June 7, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – June 7, 2019 – On Friday, June 14th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) will host an open house at his district office in Newtown.
Constituents are encouraged to stop by for a brief chat and enjoy refreshments with Senator Santarsiero, who looks forward to greeting members of the community. During the open house, Bucks County Opportunity Council will be accepting non-perishable food donations.
The Newtown office, located at the intersection of Terry Drive and Newtown-Yardley Road, is easily accessible to constituents arriving from the Newtown bypass (Route 332).
“We are welcoming the community to come out and see our office and meet the members of my team as we work together on the issues to make our region the best place to live, work, learn, worship and play,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “We are here to serve all of our residents on state government matters and we look forward to learning more about the issues that matter most to all who live here.”
Senator Santarsiero’s district office in Newtown offers assistance with various state services including: rent and property tax rebates, SEPTA ID cards, REAL ID information, applications for public benefits and more.
For a list of acceptable donations, visit senatorstevesantarsiero.com/event/newtown-open-house or call the senator’s Newtown office at 215-497-9490.
WHEN: Friday, June 14th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
WHERE: 3 Terry Drive, Suite 201, Newtown, PA
###
May 29, 2019
HARRISBURG − May 29, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), and State Representatives Wendy Ullman (D-143), Perry Warren (D-31), and John Galloway (D-140), announced that Doylestown Township, Plumstead Township, and Morrisville Borough will receive $380,817, $646,128, and $20,000, respectively, through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) program, for the purpose of improving traffic safety.
The $380,817 in state funding for Doylestown Township will improve safety at the intersection of Swamp Road and Easton Road by retiming the traffic signal and installing mast arms, emergency preemption, dilemma zone detection, video detection, uninterruptable power supply, pedestrian push buttons, and dedicated hand/man pedestrian signals with countdown timers.
$646,128 in funding for Plumstead Township was approved to improve pedestrian safety at the center of Plumsteadville by installing ADA ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian push buttons Hand/Person pedestrian signals with countdown timers, and signalization upgrades.
For Morrisville Borough, the $20,000 in state funding will be used to update and replace existing regulatory signage at various locations throughout the borough and install breakaway sign posts.
“These grants will help Doylestown, Plumsteadville, and Morrisville to calm traffic and maintain the safety of both motorists and pedestrians alike,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I want to thank PennDOT for awarding grants for so important a purpose.”
“I am excited to announce these grants, which will improve pedestrian safety, enhance neighborhood walkability, and reduce traffic congestion,” Rep. Ullman said. “Upgrading these intersections will bring quality of life improvements to Doylestown Township and Plumsteadville.”
“The key to keeping communities like Morrisville safe and economically competitive are infrastructure investments,” said Reps. Galloway and Warren.
The ARLE program aims to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue. Grant funding for ARLE is supplied by fines from red light violations at 30 intersections in Philadelphia. Only projects improving safety, enhancing mobility, and reducing congestion can be considered for funding.
For more information on the ARLE program, visit the traffic signals page under “Travel In PA” at www.penndot.gov, or email RA-PDSIGNALFUNDING@pa.gov.
###
May 20, 2019
HARRISBURG − May 20, 2019 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) was awarded $24,125.68 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Safe Schools Targeted grant program.
“This grant will provide Middle Bucks Institute of Technology with additional safety resources so students can focus on learning in a safe classroom environment,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “In collaboration with students, parents, and local law enforcement, our schools are identifying security improvements for their school communities. This grant allows them to make those improvements without jeopardizing educational programs.”
The PDE awarded $919,000 in competitive Safe Schools Targeted grants to MBIT and 38 school districts across the Commonwealth to purchase safety and security-related equipment.
The grant will be used to purchase security-related equipment including student, staff and visitor identification systems; metal detectors; protective lighting; surveillance equipment; special emergency communications equipment; electronic locksets; deadbolts and theft control devices; and training in the use of the security-related technology.
MBIT serves Centennial, Central Bucks, New Hope/Solebury, and Council Rock School Districts.
###
May 16, 2019
HARRISBURG − May 16, 2019 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), Representatives Craig Staats (R-145), Todd Polinchock (R-144), and Wendy Ullman (D143) announced the award of $14,642.81 in state grants through Governor Wolf’s School Breakfast Initiative for four schools in the Pennridge School District.
The funding for each Pennridge school is as follows:
- Robert B. Deibler Elementary School: $4,101.83
- Pennridge Central Middle School: $2,555
- Bedminster Elementary School: $3,870.64
- Sellersville Elementary School: $4,115.34
“These grants highlight the necessity of making a nutritious, healthy breakfast an essential part of the school day for each and every student,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “As I continue to work alongside and learn from students, parents, teachers, and administrators at Pennridge and school districts across the district, I welcome their input on how to make hunger in our classrooms a thing of the past.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with those who say breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” Rep. Staats said. “No child should start school on an empty stomach and research has shown a direct correlation between breakfast and student performance. I am glad this mini-grant program will enable students in our area to start the school day with a fresh, nutritious breakfast.”
“Ensuring students are able to start their day with a full stomach and ready to take on the day is an important part of their education,” Rep. Polinchock said. “This grant will help the students of Pennridge School District get their day started right and help improve their education and put them on the road to success.”
