Incumbent state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-22nd, has announced he is seeking re-election to the General Assembly for the 2021-22 session.

First elected in 2014 to represent the 22nd Legislative District, the Democrat, who is seeking a fourth term, touted his lifelong ties to Allentown, recent legislative victories and expertise in key policy areas.

“It is a joy and honor to serve the people of my hometown in Harrisburg,” Schweyer said. “I love that not only do I get to think about ways to make Allentown better, but I’m responsible for delivering upon those ideas”

Citing a recent string of major policy victories, Schweyer said that the people of Allentown are better off today than when he was first elected.

Discussing education, Schweyer said that the Allentown School District has been awarded an additional $21.4 million increase in state resources over the last two years that has helped keep the district afloat while protecting local property tax payers.

Schweyer also pointed to a groundbreaking agreement between the Allentown School District and Bloomsburg University that came to fruition because of his leadership.

“This historic agreement will allow Allentown kids to attend college with less debt and with fewer obstacles. This is the most consequential policy I have ever worked on,” he commented.

During the 2019-20 legislative session, Schweyer served in a number of key committees and leadership capacities, including sub-committee chairperson of Fiscal Matters on the House Appropriations Committee and sub-committee chairperson on Utilities on the House Consumer Affairs Committee.

He is also a member of the House Liquor Affairs and Ethics committees as well as a member of Legislative Black Caucus, the House Policy Committee and the Bi-Cameral Committee on Property Tax Reform.

Lastly, Schweyer is cofounder and co-chairperson of the bipartisan Literacy Caucus.

Focusing on his work in the district, Schweyer noted he has held about 20 public forums in the last two years including several town hall meetings.

He has also hosted two senior fairs, two car seat safety checks and two successful job fairs.

During the last two years, the City of Allentown and key local organizations have also been awarded significant grant money through Schweyer that will improve the quality of life in the city.

Moving forward, Schweyer cites three major issues that he intends to work on in coming year: improved internet access for the urban core, increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and additional resources for the Allentown School District.