April 10, 2019
HARRISBURG, PA − April 10, 2019 − Today, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus introduced legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations for sexual offenses and open a window for civil liability.
The legislation was introduced as Senate Bill 540.
“I wanted to get to Harrisburg to amplify the voices of those who’ve gone unheard for far too long,” said Senator Tim Kearney. “Trauma does not have an expiration date; We will not limit survivors’ opportunities to seek justice.”
“I support Senate Bill 540 because it follows the unanimous recommendations of the Pennsylvania grand jury that spent two years examining widespread sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy, and an institutional cover-up spanning decades,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “Since the Grand Jury Report was released last August, 16 other states have opened investigations into clergy abuse and cover-up, the U.S. Justice Department has launched a probe, 1600 people have called our clergy abuse hotline, and 35 states are considering legislative changes like those called for by the grand jury. It’s time for Pennsylvania lawmakers to do their part.”
“Sexual assault is horrific in every instance,” said Senator Maria Collett. “This legislation acknowledges the reality of why victims are often slow to report as well as the egregious lifelong damage this type of trauma inflicts.”
“In the PA House, I worked with Rep. Mark Rozzi in trying to eliminate the statute of limitations in cases of child sex abuse,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero. “Over the past few years support has steadily built for that idea. This should be the year that we lift the statute for all victims of sexual violence, children and adults. Justice demands no less.”
“SB 540 is a victim-centered bill that will finally allow all survivors to choose their pathway to healing and justice,” said Senator Katie Muth. “Sexual violence and abuse is a public health crisis and we must stop this rape culture epidemic.”
“I’m hopeful that this bill will be embraced and ultimately passed with bipartisan support,” said Senator Lindsey Williams.
The bill would amend Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to:
- eliminate the criminal and civil statute of limitations (SOL) for sexual abuse, assault and misconduct victims whose abuse happened at any age;
- provide a 2 year civil window to revive previously expired SOL claims, and;
- also provide a 6-month delay to the window in which survivors who wish to voluntarily settle their claim outside the court system are able to do so.
While this bill addresses the concerns of the Grand Jury report on church sex abuse, what will be introduced is not SB 261 of 2017-2018 nor HB 612 of 2017-2018, though those pieces of legislation did inform the context of this bill.
“There is a war on sexual violence in this country and in so many ways, Pennsylvania has been ground zero,” said state Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm. “I am honored to stand here with our new Senators as we add more voices to this army of support to finally change our broken system, expose those who seek to behind it and offer a path to justice and healing for all Pennsylvania’s victims and survivors.”
The Senators were also joined by a handful of survivor victims who offered remarks on the need for this legislation.
This crisis is indiscriminate of age; there are countless victims who have been subjected to sexual abuse, assault and misconduct in their lifetime. A study done by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) found that 82% of sexual assault victims are between the ages of 18 and 64. The 2015 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey Date Brief showed that 55.6% of women surveyed were 18 years old or older when they were first-time victims of completed or attempted rape.
However, this research is based on reported abuse, assault and misconduct. The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that only 36% of rapes, 34% of attempted rapes, and 26% of sexual assaults were reported between 1992 and 2000. This data describes a marginalized population and does not reflect the real scope of the crisis due to under-reporting.
Senators signed on to sponsor the bill are: Senator Timothy P. Kearney and Senator Maria Collett, Senator Katie J. Muth, Senator Steven J. Santarsiero, Senator Lindsey Williams, Senator John P. Blake, Senator James R. Brewster, Senator Jay Costa, Senator Andrew E. Dinniman, Senator Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr., Senator Wayne D. Fontana, Senator Vincent J. Hughes, Senator Daylin Leach, Senator Judith L. Schwank, Senator Sharif Street, Senator Christine M. Tartaglione, Senator Anthony H. Williams.
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April 1, 2019
HARRISBURG – April 1, 2019 – On the eve of Equal Pay Day, Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Maria Collett (D-12) issued a joint memorandum inviting fellow senators to join them in support of legislation that will ensure workers are compensated fairly for their work.