“Anybody who’s taken care of a student can tell you how much better a kid’s day is with breakfast,” Rep. Ullman said. “At school, the upside is endless for their brains, their grades, our state and the economy. And, none of us is immune to the morning’s struggles. These awards will give our schools and families some help and the kids a big boost. Thank you to Gov. Wolf for his investments in schools. We need to keep it coming.”
The School Breakfast Initiative is administered through Pennsylvania’s Department of Education. One hundred and fifty schools across the Commonwealth will be receiving grants of up to $5,000 each as part of the program. With approximately $592,000 awarded, this marks the second year of a program that makes school breakfast available to all students and expands food options for children.
For more information on the School Breakfast Initiative, visit the Department of Education’s website.
###
May 16, 2019
HARRISBURG – May 16, 2019 – Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Maria Collett (D-12) issued a joint memorandum inviting fellow senators to join them in support of a packet of legislation that provides Pennsylvania’s Office of Attorney General (OAG) with concurrent jurisdiction in matters involving environmental crimes.
The legislative packet the senators are introducing will provide the OAG with concurrent jurisdiction in environmental criminal cases under Pennsylvania’s Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Streams Law, and Safe Drinking Water Act.
Currently, the OAG cannot take action in such cases unless it first receives a referral from the local district attorney, the Department of Environmental Protection, or another agency with jurisdiction.
“The legislation Senator Collett and I are co-sponsoring will provide the Commonwealth’s top law enforcement officer with a greater ability to pursue bad actors who violate our constitutional right to clean air, pure water and the preservation of our natural resources,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “As a former Chief Deputy Attorney General for Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania, I have firsthand experience in how cumbersome, time consuming, and counter-productive the current process can be. It’s time to untie the hands of our state prosecutors so that they can bring those who commit such crimes to justice.”
“This legislation is particularly urgent because it would give the Attorney General the power to take action against the polluters who created the PFAS contamination crisis in my district and across the Commonwealth,” said Sen. Collett, who has introduced legislation to set an interim maximum contaminant level for PFAS chemicals and have them classified as hazardous under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA). “As legislators, one of our jobs is to make sure our government has the tools it needs to keep our communities safe and go after those who endanger them.”
A link to the memorandum can be found here.
###
May 14, 2019
HARRISBURG, PA – May 14, 2019 – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Craig Staats (R-145) announced today that work will begin this summer on a $4.7 million project to rehabilitate the Main Street bridge in Sellersville Borough, which is on the Commonwealth’s list of structurally deficient bridges.
The goal of the project is to provide a bridge capable of handling the volume of expected long-term traffic along the state highway and to provide roadway improvements such as guardrail repairs and pavement restoration.
“I am excited about this important infrastructure improvement and what it will mean to the Sellersville community,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Investment in our roads and bridges pays dividends for our local economy and improves the safety of travel for residents and visitors.”
“This much anticipated bridge improvement project will substantially improve public safety in Sellersville in the near term and for years to come,” Rep. Staats said. “The project will also allow for the higher traffic volume expected in the future. We may experience short term inconvenience while the work is being done, but I believe area citizens will be pleased with the result.”
The Main Street bridge, which was built in 1927, is in a deteriorated condition and considered structurally deficient. Both the concrete deck and bridge abutments are in poor condition. The bridge currently posts a weight limit of 15 tons.
The project will remove the concrete deck, sidewalks, and pedestrian railings in order to repair, strengthen, and paint the steel single-span pony truss. The bridge deck, sidewalks, and abutment backwalls will be replaced and the pedestrian railings will be repaired, reinforced, and reinstalled.
Construction on the project will begin this summer with minimal impact to motorists. Main Street will be closed between East Church Street and West Church Street come autumn. Motorists will be directed to use Route 152 (Park Avenue/State Road), Route 309 (Sellersville Bypass), Lawn Avenue, and Route 563 (Ridge Road). The detour will remain in effect until October 2020.
Funding for the project has been financed entirely with state funds.
###
May 9, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – On Friday, May 10th from 10:00 to 10:40 am, Senator Steve Santarsiero, Representative Wendy Ullman, Mayor Ron Strouse, Doylestown Borough Council President John O’Brien, Central Bucks Regional Police Chief Karl Knott, Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Conservancy Linda Cacossa, and acting Bucks County Maintenance Manager for PennDOT Kevin Herdin will hold a press conference to announce state funding for a new municipal complex in Doylestown Borough.
WHEN: Friday, May 10th from 10:00 to 10:40 am
WHERE: 229 N. Broad Street (on the corner of Doyle Street), Doylestown, PA 18901
WHO:Senator Steve Santarsiero
Representative Wendy Ullman
Mayor Ron Strouse
Doylestown Borough Council President John O’Brien
Central Bucks Regional Police Chief Karl Knott
Linda Cacossa, COO of Heritage Conservancy
Kevin Herdin, acting PennDOT Maintenance Manager for Bucks County
May 8, 2019
HARRISBURG, PA – May 8, 2019 – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), Representative Todd Polinchock (R-144), and Representative John Galloway (D-140), announced the award of $12,000 in grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP’s) Small Business Advantage Grant program for a medical x-ray machine for New Britain Podiatry Associates and a boiler for Kim’s Greenwood Cleaners in Fairless Hills. New Britain Podiatry Associates and Kim’s Greenwood Cleaners were awarded $5,000 and $7,000, respectively.
