December 21, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – December 21, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) is urging local elected officials to follow the state’s lead and act this month to bring thousands of new jobs to Lower Bucks County.
Sen. Santarsiero said Bucks County, Falls Township and Pennsbury School District all must pass resolutions to reauthorize the Keystone Opportunity and Investment Zone (KOIZ) in Falls Township. A reauthorization of the KOIZ is necessary to move forward on the largest redevelopment project in Bucks County in decades and create thousands of local jobs.
Sen. Santarsiero voiced his support for the reauthorization of the KOIZ at both the December 17th Pennsbury School Board meeting, as well as the December 21st meeting of the Falls Township Board of Supervisors. The reauthorization was approved unanimously at both meetings. “I am requesting that Bucks County follows Pennsbury School Board and Falls Township in voting to support growth and job creation in Falls Township,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “By voting to reauthorize the KOIZ, the County will join Falls Township and Pennsbury School Board in doing its part to bring hundreds of construction jobs, and thousands of permanent jobs to our community over the next few years, helping to ensure economic stimulus and growth in our local economy, at a time when it is most needed.”
Act 114 of 2020 was passed in November to extend the state’s general operating budget through July 1, 2021. Senator Santarsiero drafted a provision that was added to the fiscal code bill, which became Act 114, to allow for the reauthorization of the KOIZ, but the three taxing authorities – Falls Township, Pennsbury School District and Bucks County — all have to pass resolutions before December 31, 2020 for it to take effect.
“I advocated for this provision to be included in the fiscal code, because I understand the importance and urgency in bringing both short-term construction and long-term, permanent jobs to our community,” Sen. Santarsiero continued. “At a time when so many are without work, this project will breathe new life into our local economy and help thousands of residents secure gainful employment.”
The KOIZ in Falls Township is comprised of the former Fairless Works U.S. Steel site which first opened in 1952. The site closed in 2001 and has largely sat empty since. NorthPoint Development has made public plans for the Keystone Trade Center, a $1.5 billion redevelopment of 1,846 acres of the U.S. Steel property. The project would involve construction of 20 or more state-of-the-art industrial warehouse buildings, totaling 10 million square feet, resulting in between 5,000 to 10,000 jobs.
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December 17, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – December 17, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) is urging local elected officials to follow the state’s lead and act this month to bring thousands of new jobs to Lower Bucks County.
Sen. Santarsiero said Bucks County, Falls Township and Pennsbury School District all must pass resolutions to reauthorize the Keystone Opportunity and Investment Zone (KOIZ) in Falls Township. A reauthorization of the KOIZ is necessary to move forward on the largest redevelopment project in Bucks County in decades and create thousands of local jobs.
“Tonight, I am requesting the Pennsbury School Board to take action because a failure to act this month will mean a missed opportunity for years of job creation,” said Sen. Santarsiero during a Pennsbury School Directors meeting. “By reauthorizing the KOIZ, Pennsbury School District will help move forward a redevelopment project that will bring hundreds of construction jobs and thousands of permanent jobs over the next few years, and it will be a vital catalyst for stimulating our economy during one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history.”
Act 114 of 2020 was passed in November to extend the state’s general operating budget through July 1, 2021. Senator Santarsiero drafted a provision that was added to the fiscal code bill, which became Act 114, to allow for the reauthorization of the KOIZ, but the three taxing authorities – Falls Township, Pennsbury School District and Bucks County — all have to pass resolutions before December 31, 2020 for it to take effect.
“I advocated for this provision to be included in the fiscal code, because I understand the importance and urgency in bringing both short-term construction and long-term, permanent jobs to our community,” Sen. Santarsiero continued. “At a time when so many are without work, this project will breathe new life into our local economy and help thousands of residents secure gainful employment.”
The KOIZ in Falls Township is comprised of the former Fairless Works U.S. Steel site which first opened in 1952. The site closed in 2001 and has largely sat empty since. NorthPoint Development has made public plans for the Keystone Trade Center, a $1.5 billion redevelopment of 1,846 acres of the U.S. Steel property. The project would involve construction of 20 or more state-of-the-art industrial warehouse buildings, totaling 10 million square feet, resulting in between 5,000 to 10,000 jobs.
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December 11, 2020
HARRISBURG – December 10, 2020 – Today the following members of the Pennsylvania State Senate signed a joint statement – set forth below – denouncing the brazen attempt of the attorneys general of Texas and seventeen other states to disenfranchise millions of Pennsylvanians and voters in three other states by asking the United States Supreme Court to prevent electors in Pennsylvania and those other states that voted for Joe Biden from certifying him the winner when they meet in Harrisburg and the other state capitals on Monday, December 14.
The statement reads as follows:
“The lawsuit by the attorneys general of Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia is based on the outright lie that voter fraud prevented Donald Trump from getting re-elected. Since Election Day, the Trump legal team has filed scores of such suits trying to overturn the will of the people. Time and again, the judges in those matters – in many cases conservative, Republican judges, some of whom Donald Trump appointed himself – have found that there was no evidence to support those claims and dismissed the suits accordingly.
The bedrock of our democracy is the right to vote and the right of voters to be sure that their votes will be counted. This lawsuit and others like it are a direct attack on that fundamental principle. It seeks to perpetuate the lie that the presidential election was somehow stolen. While partisan politics – and a desire to appease the president’s restive base – may be the motivation for this latest court challenge, allowing it to go forward in silence is dangerous and, we believe, would constitute a dereliction of our duty as elected representatives of the people to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The facts are these: Joe Biden received over 81 million votes, more than any candidate for president in the history of the United States and about 7 million more than Donald Trump. He received 80,555 more votes than the president in Pennsylvania. Mr. Biden received the most votes in 25 states and the District of Columbia, and, therefore, on December 14 when the Electoral College convenes, will be awarded 306 electoral votes, 36 more than the 270 needed to be elected president. Every vote cast for Joe Biden was cast freely and fairly, whether in person or by mail. In each state the vote-counting process was transparent and undertaken pursuant to law. Local and state officials, both Republican and Democratic alike, have attested to those facts, and, as noted, the courts have agreed. Joe Biden won the election.
Donald Trump has lost his bid for re-election; he seems incapable of accepting that fact. For the first time in American History, a sitting president who lost re-election has refused to acknowledge his loss, acting instead like a would-be autocrat who cannot accept any outcome that does not have him staying in power. While that may be a commentary on the character of the man, it cannot be a cause for setting aside the will of the people.
