Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer explains why he voted for what he calls a "far-from-perfect" state budget. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – Following today’s House passage of the Pennsylvania state budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, issued the following statement: "At the start of the pandemic, 3,000 households in the Allentown School District didn't have access to the internet. That means that thousands of our students could not access the online programs they needed to continue to learn through virtual means. A full year later, our school buildings were still closed to our students as our district did not have the resources to retrofit our buildings to make them safer. “This is a direct result of a broken education funding system that rewards shrinking and wealthy school districts over those that need the resources the most. “This evening, I voted YES on a far-from-perfect budget. This budget will not fix our aging schools or send every education dollar through the fair funding formula as it should. But with more than $17 million more for the Allentown School District -- money that will be there every year -- our students are in a better place. “This budget fails to address food and housing insecurity, does not do enough to invest in jobs or health care. But since those dollars remain unspent, we have the opportunity to return to Harrisburg and invest those resources into our residents, and I stand ready to do so. Read more
On this Community Conversation, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer sits down with Maryanell Agosto from Lehigh Carbon Community College to highlight the many educational programs they offer to both students and adults across the Lehigh Valley. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses the dire need to fix toxic schools in Allentown and across Pennsylvania. Schweyer speaks with Mark Leibold of the Allentown Education Association for additional insight into the problems facing many buildings in the Allentown School District. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting residents that the Pennsylvania Treasury is currently holding $2.5 million in unclaimed property which belongs to residents of the 22 nd Legislative District. “ Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property and it is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property they may not be aware of,” Schweyer said. “My district office is available to help our constituents search for unclaimed money or assets.” Unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts. Uncashed checks, including paychecks. Lost stocks and bonds. Contents of safe deposit boxes. Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies. Expired gift cards/gift certificates. To find out if you have unclaimed property, search your name in the Unclaimed Property database at www.patreasury.gov/Unclaimed/Search.html , or t hose who would like assistance checking the database are welcome to visit Schweyer’s office at 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206, where a free search only takes a few moments. Please call ahead at 610-791-6270 to avoid overcrowding in the office. There is NO CHARGE to claim your unclaimed property. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 11 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting older and disabled residents of the 22 nd Legislative District that the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is extending the deadline to apply for property tax and rent rebates paid in 2020 from June 30 to Dec. 31. “The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been available to Pennsylvanians for decades and it remains one of the most important programs which benefit older and low-income families in Pennsylvania,” Schweyer said. “This extension to the application deadline will ensure more people can file, but I encourage those who need to apply – especially those newly eligible – to not wait and get the applications filed early.” Schweyer said his Allentown office, 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206, is available to assist residents with their applications. Those interested must have their identification, proof of 2020 income and either a statement of 2020 rent paid, or a receipt of 2020 taxes paid, if homeowners. Walk-ins are welcome, but it is recommended to call the office first at 610-791-6270 to avoid overcrowding. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is Read more
At a Capitol news conference, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses the importance of protecting women's health, including from the hazards in several old and toxic school buildings in Allentown. Schweyer says the PA Rescue Plan could direct much needed funding to replace or modernize these school buildings and protect the health of educators and children alike. Read more
In this Community Conversation, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer sits down with Jennifer Doyle and Kelly Gallagher from The Literacy Center in Allentown to discuss the educational programs and services they offer to the community. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses his legislation to repeal Pennsylvania's fireworks law, which allows the sale and use of large-scale fireworks for the general public. Schweyer says Allentown is a hot bed for fireworks at all hours of the night, causing safety concerns and affecting the quality of life for residents and pets. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses the importance of the PA Rescue Plan which would invest in job creation, broadband access, education, and health care infrastructure to help the people of Allentown bounce back from the pandemic. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 24 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today announced his district office in Allentown will resume walk-in visitors starting Tuesday, June 1. “For nearly a year, my staff and I continued to provide the services and assistance our constituents need through in-person appointments and by phone and email out of an abundance of caution and safety,” Schweyer said. “Now, with more residents continuing to get vaccinated and guidelines being eased, it is time to start returning to normal and welcome walk-in visitors once again.” Schweyer added that those who need assistance should still first contact the district office by phone at 610-791-6270 or email at RepSchweyer@pahouse.net to avoid overcrowding. The office will continue following CDC guidelines and all persons who enter the office must be properly wearing a mask. Schweyer said constituents who are not feeling well or have been recently exposed to someone with COVID-19 should contact the office by phone or email for assistance. Read more
ERIE, May 20 – Positive and negative impacts of the proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education were vetted at today’s House Democratic Policy Committee virtual hearing. The hearing, hosted by committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, and state Reps. Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead, included testimony from educators, facility management, PASSHE leadership and students. The committee heard testimony from Dr. Sam Claster, Sociology Department Chair, Edinboro University; Lydia Laythe, Washington Township Councilperson in Erie; and Mary Jo Campbell, Professor Emeritus, Edinboro University; who all cautioned that moving forward without hearing from those directly involved in educating students and keeping schools in operation and how consolidation without addressing investment and system strains may not have the desired intention. “The bottom line is Pennsylvania ranks 48th in investment in higher education. If we want to attract and retain Pennsylvania students and prepare them for a successful future, we must address the system’s shortcomings and invest in students so we can build a stronger higher education system that positions Pennsylvania with a vibrant workforce,” explained Bizzarro. “We do need to take our time and take an approach that can have positive, longstanding impacts on our commonwealth.” Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Daniel Greenstein and Clarion Read more
