Senator Steve Santarsiero and Representative Jim Prokopiak Announce $1.5 Million in Additional Funding for Morrisville Schools

November 13, 2025

BUCKS COUNTY −  November 13, 2025 − After Pennsylvania’s FY25/26 budget passed yesterday, 135 days after it was due on June 30th, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Jim Prokopiak (D-140) are thrilled to announce $1.5 million in additional funding for Morrisville schools. The budget impasse was causing challenges and disruptions in services for social service agencies, schools and especially financially strapped districts like Morrisville Borough School District.

“I’ve heard from Morrisville residents who were justifiably concerned that their school district would not be able to operate past January without state and federal funds. This budget means that the students, parents, and staff at Morrisville will no longer have to worry that their schools will close their doors next year. Keeping Morrisville open was a key priority for me and Representative Prokopiak in this budget process. A school district having to face closure in response to a budget impasse is unprecedented and I am pleased that we were able to collaborate with Senate and House colleagues to resolve this crisis.”

Representative Prokopiak said “I want to thank Senator Santarsiero for his successful efforts in securing the 1.5 million dollar grant for the Morrisville schools, and for his tireless advocacy for students and taxpayers in Bucks County.  These sorely needed funds will help give the Morrisville school district the flexibility they need to provide for essential services for students and helping to ensure that every student has an opportunity to succeed. Senator Santarsiero and I will continue to fight for the students and taxpayers for Morrisville in these challenging times.”

For many years Morrisville has been persistently underfunded in its state allocation. For instance, a similarly sized and similar socio-economic school district nearby receives $3 million more in state funds annually than Morrisville receives. Each year, Senator Santarsiero, along with the House member representing Morrisville, has worked through the budget process to secure additional funds for Morrisville, while also working to fix the specific problem in the funding formula that shortchanges Morrisville compared to its peers.

Superintendent of Morrisville Schools Dr. Andrew Doster had to announce last week that, without state funding, Morrisville Schools would have to close on January 30th. With the passage of the state budget, this crisis has been averted. “It is a huge sense of relief to hear the state budget has passed and knowing there are additional dollars allocated for our district,” said Dr. Doster. “We have had to make dozens of changes to ensure that students are getting what they need. With the budget passed and additional dollars allocated to Morrisville, we are able to plan for the remainder of this year and into the 2026-2027 school year. I appreciate the continued communication from our legislators directly to me over the last few weeks. It has allowed me to be transparent with our district and surrounding community.”

Senator Santarsiero and Representative Prokopiak will continue fighting for Morrisville Schools to get the funding that students, families, and teachers deserve.

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Senator Santarsiero Announces $1.028 Million for Traffic Safety Improvements in 10thSenate District

July 31, 2024

BUCKS COUNTY − July 31, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with Representatives Tim Brennan (D-29) and Jim Prokopiak (D-140), announced today $1,027,735 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Green Light-Go program for improvements in the 10th Senate District.

The awards are as follows:

  • Doylestown Borough – $340,995 for modernization of signal equipment at W. State Street/W. Court Street & Clinton Street
  • Doylestown Township – $184,240 for modernization of signal equipment at Pebble Hill Road & Edison Furlong Road (Route 2049) as well as Limekiln Road & Ferry Road.
  • Doylestown Township – $242,700 to update traffic signal equipment at various location throughout the Township.
  • Falls Township – $259,800 for modernization of traffic signal equipment at Hood Blvd & Pennsbury High School

“Each of these projects will improve mobility while increasing pedestrian safety at high use intersections around the district,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “Technological upgrades to our signal equipment ensure all pedestrians have the ability to move naturally and safely throughout our communities.”

“This is the latest in a string of good news for drivers, pedestrians, and bikers in our district. I know all of us are ready for safer, smoother commutes ahead,” Rep. Brennan said. “Sen. Santarsiero and I are always advocating for state funding for road and traffic projects in our communities. I’m glad to see Pennsylvania making smart investments into the infrastructure that impacts our daily lives.”

Of the funding for Falls Township, Rep. Prokopiak said, “The safety of our school students and is of paramount importance. I am pleased to see Falls Township and PennDOT invest in improving the traffic light in front of Pennsbury High School.”

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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