All of us have a responsibility – indeed we would go so far as to say a sacred duty – to ourselves, our fellow Americans and generations to come to prevent the lie that this election was stolen from living on and undermining future elections. For these reasons we have signed this statement and call upon others to likewise speak out and denounce this lawsuit against our state for what it is: an attack on our democracy.”
Signed,
Senator Steve Santarsiero, 10th District
Senator Vincent Hughes, 7th District
Senator Maria Collett, 12th District
Senator Judy Schwank, 11th District
Senator Tim Kearney, 26th District
Senator Christine Tartaglione, 2nd District
Sen.-Elect Amanda M. Cappelletti, 17th District
Sen.-Elect Carolyn Comitta, 19th District
Senator Jay Costa, 43rd District
Senator Anthony H. Williams, 8thDistrict
Senator Katie Muth, 44th District
Senator Art Haywood, 4th District
Senator Sharif Street, 3rdDistrict
Senator Lindsey Williams, 38th District
Sen.-Elect Nikil Saval, 1st District
Sen.-Elect John Kane, 9th District
December 10, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY — December 10, 2020 — State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced the award of $3,950,000 in state funding to Bucks County Community College (BCCC) from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The funding award from the state will go toward BCCC’s latest capital undertaking, part of a $7,900,000 project. This project, a new Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP), is an investment in the college’s technology infrastructure and will allow BCCC to modernize systems for students, faculty, and staff for decades to come.
“Bucks County Community College continues to provide outstanding opportunities to our local students, despite recent challenges in the education field due to the pandemic,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This funding from the Department of Education will help BCCC continue to provide exemplary community engagement and pathways for personal and professional success for all students.”
The college’s president, Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, commented “In today and tomorrow’s world, capital projects are not always bricks and mortar. This project will propel the digital transformation of Bucks, allowing us to serve Bucks Countians using new user-friendly and more secure technology systems.”
As per the perimeters of the grant, the funding from PDE represents half of the annual capital expense of the project. The remaining funds will be sourced from local sponsors of BCCC.
To learn more about BCCC, visit their website.
To learn about funding opportunities through PDE, visit their website.
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December 9, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – December 9, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $2,532,739 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that will help county organizations and localities serve victims of crimes, assist with treatment, and improve public safety.
“These state funds will meet critical needs in our community, helping our local organizations and entities continue to serve our vulnerable populations,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “We are fortunate that at the county-level there is a strong commitment to rehabilitation and victim’s services, which is amplified by the work of organizations such as NOVA and A Woman’s Place. Our community is safest when there are adequate resources for our justice system, law enforcement and community organizations.”
Bucks County will receive $125,533 in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Relief funds. The county will also receive $920,347 through the County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC) to support the county’s work to improve adult probation services. The Bucks County Commissioners will also receive $387,520 in Children’s Advocacy Center Advisory Committee (CACAC) funds to support a fourth year of its pilot program to prevent child sexual abuse.
Additional CAPPAC funds of $916,121 were awarded in Intermediate Punishment Treatment Funds to the following organizations, to support project work:
- Bucks County Commissioners: $545,570
- Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA): $304,382
- A Woman’s Place: $66,160
NOVA received an additional $125,000 in Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSAC), Federal STOP Violence Against Women Funds, as well as $47,000 from the CACAC for its work as a State Children’s Advocacy Center.
New Hope Borough will receive $11,218 in Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC) funds that will go toward body-worn cameras for law enforcement.
The Victims’ Services Advisory Committee (VSAC) serves in an advisory capacity to PCCD and to assure that the voices, needs, and perspectives of all crime victims and survivors will be considered in the development of services, services standards, policies, funding priorities, legislation, and outcomes. For more information on VSAC’s role within PCCD, visit the PCCD website.
The County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC) serves in an advisory capacity to PCCD to ensure reasonable and efficient administration on all matters pertaining to the Pennsylvania County Adult Probation and Parole System. For more information on the CAPPAC’s role within PCCD, visit the PCCD website.
The Children’s Advocacy Center Advisory Committee (CACAC) seeks to promote prevention, treatment, and justice for victims of child sexual abuse and child abuse through children’s advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams throughout the Commonwealth. To learn more about the CACAC, visit the PCCD website.
The Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC) seeks to support a comprehensive strategy to reduce crime that prioritizes evidence-based policy and practice at every stage of the Commonwealth’s justice system. For more information on the CJAC, visit the PCCD website.
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December 4, 2020
Pennsylvania − December 4, 2020 − Aiming to stimulate Pennsylvania’s economy by providing direct aid to workers, families, small businesses and other vulnerable populations, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus announced a bold, innovative $4 billion pandemic relief plan Friday morning.
The Pennsylvania Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act of 2021 (PA CARES 21) Plan would fund previously existing aid programs and establish new programs to help struggling Pennsylvanians and struggling areas of the commonwealth’s economy.
“Folks have not seen pandemic-specific relief from the state or federal government since last spring, yet thousands remain unemployed, underemployed and struggle with their housing and utility bills. This cannot go on any longer,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “There are immediate needs in communities across this state that must be addressed immediately. We are in the middle of another surge in COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths. We need help to recover, personally and financially; the state must play an active role in that recovery and that is what our plan today does.”
“Thousands of Pennsylvanians have been hurt by this pandemic and have received some assistance to get through this generational crisis — however it is time to do more in that space to get people the help they need,” Sen. Hughes said. “Rather than use federal dollars to help people in their time of need, we used the money to plug budget holes, telling people we had to keep state operations running to prevent further crisis. Having averted that crisis, it is now our job to step up and help our communities. They cannot wait any longer for help and the legislature must act now.”
PA CARES 21 authorizes the commonwealth to issue $4 billion in emergency debt to (1) recapitalize programs previously funded with federal CARES funds pursuant to Acts 2A, 24 and 30 of 2020 and (2) establish new programs that provide targeted assistance to struggling Pennsylvanians and struggling sectors of the Pennsylvania economy.
Where appropriate, this proposal utilizes the programs created under Act 24 of 2020 to drive out the funds. If proposed funding does not fit into an existing program (e.g., utility assistance), a new program will be created. Additionally, the caucus supports fixing programs created by Act 24 (e.g., PHFA’s rental assistance program) as requested by stakeholders to maximize program effectiveness.
