Winter 2022 Newsletter

(Apr 11, 2022)

As we begin a new year with new challenges, let’s lookback at the work my team and I accomplished last yearand provide you with some valuable information aboutstate government-related services that you may findhelpful. Read more

 

Schweyer’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach April 22

(Apr 04, 2022)

ALLENTOWN, April 4 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans that in observance of Good Friday on April 15, his monthly support program will be held the following Friday, April 22, 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. A 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. The veterans outreach program will resume on the third Friday of the month in May. 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

 

Schweyer: Budget Proposal is a Win for the Valley

(Mar 11, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer provides a recap of the final day of House Appropriations Committee budget hearings, calling this year’s budget proposal “good for the Lehigh Valley and Commonwealth." Read more

 

Schweyer: Level Up Funding Means Better Resources for Our Students

(Mar 07, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer joined Governor Tom Wolf at William Allen High School in Allentown to discuss how Level Up funding would benefit students and teachers alike. Schweyer says this funding would prevent massive budget cuts and give Allentown students an equal opportunity to succeed. Read more

 

Schweyer: We're Here to Serve You!

(Mar 04, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer invites you to contact his office to help get the most out of state government programs and services. Schweyer is also working hard in Harrisburg to raise the minimum wage, train our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow, and ensure Allentown get its fair share of school funding. Read more

 

Schweyer Explains the Budget Process

(Feb 22, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, summarizes the state budget process from conception to reality and highlights his role in making sure Allentown receives its fair share of funding for programs and services. Read more

 

Schweyer: Budget Hearings Kick Off in Harrisburg

(Feb 15, 2022)

As Budget Hearings kick off in Harrisburg, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer highlights today's discussions and is confident revenue projections will hit the mark to match Governor Wolf's budget proposals. Read more

 

Schweyer Community Conversation on the Allentown SPARK Program

(Feb 11, 2022)

In this Community Conversation, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer joins Dana Yurgoski and Dan Diaz to discuss the Allentown Small Business SPARK Program, a collaboration between the City of Allentown and the Small Business Development Center at Lehigh University to provide technical assistance grants to Allentown businesses recovering from the impact of COVID-19. Read more

 

Schweyer encouraged by Gov. Wolf’s budget address

(Feb 09, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – Following Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2022-23 budget address, state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, issued the following statement. “Governor Wolf and I came to Harrisburg in the same year with a common vision to reform the way our state funds education. We both recognized that our public schools – especial urban ones like Allentown – were woefully underfunded, that Pre-K education was inaccessible for far too many families, and that our community colleges and state schools needed support if they were going to thrive in the future. “In the seven budgets since we were inaugurated, the state has made a significant investment in education in every level, and our kids and families are in a better position for future success. "Today, Governor Wolf has chosen to dramatically up the stakes and invest a tremendous amount of new funding in our schools.” If enacted, the Allentown School District would receive more than $70 million in additional funding for basic ($66.5 million) and special ($3.8 million) education. For East Penn School District, that’s nearly $5 million (Basic: $3.9 million; Special: $792,976 ) more and Salisbury School District would receive over $1 million (Basic: $882,437; Special: $165,076) more. This investment would help ensure every child has access to quality education and a chance to succeed. Schweyer said he was also encouraged by the governor’s proposals to raise the Read more

 

Burgos to host Dominican Independence Day Event  

(Feb 04, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., will host a Dominican Independence Day celebration event news conference at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7 in the Main Capitol Rotunda. Burgos will be joined by state Reps. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, and Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “In the United States, it is important that we recognize Dominican Independence Day,” Burgos said. “The Dominican population is growing, and we must acknowledge Dominican history and celebrate it.” “As we prepare to celebrate the 178th anniversary of Dominican Independence, let us be reminded of the struggles and sacrifices countless individuals made to gain independence, and the perpetual fight of the Dominican Republic’s citizens to retain their freedom,” said Guzman. “Now more than ever is a time to reflect and remind ourselves how important it is to continuously fight to ensure future generations have the privilege to live, work, and grow in an independent country.” "Our Dominican community is a beautiful one filled with amazing families, entrepreneurs and community leaders," said Schweyer. "I couldn’t be happier living in Allentown with our rich cultural diversity and am so very honored to join in this beautiful celebration of the Dominican heritage." The representatives will be honoring Dr. Cynthia Mona, first Dominican and woman to serve as City Council president in Allentown; and Johanna Read more

 

Allentown School District Receives Funding for School Safety

(Jan 26, 2022)

The Allentown School District received nearly $50,000 in state grants that will allow the district to upgrade equipment and teach students conflict resolution skills. NBC10’s Steven Fisher has the details Read more

 

Schweyer announces $44,727 for school safety for Allentown School District

(Jan 24, 2022)

