Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis Announce $2 Million to Repair Randall Avenue Bridge in Bristol Township

BUCKS COUNTY – Marzo 26, 2024 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced today $2 million in state funding to support the repair and renovation of the Randall Avenue bridge in Bristol Township.  The funding is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund.

“The repair and re-opening of the Randall Avenue bridge is critical for the safety of Bristol Township residents,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “This is an important first step while state and federal officials support the township’s long-term goal of rebuilding and replacing the structure.  I will continue to work with the township to address the concerns of the residents and the community, and support state funding for the rebuilding of the bridge.”

“I was happy to work with Senator Santarsiero to bring this substantial funding together to assist the township with moving the Randall Ave Bridge renovation forward,” said Rep. Davis. “The residents have been very patient throughout this process, and we owe it to them to ensure critical public safety personnel can get to them in a timely manner.  I am hopeful that this funding will help make that goal a reality very soon.”

The bridge has been closed since Febrero 2023 due to safety concerns.  The bridge, owned and maintained by Bristol Township, crosses the train tracks operated by Amtrak along its Northeast Corridor route.  Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Davis participated in a public meeting in Enero 2024 to hear directly from residents about the importance of safely reopening the bridge. 

“We extend our gratitude to both Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis for their partnership and investment in Bristol Township’s shared future”, Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen stated upon receiving the news of $2 million secured in multimodal funding. “This generous support, along with additional support from Congressman Fitzpatrick, emphasizes all of our commitment to ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all residents and visitors, and more specifically to our Edgely residents we heard from during our Town Hall Meeting. With these grant funds, we will work to restore and reopen the “Edgely” Bridge, while continuing to seek funding for a much-needed full bridge replacement.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.  Additional information can be found on the DCED website

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Senator Santarsiero Announces Legislation to Jumpstart New Era of Reliable, Sustainable Energy in Pennsylvania

BUCKS COUNTY Marzo 20, 2024 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today new legislation to jumpstart a new era of reliable, sustainable energy development in Pennsylvania.  Following Governor Shapiro’s ambitious energy announcement last week, Senator Santarsiero will be introducing legislation for new standards for energy generation, the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS). 

“I have long said that it’s a false premise to say we must choose between creating jobs OR saving our planet,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “I am proud to see Gov. Shapiro leading the way and bringing together the interests of consumers, labor and the environment to find a solution that works for all of us.  To that end, I am proud to introduce legislation to create the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard, the next generation of alternative energy portfolio standards for the Commonwealth.”

PRESS continues all of the successful elements of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) while making it more inclusive—adding nuclear power, next generation technologies like fusion, and clean forms of natural gas for the first time.  This revitalized energy standard will deliver outsized economic value, improve the reliability of our electricity grid, and position Pennsylvania as a leader in the energy arena for the next twenty years. 

PRESS raises the target for the cleanest and renewable energy projects in Tier I to 35% by 2035; it raises the target for Tier II to 10%; and it creates a new Tier III that includes important alternative sources or of power like co-blended or low emission natural gas and other step-stone resources with a 5% target by 2035. In addition, PRESS ensures the continuity of our existing clean energy nuclear fleet by creating a mechanism for those facilities to receive support in the event they are threatened with closure.

Specifically, the three-tier structure will be comprised as follows: 

Tier I  

  1.  Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy, including solar DG. 
  1. Wind power. 
  1. Low-impact hydropower. 
  1. Geothermal energy. 
  1. Small Modular Reactors (SMR) 
  1. Fusion technology 
  1. Coal mine fugitive emissions. 
  1. Biologically derived fugitive emissions. 

Tier II (limited to in-state Pennsylvania resources)

  1. Non-solar distributed generation systems (including combined heat and power).  
  1. Demand-side management.  
  1. Large-scale hydropower.  
  1. Natural gas or coal using clean hydrogen (80%) co-fired blend or equivalent carbon intensity reduction technologies.  
  1. Fuel cells.  
  1. Biomass energy.  
  1. 24-hour storage co-located with a Tier I resource.  
  1. Tier I reliable energy sources. 

Tier III  (limited to in-state Pennsylvania resources)

  1. Natural gas or coal using clean hydrogen (20%) co-fired blend or equivalent carbon intensity reduction technologies.  
  1. Waste coal.  
  1. Municipal solid waste.  
  1. Integrated combined coal gasification technology.  
  1. Generation of electricity utilizing by-products of the pulping process and wood manufacturing process, including bark, wood chips, sawdust and lignin in spent pulping liquors.   
  1. Tier I reliable energy portfolio sources located within PA. 

PRESS will unlock a wave of new investment in advanced energy technologies across Pennsylvania.  PRESS will make Pennsylvania competitive by incentivizing new development here in the Commonwealth.  The positive impact is massive, adding over $5.1 billion in direct investment in by 2035.  

Along with companion legislation in the Governor’s energy plan, PRESS will help protect and create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, lower utility bills for Pennsylvania households, and take real action to address carbon pollution. If passed by the General Assembly, these initiatives will save Pennsylvania ratepayers $252 million in the first five years, while generating $5.1 billion in investment in clean, reliable energy sources.

“I look forward to working with Gov. Shapiro and my colleagues in the Senate to enact legislation that saves consumers money on their energy, creates family sustaining jobs and tackles climate change,” Sen. Santarsiero added.

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Warren anuncian 45.000 dólares para mejorar el acceso a Five Mile Woods 

BUCKS COUNTY − Enero 16, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) today announced that Lower Makefield Township will receive $45,000 in Act 13 Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program funds to improve access to Five Mile Woods.

“Five Mile Woods was a favorite hiking spot for my children growing up and continues to be a place we frequently visit, so I recognized firsthand the value of supporting state funds to improve access to this vital nature preserve in Lower Makefield Township,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I look forward to more residents enjoying the 285-acres of dense forest and trails offered in this wonderful community resource.

“Historic places and recreational opportunities abound in our communities,” said Representative Warren. “Five Mile Woods Preserve is both geologically unique and an example of the evolution of the use of land by early settlers to later generations in Bucks County. This grant will help Lower Makefield improve access to this natural treasure.”

Grant funds can be awarded for projects which involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation.

Additional information about the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program can be found on the DCED website.

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Davis anuncian 250.000 dólares para un proyecto de mejora de senderos

BUCKS COUNTYEnero 16, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) today announced that Bristol Borough will receive $250,000 in Act 13 Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program funds for Maple Beach Road trailhead improvement. 

The funds will be used to design and construct a multi-use trail along Maple Beach Road and a parking area.  The trail will connect the newly constructed Maple Beach Road bridge to the D&L Canal Trail terminus and Bristol Waterfront Park Trails.