The PA Senate Democrats propose allocating the funds to the following priorities (a detailed spreadsheet of the spending proposal is attached):
- $800 million in business assistance
- $1 billion in UC benefits
- $594 million in local government assistance
- $135 million in hazard pay
- $318 million in DHS programs
- $250 million in basic education
- $136 million in higher education
- $100 million to hospitals
- $100 million to utility assistance
- $75 million in child care
- $100 million in housing assistance
- $50 million in food security
- $25 million in pre-k education
- $25 million for PPE and vaccines
- $15 million for mental health funding
- $180 million in transportation funding
“There is no overstating the economic toll COVID has taken and continues to take on families and businesses across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery). “As a former infection control nurse, I promise you that the sacrifices you’ve made have saved lives and prevented long-term health complications associated with this dangerous virus for so many. But I also know these words offer little comfort when you are struggling to pay the mortgage, or juggle your job and the constant changes to your kids’ schooling, or keep your business afloat. Government is supposed to work for you and that is exactly what our PACARES 21 proposal does. It identifies ways to get money into the hands of those who need it most, including those about to lose their COVID unemployment benefits, frontline workers, child care centers, and our main street businesses, especially local restaurants and bars, in the quickest, most efficient way possible. Your families and your businesses can’t afford to wait any longer for relief. So until our communities are safe and our economy is running at full steam again, it is critical that we extend this lifeline and do so now.”
“As the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Pennsylvania continues to climb, it is the General Assembly’s duty and obligation to provide relief to all those affected – unemployed folks, front-line workers, small businesses, and especially hospitals that serve high-Medicaid populations as well as our institutions of higher education,” said Senator Tina Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia). “These are the pillars of society that serve us in our times of greatest need and will lead our recovery.”
“There’s no denying that cases of the coronavirus are growing every day,” said Senator-elect Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester). “We need to do more than just say, ‘help is on the way.’ We need a bold, innovative plan to deliver it to Pennsylvanians. PA CARES 21 gives us more tools, more resources, and the flexibility to prepare for the future.”
“We are entering a stage of the pandemic that is, by virtually every measure, worse than the first stage, laying bare and exacerbating inequalities in all our health systems, devastating essential workers, and disproportionately harming Black and brown people,” said Senator-elect Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia). “We need to keep people in their homes, fight hunger and food insecurity, and give our children every tool they need to learn. We need this stimulus because our communities desperately need support and relief.”
More information on the proposal and the caucus’ work in pandemic relief is available online at pasenate.com/pacares.
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December 2, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – December 2, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) will host a virtual Caregivers Resource & Support event on Tuesday, December 8th at 12:30 PM. Sen. Santarsiero will be joined by speakers from county and state agencies, organizations, and area hospitals, to discuss the challenges facing caregivers, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, and resources available to assist caregivers in providing quality care to loved ones, while also taking care of themselves.
“It is likely that we will all find ourselves in the role of caregiver at some point,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “As Rosalind Carter said, ‘There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.’ With that in mind, I hope you can join me on December 8th, as it is never too soon to begin learning about the support available for caregivers.”
“In these unprecedented times, it can feel more daunting than ever to care for a loved one, while also taking care of your own needs and health,” continued Sen. Santarsiero. “We are fortunate to have many community resources for caregivers that can help connect them to a local network of support. I encourage anyone who is serving as a caregiver, or expects to in the future, to tune in to this event to learn about these helpful services and connect with other caregivers in our area.”
During the event, the following speakers will share their expertise and valuable information:
- Valda Branison, Volunteer Team Leader, Office of Volunteer Engagement, AARP
- Margaret (Maggie) Devlin, Aging Care Management Supervisor, Bucks County Area Agency on Aging
- Troy Dunston, Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, Pennsylvania Department of Aging
- Kimberly Radago, Oncology Social Worker, Caregiver Support Group, Grandview Hospital
- Bethany Heleniak, Community Liaison, LIFE St. Mary
Additional speakers will be added as the event draws closer.
To receive the link to participate in this event via Zoom, please contact Nancy Adam at Nancy.Adam@pasenate.com or 215-489-5000.
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November 25, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – November 25, 2020 – The following statement is attributable to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) in response to the Senate Republican Policy Committee Hearing on November 25, 2020:
“Today, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans will hold a hearing into allegations of voter fraud in this year’s election. One witness at the hearing will be Rudolph Giuliani. There is word that the outgoing president, Donald Trump, might also participate.
Two weeks ago, I called on Pennsylvania Republicans, including my colleagues in the State Senate, to repudiate unfounded claims of voter fraud and improprieties that were designed solely to delegitimize this year’s presidential election. Donald Trump and those closest to him made these claims despite the fact that officials here and in other states had proclaimed this one of the most secure and well-executed elections in our nation’s history. At the time, I described these attacks as part of a ‘big lie’ that undermined our democracy and, in so doing, threatened to move us toward authoritarianism as has happened in recent years in a number of other former democracies such as Poland, Hungary, Russia and Turkey. You can view my speech here.
Rather than heed that call, Senate Republicans are redoubling the efforts of Donald Trump’s most debased allies, such as Giuliani, by using taxpayer resources and, more importantly, the imprimatur of state government to further a political strategy that seeks to undermine our electoral system. I write now not out of fear that this hearing will in any way jeopardize the election of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States; Trump’s own General Services Administration belatedly acknowledged Mr. Biden’s election this week when it allowed the formal transition process to move forward. Yesterday Pennsylvania, following several other so-called swing states that Biden won on November 3, certified the election results, effectively awarding Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes to the president-elect. No, I write because the perpetuation of the lie that this election was somehow stolen from Donald Trump – now with the aid of the machinery of state government – has longer-term implications that are not in the interests of any American who wants to see our 244-year experiment in democracy continue for generations to come.
We live in tumultuous times. Most urgently we face the threat of the first global pandemic in a century and the economic disruptions that is has wrought. But there are other, longer-term forces that have been and will continue to cause upheaval even after we overcome Covid-19 and its effects. For over 60 years now the emergence of the global economy has caused dramatic changes here at home as whole sectors of our workforce have been reshaped or completely outsourced to other countries. If that were not challenging enough, we now find ourselves in the midst of a data revolution that promises to be no less disruptive to broad segments of our working population than the industrial and agricultural revolutions were to earlier societies. These changes make all of us feel uncertain about the future and lead some people to embrace more extreme beliefs and ideologies that can threaten the stability of even the world’s oldest democracy.
