March 26, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY – March 26, 2024 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today the award of $1,031,451 for Yardley Borough to continue sidewalk upgrades as part of a multi-phase improvement project on North Main Street.
“Yardley Borough is a growing and thriving community in the 10th Senate District, with bustling restaurants and businesses along Main Stret,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Each phase of Yardley Borough’s North Main Street project has improved pedestrian safety, boosting access to the many local businesses. I have proudly supported this project since its inception and look forward to seeing this project finally completed.”
“The Yardley North Main Street sidewalk project is an economic development project that also enhances recreational opportunities and provides a community connection for residents of Yardley and Lower Makefield,” said Rep. Warren. “Thank you to present and past members of Yardley Borough Council for supporting and seeing this project through each of its phases.”
The final phase includes utility relocations, repaving a portion of North Main Street and constructing sidewalks through Dolington Road. Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Warren have secured state funds for the previous phases of the North Main Street sidewalk project.
“Representative Warren and State Senator Santarsiero have given the Yardley Borough Community the gift of a safe walking route along N. Main Street,” said Yardley Borough President Caroline Thompson. “This, N. Main Street Phase III sidewalk completion project, is the final piece to connect our residents on the northern side of town to our bustling business district for shopping and dining and to the canal towpath for recreation and exercise. Over the past three months, Yardley Borough and Lower Makefield have begun cooperative discussion around sidewalks and connectivity and based on these conversations, we are confident that Phase III will not only serve Yardley Borough but also Lower Makefield Township and beyond as the fragmented sections of sidewalks reach full connectivity. It’s a beautiful thing with State government and neighboring municipalities all come together like this!”
Yardley borough Council Vice President and Public Works Chair Uri Feiner added, “Almost two decades ago, residents on North Main Street came to council to request a sidewalk. This grant will allow us to finally complete this essential connection for our residents. This is a huge step in our commitment to making every part of our one-square-mile walkable borough truly—and safely—walkable.”
The funding is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund. The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Additional information can be found on the DCED website.
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September 21, 2023
BUCKS COUNTY − September 21, 2023 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) hosted PennDOT officials on a road tour around the 10th Senate District, announcing planned roadway repair projects, highlighting needed improvements, and applauding work that has recently been completed.
The road tour covered an expansive portion of the district, with 7 stops and dozens of roads featured along the route. In conjunction with the road tour, Senator Santarsiero has shared an inventory of more than 60 roads in the 10th Senate District with specific requests for repair. The list is compiled on a rolling basis, and regularly shared with PennDOT, and includes submissions from constituents and municipalities.
“Many of our roadways are showing their age and need repair and repaving to meet growing traffic demands in our region,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I have strongly supported increasing funding for transportation infrastructure and recognize that PennDOT is working with a limited budget and staff. Despite these challenges, PennDOT continues to work hard to keep our roads safe and operational and I am committed to working with PennDOT to address the projects highlighted on this year’s tour.”
The road tour began by driving through the intersection of Route 413 and Route 13 in Bristol Township, highlighting potholes and uneven road surface at the busy intersection. Senator Santarsiero noted that while work has been done along both Route 413 and Route 13 leading up to the intersection, the intersection itself needs to be prioritized for repairs.
Stopping on Green Lane, along the border of Bristol Borough and Bristol Township, Senator Santarsiero was joined by representatives from both Bristol Borough and Township and Rep. Tina Davis’ (D-141) office to discuss drainage issues. PennDOT officials shared they will replace deteriorating grates on Green Lane. Addressing the flooding under the Amtrak bridge, Bristol Borough and Township officials committed to identifying the source and path of the underground drainage pipes to better understand the necessary steps for flood mitigation.
Cars driving on Green Lane in Bristol Township.
The tour continued down Edgely Road and Tyburn road where Senator Santarsiero urged PennDOT to expedite the resurfacing of these roads. Then at a stop on Woolston Drive with Falls Township Director of Public Works Jason Lawson and staff from Rep. John Galloway’s (D-140) office, the Senator also requested a full resurfacing of the roadway there.
