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 21, 2023
Bucks County, PA- March 21, 2023 – Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative John Galloway (D-140) announced a total of $367,162 in state funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account Statewide Program for community improvement projects for Morrisville Borough and the Township of Falls Authority.
The projects and the awarded amounts are as follows:
- Bucks County- Summerseat Window Replacement: $35,826
- Morrisville Borough- Multipurpose Vehicle Purchase: $128,930
- Township of Falls Authority- Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation: $202,406
The project at Summerseat includes the replacement of all 19 windows with more historically appropriate wood storm windows. Additionally, weather strips will be installed to increase the energy efficiency of the historical landmark. Summerseat, a National Historic Landmark, was once home to two signers of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. The home’s largest claim to fame is its status as George Washington’s headquarters in December of 1776.
“Summerseat is a beautiful glimpse into our local history,” said Senator Santarsiero, “These improvements ensure that this landmark, and the stories it shares, will be around for years to come.”
“We are so appreciative of the generosity of the state, Senator Santarsiero and Representative Galloway for this funding opportunity. It is wonderful we received this grant and we are thankful to be able to make these needed improvements to the windows of the home, which will better allow us to enjoy the history of the building,” said Sam Davis, President of the Historic Morrisville Society.
Morrisville Borough is also set to receive funds for the purchase of a new dump truck with both snow plowing and salt spreading capabilities. This multi-use truck will be used by the Borough for year-round maintenance of roadways, community parks, and parking lots.
“Local government is so important because it manages the day-to-day needs of the community,” added Senator Santarsiero. “I was happy to advocate for these funds so that Morrisville can meet the needs of their residents all year-round.”
Morrisville Borough Manager Judith Danko expressed gratitude for the funds to be able to purchase a vehicle for the public works department to help in maintaining Morrisville’s roadway systems throughout the borough. “The Morrisville public works department, council, Mayor and manager are all thankful for State Senator Santarsiero’ s support in helping the borough of Morrisville with supplementing funding for their fiscal responsibilities.”
The Township of Falls Authority will use the funds for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project, repairing the lengths of sewer main currently experiencing inflow and infiltration of groundwater, further preventing future issues and restoring system capacity.
“It is crucial that the local community has a fully functioning and sanitary sewer system,” Senator Santarsiero said. “This rehabilitation project will improve the system for residents and businesses alike.”
“This is fantastic news for the Township of Falls Authority,” said Executive Director Timothy Hartman. “It is extremely helpful to our budget to have a local share component to pay for ongoing projects. We’ll be using it to do continued work on our sewer system. This will do a lot for us to maintain the program for years to come, while keeping our expenses low for customers.”
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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March 17, 2023
March 17, 2023- BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) announced $345,000 in state funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account Statewide Program for a community improvement project based in Plumstead Township.
Plumstead Township was awarded $345,000 to replace two aging water filter vessels in their municipal water system. These filters remove iron and manganese from Cabin Run Wells 2 and 3 in the Northern System. That system serves seven communities in Plumstead Township, and around 880 properties.
“These new water filters will allow Plumstead Township to continue providing clean, safe water to all residents of the township,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I am always happy when I can help municipalities in my district make important infrastructure upgrades that improve the quality of life for residents.”
“This project is vital in continuing to provide residents of Plumstead Township with suitable drinking water,” Representative Labs said. “The grant funding will replace two filter vessels, which remove iron and manganese from the Cabin Run Wells to ensure water continues to meet quality standards.”
Plumstead Township Manager Angela Benner added, “This is wonderful news. We are so appreciative of the funding and for Senator Santarsiero and Representative Labs’ continued support of Plumstead Township. This green sand filter project is a major capital project for one of our main wells in Plumstead Township. Projects like this have to be completed by the Township so that we can continue to provide our residents with quality drinking water.”
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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March 17, 2023
March 17, 2023- BUCKS COUNTY, PA – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today $192,594 in state funding for pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements along Frost Lane in Newtown Borough.
The award is a state Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will be used to construct 1,230 linear feet of sidewalk to provide shared bicycle and pedestrian spaces on Frost Lane and the borough’s sidewalk network.