“This project will connect several recreational and natural resources in Bristol Borough, further expanding the trail network and allowing residents to get the most out of the area’s outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Senator Santarsiero.

“Preserving our outdoor recreation area for future generations is important to the quality of life in the Bristol community,” said Representative Davis.  “I look forward to the completion of the Maple Beach Road Trailhead Improvements project.”

Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program funds can be awarded for projects involving development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation.  Additional information can be found on the DCED website.

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Davis anuncian 460.000 dólares para el proyecto de mitigación de inundaciones del municipio de Bristol

BUCKS COUNTY − Enero 16, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) today announced that Bristol Borough will receive $460,000 in state funds through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a project to design and construct streambank stabilization measures along Adams Hollow Creek between North Cedar Street and Radcliffe Street.

“Restoring the streambank is critical to preserving the natural landscape and protecting the residential dwellings in the surrounding area,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “These funds will enable Bristol Borough to mitigate future damage from flooding, keeping the borough a desirable place for economic growth and development.”

Representative Davis noted, “Preventing flooding through the Adams Hollow Creek project is important for the economic status of Bristol Borough as many businesses are within close proximity to the creek.  This grant is important toward moving this project forward.”

Project funds include DCED’s Flood Mitigation Program. Flood Mitigation Program funds can be used for projects authorized by a flood protection authority, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or identified by a local government for flood mitigation.  Additional information can be found on the DCED website.

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La senadora Santarsiero y los representantes del Estado anuncian 307.414 dólares en subvenciones para las artes y la cultura

BUCKS COUNTY — Diciembre 19, 2023 — Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with State Representatives Tim Brennan (D-29), Perry Warren (D-31) and Tina Davis (D-141) today announced $307,414 in PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program funds benefitting seven organizations, museums and performance centers in the 10th Senate District.

The awards are as follows:

  • Artists of Yardley will receive $13,700;
  • Bristol Riverside Theater will receive $71,653;
  • Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts will receive $16,718;
  • Bucks County Childrens Museum will receive $17,522;
  • County Theater will receive $33,062;
  • Historic Fallsington, Inc. will receive $10,000; and
  • James A. Michener Art Museum will receive $80,310.

“Bucks County has a robust and thriving arts community that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and contributes to our local economy,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “It is no surprise that the impacts of COVID-19 have affected these organizations, and I was happy to support these funds to help with their recovery.”

“The Arts are thriving in and around our communities,” said Rep. Warren. “Artists of Yardley features the work of local artists, and our residents are participants in and patrons of the fine and performing arts and museums in the nearby Bucks County communities.”

Of the funding for Bristol Riverside Theater in her district, Rep. Davis said, “The arts play an important role in our cultural identity, and the Bristol Riverside Theatre has been a local beacon for the Bristol area’s arts scene. I was pleased to see it get this funding.”

Rep. Brennan similarly voiced support for the Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts, Bucks County Childrens Museum, County Theater and Michener Museum, all located in his district.  “If you follow me on social media or see me out and about in the district, you know I’m a proud supporter of all four of these institutions – each one enriches our community in its own unique way,” said Brennan. “As Bucks County residents, we’re fortunate to live in such a dynamic region with so much to offer, to both residents and visitors alike.”

The COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program (PACR) was created to provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts and arts and culture professionals located in the Commonwealth to ensure the stability and recovery of the Commonwealth’s arts and culture sector from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional information about the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program can be found on the DCED website.

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El senador Santarsiero y la diputada Brennan anuncian 1,88 millones de dólares para proyectos de mejora del agua 

BUCKS COUNTY — Diciembre 19, 2023 — Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced today $1,885,036 in state grant awards through the H2O PA program for water improvement projects in Doylestown Township and Chalfont Borough.

“These projects will help make critical improvements to our municipal water and sewer systems, strengthening our infrastructure, protecting our environment and maintaining quality drinking water for our community,” said Sen. Santarsiero.

Doylestown Township Municipal Authority will receive $1,431,154 for the Northern Regional Water System Transmission Mains improvement project.  The project will upgrade existing infrastructure to provide water more efficiently to residents in Doylestown Township, Plumstead Township and New Britain Borough.  The project will also provide the opportunity for property owners with contaminated wells to connect to public water.

“Infrastructure investments are a critical component of protecting our environment and maintaining quality drinking water for our communities,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “This water system improvement project will increase efficiency and reliability for residents across three municipalities.”

“We’re still putting ARPA funding to good use, which puts people to work and is solving issues in our backyard here at home,” said Rep. Brennan. “We need to continue to focus on building and preserving the essential infrastructure these grants support. State support for these projects also frees up local and county resources, which ultimately helps provide relief to local taxpayers across Central Bucks County.”

Chalfont Borough will receive $453,882 to replace stormwater pipes in the Woodview area of the borough, including the milling and repaving of the impacted roadways.

“As we see stronger and more frequent storms, it is more important than ever that we invest in stormwater management systems to adequately handle the needs of our communities,” said Senator Santarsiero.  The stormwater pipe replacement project will go a long way to protecting properties and the health and safety of the citizens of Chalfont Borough.”

H2O PA provides grants for the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer projects, the construction or renovation of flood control projects, and the repair or rehabilitation of high-hazard unsafe dams.

Additional information about H2O PA Program funding can be found on the DCED website.

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La senadora Santarsiero y los representantes del Estado anuncian casi 3,5 millones de dólares en pequeñas subvenciones para agua y alcantarillado

BUCKS COUNTY — Diciembre 19, 2023 — Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with State Representatives Tim Brennan (D-29), Perry Warren (D-31), Tina Davis (D-141), and Shelby Labs (R-143) today announced $3,458,844 in state grants were awarded for 12 small water and sewer improvement projects across the 10th Senate District.

“These projects will help make critical improvements to our municipal water and sewer systems, strengthening our infrastructure, protecting our environment and maintaining quality drinking water for our community,” said Sen. Santarsiero.

The awards in House District 29 are as follows:

  • Chalfont Borough will receive $423,804 to replace stormwater piping in the borough;
  • Doylestown Township Municipal Authority will receive $268,405 for the Forest Park Regional Water System Interconnection;
  • North Wales Water Authority will receive $337,954 for the Yorkshire Meadows Project to replace and upgrade a 2,000-gallon Hydro-Pneumatic storage tank and arsenic removal system in Solebury Township;
  • North Whales Water Authority will also receive $313,559 for the Ingham News Project to replace and upgrade a potable water Hydro-Pneumatic storage tank and the addition of an arsenic removal system in Solebury Township; and
  • Doylestown Borough will receive $424,864 for the rehabilitation of the Maplewood Tank located in the borough.

“I was pleased to work with Rep. Brennan to secure these funds for Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township and Solebury Township,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “Each project will make critical improvements to our water and sewer infrastructure.”