“Environmentally focused grants like these can make a lasting impact for small businesses and consumers alike,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “With this funding, small businesses can provide even greater service to the community and better ensures the equipment being used is more reliable and less wasteful.”
“Small business is the lifeblood of our community,” Rep. Polinchock said. “Partnering with DEP to promote smart, efficient business practices will build a climate of environmentally sound decision making that will benefit our citizens for years to come. I am thrilled to be a part of this.”
“I’m very thankful that two local businesses will receive this funding. This is a big step in creating a more sustainable, eco-friendly Bucks County while also bolstering our small business community,” Rep. Galloway said. “Our residents and business patrons alike will surely benefit from the positive, long-term environmental impacts this grant will provide.”
The DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant provides 50% matching grants, up to a maximum of $9,500, to enable Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes. Pennsylvania-based businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible to apply for these grants.
For more information on the Small Business Advantage Grant program, visit the Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
###
May 6, 2019
HARRISBURG − May 6, 2019 – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), announced that state funding for a new municipal complex in Doylestown Borough has been awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The project has received strong support from Sen. Santarsiero and state Rep. Wendy Ullman (D-143).
The $1.5 million grant for the new municipal complex will be used to acquire and redevelop the existing PennDOT maintenance facility on the corner of North Broad and Doyle streets, and will include a new Doylestown Borough Hall, Central Bucks Regional Police Department headquarters (serving Doylestown, Chalfont, and New Britain), and a new municipal park.
“This state funding helps lift some of the financial cost off local taxpayers and provides Doylestown Borough with additional resources to deliver quality, reliable services to residents,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I look forward to working with Mayor Strouse, Council President Jack O’Brien, and Chief Karl Knott in developing this and other projects on behalf of the borough.”
“This is an exciting and unique project worthy of participation from a host of stakeholders, including the Commonwealth,” Mayor Strouse said. “Its value to our community is undisputed and its value beyond the community is considerable as well. With this help we will turn a brownfield into parkland, for the enjoyment of all. Using the existing building, we will preserve and repurpose a classic facade while providing essential space for modern community based regional policing, leading to the accreditation of our department, and we will provide environmentally sensitive space for municipal services.”
“The plan for the adaptive reuse of the PennDOT building has been discussed for a very long time,” Doylestown Borough Council President O’Brien said. “As the relocation of PennDOT to the new facility gets closer we have been focusing on being ready to move quickly on the rehabilitation of the old facility. Planning included engineering work as well as the necessary financing for the project. This grant of $1.5 million is a big help in that financing.”
“We are pleased to receive the financial support to deliver a modern and safe police headquarters that will serve the municipalities for decades to come,” Central Bucks Regional Police Chief Knott said. “A new police facility has become vitally important to the operational needs and accreditation of this department.”
The three-year redevelopment project is scheduled to begin in December and will include matching funds from the local level.
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 are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, 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.
###
April 10, 2019
HARRISBURG − April 10, 2019 − State Senators Steven J. Santarsiero (D-10), Art Haywood (D-4), Thomas H. Killion (R-9), and state Representatives Steve McCarter (D-154) and Carolyn Comitta (D-156), were joined by renewable energy advocates in the Main Capitol Rotunda to express their support for expanding the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS).
Through an upcoming bill, the legislators aim to boost the use of clean, sustainable energy, create thousands of new jobs, and set Pennsylvania’s renewable energy goal at 30% by 2030. The legislation would also direct the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to study the benefits of a renewable energy storage program and provide for several protections that control costs for electricity customers. The AEPS was originally initially enacted in 2004, but has since become outpaced by neighboring states.
“These standards don’t just measure progress when it comes to clean energy, family sustaining jobs, and environmental stewardship. They tell our children and grandchildren that we care about their future,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I refuse to sit on the sidelines when so much is at stake for the next generation.”
“It is long overdue for Pennsylvania to implement new clean energy goals to create good jobs, cut pollution, and ensure we are a sustainable and prosperous state for the future of everyone,” Sen. Haywood said.
“Expanding renewable energy is critical to Pennsylvania’s future,” said Sen. Killion. “Modernizing our energy standards will protect the environment and create thousands of jobs. Substantially boosting renewable energy is absolutely the best way to provide cleaner air for our families while growing our state’s economy,” he added.
“The fierce and immediate urgency of climate change requires a fierce and immediate response,” Rep. McCarter said. “Thirty by ’30 is an excellent immediate goal. It’s reasonable and achievable. It creates jobs in Pennsylvania. And most importantly, it sets the stage for the much tougher work to come.
“I am proud to join my fellow colleagues in supporting legislation that calls for modernizing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards,” said Rep. Carolyn Comitta. “Our state has already made important investments in alternative and clean energy technologies, but we must do more. Adjusting our electrical energy requirements to 30% by 2030 will solidify our path to reducing our carbon footprint and advance Pennsylvania toward becoming a national energy leader.”