In such an environment, lies that seek to undermine our electoral system are particularly dangerous. If large numbers of Americans start to question whether we can ever again have a fair election or believe that their preferred candidate for president was somehow robbed of victory, our ability to hold future elections will be compromised. It is one thing for a narcist like Donald Trump to refuse to acknowledge reality and to lack the character to put the interests of his country ahead of his own (contrast his actions to those of Al Gore when he graciously conceded the 2000 election to George W. Bush), but when other elected officials who know better begin to pander to those with authoritarian tendencies we come perilously close to crossing a line as a nation that we dare not cross.
Neither the presidency of Donald Trump, nor the actions of these Republican office holders have diminished my abiding optimism in the future of America and the world. But no generation that has come before us had the luxury of sitting back while problems worked themselves out, and we are no exception. If we want to see a brighter future for ourselves and our children and we want democracy to flourish here and continue its ascendency throughout the world, then we must remain vigilant. Such vigilance demands calling out the big lie when we hear it and holding those who perpetuate it to account.”
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November 20, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – November 20, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced Bucks County Technical High School will receive $50,000, the maximum possible award, through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The Career and Technical Education Competitive Equipment Grant helps schools purchase equipment aligned with the needs of local employers for use in PDE-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and to provide hands-on training to students in those programs.
“Our career and technical school programs help students prepare for a variety of career areas, by providing hands-on learning and experience,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These grant funds will help ensure that our students receive targeted training that meets the specific needs of local businesses and industries, which will make them more competitive employment candidates upon graduation and keep talent here in our community.”
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology also received $34,902, which, while located outside of the 10th Senate District, serves students in Sen. Santarsiero’s district.
For more information on the Career and Technical Education Competitive Equipment Grants, visit the PDE website.
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November 16, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – November 16, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $72,490 in state grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to four schools in his district through the 2020-2021 Safe Schools Targeted Grant program.
The breakdown of grant awards is as follows:
- Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley: $24,465
- Plumstead Christian (Lower/Middle/Upper) in Plumsteadville: $12,404
- Saint Andrew Catholic School in Newtown: $23,748
- Upper Bucks Christian School in Sellersville: $11,813
“In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that students have a safe learning environment and positive learning experiences to ensure a quality education for our children,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The Safe Schools grants for equipment purchases will help these schools make necessary upgrades, which will allow our students to learn in a productive and safe environment.”
The funding comes from competitive 2020-2021 Safe Schools Targeted Grants, which are awarded to schools to prevent and reduce violent incidents, to purchase safety and security-related equipment, and to provide for the training and compensation of school resource and police officers. All of the awards in the 10th Senate District are equipment grants, for the purchase of safety and security equipment. PDE’s program is separate from the School Safety and Security Grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
For more information on the 2020-2021 Safe Schools Targeted Grants, visit the PDE website.
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November 13, 2020
HARRISBURG – November 13, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) called on all elected officials – Democrats and Republicans alike – to reject publicly the claim that there was fraud in the process leading up to the November 3rd election and in the counting of ballots since then. During remarks on the floor of the state Senate on Thursday, Sen. Santarsiero touted the accuracy of the vote count in Pennsylvania, while cautioning the public to be wary of baseless accusations that seek to undermine the foundations of our democracy.
“There was nothing illegal about the votes that have elected Joe Biden to be the 46thPresident of the United States,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “There was nothing fraudulent or improper about the process here in Pennsylvania that delivered our 20 electoral votes to Joe Biden to make him the next President of the United States.”
Sen. Santarsiero disputed claims of voter fraud put forth by the Republican party, while drawing parallels from Ann Applebaum’s book Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism. He explained the phenomenon of “the big lie”, an untruth that a political movement or party propagates to slowly amass power and undermine democratic institutions to establish an authoritarian state. Citing a lack of evidence and harmful rhetoric that undermines the people’s faith in our electoral system, which is at the core of our democracy, Sen. Santarsiero condemned false claims of voter fraud.
“Not one shred of evidence has been put forth,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Instead, vague arguments about voter fraud have been made…” He said that by doing so, the Republican party here in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States is “propagating “the big lie.’”
Sen. Santarsiero called on all elected officials to support the outcome of the election, whether they are disappointed in it or not. He called on them to respect the will of the people and, thereby, to protect the foundations of our democracy. In doing so, he noted that in 2000, Democrats were disappointed in the United States Supreme Court’s decision to stop the recount in the State of Florida, effectively handing that election to George W. Bush. Nonetheless, he noted, former Vice President Al Gore respected the decision of the Court and all Americans accepted President Bush’s election.
Returning to this year’s election of Joe Biden as the next president he said, “Some may not be happy about that outcome. In no election is everyone pleased, at least not in a democracy. But at the end of the day, if we intend to pass to the next generation the strong democracy and republic which was passed to us by previous generations, it is time for us to stand up and be counted. It is time for us to make it clear that we stand for the rule of law; we stand for protecting the right of the majority of people when they speak, to have their voices not only heard but ultimately to have that result become effective.”
Sen. Santarsiero continued, “The people have spoken and now it is time for us to come together as Americans. It is time for us to stand for democracy. I believe the people of Pennsylvania, and the people of the United States, will expect no less and accept no less.”
In June 2020, following the primary election, Sen. Santarsiero proposed legislation that would allow for a 21 day pre-canvass of mail-in ballots, which would have resulted in a more timely counting of ballots on Election Day.
Sen. Santarsiero’ s full remarks can be found here.
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November 6, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – November 6, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) will host a virtual Veterans Expo on Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 PM. Sen. Santarsiero will be joined by speakers from Bucks County Military and Veterans Affairs, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and local groups serving veterans in our community. Experts from these agencies and organizations will discuss resources available to local veterans, including the VetNet program, VA healthcare and benefits, employment, service animals, and support programs.
“Our veterans deserve recognition and respect every day of the year, and it is my honor to host this virtual expo to share resources and information about agencies and organizations serving veterans in our community,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I have a deep respect for the selflessness and bravery of our veterans, and we are fortunate here in Bucks County to have so many groups providing job opportunities, health benefits, and other support services to those who have given so much for our community and country.”
Presenters for the event are:
- Danelle Danemark, Senior Director of Human Resources – Veterans Network, Comcast
- Brian Jeter, Senior Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast
- Karim Nanji, Senior Recruiter, Comcast
- Dan Fraley, Director, Bucks County Military and Veterans Affairs
- Fern Billet, Congressional Liaison and Community Relations, Department of Veterans Affairs
- John J. Miller, Change Management Agent, Public Affairs Office, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Janet Brennan, President & Executive Director, Shamrock Reins
- Jennifer Green, Founder & Director of Training, Alpha Bravo Canine
To receive the link to participate in this event via Zoom, please contact Nancy Adam at Nancy.Adam@pasenate.com or 215-489-5000.