“We’re still putting ARPA funding to good use, which puts people to work and is solving issues in our backyard here at home,” said Rep. Brennan. “We need to continue to focus on building and preserving the essential infrastructure these grants support. State support for these projects also frees up local and county resources, which ultimately helps provide relief to local taxpayers across Central Bucks County.”

The awards in House District 31 are as follows:

  • Township of Falls Authority will receive $343,388 for an inflow and infiltration elimination project in Lower Makefield Township; and
  • Lower Makefield Township will receive $147,462 for stormwater improvements.

“I have been working with Lower Makefield Township to address ongoing stormwater management concerns in the Maplevale neighborhood area and I was happy to advocate for these funds to help implement projects to make necessary improvements,” said Sen. Santarsiero.

Rep. Warren added, “These grants of state funds will improve storm water management and filtration in Lower Makefield. Between these grants and Governor Shapiro signing into law the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force bill, the Governor, Senator Santarsiero, the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors and I are working to reduce the impact of flooding upon our communities. The storm water management grant will directly benefit the areas most likely to flood during heavy rains and due to the flow of storm water.” 

The awards in House District 140 are as follows:

  • Township of Falls Authority will receive $71,400 for improvements to the Vermillion and Twin Oaks Interconnection in Falls Township;
  • Township of Falls Authority will also receive $412,905 for the water main lining along Brentwood Road and Chestertown Road in Falls Township;
  • Bucks County will receive $110,721 to improve drainage conditions at the Morrisville Senior Center; and
  • Tullytown Borough will receive $93,184 to repair storm inlets and grates throughout the borough.

“Each of these projects will increase the effectiveness of important water supply and stormwater management infrastructure, helping to keep our communities safe and healthy,” Sen. Santarsiero added.

The award in House District 141 is as follows:

  • Bristol Borough will receive $90,000 for the Howell Street vegetated swale to help reduce sediment discharge to the Mill Creek Watershed.

“A key component of protecting our environment is working to reduce the amount of sediment that is discharged into our waterways,” noted Sen. Santarsiero.  “The project in Bristol Borough will keep the Mill Creek Watershed healthy.”

Rep. Davis said, “I whole-heartedly supported funding for this project. It is crucial that we work to reduce sediment pollution in the Mill Creek Watershed and, in doing so, protect our streams and aquatic life. I am pleased that the state agreed that this was a project worth investing in.”

The awards in House District 143 are as follows:

  • Plumstead Township will receive $418,198 for a water interconnection between two distribution systems in the township.

“Quality drinking water and reliable sewer services are critical services for our residents,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I was proud to support these state funds for this project to help lessen the burden on Plumstead Township and local tax payers.”

“I am thrilled to see Plumstead Township receive this grant,” said Rep. Labs. “This necessary investment into our infrastructure will secure a brand-new water interconnection between two existing systems. The new interconnection will improve water reliability in Plumstead Township, and make our system less reactive to drought, system failure, and other potential issues.”

Grants for small water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure projects include activities to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, and storm water system projects.  Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $105.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the PA Small Water and Sewer Program. 

Additional information about PA Small Water and Sewer Program funding can be found on the DCED website.

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La Senadora Santarsiero anuncia 45.617 dólares para mejoras de seguridad en la Iglesia Presbiteriana Thompson Memorial

BUCKS COUNTYDiciembre 18, 2023 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today $45,617 for security improvements at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solebury Township.  The funds come from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Non-Profit Security Grant Program.

“Freedom of religion means no one should fear for his or her safety while observing their faith,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Unfortunately, that is not always the case, which is why these funds are so important to our community and to the congregants of Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church.”

The funds will be used to install security cameras and upgrade building doors with lock improvements and key fob entry.

Pastor Stephanie Templin Ashford shared her gratitude for the state funds saying, “We are so grateful for the resources provided by our State to help protect this precious place of worship and to allow it to be a safe space for all of God’s people.  Thank you!”

The Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church dates back to 1811 when it was founded as the Solebury Presbyterian Church. 

The Non-Profit Security Grant Program administers funds to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents.  For more information, visit the PCCD website.  

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La Ley Kayden se aprueba por unanimidad en el Senado de Pensilvania

HARRISBURG - 14 de diciembre de 2023 - El Senado de Pensilvania aprobó anoche por unanimidad una legislación crítica para salvar la vida de los niños. Proyecto de ley del Senado 55, también conocida como la Ley de Kayden, es la legislación que proporciona la reforma que se necesita con urgencia para el estatuto de custodia de los hijos de Pennsylvania. La legislación bipartidista está patrocinada por los senadores Steve Santarsiero (D-10) y Lisa Baker (R-20), y lleva el nombre de Kayden Mancuso, una niña de siete años de Lower Makefield Township, que fue asesinada en agosto de 2018 por su padre biológico durante una visita no supervisada ordenada por el tribunal otorgada después de una disputa de custodia de un año.

 "La Ley de Kayden garantizará que la seguridad del menor sea primordial en los casos de custodia y salvará la vida de los niños", dijo la senadora Santarsiero. "Ningún niño en Pennsylvania debe temer por su seguridad o quedarse solo con un abusador. La Ley de Kayden ayudará a garantizar que eso no vuelva a suceder al exigir visitas supervisadas como mínimo cuando exista un riesgo potencial para la seguridad del niño."

"Una de las decisiones más difíciles y desgarradoras que deben tomar los tribunales locales es la de conceder la custodia de los hijos en los casos de divorcio", declaró la senadora Baker. "Los jueces deben analizar una serie de alegaciones y argumentos contradictorios para determinar qué acuerdo es el más beneficioso para el menor. Con la aprobación de la Ley Kayden, estamos actualizando los criterios que los tribunales deben tener en cuenta antes de conceder la custodia de un niño, incluyendo la adición de siete delitos a la lista de delitos que deben tenerse en cuenta al dictar sentencia."

El proyecto de ley 55 del Senado lo hará:

  • Reforzar los factores actuales que los jueces deben tener en cuenta al tomar decisiones sobre custodia y régimen de visitas, para dejar claro que lo más importante es la protección del menor;
  • Garantizar que, si el tribunal considera que existe un riesgo continuo de malos tratos, cualquier orden de custodia incluya las condiciones de seguridad y las restricciones necesarias, incluidas las visitas supervisadas, para proteger al menor.
  • Animar al Tribunal Supremo de Pensilvania a poner en marcha un programa educativo y de formación anual para jueces y personal judicial pertinente sobre el maltrato infantil, las experiencias infantiles adversas, la violencia doméstica y su impacto en los niños.

