December 15, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – December 15, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) has introduced SB 988, a bill to raise awareness of the devastating mental and physical effects of eating disorders. The bill would require schools to annually provide educational information to parents with children in 6th-12th grades about eating disorders and resources to help overcome them.
“Eating disorders exist across the broad spectrum of age, race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomics affecting more than 30 million Americans,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “As we see younger children expressing dissatisfaction with their bodies and worries of weight gain, it’s important to equip parents early with up-to-date information and local resources on this condition.”
The bill would also direct the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Health, to develop a task force, which would develop guidelines for providing parent educational information regarding eating disorders.
“Eating disorders often present themselves in children and adolescents, with the best hope for recovery attached to early identification and intervention”, said Martha Watson, Pennsylvania resident and advocate in memory of her daughter. “By providing parents and schools with tools to identify an eating disorder early and resources to help intervene, this bill will definitely save lives. I am passionate about raising awareness and understanding of eating disorders, as I lost my own daughter to an eating disorder. She was diagnosed at the age of 11, but sadly the eating disorder was already entrenched and though we fought a valiant 10 year battle, we lost her. I don’t want other families to have the same outcome, so I have become a passionate advocate for raising awareness and understanding about eating disorders.”
Representative Jason Ortitay (R-46) has introduced a similar bill in the House, HB 2158.
“Data, especially in recent months, has shown that social media has a negative effect on young people and contributes to increased body dissatisfaction and eating disorders,” Rep. Ortitay said. “With the growing use of social media, we need to take steps to bring attention to this issue. Many parents may not recognize the warning signs of an eating disorder. I’m hopeful this legislation will give parents the information they need and also help them recognize negative body image messages in society today.”
“Eating disorders wreak havoc on Pennsylvania families, the local economy, and the already-overburdened medical system. With this legislation, parents and school leadership will be better equipped to recognize when eating disorders present themselves and to refer youth for appropriate care”, stated Johanna Kandel, National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ Founder/CEO. “Not one more life should be stolen by this insidious disease. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders strongly urges the Pennsylvania legislature to swiftly pass SB 988/HB 2158 because students deserve better.”
“I have been passionately working with PA legislators on this bill over the years to raise awareness of the serious nature of eating disorders, said Emily Rosenberg, Pennsylvania resident, advocate and eating disorder survivor. “My hope is for parents and guardians to become educated on eating disorders to help with early identification and prevent long-term suffering. As a survivor, I use my voice and lived experience to educate and bring hope to those struggling by sharing the message that recovery is possible. Eating disorders are not a choice and nobody deserves a life with one. I did not give up on my recovery and I will not give up the fight to pass this needed legislation.”
Both SB 988 and HB 2158 have been referred to their chamber’s respective Education Committee for consideration.
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December 8, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – December 8, 2021 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced four local police departments will receive a total of $188,437 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The breakdown of awards is as follows:
- Central Bucks Regional Police Department: $59,597
- Solebury Township: $57,940
- Lower Makefield Township: $36,000
- New Britain Township: $34,900
“Keeping our communities safe requires ensuring our local police have adequate resources to do their jobs,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Each of our municipal and area police departments show incredible dedication to protecting the community, which is why I am so pleased to advocate for these awards to support our police as they serve residents across my district.”
The funding for Central Bucks Regional Police Department will be used to build a new evidence impound yard. Following several security breaches at their previous impound yard on the Doylestown Borough public works site, Central Bucks Regional Police Department began using a neighboring police department’s facility to temporarily house evidence. With the addition of the evidence impound yard, the department will be able to apply to become a state accredited entity.
“The new yard and accompanying security features will bolster the ability of Central Bucks Regional Police Department to properly secure evidence and maintain chain of custody, which is vital to fair and timely prosecution in criminal matters,” said Sen. Santarsiero.
“This project will allow CBRPD to negate ongoing criminal activity and protection of evidentiary materials at the police impound yard,” said Central Bucks Regional Police Chief Karl Knott. “The new impound yard will allow for the final step in becoming a PA Accredited Law Enforcement Agency by meeting PLEAC standards on evidence integrity and chain of custody.”
Solebury Township will be using the funds to enhance their technological capabilities and improve their police department records management system.
“Technology is an incredible aid to support the work of our police,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Upgrading the technology and record management system used by Solebury Township Police Department will streamline the system and improve efficiency for the department.”
“This is great news for Solebury Township and the Police Department,” said Solebury Township Police Chief Dominick Bellizzie. “We are currently using an antiquated system with limited support and it will be great for the Department to move to a state-of-the-art records management system. This will be a tremendous asset.”
Lower Makefield Township Police Department will use the awarded funds to implement innovative training for officers on a variety of subjects.
“Continued and diversified training of police officers ensures our officers have the knowledge and ability to effectively diffuse challenging situations,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These funds will help the Lower Makefield Township Police Department implement trainings related to bias policing, officer’s duty to intervene, use of force and how to effectively work with mentally ill individuals, helping to better serve the community.”
Lower Makefield Township Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi believes, “This grant will help foster police community trust and continue to build upon the high standards of our department.”
The funds for New Britain Township will help the police department fulfill its quest to become an accredited law enforcement agency and develop new policies for community policing.
“Our police are constantly working to protect us and ensure best practices and policies are used when interacting with the community,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “New Britain Township police officers will be better able to serve the community as they build on their work and develop new, safe ways of resolving issues that arise.”
