Legislators ask for release of families, children in face of COVID pandemic, unsanitary conditions Read more
As of this writing, there are approximately 750,000 Pennsylvania votes that need to be counted. That is more than 750,000 Pennsylvanians who lawfully casted their vote and deserve to be heard. Counting every citizen’s legal, timely vote is imperative. As workers securely make progress on tallying the results, we must be patient. This process may take several days, but the integrity and sanctity of the vote in our state must be maintained. Last Fall, in a bipartisan showing, the Pennsylvania General Assembly agreed to allow for mail-in ballots. Since then, House Democrats have made many efforts to help clarify any confusion about the process and give local election boards the tools needed to securely and expeditiously process votes cast by mail. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues chose political gamesmanship over a genuine effort to ensure a smooth election. Their inaction failed to allow for the early processing of ballots received – as 32 other states permit-- and, in turn, why there is a delay in knowing the outcome of this election. The ambiguity in the law did not address their local official’s concerns; nor does it protect every Pennsylvanian’s constitutional right to vote and our obligation to make sure those votes are counted. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that we uphold the freedoms guaranteed in our state and nation’s constitution. In these unprecedented times, the voters must have the final say, not the candidates or Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is reminding college-bound students and their parents or guardians that now is the time to start the application process for financial assistance. “Applying for student loans can be confusing and complicated for families,” Schweyer said. “My office is available to assist with navigating the various options and programs and complete the application process. That will make it easier to meet the deadlines set by colleges and universities.” According to Schweyer, PHEAA Student Aid guidebooks, which provide a complete overview of the financial aid process, are available in his district office located at 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person visits to the office are by appointment only by calling 610-791-6270. When arriving for your appointment please make sure you are properly wearing a mask. The guidebooks also include information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for state and federal aid programs such as the Pennsylvania State Grant and work-study employment, Pell grants, Perkins loans and Stafford loans. Many colleges also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for school-based aid such as private grants and need-based scholarships. Schweyer noted there are other resources available to students as they prepare for college. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has a Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on utility shut-offs. Schweyer requested the hearing to discuss what the legislature can do to protect consumers faced with their utilities being shut off, especially during a pandemic. Schweyer was joined by state legislators from across the state and several utility industry leaders. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created new and unprecedented challenges for many families across the commonwealth,” Schweyer said. “With winter coming and temperatures starting to drop, people should not have to worry about having their heat, electric or water shut-off on top of keeping their families healthy and figuring out how to put food on their tables.” Testifiers during the hearing included Tanya McCloskey, acting Pennsylvania consumer advocate; Elizabeth Marx, executive director, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project; Gladys Brown Dutrieulle, chairman, Pennsylvania Utility Commission; and Terry Fitzpatrick, president and CEO, Energy Association of Pennsylvania. Hearing testimony and video will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=488K86I9kno . Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on utility shutoffs. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building. The media and public are invited to watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . Requested by Rep. Pete Schweyer, D-Lehigh, the hearing will discuss what more the legislature can do to protect consumers faced with their utilities being shut off, especially during a pandemic. Testifiers will speak remotely, while members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Tanya McCloskey , acting Pennsylvania consumer advocate. Elizabeth Marx , executive director, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project. Gladys Brown Dutrieuille , chairman, Pennsylvania Utility Commission. Terry Fitzpatrick , president and CEO, Energy Association of Pennsylvania. Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
ALLENTOWN, Oct. 7 – Amid the health concerns of the flu and the COVID-19 pandemic, State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is encouraging residents of the 22 nd Legislative District to attend one of his flu shot and COVID-19 testing and education clinics in Allentown. The clinics will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday October 13 and Wednesday, October 14 at Bucky Boyle Park. 10 Pump Place, Allentown. "With the flu season upon us, it is absolutely critical we protect ourselves from influenza as we continue fighting COVID-19," Schweyer said. "These clinics will provide a one-stop shop to get a flu shot, get tested for COVID-19 and learn the symptoms to watch out for and how to prevent the spread of the virus." Schweyer said his office is partnering with Saint Luke's Hospital and Health Network, the Allentown Health Bureau and other local community organizations for the clinics. Additionally, attendees will be able to learn about how his office can provide assistance on various state-related issues. Schweyer is also reminding residents about the free COVID Alert PA app which can send notifications to their smart phones if they are potentially exposed to COVID-19 when they travel through Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey or Delaware. The app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “COVID Alert PA.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer encourages all Pennsylvanians who may have lost their jobs and health insurance due to COVID-19 to visit pennie.com, the new state-based health insurance exchange for affordable coverage options. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer participated in a discussion in Allentown to hear from residents and law enforcement about their experiences and discuss what can be done to advance additional criminal justice reform in Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 28 – As part of their ongoing efforts to reform Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system, state Reps. Peter Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg, both D-Lehigh, will hold a criminal justice roundtable this Friday in Allentown. The roundtable will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Life Church at St. Paul’s, 38 South 8 th St., Allentown. Schweyer and Schlossberg will be joined by House Minority Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila, and members of the community to hear their issues and concerns to be addressed in reforming the criminal justice system and improving police relations with citizens. Schweyer added the roundtable will be streamed live on his Facebook page. Read more