La senadora Santarsiero continuó: "La Ley de Kayden ha sido un esfuerzo de colaboración de años, dirigido por la incansable defensa de la madre de Kayden, Kathy Sherlock, junto con abogados y expertos en derecho de familia. La fuerza y la dedicación de Kathy han seguido motivándome para impulsar esta legislación y llevarla a la mesa del Gobernador Shapiro para que la convierta en ley. Quiero dar las gracias a mi colega, la senadora Lisa Baker, por su colaboración en la redacción del proyecto de ley y ayudar a que pase por el Senado. También quiero dar las gracias a mis colegas de la Cámara Tina Davis y Perry Warren por su trabajo en este tema ".

"Todos los días los niños corren el riesgo de que se les ordene permanecer en situaciones abusivas, inseguras y mortales", dijo Kathy Sherlock. "Juré hacer lo que fuera necesario para proteger a los niños y he encontrado el apoyo de tantos en este viaje y con el abrumador voto de hoy a favor de la Ley Kayden estamos un paso más cerca de cumplir nuestra misión de 'ni uno más'."

El proyecto de ley 55 del Senado pasa ahora a la Cámara de Representantes de Pensilvania para su examen.

El senador estatal Steve Santarsiero pide la dimisión de la presidenta de la Universidad de Pensilvania, Elizabeth Magill, y promete no votar a favor de ninguna asignación estatal para la universidad hasta que lo haga

BUCKS COUNTY − Diciembre 6, 2023 − Today, State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D 10, Bucks) called on Elizabeth Magill to resign as the president of the University of Pennsylvania in the wake of her congressional testimony on Diciembre 5, 2023, in which she failed to express, without qualification, that should Penn students call for the genocide of Jews they would violate the university’s code of conduct. 

“In her congressional hearing yesterday, President Magill was given several chances to clearly state what should be obvious:  that should any student call for the genocide of the Jewish People they would not only violate university policy but would be condemned in the strongest possible terms and face expulsion,” Santarsiero explained.  “She refused to do so, choosing instead to give what appeared to be a coached response that utterly failed to express the moral clarity that the question demanded.  For that reason, I call upon her to resign from her post immediately.  To be clear, I will not vote for any state funding for the university until she does so.”

“In the early 1950s, when my late father-in-law was a freshman at Penn, the university required all students to pass a swimming test,” Santarsiero added.  “If they failed to do so, they were made to take swimming lessons for a semester.  That year, the swim test was administered on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.  When my father-in-law asked to be allowed to take the test another day, the university declined the request.  As a result, he refused to take the test and, despite being a lifeguard, was forced to take swimming lessons for the rest of the semester.”

“It amazes me that 70 years since antisemitism was sanctioned policy at Penn that the university has a president, who, rather than express outrage at the very thought of one or more students calling for the murder of the Jewish People, sought to parse her answer, claiming that the ‘context’ of the statement mattered.  For that, Ms. Magill must go.  We have come too far for someone who would respond in such a manner to be the leader of one of our country’s great research universities,” Santarsiero added. 

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Aprobada una ley contra el encarecimiento de los seguros de inundación

BUCKS COUNTYDiciembre 4, 2023 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) joined Governor Josh Shapiro today in Yardley Borough for the bill signing of House Bill 735, establishing a task force to address rising flood insurance premiums.

“After a devastating storm this summer dropped a month’s worth of rain in a span of just two hours and flash flooding swept cars off of roads, and flooded homes, schools, and businesses in Bucks County, my Administration was on the ground immediately, providing assistance to rescue and recovery efforts, set up detours, and keep people safe,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Chaired by Insurance Commissioner Mike Humphreys, the task force established by HB 735 will bring together leaders from my Administration and the Legislature to closely review the needs of our communities who are at an increased risk of flooding. They’ll identify the kinds of programs that would make sure flood insurance is accessible and affordable for the Pennsylvanians who need it – and recommend the best courses of action our Commonwealth can take to help increase the number of Pennsylvanians protected by flood insurance.”

“Eight years ago, I introduced what was then HB 1299 which was the precursor for HB 735, to help Pennsylvanians living in flood zones with flood insurance premiums,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Then, as now, residents in neighborhoods along the Delaware River were facing skyrocketing flood insurance costs that threatened their ability to protect their homes and made it almost impossible for them to sell.  I want to thank my friend and successor in the House Rep. Warren for continuing the work on this issue with me.  This is an important step toward helping Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth find relief from rising flood insurance premiums.”

The bill signing took place at the Yardley Inn, a restaurant in Yardley Borough that has been flooded several times.  The building is set to begin renovations in early 2025 to move the restaurant further back from the Delaware River and elevate the foundation to prevent future flooding.

“Thank you to Governor Shapiro for coming to Yardley to sign House Bill 735 into law as Act 22 of 2023,” Representative Warren said. “I reintroduced this bill when I was first elected in 2017, it passed in the House in the 2019-2020 Session, and it was the first bill passed by the House Insurance Committee in 2021-2022, but it did not get across the finish line. This year, through the collective efforts of Senator Santarsiero, the House Insurance Committee, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and me, and in the wake of the devastating flooding in Upper Makefield and Lower Makefield in Julio, the bill passed in the House and Senate and has become law with Governor Shapiro’s signature.”

Reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program that Congress passed in 2012, called the Biggert-Waters Act, phased out the federal subsidy for flood insurance costs and directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to revise its flood plain maps.  Those new maps included many more homes in the flood zones and requiring flood insurance.

In late 2014 and early 2015 Senator Santarsiero held townhalls and neighborhood meetings, as well as discussions with local stakeholders and elected officials.  From those meetings it became clear the best option at the state level was a task force to review the problem and identify state solutions.

HB 735 establishes the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force to explore ways to lower flood insurance premiums and incentivize communities to invest in flood prevention measures.  The task force would consist of one appointee each from the Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Insurance Commissioner, Secretary of Banking and Securities, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, House Majority Leader, and House Minority Leader.

Senator Santarsiero introduced Senate Bill 442, the Senate companion bill, which passed out of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee earlier this year.

The task force would have the power to review and analyze existing law, procedures, practices, processes, and rules related to the administration of flood insurance.  In addition, the task force would hold public hearings and accept written comments from the public. 

“The establishment of a flood insurance task force is a proactive step towards ensuring homeowners and businesses in Bucks County can more easily recover from future flash floods,” said Bucks County Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. “My fellow Commissioners and I are committed to working closely with Governor Shapiro, state and local officials, insurance providers, and our dedicated emergency services personnel towards improving our response to these devastating floods.”