“As a new chief I recognize the importance of innovative and evidence based policing initiatives such as policy development and accreditation,” said New Britain Township Police Chief Richard Clowser. “This grant will help New Britain Township Police Department professionalize their services and increase our accountability to the New Britain Township Community. We are excited to join the over 134 professional law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania in achieving Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation.”
The mission of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC) is to support a comprehensive strategy to reduce crime that prioritizes evidence-based policy and practice at every stage of the Commonwealth’s justice system. For more information, visit the PCCD website.
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December 6, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – December 6, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today that he has secured $1,577,500 in state funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, the life sciences incubator in Buckingham Township.
“I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting my request to dedicate RACP funds for the continued growth and expansion of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “We have the potential right here in Bucks County to build a biotechnology corridor that will lead the way in scientific discovery and boost our local economy. The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center is a shining example of this potential, serving as an incubator for more than 40 companies on the cutting edge of research and scientific advancement.”
Named one of the most successful biotech incubators in the United States, the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center is 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.
“We are ecstatic about this investment to nurture new life sciences companies and create scores of new jobs here in Bucks County,” said Timothy Block, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center. “It has been Senator Santarsiero’s steadfast support and commitment to our shared vision for a bio-tech corridor here in Bucks County that is allowing us to compete with the major life sciences clusters in California, Massachusetts, North Carolina and other states.”
Biotechnology is currently a nearly $500B industry globally and growing, with new research and development opportunities each year.
“This grant will help accommodate a waiting list of companies looking to grow at the PA Biotech Center here in Buckingham Township,” added Louis Kassa, Chief Operating Officer of the center. “We are grateful to Senator Santarsiero and Governor Wolf for their partnership in this effort to expand our local economy.”
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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December 3, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – December 3, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today that he has secured $2 million in state grant funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to help rebuild Children’s Village, a daycare facility located on the Doylestown Hospital campus. Children’s Village was damaged beyond repair on August 4, 2020 when an EF2 tornado touched down in Doylestown.
“I want to thank Governor Wolf for agreeing to my request to dedicate RACP funds to rebuild an important part of the Doylestown Hospital campus that was devastated when a violent tornado struck in the middle of the day with the center full of children and staff,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “We were so fortunate there were no serious injuries to the children or staff of the center thanks to the heroism of everyone who helped evacuate the building. The project to rebuild the center will serve to strengthen both the Doylestown Hospital campus and our community.”
The project will construct a new multi-use facility for the Children’s Village Child Care Center at the site of the old center. At approximately 42,000 square feet, there will be rooms for infants through kindergarteners, multipurpose area, library, playground and outdoors learning space, and a secure entrance to the center.
Sen. Santarsiero continued, “The sooner children are exposed to early learning and education, the brighter the potential for their future outcomes. The services provided at Children’s Village extends far beyond the Doylestown Hospital campus, benefitting children of hospital employees, and our broader Doylestown families.”
“Doylestown Health is honored to be awarded $2 million from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program,” says Jim Brexler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Doylestown Health. “This significant funding will allow us to rebuild Children’s Village and renew our commitment to serving the families of our community, as we have since our founding by the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown. We would like to thank Sen. Santarsiero and the Governor’s office for their support of this important capital initiative, and for empowering Doylestown Health to rebuild our early childhood education center to serve the children of this community.”
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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November 19, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – November 19, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with state Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) today announced the award of $686,000 in Commonwealth funds for the expansion of a multi-use trail originating in Central Park in Doylestown Township. The New Britain Road Trail will be built out to Warden Road, growing the already existing 4.77 miles of trails in the park.
“During the pandemic we have seen record numbers of people choosing the outdoors for recreation and activity, placing additional emphasis on the need for access to multi-use trails in our area,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I am proud to secure these funds, to provide recreational, environmental and economic benefit to Doylestown Township’s residents and visitors.”
“Expanding the New Britain Road Trail will not only provide exponential outdoor activity opportunities for our community, but it will serve as a key piece of our infrastructure acting as another form of transportation, safely connecting people to our parks and schools,” said Rep. Labs.
“We are very pleased to receive this grant. It will afford us the opportunity to add ½ mile to our existing 30 mile trail network in Doylestown Township,” said Barbara Lyons, Chairman of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors. “This ½ mile is an important segment that will connect residents along New Britain Road to the existing wider trail along the Route 611 corridor to Central Park and Harts Woods; this segment is also part of larger trail plan that will eventually connect to the Pools Corner Park and Ride lot. We thank our Doylestown Community Bike and Hike Committee for their work in planning our trails and we thank Senator Santarsiero for securing these funds to construct this important link in our trail system.”
Sen. Santarsiero continued, “Doylestown Township residents have access through the extensive trail network to neighborhoods and developments as walkers, runners and cyclists. The expansion of the New Britain Road Trail will provide additional access and pathways to further expand the trail network and bring additional communities together.”
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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November 19, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – November 19, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with state Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) today announced $450,000 in state funds to Plumstead Township for pedestrian improvements on Old Easton Road and Route 611.
“Pedestrian access is critical to keeping our communities safe,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The extension of the sidewalks and installation of pedestrian signaling along these active roadways will help students get to nearby schools safely and will improve access to Plumstead Township businesses.”
“Improving the safety of our intersections by installing features such as ADA compliant curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian push buttons, will allow better access to our local businesses, increasing community connection,” said Rep. Labs. “I am pleased to see these funds will contribute to our community in such ways.”