A link to the memorandum outlining the proposed legislation can be found here.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit the district website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Sen. Haywood has district offices in Philadelphia and Abington can be reached via email here. Visit the district website at www.senatorhaywood.com.
Sen. Killion has district offices in West Goshen and Brookhaven and can be reached via email here. Visit the district website at www.senatorkillion.com.
Rep. McCarter has a district office in Glenside and can be reached via email here. Visit the district website at www.pahouse.com/McCarter/.
Rep. Comitta has a district office in West Chester and can be reached via email here. Visit the district website at www.pahouse.com/Comitta/.
-30-
April 10, 2019
HARRISBURG, PA − April 10, 2019 − Today, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus introduced legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations for sexual offenses and open a window for civil liability.
The legislation was introduced as Senate Bill 540.
“I wanted to get to Harrisburg to amplify the voices of those who’ve gone unheard for far too long,” said Senator Tim Kearney. “Trauma does not have an expiration date; We will not limit survivors’ opportunities to seek justice.”
“I support Senate Bill 540 because it follows the unanimous recommendations of the Pennsylvania grand jury that spent two years examining widespread sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy, and an institutional cover-up spanning decades,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “Since the Grand Jury Report was released last August, 16 other states have opened investigations into clergy abuse and cover-up, the U.S. Justice Department has launched a probe, 1600 people have called our clergy abuse hotline, and 35 states are considering legislative changes like those called for by the grand jury. It’s time for Pennsylvania lawmakers to do their part.”
“Sexual assault is horrific in every instance,” said Senator Maria Collett. “This legislation acknowledges the reality of why victims are often slow to report as well as the egregious lifelong damage this type of trauma inflicts.”
“In the PA House, I worked with Rep. Mark Rozzi in trying to eliminate the statute of limitations in cases of child sex abuse,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero. “Over the past few years support has steadily built for that idea. This should be the year that we lift the statute for all victims of sexual violence, children and adults. Justice demands no less.”
“SB 540 is a victim-centered bill that will finally allow all survivors to choose their pathway to healing and justice,” said Senator Katie Muth. “Sexual violence and abuse is a public health crisis and we must stop this rape culture epidemic.”
“I’m hopeful that this bill will be embraced and ultimately passed with bipartisan support,” said Senator Lindsey Williams.
The bill would amend Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to:
- eliminate the criminal and civil statute of limitations (SOL) for sexual abuse, assault and misconduct victims whose abuse happened at any age;
- provide a 2 year civil window to revive previously expired SOL claims, and;
- also provide a 6-month delay to the window in which survivors who wish to voluntarily settle their claim outside the court system are able to do so.
While this bill addresses the concerns of the Grand Jury report on church sex abuse, what will be introduced is not SB 261 of 2017-2018 nor HB 612 of 2017-2018, though those pieces of legislation did inform the context of this bill.
“There is a war on sexual violence in this country and in so many ways, Pennsylvania has been ground zero,” said state Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm. “I am honored to stand here with our new Senators as we add more voices to this army of support to finally change our broken system, expose those who seek to behind it and offer a path to justice and healing for all Pennsylvania’s victims and survivors.”
The Senators were also joined by a handful of survivor victims who offered remarks on the need for this legislation.
This crisis is indiscriminate of age; there are countless victims who have been subjected to sexual abuse, assault and misconduct in their lifetime. A study done by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) found that 82% of sexual assault victims are between the ages of 18 and 64. The 2015 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey Date Brief showed that 55.6% of women surveyed were 18 years old or older when they were first-time victims of completed or attempted rape.
However, this research is based on reported abuse, assault and misconduct. The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that only 36% of rapes, 34% of attempted rapes, and 26% of sexual assaults were reported between 1992 and 2000. This data describes a marginalized population and does not reflect the real scope of the crisis due to under-reporting.
Senators signed on to sponsor the bill are: Senator Timothy P. Kearney and Senator Maria Collett, Senator Katie J. Muth, Senator Steven J. Santarsiero, Senator Lindsey Williams, Senator John P. Blake, Senator James R. Brewster, Senator Jay Costa, Senator Andrew E. Dinniman, Senator Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr., Senator Wayne D. Fontana, Senator Vincent J. Hughes, Senator Daylin Leach, Senator Judith L. Schwank, Senator Sharif Street, Senator Christine M. Tartaglione, Senator Anthony H. Williams.
###
April 8, 2019
Harrisburg – April 8, 2019 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus will introduce legislation to abolish the statute of limitations for a list of sexual offenses, regardless of whether the victim was a child or adult when the crime occurred.
They will be joined by supporters of the bill and survivors of sexual assault.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 10 at 9:30 am
WHERE: Main Capitol Rotunda
WHO: Senator Tim Kearney
Senator Maria Collett
Senator Katie Muth
Senator Steve Santarsiero
Senator Lindsey Williams
Attorney General Josh Shapiro
Victims’ Advocate Jennifer Storm
April 1, 2019
HARRISBURG – April 1, 2019 – On the eve of Equal Pay Day, Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Maria Collett (D-12) issued a joint memorandum inviting fellow senators to join them in support of legislation that will ensure workers are compensated fairly for their work.
