Advocacy Updates with State Legislators- Lehigh Valley and Reading Webinar

Rep. Bradford proudly represents the citizens of central Montgomery County, while serving in Democratic leadership as chair of the House Appropriations Committee. As chair, Matt is committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested and used responsibly in the state budget to provide the best quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. Prior to being elected by his peers as Appropriations Chair, Matt served for two years as chair of the House State Government Committee and spent eight years as a member of the Appropriations Committee, where he became known for pushing back against harsh cuts to public education funding, advocating for good, family-sustaining jobs and high quality healthcare. As a father of four, Matt has seen first-hand the vitally important role a school plays in shaping children’s lives, and has dedicated his work as an elected official to ensuring all kids have access to high-quality public schools.
In addition to serving in the General Assembly, Matt is of counsel at a municipal law firm and continues to assist local public officials in confronting the pressing policy issues that impact hardworking Pennsylvanians.

Sen. Judy Schwank recognizes that the needs and concerns of residents of the 11th Senatorial District are not limited by its boundaries. Her achievements in government and nonprofit realms reflect Judy’s interest in and advocacy for sustainable growth and prosperity, both locally and statewide. Sen. Schwank has dedicated most of her adult life to public service. A former Berks County Commissioner, Sen. Schwank has been committed to serving the people of Berks County. Her passion for promoting sustainable growth, prosperity, and preserving agricultural integrity has been exemplified through her many accomplishments in public service.

Following college, Sen. Schwank worked as a Berks County horticultural agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension and established the Master Gardener Program. She became director of the Berks County Cooperative Extension Program in 1991 and was elected as the first female Berks County Commissioner in 2000. Sen. Schwank’s interest in creating a sustainable Pennsylvania has drawn her to public service roles in the government and nonprofit realms.

As President of 10,000 Friends, Sen. Schwank provided support to organizations and individuals committed to improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvania residents. Under her leadership the non-profit agency developed policies and actions to revitalize and sustain Pennsylvania’s social and economic climate in order to encourage responsible land use, sustainable development, and promote agricultural heritage. Most recently Sen. Schwank served as the Dean of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College.She attributes her success to her parents who taught her that public service, a strong work ethic and personal integrity were the keys to a rewarding life.

She serves as the Democratic chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. During the current (2021-22) legislative session, she also will serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Aging & Youth, Game and Fisheries, and Health and Human Services Committees.