Sen. Santarsiero continued, “These pedestrian expansions are an important piece of the broader Plumstead Village Revitalization Project, ultimately improving accessibility of shops, restaurants and local amenities for residents. I am happy to support this project and look forward to seeing this important work continue.”
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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November 19, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – November 19, 2021 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today that $50,000 in state funds will go to Solebury Township to construct public restrooms in Aquetong Spring Park.
“I recently joined our Solebury Township Supervisors at the grand opening of Aquetong Spring Park, and the 48 acres of parkland, trails, overlooks and the beautiful waterfall, all preserved for the enjoyment of residents and visitors” said Senator Santarsiero. “The public restroom facility will round out the amenities to Bucks County’s most recent addition to the list of destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.”
Sen. Santarsiero continued, “I enthusiastically supported this investment because as we have learned during the pandemic, it’s green spaces like Aquetong Spring Park, that are important for our physical, emotional and mental health.”
Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for programs including the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.
For more information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority Act 13 grants visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.
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November 19, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – November 19, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today the award of $573,689 for Yardley Borough to continue sidewalk upgrades as part of a multi-phase improvement project.
“Yardley Borough is thriving, with bustling restaurants and shops,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “This project will help expand access to Main Street, connecting residents and visitors to dozens of small businesses and eateries.”
The award is a state Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will be used to provide connection between North Main Street and Dolington Road and the borough’s sidewalk network east of Afton Road.
“The North Main Street sidewalk project enhances pedestrian safety and is an economic boon to downtown Yardley,” said Rep. Warren. “This grant will almost fully fund Phase III of the sidewalk project and will help residents and visitors more safely experience all Yardley has to offer.”
Yardley Borough Council President David Bria echoed support for the grant, saying “The CFA Multimodal Grant enables Yardley to complete phase three of the North Main Street sidewalk. This long-awaited project represents a major investment in Yardley Borough’s pedestrian infrastructure.”
Sen. Santarsiero has helped secure state funds for the first and second phases of the North Main Street sidewalk project for Yardley Borough.
“Each phase of Yardley Borough’s North Main Street project has improved pedestrian safety and access. I have proudly supported this project since its inception and look forward to seeing this project finally completed,” Sen. Santarsiero said.
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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November 19, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – November 19, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today that Newtown Borough was awarded $75,000 for restoration of a Newtown Creek tributary.
The project to stabilize the banks of “Old Skunky”, a Newtown Creek tributary, will include regrading 220 feet of bank, and planting native trees, shrubs and grasses. It is projected to take two years to complete.
“Restoring the banks of Old Skunky is critical to keeping the Newtown Creek vibrant and healthy, which is why I was eager to secure these funds for Newtown Borough” said Senator Santarsiero. “The Newtown Creek restoration project, including the use of native plants, will provide environmental benefits to the area around the waterway.”
“I served on Newtown Borough Council for seven years. Maintaining water quality, sediment from Old Skunky and MS-4 funding and compliance are and were continual challenges,” said Rep. Warren. “Borough Council leaders pursued and Newtown Borough was awarded this Watershed Restoration Grant for Old Skunky Streambank Restoration. The project will enhance water quality, reduce erosion and save Newtown Borough residents money.”
Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for watershed restoration and protection projects.
For more information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority Act 13 grants visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.
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October 19, 2021
HARRISBURG − October 19, 2021 − The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) and co-chaired by Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), held a meeting today advancing three bills focused on probation reform and a fourth related to criminal justice and police protection.
The three bills related to probation were voted unanimously out of committee and are as follows:
Senate Bill 904, introduced by Senator Baker amends Title 42 to allow for the scheduling of “remote” probation meetings.
Senate Bill 905, introduced by Senator Baker amends the Pennsylvania Crime and Delinquency Law (Act 274 of 1978) by directing the County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee to establish criteria for when an offender’s schedule should be considered in the scheduling probation meetings.
Senate Bill 913, introduced by Senator Baker and Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Senator Anthony Williams (D-8) amends Title 42 to provide for comprehensive probation reforms.
“The probation reform bills passed today out of the Senate Judiciary Committee are critically needed to achieve the end goal of our criminal justice system, to deal justly and to get to a place where people can put their lives back together,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Resolving issues of technical violations to probation, including allowing for scheduling remote meetings and making reasonable accommodations for the schedules of those on probation, are reasonable steps toward achieving this goal.”
The final bill passed out of committee, Senate Bill 814, introduced by Senator Yudichak (I-14) amends Title 18 to create two new offenses of “Evading arrest or detention on foot” and “Harming a police animal while evading arrest or detention.” The bill honors a Scranton police officer, John Wilding, who died in 2020 from injuries sustained while pursuing three armed robbery suspects on foot. Several Democratic Members raised concerns regarding technical aspects of the legislation including the gradation of the offenses but voted to move the bill forward with the understanding there would be an opportunity for additional dialogue and amendments. The bill was passed by a vote of 12-2 with Senators Amanda Cappelletti (D-17) and Maria Collett (D-12) voting in the negative.
On Senate Bill 814, Sen. Santarsiero noted, “This bill honors the memory of Officer Wilding and seeks to prevent the tragedy that befell him from happening again. I look forward to working with my colleagues to modify some of the language in the bill.”
All four bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration.
