Testifiers detail importance of dual enrollment & college affordability programs in Pennsylvania

(Oct 20, 2023)

SHIPPENSBURG, Oct. 19 – The PA House Education Committee convened an informational meeting Thursday morning to highlight the impacts of dual enrollment programs and ensuring college affordability for Pennsylvania students. “As a first generation college student, I know how having affordable college costs was essential for my path to success,” said state Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chairman of the PA House Education Committee. “By keeping tuition and costs low for families and by encouraging educational programs like dual enrollment, we can help students achieve their academic goals and have the same opportunities for success I had.” The meeting, hosted at Shippensburg University, featured testimony regarding the benefits for students who participated in dual enrollment programs from Dr. Ann Bieber, President of Lehigh Carbon Community College. “The educational benefit of dual enrollment begins in high school, as students enrolled in dual enrollment programs are more likely to graduate high school,” said Bieber. “The rigor of the coursework provided by community colleges in turn improves college readiness, which results in higher postsecondary completion rates for dual enrollment program students as compared to their peers.” The hearing also featured testimony on ongoing efforts to make college more affordable for Pennsylvania students and families from Dr. Kara Lakowski, Chair of the Department of Communication Read more

 

Kutztown University Hosts Informative Legislative Breakfast to Strengthen Higher Education

(Sep 27, 2023)

KUTZTOWN, Sept. 27 – Kutztown University hosted a Legislative Breakfast Friday , Sept. 22, as distinguished legislative panelists convened at the McFarland Student Union for a meaningful conversation, sharing insights and collaborating on strategies to enhance the higher education system. The projected economic impact of Kutztown University in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the 2022-2023 fiscal year is detailed below, with ranks among Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions, tracing the flow of goods and services throughout the economy. Total Economic Impact Kutztown University’s total economic impact: $356,416,862 (third in PASSHE). Economic Impact to State Appropriations Ratio For every dollar invested by the commonwealth to the State System, an average return of approximately $8.01 in economic impact is projected. The highest return to the commonwealth was $9.44, generated by Kutztown University. Composite Spending Consists of the job opportunities that are created from the direct spending of each institution, faculty and staff, students, or direct composite spending. Total jobs supported by KU: 4,272 (third in PASSHE). Composite direct spending by KU: $284,443,259 (third in PASSHE). Student Spending KU total impact of student spending: $135,068,735 (second in PASSHE). Faculty/Staff Spending KU total impact of faculty and staff spending: $73,781,166 (sixth in PASSHE). Consumption Read more

 

Testifiers emphasize school repairs, upgrades to provide safe, quality education for students

(Sep 13, 2023)

ALLENTOWN, Sept. 12 – Testifiers detailed the critical importance of adequate funding for school districts to address building repairs, upgrades and maintenance to keep students and faculty safe during a Basic Education Funding Commission hearing today. “Mother Nature helped prove the need is right now for school building funding with the oppressive heat wave last week,” said Schweyer, Majority Chairman of the PA House Education Committee (D-Lehigh). “Many school districts across PA closed or adjusted to virtual learning during the extreme heat because there was no air conditioning or means to protect students and staff from the excessive temperatures. Our children have waited long enough and should not have to continue to learn in substandard conditions.” The hearing was hosted by Schweyer and state Sen. Nick Miller at the Allentown School District Administration Building and included testimony from the superintendents of the Allentown, Bethlehem and Salisbury school districts as well as other education advocates to discuss the impacts of classroom environments on students’ abilities to learn. "I am glad the BEFC began the hearings right here in Allentown. As a former school board member, education has long been a passion of mine. My district includes 10 school districts, ranging from rural to suburban to urban, across the Lehigh Valley, all with unique needs we are addressing,” said Miller, D-Lehigh. “Listening to Read more

 

State legislators speak about importance of improving education at news conference

(Aug 11, 2023)