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October 23, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – October 23, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representatives Perry Warren (D-31) and John Galloway (D-140), announced today that Morrisville Borough School District will receive $500,000 in supplemental funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In 2019, Senator Santarsiero and Representatives Warren and Galloway were able to secure an agreement by the state to provide the District with a total of $1 million in supplemental funding. The supplemental funding was needed to help the District overcome budget shortfalls created, in part, by the fact that for many years Morrisville has not received its fair share in funding from the state under Pennsylvania’s basic education funding formula. The first $500,000 of that money was released in 2019. This payment represents the remainder of the supplemental funding under that agreement.
“This funding for Morrisville School District helps meet a critical need to support the district in providing quality education to all students,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These funds will ensure the district can continue to meet the needs of its students and faculty, as it works to protect the health and safety of its teachers and students amid the ongoing pandemic. As I have said many times before, I am a strong advocate for increasing funding for Morrisville School District by fixing the state funding formula which unfairly shortchanges the district. I will continue to work with my House colleagues to make those changes, because every student in Morrisville deserves access to a great education.”
“This supplemental funding is critical to maintaining Morrisville School’s staffing and services,” said Rep. Warren. “Superintendent Jason Harris and Board President Damon Miller have worked diligently with us to ensure that Morrisville students continue to receive a great education. This funding is more than a bandage, but we still need a comprehensive adjustment of state funding for the Morrisville School District, and Sen. Santarsiero, Rep. Galloway and I continue to work with the Governor’s office and PDE to achieve appropriate funding for Morrisville schools.”
“This grant money will provide critical aid to the Morrisville School District as it faces increased needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic,” Galloway said. “At a time when both teachers and students are struggling to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, this funding will provide greater access to the resources needed for both educators and students to succeed. We are all committed to providing Morrisville children with the best education possible.”
Since 2015, Morrisville School District and its elected officials in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, have been working with the administration of Governor Wolf to provide Morrisville’s schools with $1 million in supplemental funding each fiscal year to help close the gap. In May, Sen. Santarsiero and Reps. Warren and Galloway sent a letter to Governor Wolf requesting supplemental funding for Morrisville School District, while requesting a review of the funding formula used to allocate state funds to the district.
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October 16, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – October 16, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $625,000 in state grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to New Britain Township and Solebury Township for the development of two trails. Under the Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant program, New Britain Township will receive $225,000 for the development of the Neshaminy Greenway Trail, while Solebury Township will receive $400,000 for the development of the Route 202 Parkway Trail in Solebury Township and New Hope Borough.
“The Neshaminy Greenway Trail in New Britain Township will increase the length of the existing trail by more than half a mile, expanding recreational access, while creating a new trail head,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Similarly, the Route 202 Parkway Trail development project will expand the already existing 8.5 mile trail along route 202 to include a stretch between New Hope and Solebury. Both of these projects will provide additional recreational opportunities for our community, further highlighting the beauty of our local natural resources.”
The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93) which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); Pennsylvania Trails fund (PRT – federal source); Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA); and the ATV Restricted Management Account Fund (ATV).
For more information on the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants, visit the DCNR website.
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October 9, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – October 9, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced twenty-six area fire, rescue, and EMS will receive $535,425 in funding to offset expenses related to COVID-19, under the COVID-19 Crisis Fire, Rescue and EMS grant from the Office of State Fire Commissioner (OSFC).
“Our fire, rescue, and EMS workers dedicate themselves to serving our communities and have been on the frontlines of keeping us healthy and safe, long before this pandemic started,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These funding awards are critical to supporting the efforts of these brave men and women, who have continued to respond to the needs of our community, often with diminished resources, during these unprecedented times.”
The funding awards in Senate District 10 are as follows:
- Chalfont Chemical Fire Engine Company: $25,342
- Doylestown Fire Co. No. 1: $25,342
- Dublin Volunteer Fire Company: $24,520
- Fairless Hills Volunteer Fire Co.: $23,973
- Falls Township Fire Company #1: $25,342
- Haycock Fire Company No 1: $23,973
- Hilltown Township Volunteer Fire Company: $25,342
- Levittown Fire Company 1 Falls Township: $25,342
- Morrisville Fire Company: $23,836
- New Hope Eagle Fire Company: $11,094
- Newtown Fire Association: $25,068
- Newtown Township: $11,094
- Ottsville Volunteer Fire Company: $24,931
- Perkasie Fire Company No. 1: $24,931
- Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company: $25,342
- Point Pleasant Fire Company: $23,151
- Silverdale Volunteer Fire Company: $23,562
- Tullytown Fire Company: $23,425
- Upper Makefield Fire Company: $25,068
- Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad: $5,856
- Central Bucks Ambulance and Rescue Unit: $15,048
- Chalfont Emergency Medical Services, Inc. $15,048
- Grand View Hospital: $15,048
- Newtown American Legion Ambulance Squad, Inc.: $15,048
- Point Pleasant Plumsteadville EMS: $14,945
- Yardley Makefield Emergency Unit: $13,754
For more information on the COVID-19 Crisis Fire, Rescue and EMS grants, visit the OSFC website.
October 8, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – October 8, 2020 – There will be an additional 15 acres of State Game Lands in Haycock Township, thanks to a grant for $81,2000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, announced State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Wendy Ullman (D-143) today. Natural Lands Trust will receive the funds as payment towards the acquisition of property under DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant program.
“Open space acquisition is an important part of preserving land in our area, which benefits both outdoor enthusiasts and the environment,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This property in Haycock Township offers outdoor recreation and activities for sportsmen, which will be enjoyed by our community and drive visitors to our area, benefiting our local economy.”
“This 15 acre acquisition of State Game Lands in Haycock Township will be a welcome addition to public space,” said Rep. Ullman. “These public lands are used all year long by hikers as well as by hunters during hunting season.”
The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93) which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); Pennsylvania Trails fund (PRT – federal source); Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA); and the ATV Restricted Management Account Fund (ATV).
For more information on the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants, visit the DCNR website.
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September 29, 2020
Harrisburg – September 29, 2020 – The Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a virtual public hearing today at the request of Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D- Bucks) to focus on electricity outages, reliability and preparedness.
“At the end of the day, we need to know that Pennsylvanians will have access to reliable electric service,” Santarsiero said. “Electricity reliability is not a new issue, but one that we have seen consistently worsen, particularly as we’ve seen a rise in the number of storms that pack high winds and hard downpours. Year-round electric reliability and preparedness is vital to the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians, and an issue that must be addressed both by the industry itself and the agencies that regulate it.”
Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, added, “It is important that we do all we can to assure that power outages are as limited as possible. We also need to make sure our utility and emergency service providers are ready to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible in times of crisis. Ensuring consumers have adequate and potentially lifesaving access to electricity in their homes is essential.”
The Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) announced in their 2019 Electric Service Reliability Report that a total of 52 “reportable outage events” disrupted electric service to residents and businesses across the state. This is the highest number of recorded incidents in Pennsylvania since the PUC began collecting reliability data in 1993.
Reportable power outage events have mainly been driven by severe thunderstorms during the spring and fall. These events interrupted service to 1,988,188 customers last year according to the PUC’s latest Electric Service Reliability Report. These incidents are different from previous spikes in outage figures that were driven by a small number of high-impact storms, like hurricanes or severe winter storms.
The PUC report said that the increase in severe weather events combined with many electric distribution companies (EDCs) performance metrics being rated as “poor” in 2019, calls into question the reliability performance and resilience of the overall Pennsylvania electrical distribution system.
“Following up on the Electric Service Reliability Report, Commission staff will be meeting with the EDCs in October to discuss overall electric reliability and options for improvement through available regulatory tools,” Gladys Brown Dutrieuille, chairman of the PUC, said.
Dutrieuille said that in instances where extreme weather is known to be heading towards Pennsylvania, the PUC increases their efforts to be ready at all levels and will continue working through regulatory measures to make sure the EDC performance in these areas improve.
“If the impending weather event appears to be of a significant impact to the Commonwealth, the Commission works with PEMA and other state and federal agencies on preparation. Commission Emergency Preparedness Staff also work with the EDCs and other jurisdictional lifeline utilities (water, wastewater, telephone, and natural gas) to understand their preparations and to capture any unmet needs,” Dutrieuille continued.
Electric service provider representatives also all stated that the number one reason for power outages in Pennsylvania is downed trees. Vegetation management is essential in mitigating disruptions in electric services.
“Changing weather patterns in our region has led to an increased growth rate in the vegetation in proximity to our transmission and distribution facilities. To reduce disruptions in service, our Vegetation Management team has consistently minimized on-ROW (Right-of-Way) vegetation,” Kevin Walker, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Duquesne Light Company, said. “We are constantly examining these challenges, evaluating strategies, and working to mitigate the off- ROW tree problems in our service territory.”
Stephanie R. Raymond, Vice President of Distribution Operations at PPL also said that it is technological upgrades such as Smart Grids and tracking outages through data rather than reacting to them once they have already occurred, that will continue to allow electric service providers to improve consistent and reliable service.
However, Nicole LeVine, Vice President of Electric Operations at PECO said that just this year, “…we have experienced one of the most challenging storm years ever – including two of the ten most destructive storms in our company’s history two months apart.”
Santarsiero said that due to the serve weather instances this year, his office put out an informal survey within his district and found that anecdotally, “51% of respondents indicated that they lose power any time there is a significant weather event and 77% of respondents indicated that they lose power for more than 4 hours at a time.”
Santarsiero continued, “No one is calling for perfect, as wonderful as perfection would be. Ultimately, we have to make that balance of what is reasonable and what isn’t. Where we are today is a different place than where we were 20 years ago. Redefining what that means in the new context is the challenge that each utility and the PUC will have to grapple with.”
Boscola, who has chaired the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure for almost two decades, said how important utility reliability and access is for Pennsylvania customers, especially in times of severe and unpredictable weather and as we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tanya McCloskey, Acting Consumer Advocate for the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate said that ensuring continuous and reliable electric service is necessary to ensuring the safety of consumers and the public, especially this winter as more consumers shelter at home for health reasons and remain at home for work and school as we continue to battle against the spread of COVID-19.
“It is important that the types of investments we heard about to be made and the long term plans we heard about today are put into place to make electricity more reliable. I hope this is a continuation of the conversation, not the end of it, since we have a lot of work that needs to be done,” concluded Santarsiero.
The following testified at today’s hearing:
- Stephen Bennett, Manager, Regulatory/Legislative Affairs, PJM Interconnection – View Testimony
- Terry Fitzpatrick, President & CEO, Energy Association of Pennsylvania – View Testimony
- Nicole LeVine, Vice President, Electric Operations, PECO – View Testimony
- Stephanie R. Raymond, Vice President – Distribution Operations, PPL – View Testimony
- Kevin Walker, Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Duquesne Light Company – View Testimony
- Scott Wyman, President, Pennsylvania Operations, FirstEnergy – View Testimony
- Gladys Brown Dutrieuille, Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission – View Testimony
- Tanya McCloskey, Acting Consumer Advocate, Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate – View Testimony
- John Evans, Small Business Advocate, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – View Testimony
Senators who attended today’s hearing include: Jay Costa (D- Allegheny), Larry Farnese (D- Philadelphia), Sharif Street (D- Philadelphia), Tim Kearney (D- Chester/Delaware), and Lindsey Williams (D- Allegheny)
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee has already held numerous hearings regarding COVID-19 related issues in Pennsylvania in the past six months, which can all be found on Senator Boscola’s website.
A full recording of this hearing, and links to all previous hearings, is available at senatorboscola.com/policy.
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September 24, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – September 24, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representatives Perry Warren (D-31) and Wendy Ullman (D-143) announced $320,000 in Community Conservation Partnership Program grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
Newtown Borough will receive $70,000 for the development of the Bird-in-Hand property.
“The funds going to Newtown Borough to develop the Bird-in-Hand property will benefit the community by increasing accessibility to the area through the creation of pedestrian walkways, while also making improvements to the grounds that will highlight the historic home and lot,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The partnership between the borough and the Commonwealth to preserve this property shows the commitment of both Newtown Borough and the state to developing outdoor community spaces for all to enjoy.”
“This historic property is a Newtown treasure,” said Rep. Warren. “Borough Council creatively structured a plan to purchase, protect and preserve the Bird-in-Hand lot, and this state grant helps the Borough improve this historic property for the benefit and enjoyment of our residents and for generations to come.”
Doylestown Borough will also receive $250,000 for the development of the Broad Street Gateway Park.
“Last week I had the honor of participating in the groundbreaking for the new municipal complex in Doylestown, which includes the Broad Street Gateway Park development across the street,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These additional state grant funds for the development of the park is a celebration of open space that will create a beautiful community gathering place in the heart of Doylestown Borough.”