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October 7, 2021
Harrisburg, PA − October 7, 2021 − Senators Steve Santarsiero and Amanda M. Cappelletti, Senate Co-chairs of the bicameral PA SAFE Caucus applauded Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement today regarding the agreement that allows law enforcement agencies from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut to share crime gun data across state lines in order to detect, deter, and investigate gun crimes, as well as identify and apprehend straw purchasers, suspect dealers, firearms traffickers, and other criminals.
“The safety of our communities is critically important,” said Senator Santarsiero. “As the gun violence epidemic needlessly rages on, we must take meaningful steps to protect the public and our police officers by focusing our efforts on stopping illegal gun activity. Today’s announcement that Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will share gun crime information is an important step that will give law enforcement access to better information to crack down on the proliferation of illegal firearms trafficking across state lines. I applaud the agreement announced today and the commitment of all four states to public safety.”
“Taking steps to end the treacherous and horrifying firearm violence epidemic in this country has been one of my top priorities since coming into office. This is something that my constituents share my concerns on,” said Senator Cappelletti. “I’m proud to see Pennsylvania taking the steps to properly record and investigate firearm violence, in tandem with our neighboring states. Firearm violence is a nation-wide epidemic that has been treated on a state by state basis, leading to fragmentated and complex systems which do not work together to end the violence. By streamlining this information and collaborating across state lines, we can more wholly tackle this issue. Firearm trafficking crosses state lines, so our knowledge base must as well. This step is one of many we must take as a Commonwealth to end firearm violence once and for all.”
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the multi-state agreement for reciprocal crime data gun sharing that will establish protocols for officials in these states to distribute relevant information to their counterparts in an effort to decrease gun violence. About 50,000 guns are found to be diverted to criminals across state lines every year, federal data shows, and many more are likely to cross state lines undetected. Every step we take to mitigate that flow will be a step in the right direction.
At the legislative level, Sens. Cappelletti and Santarsiero recommend looking for comprehensive and intersectional measures including:
- Senate Bill 761, establishing a 72-Hour waiting period for all firearm transfers,
- Senate Bills 581 and 582, requiring the safe storage of firearms,
- Senate Bill 88, requiring universal background checks for the purchase or transfer of firearms, and
- Senate Bill 217, requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms to local law enforcement within 24 hours.
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September 23, 2021
Harrisburg – September 23, 2021 – State Senate Democrats issued the following statement announcing the filing of an application for relief in Commonwealth Court in response to the Senate Republican subpoena of the Department of State, including the request of sensitive personal data of voters:
“Our application for relief requests a delay to the October 1, 2021 response deadline included in the subpoena issued to the Department of State and also seeks to enjoin the Senate Republicans from entering into any binding contract that would commit taxpayer funds to a third-party vendor until such time as the court makes a ruling on the lawsuit we filed last week.
This is a critical step in protecting taxpayer dollars from waste and inappropriate expenditures until the court has an opportunity to consider the legality of the subpoena. Waiting for the courts to review and rule on the subject is warranted due to the sensitive nature of the information being sought, particularly given the very real public concerns that have been raised surrounding privacy concerns.
Notwithstanding any one party’s personal viewpoints, we should all agree that the gravity of this matter constitutes serious and thoughtful consideration.”
A copy of the filing can be found HERE.
The Democratic members of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee are Caucus Whip Anthony H. Williams, Committee Chair; Caucus Leader Jay Costa; Caucus Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes; and Caucus Judiciary Chair Steven J. Santarsiero.
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September 17, 2021
Harrisburg – September 17, 2021 – The Democratic members of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee issued the following statement announcing a lawsuit filed today against a Senate Republican subpoena of the Department of State, including the request of sensitive personal data of voters:
“The latest ploy by the Senate Republicans is unprecedented and completely unwarranted. All aspects of the certified 2020 election have been thoroughly reviewed and adjudicated in the courts with no findings of irregularities or fraud. The timeframe to contest the 2020 certified election results is long overdue.
The unprecedented maneuver of collecting the sensitive personal information of millions of voters without their consent, including Social Security information and driver’s license, for political purposes is unjustifiable and a gross misuse of taxpayer resources. The fact that they will not share how that personal information will be stored, used or who will have access to it is astonishing.
Our lawsuit seeks a declaration from the court that it is a violation of Pennsylvania law to convene a legislative standing committee to issue subpoenas for multiple election records, including private voter information, to investigate the allegations of wrongdoing or to confirm election results. The Judiciary has the exclusive power over the trial and determination of contested elections under the Pennsylvania Constitution and the state Election Code. A legislative effort to use taxpayer funds to investigate the allegations of wrongdoing or to confirm election results violates the separation of powers doctrine where the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee simply has no statutory authority to proceed in this manner.
The consequences are dire; the committee’s subpoena requests for private voter information applicable to each and every voter in the Commonwealth, which will be provided to an undisclosed third-party vendor with no prescribed limits or protection. Simply put, Senate Republicans seek to go on a fishing expedition for clearly partisan purposes, despite the fact that the Secretary of the Commonwealth, working in concert with the county Boards of Election, has undertaken a thorough review of the election, as has the bipartisan Senate Special Committee on Election Integrity and Reform.
Senate Democrats will continue the fight to protect the identity of private citizens and their right to vote without intimidation. This is nothing more than an inexcusable attempt to erode public trust in our electoral process. We must not sacrifice the most fundamental principal of our democracy so that some may pursue political gain by perpetuating the Big Lie that this election was somehow stolen.
The Democratic members of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee are Caucus Whip Anthony H. Williams, Committee Chair; Caucus Leader Jay Costa; Caucus Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes; and Caucus Judiciary Chair Steven J. Santarsiero.