“This project will increase the mobility of walkers and runners by expanding the Borough’s existing sidewalk network, better connecting Frost Lane residents to the businesses in the Borough,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I was happy to advocate for this grant for Newtown Borough and look forward to seeing these improvements implemented as part of the Borough’s continued efforts to advance pedestrian and cyclist safety.”
“I live near Frost Lane, and I have seen firsthand both how widely used the road is by pedestrians and bicyclists and how treacherous it can be. Thanks to this state grant, safety, and quality of life for cyclists, pedestrians, and, well, everyone in the area will be improved,” said Representative Warren. “Congratulations to Newtown Borough Council on this award; their commitment and hard work pays off for the entire community and beyond.”
Newtown Borough Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin added, “We are grateful to have been identified for this grant distribution, and I hope it yields wonderful results for the Borough.”
For more information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Multimodal Transportation Fund grants visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.
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March 17, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY, PA – March 17, 2023- Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced $1,527,051 in state funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account Statewide Program for community improvement projects based in Lower Makefield Township, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, and Yardley Borough.
The projects and the awarded amounts are as follows:
- Lower Makefield Township: $900,000 for Memorial Park
- Newtown Borough: $30,000 for Sidewalk & Trail Study
- Newtown Township: $534,221 for Business Commons Improvements
- Yardley Borough: $62,830 for an Open Space Project
“The 10th Senate District is filled with beautiful spaces that deserve to be utilized by residents and visitors to their full potential,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I was happy to support these projects, which will improve the economic and recreational potential of these areas, bringing substantial benefit to these vibrant communities.”
“Open spaces, trails and parks are integral to and valuable assets of our communities and these grants make a sizeable investment in expanding the scope of and access to our open spaces,” said Representative Warren. “Thank you to all of the people who worked for our communities in securing these grants and who will make the expansion and improved accessibility a reality for our residents and visitors.”
Lower Makefield Township will use the funds for continued improvement projects at Memorial Park. Once completed, the park will include a playground, picnic pavilion, horseshoe pits, bocce courts, exercise stations, a gazebo, and walking paths.
“This funding will enable us to get closer to fully realizing the vision established in the initial master plan for Memorial Park by the community approximately 15 to 20 years ago,” said Lower Makefield Township Manager David Kratzer. “We thank Senator Santarsiero and Representative Warren for their continued support of the Lower Makefield Township community, and we truly value our partnership.”
The funds for Newtown Borough will be used to conduct a comprehensive study of sidewalks and trails in order to prioritize the current needs of residents and visitors, ultimately helping the borough develop a long-term plan for pedestrian traffic.
“We are grateful to have been identified for this grant distribution, and I hope it yields wonderful results for the Borough,” said Newtown Borough Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin.
Newtown Township will use the funds to construct ADA curb ramps and improve its current stormwater management system throughout the business commons area. This will be done in conjunction with an ongoing sidewalk project, ultimately improving pedestrian safety and the walkability of the business commons.
“We are very grateful for this funding to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety in the Newtown Business Commons. This grant will go toward construction of ADA ramps and stormwater management,” said Newtown Township Board of Supervisors Chair Dennis Fisher.
The funds for Yardley Borough will be used to purchase a 1.26-acre lot, owned by PECO, that is currently vacant. This lot will be redeveloped into preserved open space and a trailhead to the Delaware Canal Towpath.
Yardley Borough Council President Caroline Thompson said, “Yardley Borough is grateful for the advocacy of Senator Santarsiero and Rep Warren to secure funding for us to purchase a plot of land currently owned by PECO for open space. The lot, located at Fuld Rd. and Morgan Ave., is completely within a class-A flood zone making it unsuitable for development. However, because the land borders the canal tow-path and the Yardley Borough owned Mary Yardley Bridge, it represents a phenomenal opportunity for passive recreation, connectivity of the borough to the canal, parking and event space. Canal-o-ween already utilizes this space each year. We are so excited to formally acquire this property and ensure its future as undeveloped open space! Without the support of Senator Santarsiero and Rep Warren, this purchase would have been out of reach for the borough.”