“Parks are centers of community-spaces where people from all walks of life can enjoy nature and each other’s company,” Rep. Ullman said. “By supporting the development of the Broad Street Gateway Park, this grant money will help transform an unsightly brownfield – the former PennDOT maintenance yard — into a welcoming, green oasis for generations to come.”
For more information on the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants, visit the DCNR website.
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September 22, 2020
HARRISBURG – September 22, 2020 – Earlier today, Senate Bill 868 (Kayden’s Law), a bill that would revamp the state’s child custody laws, was unanimously voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sponsored by Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), Kayden’s Law is named for Kayden Mancuso, a seven-year-old from Lower Makefield Township, who was killed in August of 2018 by her biological father during a court-ordered, unsupervised visit granted following a year-long custody dispute.
“Never again. That should be our vow as lawmakers. Never again should one of our children die or be abused because Pennsylvania law does not do enough to protect them. The tragedy of Kayden Mancuso’s death demonstrates that the current child custody law does not in fact do enough,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “For nearly two years now, I have been working with Representatives Tina Davis (D-141) and Perry Warren (D-31), the sponsors of the legislation in the House, as well as with Kayden’s family and experts in the field of child abuse and child custody issues, to craft legislation that would make a fundamental change to Pennsylvania’s child custody law to make it forever clear that the safety of our children is the most important concern. I am grateful to Chairwoman Baker for bringing up the bill in committee and to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for unanimously voting to move it to the floor of the Senate,” Santarsiero added.
“Children should be our number one priority. Their safety should be their number one priority,” said Kathy Sherlock, mother of Kayden Mancuso. “Parental rights supersede children’s rights in our courts, and that’s backwards. We’re hoping that Pennsylvania leads in something we so desperately need.”
The changes proposed in Kayden’s Law will strengthen the current factors that judges consider to decide custody decisions and emphasize which party would ensure the health and safety of the child, and ensure that if there is a finding by the court of a history of abuse or an ongoing risk of abuse, that any custody order includes safety conditions and restrictions necessary to protect the child. The bill would also encourage the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to implement an annual educational and training program for judges and relevant court personnel on child abuse, adverse childhood experiences, domestic violence, and its impact on children.
In October 2019, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on Kayden’s Law in Lower Makefield Township, during which testimony was heard from advocates and stakeholders on the need for changes to the existing law.
Santarsiero continued, “In the months since that hearing, I have been working with Kayden’s family and advocates from across the Commonwealth to fine-tune the bill’s language. The bill that was voted favorably out of committee today represents feedback from experts who work in our family court system every day, to ensure no family has to experience the same horror as Kayden’s family.”
“The safety of our children is paramount. Kayden’s Law will ensure that the best interest of the child is the top priority in judicial child custody and visitation decisions,” said Rep. Warren. “The Senate Judiciary Committee’s unanimous vote is a critical step forward in making this lifesaving bill become law. Thank you to Kathy Sherlock for her courage and to Sen. Santarsiero. Rep. Tina Davis and I join the Senator in introducing and advocating for Kayden’s Law in the House.”
“I applaud the Senate Judiciary Committee in moving Kayden’s Law forward today,” said Rep. Davis. “This is a great first step towards protecting children by ensuring the courts look at the warning signs of abuse and neglect in child custody cases. My colleagues and I will fight to continue moving this legislation forward and into a law that will save lives and prevent another Kayden Mancuso tragedy.”
“We heard from over 1,400 Pennsylvanians, from all across the Commonwealth, about the importance of the Senate Judiciary Committee considering Kayden’s Law,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I am pleased to see the committee vote in favor of the bill today. It’s one step in the process, but it’s an important step in changing the law to save children’s lives.”
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September 18, 2020
DOYLESTOWN, PA – September 18, 2020 – Construction has begun on a $19 million expansion of the nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), which is one of the nation’s most successful life sciences incubators. Last night, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) joined with PABC leadership to celebrate with a ceremonial “Construction Kickoff.”
The PABC, located in Doylestown, has more than 70 member companies, 41 of which have operations in the facility. The expansion will lead to more than 100 additional jobs at the center, with dozens of new companies and millions of dollars in commercial activity. PABC-member companies currently employ more than 300 highly skilled scientists, staff and students.
“Entrepreneurs at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center have produced more than $2 billion in company value, created hundreds of new jobs and launched several publicly traded companies,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Our state investment not only spurs further economic growth to the area’s biotech sector, but it has the added benefit of helping to save lives and to improve the quality of life for many.”
The PABC has received $4.4 million in grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for which Sen. Santarsiero has been a strong advocate. Since 2106, PABC has received $4 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants. In August, they received $430,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s (DCED) Office of Technology and Innovation to develop laboratory space for COVID-19 research through the COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatments and Therapies (CV-VTT) program.
“We are confident in Pennsylvania’s future, as our investment in this major expansion clearly demonstrates,” Timothy M. Block, Ph.D., founder, president and CEO of the PABC, said. “We also appreciate the vote of confidence in our operation by state legislators and federal officials, who provided the grants needed to move our project forward.”
For more information, visit the PABC website.
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September 17, 2020
DOYLESTOWN – September 17, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Wendy Ullman (D-143) announced $37,312 in awards to three Doylestown veterans’ groups through the Veteran Trust Fund Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). American Legion Post 210 will receive $12,500, Operation Homefront will receive $10,000 and Bucks County Veterans Affairs will receive $14,812.
“We are fortunate to have several groups in Doylestown who work closely with our veteran community, and these funds will help continue their important work of providing services and support to those who have served our country in the armed services,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The Veterans Trust Fund is a shining example of the commitment that Pennsylvanians have toward supporting our veterans. As the son of a World War II veteran, I am a strong supporter of our veterans and military families, and I look forward to seeing these funds used to continue the excellent work here in our community.”
“Thank you to everyone who donates to the commonwealth’s Veteran Trust Fund – your impact on your community is felt especially now,” Rep. Ullman said. “Veterans have taken care of us all for generations, and this is an important way we can keep saying thank you.”
Veteran Trust Fund Grants are funded by Pennsylvanians who voluntarily made a $3 donation when applying for or renewing their driver’s license or photo ID, or when renewing a motor vehicle registration. Additional funding for the grant comes from proceeds from the sale of “Honoring Our Veterans” and “Honoring our Women Veterans” license plates, and from private donations.
For more information about the Veterans Trust Fund, visit the DMVA website.