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September 15, 2021
Harrisburg – September 15, 2021 – Following today’s Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee hearing, of which had one agenda item- Consideration of a motion to authorize the issuance of subpoenas- Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Democratic Chair of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, Anthony H. Williams, and committee members Vincent J. Hughes and Steve Santarsiero held a press conference to discuss legal action they will take to challenge Republican members’ call for confidential data from the Department of State, including a complete list containing the names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, and last four digits of social security numbers of all registered voters within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as of May 1, 2021.
Lawsuits filed by Senate Democrats will be in direct response to Senate Republicans’ far-reaching subpoena, which they argue is a violation of the separation of powers. The forthcoming lawsuit will ask the courts to confirm that the Senate is not the place to conduct an untimely election contest or to undertake an audit that will force election officials to violate federal law and invade the privacy of each and every Pennsylvania voter. The Senate does not have authority to perform either. Senate Democrats will also request to have courts protect the secrecy of ballots, which is a constitutional protection in Pennsylvania, as well as additional personal voter information Senate Republicans are seeking. The committee members also plan to file an injunction against the subpoena, asking the court to hold those until their lawsuit is heard in court.
“Facts are facts, and the law is non-negotiable. Unfortunately for Senate Republicans, those realities don’t bode well for them in this investigation. Despite their quest to engage in a partisan exercise that wastes taxpayer resources and only seeks to prove a Big Lie about an election that has already been audited and certified, our goal is not to make this a Democrat vs. Republican fight. Our goal is to follow the law at both the state and federal level,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “I really regret to see Senator Corman commit more and more to this path that he himself admitted was wrong back in 2020. We must not sacrifice the most fundamental principal of our democracy-fair and equal elections- so that some may pursue political gain by perpetuating the Big Lie that this election was stolen.”
Senator Dush confirmed he has yet to determine who will handle the millions of records he’s requesting or how the investigation will use the copious amounts of data. He did confirm the investigation would be paid for with taxpayer money, yet he is unwilling to share publicly about vendors he’s vetting. Decisions related to the investigation will be made with his partisan “team” of legal counsel and potentially with GOP colleagues. If millions of personal records are subpoenaed from the Secretary of State, they will be held by Republican counsel, although no details were shared on how those records would stay secure against physical or digital breach. The hearing concluded with a 7-4 vote along party lines in favor of the subpoena, with two Republican members who actively tried to overturn the 2020 election results voting “yes”.
“What transpired at our first hearing should concern everyone involved,” said Senate Democratic Whip and ranking member of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, Anthony H. Williams. “And if the first hearing wasn’t enough to warrant concern, consider now Senate Republicans are asking for personal information of millions of people across the commonwealth with no plan for how they will keep the data secure, how they will use it to investigate their conspiracy theory, or who will be responsible for cleaning up the mess if there is a data breach. So, while Senate Republicans play this dangerous game with our democracy and the personal information of Pennsylvanians, Senate Democrats will stay on the side of the law and truth. I hope our colleagues eventually join us.”
“We do not need personal information to draft legislation. That fact, along with so many others clearly shows this so-called investigation represents corruption at every turn,” added Senator Vincent Hughes, who is a committee member and Democratic Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We’ve had one witness in this investigation so far. He was presented as a concerned county official, but during his testimony we learned he’d been in contact with elected officials in 2020 trying to overturn fair and credible election results. Now our committee is issuing subpoenas for personal voter records related to an election that has been audited several times and certified. I question what Senate Republicans hope the outcome of all this is. Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and all I’ve seen so far is a lot of smoke that leads back to one Big Lie from a former President who lost in Pennsylvania. The evidence of Republican attempts to overturn the results of a legitimate election is growing.”
Less than a week ago, Republican Chair of the Intergovernmental Operation Committee, Senator Chris Dush, convened a hearing with just one witness: Commissioner and Chair of the Fulton County Board of Election Stuart Ulsh. During his testimony it was revealed Commissioner Ulsh emailed Senator Judy Ward and Representative Jesse Topper from his private email account on November 9, 2020, stating, “The people are asking who all is in this fight with Senator Mastriano. It couldn’t hurt the Trump campaign if our state Representatives all got involved. If we don’t stop this election problems next will be worse. If there were 109 house and 27 senate with Senator Mastriano it would be a big help. The people need this. Respect their vote.”
“The Republicans’ subpoena is a brazen attempt to use public taxpayer dollars to fund a partisan effort to contest the 2020 election,” said committee member and ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, Senator Steve Santarsiero. “This is absolutely an attack on the freedom to vote, where the confidential, personal information of 7 million Pennsylvanians is being given to private entities that are accountable to no one other than the Senate Republican caucus. It was revealed today that it is possible one or more of these vendors could have been in the employ of either Donald Trump or someone associated with his campaign or supporting his campaign. This lack of transparency and accountability should worry every Pennsylvanian and every American. As to the information that came out of last week’s hearing, we are calling on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the activities that unfolded in Fulton County in December of 2020, which apparently involved granting partisan consultant access to sensitive voter information without a public vote. These activities need to be investigated for potential violations of federal law.”
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September 9, 2021
Harrisburg – September 9, 2021 – The Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee held a hearing today to allegedly examine the PA Department of State’s evolving guidance to counties during the monumental 2020 general election. Testimony today from the Chairman of the Fulton County Commissioners and the Board of Elections revealed that despite all evidence indicating the elections in the county were run smoothly with regular communication and information from the PA Dept. of State, investigations occurred on Fulton County voting machines recommended by Senate Republican members with no information on who paid for such investigations.
