Schweyer Presented with Friend of Penn State Legislative Award

(8 hours ago)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chairman of the House Education Committee, was presented with the Friend of Penn State Legislative Award during PSU's Capitol Day in Harrisburg. Schweyer, a graduate of Penn State, thanked the students for their advocacy and says he will continue fighting to invest in higher education so other students have an opportunity to succeed like he did. Read more

 

The choice for is clear for educating our children, we need to go big

(Feb 14, 2024)

As a member of the Basic Education Funding Commission, I joined with a majority of my colleagues in approving a roadmap that would dramatically change the way that we educate the children in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Schweyer: Protecting PA Kids on Social Media

(Feb 08, 2024)

Having recently completed a statewide tour with the Basic Education Funding Commission, PA House Education Committee Chairman Pete Schweyer understands the need for legislation to protect PA kids on social media platforms. That’s why he’s supporting legislation that would require social media companies to monitor the chats of two or more minors and notify parents of sensitive or graphic content, strengthen proof of age verification on social media, and prohibit data mining for users under the age of 18. Read more

 

Schweyer Applauds Ambitious Budget Proposal

(Feb 07, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer applauds Governor Shapiro's ambitious budget proposal and its impact on people across Pennsylvania, particularly in regard to education funding. Schweyer says he's excited to get to work on this proposal and help students receive the resources they need to be successful. Read more

 

Schweyer applauds Shapiro’s education priorities in budget address

(Feb 06, 2024)

Today, Pennsylvania families heard the Governor propose a plan to ensure every student from Kindergartener to college senior, has the same access to a quality education regardless of their zip code. For too long, the system in place to fund Pennsylvania schools was leaving too many districts in the red and more egregiously, too many students behind Read more

 

Schweyer’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Feb. 16

(Feb 02, 2024)

ALLENTOWN, Feb. 2 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans that his monthly support program will be held on Friday, Feb. 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

 

Schweyer issues statement on Gov. Shapiro’s plan to streamline higher education and put students first

(Jan 26, 2024)

The governor’s plan to streamline operations is a great proposal that aligns with the modern changes we’ve been pushing for, and my committee is going to work hard to get the facts on what works and what we can do better for the students – because what’s good for them is good for our commonwealth in the long run. Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor Shapiro’s Plan to Build a Student-first Streamlined Higher Education System

(Jan 26, 2024)

House Democratic Leaders' statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to build a student-first streamlined higher education system to ensure higher education is affordable and accessible to all.   Read more

 

Education Committee Informational Meeting on Mental Health, Day 2 Testimony

(Jan 18, 2024)

The House Education Committee held its second day of hearings regarding school based mental health. Read more

 

House Education Committee convenes two-day hearing to address mental health in schools

(Jan 17, 2024)

There is no question, Pennsylvania’s children need adequate mental health support to ensure they stay on their path of success. However, due to years of underfunding, school districts have faced provider and staffing shortages and as a result, students are left with insufficient programs and support. The hearings this week highlight both the importance of school based mental health support and the immediate need for them to help our children. Read more

 

Education Committee Informational Meeting on Mental Health, Day 1 Testimony

(Jan 17, 2024)

On Wednesday, Jan. 17, the House Education Committee convened for a two-day hearing regarding school-based mental health. Read more

 

Schweyer: BEFC Report Creates New Pathway for Equitable Education Funding

(Jan 11, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer, Chair of the House Education Committee, is pleased with the final report from the Basic Education Funding Commission and feels its recommendations could have a huge impact for students across the commonwealth. In addition to increased funding for school districts that need it most, Schweyer says the report also aims to provide property tax relief and invest in new school buildings. Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders laud significant, targeted investments proposed in education funding report

(Jan 11, 2024)

Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders today issued the following statement on a report and recommendations passed by the Basic Education Funding Commission today: Read more

 