The task force would have six months to issue a final report to include recommendations on:

  • potential programs to provide flood insurance premium discounts;
  • potential programs, whether through the mechanism of premium discounts or other relief, that create incentives for local governments to undertake or continue mitigation efforts;
  • the implementation of necessary changes in state statutes and practices, policies and procedures relating to the administration of flood insurance;
  • ways to educate the public about flooding risks and mitigation techniques;
  • how to inform Pennsylvanians about flood insurance options when purchasing;
  • recommendations to increase the number of flood insurance policies purchased by Pennsylvanians.

Representative Warren added, “As Vice-Chair of the House Insurance Committee, this new law combines the committee’s efforts to contain insurance costs while expanding insurance coverage, with our efforts to reduce and contain the cost of flooding. Senator Santarsiero and I worked with our local communities to forward this legislation, and Governor Shapiro coming to Yardley to sign the bill evinces the positive impact Act 23 will have for our communities. I look forward to the recommendations of the task force.”

Senator Santarsiero continued, “Communities along Pennsylvania’s rivers, creeks and streams have been devastated by plummeting property values due to unaffordable flood insurance premiums.  While it was meetings with local constituents that initiated this legislation, the benefits of this legislation will help countless citizens across the Commonwealth.”

La Ley Kayden, aprobada por unanimidad en el Comité Judicial del Senado

HARRISBURG − Octubre 17, 2023 − Senate Bill 55, known as Kayden’s Law, was unanimously voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today.  The bi-partisan legislation is sponsored by Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Lisa Baker (R-20), and is named for Kayden Mancuso, a seven-year-old from Lower Makefield Township, who was killed in Agosto 2018 by her biological father during a court-ordered, unsupervised visit granted following a year-long custody dispute.

“No child in Pennsylvania should fear for their safety or be left alone with an abuser,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Kayden’s Law will ensure the safety of the child is paramount in custody cases and will absolutely save children’s lives.”

During the committee meeting Senator Baker noted that Kayden would have turned 13 years old on Domingo, Octubre 15th.

El proyecto de ley 55 del Senado lo hará:

  • Reforzar los factores actuales que los jueces deben tener en cuenta al tomar decisiones sobre custodia y régimen de visitas, para dejar claro que lo más importante es la protección del menor;
  • Garantizar que, si el tribunal considera que existe un riesgo continuo de malos tratos, cualquier orden de custodia incluya las condiciones de seguridad y las restricciones necesarias, incluidas las visitas supervisadas, para proteger al menor.
  • Animar al Tribunal Supremo de Pensilvania a poner en marcha un programa educativo y de formación anual para jueces y personal judicial pertinente sobre el maltrato infantil, las experiencias infantiles adversas, la violencia doméstica y su impacto en los niños.

Sen. Santarsiero continued, “Kayden’s Law has been a collaborative effort, led by the tireless advocacy of Kayden’s mom Kathy Sherlock, along with family law experts.  I am proud to have the opportunity to sponsor this legislation and will continue to advocate for the bill to be brought before the full Senate.”

Kayden’s Law passed the Senate in 2021, during the previous Senate session, but was not brought up for a vote in the House.  With the start of the new session in Enero 2023, all bills that were not passed in the previous session must be re-introduced and begin the legislative process anew.

Senate Bill 55 may now be brought up for a full vote of the Senate.

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El Senado de Pensilvania aprueba por unanimidad una resolución que condena el atentado de Hamás y apoya a Israel

HARRISBURG - 17 de octubre de 2023 - El Senado de Pensilvania aprobó hoy una resolución por consentimiento unánime patrocinada por los senadores Steve Santarsiero (D-10) y Judy Schwank (D-11) condenando el ataque terrorista no provocado lanzado por Hamas contra el Estado de Israel el 7 de octubre de 2023, y expresando sus profundas condolencias a las familias de aquellos que han perdido la vida como consecuencia de este acto de violencia sin sentido.

"No podemos quedarnos callados", dijo la senadora Santarsiero. "Debemos denunciar el bárbaro ataque terrorista de Hamás. Hay que condenar la pérdida de vidas de más de 1.000 israelíes, el secuestro de 200 civiles inocentes y las heridas causadas a otros miles. Agradezco a mis colegas del Senado que se hayan unido al senador Schwank y a mí en esta firme renuncia a la organización terrorista Hamás y en la muestra de apoyo al pueblo israelí."

"El ataque del 7 de octubre contra Israel fue espeluznante por su magnitud y salvajismo", declaró el senador Schwank. "Fue el peor acto de violencia infligido al pueblo judío desde el Holocausto. Los judíos de todo el mundo, y desde luego el pueblo israelí, todavía están conmocionados. Es importante que Pensilvania se solidarice con Israel y con las personas afectadas por este horrible atentado y exprese su apoyo a todos los afectados. Y lo que es más importante, todos debemos unirnos y abogar por una paz duradera y significativa para todos".

La resolución dice, en parte:

RESUELVASE, que el Senado condene el ataque terrorista no provocado lanzado por Hamás contra el Estado de Israel el 7 de octubre de 2023, el Sabbat judío, también conocido como Shabbat; y que además

RESUELVASE, que el Senado exprese sus profundas condolencias a las familias de aquellos que han perdido la vida como resultado de este acto de violencia sin sentido; y que además

RESUELVASE, que el Senado prometa su solidaridad con el pueblo israelí durante este difícil momento y su apoyo inquebrantable al derecho del Estado de Israel a defenderse de esta guerra bárbara y a garantizar la seguridad de sus ciudadanos; y que además

RESUELVO, Que el Senado haga un llamamiento al Congreso de los Estados Unidos y a la comunidad internacional para que condenen inequívocamente los actos de terrorismo y violencia dirigidos deliberadamente contra civiles y apoyen los esfuerzos encaminados a lograr una resolución duradera y pacífica del conflicto palestino-israelí.

El texto completo de la resolución puede consultarse aquí.

La resolución fue aprobada por 49 votos a favor y 0 en contra.

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Los miembros del grupo demócrata del Senado estatal anuncian Build Better PA

FILADELFIA - 10 de octubre de 2023 - Los senadores estatales Steve Santarsiero (D-10), Tina Tartaglione (D-2), Jimmy Dillon (D-5) y John Kane (D-9), y representantes de los gremios de la construcción anunciaron Build Better PA, un paquete de proyectos de ley para promover la equidad, la calidad y la artesanía especializada dentro de los programas de incentivos fiscales diseñados para estimular el crecimiento económico.

"La mano de obra sindical significa trabajo de calidad hecho bien a la primera", dijo el senador Steve Santarsiero (D-10). "A medida que las empresas disfrutan de los beneficios de las zonas de desarrollo de incentivos fiscales, es en el mejor interés de los contribuyentes y los trabajadores para hacer inversiones sólidas en cómo se hace el trabajo. Si bien estos programas han sido fundamentales para impulsar el desarrollo económico, también proporcionan una oportunidad única para elevar el listón en términos de normas laborales y la calidad de la mano de obra. Los oficios de la construcción y el aprendizaje invierten en los trabajadores, garantizando salarios justos y sostenibles para las familias y productos finales de alta calidad."  