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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March 13, 2023
Harrisburg, PA- March 13, 2023- Coinciding with Equal Pay Day on March 14th, Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Maria Collett (D-12) are seeking to close the gender wage gap by re-introducing legislation to modernize Pennsylvania’s Equal Pay Laws.
Women in Pennsylvania currently earn 79 cents for every dollar paid to men. This amounts to a gap of more than $10,000 every year. The gender wage gap can be traced to multiple factors, including occupational segregation, bias against working mothers, and direct pay discrimination.
To remedy this inequity, SB 421 updates the antiquated Equal Pay Laws to do the following:
- Broaden the scope of current law to include more employees and fringe benefits;
- Protect employees from retaliation when inquiring about wage information, ensuring wages are based on bona fide factors; and
- Provide workers the ability to collect unpaid wages when an employer is found to violate the law.
“It is inconceivable that in 2023, women in Pennsylvania still earn less than their male colleagues for the same work,” said Senator Santarsiero. “This is not only about fairness. It is an important economic issue. Ensuring women receive fair and equal pay will reinvigorate Pennsylvania’s economy and lift women and children out of poverty.”
“In the five years since Senator Santarsiero and I first introduced this bill, neither it nor women’s wages have moved,” said Senator Collett. “Pennsylvania women still earn even less on the dollar than women in other states. The disparity is even more pronounced for women of color. Closing the pay gap is good for our workers, good for our economy, and good for our families.”
Senators Santarsiero and Collett have introduced similar bills each legislative session since taking office in 2018.
SB 421’s co-sponsorship memorandum can be found here.
March 9, 2023
March 9, 2023- Bucks County, PA– As Democratic Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) applauded the Senate’s unanimous confirmation on Wednesday of Michelle Henry as Pennsylvania Attorney General.
“I applaud the confirmation of Michelle Henry as Pennsylvania Attorney General and know she will do a fantastic job in the role,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I had the pleasure of working for then-First Deputy Attorney General Henry during my time in the Attorney General’s office and admire both her role in leading the agency at that time and her dedication to serving the people of Pennsylvania. I have no doubt she will do a fantastic job as Attorney General.”
During Henry’s confirmation hearing on March 6th before the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Santarsiero lauded her time as Bucks County District Attorney and her support for protecting children in the court system and the urgent need for the state legislature to pass Kayden’s Law.
Sen. Santarsiero also spoke of the limited jurisdiction of the Office of Attorney General and his proposed legislation to give the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute environmental crimes, which Henry remarked would help the Office of Attorney General better serve the people of the Commonwealth.
“I look forward to working with Attorney General Henry in my capacity as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to strengthen the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s office,” said Sen. Santarsiero.
Michelle Henry completed her bachelor’s degree in communication from Allegheny College in 1991 and received her J.D. from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 1994. She was the Bucks County District Attorney from 2008 to 2010. She became the First Deputy Attorney General under then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro in 2016.
For AG Henry’s full biography, visit the Pennsylvania Attorney General website.
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February 28, 2023
Bucks County, PA- February 28, 2023 – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) introduced a resolution, SR 50, with Senator Tim Kearney (D-26) to recognize the week of February 27th through March 5th, 2023, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.
Speaking on the resolution on the Senate Floor on Monday, Sen. Santarsiero said, “In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their life. It is my hope that Eating Disorders Awareness Week will encourage people to share their stories and experiences to highlight the importance of screenings for early detection and interventions.”
The theme for 2023’s “Eating Disorders Awareness Week” is “It’s Time for Change”, to focus the message that now is the time to do more to combat disordered eating in Pennsylvania. The week is a collaborative effort consisting of organizations, volunteers, eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers of eating disorders.
In addition to Senate Resolution 50, Senators Santarsiero and Kearney also proposed Senate Bill 294, which would require all health insurance policies provide adequate coverage for the treatment of eating disorders. This treatment would include inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, follow up outpatient care, counseling and nutrition therapy services.
Senator Santarsiero has also circulated a co-sponsorship memo for another bill to combat eating disorders. This bill would require schools to annually provide educational resources on eating disorders to parents with children in 6th through 12th grades. Additionally, it would also develop a joint task force with the Departments of Education and Health to develop guidelines for the educational resources.
