Peter G. Schweyer

Peter George Schweyer is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing District 134 in Lehigh County. He was first elected to the state legislature in 2014 and has served continuously since then, initially representing the 22nd District before redistricting moved him to the 134th District in 2023.

Born and raised in Allentown on July 26, 1978, Schweyer has maintained deep roots in his community throughout his career. Before entering the state legislature, he served nearly six years on Allentown City Council, including a tenure as Council President. During his time on council, he reformed the city's finances and pension system, created a gun buyback program, and authored the city's comprehensive anti-graffiti law.

Prior to his council service, Schweyer worked as director of community and government affairs for Sacred Heart Hospital in Center City Allentown, where he directed the hospital's community health and development initiatives. He also has experience as a seventh-grade teacher and has worked as a legislative aide.

Education

Schweyer is a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University's Schreyer's Honors College, graduating in 2000 with a major in Political Science. He pursued post-graduate studies in elementary education at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia.

Political Experience and Notable Achievements

In the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Schweyer serves as Majority Chairperson of the House Education Committee, where he has led significant education reform efforts. He played a central role in creating Pennsylvania's new education funding formula through his work on the Basic Education Funding Commission, which resulted in the 2024 BEFC Report—now the state's blueprint for funding public schools. In addition to his education work, he has crafted the most significant reform to Pennsylvania's higher education system in nearly four decades, including the creation of new scholarships and the State Board of Higher Education.

Beyond education policy, Schweyer has authored legislation supporting the Lehigh Valley's craft beer, wine, and spirits industry; championed renewable energy initiatives, particularly community solar projects; worked on criminal justice reform; and served on the bipartisan medical marijuana policy work group that crafted Pennsylvania's medical marijuana law. He has also been a vocal advocate for gun violence prevention.

Currently, Schweyer serves as a member of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency board and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. He has been appointed to the National Conference of State Legislatures' Higher Education Task Force and is a member of the Education Commission of the States.