“It is disgraceful that Senate Republicans have chosen to waste our time calling into question the legitimacy of an election that four of their members on the Intergovernmental Operations committee were elected in, and that have been certified and held up in numerous courts of law,” Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D- Delaware/Philadelphia), Democratic Chair of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, said.
Senate Democratic Leader, Jay Costa (D- Allegheny) continued, “The Intergovernmental Operations Committee should not be examining elections because their committee simply does not have the authority to do so. Despite this fact, we heard in sworn testimony today that the Department of State did their due diligence in effectively communicating with counties about new voting procedures as a result of Act 77 of 2019 and the further implications of an unprecedented global pandemic.”
Fulton County Commissioner and Chair of the county Board of Elections, Stewart Ulsh, said in today’s hearing that in his five years and a half years overseeing elections, he has never had so much contact with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Ulsh stated, under oath, that despite numerous changes to voting procedures as a result of Act 77 of 2019, Fulton County found no fraud in their elections and faced no major challenges in conducting the 2020 elections.
During the hearing, Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D- Bucks) asked Ulsh about the election assessment conducted in Fulton County by Wake Technology services and published in February of 2021.
Ulsh said that he felt an investigation was needed after the November 2020 elections, and a member of the Senate Republican Caucus gave him the name of Wake Technology Services for the purposes of reviewing the Fulton County 2020 lection.
Ulsh repeatedly stated that he does not know where the money came from to pay Wake Technology Services, even though they were given full access to voting information in the county, and Ulsh was also unwilling to answer why a draft report of the election assessment was altered before being posted to the county website to include information regarding potential issues with county voting machines.
Despite insistence by Commissioner Ulsh that the report by Wake Technology Systems listed who paid for the assessment, no mention of this is found in the actual report found in full on Fulton County’s website.
Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus said they found it extremely disconcerting that information about payment regarding county election assessments is being withheld from the public domain.
Sen. Vincent Hughes (D- Montgomery/Philadelphia) also stated in the hearing that reporting has shown that Commissioner Ulsh, along with fellow Fulton County Commissioner Randy Bunch, contacted sitting Republican members of the legislature to urge them to support the calls of former President Trump and Sen. Doug Mastriano (R- Adams/Cumberland/Franklin/York) to label 2020 as rigged and stolen election, despite absolutely no proof of any wrongdoing.
“There is a nationally-orchestrated effort to deny people the right to vote,” said Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D- Bucks), member of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee. “It’s a scam. We are standing up to protect our citizens’ right to vote and not allow some elected officials pick the winners. It’s time for us to focus on protecting our communities, our healthcare system and our economy from the ravages of the pandemic. It’s time for us to focus on helping our residents and businesses racked by the damage of tornadoes and floods that are the effects of climate change.”
Senate Democrats continue to assert that it’s time to move past further review of the fair and credible election results of 2020 and get down to doing the people’s business. This includes actual improvements to the election system that the counties are requesting to assist them in carrying out elections more efficiently. Items like pre-canvassing of mail-in ballots, drop box security and ensuring sufficient resources to support poll workers as well as any new technology requirements are the Democratic Caucus’ priorities.
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September 3, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – September 3, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today that he has signed onto an amicus brief that will be filed later this month in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Org., a challenge to Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, currently before the United States Supreme Court.
“Anti-choice legislatures across the United States clearly feel emboldened,” explained Santarsiero. “They are passing laws that seek to restrict if not outright ban safe and legal abortion services. Mississippi’s law violates the Supreme Court’s decisions in Roe and Casey, and should be overturned.”
“Joining in this legal argument to do just that takes on even more importance in light of the Supreme Court’s decision earlier this week to allow a new Texas law to stand that essentially outlaws abortion in that state,” he added. The Texas law would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat is first detected, which can be as early as six weeks, a time when many women are not even aware that they are pregnant.
“Equally alarming is the fact that the Texas law allows private vigilantes to terrorize women and their families under the guise of allegedly enforcing this unconstitutional law,” Santarsiero explained. “It’s hard to believe that in the year 2021 such a statute could be passed anywhere in the United States. I will continue to be an outspoken defender of women’s reproductive rights and will fight any attempt to undermine them here in Pennsylvania.”
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August 31, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – August 31, 2021 – The following statement is attributable to State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), in response to the order issued today by the Pennsylvania Department of Health mandating masking in K-12 schools:
“The goal we all share is for students and faculty to have a productive and safe in-person school year. Requiring masks at this time will help achieve that goal.
“Due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers here and the highly contagious Delta variant, the CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. With no vaccines currently approved for children under 12 years of age, our students remain vulnerable to COVID-19. With a return to in-person instruction, mitigation efforts such as masking will limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep our students, teachers and support staff healthy.
“It is most prudent that we continue to use the mitigation efforts we have seen work against this virus, so that our schools can remain open, and our students and teachers can benefit from in-person learning. I applaud Governor Wolf and Secretary Beam’s action to keep students, teachers and staff in schools, and to keep Delta out.”
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August 26, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY − August 26, 2021 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and colleagues sent the following letter to Lower Bucks Hospital to request safe staffing levels in the hospital:
Letter to Lower Bucks Hospital on Safe Staffing
August 18, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – August 18, 2021 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) today urged six Bucks County school boards to adopt the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance and require all students, teachers, staff and visitors to K-12 schools to wear masks.