Stopping along Taylorsville Road in Lower Makefield Township, Senator Santarsiero was joined by Lower Makefield Township Supervisor Daniel Grenier, Township Manager David Kratzer, Public Works Director Derick Fuller, Community Development Director Jim Majewski and Rep. Perry Warren (D-31). Senator Santarsiero expressed his gratitude for the state’s recovery effort following the July 15th flash flood in Upper Makefield and Lower Makefield townships, which tragically took seven lives. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro and Secretary Carroll for their leadership and immediate action to repair the damage caused by the July 15th flash flood in Upper Makefield Township,” said Senator Santarsiero. “During a time of tragedy, their teams worked quickly and diligently to make the necessary repairs and implement improvements to help the community better weather future storms.”
During the July 15th flash flood, the Maplevale neighborhood in Lower Makefield Township took on considerable water causing damage to several homes. Senator Santarsiero and Rep. Warren have been working with Lower Makefield Township officials to develop a long-term plan for stormwater management to mitigate future flooding along Taylorsville Road and in Maplevale.
L to R: Rep. Warren, Lower Makefield Township Supervisor Dan Grenier, Senator Santarsiero and PennDOT District 6 Assistant District Executive for Operations Fran Hanney and PennDOT Manager of Legislative and Government Affairs Brenda Rios.
Continuing the road tour along State Street in Doylestown Borough, Senator Santarsiero made note of the need for resurfacing, which was reiterated during a stop along State Street near Doylestown Hospital. During the stop, which included Rep. Tim Brennan (D-29), Doylestown Borough Council President Jack O’Brien, Doylestown Township staff and Bucks County Planning Commission staff, the Senator also referenced the 2022 road tour and the ongoing need for a large-scale capital project to improve the Doylestown Bypass and Routes 202 and 611 in Doylestown Township.
Senator Santarsiero speaks to PennDOT and Doylestown Borough and Township officials.
At a stop in Chalfont Borough, Senator Santarsiero brought to PennDOT’s attention ongoing concerns about the bridge on Business Route 202 over the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek. The roadway surface is in good condition, but Chalfont Borough officials, including Mayor Brian Wallace, Borough Council President John Engel and Borough Manage Shawn Curran, who joined the Senator at the stop, had reached out to the Senator’s office to request assistance in getting the structure of the bridge inspected and updated.
Bridge along Business Route 202 over North Branch of Neshaminy Creek in Chalfont Borough.
Continuing on to Plumstead Township, the next stop was the intersection of Route 202 and Route 413, where the need for road resurfacing and leveling was brought up. At this stop, Senator Santarsiero was joined by Rep. Shelby Labs (R-143), Plumstead Township Supervisors Jim McColb and Dan Hilferty and Public Works Director Alan Bleam.
Senator Santarsiero greets Plumstead Township Director of Public Works Alan Bleam.
The tour continued through Solebury Township, highlighting the need for road resurfacing along Sugan Road before continuing through Upper Makefield Township along Wrightstown Road. Senator Santarsiero also used the opportunity to once again ask PennDOT to prioritize resurfacing the entire length of River Road in Bucks County.
The road tour wrapped up with a stop along the Newtown Bypass where Senator Santarsiero, joined by Newtown Township Supervisor Dennis Fisher, thanked PennDOT for their work resurfacing portion of the high-traffic roadway. “I want to thank PennDOT District 6 for their tireless work to keep our roadways safe,” Sen. Santarsiero concluded.
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November 2, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – November 2, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) visited the Morrisville Borough Police Department to present a check for $52,000, which was used to purchase and outfit a new police car for the department.
“Our community is safest when our police have the resources necessary to do their jobs,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I was happy to work with Morrisville Borough Police to identify the need for a new police vehicle and secure the funding to ensure the department has the tools and equipment necessary to keep our community safe.”
The new 2022 Ford Explorer was purchased in May and has been outfitted with new police equipment including radios, computers and sirens.