Build Better PA introduce dos puntos de referencia esenciales para las empresas que realizan inversiones de capital superiores a 25.000 dólares en la construcción, reconstrucción, demolición, alteración o reparación de instalaciones dentro de las zonas fiscales designadas:

  1. Requisito de salario compensatorio: Esta disposición garantiza que las empresas incluidas en el programa fiscal paguen a sus trabajadores salarios justos acordes con las normas regionales. Su objetivo es evitar la explotación laboral y mantener una remuneración equitativa para los trabajadores que contribuyen a estos proyectos.
  2. Obligación de mano de obra cualificada: Para mejorar aún más la calidad de la mano de obra, el proyecto de ley obliga a que al menos el 70% de la mano de obra de los proyectos con derecho a salario prevaleciente sean "trabajadores cualificados". Este criterio garantiza que los proyectos financiados a través de incentivos fiscales mantengan altos niveles de artesanía y experiencia, promoviendo tanto el desarrollo de las habilidades de los trabajadores como la calidad general de la construcción.

"Durante décadas nuestra Commonwealth ha apoyado el desarrollo empresarial y ha creado incentivos fiscales especiales para impulsar el crecimiento", dijo la senadora Tina Tartaglione (D-2). "Estos proyectos de ley se asegurará de que mientras seguimos impulsando Pennsylvania hacia adelante, no dejamos atrás la clase trabajadora. Los sindicatos, los oficios calificados y los programas de aprendices son la clave para seguir haciendo crecer la clase media, que es imprescindible para nuestro éxito continuo."

"He sido testigo de los retos a los que se enfrentan los trabajadores del sector de la construcción, tanto como fontanero como en mi calidad de director de negocios del mayor sindicato de fontaneros de Pensilvania. Esta legislación beneficiará a nuestra fuerza de trabajo, dándoles una voz más fuerte, garantizando salarios justos por su arduo trabajo, y haciendo hincapié en el aprendizaje que formará adecuadamente a nuestra próxima generación de trabajadores cualificados", dijo el senador John Kane (D-9). "Como Presidente de la Minoría de la Comisión de Trabajo e Industria, estoy comprometido a hacer todo lo posible para crear un futuro más equitativo y mejorar la posición de Pensilvania en la industria de la construcción, y esta legislación hace exactamente eso."

Los programas de "zonas" a los que se aplicaría la legislación son: Zonas de Revitalización y Mejora de Ciudades, Zonas de Mejora de Barrios, Zonas de Oportunidad de Keystone, Zonas de Expansión de Oportunidad de Keystone, Zonas de Mejora de Oportunidad de Keystone, Programa de Zonas Especiales de Desarrollo de Keystone, Zonas de Innovación de Keystone y Zonas de Desarrollo de Terrenos Aeroportuarios.

"Estos programas de incentivos fiscales han impulsado el desarrollo económico en toda la Commonwealth, pero nos debemos a nosotros mismos para asegurarse de que también elevan nuestros trabajadores", dijo el senador Jimmy Dillon (D-5). "Me siento honrado de asociarme con los senadores Santarsiero, Tartaglione, y Kane para asegurarse de que las empresas que invierten en nuestras comunidades se benefician tanto a sí mismos y los hombres y mujeres trabajadores que hacen todo esto posible."

"Gracias, Senadores Santarsiero, Tartaglione, Kane y Dillon por reconocer el valor del trabajo sindical para asegurar proyectos de construcción de calidad, y salarios justos con buenos beneficios para los trabajadores", dijo Fran McLaughlin, Gerente de Negocios del Consejo de Distrito 21. "Los programas de aprendizaje ofrecen un camino para las personas que buscan no sólo un trabajo, sino una carrera que ofrece salarios que mantienen a la familia. Un trabajo de calidad y unos salarios justos nos permitirán construir una Pensilvania mejor y proteger las inversiones de los contribuyentes."

El senador Nikil Saval (D-1), copatrocinador de la legislación, expresó su apoyo diciendo: "Cualquier forma de inversión estatal, ya sea directa o a través de incentivos fiscales, que impulse el crecimiento económico de nuestra Commonwealth debe centrarse principalmente en la creación de puestos de trabajo con salarios que mantengan a las familias. Esta legislación asegurará que Pennsylvania equilibre cuidadosamente nuestra responsabilidad de atraer inversiones de capital y hacerlo de una manera que levante a las familias de la clase trabajadora."

Toda empresa que infrinja la ley tendrá que devolver el importe íntegro de la exención, deducción, bonificación o crédito fiscal concedido para el año en que infringió las disposiciones, según determine el Departamento de Trabajo e Industria de Pensilvania.

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La senadora Santarsiero anuncia 250.000 dólares en fondos para asociaciones comunitarias de conservación en el condado de Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY − Octubre 5, 2023 − Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $250,000 in state funding for two municipal park improvement projects through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

Doylestown Township will be awarded $200,000 for further development of Central Park. These funds will go toward the construction of pedestrian walkways, basketball and pickleball courts, ADA accessibility, landscaping, and other improvements.

Another $50,000 in funds will be awarded to Solebury Township for the preparation of a comprehensive park, recreation, open space, trail, and greenway plan.

“Abundant parks and open space are one of the things that make the 10th District so special,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Continued investments in outdoor recreation are vital to the continued health and wellbeing of our environment and our communities.”

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is designed to assist local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding relating to parks, recreation, and conservation. The grant program is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

For more information on the DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants, visit their website.

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La senadora Santarsiero anuncia 49.405 dólares en fondos estatales para Rolling Harvest Food Rescue

BUCKS COUNTY – Septiembre 26, 2023 – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) today announced $49,405 in state funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to Rolling Harvest Food Rescue to improve food storage and reduce food waste.

With the funds, provided through the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program, Rolling Harvest will partner with Solly Brothers Farm to purchase a second 10 x 20 walk-in, outdoor refrigerated cooler to increase their safe food storage capacity and to use as a central Food Access Hub for food distribution in the region.

“The work of Rolling Harvest Food Rescue is critical to combatting food insecurity that affects too many individuals and families in Bucks County,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Through partnerships with local farms, Rolling Harvest helps reduce food waste and provide nutritious, local produce to those in need.  I proudly supported this grant to increase the organization’s capacity to store thousands of pounds of fresh produce for community members in need.”