HARRISBURG, May 18 – The impact of a proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on students, staff and communities will be the focus of Thursday’s virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing hosted by state Representatives Ryan Bizzarro, Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead. The virtual hearing will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 20 and can be viewed online at www.pahouse.com/policy . The public and media are encouraged to tune in and may submit questions via email to policy@pahouse.net . Bizzarro, D-Erie and chairman of the committee will join with Schweyer, D-Lehigh, and Kinkead, D-Allegheny, to discuss how consolidation will impact educational opportunities, extracurricular offerings, employment and the economic impact of the communities state system schools call home. PASSHE’s first plan—the west integration plan—aims to consolidate California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University, and Edinboro University. The second—the northeast integration – would consolidate Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 17 – The temporary suspension of laws and regulations regarding licensed professionals, which was granted by Gov. Tom Wolf, will no longer be in effect when the emergency disaster declaration is ended, according to state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “From increasing access to telemedicine, to increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines at sites in Allentown and across the state, these waivers were a crucial part of fighting the pandemic,” Schweyer said. “It is important that these industries are aware that as cases continue to drop and the emergency disaster declaration is terminated, the professional license waivers will also end.” According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, nearly 100 waivers regarding professional licensing have been approved to quickly and safely free up every available healthcare professional who wanted to assist in any way, including retirees, military and out-of-state practitioners. Schweyer added, currently the emergency declaration remains in place and the waivers continue to remain in effect. The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs will provide additional updates regarding the expiration of waivers should the disaster declaration be terminated prematurely. Anyone who may have any questions or concerns should contact the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs at 833-DOS-BPOA (833-367-2762). Read more
LEHIGH, May 13 – At a tour of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, PA House Democrats saw first-hand the strain on nonprofits that provide services to people living with disabilities and shared how the PA Rescue Plan could alleviate some of those challenges with an investment of federal funding. The tour, led by the center’s executive director, Amy Beck, highlighted how empowering people living with disabilities is an integral component of operation. LVCIL is one of 17 centers for independent living in the state. Centers are governed, managed and staffed at all times by a majority of people with disabilities. State Rep. Mike Schlossberg said, “This pandemic has exposed significant injustices and shortfalls in our world. In most of our communities, access to emergency resources starts with the friendly face and compassionate heart of community-based nonprofit organizations. While performing miracles, these organizations have seen their bottom lines take enormous hits. The staff are overworked and underpaid. Volunteers have put their health on the line with no expectation of personal gain. The Pennsylvania Rescue Plan will offer these organizations, serving our most vulnerable neighbors, extra support to offset increased expenses and lost revenue from contributions or events so they can meet demand in our community.” “The PA Rescue Plan provides a unique opportunity for us to invest in humans, not government,” added state Read more
ALLENTOWN, May 11 – The pandemic further strained those providing services to our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians and state Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Pete Schweyer will explain how proposed investments of over $350 million via the PA Rescue Plan would close the service gap by helping the helpers provide much-needed services. The media are invited to join members for the tour of Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 13, followed by a 2 p.m. opportunity to discuss the impact investments with legislators and Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. The PA Rescue Plan aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more
At a virtual press event with the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry, state Rep. Peter Schweyer continues to push for raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage, which is lower than surrounding states and doesn't reflect the value of the labor our workers are providing. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer joined Carmen Dominguez, a meatpacking worker from Allentown, as she shared her experiences in the food processing industry during the pandemic and the need for additional worker safety protections. Read more
At a meeting of the Performance Based Budget Board discussing tax credits, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer says that both chambers and parties should be able to disagree on policy, but not on facts, and urged continued cooperation as they move forward with additional hearings. Read more
ALLENTOWN, April 20 – As part of the ongoing efforts to assist people and families experiencing homelessness in the city of Allentown, seven organizations will share a portion of $100,000 in federal CARES Act funding. “There is no question that life during the pandemic has been especially challenging, but the difficulty of those challenges has risen exponentially for those Pennsylvanians facing homelessness,” state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, said. “This is critical funding to ensure these entities can continue their dedication to helping those in need.” The following organizations will each receive a portion of the grant funding: Allentown City: Valley Youth House - Rapid Rehousing. The Lehigh Conference of Churches - Rapid Rehousing. Allentown Rescue Mission - Emergency Shelter. Salvation Army Hospitality House - Emergency Shelter. Sixth Street Shelter - Emergency Shelter. YMCA Warming station - Emergency Shelter. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Turning Point of Lehigh Valley - Emergency Shelter. State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, also D-Lehigh, added, “Health and housing are so critically connected. When somebody’s housing is in doubt, it makes it difficult to stay safe and healthy. In the midst of a pandemic, this becomes more pronounced as families in crisis end up in overcrowded Read more
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