September 4, 2019
Bucks County Reps. John Galloway, Perry Warren and other area legislators support bills that would address the problem of misusing the independent contractor designation.
Misuse of the independent contractor designation for workers, primarily in the construction industry, is costing the state and federal governments a combined total of about $300 million in lost revenue, two local state lawmakers said during a news conference Wednesday.
August 27, 2019
The DEP earlier this year issued a draft decision to “downgrade” the status of the Tohickon Creek. The department now says it will study whether the Nockamixon Dam could help the waterway.
Each year, the release of water from the Nockamixon Dam into the lower Tohickon Creek attracts whitewater kayakers, and those who like to watch them, from near and far.
August 19, 2019
As prosecutions continue in a kickback and insurance fraud scheme carried out at a now-defunct Bucks County drug abuse treatment company, Pennsylvania lawmakers have taken notice and believe there are more messes to be cleaned up in the treatment industry.
State Rep. Tina Davis said she believes so many people are struggling with substance abuse that authorities have been soft on the industry that is supposed to help them.
August 16, 2019
HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf directed state police and other agencies under his control Friday to focus greater efforts on addressing gun violence, two days after a gunman shot six Philadelphia police officers.
Wolf said the state would set up a new Special Council on Gun Violence and gave it six months to recommend how to reduce mass shootings, domestic violence, suicides and accidental shootings.
August 16, 2019
Following two consecutive mass shootings in Philadelphia — and nearly two weeks after mass shootings in Ohio and Texas — Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf signed an executive order Friday laying out a plan to reduce gun violence.
The signing, originally set for Thursday, was postponed after six Philadelphia police officers were wounded by an armed man who Wolf said “had enough weapons and ammunition to hold dozens of Philadelphia police officers at bay for eight hours.”
August 15, 2019
Concerns have been raised about staffing levels at St. Mary Medical Center.
The worries about staffing and patient safety have been raised by sources who have spoken to LevittownNow.com. Similar concerns and ones relating “interference” in staff members’ attempts to unionize have also been brought to a bipartisan group of lawmakers.
August 8, 2019
YMCA of Bucks County has received a $2 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of the Budget.
The RACP grant is used for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. YMCA of Bucks County applied for the grant in early spring and received immediate bi-partisan support from state Sens. Robert Tomlinson and Steve Santarsiero.
August 7, 2019
The Pennsylvania DEP is pushing ahead with an investigation after finding PFAS chemicals in the soil of a Bergey’s Tire property near the East and West Rockhill border. The chemicals have been found in 13 nearby drinking water wells, but DEP has not yet connected the contamination to the company.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is pushing ahead with an investigation of chemicals at a Bergey’s Tire & Auto retreading center off Bethlehem Pike in West Rockhill, as it continues to evaluate a potential connection to nearby drinking contamination.
August 7, 2019
To the surprise of no one and the disgust of everyone, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently announced that it will raise tolls by 6 percent, effective Jan. 5, 2020.
After raising tolls only five times during the first 64 years of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s existence, tolls will now be raised for a 12th straight year. As late as 2006, it cost $14.70 to travel the entire 356 miles of the highway.
August 6, 2019
State Sen. Lisa Baker, the chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said she is planning public hearings following the mass shootings this weekend in Texas and Ohio.
Baker, a Luzerne County Republican, did not specify any dates for the hearings. But she said in a statement the Judiciary Committee “will be holding a series of public hearings intended as a prelude to action.”
August 5, 2019
Nurses in favor of unionizing under the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals said cuts by St. Mary Medical Center’s parent organization, Trinity Health, have resulted in higher patient-to-nurse ratios, a lack of supplies and a loss of specialized care programs and teams.
St. Mary Medical Center nurses say cuts over the last few years have affected patient care to the point that they can no longer stay silent and must unionize to make their voices heard.
August 4, 2019
As the one-year anniversary of the Lower Makefield child’s murder at the hands of her father approaches, the family of Kayden Mancuso is preparing for the next big challenge in their lives: seeing Kayden’s Law passed in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
August 2, 2019
FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — The YMCA of Bucks County will be receiving a $2 million state grant to help pay for new facilities, including the one planned in Fairless Hills.