Currently, women in Pennsylvania earn 79 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a gap of over $10,000 a year. The gender wage gap is the result of multiple factors, including occupational segregation, bias against working mothers, and direct pay discrimination.
To combat unequal pay in the workplace, the senators will be introducing legislation to update Pennsylvania’s antiquated Equal Pay Law as follows:
- 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.
“Women contribute essential and valued work in every sector of our economy,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “It’s past time for us to guarantee women are paid fairly and fully for their work.”
Sen. Collett added, “Pennsylvania continues to lag behind other states when it comes to closing the wage gap, making Pennsylvania’s women – especially women of color – even worse off than the national average. The time for change is overdue. Closing the gender pay gap is good for our families, good for our economy, and good for Pennsylvania.”
Barbara Price, of the Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition and the American Association of University Women, said on the issue of wage discrepancy, “Solving the gender pay gap is a matter of economics for women and families. With a record number of women in the workforce and nearly half of women functioning as primary or co-breadwinners, equal pay for women is critical to families’ economic security. Updating Pennsylvania’s Pay Equity Law to cover all employees will lift families and the Pennsylvania economy.”
“Pennsylvania’s Equal Pay Act needs to be updated to lift the economic barriers to women in the work place so they are paid family sustaining wages,” said Tam St. Claire, also of the Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition. “If employed women in Pennsylvania were paid the same as comparable men, their poverty rate would be reduced by more than half, moving us toward equity and economic security for all. Lifting the barriers to equal pay will also lift the economy.”
This legislation mirrors a proposal in the House of Representatives co-sponsored by Representatives Brian Sims (D-182) and Tina Davis (D-141), introduced as HB 850.
A link to the memorandum can be found here.
###
March 28, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – March 28, 2019 – The Morrisville Fire Company was awarded $200,000 in state grant funding for a new fire engine, according to State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), State Representative Perry Warren (D-31), and State Representative John Galloway (D-140). The new engine is a 2020 Pierce Arrow XT heavy duty rescue pumper with a 500-gallon tank and 2000 gpm pump.
“The service that Morrisville firefighters provide to the community is invaluable and will greatly benefit from the addition of this new engine,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Ensuring local fire companies are equipped to handle the emergencies they face on a daily basis will continue to be a top priority of mine.”
“With this loan, the Morrisville Fire Company can purchase a new fire truck that is as top-notch as the men and women who volunteer for it,” Rep. Warren said.
“This engine will be a great addition to the Morrisville Fire Company and reflects my commitment to funding local emergency services,” Rep. Galloway said.
The Morrisville Fire Company applied for the grant through the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) and is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
###
March 26, 2019
HARRISBURG, PA − March 26, 2019 − Pennsylvania Senator Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, announced the funding approval of five new projects in the 10th Senate District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF). Totaling over $2.1 million in funding, the projects aim to improve Bucks County’s infrastructure and provide safer, more dependable transportation.
The projects and their funding totals are as followed:
- Green Street Improvements, Silverdale Borough: $147,444
- Bridge Street Pedestrian Improvements, New Hope Borough: $92,980
- University Village, Borough of New Britain: $600,000
- Pedestrian Safety Improvements, Delaware Valley University: $1,011,826
- 2015 MTF, Borough of Perkasie: $283,171
“Infrastructure investment is key to creating vibrant communities and promoting economic growth,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support municipalities through key infrastructure investments like these projects.”
The MTF, established by Act 89 of 2013, funds several types of improvement projects, including roads, walking and bike trails, railways, traffic safety, public transportation, and air transport. As a State Representative, Sen. Santarsiero voted for Act 89, which helped provide revenue for the MTF.
###
March 25, 2019
Collett, Kearney, Muth, Santarsiero, and L. Williams seek additional reforms
Harrisburg – March 25, 2019 – Sens. Maria Collett (D-Bucks/Montgomery), Tim Kearney (D-Chester/Delaware), Katie Muth (D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks), and Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) are sponsoring legislation to expand reforms included in the #MeToo PA General Assembly Act.
First introduced in the state House of Representatives by Rep. Leanne Krueger (D-Delaware) last session, the expanded #MeToo PA General Assembly Act seeks to add reforms to the process and procedures of addressing sexual harassment claims in the Pennsylvania legislature.
“The groundbreaking reform legislation introduced by Rep. Krueger established the framework for what my colleagues and I are building on with our Senate bill,” said Collett. “We need to implement and improve the procedures in which sexual assault and sexual harassment claims are addressed in our government. This legislation allows us to do that.”
Collett and Muth joined Krueger at a news conference today to support the #MeToo movement and unveil their bill.
“As a survivor and supporter of those who have come forward through the #MeToo movement, I believe it is imperative that legislation be put into action to correct serious issues within the process of addressing harassment claims in the General Assembly,” Muth said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on implementing these reforms.”
The companion legislation being introduced in the Senate would:
- Establish procedures for keeping investigatory, prosecutorial, and adjudicatory functions separate, as required under state law;
- establish procedures for communicating temporary regulations that are necessary to promptly implement the new procedures; and
- combine current settlement provisions with new provisions relating to the source of payment, personal liability of elected officials, and payment of awards.