For more information or resources for eating disorders, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s website.
Access the full video of Senator Santarsiero’s remarks on the Senate Floor here.
Access a full list of Senator Santarsiero’s co-sponsorship memoranda and introduced bills here.
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February 27, 2023
HARRISBURG, PA – February 27, 2023 – Today, Senate Democrats held a press conference calling for the swift and bipartisan passage of HB1 and HB2, which would open a Window to Justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.
“The time to pass a Window to Justice for these survivors is now,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “We are calling on our colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus to do the right thing here and deliver justice for these victims quickly and in a bipartisan fashion.”
“The victims of childhood sexual abuse have been failed by so many people in so many ways,” said Senator Sharif Street. “Let’s not fail them again by failing to act. It is offensive to use them as a bargaining chip, this should not be politicized.”
HB1 and HB2 were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. HB1, which would create a constitutional amendment, passed 161-40, with Democrats voting unanimously for its passage. HB2, which would amend the statute itself, passed 134-67, again with unanimous Democratic support.
“We have a moral obligation and a professional duty to get this done,” Senator Santarsiero said. “This is not a new issue, and we have a unique opportunity here in the Senate to finally get these survivors justice. Let’s do the right thing and let’s do it now.”
“Today we have the opportunity to deliver HB 1 and HB 2 to the Governor’s desk and finally give adult survivors of child sex abuse a window to justice,” said Senator Maria Collett. “The longer we delay, the more survivors suffer and the harder their cases become to ultimately prove. We must not allow perpetrators of abuse or the institutions that shielded them to evade accountability any longer.”
The Senate passed SB1 on January 11, 2023, which would have put a constitutional amendment creating a Window to Justice on the ballot. However, Senate Republicans added an amendment to require voters to show ID every time they vote, and another allowing resolutions to override executive regulations. Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the bill as amended, outraged that the GOP prioritized political agendas over justice for countless victims of child sex abuse.
“We have an opportunity before us to come together in a bipartisan way and provide healing and justice to victims of child sexual abuse – but the Senate Majority Party continues to allow personal political priorities to stand in the way of the needs of survivors,” said Senator Katie Muth. “Every single survivor is worthy of being heard, protected, and having their rightful pathway to justice and healing. It is time that the Senate supports these victims and passes standalone legislation that opens a statute of limitations window for victims of child sexual abuse.”
Because HB1 and HB2 were passed during Special Session by the House, the Senate would need to gavel into special session. Before leaving office, Governor Wolf called a special session. The senate will be in regular session for five days prior to breaking for budget hearings, during which the Senate Democratic Caucus is urging the Republican Caucus to open a special session and pass HB1 and HB2 swiftly.
“Now that the House has taken lead in bringing justice for survivors of childhood sexual assault, it’s time the Senate does the same,” said Senator Kearney. “We need to stop the partisan tactics around the statutory window. The victims deserve better, and we can provide better, we can provide justice now. I join my Democratic Colleagues in urging this legislature to open the special session and vote on these pieces of legislation. It’s the right thing to do.”
Video footage of the press conference is available for viewing at PASenate.com/video. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
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February 17, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY- February 17, 2023- Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) joined Shirley Lee Corsey, the founder of Gather Place, and Yardley Borough Councilman David Appelbaum to present the organization with a check for $50,000 from the state.
Gather Place will use the state funds to help renovate the historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church located in Yardley Borough. The site was originally established as “The Colored Church” in 1817 and later founded as the AME Church in 1877. The AME Church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and under Shirley’s management has been transformed into the Gather Place Museum which first opened its doors on September 10, 2022.
“The restoration of the Old A.M.E. Church is an important investment into the historical and community identity of Yardley Borough,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I am glad we were able to secure these funds to keep such an important part of our local history from being lost.
“For too long, accounts of women and people of color in the history of our community and Commonwealth have been missing. The Gather Place Museum brings these important stories to life in an inclusive and educational way,” Sen. Santarsiero added.