The Fairless Hills YMCA branch construction project is a 48,000 square foot complete renovation that will redesign the existing facility and include a swimming pool, gymnasium, welcome center, group exercise studios, classrooms, wellness center, and administrative offices.
August 2, 2019
Several news releases from General Assembly members representing districts in and around Bucks County announced multiple Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding to help fund infrastructure projects in multiple towns.
More than $6.7 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants were awarded to several projects throughout Bucks and eastern Montgomery counties last week.
August 1, 2019
DOYLESTOWN >> YMCA of Bucks County has received a $2 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of the budget.
The RACP grant is a Pennsylvania Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. YMCA of Bucks County applied for the grant in early spring and received immediate bi-partisan support from Pennsylvania Senators Robert Tomlinson (R-6) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10).
August 1, 2019
State and federal lawmakers have offered reaction to this news organization’s investigative report, which highlighted potential chemical hazards near Bucks and Montgomery County military bases.
State and federal lawmakers offered a range of reactions to a recent investigative report highlighting potential chemical hazards near Bucks and Montgomery County military bases, with state Sen. Maria Collett calling the contents “deeply troubling” and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey saying it raised “real concerns” about the impacts of chemical contamination here.
July 30, 2019
Steven Santarsiero (D-10) just opened a new branch office for constituent services in Tullytown. Just after 10:00 AM, the senator was joined by Mayor David Cutchineal and various council members as he cut the ribbon to open the satellite office. “The state budget allows for 2500 square feet of office space for lawmakers. This is to insure fairness and uniformity. Some area of the state have higher rent than other. This way it is fair to everyone,” Santarsiero said. He has no office in the lower end of his district.
July 30, 2019
From the Montgomery County border to the Delaware River and from Upper Bucks County to Lower Bucks County, State Sen. Steve Santarsiero’s 10th Senatorial District covers a large swath of the county, and on Tuesday he opened an office with the aim of serving the lower end better.
Surrounded by Tullytown officials and his staff, Santarsiero cut the ribbon on the new constituent services office that will be open to appointments and walk-ins from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and Thursdays.
July 30, 2019
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero officially opened a new satellite constituent services office in Tullytown on Tuesday. The office will be open from 9 a.m to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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July 24, 2019
LOWER MAKEFIELD >> Since 1949 when voters approved a referendum banning the sale of alcohol in the township, restaurants and eateries here have not been allowed to sell alcoholic beverages.
That could change under a new law – Act 48 of 2019 (HB 423) – signed by Governor Tom Wolf in early July that makes it easier to place a dry vs. wet question on the ballot in Pennsylvania.
July 19, 2019
Two bills, one in the state House and one in the Senate, would alleviate the burden placed on drivers and businesses whose tolls are used to build roads and bridges statewide.
The bills would provide Pennsylvania-based businesses and motorists a commuter tax credit that covers 50 percent of a taxpayer’s toll-related expenses for the tax year, up to $500. Tolls incurred on the Pennsylvania Turnpike or on bridges operating under the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission or the Delaware River Port Authority are eligible for the tax credit
July 18, 2019
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10), and state Rep. Perry Warren (D-31) held a press conference near the Scudder Falls Bridge interchange in Lower Makefield to announce SB 451 and HB 329, legislation that would alleviate some of the burden placed on Pennsylvania-based drivers and businesses whose tolls are used to build roads and bridges across the state.
July 17, 2019
The East Rockhill supervisors voted this week to continue legal action against the controversial quarry north of the Pennridge Airport.
East Rockhill is continuing its opposition to the controversial Rockhill Quarry, after the township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday at a special meeting to authorize new legal action to try and win zoning control over the site.
July 17, 2019
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – With tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike continuing to increase, some state lawmakers are introducing bills aimed at relieving the burden on drivers.
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) and Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks) have introduced bills to provide a 50% tax credit to people and small businesses who pay tolls.
July 16, 2019
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) and state Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks) recently announced legislation that would provide a tax credit to cover 50 percent of a taxpayer’s toll-related expenses for the taxable year up to $500.
“Commuters, families, and businesses across southeastern Pennsylvania, who regularly pay tolls to maintain our roads and bridges, deserve the tax relief outlined in SB 451,” Santarsiero said. “With this tax credit, local commerce can thrive and expand.”