“This is about creating a safe workplace where employees don’t have to look over their shoulders with worry,” said Kearney. “It’s about creating a system that doesn’t silence survivors, protect offenders, or waste taxpayer money. Going forward, we will ensure that wrongdoers face real repercussions while victims are heard. We will create a Capitol that sets the tone for the entire state.”
Krueger’s original legislation included the banning of non-disclosure agreements that mask the names of General Assembly members who are accused of harassment; requiring credibly accused members of the state legislature to repay any settlements that were paid with taxpayer dollars; and, requiring paid administrative leave, remote work assignments, and reimbursement for licensed counseling offered to employees during the adjudication of proceedings.
“Members of the General Assembly have the responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that is beyond reproach,” Williams said. “This legislation ensures that members who break that faith are held accountable for their behavior, not the taxpayers.”
The Democratic senators said that their companion legislation would protect the staff and employees of the General Assembly. Implementing these measures is long overdue, they said.
”We must protect victims of sexual harassment and assault,” Santarsiero said. “People need to feel that they can come forward safely without facing further harm. The safeguards that this legislation will provide are long past due.”
Since its start in 2017, the #MeToo movement has been instrumental in raising awareness of the epidemic of sexual harassment and sexual assault. The movement has also brought to the light the lack of formal processes for victims to report sexual harassment and assault and receive the necessary protections to effectively address these issues.
-30-
Media Contact: Eryn Spangler, PA Senate Democrats Communications
Phone: 717-787-5166
Email: Eryn.Spangler@pasenate.com
March 18, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − March 18, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D- 10), announced New Britain Borough Wilma Quinlan Nature Preserve Committee and Newtown Creek Coalition as the Bucks County winners of the 2019 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
“These environmental projects are key to preserving the natural beauty of Bucks County,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I’m so proud of the residents who volunteered their time and energy to this work that benefits us all.”
The New Britain Borough Wilma Quinlan Nature Preserve Committee project focused on habitat restoration at the nature preserve. Project volunteers carried out a three-year project to clear out invasive species, install nesting boxes, redesign trails to prevent erosion, conduct a soil study, install benches, and plant 386 native trees, 119 native shrubs, and wildflowers.
The Newtown Creek Coalition project restored the Newtown Common and Creek. The streambank stabilization project included coir logs, rain gardens, porous pavement, and a team effort by many volunteers to plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses to help the borough meet its sediment and nutrient pollutant reduction goals.
The award recipients were chosen among 27 applicants and were evaluated by the Department of Environmental Protection based on the project’s degree of environmental protection, innovation, partnership efforts, economic impact, consideration of climate change, sustainability, and achieved results.
###
March 13, 2019
HARRISBURG − March 13, 2019 − State Senator Steven J. Santarsiero (D-10), Senator Art Haywood (D-4), and Senator Thomas H. Killion (R-9) issued a co-sponsorship memorandum detailing their proposed expansion of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS).
AEPS was enacted in 2004, but has since been outpaced by stronger energy standards of neighboring states.
The legislation to be introduced by Senators Santarsiero, Haywood, and Killion would expand AEPS Tier I requirements; direct the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to study the benefits of a renewable energy storage program; and provide for several protections that control costs for electricity customers.
The Clean Power PA Coalition, a group of clean energy, business, faith, and community leaders committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and powering its economy through clean energy, applauded the bipartisan announcement.
“We are excited that senators Haywood, Killion and Santarsiero recognize the tremendous potential for a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania powered by renewable energy,” Clean Power PA Coalition stated. “Their proposed legislation to modernize renewable energy standards will cut carbon emissions, improve public health and our environment and create tens of thousands of new family-sustaining jobs for residents of our Commonwealth.”
“We no longer have the luxury of time,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “If we are going to reverse global climate change we need to act boldly and we need to act now. This bill does that while at the same time creating thousands of sustainable jobs right here in Pennsylvania that otherwise will go to other states.”
An attachment to the memorandum shows how drastically Pennsylvania has fallen behind compared to neighboring states Maryland and New Jersey in terms of renewable energy goals. Current law has Pennsylvania aiming for 8 percent by 2021, while Maryland is going after 25 percent by 2025 and New Jersey, 50 percent by 2030.
The memorandum proposes that implementing stronger renewable energy goals will result in the creation of thousands of family-sustaining jobs, while also cutting emissions and ensuring a sustainable Pennsylvania for future generations. In 2017, while Maryland boasted 13,053 solar jobs, and New Jersey, 9,239 solar jobs, Pennsylvania trailed behind with only 4,670.
“Once adopted, this legislation will increase the amount of clean energy used to power our state,” said Senator Haywood. “We can decrease pollution, create jobs, and provide a cleaner environment for all.”
“It is long overdue for Pennsylvania to take advantage of renewable energy programs and the opportunities they present for all residents,” Sen. Killion said. “This legislation offers some practical solutions and is a step in the right direction.”