The 146-year-old structure is the first African American Woman-owned and operated American History Museum to open in Bucks County. The museum features first-person history lessons and live reenactments in addition to its permanent exhibits.
“I’m a third-generation resident of Yardley Borough, so this is deeply personal to me.” Shirley Lee Corsey said. “With the help of my family and neighbors, we have transformed this historic place to a space for all of Bucks County to engage with history and the people that shaped it. This grant will go towards repairing our roof, but this is only the beginning for this important landmark.”
For more information about the Gather Place Museum, its mission, and community engagement opportunities, visit their website.
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January 24, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY – January 24, 2023 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero issued the following open letter to all members of the Pennsylvania State Senate in response to a recent memo by State Senator Doug Mastriano proposing legislation and in which he attacked Planned Parenthood’s Rainbow Room of Bucks County.
“Dear Colleagues,
In the 12 years that I have served in the General Assembly, I do not recall ever writing in response to a co-sponsorship memo, or any other member doing so for that matter. But after receiving the gentleman from Franklin County’s memo late yesterday regarding “drag events”, I felt compelled to respond.
While I disagree with the gentleman’s proposal as a matter of policy, I take particular exception to his distorted characterization of the Rainbow Room’s Queer Prom, a dance specifically arranged for LGBTQ+ youth in Bucks County.
The Rainbow Room, which Planned Parenthood established over 20 years ago to be a safe place for LGBTQ+ youth to come together and build self-esteem, first held the prom in February 2020. I was at that event, both as an elected official sponsoring it and as a parent (our younger son had come out as gay about 8 months before and was excited to attend the prom with his friends). Due to the pandemic, the Rainbow Room had to cancel the prom in 2021, but was able to hold it again this past fall. While family weekend at our younger son’s college prevented me from attending that prom, I once again agreed to sponsor the dance. Its organizers sent me a video of it later.
What I observed in person in 2020 – and again by watching the video of the 2022 prom – was a large group of teenagers having fun. What struck me, in fact, was that they could have been kids – gay or straight – at any school in the country. For the most part, they danced with the same awkwardness as any other teenager – I say that endearingly as someone who even in late middle-age is still awkward on the dance floor. What was apparent was that each one of them was happy. They were happy to be with their friends and happy to be in a loving environment where it was OK to be themselves.
It is an important point. Many of these students do not feel accepted by their peers – although it has been my experience both as a teacher and a parent that the younger generations are far more open to them than older ones – and at times by adults, which, sadly, can include family members. Indeed, the Central Bucks School District, where many of these students attend school, is presently led by a board majority that has created an educational environment that is openly hostile to LBGTQ+ youth. So, having an organization like the Rainbow Room and an event like the Queer Prom can very literally save the lives of kids who otherwise experience feelings of depression and isolation. I can share from personal experience that Ronni and I are deeply indebted to the Rainbow Room for how it helped our son on the road to becoming the confident young man that he is.
With this background, I hope you can appreciate why I was saddened and indeed angered when I read the gentleman’s co-sponsorship memo, which described the 2022 prom as “a sexually charged [sic] drag show”. I can only assume that this distortion, written by someone who was not present, is based on the fact that one student and one recent alum of the Rainbow Room dressed in drag and danced at the request of the prom committee. That can hardly be grounds for describing the hours-long prom as a “drag show”. As for it being sexually charged, I will not attempt to get into the gentleman’s mind to decipher what exactly he meant by that phrase, although I note that it is one that is most often used by those, who, solely on their own authority, take on the mantel of arbiter of morality in ironic disregard of the biblical admonition against judging. I would simply suggest that it might be a challenge to find a prom in America at which someone would not be offended by what they would consider inappropriate behavior or dress. With that in mind, we should be careful not to hold LGBTQ+ youth to a different standard than that of straight young people.
In any event, I am not aware of any parent of the students who attended the 2022 Queer Prom (and there were over 30 parents there as chaperones), who objected to any aspect of it, either beforehand or afterward. That would include the much-decried swag bags, which included, among other things, condoms, “lube”, and, perhaps most scandalous for some, information about Planned Parenthood.