“On behalf of all of us with Rolling Harvest Food Rescue, please accept our sincere appreciation in helping us secure the recent $50,000 PA DEP Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant, said Cathy Snyder, Founder and Executive Director of Rolling Harvest Food Rescue. “One of the main barriers to being able to rescue and redistribute perfectly wholesome, healthy surplus food has always been a lack of available cold storage in Bucks County, and beyond. This grant helps remove that barrier by providing us with a new, large cooler facility in a central location, increasing our food recovery efforts with local farmers, food producers, and food retailers to benefit all of our neighbors in need struggling with food insecurity and lacking access to nutrition. Cold food storage means this precious and highly perishable food does not have to be left in the fields or sent to landfills.”

Rolling Harvest Food Rescue connects farmers with food pantries to eliminate waste and meet local demand. The organization works to increase access to donated fresh produce and other healthy foods to area hunger-relief sites that serve the at-risk, food-insecure population by providing local farmers and food producers with free, effective delivery and distribution of their surplus.  Additional information about Rolling Harvest Food Rescue can be found on their website.

Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant funds are used for the procurement of eligible equipment to reduce food waste disposal from food retailers, wholesalers, agriculture organizations, farms and cooperatives by repurposing and redistributing apparently safe and wholesome foods to Commonwealth nonprofits that provide food to segments of the public.

For additional information on DEP’s action to reduce food insecurity click here.

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La senadora Santarsiero anuncia casi 5,3 millones de dólares en fondos estatales para beneficiar a una organización de servicios a las víctimas en el condado de Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY – Septiembre 21, 2023 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) today announced $5,291,460 in state funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to benefit residents of Bucks County.

Federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Funds totaling $4,371,113 were awarded as follows:

  • Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) Bucks: $1,567,916
  • A Woman’s Place: $718,405
  • Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania: $563,305
  • SeniorLAW Center: $1,531,487

PCCD also awarded Bucks County $920,347 in Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Funds.

“We are fortunate to have incredible victim services organizations providing vital assistance to some of the most vulnerable residents of Bucks County,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “I’m pleased to support PCCD funding for these organizations so they can continue to serve those in need.”

Bucks County Commissioner and PCCD Board Member Diane Ellis-Marseglia said, “I am proud to serve on the PCCD Board and happy that I am able to bring these important funds to protect victims and assist our probation officers in keeping the community safe.”

The federally funded Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) supports the provision of direct services to victims of crime. This includes a broad array of services for victims ranging from crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, and criminal justice advocacy.

For additional information on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency visit the PCCD website.

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Declaración del senador Santarsiero sobre el aparcamiento de New Hope

NEW HOPEAgosto 21, 2023 − Senator Steve Santarsiero released the following statement on New Hope Parking Garage:

For years surveys by New Hope Borough and individual businesses reveal that nearly everyone – residents, visitors and businessowners – agrees that insufficient parking is an inconvenience for residents and stifles growth opportunities for restaurants, retail and the arts in New Hope. A parking garage is a logical way to address the situation and would be a proper use of local and state resources. 

When I saw the presentation from the 2nd Ad Hoc Committee for the Parking Garage that cited a $28 million cost estimate for the parking garage I was alarmed. When I did a thorough analysis of their presentation, I found that cost to be a gross exaggeration and not supported by the facts, thus inappropriately jeopardizing the feasibility of this project. 

As the state Senator representing New Hope Borough and the sponsor of a $1.75 million state grant to help with the construction of the garage, I felt compelled to correct the record so that residents and all of borough council could make a more informed decision on whether to support this worthy public improvement project. 

As my presentation showed, the borough could in fact build a 250-stall garage for closer to $7 million. Further I noted that I am committed to continuing to pursue additional state funding to further lower the borrowing cost for the project.  

Unfortunately, members of council offered a motion that was not on the agenda and certainly a violation of the spirit and intent of the state’s Sunshine Law, consequently leaving the public ill-informed on essential facts regarding the project. In a 4-3 vote Council ended its contract with the garage construction consultant and rejected the $1.75 million state grant for the project. 

At the end of the day, New Hope Borough Council will decide for itself whether or not to go forward with this public improvement project that done properly would bring in revenue for the borough. But they should make that decision after the public has been able to review the facts. The vote on Martes night, as opposed to voting at a future Council meeting after the public and council has had the opportunity to review the facts, is a disservice to the community. 

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Brennan anuncian 279.200 dólares para mejoras de la seguridad vial en el municipio de Doylestown

BUCKS COUNTYAgosto 15, 2023 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced $279,200 in state funds for Doylestown Township through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Green Light-Go program.

The funding will be used for updated signal equipment at Easton Road (Route 611) and Edison Furlong Road in Doylestown Township.

“Doylestown Township has been working to continue safety improvements at this busy intersection and I am pleased to see these funds awarded for this project,” said Sen. Santarsiero.  “Traffic signal upgrades like this ensure safety on our roadways while increasing accessibility to local businesses.”

Rep. Brennan added, “Many traffic accidents occur at these types of intersections. By updating our roads with the latest signal technology, we’re improving public safety not only for drivers, but for pedestrians and cyclists as well. We should also see better traffic flow with these improvements!”

Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements including, but not limited to light-emitting diode (LED) technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies.  For more information visit the PennDOT website.

 

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El senador Santarsiero y el representante Davis serán los anfitriones del acto de sustitución de matrículas difíciles de leer

BUCKS COUNTY − Agosto 10, 2023 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced they will be hosting an event to assist constituents replace hard to read license plates.  The event, in partnership with the Bristol Township Police Department, will be held on Miércoles, Agosto 23rd at the Bristol Township Municipal Complex from 4-7pm.

“Our roads are safest when vehicles are regularly inspected and easily identifiable,” said Senator Santarsiero. “We are happy to partner with Bristol Township Police to get the paperwork completed for hard to read license plates so they can be replaced for free.”

During the event, a police officer will evaluate whether a license plate is hard to read and sign off on the necessary paperwork to receive a free replacement from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).  Individuals are asked to sign up for a 10-minute drive thru appointment time by RSVPing on Senator Santarsiero’s website

“Most drivers likely don’t think about their license plate on a regular basis, so I am hopeful this event can help raise awareness about hard to read license plates and assist drivers in getting a free replacement plate and avoiding fines,” said Representative Davis.

A license plate is deemed illegible when one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet or if the registration plate shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity.  PennDOT will replace an illegible license plate for free with a completed Form MV-46, which must be signed off on by a law enforcement officer or certified inspection station, verifying the need for the replacement due to illegibility.  The vehicle owner must then send the completed form in to PennDOT in order to receive the replacement plate.

If a ticket is issued, the fine for an illegible license plate is $100.

The event will be held on Miércoles, Agosto 23rd from 4-7pm in the parking lot of the Bristol Township Municipal Complex at 2501 Bath Road in Bristol, PA.

Additional information on illegible license plate replacement can be found on the PennDOT website.