“This legislation is extremely timely given the discussion concerning the future of nuclear energy in Pennsylvania,” said Representative Steve McCarter, chairman of the bipartisan, bicameral Climate Caucus. “Climate change is driving us to make critical decisions about electrical generation in the commonwealth to ensure that Pennsylvania does not become a backwater in the fight to curb carbon emissions while preserving and creating good-paying jobs in Pennsylvania.”
A link to the memorandum can be found here.
###
March 1, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − March 1, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Wendy Ullman (D-143) announced a $10,000 grant for the regional chapter of Operation Homefront, a charitable organization formed in 2002 to support post-9/11 veterans and military families across the country. The grant was fully funded through the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF).
The grant will provide financial assistance to veterans in need. According to Operation Homefront, 92 percent of expenditures goes directly toward delivering programs and services to the military families who need it most. Services provided by Operation Homefront include but are not limited to helping veterans and their families move into donated homes recovered from bank foreclosures, providing school supplies to the children of veterans, and distributing thousands of dollars into emergency financial funds.
“Each and every day, veterans and their families go out of their way to selflessly serve our community and nation,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “The least we can do is be there for veterans in their time of need. With this funding, organizations like Operation Homefront continue to lead in providing quality support to our veterans.”
“The support provided by Operation Homefront helps countless veterans and military families in our communities,” Representative Ullman said. “These funds will help much needed services and programs reach those service families among us who are experiencing financial insecurity. After all they have done to make our communities secure”, Ullman added, “we must make sure we support worthy organization like Operation Homefront in making military families secure.”
The VTF is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and funded by generous Pennsylvanians who voluntarily make a $3 donation when applying for or renewing their driver’s license, photo ID, or a motor vehicle registration.
The 10th Senatorial District includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
The 143rd Legislative District includes: Bedminster Township, Bridgeton Township, Buckingham Township, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Durham Township, Haycock Township, Nockamixon Township, Plumstead Township, Riegelsville, and Tinicum Township.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit the district website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Representative Ullman has a district office in Doylestown and can be reached at www.pahouse.com/Ullman.
###
February 26, 2019
HARRISBURG − February 26, 2019 − Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County Inc. was awarded $150,000 in state funding for accessible housing improvements for qualifying low income residents with a disability through the Keystone Communities program, according to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10).
The funding will support the implementation of an accessible housing program that provides necessary modifications to the homes of 24 people across the county.
“Everyone deserves the right to live in safe, accessible housing,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “I will be working closely with advocacy groups, government agencies, the business community and developers to achieve that goal.”
The Keystone Communities program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and is designed to support local initiatives that grow and stabilize neighborhoods and communities, encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors in the community, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
For more information on the state’s commitment to community development and revitalization, visit the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website.
###
February 26, 2019
HARRISBURG − February 26, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), announced the funding award of $217,663 to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board for students and young adults seeking work opportunities this summer through the State/Local Internship Program (SLIP).
“Investing in our youth is key to long-term economic growth,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “These job training funds will give young people a chance to thrive in the 21st century economy.”
SLIP is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA helps develop workforce preparation skills and provides many participants their first work experience. The program operates for an eight-week period between May 6 and August 30, 2019, offers wages at a minimum of $10.35 an hour, and is open to young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 years.
SLIP is 100 percent funded through federal money made available from WIOA.
For more information on this and other grant programs, please visit www.pasmart.gov.
###
February 15, 2019
NEWTOWN, BUCKS COUNTY – February 15, 2019 – On the one year anniversary of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), State Representative Perry Warren (D-31), and former State Representative Helen Tai joined students and gun safety advocates in front of Council Rock North High School to call for the passage of safe storage firearm legislation.
Senator Santarsiero is the primary sponsor of Senate Bills 137 and 138. SB 137 requires the safe storage of a firearm when the gun owner resides with a person who may not lawfully possess a firearm; SB 138 requires safe storage regardless of who resides with the gun owner.
Santarsiero, Warren’s predecessor in the State House, has been a leading advocate for gun violence prevention legislation since 2012 when, shortly after the tragedy in Newtown, CT, he offered legislation to require background checks on all gun purchases. He began Thursday’s press conference by noting that the fight to end gun violence has been a long one.
“I know this has been a long and often frustrating road for those of us who have been working on this issue for years now. But as we stand here today on the first anniversary of the shooting in Parkland, Florida, we must rededicate ourselves to this task. There have been 377 mass shootings since then, 20 alone here in Pennsylvania, including the murders at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Enough is enough,” he said.
In the House, Rep. Warren introduced HB 532, which mirrors Santarsiero’s SB 137. Rep. Briggs (D-149) is the primary sponsor of HB 525, requiring the safe storage of firearms in homes where children may be present.
“It’s time to stop this culture of gun violence,” Rep. Warren said. “It’s time to take concrete steps to keep guns out of the hands of people who will do with them harm. It’s time to stand up for our schools, for our children, for our families and communities, and I’m proud to be here today with my colleague to do this.”
Former Rep. Helen Tai, who championed safe storage legislation while in the House last year, spoke about the widespread support for gun safety legislation and the local impact not of not having these laws in place.