As it happened, a couple hours before the gentleman circulated his co-sponsorship memo, someone at Fox Digital contacted my office and asked me to comment on the fact that I had sponsored what she described as a “drag queen event”. Whether there was a connection between that inquiry and the issuance of the memo, I will not speculate in deference to our Senate Rules. What I will relate, however, is that in the hours since then I have had a number of people (and, perhaps, bots as well), almost entirely from outside of Pennsylvania let alone my district, calling me a “groomer”, “deviant”, “pedophile” and other hateful epithets on social media.
I chose to run for office and serve. While no one likes ad hominem attacks, I have long ago learned that they are a sad part of public life in this era. But no LGBTQ+ child in this country should have to live with the hate that has been unleashed here. I only hope that as members of our State Senate, we can rise above ignorance and remember that we have a special obligation to stand up for the most vulnerable members of our society.
Thank you.
Steve Santarsiero
PA Senate, 10th District”
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April 22, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – April 22, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced nearly $2 million in state funds he has secured from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for two investments in science and medical technology to improve lives and grow our regional economy.
The awards are as follows:
- Thrombolex, Inc.: $1,200,000
- Bucks County Biotechnology Center: $722,500
“I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting my request to dedicate RACP funds for these key investments to improve science and health outcomes,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These projects will help our region continue to grow as a leader in biotechnology and scientific research.”
Thrombolex, Inc., located in New Britain Borough, will use the $1,200,000 state investment to build out a warehouse facility to expand the manufacturing capabilities of the company. Founded in 2016, Thrombolex, Inc. is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, and distribution of endovascular catheters used in interventional procedures.
“When I talk time and again about the potential we have in Bucks County to create a biotechnology corridor, I am talking about companies like Thrombolex who are on the cutting edge of discovery and development with a medical device to help save the lives of individuals with blood clots,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This investment will help grow and expand Thrombolex’s capacity, while creating jobs right here in New Britain Borough.”
“Receiving this generous grant from the Commonwealth will enable Thrombolex to expand manufacturing so as to meet the anticipated demand for our medical device, the Bashir Endovascular Catheter,” said Marvin Woodall, Thrombolex CEO. “This catheter platform creates a channel for immediate blood flow through a blood clot to allow for precise and targeted delivery of clot busting drugs (thrombolytics) directly to the clot. Pulmonary Embolism is the third leading cause of cardiac death. With this funding, we can now proceed with plans to meet the demand for our life saving devices. We are most appreciative of Senator Santarsiero’s support.”
The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) is a life sciences incubator in Buckingham Township dedicated to advancing biotechnology in Bucks County and the region by maximizing synergies between nonprofit scientists and their commercial colleagues and launching new ideas and discoveries. The $722,500 will be used to build multiuser labs and teaching facilities in a newly constructed building.
“The continued growth and development of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center is attracting new and established companies to our region, putting people to work and helping build Bucks County as a biotech corridor,” Sen. Santarsiero said of the funds for the Biotech Center.
Timothy M. Block, president and founder of the PABC, said. “Sen. Santarsiero has been a great advocate for the Center and this further vote of confidence in us is very extremely encouraging. This support will allow the PABC to further expand our state-of-the-art research facilities for entrepreneurs from our area, to keep generating lifesaving innovations and, of course, to create new jobs. It also will help us continue to teach young people about science, research and entrepreneurship. The PABC is a world-class research center and this kind of support will allow us to maintain the momentum we’ve built in recent years.”
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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July 7, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY— July 7, 2021 — Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today the award of $271,520 in state funds to Newtown Borough as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Green Light-Go grant program.
Newtown Borough will use the funds for a complete upgrade to the traffic signal at Lincoln and Washington Streets. Along with the modernization of the traffic signal, the project will include new pedestrian accommodations.
“This upgrade will help relieve congestion and improve the flow of traffic in Newtown Borough, benefitting residents and visitors,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “With so many shops and restaurants along State Street in the Borough, increasing accessibility both for cars and pedestrians will continue to boost our local economy while keeping our community safe. I was happy to work on getting the state to award this much-needed grant.”
