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
HARRISBURG, April 5 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is reminding residents that the window to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program closes at the end of the month. “Many Pennsylvanians are living on fixed incomes or have household budgets that are being pushed to the limit,” Schweyer said. “Programs like LIHEAP are available for these families to get some much-needed financial relief and ensure their homes will have warmth when cold weather arrives.” LIHEAP assists lower-income families in paying their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat are eligible for crisis grants. It is available for both renters and homeowners. The application period for LIHEAP cash and crisis benefits ends Friday, April 30. Schweyer added, “Anyone interested in applying can contact my office at 610-791-6270 to schedule an appointment at my district office – 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206 in Allentown -- or through local county assistance offices.” Masks will be required to be worn during those appointments and CDC safety guidelines will also be in place while inside the office. Applications can also be downloaded from the Department of Human Services website. In addition to helping families sign up for LIHEAP, Schweyer and his staff are available to assist visitors with any state government-related Read more
ALLENTOWN, March 29 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today congratulated the Allentown City School District and two Allentown charter schools who are expected to receive federal funding totaling $93.17 million to help return students to classrooms. “The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant toll on students, their families and school districts across Pennsylvania,” Schweyer said. “These federal dollars will ensure that our schools have the necessary equipment, training, and support to allow students and faculty to return to a safe and clean learning environment.” Schweyer said the breakdown of the federal funding for schools in Allentown is as follows: Allentown School District - $88.1 million Roberto Clemente Charter School -$3.15 million Arts Academy Elementary Charter School - $1.92 million The funding is part of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund passed by Congress and signed by President Biden. The money can be used for food service; professional training; technology purchases; sanitization and cleaning supplies; summer and after-school programs; mental health supports and more. At least 20% of this money is meant to address learning loss and the social, emotional, and academic needs of Read more
HARRISBURG, March 29 – Responding to the Capitol insurrection in January and the signing of new restrictions on voting rights last week in Georgia, House Democrats are taking action to protect American democracy. Today, a website was launched that summarizes policy proposals to defend democracy as well as links to more information and the ability for people to quickly email their elected officials, noting their support of the bills. The House Democratic Caucus has been working on these proposals since a House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing in January, when members were briefed by legal scholars, hate crimes experts and members of Congress on the language of false conspiracy and election fraud being used to undermine democracy. That same language has shifted from encouraging outright attack to what many perceive as insidiously undermining basic voting rights. “We cannot allow the outrage and disgust of the American people watching an armed invasion of our government to be subverted by a slick rebranding into attacks on our right to fair and free elections” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Members of the House Democratic Caucus have introduced dozens of measures to expand voting rights, preserve election security, protect access to mail-in ballots and polling places, and to clarify and consolidate the often-outdated Election Code. Bizzarro said the site – www.pahouse.com/policy/defendingdemocracy -- will serve as a great Read more
For the better part of the last two years, we have been hearing from PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein that we need to reform the way we manage our Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or increase the state’s funding for it. Yesterday, he publicly offered another solution: disband the system all together. I am here to offer an even better next step: Dan Greenstein should resign. Despite many in the legislature supporting higher state investment in the PASSHE schools (myself included), he has been unable to secure a greater increase in funding from the state. But candidly, he has not tried very hard. Instead, he has offered his own plan of consolidation, essentially turning six colleges into two. I have participated in several public hearings with the chancellor where he has been, in my opinion, evasive and vague, explaining just how his plan helps Pennsylvania’s students. If he hasn’t been able to convince me – a strong supporter of the PASSHE system – then it stands to reason that perhaps he is struggling to gain support for his consolidation plan. So, he offers what can only be described as a nuclear option: disband the entire system. There are more than 84,000 Pennsylvanians who are learning either full or part time at a PASSHE school, 2,452 of whom reside in Lehigh County. What kind of message is he sending to those students? As someone who has been in Harrisburg for some time, Read more
In this Community Conversation, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer virtually joins Allentown Police Chief Glenn Granitz Jr. to discuss the recent reduction of crime in Allentown and some new initiatives to make the community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Read more
At a House Appropriations Committee budget hearing with the Department of Education, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer says the antiquated buildings in the Allentown School District pose health and safety concerns, particularly during the pandemic. Schweyer is asking for the necessary resources to upgrade the school district's infrastructure. Read more
At a House Appropriations Committee budget hearing, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer pushes for vaccine equity, particularly in the Allentown School District, which has unique needs and challenges. Schweyer also calls for additional translations on COVID-19 vaccine materials, saying we aren't adequately reaching large groups of people who speak different languages. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer is alerting local veterans his monthly support program will resume next month by virtual appointment only due to COVID-19. A representative from the American Legion will be available for virtual appointments at Schweyer’s district office, 1501 Lehigh St., Suite 206. Appointments are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Friday of every month, starting on March 19. The service officer will 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 a virtual appointment by contacting Schweyer’s office at 610-791-6270. Masks are required and CDC guidelines must be followed during the appointment. Read more