Morrisville Borough Police Chief George McClay expressed appreciation for the state funds to purchase the police car saying, “The Morrisville Police Department is grateful to State Senator Santarsiero for all of his support during these fiscally hard times.”
Sen. Santarsiero continued, “Dating back to my time as a Township Supervisor, I recognize the challenges our municipalities face to find the funding to meet all of their needs. I am happy to have secured these funds to assist Morrisville Borough Police with this purchase.”
November 2, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – November 2, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station.
“Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Dating back to 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. When Yardley Borough Police Department identified the need to replace aging vehicles, but lacked the funding to do so, I was happy to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to secure funds to cover the costs.”
Chief Joseph Kelly expressed gratitude for the funds saying, “The Yardley Borough Police Department is fortunate to have received this grant. At a time when local governments are facing financial challenges, the funds supplied via the DCED, with the incredible support of Sen. Santarsiero, purchased a much-needed replacement vehicle. We thank Sen. Santarsiero and his staff for their loyalty to Yardley Borough and our Department mission”.
October 26, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – October 26, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) announced $3 million in state funds they have secured from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for DiaVac Biotech Manufacturing in Plumstead Township.
“I’d like to thank Governor Wolf for supporting our request to dedicate RACP funds for DiaVac Biotech, which will provide the company a state-of-the-art facility with which to work,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “We have the potential in Bucks County to build a biotech corridor that will create jobs and support the growing biotech industry, which is why I enthusiastically supported this project to bring more biotech manufacturing capabilities to Bucks County.”
The grant funds will be used to construct a steel building with a mix of spaces including biolab clean rooms, bio storage rooms, a receiving storage area, a biokit assembly area, admin offices and conference space, and a lobby area.
“Grant funding will not only create permanent family sustaining jobs in our district, but it will also improve the safety of our food supply at a time farmers have been battling avian flu, and that will fight potential spikes in food costs.”
Responding to this award, DiaVac’s Board Chair Dr. Hailung Dai commented, “DiaVac. Biotech is very grateful to Governor Wolf, Senator Santarsiero, Representative Labs and Bucks County for supporting our effort in developing state-of-the-art biotechnology to combat animal and human diseases. With our flagship facility in Bucks County, DiaVac looks forward to rooting itself as a Pennsylvania company.”
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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September 21, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – September 21, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representatives John Galloway (D-140) and Tina Davis (D-141) announced today that Bristol Borough will receive $110,000 in state funding for a watershed restoration project benefitting the Borough.
The project will create a vegetated swale at the wooded area between Green and Howell Streets in Bristol Borough. The existing swale has severe erosion, little-to-no vegetation in the flow area, and sediment buildup.
“As we see increased rainfall and flooding impact the residents of Bristol Borough, it is clear we need to implement solutions that help protect the homes and businesses in the area, while combating the devastating effects of climate change,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Vegetated swales, like the one that will be constructed on Howell Street, will use native plants to help manage stormwater runoff, filter pollutants and improve water infiltration.”
Converting the existing stormwater swale to a vegetated bioswale will help effectively treat and control the runoff going into the swale by filtering out pollutants and sediments, slowing runoff, and promoting infiltration. Native plants with deep roots and grasses will assist in building up the soil structure and allow water to infiltrate the ground more easily.
“This money will provide critical assistance to Bristol Borough in reducing the impact of heavy rainfall on our communities by constructing the Howell Street Vegetated Swale,” Rep. Galloway said. “We need support from our local, state and federal government to prepare our communities’ infrastructure for the increasingly violent impact of climate change. This state grant is a step in the right direction.”
“As we are affected by increasingly violent storms, we must be innovative and resourceful in our approaches to mitigating their impact on our communities,” Rep. Davis said. “It’s not enough to have innovative ideas—we need the money, too, to make these ideas reality, and the Commonwealth has thankfully provided critical fiscal support to Bristol Borough so it can implement one such innovation to its infrastructure.”
