April 18, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY, PA – April 17, 2023– In response to the March 24th chemical spill that occurred in Bristol Township at the Altuglas LLC Chemical Plant, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) called on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to investigate the cause of the spill, impose appropriate penalties, and develop policies to prevent future similar spills.
Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis were joined on the letter to DEP Acting Secretary Richard Negrin by nine additional members of the General Assembly serving Bucks and Philadelphia counties, downstream from the site of the chemical release in Bucks County.
The text of the letter follows:
Letter to Acting Sec. Negrin - Trinseo Chemical Spill
The letter can be found here.
March 16, 2023
Bucks County, PA – March 16, 2023 – Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced a total of $2,083,796 in state funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account Statewide Program for community improvement projects in Bristol Borough and Bristol Township.
The projects and the awarded amounts are as follows:
- Redevelopment of Chestnut & Elm Streets in Bristol Borough- $1,000,000
- Bucks County Technical High School Facility Improvements- $1,000,000
- YMCA of Bucks & Hunterdon Counties- $83,796
In Bristol Borough, the funds will be used to continue to revitalize properties along Chestnut Street in Bristol Borough. Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis secured $1.3 million in state funds in October 2022 to begin work on this project. Phase 2 includes the acquisition, demolition, and revitalization of 30 residential units on the 1000 block of Chestnut Street.
“Bristol Borough has seen tremendous growth and rejuvenation in recent years,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I am proud to support this project to further improve the Borough, which will help grow the local economy and increase its appeal for residents and visitors alike.”
Bristol Borough Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe expressed his gratitude for the funding saying, “Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis truly understand the importance of redevelopment in a small town like Bristol Borough. I can’t thank both of them enough for their extreme generosity and support. It’s because of this funding, that we will be able to take our Chestnut and Elm Street project to the next phase.”
The funds for Bucks County Technical High School (BCTHS) will be used to upgrade the existing roof and HVAC equipment at the school.
“The Bucks County Technical High School is a fantastic school that allows students in our area to receive education and certification in trades that can enable them to have long and successful careers,” Sen Santarsiero said. “The grant will allow the school to make much needed upgrades to its building so that students can continue to learn meaningful career skills.”
“Bucks County Technical High School truly appreciates these additional funds,” said Leon Poeske, Administrative Director at BCTHS. “These funds will allow the school to continue making the much-needed renovations of replacing a very leaky roof, replacing the end-of-life HVAC/R units, and replacing our outdated fire/security system. The LSA grant helps the school reduce the funding gap created by the dramatic increase in building materials and supplies. We hope to completely close the funding shortfall by securing RACP funds at a later date so the students can continue to learn and train in our premier technical school. Thank you, Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis for your support.”
The YMCA of Bucks & Hunterdon Counties will use the funds to purchase two cargo vans for the YMCA branch in Bristol Township. The vans will be used for the food program, summer camp and maintenance.
“The YMCA offers programs that reach so many in our community, and these vans will help expand that reach” Sen Santarsiero said. “I am proud to stand behind an organization doing such valuable work for our community.”
“We are so grateful to Senator Santarsiero and Rep. Davis for helping us secure these funds and to the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority (BCRDA) for supporting our application,” commented Zane Moore, president/CEO of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “This will enable us to purchase much-needed vans to transport food, including donated produce, to support feeding programs at our childcare and summer camp sites, and our food backpack program. The ability to easily move food and supplies from location to location greatly impacts our ability to serve more families through this critical program.”
“The grants announced today represent a major investment in our community,” Davis said. “I am proud of the work that the YMCA of Bucks and the Bucks County Technical High School have done to help shape the lives of our young people in a positive way and help them secure a brighter future. I am pleased that Sen. Santarsiero and I were able to work together to bring this critical funding back home to Bristol Township.”
The funds come from the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. They support a variety of community projects and can be used for any project that serves the public interest and improves the quality of life for members of the community.
For more information on the Local Share Account Statewide Program, visit the DCED website.