In letters to each school board with schools in the 10th Senatorial District (Pennsbury, Council Rock, Central Bucks, Morrisville, New Hope-Solebury and Pennridge) Sen. Santarsiero noted that Bucks County was recently categorized as an area of high-level community transmission, and with no vaccines currently approved for children under 12 years of age, these students remain vulnerable to COVID-19.
“The goal we all share is for students and faculty to have a productive and safe in-person school year,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Requiring masks at this time will help achieve that goal and stop the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.”
“Hopefully in the near future we will get to a point where more people are vaccinated, and the spread of the virus and variants is slowed,” Sen. Santarsiero wrote. “Until then, it is most prudent that we continue to use the mitigation efforts we have seen work against this virus, so that our schools can remain open, and our students and teachers can benefit from in-person learning.”
The letters were sent to school board members in advance of school board meetings scheduled this week and next. All of the school districts are scheduled to open the 2021-2022 school year during the week of August 30.
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School Board Letters 8.18.21
July 20, 2021
(L to R): Officer Steven Tamburo, Captain Bob Lewis, Chief Ken Coluzzi, State Senator Steve Santarsiero, Sergeant Kurt Bradley, Officer Brittany Peck
BUCKS COUNTY – July 20, 2021 – Lower Makefield Township Police Department is getting a new crime scene and accident investigation vehicle thanks to $60,000 in state funds secured by State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10).
“Beginning when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than a dozen years ago, I have advocated for funding to support the important work our police do on a daily basis to keep our community safe,” said Senator Santarsiero during a visit to the Police Department to present the check on Tuesday. “I was happy to secure these state funds for Lower Makefield Township Police Department for the new crime scene and accident investigation vehicle, which will help detectives investigate crime scene more efficiently and effectively.”
Chief Coluzzi echoed support for these funds saying, “We are extremely grateful for Senator Santarsiero’s help in facilitating this grant for us. It is a very important piece of equipment, which will contain high tech, specialized tools.”
The crime scene and accident investigation vehicle is a resource not many police departments have in the area. Chief Coluzzi continued, “This will provide a benefit to all of the residents of Lower Makefield Township and all of the residents of Bucks County, as it will be a shared resource that neighboring departments can use on an as-needed basis.”
“They are trying to do everything they can to be fiscally responsible here in Lower Makefield,” Sen. Santarsiero continued, speaking about the Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors. “To the extent the state can come in and help with something like this, it’s one less thing the township has to buy, which helps them balance the budget and keep taxes at a reasonable rate.”
“Ensuring that our police have the resources they need has long been a primary goal of mine,” said Lower Makefield Township Supervisor John B. Lewis. “When I joined the Board in 2016, one of the first things I did was add two additional police officers to the force. Today, I am excited that Senator Santarsiero has helped Lower Makefield get an Accident Investigation Vehicle for our officers and for our community.”
Suzanne Blundi, Chair of the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors added, “I wish to extend my sincere thanks to State Senator Steve Santarsiero for his continued support to our community. I believe this Keystone Grant will certainly aid our Law Enforcement in providing the highest quality of service to our residents.”
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July 20, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – July 20, 2021 − Governor Tom Wolf today announced four organizations in Bucks County are getting a boost from state funds as part of a $1.5 million statewide investment to assist Pennsylvanians experiencing homelessness and prevent future homelessness. A Woman’s Place, Family Services Association, Valley Youth House and YWCA Bucks County, will share $512,761 in Emergency Solutions Grant CARES Act funds.
Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) represents Doylestown, where A Woman’s Place is located, and applauded the investment saying, “Each of these four organizations does incredible work for residents of Bucks County experiencing tough times. I want to thank Governor Wolf for prioritizing these funds for our region, which will help individuals and families especially impacted by the pandemic.”
The funding is part of the federal CARES Act funding, which will be distributed to Bucks County to allocate to the organizations.
“The emergency shelter operations of these remarkable service organizations will provide residents with a safe place to live as they begin to rebuild economic stability,” continued Sen. Santarsiero. “Much progress has been made to combat COVID-19 and together we will continue to rise up and grow stronger as we move forward.”
For more information on the Emergency Solutions Grant CARES Act funds visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.
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July 14, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – July 14, 2021 – A COVID-19 Vaccine efficacy test created by Bucks County biotechnology firm FlowMetric got a boost from $750,000 in state funding secured by state Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10).
“If the last year and a half or so has taught us anything it’s that having data and information is critically important,” said Sen. Santarsiero during a press conference on Tuesday. “I was proud to advocate for the Keystone Communities Program Grant for FlowMetric, a company that is really on the cutting-edge doing great work, here at the PA Biotech Center. This test will not only determine vaccine efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States but will lead the way for future vaccine efficacy testing.”
FlowMetric CEO Renaldo Capocasale thanked Senator Santarsiero for his help in securing the grant funding adding, “This is a historical day for FlowMetric Life Sciences. With deep gratitude we are accepting a grant from the state of Pennsylvania and Senator Santarsiero.”
“Everything we do is about dealing with and addressing unmet medical needs,” continued Capocasale. “When the COVID pandemic began, we quickly recognized that we could support testing in ways we felt would make a great contribution, and that has led to the recognition by Senator Santarsiero and his colleagues that testing for immune response to COVID 19 vaccines is something that is truly helpful and going to provide great value.”