Currently, women in Pennsylvania earn 79 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a gap of over $10,000 a year. The gender wage gap is the result of multiple factors, including occupational segregation, bias against working mothers, and direct pay discrimination.
To combat unequal pay in the workplace, the senators will be introducing legislation to update Pennsylvania’s antiquated Equal Pay Law as follows:
- Broaden the scope of current law to include more employees and fringe benefits;
- Protect employees from retaliation when inquiring about wage information, ensuring wages are based on bona fide factors; and
- Provide workers the ability to collect unpaid wages when an employer is found to violate the law.
“Women contribute essential and valued work in every sector of our economy,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “It’s past time for us to guarantee women are paid fairly and fully for their work.”
Sen. Collett added, “Pennsylvania continues to lag behind other states when it comes to closing the wage gap, making Pennsylvania’s women – especially women of color – even worse off than the national average. The time for change is overdue. Closing the gender pay gap is good for our families, good for our economy, and good for Pennsylvania.”
Barbara Price, of the Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition and the American Association of University Women, said on the issue of wage discrepancy, “Solving the gender pay gap is a matter of economics for women and families. With a record number of women in the workforce and nearly half of women functioning as primary or co-breadwinners, equal pay for women is critical to families’ economic security. Updating Pennsylvania’s Pay Equity Law to cover all employees will lift families and the Pennsylvania economy.”
“Pennsylvania’s Equal Pay Act needs to be updated to lift the economic barriers to women in the work place so they are paid family sustaining wages,” said Tam St. Claire, also of the Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition. “If employed women in Pennsylvania were paid the same as comparable men, their poverty rate would be reduced by more than half, moving us toward equity and economic security for all. Lifting the barriers to equal pay will also lift the economy.”
This legislation mirrors a proposal in the House of Representatives co-sponsored by Representatives Brian Sims (D-182) and Tina Davis (D-141), introduced as HB 850.
A link to the memorandum can be found here.
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March 28, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – March 28, 2019 – The Morrisville Fire Company was awarded $200,000 in state grant funding for a new fire engine, according to State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), State Representative Perry Warren (D-31), and State Representative John Galloway (D-140). The new engine is a 2020 Pierce Arrow XT heavy duty rescue pumper with a 500-gallon tank and 2000 gpm pump.
“The service that Morrisville firefighters provide to the community is invaluable and will greatly benefit from the addition of this new engine,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Ensuring local fire companies are equipped to handle the emergencies they face on a daily basis will continue to be a top priority of mine.”
“With this loan, the Morrisville Fire Company can purchase a new fire truck that is as top-notch as the men and women who volunteer for it,” Rep. Warren said.
“This engine will be a great addition to the Morrisville Fire Company and reflects my commitment to funding local emergency services,” Rep. Galloway said.
The Morrisville Fire Company applied for the grant through the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) and is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
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March 26, 2019
HARRISBURG, PA − March 26, 2019 − Pennsylvania Senator Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, announced the funding approval of five new projects in the 10th Senate District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF). Totaling over $2.1 million in funding, the projects aim to improve Bucks County’s infrastructure and provide safer, more dependable transportation.
The projects and their funding totals are as followed:
- Green Street Improvements, Silverdale Borough: $147,444
- Bridge Street Pedestrian Improvements, New Hope Borough: $92,980
- University Village, Borough of New Britain: $600,000
- Pedestrian Safety Improvements, Delaware Valley University: $1,011,826
- 2015 MTF, Borough of Perkasie: $283,171
“Infrastructure investment is key to creating vibrant communities and promoting economic growth,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support municipalities through key infrastructure investments like these projects.”
The MTF, established by Act 89 of 2013, funds several types of improvement projects, including roads, walking and bike trails, railways, traffic safety, public transportation, and air transport. As a State Representative, Sen. Santarsiero voted for Act 89, which helped provide revenue for the MTF.
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March 25, 2019
Collett, Kearney, Muth, Santarsiero, and L. Williams seek additional reforms
Harrisburg – March 25, 2019 – Sens. Maria Collett (D-Bucks/Montgomery), Tim Kearney (D-Chester/Delaware), Katie Muth (D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks), and Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) are sponsoring legislation to expand reforms included in the #MeToo PA General Assembly Act.
