Update from Harrisburg

Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings on Gun Violence

Senator Santarsiero speaking during Senate Judiciary Committee hearings

A vast majority of Pennsylvanians are demanding legislative action to address the epidemic of gun violence. They understand it’s all too easy for people who should not have access to firearms to acquire guns, which puts us all at risk. Measures such as universal background checks, red flag, lost and stolen, safe storage, and bans on military-grade weapons would all help curb gun violence, but these bills have languished in committee year after year.

I’m the prime sponsor of SB 137 and 138, legislation requiring the safe storage of firearms, the co-prime sponsor of SB 88 with Senators Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Tom Killion (R-9), which would require universal background checks for firearm purchases, and the co-sponsor of SB 90 and 292, legislation that would add Pennsylvania to the growing list of states that utilize Extreme Risk Protection Orders and ban the civilian purchase of military-style assault weapons and large capacity magazines.

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings to broadly address the issue of gun violence in the Commonwealth, but this is not enough. We need hearings and votes on the actual gun safety bills currently before the Senate. Once we have done this, then we will have truly taken steps forward to keep our communities safe.

Update from Senate District 10

Addiction Prevention & Recovery Open House

Senator Santarsiero talking with residents at the open house

I recently hosted an Addiction Prevention and Recovery Open House at William Penn Middle School to bring together local organizations dedicated to helping those battling with or at risk of addiction, as well as the loved ones supporting them in their struggle.

Addiction touches every community, and ours is no different. However, there are so many resources right here in Bucks County that are ready to help. Bringing them all together in one place for this open house really showed how united our community is in facing this addiction epidemic head on.

You can watch highlights from the open house here.

Marsy’s Law Presents Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award

Senator Santarsiero receiving the Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award

Thank you to Marsy's Law for Pennsylvania for your dedication to ensuring the rights of victims of violent crimes. I was honored to receive the Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award and offer my support for the ballot referendum that, if passed, will protect the wellbeing of victims and their loved ones within our judicial system.

Reopening of SEPTA’s Levittown Station

Senator Santarsiero at the ribbon-cutting for the reopening of the Levittown Station

It was a great day for the residents of Levittown, Tullytown, and neighboring communities, as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Levittown Station officially reopened. Levittown Station has been, and will continue to be, a key part of SEPTA's Trenton Regional Rail Line and a critical hub for the residents of Bucks County. This project has been a longtime coming and now, thanks to funding from Act 89 - for which I voted - the revitalization of this station is a reality.

$377,000 in Grants Awarded for Local Infrastructure Improvement Projects

Through Act 13 of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), infrastructure projects for Morrisville Borough, Yardley Borough, Lower Makefield Township, and the Delaware Canal 21 received $377,000 in grants to preserve and improve important community and natural resources.

You can learn more about these grants on the district’s press releases webpage.

Ribbon-cutting for Pennridge Airport Business Park

Senator Santarsiero at the ribbon-cutting for the Pennridge Airport Business Park

In August, I was pleased to join state Representative Staats (R-145) in announcing a $2,000,000 state grants for Pennridge Development Enterprises to benefit Pennridge Airport Business Park in Perkasie Borough. The grant was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. This generous grant will attract businesses, encourage commerce, and create local jobs throughout Perkasie and the region.

You can read more about Pennridge Airport Business Park and the grant by clicking here.

Supporting Victoria’s Law

Senator Santarsiero with Victoria

After a decade in a Pennsylvania puppy mill, a German Shepard named Victoria was finally rescued, although she had developed Degenerative Myelopathy, an incurable and paralyzing disease that was passed on to the more than 150 puppies she was forced to continuously breed.
She became the face of Senate Bill 44, or Victoria’s Law, which would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores throughout Pennsylvania unless sourced from shelters and rescues.
Victoria passed away earlier this year, but you can show your support for ending the cruelty that so many other animals are still forced to endure at the hands of irresponsible breeders in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.

Visit my district website and sign the petition to let legislators in Harrisburg know that you stand with Victoria!

Upcoming Events

PennEnvironment: Climate on Tap with Senator Steve Santarsiero
Wednesday, October 16th
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Vault Brewing Company
10 South Main Street
Yardley, PA 19067

KidsFest
Saturday, October 19th
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Morrisville High School
550 West Palmer Street
Morrisville, PA 19067

Telephone Town Hall
Tuesday, October 22nd
For more information, call (215) 497-9490 or (215) 489-5000.

Legislative Breakfast 
Friday, November 15th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Central Bucks Senior Center 
700 North Shady Retreat Road
Doylestown, PA 18901

Legislative Breakfast
Thursday, November 21st
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Pennridge Community Center
146 East Main Street
Perkasie, PA 18944

To RSVP or learn more information about these events, contact Nancy Adam at nancy.adam@pasenate.com, by phone at (215) 489-5000, or visit my website, SenatorSteveSantarsiero.com/events.

Stay Up-to-Date

Please visit the district newsroom to view additional stories, videos, and photos from across the district and the commonwealth.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more regular updates.

My Office is Here to Serve You. How Can We Help?

Legislation: If you are interested in the status of a certain piece of legislation or obtaining copies of bills, my office will be able to provide that information to you. 

Forms and Applications: You can reach out to my office for assistance with any number of forms, including birth and death certificates, grant applications, consumer complaint forms, hunting or fishing licenses, notary public applications, and voter registration. 

Notary: A certified notary is available in both my Newtown and Doylestown office. Staffers  can provide this service at no charge for most official documents and state forms. Please call ahead to make sure our notary is in the office and can accommodate the work you are requesting.

State Agencies: My office can assist in any dealings with state agencies, including the Department of Corrections, Military and Veterans Affairs, PennDOT, Department of Human Services, and State Police. 

Licenses and Motor Vehicles: Help is available through my office or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services website if you need assistance processing motor vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, or other Department of Transportation forms. 

Visiting the Capitol: You can visit the Pennsylvania Capitol website or contact my office about setting up school or other group trips to the Capitol.

Offices of State Senator Steve Santarsiero

www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com