“The overwhelming number of Americans and Pennsylvanians want common sense gun safety laws passed,” former Rep. Tai said. “These laws would prevent countless children from accidental deaths or shootings and would’ve prevented Cosmo DiNardo, who was legally banned from possessing a firearm, from using his mother’s gun to murder four young men.”
Samantha Duckworth, a senior at Council Rock High School North, talked about her experiences as a young student growing up around the constant school shootings across the country.
“It’s scary to go to school,” Duckworth said. “It’s scary to live with the fear that you might get gunned down one day in your classroom. A year ago at Parkland, something changed for a lot of students. We saw ourselves in the faces of the students who died that day. Marjory Stoneman Douglas School is a lot like Council Rock North. The teachers there are a lot like our teachers, the students there are a lot like our students, and the classes they have there are a lot like our classes, so that day for a lot of us we realized this really can happen to us.”
A statement by Shira Goodman, executive director of CeasefirePA, praised the Bucks County lawmakers for standing up for the safety of fellow citizens.
“CeaseFirePA is pleased that Sen. Santarsiero, Rep. Briggs, and Rep. Warren are focusing on safe storage of firearms,” Goodman stated. “The absence of such laws in PA makes us less safe. There are many homes where law abiding gun owners live with people who are not legally allowed to possess firearms — because of their age, criminal history or another prohibiting factor. It is the responsibility of the gun owner to prevent access to those people — for their own safety and for public safety. Safe storage laws educate and motivate good practices, prevent suicides and homicides, and keep us safer. Pa should join other states that have such laws.”
Santarsiero ended the event with a charge and a challenge. “Before the torch is passed to the generation represented by these students here with us today, let those of us who currently have the power to pass legislation and affect change, act. We need to protect everyone in our community,” he added. “Requiring safe storage is simple, reasonable and will save lives. Let’s make it the law of this commonwealth. Let’s pass this legislation.”
The 10th Senatorial District includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
The 31st Legislative District includes: Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, Newtown, Newtown Township, and Yardley.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit the district website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Rep. Warren has a district office in Yardley and can be reached via email at RepWarren@pahouse.com. Visit the district website at www.pahouse.com/Warren.
###
February 14, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − February 14, 2019 − Pennsylvania Senator Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, announced the award of a $100,000 pre-apprenticeship grant to Bucks County Community College. This grant is one of several awarded by Governor Tom Wolf as part of the first PAsmart Apprenticeship and Next Generation Industry Partnerships, which aims to grow STEM education and job training opportunities to benefit employees and industries alike.
“By focusing on preparation for the job market, we can make sure that the next generation of workers in our commonwealth are competitive in their chosen fields,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “There are so many options for young people after high school, whether they go on to higher education or an apprenticeship program, or immediately join the workforce, opportunities provided by grants like these help to shape the future of our economy.”
With the help of this grant, Bucks County Community College will be able to expand the industrial maintenance pre-apprenticeship training program that is already in place for Bucks County high school students and other out-of-school adults between the ages of 18-24. The program is 24 weeks long and requires three hours of industrial maintenance instruction daily.
For more information on this and other grant programs, please visit www.pasmart.gov.
###
February 1, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY − February 1, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Wendy Ullman (D-143) announced today infrastructure investments for Plumstead Township. The $607,175 in funds will improve essential pedestrian safety such as sidewalks, ADA-compliant features, and signalization at the intersection of Stump Road and Route 611 (Easton Road).
“Infrastructure investments keep communities like Plumstead safe and economically competitive,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “In Harrisburg, I’ll continue to prioritize infrastructure projects that provide the most local benefit.”
“Families and businesses in Plumstead welcome key investments like this,” Rep. Ullman said. “Connecting and improving our communities through investing in infrastructure is one of my top priorities as a legislator.”
The Plumstead project was fully funded through the commonwealth’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. As a State Representative, Sen. Santarsiero voted for act 89, which helped provide remedies revenue for the Multimodal Transportation Fund.
The 10th Senatorial District includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
The 143rd Legislative District includes: Bedminster Township, Bridgeton Township, Buckingham Township, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Durham Township, Haycock Township, Nockamixon Township, Plumstead Township, Riegelsville, and Tinicum Township.
Sen. Santarsiero has district offices in Doylestown and Newtown and can be reached via email at SenatorSantarsiero@pasenate.com. Visit the district website at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com.
Representative Ullman has a district office in Doylestown and can be reached at www.pahouse.com/Ullman.
###
January 18, 2019
BUCKS COUNTY – January 18, 2019 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero, minority chair of the senate Communications and Technology committee, announced the award of computer science grant funding for Council Rock, Central Bucks, and Pennridge school districts.
Each district will receive $35,000 to fund high-quality computer science and STEM education in elementary, middle, and high schools, and professional development for teachers. The grants specifically aim to prepare students and workers for an economy that requires proficiency in using computers and other technologies.
“These grants are the first step in ensuring schools in Bucks County and across the Commonwealth stay competitive in the fields of computer science and STEM education,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “My hope is to be able to expand such grant programs across the district, so all students and teachers can lead the way towards a new and innovative educational system and economy.”
The grants were fully funded through Governor Wolf’s PAsmart initiative.
###