Bristol Borough Manager James Dillon echoed the environmental impact of the project saying, “Borough Council will be grateful for this grant, which will be used to benefit the environment.”
For more information on the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program, visit the DCED website.
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May 25, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – May 25, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) is seeking to raise awareness about the dangers of skin cancer and over-exposure to the sun. Along with State Senator Pat Browne (R-16), Sen. Santarsiero introduced a resolution to recognize May as Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month and the first Monday in May as “Melanoma Monday”.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million new cases diagnosed each year. Of the various types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous, and is the leading cause of death from skin disease.
Sen. Santarsiero hosted two constituents, Valerie Mihalek and her husband Don, in the Senate on Tuesday and thanked Ms. Mihalek for her advocacy on the subject. “Valerie shared with me her personal experience with melanoma and brought to my attention how dangerous this form of cancer can be,” Sen. Santarsiero said from the floor of the Senate. “She has been a strong advocate for increasing public awareness of the need to take preventative measures to avoid skin cancer.”
Sen. Santarsiero specifically reminded parents of young children, who are particularly susceptible to skin damage at an early age, of the need to take precautions when outside during summer months, including wearing sunscreen and seeking shade.
“Skin cancer is a disease that we can prevent. Everyone must be cognizant to the dangers of over-exposure to the sun and the need to wear sunscreen,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “The issue hit a bit closer to home this year when I was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma. I was fortunate that basal cell carcinoma is a relatively good diagnosis when caught early. A simple outpatient procedure was enough to fully remove the cancer with minimal to no long-term effects.”
Senate Resolution 263 can be found here.
March 10, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY – March 10, 2022 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representatives Perry Warren (D-31) and John Galloway (D-140), announced today the School District of the Borough of Morrisville will receive $1 million in supplemental funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
“This funding for Morrisville School District helps meet a critical need to support the district in providing quality education to all students,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “As I have said many times before, we must increase funding for Morrisville School District by fixing the state funding formula which unfairly shortchanges the district. The $1 million in supplemental funding I’ve advocated for each year helps to close the gap, but it does not meet all of the district’s needs or fix the root cause of the shortfall. I will continue to work with my House colleagues to make those changes, because every student in Morrisville deserves access to a great education.”
The supplemental funding was needed to help the District overcome budget shortfalls created, in part, by the fact that for many years Morrisville has not received its fair share in funding from the state under Pennsylvania’s basic education funding formula.
“I’ve long said the smartest investment the state can make to secure a bright economic future is in the education of our young people,” Galloway said. “The funds will make a real impact in students’ lives by improving educational programs in the Morrisville School District.”
The funding comes from the Ready to Learn Block Grant, a program to enhance learning opportunities for students and provide resources for schools to innovate at the local level.
“The School District of the Borough of Morrisville has faced and risen to the challenges of the past few years. This Ready to Learn Grant will help the district continue and expand programs and learning opportunities for students,” said Rep. Warren. “Thank you to Rep. John Galloway and Sen. Steve Santarsiero and the members of the school board for working together to make this happen for Morrisville students.”
Since 2015, Morrisville School District and its elected officials in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, have worked with the Wolf administration to provide Morrisville School District with $1 million in supplemental funding each fiscal year.
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December 30, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – December 30, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced that Bucks County Conservation District will receive $262,558 in Growing Greener grant funds through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). With a primary goal of improving the water quality of Neshaminy Creek, the funds will be used for a water quality improvement project at an equine facility in Newtown Township.
The project will implement a variety of water quality management best practices, including the design and installation of waterways and diversions, subsurface drainage improvements, stone lined outlets, fencing improvements, animal heavy use area improvements, rain gutter improvements, a roofed manure storage facility, and the creation of vegetated buffer areas.
“Funding for this project highlights the importance of ensuring our local farms and facilities are equipped with the necessary resources to protect our environment, specifically our waterways,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The improvements that will be made through this project will both protect Neshaminy Creek and help raise awareness within our local equine community about the importance of conservation.”