In a budget hearing with the Pa. Department of Corrections, state Rep. Peter Schweyer discusses the challenges facing local prisons due to COVID-19. Schweyer asks Secretary John Wetzel about his efforts to protect inmates and staff, and what the legislature can do to provide any additional resources he needs during this pandemic. Read more
On this episode of Community Conversation, Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer sits down with Melinda Stumpf from PPL Electric Utilities to discuss several assistance programs PPL offers to help customers manage their bills during these difficult times. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, released the following statement regarding the proposals Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled during his 2021-22 budget address today. “The gap between the wealthiest and poorest school districts, the difference in access to health care and economic inequality have always existed and have always been grossly unfair,” Schweyer said. “But those inequities have been exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We all know this, Governor Wolf included. “I’m tired of waiting for a solution and the people I represent are tired of waiting and hoping that something will happen. I’m tired of watching neighbors and friends struggle to keep the lights on and put food on the table. I’m tired of generational poverty spurred on by underfunded schools and inequitable economic opportunities. “Clearly, Governor Wolf is tired of this as well. It has been said many times that a budget proposal really is a statement of priorities and I’m proud to share Governor Wolf’s priorities here. We must make real, structural changes to help provide people across Pennsylvania an equal opportunity to good schools, family sustaining wages and appropriate health care. “This is only the very beginning of the budget process and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to take an active role in Read more
The PA House Democratic whip, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., today announced that state Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Donna Bullock, D-Phila.; Danilo Burgos, D-Phila.; Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin; Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna; Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery; Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington; and Jared Solomon, D-Phila., will serve as deputy whips for the 2021-22 legislative session. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today announced his Pennsylvania House committee assignments for the 2021-22 legislative session. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on these committees, which cover a wide range of issues, including Pennsylvania’s state budget, the status of our state and local economies and keeping an eye on public utility and telecommunications companies while protecting consumers from scams,” Schweyer said. “In these troubling and uncertain times, there is a great deal of work to do this session, and I have confidence that by working together we can make an impactful difference for all Pennsylvanians.” Schweyer said he will be working in the following committees for this session: Appropriations Committee on Committees Consumer Affairs Professional Licensure Schweyer has previously served on the House Appropriations and the Consumer Affairs committees in the 2019-20 legislative session. This is Schweyer’s fourth term serving the 22 nd District. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his fourth term representing the 22nd Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “2021 is time for a fresh start and facing our challenges head-on,” Schweyer said. “As always, I will focus on providing more funding for the Allentown School District, increasing PA’s minimum wage and supporting policies that will create family sustaining jobs. But this year, we have to focus also on our economic and sociological recovery from the havoc COVID 19 has created.” Schweyer’s committee assignments for the 2021-22 session will be announced later this month. Schweyer said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. His office phone number is 610-791-6270 and the email address is RepSchweyer@pahouse.net . Residents also can learn more about Schweyer’s legislative priorities and the services his office provides by visiting his website at RepSchweyer.com , or by visiting his Facebook and Twitter accounts at facebook.com/RepSchweyer and Read more
ALLENTOWN, Dec. 10 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, issued a statement today in response to the latest COVID-19 mitigation efforts announced by Gov. Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine. “Today, in Pennsylvania alone, 11,972 people were confirmed COVID-19 positive. Of those, 371 were from Lehigh County and 413 from Northampton County. These are the facts. “We are not containing this virus and, in fact, the current spike of confirmed COVID-19 cases is significantly higher than any we experienced in March or April. Our healthcare professionals are legitimately scared. “No one wants to ask people to sacrifice more than they already have. No one is happy with Governor Wolf’s announcement. And, it will no doubt cause harm to those small businesses, cooks, servers and others in the restaurant industry. But honestly, at this point, we are in a real crisis and there aren’t many options left. “There is a vaccine right around the corner, so there is hope. But in the meantime, it will be on everyone to continue to pull together, to wear masks and socially distance, and to keep up our spirits in the months before the vaccine is available widespread. “If you are able, please consider purchasing restaurant gift cards as holiday gifts or even just doing take out one night. And please keep our healthcare professionals and frontline workers in mind during Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 9 – State Reps. Peter Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg, both D-Lehigh, today announced state funding totaling $1.73 million has been awarded to several local organizations to improve programs which support criminal justice and victims of abuse programs. “These programs go beyond keeping our communities safe,” Schweyer said. “They provide support and comfort to victims of abuse, young and old, every day. This funding ensures these unfortunate victims will have access to these services when they need them.” "This is another critical investment for the people of Allentown," Schlossberg said. "I am pleased the PCCD acknowledged the hard work and dedication of these organizations and this money will help them continue to have the staff and the resources needed to continue improving our criminal justive system and supporting victims of abuse." The grants awarded Wednesday in Lehigh County include: Lehigh County Chief Executive Officer, $741,623 to help fund operations at Lehigh County Victim/Witness Unit; and $125,000 for the Lehigh County STOP Violence Against Women Program. Crime Victims Council of Lehigh Valley, $239,570 for the Victims of Juvenile Offenders Program. Lehigh Valley Hospital Inc., $46,992 to strengthen the John Van Brakle Child Advocacy Center’s support of child victims of sexual and physical abuse. Lehigh County Probation, $573,536 to Read more
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