First introduced in the state House of Representatives by Rep. Leanne Krueger (D-Delaware) last session, the expanded #MeToo PA General Assembly Act seeks to add reforms to the process and procedures of addressing sexual harassment claims in the Pennsylvania legislature.
“The groundbreaking reform legislation introduced by Rep. Krueger established the framework for what my colleagues and I are building on with our Senate bill,” said Collett. “We need to implement and improve the procedures in which sexual assault and sexual harassment claims are addressed in our government. This legislation allows us to do that.”
Collett and Muth joined Krueger at a news conference today to support the #MeToo movement and unveil their bill.
“As a survivor and supporter of those who have come forward through the #MeToo movement, I believe it is imperative that legislation be put into action to correct serious issues within the process of addressing harassment claims in the General Assembly,” Muth said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on implementing these reforms.”
The companion legislation being introduced in the Senate would:
- Establish procedures for keeping investigatory, prosecutorial, and adjudicatory functions separate, as required under state law;
- establish procedures for communicating temporary regulations that are necessary to promptly implement the new procedures; and
- combine current settlement provisions with new provisions relating to the source of payment, personal liability of elected officials, and payment of awards.
“This is about creating a safe workplace where employees don’t have to look over their shoulders with worry,” said Kearney. “It’s about creating a system that doesn’t silence survivors, protect offenders, or waste taxpayer money. Going forward, we will ensure that wrongdoers face real repercussions while victims are heard. We will create a Capitol that sets the tone for the entire state.”
Krueger’s original legislation included the banning of non-disclosure agreements that mask the names of General Assembly members who are accused of harassment; requiring credibly accused members of the state legislature to repay any settlements that were paid with taxpayer dollars; and, requiring paid administrative leave, remote work assignments, and reimbursement for licensed counseling offered to employees during the adjudication of proceedings.
“Members of the General Assembly have the responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that is beyond reproach,” Williams said. “This legislation ensures that members who break that faith are held accountable for their behavior, not the taxpayers.”
The Democratic senators said that their companion legislation would protect the staff and employees of the General Assembly. Implementing these measures is long overdue, they said.
”We must protect victims of sexual harassment and assault,” Santarsiero said. “People need to feel that they can come forward safely without facing further harm. The safeguards that this legislation will provide are long past due.”
Since its start in 2017, the #MeToo movement has been instrumental in raising awareness of the epidemic of sexual harassment and sexual assault. The movement has also brought to the light the lack of formal processes for victims to report sexual harassment and assault and receive the necessary protections to effectively address these issues.
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Media Contact: Eryn Spangler, PA Senate Democrats Communications
Phone: 717-787-5166
Email: Eryn.Spangler@pasenate.com
March 18, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − March 18, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D- 10), announced New Britain Borough Wilma Quinlan Nature Preserve Committee and Newtown Creek Coalition as the Bucks County winners of the 2019 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
“These environmental projects are key to preserving the natural beauty of Bucks County,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I’m so proud of the residents who volunteered their time and energy to this work that benefits us all.”
The New Britain Borough Wilma Quinlan Nature Preserve Committee project focused on habitat restoration at the nature preserve. Project volunteers carried out a three-year project to clear out invasive species, install nesting boxes, redesign trails to prevent erosion, conduct a soil study, install benches, and plant 386 native trees, 119 native shrubs, and wildflowers.
The Newtown Creek Coalition project restored the Newtown Common and Creek. The streambank stabilization project included coir logs, rain gardens, porous pavement, and a team effort by many volunteers to plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses to help the borough meet its sediment and nutrient pollutant reduction goals.
The award recipients were chosen among 27 applicants and were evaluated by the Department of Environmental Protection based on the project’s degree of environmental protection, innovation, partnership efforts, economic impact, consideration of climate change, sustainability, and achieved results.