“This grant award both helps ensure that we have safe, clean water and recognizes the critical role work of the Bucks County Conservation District in managing and directing the county’s soil, water and natural resources,” said Rep. Warren.
“The Bucks County Conservation District is excited for this opportunity to expand upon our previous efforts to improve water quality with in the Neshaminy Creek Watershed, and especially to be working on a high-density equine operation,” said Gretchen Schatschneider, District Manager for the Bucks County Conservation District.
Additionally, The Heritage Conservancy, located in Doylestown, will receive $26,563 for its Bellwood Preserve Riparian Restoration project, outside of the 10th senate district in Newportville.
The Growing Greener grant program through DEP is used to fund watershed restoration and protection, abandoned mine reclamation and abandoned oil and gas well plugging projects. For more information about Growing Greener grants, visit the DEP website.
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December 23, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY – December 23, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $3.5 million in state grant funds to improve local infrastructure, health and safety, and arts and culture in Bucks County, which will help grow and strengthen businesses, while providing a needed economic boost to the region.
The awards will go to New Hope Borough, Doylestown Hospital, Bucks County Children’s Museum and the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). 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.
“I want to thank Governor Wolf for prioritizing RACP funds for projects like these, providing important state investments in our local economy,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I enthusiastically supported all of these applications, advocating for projects across my district that will drive economic development and make continued regional improvements that are especially needed given the challenges of the pandemic.”
New Hope Borough will receive $1,750,000 for the construction of a new five-level parking garage on borough-owned land, one block from Main Street. The project will also update road paving between the garage and Main Street and will provide for both pedestrian walkways and a shuttle service.
“New Hope is a thriving borough with many restaurants and retail shops that attract locals and tourists alike,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “The parking garage project will accommodate 350 cars, which will make New Hope more accessible, boosting revenue for many small businesses in our local economy.”
“The Borough welcomes the opportunity to move forward with this grant for a new parking garage,” said Peter Grey, New Hope Borough Manager. “With an off street parking site, the Borough will be able to provide needed relief to visitors of New Hope who come to enjoy the various restaurants and shopping that are offered. We look forward to moving forward in the process and thank State Senator Santarsiero for assisting us in our application and Governor Wolf for authorizing the funding for the Borough.”
“This is a dream come true for Bucks County Playhouse and the 80,000 people a year who come to our performances. Indeed, it will be transformative for every business in New Hope. Definitely the best news to come out of 2020,” said Alexander Fraser, Producing Director of Bucks County Playhouse. “On behalf of the Board and staff of Bucks County Playhouse, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Steve Santarsiero and Connie Gering for their belief in the dream, and their diligence in this huge first step in making it a reality,” said Fraser referring to New Hope Borough Council President Constance Gering.
The $1 million funds to Doylestown Hospital will be used for the hospital’s new Women’s Diagnostic Center, to relocate, expand, and enhance the current diagnostic area, helping to improve Doylestown Hospital’s commitment to quality care for its patients. The new Center will feature dedicated space for mammography and ultrasound, with upgraded equipment to increase efficiency in screening and diagnostics.
“Doylestown Hospital has a longstanding commitment to providing quality care, and this project highlights that commitment,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “With the completion of the new Women’s Diagnostic Center, the hospital expects to be able to accommodate 10-15% more patients, leading to increases in early detection of cancer in patients and better prognoses with early treatment.”
“The support of Gov. Wolf and Sen. Santarsiero is a tremendous boost to the transformative renovation and expansion of key priorities across Doylestown Health,” said Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health. “We deeply appreciate the Commonwealth’s investment in our community health system. They join a growing list of community, Board and staff donors who recognize the need for state-of-the-art facilities, enhanced services, and program growth to serve our community. This support comes at a pivotal time as we continue to raise critical funding for ONE VISION: The Campaign for Doylestown Health allowing us to safeguard the future of healthcare while remaining independent.”
The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center will receive $500,000 to develop a public museum and education center on the preserved Highland Farm site in Doylestown. The project will include restoration of existing home structures, and repurposing of the facility to include exhibition and classroom spaces, as well as a welcome center.