ALLENTOWN, Jan. 24 – The Allentown School District will be able to enhance school safety initiatives from state grants totaling $44,727, state Rep. Peter Schweyer announced today. “As an ASD parent, nothing is more important to me personally than ensuring that our students and teachers have a safe learning environment,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I am pleased to see this funding awarded so our schools will have the tools and training programs necessary to keep children and staff safe.” Schweyer said the funding is part of the 2021-22 Safe Schools Targeted Grants Program administered by the state Department of Education. The grants awarded to the Allentown School district include a $24,727 equipment grant and a $20,000 program grant. The grants are part of a package of $8 million in competitive grants awarded statewide. More information on the specific awardees and amounts is available here . Read more

 

Local Elected Leaders Respond to Controller Pinsley’s Remarks

(Jan 11, 2022)

ALLENTOWN, Jan. 11 – State Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Peter Schweyer, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, Allentown City Council President Cynthia Mota, Lehigh County Board of Commissioners Chair Geoff Brace and Allentown School Board President Nancy Wilt released the following statement today in response to recent testimony provided by Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley: Read more

 

Schweyer applauds final passage of broadband expansion bill

(Dec 15, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 – Continuing his efforts to bring affordable high-speed internet access to the city of Allentown, state Rep. Peter Schweyer voted for legislation that would result in greater expansion of broadband internet service across Pennsylvania. “Just as access to electricity or running water should not depend on your ZIP code, neither should access to the internet,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “The people who live in communities who have little to no internet access or significantly slower connections deserve this investment. Every Pennsylvanian will be able to access work and education from their homes. Because of this bill, these individuals will be able to have remote doctor appointments, pay bills online, stay connected with loved ones and build a better future.” House Bill 2071 would establish the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to facilitate funds anticipated through a federal infrastructure bill recently approved by Congress. Pennsylvania is expected to receive at least $100 million with the potential to obtain more after the authority develops a statewide plan for broadband expansion. The final version of the bill unanimously passed the full House and now heads to the governor, who is expected to sign it. Schweyer previously co-sponsored H.B. 1621 , which was signed by Governor Wolf over the summer as Act 50 of 2021 and expanded access to 5G technology across the commonwealth. Also, during the height of the Read more

 

Schweyer: We Must Stay Vigilant

(Dec 15, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer believes no one has the right to undermine the people’s will during an election and calls on residents across the commonwealth to remain vigilant and question any attempts to alter election results. Read more

 

Schweyer: Broadband Bill a Win for Allentown

(Dec 14, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses how legislation to beef up broadband access in Pennsylvania could benefit Allentown residents by providing faster, more reliable internet for families, students, and businesses. Read more

 

Schweyer’s office hosting veterans outreach Dec. 17

(Dec 13, 2021)

ALLENTOWN, Dec. 13 – 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 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, Dec. 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 . “There are many programs and benefits that veterans are entitled to for their service to their country that many don’t know about,” Schweyer said. “I am pleased to be able to offer this outreach every month to provide guidance and assistance with applying to these programs and services.” 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

 

Schweyer Community Conversation with PennDOT on South 4th St. Project

(Dec 08, 2021)

In this Community Conversation, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer sits down with Ron Young from PennDOT to discuss the South 4th St. project in Allentown and its impact on safety and congestion throughout this busy corridor. Megan Fallon and Jason Hursh from the project design team also share specifics on new sidewalks, traffic signals, turning lanes, and repaving. Read more

 

Allentown projects receive $10.5 million in state RACP grants

(Dec 07, 2021)

ALLENTOWN, Dec. 7 – Three projects within the city of Allentown have been awarded funding through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, totaling $10.5 million, according to state Reps. Peter Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg and state Sen. Pat Browne, who all secured the funding. “These organizations provide valuable services to our area, from increasing access to affordable housing to expanding educational programs and activities for children,” Schweyer said. “I am pleased to see the state recognize the important work of these organizations and the tremendous services they provide to our community.” The three projects received a combined total of $10.5 million in funding. The DaVinci Science Center was awarded $8 million to construct a new Science Center equipped with state of the art interactive exhibits and STEAM-equipped labs and workshop spaces. The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs organization was awarded $2 million for expanding the clubhouse, locker rooms, training facilities, parking and other amenities at Coca-Cola Park. Additionally, The Little Lehigh Housing Development was awarded $500,000 for the demolition of nine buildings and the construction of five new buildings to be used as affordable housing. “These three projects are so important for Allentown with affordable housing, STEM education and the quality of life for our region,” Schlossberg said. “I am thrilled to see Governor Wolf approve Read more

 

House Democratic Caucus condemns House Republican interference in Lehigh Valley election

(Nov 19, 2021)

The threatening letter sent to the Lehigh County Board of Elections this week by state House Republican Leadership is another attack meant to undermine the public’s confidence in Pennsylvania’s election system and is an overstep of our role as state legislators. Read more