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March 13, 2019
HARRISBURG − March 13, 2019 − State Senator Steven J. Santarsiero (D-10), Senator Art Haywood (D-4), and Senator Thomas H. Killion (R-9) issued a co-sponsorship memorandum detailing their proposed expansion of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS).
AEPS was enacted in 2004, but has since been outpaced by stronger energy standards of neighboring states.
The legislation to be introduced by Senators Santarsiero, Haywood, and Killion would expand AEPS Tier I requirements; direct the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to study the benefits of a renewable energy storage program; and provide for several protections that control costs for electricity customers.
The Clean Power PA Coalition, a group of clean energy, business, faith, and community leaders committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and powering its economy through clean energy, applauded the bipartisan announcement.
“We are excited that senators Haywood, Killion and Santarsiero recognize the tremendous potential for a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania powered by renewable energy,” Clean Power PA Coalition stated. “Their proposed legislation to modernize renewable energy standards will cut carbon emissions, improve public health and our environment and create tens of thousands of new family-sustaining jobs for residents of our Commonwealth.”
“We no longer have the luxury of time,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “If we are going to reverse global climate change we need to act boldly and we need to act now. This bill does that while at the same time creating thousands of sustainable jobs right here in Pennsylvania that otherwise will go to other states.”
An attachment to the memorandum shows how drastically Pennsylvania has fallen behind compared to neighboring states Maryland and New Jersey in terms of renewable energy goals. Current law has Pennsylvania aiming for 8 percent by 2021, while Maryland is going after 25 percent by 2025 and New Jersey, 50 percent by 2030.
The memorandum proposes that implementing stronger renewable energy goals will result in the creation of thousands of family-sustaining jobs, while also cutting emissions and ensuring a sustainable Pennsylvania for future generations. In 2017, while Maryland boasted 13,053 solar jobs, and New Jersey, 9,239 solar jobs, Pennsylvania trailed behind with only 4,670.
“Once adopted, this legislation will increase the amount of clean energy used to power our state,” said Senator Haywood. “We can decrease pollution, create jobs, and provide a cleaner environment for all.”
“It is long overdue for Pennsylvania to take advantage of renewable energy programs and the opportunities they present for all residents,” Sen. Killion said. “This legislation offers some practical solutions and is a step in the right direction.”
“This legislation is extremely timely given the discussion concerning the future of nuclear energy in Pennsylvania,” said Representative Steve McCarter, chairman of the bipartisan, bicameral Climate Caucus. “Climate change is driving us to make critical decisions about electrical generation in the commonwealth to ensure that Pennsylvania does not become a backwater in the fight to curb carbon emissions while preserving and creating good-paying jobs in Pennsylvania.”
A link to the memorandum can be found here.
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March 1, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − March 1, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Wendy Ullman (D-143) announced a $10,000 grant for the regional chapter of Operation Homefront, a charitable organization formed in 2002 to support post-9/11 veterans and military families across the country. The grant was fully funded through the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF).
The grant will provide financial assistance to veterans in need. According to Operation Homefront, 92 percent of expenditures goes directly toward delivering programs and services to the military families who need it most. Services provided by Operation Homefront include but are not limited to helping veterans and their families move into donated homes recovered from bank foreclosures, providing school supplies to the children of veterans, and distributing thousands of dollars into emergency financial funds.
“Each and every day, veterans and their families go out of their way to selflessly serve our community and nation,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “The least we can do is be there for veterans in their time of need. With this funding, organizations like Operation Homefront continue to lead in providing quality support to our veterans.”
“The support provided by Operation Homefront helps countless veterans and military families in our communities,” Representative Ullman said. “These funds will help much needed services and programs reach those service families among us who are experiencing financial insecurity. After all they have done to make our communities secure”, Ullman added, “we must make sure we support worthy organization like Operation Homefront in making military families secure.”
The VTF is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and funded by generous Pennsylvanians who voluntarily make a $3 donation when applying for or renewing their driver’s license, photo ID, or a motor vehicle registration.