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September 15, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – September 15, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $211,408 in funding through the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program, administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The funds were part of $20,000,000 in CARES Act funds awarded statewide. The funding awards in the 10th State Senate District are as follows:
- James A. Michener Art Museum will receive $101,431.
- Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve will receive $34,977.
- Bucks County Children’s Museum will receive $25,000.
- Pearl S. Buck International will receive $25,000.
- New Hope Historical Society will receive $25,000.
The funding awards were announced one day after the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on COVID-19’s Impact on Arts, Cultural and Historic Institutions, during which organizations from across the Commonwealth shared the challenges they have faced and the critical need for state support.
“At yesterday’s Policy Committee Hearing, we heard about the continued struggles of the arts community during these unprecedented times,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These funding awards will benefit a diverse cross-section of my district’s cultural groups and museums, helping them to continue to enrich our community even as they face dramatic loss in revenue and fundraising. There is still a lot more that needs to be done to support our arts, culture and museum groups, and I will continue to advocate for funding and grant opportunities from the State.”
For additional information on the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program, visit the DCED website.
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September 14, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – September 14, 2020 – Two Bucks County cultural institutions were featured in a Senate committee hearing that highlighted the value of historic, arts and cultural organizations to our local and state economies, and the support they need to survive the challenges of the pandemic.
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) today co-hosted the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Arts, Cultural, and Historical Institutions of Pennsylvania. Two local panelists, Kyle McKoy, President & CEO of the Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, and Alexander Fraser, Producing Director of the Bucks County Playhouse, provided testimony on the challenges of serving the public during the pandemic.
“We are so fortunate to have such a robust arts and culture scene here in the 10th state Senate district, but it is clear that these organizations have faced incredible hardship during the pandemic,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “We heard today about the challenges of hosting in-person performances, exhibits and tours, ensuring adequate fundraising, and issues with navigating the grant process to help keep their doors open and their staff on payroll. I am committed to ensuring there is continued opportunities for funding and resources available for the industry, as they struggle to serve the community in these unprecedented times.”
Sen. Santarsiero pointed to the arts and cultural institutions as vital to our economy and to our community well-being, and he added that if there is a way to resume live performances that can be done safely for the performers, support personnel and audience, then it should be done.
“The public and private sectors have responded in tremendous ways to support charitable organizations. A key shift in giving has been the increased focus on the need for nonprofit entities to receive general operating support,” McKoy testified. “Just like the for-profit sector, there is a cost for doing business for not for profit organizations also–we need to pay people, maintain properties, buildings and offices. In doing so, nonprofits are vital to the health and viability of our local communities. Nonprofits support other businesses—banking and financial services, manufacturing, hospitality, printing, technology, and the list goes on.”
McKoy added that the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle’s combined total economic impact is $13.9 million, in direct, indirect and induced spending for the Doylestown area. Similarly, Fraser said the Bucks County Playhouse drew over 85,000 visitors to New Hope, generating $10 million to the Pennsylvania economy last year.
“Like all performing arts institutions, today, the Playhouse is fighting to stay alive. As a young nonprofit organization with no endowment, the Playhouse is particularly vulnerable,” testified Fraser. “Please allow theatres to resume indoor performances with prudent safety guidelines such as the allowance of 50% occupancy for in-door restaurants.”
The full video of the hearing is available here.
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September 10, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – September 10, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $8,512,517 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) will be helping Bucks County organizations and localities serve victims of crimes and assist with offender probation programming. Through the Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSAC), $8,296,517 will be dispersed pursuant to the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to the following organizations:
- Network of Victim Assistance will receive $4,481,387.
- A Woman’s Place will receive $2,127,215.
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania will receive $1,689,915.
- Plumstead Township will receive $106,118.
“These funding awards will help support critical work by these exemplary organizations to provide assistance to survivors of domestic violence and other crimes,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The programs supported by these funds benefit our community by providing crisis response to those in need. I am proud of the organizations committed to serving our residents here in Bucks County and the important services they offer.”
An additional $216,000 in Intermediate Punishment Treatment Funds from the County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC) will go to Bucks County to support its Restrictive Probation Program.
The Victims’ Services Advisory Committee (VSAC) serves in an advisory capacity to PCCD and to assure that the voices, needs, and perspectives of all crime victims/survivors will be considered in the development of services, services standards, policies, funding priorities, legislation, and outcomes. For more information on VSAC’s role within PCCD, visit the PCCD website.
The County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC) serves in an advisory capacity to PCCD to ensure reasonable and efficient administration on all matters pertaining to the Pennsylvania County Adult Probation and Parole System. For more information on the CAPPAC’s role within PCCD, visit the PCCD website.
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August 28, 2020
DOYLESTOWN – August 28, 2020 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced that the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County will receive $803,306.00 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Office of Technology and Innovation. This funding through the COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatments and Therapies (CV-VTT) program will support the advancement of vaccines, treatments, and therapies by qualified biotechnology entities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The PA Biotech Center is an important part of our region’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, ushering in some of the first diagnostic tests in Bucks County through on-site companies, as well as hosting a number of other entrepreneurs who are developing new drugs to manage this disease,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This investment not only spurs economic growth to the area’s biotech sector, but will likely help save lives here and across the world.”
The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, which manages the PA Biotech Center, was awarded $165,406 to continue work on a new compound that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and prevents viral entry and promote it to human clinical trials. This could be the first small molecule drug for treatment of COVID-19.
The Blumberg Institute was also awarded $207,900 to conduct a study to determine if a small molecule, iminosugar, alone or in combination with Remdesivir or Favipiravir, has useful antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
The PA Biotech was awarded $430,000 to convert an under-used warehouse grade space in its complex into useful research and training space that will accelerate the pace of development of projects dealing with COVID-19 and related work. The 6,000-square-foot space will be used by several biotechnology companies, research projects, and trainees who will work on new therapeutics and diagnostics discovery science, as well as human phlebotomy for COVID-19.
“The PA Biotech Center has demonstrated that it can be a hub for numerous growth opportunities,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I am very excited to work with the Center to help those opportunities become real jobs and new industries here.”
The PA Biotech Center is a non-profit, managed by the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, offering state-of-the-art laboratory and office space to research and biotechnology companies. The CV-VTT funds, which will be matched dollar for dollar with private funds, will enable the PA Biotech Center to respond to the explosive demand and immediate need for additional research to accommodate multiple COVID-19 treatment and therapy projects.
For more information on the CV-VTT program, visit the DCED website.
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