“I have been working with the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and all of our local museums here in Bucks County throughout the pandemic to help ensure they come out on the other side of this stronger than before”, said Sen. Santarsiero. “These state funds to help restore and redevelop this iconic property will allow the public to visit the space that inspired some of the most classic American musicals like Oklahoma, South Pacific and Sound of Music.”
“We are extremely grateful to Senator Santarsiero and Governor Wolf for this grant. Preserving Highland Farm, the homestead and creative epicenter where Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the lyrics to some of the world’s most noted and performed songs, is essential for Bucks County, for Pennsylvania and for our country,” said Greg Roth, President of the Board, Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theater Education Center. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, Christine Cole, and all of the organization’s supporters and advocates, Roth continued, “Oscar Hammerstein’s themes of inclusion and acceptance are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago when he penned them. The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theater Education Center will provide a place for enthusiasts and visitors to be inspired and a place for children from all over the world to have an opportunity to learn about musical theater and pursue their musical theater passions and interests.”
The Bucks County Children’s Museum will receive $250,000 for construction of a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility, that will feature expanded exhibit and gallery areas, expanded indoor and outdoor space, and will incorporate additional health and safety best practices. The project will also increase parking and build new administrative offices.
“The Children’s Museum offers our young people an opportunity to explore their creative side in an interactive environment, while serving both our local community and attracting families from a wider area,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “Our museums have been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic, so I am particularly excited that Bucks County Children’s Museum has been awarded funding to build a new facility that will include improvements to meet health and safety guidelines, including larger indoor and outdoor spaces.”
“This support from the Commonwealth is great news for the thousands of families and children who visit The Bucks County Children’s Museum each year,” said Kelly Krumenacker, Executive Director of The Bucks County Children’s Museum We are excited for the opportunity to increase our capacity to serve the community and visitors to the county in an expanded facility filled with unique and engaging educational experiences.”
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.
To learn more about RACP projects and grants, visit the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget website.
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May 1, 2020
MORRISVILLE − May 1, 2020 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representatives Perry Warren (D-31) and John Galloway (D-140) held a virtual press conference today to discuss the critical need for funding to support Morrisville School District. They were joined by representatives of Morrisville School District and Morrisville Borough.
The legislators called on Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to review demographic data that has been used to calculate the state funding Morrisville School District receives. The shortfall in funding stems from an unintended consequence in the way that both the existing and new funding formulas are calculated for Morrisville (a conclusion supported by the fact that even under the new, so-called fair funding formula, Morrisville actually receives less support from the state than under the older allocation).
For the 2020-21 fiscal year, the formulas are based in part on a projected 5-year median household income in Morrisville of nearly $75,000, well above some of the most challenged districts in the state. But that number is not accurate. It is not limited to the income of people living within the municipal – and, therefore, school district – boundaries of Morrisville Borough. Instead, it includes large numbers of residents in nearby Lower Makefield Township and Yardley Borough, who share the 19067 zip code with their neighbors in Morrisville. When looking only at Morrisville residents, the median household income drops to $53,000. As a consequence of this issue, Morrisville School District has been unfairly underfunded for a number of years.
“Despite the school board’s prudent management of the district finances, Morrisville School District continues to suffer blatant inequity due to a calculation error in the funding formula. Through no fault of their own, the students, teachers, and support staff of Morrisville are forced to bear this burden,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “There is a constitutional obligation to provide ‘a thorough and efficient system of public education’ to all of Pennsylvania’s children, and even during our current public health crisis, this remains one of our most important responsibilities and is why we’re requesting this critical assistance.”
“The funding formula deals with 500 different school districts in an incredibly diverse state,” said Rep. Galloway. “There are going to be anomalies, and one of those was Morrisville.”