The 10th Senatorial District includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
The 143rd Legislative District includes: Bedminster Township, Bridgeton Township, Buckingham Township, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Durham Township, Haycock Township, Nockamixon Township, Plumstead Township, Riegelsville, and Tinicum Township.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit the district website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Representative Ullman has a district office in Doylestown and can be reached at www.pahouse.com/Ullman.
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February 26, 2019
HARRISBURG − February 26, 2019 − Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County Inc. was awarded $150,000 in state funding for accessible housing improvements for qualifying low income residents with a disability through the Keystone Communities program, according to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10).
The funding will support the implementation of an accessible housing program that provides necessary modifications to the homes of 24 people across the county.
“Everyone deserves the right to live in safe, accessible housing,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I will be working closely with advocacy groups, government agencies, the business community and developers to achieve that goal.”
The Keystone Communities program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and is designed to support local initiatives that grow and stabilize neighborhoods and communities, encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors in the community, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
For more information on the state’s commitment to community development and revitalization, visit the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website.
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February 26, 2019
HARRISBURG − February 26, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), announced the funding award of $217,663 to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board for students and young adults seeking work opportunities this summer through the State/Local Internship Program (SLIP).
“Investing in our youth is key to long-term economic growth,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “These job training funds will give young people a chance to thrive in the 21st century economy.”
SLIP is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA helps develop workforce preparation skills and provides many participants their first work experience. The program operates for an eight-week period between May 6 and August 30, 2019, offers wages at a minimum of $10.35 an hour, and is open to young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 years.
SLIP is 100 percent funded through federal money made available from WIOA.
For more information on this and other grant programs, please visit www.pasmart.gov.
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February 15, 2019
NEWTOWN, BUCKS COUNTY – February 15, 2019 – On the one year anniversary of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), State Representative Perry Warren (D-31), and former State Representative Helen Tai joined students and gun safety advocates in front of Council Rock North High School to call for the passage of safe storage firearm legislation.
Senator Santarsiero is the primary sponsor of Senate Bills 137 and 138. SB 137 requires the safe storage of a firearm when the gun owner resides with a person who may not lawfully possess a firearm; SB 138 requires safe storage regardless of who resides with the gun owner.
Santarsiero, Warren’s predecessor in the State House, has been a leading advocate for gun violence prevention legislation since 2012 when, shortly after the tragedy in Newtown, CT, he offered legislation to require background checks on all gun purchases. He began Thursday’s press conference by noting that the fight to end gun violence has been a long one.
“I know this has been a long and often frustrating road for those of us who have been working on this issue for years now. But as we stand here today on the first anniversary of the shooting in Parkland, Florida, we must rededicate ourselves to this task. There have been 377 mass shootings since then, 20 alone here in Pennsylvania, including the murders at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Enough is enough,” he said.
In the House, Rep. Warren introduced HB 532, which mirrors Santarsiero’s SB 137. Rep. Briggs (D-149) is the primary sponsor of HB 525, requiring the safe storage of firearms in homes where children may be present.
“It’s time to stop this culture of gun violence,” Rep. Warren said. “It’s time to take concrete steps to keep guns out of the hands of people who will do with them harm. It’s time to stand up for our schools, for our children, for our families and communities, and I’m proud to be here today with my colleague to do this.”
Former Rep. Helen Tai, who championed safe storage legislation while in the House last year, spoke about the widespread support for gun safety legislation and the local impact not of not having these laws in place.
“The overwhelming number of Americans and Pennsylvanians want common sense gun safety laws passed,” former Rep. Tai said. “These laws would prevent countless children from accidental deaths or shootings and would’ve prevented Cosmo DiNardo, who was legally banned from possessing a firearm, from using his mother’s gun to murder four young men.”
Samantha Duckworth, a senior at Council Rock High School North, talked about her experiences as a young student growing up around the constant school shootings across the country.
“It’s scary to go to school,” Duckworth said. “It’s scary to live with the fear that you might get gunned down one day in your classroom. A year ago at Parkland, something changed for a lot of students. We saw ourselves in the faces of the students who died that day. Marjory Stoneman Douglas School is a lot like Council Rock North. The teachers there are a lot like our teachers, the students there are a lot like our students, and the classes they have there are a lot like our classes, so that day for a lot of us we realized this really can happen to us.”
