV and dirt bikes that are ‘terrorizing’ streets
May 03, 2022

Lehigh lawmakers to introduce bill to de-criminalize helpful spouses
Apr 28, 2022

Allentown middle school receives $7K donation for new wrestling mats
Apr 28, 2022

Policy hearing explores cash bail in PA
Apr 27, 2022

Schweyer lauds $12 million in state investments to improve Allentown
Apr 25, 2022

Schweyer: Prioritize the Fair Funding Formula!
Apr 13, 2022