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November 21, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – November 21, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced $2 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to a redevelopment project in Bristol Township, transforming a warehouse space and creating both short-term construction jobs and permanent jobs in the area.
“This warehouse redevelopment project would be a welcome addition to Bristol Pike and the township, creating jobs for the construction phase and permanent jobs upon completion,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting my request to dedicate RACP funds for this project, which will help grow Bristol Township’s local economy.”
“These state funds will help support the ongoing revitalization of manufacturing industries in the area through the redevelopment of an industrial and logistics warehouse,” Rep. Davis said. “I thank Gov. Tom Wolf for allocating these RACP funds to this project which will create new jobs and support industry, energizing Lower Bucks’ economy.”
The current property holds a low-occupancy hotel located at 6201 Bristol Pike. The property has been rezoned as Heavy Manufacturing, paving the way for the redevelopment. The project will include demolition of the current structure and construction of a 130,000 SF industrial and logistics warehouse that will include the addition of private water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
“We are ecstatic that Governor Wolf has chosen this project for RACP investment and are grateful to Senator Santarsiero and Representative Davis for everything they have done to make this project a reality. This investment will help return this property to a productive and positive use, generating jobs and tax revenues to benefit the community” said Mike S. Callahan, VP of Acquisitions and Development for Benchmark Real Estate and Benchmark Construction.
RACP is 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. RACP projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.
To learn more about RACP projects and grants, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget website.
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October 26, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – October 26, 2022 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced $2 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to a major renovation project at the Bristol Riverside Theatre in Bristol Borough.
“I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting our request to dedicate RACP funds for the Bristol Riverside Theatre renovation, which will revitalize this award-winning establishment and breathe new life into the arts scene in Bristol Borough,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The Bristol Riverside Theatre has produced quality theatre for 35 years, and this project will enable the theatre to attract locals and visitors for years to the area for years to come.”
“I’m proud that I had the opportunity to work with Sen. Santarsiero on securing the $2 million in RACP funds for the Bristol Riverside Theatre renovation,” state Rep. Davis said. “The renovation of this award-wining cultural jewel will help enhance the area’s quality of life and economy, drawing new residents to this booming quarter of the commonwealth.”
The renovation will be a total overhaul of the theatre, which has not been upgraded since opening in 1986 in a historic movie theater in Bristol Borough. The project will include demolition of the 300-seat space and construction of a state-of-the-art facility to attract theatre-goers to the more than 200 performances the theatre puts on annually.
“We are absolutely overjoyed by the announcement of this grant which will be truly transformational for Bristol Riverside Theatre,” said Amy Kaissar, Co-Producing Director for the theatre. “This grant, at this moment in time, is a moving recognition of the importance of our mission and BRT’s centrality to our community. Our buildings have not been updated since 1986 so we can’t wait to welcome patrons to a refreshed, upgraded, and newly accessible building. We are deeply grateful to Sen. Santarsiero, Rep. Davis, Gov. Wolf, Ralph DiGuiseppe and the Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County for recognizing the value of what we do.”
RACP is 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. RACP projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.
To learn more about RACP projects and grants, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget website.
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October 26, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – October 26, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Tina Davis (D-141) announced $1 million in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) will go to the Croydon Fire Company for the construction of a new Emergency Services Building.
“I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting our request to dedicate RACP funds for the Croydon Fire Co Emergency Services Building project, which will provide the fire company a modern facility from which to serve the community,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The upgraded space will streamline fire station operations, ensuring the volunteers of the Croydon Fire Company have the resources they need to respond to community emergencies safely and efficiently.”
“I am proud to work with Senator Santarsiero to bring this critical funding back to our district,” Rep. Davis said. “This $1 million in grant money will help expand and renovate the Croydon Fire Company’s Emergency Services Building. The renovated building’s upgraded operations will enable its firefighters to more quickly get to residents in danger. This is literally life-saving funding and I thank Governor Wolf for approving its allocation.”
The renovation will be a two phased project. The first phase will entail the demolition of the existing building and site work. Phase two will be the construction of the new building. The new building will contain an engine room, an enhanced decontamination area for equipment, office space, and living quarters.