A statement by Shira Goodman, executive director of CeasefirePA, praised the Bucks County lawmakers for standing up for the safety of fellow citizens.
“CeaseFirePA is pleased that Sen. Santarsiero, Rep. Briggs, and Rep. Warren are focusing on safe storage of firearms,” Goodman stated. “The absence of such laws in PA makes us less safe. There are many homes where law abiding gun owners live with people who are not legally allowed to possess firearms — because of their age, criminal history or another prohibiting factor. It is the responsibility of the gun owner to prevent access to those people — for their own safety and for public safety. Safe storage laws educate and motivate good practices, prevent suicides and homicides, and keep us safer. Pa should join other states that have such laws.”
Santarsiero ended the event with a charge and a challenge. “Before the torch is passed to the generation represented by these students here with us today, let those of us who currently have the power to pass legislation and affect change, act. We need to protect everyone in our community,” he added. “Requiring safe storage is simple, reasonable and will save lives. Let’s make it the law of this commonwealth. Let’s pass this legislation.”
The 10th Senatorial District includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
The 31st Legislative District includes: Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, Newtown, Newtown Township, and Yardley.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit the district website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Rep. Warren has a district office in Yardley and can be reached via email at RepWarren@pahouse.com. Visit the district website at www.pahouse.com/Warren.
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February 14, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − February 14, 2019 − Pennsylvania Senator Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, announced the award of a $100,000 pre-apprenticeship grant to Bucks County Community College. This grant is one of several awarded by Governor Tom Wolf as part of the first PAsmart Apprenticeship and Next Generation Industry Partnerships, which aims to grow STEM education and job training opportunities to benefit employees and industries alike.
“By focusing on preparation for the job market, we can make sure that the next generation of workers in our commonwealth are competitive in their chosen fields,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “There are so many options for young people after high school, whether they go on to higher education or an apprenticeship program, or immediately join the workforce, opportunities provided by grants like these help to shape the future of our economy.”
With the help of this grant, Bucks County Community College will be able to expand the industrial maintenance pre-apprenticeship training program that is already in place for Bucks County high school students and other out-of-school adults between the ages of 18-24. The program is 24 weeks long and requires three hours of industrial maintenance instruction daily.
For more information on this and other grant programs, please visit www.pasmart.gov.
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February 1, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − February 1, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Wendy Ullman (D-143) announced today infrastructure investments for Plumstead Township. The $607,175 in funds will improve essential pedestrian safety such as sidewalks, ADA-compliant features, and signalization at the intersection of Stump Road and Route 611 (Easton Road).
“Infrastructure investments keep communities like Plumstead safe and economically competitive,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “In Harrisburg, I’ll continue to prioritize infrastructure projects that provide the most local benefit.”
“Families and businesses in Plumstead welcome key investments like this,” Rep. Ullman said. “Connecting and improving our communities through investing in infrastructure is one of my top priorities as a legislator.”
The Plumstead project was fully funded through the commonwealth’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. As a State Representative, Sen. Santarsiero voted for act 89, which helped provide remedies revenue for the Multimodal Transportation Fund.
The 10th Senatorial District includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
The 143rd Legislative District includes: Bedminster Township, Bridgeton Township, Buckingham Township, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Durham Township, Haycock Township, Nockamixon Township, Plumstead Township, Riegelsville, and Tinicum Township.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit the district website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Representative Ullman has a district office in Doylestown and can be reached at www.pahouse.com/Ullman.
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January 18, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – January 18, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero, minority chair of the senate Communications and Technology committee, announced the award of computer science grant funding for Council Rock, Central Bucks, and Pennridge school districts.
Each district will receive $35,000 to fund high-quality computer science and STEM education in elementary, middle, and high schools, and professional development for teachers. The grants specifically aim to prepare students and workers for an economy that requires proficiency in using computers and other technologies.
“These grants are the first step in ensuring schools in Bucks County and across the Commonwealth stay competitive in the fields of computer science and STEM education,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “My hope is to be able to expand such grant programs across the district, so all students and teachers can lead the way towards a new and innovative educational system and economy.”