Since 2015, Morrisville School District and its elected officials in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, have been working with the administration of Governor Wolf to provide Morrisville’s schools with $1 million in supplemental funding each fiscal year to help close the gap. However, even with this supplemental funding, it is increasingly difficult for the district to survive. For example, in the 2020-21 school year, the district is faced with a budget deficit of close to $1.2 million.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the Morrisville school district, reading to the kids at Grandview, walking the halls of the high school with Superintendent Harris and Board President Miller, attending football games and other events, and it is a special place,” said Rep. Warren. “The $1 million extra funding is more than a band-aid, it’s a bandage, but it is and always has been a short-term fix. We need a real long term funding solution. Our kids deserve to continue to have the great educational and co-curricular opportunities that we, the board, administration, teachers and staff, and the community have worked so hard to provide for them.”
“Morrisville is more than just numbers,” said Morrisville Superintendent Jason Harris. “In spite of the volatility in the costs to educate students and meet mandated costs, our Board, staff and administration have supported programs which have yielded some remarkable results… School budgets are a constant source of strain and stress on any district. However, in Morrisville, with its limited tax base and other streams of revenue, spikes in Special Education costs put an even greater strain on an already strapped resource. The District often relies on the use of grants to support programs.”
“Despite the efforts Morrisville School District has made regarding educational opportunities and facility upgrades, the continuation and sustainability of those efforts are in jeopardy,” said Damon Miller, President of the School Board of the Borough of Morrisville. “The issues and effects of these trends the Morrisville School District faces are not ones that will stop at the school district borders. As Morrisville declines, so too will neighboring communities as those effects bleed into our surrounding townships. We are asking for the state to step in and provide assistance in not only helping the students of Morrisville receive an equitable education as their peers in surrounding districts, but also the Morrisville community as a whole.”
“Even though the district and the borough government are separate entities, we are attached at the hip,” said Ted Parker, Morrisville Borough Council President. “The district has not been receiving what it should from the state.”
The funding issue has further been exacerbated during the Coronavirus pandemic, as distance learning replaced traditional classroom learning. Nearly 600 of the over 800 students in Morrisville School District currently do not have the resources to participate in distance learning. Morrisville School District applied for the Continuity of Education and Equity Grant (CEEG) to help fund the purchase of Chromebooks and hotspots, but the application was denied, likely in part due to the same flaw in calculating the level of need in Morrisville described above.
In light of this discrepancy, Sen. Santarsiero, Reps. Warren and Galloway, and representatives from Morrisville Borough and Morrisville School District joined together in requesting assistance from the Office of the Governor, that an amount equivalent to what the district would have received under the CEEG program be granted to the school district as soon as possible so that Morrisville can purchase the needed equipment in time to cover the remainder of this school year.
The full text of the letter sent to Governor Wolf is available here.
The full recording of the press conference is available here.
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May 1, 2020
BUCKS COUNTY − May 1, 2020 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) along with State Representatives Perry Warren (D-31) and John Galloway (D-140) sent the following letter to Governor Wolf to request an increase in funding for Morrisville School District:
Download Letter
October 28, 2019
DOYLESTOWN − October 28, 2019 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) rehabilitation of the bridge carrying Limekiln Road, which runs over Cooks Run in Doylestown Township, has officially begun.
Although initially scheduled for rehabilitation at a later date, at the urging of Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Wendy Ullman (D-143), PennDOT announced on October 18th that the project start date would be pushed up to October 28th. The project is expected to run through mid-January. During construction, Limekiln Road will be closed and detoured between Cooks Run Road and Shady Retreat Road.
As part of his PennDOT road tour in mid-September, Sen. Santarsiero stressed to PennDOT officials the importance of the Limekiln Road bridge, largely for first responders at Doylestown Fire Company.
“I want to thank PennDOT for making the bridge of Limekiln Road a priority,” Sen. Santarsiero said after learning the project will start early. “The rehabilitation of this high-traffic bridge is ultimately a public health and safety issue. Once this project is completed, emergency vehicles for Doylestown Fire Company will no longer need to detour and those critical response times in emergencies won’t be unnecessarily delayed.”