Schweyer statement on Basic Education Funding Commission report

(Jan 11, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – Majority Chairman of the House Education Committee and member of the Basic Education Funding Commission, state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, released the following statement today regarding the commission’s report on Pennsylvania’s education funding: “Our goal was clear even before the Commonwealth Court decision – every kid in Pennsylvania deserves access to a quality education regardless of where they live. And for far too long, too many kids were being left behind. “The commission traveled across the commonwealth from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh with many stops in between. We heard from hundreds of superintendents, professional educators, think tanks and researchers about all the ways we can improve our system of education. However, the most important stories I took to heart were the stories of two students from an urban school district whose teachers often leave to more lucrative jobs in suburban districts. “These two kids would tell me stories of not having heat in their buildings and classrooms which do not have anything close to modern technology. Their stories were the ones that mattered most to me because those two students are my daughters who happen to attend the Allentown School District. Despite of all of the best efforts of the teachers and professionals at ASD, they can never outrun the fact that they are chronically underfunded. “I refuse to improve districts like mine at the Read more

 

2024 Capitol Scenes Calendar

(Jan 08, 2024)

Download my 2024 Capitol Scenes Calendar. Read more

 

Schweyer’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Jan. 19

(Jan 05, 2024)

ALLENTOWN, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, is alerting local veterans that his monthly support program will be held on Friday, Jan. 19 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

 

Schweyer Applauds School Facility Construction Funding

(Dec 21, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Peter Schweyer, chair of the House Education Committee, spoke at a press conference at South Philadelphia High School highlighting how additional funding for school facilities will help schools across Pennsylvania, including William Allen High School in his district which desperately needs a new boiler system. Schweyer thanked his colleagues for getting this measure across the finish line and will continue fighting for additional funding to upgrade aging school facilities. Read more

 

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities

(Dec 21, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 – Today, House Appropriations Committee Majority Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School discussing school facilities funding in the 2023-24 state budget. The budget includes $175 million for school facility improvements. Pennsylvania has some of the oldest schools in the country. The average school building is around 70 years old and was built when lead pipes and asbestos were standard building materials. Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to school closures across the Commonwealth, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023 alone. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat. Harris stated that he believes this funding will help to address this issue that’s plagued Pennsylvania schools for a long time. “This funding is paramount to improving the health and safety of our educators, students and school staff, Harris said. “This major Democratic priority is a significant investment and critical step toward ensuring that receiving an education in Pennsylvania does not equate to sick or injured students, teachers, or staff. There is more work to do, and we intend to continue our work until every Pennsylvania school is a safe learning environment for our children.” Harris was joined by members of the Philadelphia House Delegation, including state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Read more

 

Lehigh legislators, officials applaud law to add judge to Court of Common Pleas

(Dec 20, 2023)

Based on court statistics, Lehigh has some of the highest caseloads among similar counties but has as many as five fewer judges comparatively. Read more

 

LVHN Planning Merge With Jefferson Health Network

(Dec 20, 2023)

Both state Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Peter Schweyer of Lehigh County promised to continue communication with LVHN to ensure continued quality care and job security. Read more

 

Schweyer Presented with Friend of Penn State Legislative Award
8 hours ago

The choice for is clear for educating our children, we need to go big
Feb 14, 2024

Schweyer: Protecting PA Kids on Social Media
Feb 08, 2024

Schweyer Applauds Ambitious Budget Proposal
Feb 07, 2024

Schweyer applauds Shapiro’s education priorities in budget address
Feb 06, 2024

Schweyer’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Feb. 16
Feb 02, 2024

Schweyer issues statement on Gov. Shapiro’s plan to streamline higher education and put students first
Jan 26, 2024

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor Shapiro’s Plan to Build a Student-first Streamlined Higher Education System
Jan 26, 2024

Education Committee Informational Meeting on Mental Health, Day 2 Testimony
Jan 18, 2024

House Education Committee convenes two-day hearing to address mental health in schools
Jan 17, 2024

Education Committee Informational Meeting on Mental Health, Day 1 Testimony
Jan 17, 2024

Schweyer: BEFC Report Creates New Pathway for Equitable Education Funding
Jan 11, 2024

House Democratic Leaders laud significant, targeted investments proposed in education funding report
Jan 11, 2024

Schweyer statement on Basic Education Funding Commission report
Jan 11, 2024

2024 Capitol Scenes Calendar
Jan 08, 2024

Schweyer’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Jan. 19
Jan 05, 2024

Schweyer Applauds School Facility Construction Funding
Dec 21, 2023

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities
Dec 21, 2023

Lehigh legislators, officials applaud law to add judge to Court of Common Pleas
Dec 20, 2023

LVHN Planning Merge With Jefferson Health Network
Dec 20, 2023