The Allentown School District Family and Community Engagement Welcome Center project received $522,205 and the Casa Guadalupe Center project received $500,120. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 10 – School safety administrators, resource officers, advocates and representatives from Pennsylvania agencies detailed the actions and programs they have undertaken to protect students, teachers and faculty from violence today during a House Education Committee hearing on school safety and security in Harrisburg. “School safety does not just mean safety from gun violence but the protection from and prevention of all forms of violence on school grounds,” said state Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee. “School safety is a multi-faceted issue that requires multi-faceted solutions and collaborations. I am pleased to see these agencies and administrators coming together today to have a meaningful conversation on how school safety currently looks across Pennsylvania and what we can do to continue to build on and improve our policies to ensure the safety of our children and teachers.” Thursday’s hearing at the state Capitol in Harrisburg featured testifiers from Sandy Hook Promise, The District Security Officer for the Bethlehem Area School District, the Superintendent of Northeastern School District, as well as members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Testifiers detailed the various programs and incentives school districts and administrators are undertaking to ensure the safest and secure learning environments are available for Read more
On Thursday, Oct. 10, the House Education Committee convened a hearing on school safety and security. Read more
STATE COLLEGE – Sept. 17 Representatives from several Pennsylvania colleges and universities detailed the actions they have undertaken to increase access to college and programs available to ensure college is affordable for students and their families. "An unfortunate reality for far too many students looking ahead to their future is the costs associated with a college degree are too expensive for them to burden,” said Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee. “While there have been a lot of steps recently undertaken in this year’s budget to address college affordability, including expand access to scholarships, there is still more we can be doing as legislators to ensure costs are manageable for students and their families." Tuesday’s hearing at the Pennsylvania State University’s brand new Engineering Collaborative Research and Education Building featured testifiers from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education, Commonwealth University, Penn Highlands Community College and Point Park University. Testifiers detailed the various programs and incentives available for Pennsylvania students to achieve their college degree. “”Affordability, whether it be the cost of textbooks, reasonable housing options, healthcare for students, and so much more impact a person’s decision to matriculate. But even more, it impacts their ability to succeed and thrive,” said Zion Sykes, President of the Read more
HARRISBURG – Sept. 16 The importance of adult literacy to support economic growth and development were highlighted during a Pennsylvania House Education Committee hearing as members heard testimony on what can be done to expand access to these programs. "Many communities across Pennsylvania, including in my district in the Lehigh Valley, have residents that do not have a high school diploma and others who cannot read above a junior high reading level. This severely impacts their ability to work in family-sustaining careers,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “There is an urgent need for adult literacy programs to help these adults expand their education and obtain skills that will ensure employers can fill their job vacancies." Monday’s hearing featured testifiers from Beyond Literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh, The Literacy Center and I-Lead USA. Testifiers detailed the importance adult literacy programs are in communities across Pennsylvania and how their efforts are breaking barriers for adults to be hired in critical industries. “The Learning Center has witnessed significant enrollment increases for GED programs over the last few years,” said Jennifer Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of The Literacy Center. “More adults need to obtain their high school equivalency diploma to further their education and employment opportunities.” “Beyond the economic benefits, adult education fosters stronger families and more Read more
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the House Education Committee convened an informational meeting to discuss college affordability. Read more
On Monday, Sept. 16, the House Education Committee convened an informational meeting on adult literacy programs and how they benefit students and impact the local and state economies. Read more
HARRISBURG – Sept. 14 Pennsylvania House Education Committee Majority Chair Peter Schweyer today announced that he has been appointed to serve on the new State Board of Higher Education. “Being both a first-generation college student and a longtime supporter of higher education, it is both a privilege and an honor to be appointed by Governor Shapiro to serve in this capacity on the Board of Higher Education,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “Right now, we are seeing students impacted with rising loan totals and employment shortages in critical fields for our economy. I am looking forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to find solutions and policies to provide more affordable access to higher education.” The new State Board of Higher Education brings together leaders from higher education, the business community, labor, students, legislators, and members of the Shapiro Administration to craft a strategic plan for higher education, coordinate between higher education institutions and sectors, make higher education more accessible and affordable for students, and ensure our Commonwealth’s higher education institutions are training students with the skills and credentials needed to fill critical workforce shortages and power our economy for generations to come. The Board will be tasked to create a new Outcomes-Based Funding Council that will deliver recommendations for how best to fund state-related universities and provide a Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer announced this week he has been appointed the Majority Chair of the House Committee on Ethics. “I am honored to be named the chair of the Ethics Committee and continue the efforts of transparency and holding all who serve the people of Pennsylvania accountable,” said Schweyer. “We are living in very polarized and divisive times and it is important that this committee works in a matter that will restore the people’s trust in state government.” The House Committee on Ethics has the responsibility to investigate and deal with violations of House rules, the legislative code of ethics and the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The committee also is responsible for planning and conducting ethics education courses as required by House rules. In addition to this committee assignment, Schweyer also serves as the Majority Chair of the House Education Committee where he continues to advance legislation to provide quality and equitable education for all Pennsylvania students. Schweyer’s district office is located at 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206, Allentown. Residents can stop by or call 610-791-6270 to set up an appointment or for inquiries. Read more