Individuals who have received any of the COVID-19 vaccine and can request a test from their doctor. The event also included a tour of the mobile lab by Robert Hilliard, co-founder and Chief Technology Officers for Veterans Technology Systems, the developer of the lab. The grant will be used to purchase lab equipment to expand testing capabilities, and toward expansion of the mobile labs, to improve access to community-based testing.
Sen. Santarsiero continued, “A few months ago I was able to bring my colleagues in leadership of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees on a tour of the PA Biotechnology Center, which included a stop at FlowMetric. While here, I took the COVID-19 Vaccine Immune Response Test and when the results came back I learned I had COVID-19 before I received the vaccine. My colleagues and I were all incredibly impressed with this innovative test and the implications it can have on public health moving forward. The work that is being done here underscores how important this type of technology is and why the state being able to invest in this research is so critically important.”
FlowMetric is housed in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, one of the nation’s most successful Life Sciences incubators, located in Buckingham Township. For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccine Immune Response Test, visit http://www.vaxeffect.com.
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July 8, 2021
Connie Gering (New Hope Borough Council President), Senator Santarsiero, Larry Keller (New Hope Arts Board Chair and New Hope Mayor) and Carol Cruickshanks
BUCKS COUNTY − July 8, 2021 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) visited New Hope Arts Center today to present the organization with a check for $116,000 in state funds. The grant is for the installation of an elevator so that the exhibition space, located on the second floor, is accessible to all visitors.
“New Hope has long been a beacon for locals and tourists interested in its thriving arts and cultural scene,” said Sen. Santarsiero at a press conference. “New Hope Arts has the admirable mission of lifting up new artists and providing a space for those who would not traditionally get a gallery showcase. I was proud to work with the state to secure these funds for the installation of an elevator, which will make the gallery accessible to a broader audience, boosting New Hope Arts as an organization, the impressive artist it features, and the vibrant New Hope community.”
Senator Santarsiero was joined at the press conference by members of the New Hope Arts Board of Directors, local elected officials, and supporters of the organization.
“Since we opened 11 years ago, this is our first opportunity to allow everybody to come to our events, shows and the New Hope Arts Festival,” said Larry Keller, Board Chair of New Hope Arts and Mayor of New Hope. “I’m giddy and appreciative that Senator Santarsiero has helped us get public support for the first time in our history. This is a turning point that will help us provide accessibility to the arts, so no one is left out.”
New Hope Borough Council President Connie Gering echoed the effects this grant will have on the arts community in New Hope saying, “This is such a vision for the leadership of the New Hope Arts Center to bring grant money in. New Hope has been known as an arts community and New Hope Arts is the center of that for New Hope. Thank you Senator Santarsiero for making this vision possible. This will be an asset to our town to be able to bring more visitors.”
Carol Cruickshanks, Executive Director of New Hope Arts noted that the grant for the elevator will help to expand the opportunities for the organization, saying “We look forward to expanding even more with this great benefit that we have been provided with, and we thank Senator Santarsiero for this opportunity.”
New Hope Arts is an incorporated non-profit arts center that showcases the work of contemporary local artists. Established in 2002, New Hope Arts presents six to eight exhibits annually, often featuring emerging artists. More information about New Hope Arts, including current exhibit information, can be found on the organization’s website.
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July 7, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY − July 7, 2021 − The following statement is attributable to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), as a member of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, in response to the actions by Committee Chair Doug Mastriano (R-33) to initiate a forensic investigation into the 2020 General and 2021 Primary elections:
“The 2020 election was fair, accurate and free of fraud. Any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to perpetuate the Big Lie. When we return to session in the fall, we should be considering election reform measures that will make it easier for Pennsylvanians to vote and strengthen public confidence in our elections. A full forensic investigation of our most recent elections is not that. It is an attempt undermine our democratic processes, and it cannot stand.”
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July 2, 2021
HARRISBURG − July 2, 2021 − Senators Lisa Baker (R-20) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced their intention to introduce legislation requiring all future non-prosecution agreements to be in writing to be enforceable.
The action comes in response to the recently decided case of Commonwealth v. Cosby, where the Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated the criminal convictions of Cosby for aggravated indecent assault.
The Court’s decision was based upon the fact that certain inculpatory testimony, which had been given in depositions at an earlier civil trial, was admitted at Cosby’s subsequent criminal trial. Overturning the trial court’s determination to the contrary, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court concluded that the testimony of Cosby at the earlier civil trial was provided only after an enforceable oral non-prosecution agreement was entered into with Cosby, and that Cosby relied on that agreement in providing his testimony at the civil trial. Allowing the admission of the inculpatory testimony, according to the Court, violated Cosby’s due process rights.
“The recent Supreme Court decision in Commonwealth v. Cosby highlighted a need for clearer rules regarding the prosecution of crimes,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Requiring that non-prosecution agreements must be in writing will protect the due process rights of the accused, while helping to ensure that victims have access to justice.”
“The oral agreement may be legal for the moment, but it is indefensible given what we have learned about the prevalence of sexual abuse and harassment throughout our society,” said Sen. Baker. “The system is slanted too heavily toward perpetrators, discouraging reporting and denying a true chance of justice for those with the fortitude to bring charges.”
“This oral agreement turned into a horrible miscarriage of justice. We must act to prevent a repetition,” Baker and Santarsiero added.
The Senators serve as the Republican and Democratic chairs, respectively, of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction in this matter.
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