Limekiln Road Bridge was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1980 and carries an average of 5,951 vehicles a day. The rehabilitation of the bridge is part of a $7.8 million project for PennDOT, financed with 100 percent state funds through Act 89, Pennsylvania’s transportation plan. As a state Representative, Senator Santarsiero voted in favor of Act 89.
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June 3, 2019
HARRISBURG − June 3, 2019 − The Pennsylvania State Senate and House today approved by unanimous consent resolutions introduced by State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Perry Warren (D-31) that congratulate Newtown resident and nationally recognized sportswriter Jayson Stark for winning the Baseball Writers’ Association of America J.G. Taylor Spink Award and his contributions to the sport of baseball.
“Jayson Stark embodies the best of sports journalism,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “For decades, Jayson has been a fixture in Major League Baseball and, in particular, the Philadelphia sports scene. All baseball fans have appreciated his insightful analysis over the years, but of course he will always have a special place in the hearts of the Phillies’ faithful.”
“With the Phillies in first place, it is exciting to have Newtown resident Jayson Stark, formerly a Phillies beat writer, here in the Capitol to be recognized for this prestigious award,” Rep. Warren said. “For 40 years, Jayson has shared his unique perspective on America’s Past-time with his readers in Bucks County and throughout the world.”
“I’ve never stopped being a Philadelphian. I love this city,” Mr. Stark said during a speech at the Philly Sportswriters Dinner in January. “I grew up reading the great sportswriters of Philadelphia. They inspired me to dream this dream and then to live this dream. None of this could have happened without Philadelphia.”
The award and resolution follow Mr. Stark’s illustrious career as a baseball writer for institutions including the Philadelphia Phillies, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and ESPN. The award is granted annually to sportswriters “for meritorious contributions to baseball writing” and is named after the first recipient, J.G. Taylor Spink, the publisher of The Sporting News from 1914 to 1962.
The resolution highlights how Mr. Stark, a Philadelphia native and Syracuse University graduate, had his first taste of big-league coverage for the Providence Journal on the Boston Red Sox beat before returning to his hometown to cover the Phillies, including their first World Series championship in 1980.
An author of three books on baseball, Mr. Stark has won an Emmy for his work on Baseball Tonight, is a two-time winner of the Pennsylvania Sportswriter of the Year award and in 2017, and was issued a Jayson Stark baseball card by Topps. Mr. Stark currently writes for The Athletic and is an MLB Network studio analyst.
The full text of the resolution is below. Photos provided in attachments are free to use for publication.
A RESOLUTION
Congratulating Jayson Stark, a resident of Newtown, Pennsylvania, who was elected the 2019 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Whereas, Jayson Stark, who for more than four decades has exhibited passion and humor in equal measure in his baseball coverage, was elected the 2019 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America; and
Whereas, He will be honored with the award that is presented annually to a sportswriter “for meritorious contributions to baseball writing” during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s induction weekend in July 2019, in Cooperstown, N.Y.; and
Whereas, Jayson Stark received 270 votes from the 463 ballots in becoming the 70th winner of the award since its inception in 1962 and named for the first recipient; and
Whereas, The Philadelphia native and Syracuse University graduate had his first taste of big-league coverage for the Providence Journal on the Boston Red Sox beat before returning to his hometown to cover the Phillies, including their first World Series championship in 1980; and
Whereas, Stark made his mark in Philadelphia for 21 years as a Phillies beat writer and national baseball columnist for the Inquirer and nationally for 17 years as senior baseball writer at ESPN.com; and
Whereas, His popular “Baseball Week in Review” is a master example of that baseball writing staple – the notes column – in which Jayson has been a curator for all things weird, wacky, unique, statistically inclined and historically rare in the game.
Whereas, He is the author of three books on baseball, has won an Emmy for his work on Baseball Tonight, is a two-time winner of the Pennsylvania sportswriter-of-the-year award and in 2017, Topps issued an actual Jayson Stark baseball card; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Senate congratulate Jayson Stark, who has been at the pinnacle of his profession for decades, on being elected the 2019 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
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