ALLENTOWN, Aug. 11 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, chairman of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee, joined school administration staff, teachers, parents and fellow legislators in Allentown this morning to speak about the importance of improving education. Schweyer specifically spoke about better schools and ensuring children have access to quality education as well as teacher retention, all being key priorities for him and his House Democratic colleagues. “This school we are at today wasn’t built before smartphones -- it was built before telephones were invented, but that doesn’t mean the kids who go here don’t deserve the same opportunities kids in rich districts get,” Schweyer said. “It’s not just about the total dollars we put into education, it’s about making sure every kid has the tools they need to succeed, no matter where they go to school or how involved their parents can be. There’s nothing more American than good public schools giving every kid a chance. That’s what we’re fighting for today.” Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Josh Siegel and state Sen. Nick Miller were also present to speak about the importance of better schools and facility improvement. “Studies show that when teachers leave a school, they aren’t going to another. They’re leaving teaching altogether. Not only is this issue costly for the school because they have to replace those teachers, but it Read more

 

Pa. House passes Schweyer’s Safer, Better Schools legislation

(Jun 27, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer today announced his bill to establish a grant program for schools to make critical upgrades and repairs passed the full House Monday evening. “ The average age of public schools in Pennsylvania is roughly 70 years old and many are in need of repairs and upgrades to ensure students and staff have safe and comfortable learning environment s ,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I am pleased to see bipartisan support for this bill as this would benefit schools across the commonwealth in urban, suburban and rural communities.” According to Schweyer, HB 1408 would establish the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. It would provide funding for schools to make necessary and essential improvements to existing school buildings, such as roof repairs, updating or installation of HVAC systems and lead and asbestos remediation. School districts, intermediate units and career and technical schools would be able to apply for grants of up to 75% of their project’s costs with a cap at $5 million. Added Schweyer, “The current school construction program, PlanCon, focuses on new building and major construction projects, it does not help school districts pay for basic maintenance, routine upgrades or to clean up harmful environmental hazards. This bill would make sure students only have to worry about learning in their classroom.” Schweyer said the legislation now moves to the Senate Read more

 

House Education Committee advances bills supporting students & strengthening schoolteachers

(Jun 13, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 12 – The PA House Education Committee, chaired by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, today advanced three bills which provide support for Pennsylvania students and educators. “Many students in Pennsylvania begin their higher education studies at area community colleges before transferring to a traditional four-year college or university,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “This legislation would ensure students who earn their associate degree are able to transfer to four-year schools as a Junior.” According to Schweyer, the House Education Committee approved the following bills at today’s meeting: HB 897 – would make it easier for PA students to transfer credits from an accredited community college to a four-year PASSHE school. HB 1331 – would provide PA student teachers a cost-of-living stipend helps them learn and earn as they prepare to build the next generation. SB 84 – would protect teachers’ right to Freedom of Religious Expression. Added Schweyer, “We’re also continuing to address the teacher shortage crisis which continues to impact Pennsylvania students. Recruiting and retaining quality teachers is a high priority. We shouldn’t be asking student teachers to have to dig into their own pockets to pay to learn to teach. “Right now, a teacher who wears a cross, Star of David, crescent, or any symbol or garb which professes their faith are subjected to year-long Read more

 

House Education Committee advances bill to remove educator certification barriers for Pennsylvania immigrants

(Jun 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 6 – Legislation which would eliminate barriers to educator certification for immigrants in Pennsylvania advanced in the PA House Education Committee, Majority Chairman Peter Schweyer announced today. “Pennsylvania is facing an immense teacher shortage crisis and school districts across the commonwealth need every tool possible to find and retain qualified educators to teach our students,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “Right now, immigrants in Pennsylvania who have the visas to work in the United States cannot apply for educator certification. This bill would allow prospective teachers with valid immigrant visas, work visas or employment authorization to apply for certification.” According to Schweyer, under House Bill 1067 , the Public School Code would be amended so department certified or permitted teachers who hold a valid immigrant visa, work visa, or valid employment authorization document which allows them to work in the United States would be eligible to apply for educator certification to teach in public schools in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, the bill’s prime sponsor, said her legislation would create new avenues of opportunity for qualified and trained immigrants. “Pennsylvania’s lack of teachers is worsening, but qualified immigrants can help with this teaching crisis,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “Employers are struggling to fill vacancies; we need to Read more

 

House Education Committee advances bills to help military families take next steps and plan their future