“During my 7 years on Newtown Borough Council, traffic safety and traffic congestion were ongoing topics of conversation and concern,” said Rep. Warren. “As state representative it was a pleasure working with Newtown Borough Council toward securing this Green Light Go grant. This traffic signal upgrade will enhance safety and reduce congestion on two heavily trafficked thoroughfares through Newtown. Newtown Borough residents, Newtown Township residents, visitors, businesses and passers-through all will benefit from this traffic signal and safety project.”
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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April 16, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – April 16, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today the award of Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants to Yardley Borough and Morrisville Borough. Yardley Borough will receive $312,147 and Morrisville Borough will receive $150,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
“We are fortunate here in Bucks County to have some of the most beautiful and vibrant boroughs in the state,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These multimodal grant funds will help make improvements to two of those boroughs, helping keep our main streets lively and thriving.”
The Yardley Borough project will allow for the construction of approximately 1,200 linear feet of concrete sidewalk along the northern side of North Main Street. The project will also include related stormwater and pedestrian facility improvements.
“Yardley Borough is a real gem and a very pedestrian friendly destination. The construction along North Main Street will help provide access to the many restaurants and shops that attract both locals and visitors to our community,” said Sen. Santarsiero.
“This state grant toward the construction of sidewalks on North Main Street supports Yardley Borough Council’s commitment to pedestrian and traffic safety and the creation of a safe pedestrian passage to downtown Yardley, its stores, restaurants, offices and other businesses,” said Rep. Warren.
The Morrisville Borough project seeks to improve the pedestrian and traffic signals at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Trenton Avenue so that it is safer for the community.
“The intersection at Pennsylvania and Trenton Avenues is always busy, whether you are coming off the Calhoun Street Bridge or visiting the shopping center right there. This project will make it safer for pedestrians and drivers alike, protecting our community while improving access to local businesses,” continued Sen. Santarsiero.
“The state funding of these pedestrian and traffic signals is another important step, as we work together with Morrisville Borough Council to improve pedestrian and traffic safety in Morrisville,” continued Rep. Warren. “Together, these grants reflect our shared goals of boosting our downtown economies, enhancing our quality of life and ensuring pedestrian and traffic safety.”
Multimodal transportation fund grants encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. For more information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants, visit the DCED website.
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June 14, 2019
HARRISBURG − June 14, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), and state Representatives Wendy Ullman (D-143) and Perry Warren (D-31), announced the award of over two million dollars in state grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to various Bucks County-based organizations.
“From providing technological upgrades for local police departments to expanding services to organizations protecting victims of domestic violence, these grants will go so far in better protecting the residents of Bucks County,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the State House, Representatives Ullman and Warren, in delivering more resources to the critically important criminal justice programs that serve our communities.”
“I’m thrilled that these programs have received these grants because they serve some of the most vulnerable populations in our community,” Rep. Ullman said. “It’s critical that these programs have sufficient funds to perform the vital work they do. I will continue to look for more opportunities to support Bucks County.”
“This grant will help Lower Makefield upgrade its record management system, reduce costs and improve efficiency,” Rep. Warren said. “I will continue to look for opportunities to support municipal services in our communities.”
The following grants were awarded in the 10th senatorial district:
Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC)-Byrne Justice Assistance Grant: $10,000 for the Central Bucks Regional Police Department for a technology upgrade.
CJAC-2019 County Jail-Based Vivitrol Program: $500,000 to the Bucks County Commissioners for the Bucks County Jail-Based Recovery Programs.
CJAC-Residential Substance Abuse & Treatment (RSAT) Funds: $125,000 to Bucks County Commissioners for the Bucks County Corrections HEART Program.
Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSAC)-2019-2021 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding (Competitive): $541,940 to A Woman’s Place to expand critical domestic violence services
VSAC – 2019-2020 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funding – Noncompetitive Extension: $510,506 to A Woman’s Place for the VOCA 19-20 Non-Competitive FA Extension. $850,846 was awarded to Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) for the NOVA VOCA Project Extension.
CJAC – Byrne Justice Assistance Grant: $48,719 to Lower Makefield Township Lower Makefield to upgrade its record management system.
You can view all the grants awarded by the PCCD here.
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