This week, I proudly joined colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in passing H.B. 2370, a critical first step in the multi-year process of repairing the broken, inadequate and unconstitutional system of funding public education in our Commonwealth. Our plan would make critical and long overdue investments to begin to level the playing field without taking one dime from any district. It also would allow local schools to keep $530 million in local tax dollars and provide over $1 billion in tax relief for overburdened taxpayers. And it would do all of this without a tax increase. This plan delivers for every student in Centre County. In the upcoming school year, districts that serve Centre County students would receive nearly $4.5 million in new funding, including almost $300,000 in tax relief for Bald Eagle Area School District. And by reforming excessive payments to underperforming, unaccountable cyber charter schools - who today receive FAR more than they actually need - our districts would be able to keep $4 million of YOUR tax dollars, while still allowing for school choice. That would be a total of nearly $8.5 million in funding this year to improve our schools, again ?????????????? ?? ?????? ???????????????? . Despite much misinformation and even deception, H.B. 2370 is a reasonable, responsible and sustainable path to ensure full and adequate funding for all. It 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
Let’s get the dirty little secret out right now: Cyber Charter Schools – all Charter Schools, in fact – are paid for with your money. Those property tax bills you pay to your local school district? Parents who choose to send their kids to Cyber Charter Schools get that money for the tuition. All those fancy commercials you see? You’re paying for it. All those ads at sports stadiums you see? You’re paying for it. All those educational trips to theme parks and gift cards for parents you see? You’re paying for it. All those mascots and RVs and giveaways you see at public events? You’re paying for it. Just this week a “non-profit” cyber charter school invited lawmakers to join them for an end-of-the-year celebration at – yes – trampoline parks (about $30 per kid per day admission) all over the state and record videos for the schools. You’re paying for all of it. But there’s something you’re not seeing when it comes to where your money is going when it goes to Cyber Charter Schools. In the last few years, the four biggest Cyber Charter Schools have been padding their bank accounts from just over a half-million dollars to just under a half-*billion* dollars. What’s concerning is a lot of that increase is related to the cybers purchasing buildings and land -- which shouldn’t be a priority for Read more
ALLENTOWN, May 16 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chair of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee, issued the following statement on the passing of former Chair James Roebuck. “For thirty-five years Jim Roebuck distinguished himself in service to the people of West Philadelphia and the children of the entire commonwealth. I was lucky enough to see his example on how to lead the Education Committee and be a fierce advocate who still could compromise and negotiate to make sure the ultimate goal was achieved: better schools for every kid. “My colleagues and I will honor Chairman Roebuck in the best way we can: by living up to his exceptional standards fighting for every kid, and I ask every Pennsylvanian to join us in keeping his loved ones and friends in your prayers.” Read more
HARRISBURG, May 3 – The Pennsylvania House Education Committee convened a public hearing Friday afternoon to discuss initiatives to restore Pennsylvania’s teacher pipeline. State Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh), Majority Chairman of the House Education Committee hosted the hearing at the West Chester University Alumni & Foundation Center ballroom. Friday’s hearing featured seven testifiers across three panels, who discuss the impacts of decreasing issuance of Instructional I certificates and the exponential increase in the issuance of emergency permits is having on not only the educator workforce, but also with students in the classroom. “Numbers don’t lie and the numbers for training educators in Pennsylvania are staggering; it’s not an exaggeration to say there is a critical shortage of teachers,” said Schweyer. “Where we used to train roughly 15,000 educators a year, for the past few years, Pennsylvania has been training less than 5,000 educators. We need to ensure we not only support those talented and dedicated people who want to teach in our schools, but also ensure our children are receiving the quality education they are entitled to receive through our state constitution.” Testifiers with PSEA detailed initiatives such as the Educators Rising Program which introduces students who are interested in a teaching career to the professional skillsets and define what they will need in order to be effective Read more
HARRISBURG, May 2 – The Pennsylvania House Education Committee and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus teamed up for a joint hearing Thursday afternoon to discuss financial support and initiatives for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. State Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh), Majority Chairman of the House Education Committee, co-hosted the hearing with state Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery), Chairman of the PLBC at the John Miller Dickey Hall at Lincoln University. The hearing featured more than a dozen testifiers across three panels, who discussed the impacts and necessity for state funding to support the students attending HBCUs. “Investments in higher education can literally be life-changing for many students and that is especially true for those in low-income communities,” said Schweyer. “Lincoln and Cheyney Universities not only provide safe learning environments and paths to success for students, but they are also part of Pennsylvania’s and the country’s history and we need to ensure they continue their mission for generations of students to come.” The hearing also featured testimony from Dr. Brenda A. Allen, President of Lincoln University, Aaron Walton, President of Cheyney University, as well as faculty members and students from both institutions to provide testimony on how these schools have been and continue to prepare students to learn, liberate and lead. “As the nation’s Read more