Important updates and information on COVID-19 mitigation, safety, and in our community. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer hosted a joint hearing of the House Democratic Policy Committee and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to discuss the importance of police reforms, particularly in smaller cities such as Allentown. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today announced his district office in Allentown has reopened for appointments only. “My staff and I have been assisting hundreds of constituents during the coronavirus pandemic by phone and email,” Schweyer said. “With Lehigh County now in the Green Phase it will be nice to begin providing safe in-person services once again.” Schweyer added all constituents who need assistance must first contact the district office by phone at 610-791-6270 or email at RepSchweyer@pahouse.net to set up an appointment. The office will be 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 not come to the office. Read more
Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief beginning Monday, June 29. At that time, applications will be accessible from a red banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s website at www.PHFA.org . Homeowners who became unemployed after March 1 or who suffered at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income due to reduced work hours and wages related to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance to help with missed mortgage payments. To qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program, the applicant must be an owner-occupant of their residence, the dwelling must consist of one or two separate units, the mortgage must be at least 30 days delinquent, and the applicant-homeowner’s annual household income must not exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For renters to be eligible for financial assistance under the CARES Rent Relief Program, they will need to document at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income since March 1 related to COVID-19, or they must have become unemployed after March 1. If unemployed, they must have filed for Unemployment Compensation. Their household income cannot exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For more information Read more
Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 23 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans to expect delays in responses from local American Legion and regional Veterans Affairs offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Legion Philadelphia Service Office remains closed indefinitely. Veterans and their families can expect significant delays on all replies during the pandemic. Once those offices resume in person visits, Schweyer said the monthly veterans outreach program will resume at his district office. The Department of Veterans Affairs has also closed its regional offices due to COVID-19. All hearings are postponed indefinitely, and all appointments are cancelled. The VA call center is open for anyone with critical questions at 1-800-827-1000. Schweyer added his staff is still available to help via phone and email. Please call 610-791-6270 or email RepSchweyer@pahouse.net . “We are preparing the office to reopen to the public, hopefully by next week,” Schweyer said. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 22 – Homeowners and renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to access applications for federal CARES Act assistance next week, according to state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many Pennsylvania families to face extremely difficult financial burdens,” Schweyer said. “We need to make sure these hardworking people are able to get the financial assistance they need quickly to ensure they keep a roof over their heads.” According to Schweyer, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will have applications for CARES Act assistance available for renters and homeowners on Monday, June 29 . Those applications can be submitted on July 6. Renters who qualify may receive assistance equal to 100% of their monthly rent up to $750 a month for a maximum of six months of assistance for the time period between March 1 and Nov. 30. The assistance available for homeowners who qualify may be up to $1,000 a month for a maximum period of six months. Applications and qualification requirements can be found at the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's website, https://www.phfa.org . Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses why he voted against a House Republican resolution that would terminate the governor's emergency disaster declaration. Schweyer says that now is not the time to cease our mitigation efforts and risk further spread of the virus. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer voted no on the stopgap budget which recently passed the House, saying it failed to address a potential rise in local property taxes from the loss of revenue from coronavirus closures of casinos in Lehigh County. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 19 – A bill that will speed up the distribution of property tax/rent rebate payments for Pennsylvania seniors was signed into law today by Gov. Tom Wolf, according to state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “Many of our seniors live on fixed incomes and in these uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic we need to ensure that everyone, especially our vulnerable populations, are able to put food on their tables,” Schweyer said. “I am pleased to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize this important issue and unanimously pass this bill.” Property tax and rent rebate payments will now be made immediately instead of waiting until July 1. It also directs the departments of Revenue and Treasury to process 2019 rebate payments for all homeowners and renters who received a 2018 rebate. For anyone who became eligible in the past year, those rebates would also be issued immediately upon receipt of their application instead of waiting until July. Schweyer said he also wants to ensure residents understand that the property tax/rent rebate payments are being sent out to those who have already filed for them. If residents have not yet applied, the sooner the application is filed the sooner the payment will be made. Read more
HARRISBURG, MAY 13 – A new bill that would increase funding to the Neighborhood Assistance Program during the COVID-19 pandemic was introduced today by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting each and every one of us, and we all must come together to help each other and our communities in these uncertain times,” Schweyer said. “I have seen firsthand how neighborhood assistance programs are benefitting my home district of Allentown, and by increasing funding, more public-private partnerships will be able to provide much-needed quick relief and community support across Pennsylvania.” H.B. 2523 would provide an additional $10 million in Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits to be dedicated exclusively to “public health concerns.” Schweyer said that the NAP recently received increased funding from $18 million to $36 million but still isn’t funded enough to provide credits to all the worthy programs that apply. The bill will be referred to a committee during House session. Read more
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