The grants were fully funded through Governor Wolf’s PAsmart initiative.
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January 15, 2019
HARRISBURG – January 15, 2019 – For the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, State Senator Steve Santarsiero was appointed to serve as Democratic Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and as a member on the Appropriations, Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Judiciary, and Local Government Committees.
In these new positions, Sen. Santarsiero will be addressing issues related to modernizing communications and technology systems, state expenditures, consumer advocacy and protections, criminal justice reform, gun violence prevention, and effective and efficient local government.
“I’m honored and ready to serve on these committees,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “The residents and businesses of Bucks County want fair, common sense solutions in Harrisburg. I look forward to working with other committee members on issues all Pennsylvanians have a vested interest in solving.”
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January 10, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – January 10, 2019 – Today, State Senator Steve Santarsiero announced the award of grant funding from the Department of Labor and Industry for Business Education Partnerships across the county.
Bucks County groups received $109,830.60 to fund Bucks Career Exploration, Education and Preparation, which will serve Bucks County school youth and Bucks County businesses. The project objective is to increase career awareness and opportunities for students and educators of career paths in manufacturing, healthcare, and other in-demand industries in Bucks County.
“These grants will help ensure Bucks County students and businesses stay competitive in an economy that’s constantly evolving,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I look forward to working with each group in making Bucks County more family and business friendly.”
The partnership will include participation from a broad range of groups including:
Morrisville High School, Upper Bucks County Technical School, Executive Leaders Radio Talk Show, ETC NASTAR, Bucks County IU #22, and the Bucks County Juvenile Detention Center.
These grants were fully federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act.
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January 8, 2019
HARRISBURG – January 8, 2019 – Sen. Steve Santarsiero has invited his colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate to co-sponsor two bills he plans to introduce requiring the safe storage of firearms.
“Millions of children live in homes with easily accessible firearms,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “In fact, most children know where their parents keep their guns — even if their parents think otherwise.”
Sen. Santarsiero cited a 2018 study that found 4.6 million minors in the U.S. live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm. From 2005 to 2014, roughly 20,000 American minors were killed or seriously injured in accidental shootings; the majority of those killed in these tragic accidents were aged 12 or younger. Child access prevention (CAP) laws are an important tool for reducing these preventable shootings. Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have enacted such statues – Pennsylvania isn’t one of them.
“The lack of such requirements leaves our children unacceptably vulnerable to murders, fatal accidents, suicides, and school shootings,” Santarsiero said. “Therefore, I plan to introduce legislation to require that firearm owners take the steps necessary to help ensure that their guns do not fall into the wrong hands.”
“Creating effective gun storage measures and enforcing the use of gun locks are key parts in building efficient gun violence prevention legislation in this country,” said Olivia Mitchell, founder of Bucks Students Demand Action. “Senator Santarsiero’s introduced bills are taking the first step in bringing gun safety legislation to Pennsylvania, a state in dire need for reform. These bills are ensuring a peaceful future not only for our state, but our country.”
Outline of the two proposed bills:
- Proposal #1 – Would require gun owners to safely store firearms if a person who cannot legally possess a firearm lives in the owner’s residence.
- Proposal #2 – Would require gun owners to safely store firearms when not under direct control of the owner.
The full memo can be found here.
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January 7, 2019
HARRISBURG – January 7, 2019 – In a memorandum addressed to his colleagues in the state Senate, Sen. Steve Santarsiero said he plans to introduce legislation which will prohibit Pennsylvania school districts from arming teachers.
“Asking teachers to carry guns in the classroom is a dangerous idea,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Schools across Pennsylvania must be safe places for our children and teens to learn free from gun violence. Arming teachers does not advance that goal, but rather increases the risk of tragedy in our schools.”
Current state law bans weapons in schools except in the case of people who have a lawful purpose to carry a gun or other weapon. The bill Sen. Santarsiero plans to introduce will clarify current law by expressly prohibiting teachers, administrators, and other school district employees from carrying a firearm in school.