“Our organization is a completely volunteer fire company that serves a very challenging area, protecting residents, schools, and businesses between an industrial chemical plant, three major highways, and the Delaware River,” said Croydon Fire Company President Bob Struble. “This funding is crucial to allowing us to make the necessary improvements to our station to meet these challenges. We are grateful to Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Tina Davis for the incredible efforts.”
RACP is 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. RACP projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.
To learn more about RACP projects and grants, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget website.
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October 4, 2019
NEWTOWN − October 4, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), state Representatives Tina Davis (D-141) and Perry Warren (D-31), and family members of the late Kayden Mancuso, held a press call this afternoon to discuss SB 868, and the companion House Bill, also known as “Kayden’s Law.”
Kayden Mancuso, a seven-year-old of Lower Makefield Township, was killed in August of 2018 by her biological father during a court-ordered, unsupervised visit granted following a year-long custody dispute. The bill is named in Kayden’s honor, as the Bucks County legislators have been working closely with members of her family in creating this legislation to prevent other families from experiencing the same horrific loss.
Kayden’s Law will provide children in the family court system with greater legal protections by adding to the evidence judges must consider in making custody and visitation decisions, establishing an evidentiary hearing to thoroughly vet allegations of abuse, and urging the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to implement an ongoing, evidence-based training program for judges and other relevant court personnel regarding child abuse and domestic violence, which is crucial for those whose decision-making affects potentially life and death scenarios every day.
“It is our greatest responsibility as legislators to protect the health and well-being of our children,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Right now, Pennsylvania is not doing enough to ensure that children going through custody proceedings in our family courts are protected. Parental rights should not outweigh the safety of the children involved, especially in cases where evidence of abuse or unstable behavior are so prevalent.”
“As a lawmaker, I am deeply concerned by how the courts are failing our children by ignoring warning signs and, as a result, putting them in harm’s way,” said Rep. Davis. “We are long overdue for serious reforms to the current system and this legislation takes a big step toward addressing these issues and, hopefully, will save lives.”
“Kayden’s family’s remarkable courage, persistence…and love has led to the introduction of Kayden’s Law, which will ensure that the health and safety of the child is the first priority in custody proceedings,” said Rep. Warren.
The legislators were joined on the press call by members of Kayden’s family who have been vocal advocates for stronger protections for children involved in domestic custody disputes. Following Kayden’s death, the family launched Kayden’s Korner in her memory, with the mission “to affect judicial reform of the family court system through the education of government to the signs of domestic abuse, shine a light on the impact of mental illness and lobby government to make the health and safety of children the singular concern of the court system.”
“It’s so encouraging to have this support. I think we all realize going forward that there’s much, much more to do,” said Thomas Giglio, Kayden’s maternal grandfather.
“I want to thank Senator Santarsiero, Representative Warren, and Representative Davis. We wouldn’t be here without you,” said Brian Sherlock, Kayden’s stepfather. “Everything we do here is bittersweet. I wish we didn’t have to be here. We won’t stop until this becomes law here in Pennsylvania and across the country. I think that if this bill was in place last August, Kayden would still be here.”
To further address the issue of child custody in Pennsylvania, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, co-chaired by Senator Santarsiero, will be holding a policy hearing on Thursday October 17th. The hearing will focus on SB 868, with an agenda forthcoming.
The meeting will begin at 11:00 am and conclude at 1:00 pm at the Lower Makefield Township Community Center, 1550 Oxford Valley Road, in Yardley, Pennsylvania. This meeting is open to the public and the press.
A link to Senator Santarsiero’s legislation, SB 868, can be found here. View the full bill analysis here.
A link to Representatives Davis and Warren’s co-sponsorship memo can be found here.
A link to Kayden’s Korner can be found here.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit his website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Rep. Davis has a district office in Levittown. Visit her website at http://www.pahouse.com/Davis.
Rep. Warren has a district office in Yardley. Visit his website at https://www.pahouse.com/Warren.
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