(May 22, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 22 – The PA House Education Committee, chaired by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, today advanced legislation to support the men and women who selflessly serve our country and defend our freedom. “Our brave military heroes put their lives on the line every day and not only deserve our thanks and respect, but also the opportunities for their families to further their education and plan for their future,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “With these measures, we can make education more affordable and help dependents of our military families continue their college education here in Pennsylvania.” According to Schweyer, the House Education Committee approved the following bills at today’s meeting: HB 804 – would guarantee in-state tuition for reassigned military families HB 1094 – would advance enrollment for military families HB 1097 – would allow schools to hold a moment of silence in observance of 9/11 “The House Education Committee is committed to improving educational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians and efforts to deliver better schools for every student,” added Schweyer. All three bills will now be brought to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

Schweyer: Helping our heroes take the next step

(May 10, 2023)

The men and women who put themselves into harm’s way to defend our freedom deserve our thanks and our respect – but we are certainly not stopping there. Read more

 

Schweyer: House delivers bills to get – and keep – more teachers on the job

(May 02, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 2 – The state House this week passed three bills which address both teacher shortages and a new tutoring program for students, and they now head to the Senate for consideration, according to state Rep. Peter Schweyer. “Pennsylvania has been facing a serious teacher shortage problem for many years now as high-caliber teachers are leaving early and districts have been struggling to recruit and retain the same quality teachers,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I am pleased to see these measures move to the Senate as we are now one step closer in helping to improve the quality of education for our children.” The House passed the following three bills during this week’s session: HB 100 – from state Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton: Would amend the Public-School Code to require the State Board of Education to establish a tutoring program for students in grades eleven and twelve to tutor students in lower grades. HB 141 – from state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh: Would establish the Grow Our Own Educators Program. HB 688 – from state Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks: Would amend the Public-School Code to establish the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program. “There are many facets to Pennsylvania’s education crisis and it will require many bills to address them all and bring meaningful solutions for every student and teacher in the commonwealth,” said Schweyer. Schweyer, who Read more

 

House Education Committee advances bills to address teacher shortages & student protections

(Apr 26, 2023)

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Following through on his commitment to putting students and educators first, the PA House Education Committee chaired by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, this week advanced legislation to address shortages and student protections. “Every Pennsylvania student is entitled to a quality education and unfortunately Pennsylvania faces an education crisis with teachers leaving the profession early and teaching becoming a profession many higher-education students do not want to study,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “These measures would help school districts recruit and maintain the high-caliber teachers that are needed and also help students to achieve the best possible pathway to success.” According to Schweyer, the House Education Committee approved the following bills at this week’s meetings: HB 100 – Would amend the Public-School Code to require the State Board of Education to establish a tutoring program for students in grades eleven and twelve. HB 141 – Would establish the Grow Our Own Educators Program. HB 688 – Would amend the Public-School Code to establish the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program. Schweyer added, earlier this month the House Education Committee advanced four other bills which provide protections for students and improve the quality of their education. HB 148 – Would create an Eating Disorders Taskforce within the PA Department of Education. HB 301 – Would Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: Cybercharters, tough budgets plague Pennsylvania schools

(Apr 12, 2023)

At the end of the day, our education system is our people. It is our students, our teachers, our staff, our school board members — and they are not broken. The way that we in the General Assembly choose to fund them, or not, is broken. Read more

 

Schweyer named Education Committee majority chairman

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer today announced that he has been appointed to serve as the majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee. “It is truly an honor to be appointed by Speaker McClinton to serve as chairman of the Education Committee,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “Educating our children is one of the most important priorities of any legislator and as the parent of two children attending the Allentown School District, I have seen and experienced overcrowded classrooms, outdated and worn out buildings and the massive inequities between wealthy and low-income school districts. I am looking forward to working in a bipartisan manner to craft meaningful and beneficial legislation that gives every Pennsylvania student the chance to learn and succeed.” The Education Committee reviews bills that address educational funding for 500 school districts, community college and higher education institutions, school choice and charter schools, teacher standards and more. In addition, the committee reviews legislation that would impact the Department of Education, numerous boards, including the State Board of Education, State Public School Building Authority and Public School Employees Retirement System, as well as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Association and the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education. Schweyer represents the newly drawn 134th Legislative District which serves portions of Read more