Questions about the event can be directed to Senator Santarsiero’s office at 215-497-9490.

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Hard to Read License Plate Replacement Clinic 2023

La senadora Santarsiero anuncia 100.000 dólares en fondos estatales para renovar el teatro de Newtown

NEWTOWN – Junio 28, 2023 – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $100,000 in state funds for continued renovations of the Newtown Theatre at the theater’s “Reel” Garden Party last week.

The funding for the Newtown Theatre will be used toward the second phase of the renovations focusing on the balcony and restrooms. The project, which will include private donation support, will include replacing the floors and seats, demolishing and rebuilding the projection room and renovating the restrooms to make them ADA compatible.

Senator Santarsiero recounted how he worked in his hometown’s theater as a teen and then when he returned after graduating from college the theater had been razed after being neglected for several years.

“The support of so many dedicated volunteers like Dave Callahan, Andy Smith, Heather Lewis and so many others have kept this vital part of Newtown’s history alive while also making Newtown a destination for theater, music, film screenings and other events,” Senator Santarsiero said. “The Newtown Theatre is undeniably a jewel of Bucks County’s cultural heritage, and these renovations will guarantee the theater’s viability for generations.”

The historic property underwent extensive first-floor renovations through the spring and summer of 2021 and re-opened to the public in Diciembre 2021.

The Newtown Theatre is the nation’s longest operating theater, having been in operation since 1906. The building’s history dates to 1831 as “Newtown Hall” and had featured notable abolitionist speakers such as Frederick Douglass. The Theatre, in addition to films, shows musical performances, plays, comedy shows, and more. Additional information about the Newtown Theatre can be found on their website.

El senador Santarsiero y el diputado Warren aprueban por unanimidad en el Senado un proyecto de ley contra el aumento del coste de los seguros de inundación

HARRISBURGJunio 28, 2023 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced that Senate Bill 442 and House Bill 735, each of which would establish a task force to address rising flood insurance premiums, were voted unanimously out of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee yesterday.

“Eight years ago, I introduced what was then HB 1299 and today is SB 442, to help Pennsylvanians find relief from rising flood insurance premiums,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Then, as now, residents in neighborhoods along the Delaware River were facing skyrocketing flood insurance costs that threatened their ability to protect their homes and made it almost impossible for them to sell.”

Reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program that Congress passed in 2012, called the Briggert-Waters Act, phased out the federal subsidy for flood insurance costs and directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to revise its flood plain maps.  Those new maps included many more homes in the flood zones and requiring flood insurance.

In late 2014 and early 2015 Senator Santarsiero held townhalls and neighborhood meetings, as well as discussions with local stakeholders and elected officials.  From those meetings it became clear the best option at the state level was a task force to review the problem and identify state solutions.

SB 442 would establish the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force to explore ways to lower flood insurance premiums and incentivize communities to invest in flood prevention measures.  The task force would consist of one appointee each from the Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Insurance Commissioner, Secretary of Banking and Securities, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, House Majority Leader, and House Minority Leader.

The task force would have the power to review and analyze existing law, procedures, practices, processes, and rules related to the administration of flood insurance.  In addition, the task force would hold public hearings and accept written comments from the public. 

The task force would have six months to issue a final report to include recommendations on:

  • potential programs to provide flood insurance premium discounts;
  • potential programs, whether through the mechanism of premium discounts or other relief, that create incentives for local governments to undertake or continue mitigation efforts;
  • the implementation of necessary changes in state statutes and practices, policies and procedures relating to the administration of flood insurance;
  • ways to educate the public about flooding risks and mitigation techniques;
  • how to inform Pennsylvanians about flood insurance options when purchasing;
  • recommendations to increase the number of flood insurance policies purchased by Pennsylvanians.

“When I was a township supervisor in Lower Makefield Township after three catastrophic floods in 2004, 2005 and 2006, we took local action implementing new engineering controls, like back flow preventers, and adopted a nationally-recognized Low Impact Development Ordinance to reduce stormwater runoff,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Those are the types of things that the state could potentially incentivize local governments to do to reduce costs for residents.”

Senator Santarsiero continued, “This is an issue that impacts Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.  Communities along Pennsylvania’s rivers, creeks and streams have been devastated by plummeting property values due to unaffordable flood insurance premiums.”

Members on both sides of the aisle echoed support for the bill noting that their constituents are also experiencing increasing premiums, devastating flooding, and the difficult financial decision of whether to buy insurance they may not be able to afford or risk financial ruin from a significant flooding event.

Representative Perry Warren, who succeeded Senator Santarsiero in the House, has continued his predecessor’s work on this issue, authoring House Bill 735.  HB 735 passed the House in Mayo and was also voted favorably out of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee. 

“Our respective districts have among the most waterfront property in Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Warren. “We need to create a more equitable way to tabulate flood insurance premiums, and our current system is becoming unsustainable for our neighbors who live on or near the flood plain. These bills will help create solutions.”

Either or both bills need to be passed by the Senate and sent to the House for passage before being presented to the Governor for his signature.

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La senadora Santarsiero anuncia 616.000 dólares en fondos estatales para combatir los trastornos por consumo de sustancias y reducir el encarcelamiento en el condado de Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) today announced $616,000 in state funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to combat substance use disorders and reduce incarceration in Bucks County.  

  • Child and Family Focus, Inc: $200,000
  • The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania: $200,000
  • Bucks County Restrictive Probation Program: $216,000

The funding for Child and Family Services and The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania is a disbursement of State Opioid Response Funds to benefit Bucks County residents with substance use disorders.  State Opioid Response Funds support drug courts, Medication Assisted Treatment, Naloxone for first responders and evidence-based prevention programs.

“The opioid epidemic touches every corner of our community, and we must do more to help those who are suffering from substance use disorders,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “These organizations do great work treating those in need in our community and I am pleased these state funds are supporting programs to benefit our residents in Bucks County.”

The funding for Bucks County is from Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program funds and will support the county’s Restrictive Probation Program.  The program is a sentencing alternative for non-violent offenders in lieu of incarceration.

“Probation is an effective alternative to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders and Bucks County has an impressive program in place,” Senator Santarsiero continued.  “These funds will help the county continue its work supporting individuals on probation, setting them on a path toward positive behavioral change.”

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia said, “As a board member of PCCD I was very happy to see these awards were made.”

Child and Family Focus Inc. is a non-profit mental health agency serving children and youth primarily in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh and Northampton, and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania. Additional information about Child and Family Focus can be found on their website.

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania is a private non-profit prevention, education, advocacy, assessment, intervention, and recovery support organization, serving the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery & Philadelphia.  Additional information about The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania can be found on their website.

For additional information on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency visit the PCCD website.

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