“As a former teacher, I know firsthand that there is a place in our schools for law enforcement officers who receive extensive training with firearms and how to react in dangerous situations,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “The job of teachers, on the other hand, is to teach. When school boards vote to arm teachers or other education professionals, they are taking them away from that important mission while at the same time putting our children at risk.”
“Research has shown that most K-12 shooters get their guns from home,” said Allison Glickman, co-founder of the Bucks County chapter of Orange Wave for Gun Safety. “If lawmakers wanted to stop school shootings, they would focus on safe storage and child access prevention laws. Arming teachers is not the way to prevent school shootings- it is merely a way to sell more guns at a time when the industry is slumping. Our kids, teachers, and law enforcement deserve evidence-based solutions over gun lobby fear mongering.”
The full memo can be found here.
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January 1, 2019
HARRISBURG – January 1, 2019 – State Senator Steven J. Santarsiero (D-10, Bucks) was sworn in for his first term in the State Senate during a ceremony today in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol in Harrisburg.
Sen. Santarsiero was joined by over 100 friends and family for his swearing-in ceremony. Pennsylvania Justice Kevin M. Dougherty administered the oath of office.
“I love the 10th District and am honored to have the opportunity to represent my community and the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Santarsiero said.
The Lower Makefield lawmaker will begin his first term in the State Senate after winning the 2018 general election in November. Prior to joining the State Senate, Sen. Santarsiero was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2009 to 2016 and the first Chief Deputy Attorney General for Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania under Attorney General Josh Shapiro from 2017 to 2018.
Top priorities for Sen. Santarsiero include fighting for affordable and accessible healthcare, education funding, common sense gun violence prevention, environmental protection, and government reform.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running on day one,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I welcome the chance to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to solve issues that affect us all.”
During his tenure in the State House of Representatives, Sen. Santarsiero was a reformer, writing the bill that would ultimately be adopted as new House rules on keeping politics and government service separate; refusing perks like per diems and a state car; and not collecting his pay during prolonged budget impasses in 2009 and 2015-2016. Sen. Sanatarsiero was also a leader in education, infrastructure investment, environmental protection, women’s health issues, and gun violence prevention.
The 10th Senatorial District includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
Sen. Santarsiero will have district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com.
Video of the swearing in can be found by clicking here.
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December 20, 2018
BUCKS COUNTY – December 20, 2018 – Senators-elect Steve Santarsiero (D-10, Bucks) and Maria Collett (D-12, Bucks and Montgomery) issued a joint press release to local residents in response to the Texas court ruling on the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
To address the Texas ruling, Senators-elect Santarsiero and Collett joined the Senate Democratic Caucus in co-sponsoring SB 50 and 51. SB 50 will protect Bucks and Montgomery County residents who have pre-existing conditions and SB 51 will protect the ten essential health benefits (EHB) covered by the ACA, making those benefits mandatory under state law.
“Without SB 50 and SB 51, we are all at risk of losing coverage or essential benefits in light of this ruling. As a health care provider, I have seen the devastation caused when coverage is denied,” said Senator-elect Maria Collett. “No family should have to choose between meals and medical care. Senator-elect Santarsiero and I are committed to protecting our constituents and all Pennsylvanians so that no family suffers.”
“The constant attempts at robbing residents their right to affordable and accessible healthcare must end,” Senator-elect Steve Santarsiero said. “Senator-elect Collett and I will work to protect and strengthen healthcare for all local residents. We’re not going to wait for the federal government to act on an issue that effects the lives of hundreds of thousands of local residents. While the ACA isn’t perfect, we want to ensure coverage for pre-existing conditions is protected and to make out-of-pocket costs and premiums more affordable. With SB 50 and 51, we come closer to securing greater healthcare rights for all.”
For more on the bills that Senators-elect Santarsiero and Collett co-sponsored with the Senate Democratic Caucus, you can find the co-sponsorship memos here:
* SB 50-Preexisting condition coverage: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20190&cosponId=27061
* SB 51-Essential benefit coverage: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20190&cosponId=27062
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