If my choice for students is to go big or go home, I’m going big. 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. Without getting into the very detailed aspects of this report (you can read it at www.basiceducationfundingcommissions.com ) our plan focused on four basic values: Accountability for taxpayers and families. Adequacy for all students in all schools. Equity for those students living in underfunded districts – especially our smaller cities with older housing stock, lots of untaxed government & church property. Stability and predictability for our school districts when it comes to state funding. After months of testimony from students, families, teachers, superintendents, business managers and education experts we created this roadmap to new, significant investments that will deliver better educational outcomes for all our kids, regardless of where they live. Before the predictable crowing comes from the usual naysayers (you know, the special interest funded groups who want nothing more than to turn our kids’ education into a for-profit scheme), please know we are not seeking more money for our schools just for the sake of getting more money. What we are doing is fulfilling the obligation in the Pennsylvania Constitution for all children to receive a quality education. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – Majority Chairman of the House Education Committee, state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, released the following statement today regarding Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget address: “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. “What the governor proposed today would be the foundation to be built upon year after year. It would be a $1.3 billion investment to ensure adequacy, equity and stability for all 500 Pennsylvania school districts with an emphasis on the districts that need the most support. This would mean children will have better access to state-of-the-art technology, access to more books, STEAM programs and bring more teachers into classrooms to develop, encourage and nurture the young minds of today. “The governor’s education proposal goes even further. It would provide $300 million for school construction and upgrades. The average age for a school building in Pennsylvania is over 70 years old. Every district from urban, suburban and rural alike has at least one building in need of repairs or upgrades. “In the Allentown School District, where my two daughters attend school, Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – As part of his continued commitment to protecting Pennsylvania students, today the House Education Committee, chaired by Majority Chairman state Rep. Peter Schweyer, began two days of hearings to address mental health in schools. “There is no question, Pennsylvania’s children need adequate mental health support to ensure they stay on their path of success,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “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.” House Majority Chair, state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, also attended the hearings. Schlossberg is the legislature’s leading advocate for mental health, founding the House Mental Health Caucus in 2015, working to pass groundbreaking legislation expanding services to first responders, and serving on state and national commissions focusing on improving access to mental health care – sharing his personal struggles to help bring mental health challenges out of the shadows. “I’m thrilled that Chairman Schweyer is holding these hearings. The rise in mental illness – combined with the chronic lack of investment in mental health – means that we need to do more. No more empty words or promises. Read more
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
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
I thoroughly enjoyed reading in high school. I related to Holden Caufield’s teenage disillusionment in the Catcher in the Rye . My early political views were shaped in large part through novels like Animal Farm and The Lord of the Flies ; and my healthy cynicism, and randomly, the embrace of my Irish heritage began when I read A Modest Proposal . My senior year English teacher, Ms. Barbara Psathas , knew that I gained much through reading (she taught me as a sophomore as well) and gave me an assignment to write a report on another important piece of American literature. This time, I wasn’t going to read about someone like me, but rather about a little black girl growing up post Great Depression. Toni Morrison’s seminal work, The Bluest Eye , is not something I would have picked up at the Allentown Public Library or at my local Waldenbooks (yes, I am willfully dating myself with that reference). But being exposed to something that was so far outside of my comfort zone helped me developed a sense of empathy and humanity. This was 1996 – nearly thirty years ago while attending a conservative, mostly white religious high school (Allentown Central Catholic High School), in a blue-collar town (Allentown, PA). If I attended high school today, the odds are that I Read more
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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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