These investments will go a long way to support local organizations, such as Ripple Community, Inc. with providing opportunities for folks to live with dignity in affordable homes. In addition, Davinci and CADCA will continue to nourish and inspire the minds of our children to pursue their dreams. Read more
ALLENTOWN, Sept. 9 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans that his monthly support program will be held on Friday, Sept. 20 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. The 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. 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
As the parent of two daughters in the Allentown School District, I have seen firsthand what no heat in the winter and no A/C in June can mean for students trying to learn. I am pleased to see this much needed money coming to our schools. It will make a huge difference for our children. Read more
ALLENTOWN, Sept. 6 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting area families of upcoming PHEAA financial aid webinars to help explore options beyond graduation. “Many of our high school students are making their decisions on what to do and where to go for their post-graduation education, including the types of scholarships, grants and loans they’ll need to apply for,” said Schweyer. “These PHEAA webinars offer a great way to review they options available, tips for applying and preparing for loan repayments. I encourage all families to participate in these webinars to be better prepared for the next phase of their education.” According to Schweyer, the following webinars are being offered in September and October: Searching for Scholarships & Affording the Balance: Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Noon and Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:30PM. Financial Aid Timeline—Know What to Do When: Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6:30PM and Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Noon. Borrowing for Education—Which Loan is Right for Me?: Tuesday, October 8 at Noon and Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30PM. The Two-Step Approach to Finding an Affordable Higher Education: Thursday, October 10 at 6:30PM and Thursday, October 31 at Noon. Schweyer added, all families looking to participate can register for the webinars, here: https://www.pheaa.org/virtual . Read more
ALLENTOWN, Sept. 5 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is teaming up with Miller-Keystone Blood Center to help address a critical shortage of blood supplies in the Lehigh Valley. Lehigh County residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment during the following times between Sept. 22 and Oct. 3: Monday and Wednesday from 12PM to 7PM and Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30AM to 2PM at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, 740 Hamilton St., Suite 120, Allentown. Donors are encouraged to call 1-800-223-6667 and mention Group ID: E299 when scheduling their appointment. “There will always be a need for blood in order to save lives and only volunteer donors can replenish supplies needed for people in our region,” Schweyer said. “I encourage everyone who is able to sign up and donate. Your blood could be used to save the life of your neighbor, colleague, friend or loved one.” Schweyer added he will be proudly rolling up his sleeve to donate blood on October 3 at 2PM. His office also will be on site at the blood drive to provide information on state programs and resources and to answer questions on state-related issues. Questions can be directed to Schweyer's office at 610-791-6270. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee, joined the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus in Allentown to highlight how increased funding in this year's budget will greatly benefit the Latino community and give Allentown schools the resources they deserve. Read more
ALLENTOWN, July 31 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans that his monthly support program will be held on Friday, Aug. 16 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. The 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. 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
HARRISBURG, July 11 – Pennsylvania House Education Committee Majority Chairman, Peter Schweyer, today issued the following statement on the final passage of the 2024-25 state budget: “Tonight, the General Assembly, in a bipartisan manner, passed a state budget that begins to fix decades of underfunding that have left many schools further behind and invests money where it is needed the most. “This is monumental for me, not just as the Majority Chairman of the House Education Committee, but also as the proud parent of two daughters who go to school in the Allentown School District. This budget makes a significant investment in the schools that have been left behind for far too long. “For the Allentown School District, it means they will have the funding needed to provide safe and updated learning environments for students and teachers. For our neighboring school districts, East Penn and Salisbury Township, they can continue to deliver the same high-quality education they have for years.” Schweyer said the 2024-25 state budget provides the following increases to investments in basic and special education for the three school districts in the 134th Legislative District: Allentown School District – $35 million. East Penn School District – $3.1 million. Salisbury Twp. School District – $506,000. Added Schweyer, “This budget goes beyond the borders of the Lehigh Valley, it supports students and Read more
Chairman of the House Education Committee state Rep. Peter Schweyer spoke on the need to expand the Student Teacher Stipend Program here in the commonwealth. Schweyer says that with the overwhelming demand from applicants and the growing teacher shortage, the need to expand is a must not a want. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 10 – Pennsylvania House Education Committee Majority Chairman, Peter Schweyer, today issued the following statement on the House passage of legislation to significantly improve the school funding system: “Today, my colleagues in the House, in a bipartisan manner, passed a monumental bill that will change the way we fund education in Pennsylvania. A fair and equal education for every Pennsylvania child has been a top priority for me since I first became a legislator, and it has been my most important goal since becoming Chairman of the House Education Committee last year. “I am a very proud parent of two students in the Allentown School District. My oldest daughter attends William Allen High School and my youngest is just wrapping up her 7 th grade year at South Mountain Middle School. I know we have some amazing teachers giving their all to educate our children in ASD, but what I also know is that we are not spending nearly as much money on those students. “Just outside of Allentown is the East Penn School District in Emmaus. That district is doing some incredible work. I had a chance to tour the high school and the students are offered classes on architecture and engineering, with state of the art tools. Nothing in this legislation would take away any of the funding for East Penn students to have these opportunities. What the bill does is ensure that students in districts like Allentown can be Read more
ALLENTOWN, June 7 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans that his monthly support program will be held on Friday, June 21 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. The 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. 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
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