News Center

Sappey, Chester County State Legislative Delegation Announce Millions in Investments in Local Communities

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

WEST CHESTER, Oct. 22 – Fifteen local municipalities throughout Chester County were awarded state grant funding for projects that support public safety, revitalize historic downtowns, improve stormwater and wastewater management, install new bridges and sidewalks, and invest in renewable energy, members of the Chester County State Legislative Delegation announced. The twenty-two projects that were awarded funding are represented by state Senator Carolyn Comitta and State Representatives Christina Sappey, Chris Pielli, Dan Williams, Danielle Friel Otten, Melissa Shusterman, and Kristine Howard. In total, they amount to a $7.4 million state investment in Chester County municipalities and local communities. “As a former mayor, I know just how important these investments are to local communities and municipalities. In the state Senate, I continue to work to secure funds that directly benefit the health, safety, prosperity and quality of life of residents, workers, and families throughout Chester County,” said Comitta. “I am pleased to work alongside Senator Comitta to support funding for these projects that invest in the longevity of our infrastructure and keep our communities safe and up to date,” Sappey said. “It is the direct result of strong state and local partnerships that work to combine resources and address needs.” “I am thrilled and extremely Read more

 

Sappey, Kane announce state funding for local projects

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappey and Sen. John Kane today announced $734,670 in state funding for several community improvement projects in Chester County. Sappey joined state Sen. John Kane in advocating for several grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded from the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Gaming Act. These LSA grants for area projects will improve public safety and support programs. They include: $350,000 for the Chester Water Authority to upgrade the Sullivan booster station in Avondale Borough. The proposed project will install three new booster pumps, a new motor control center, multiple frequency drives, an emergency generator, automatic transfer switch, HVAC upgrades, and structural modifications to the booster station. The existing booster station pumps currently run overnight to fill a nearby water tower which proves costly to the authority. The proposed motor control system will work in tandem with the multiple frequency drives to allow for a more efficient use of each pump. In the event of an emergency, the new generator will be able to provide power for multiple pumps to be running simultaneously as the current system is only able to handle a single pump at a time. $34,670 to Kennett Square Borough to purchase an audio/visual surveillance system for its police station. The Kennett Square Police Department is operating with a failed main recorder and multiple outdated Read more

 

Lawmakers, advocates discuss urgent need for legislation to protect pets in domestic violence situations

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – House lawmakers and advocates today held a news conference at the state Capitol to urge for the passage of bipartisan legislation that would better protect victims’ pets and further protect victims in domestic violence situations. House Bill 1210 , introduced by state Reps. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, and Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, would amend Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming the petitioner’s companion animal. Sappey said Pennsylvania’s current Protection from Abuse Act gives judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse. However, judges have no explicit authority to order protective measures of a victim’s pets. “We have seen through data the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse,” Sappey said. “Abusers will often abuse or threaten the abuse of pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation. Strengthening the law to address and prevent this clear and devastating form of abuse is needed now. We have the time in the current legislative session to make this right.” Mihalek, a former county prosecutor, said she’s seen the situation occur in countless numbers. “We know through studies and statistics Read more

 

Sappey to host annual Veterans Breakfast and Recognition Ceremony

(Oct 10, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, Oct. 10 – State Rep. Christina Sappey invites veterans and their families in the 158 th Legislative District to attend her third annual Veterans Breakfast and Recognition Ceremony. This free event is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the Kennett Square VFW Post 5467, 704 W. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square. “I host this breakfast and recognition ceremony every year as a small expression of appreciation for the veterans in our community,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “Our veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices to protect us and our freedoms. Their courage and humility are inspiring, and I’m moved beyond words by these remarkable people living in our midst every day.” A free, hot breakfast will be provided as well as information on state government-related programs and services available to veterans. A keynote address will be delivered by state Rep. Jared Solomon, majority chair of the House Veterans Emergency and Preparedness Committee. Solomon served as a JAG officer in the Army reserves and currently serves in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Advance registration is required. Veterans and their families should RSVP by Friday, Nov. 1 by contacting Sappey’s district office at 484-200-8264 or emailing RepSappey@pahouse.net . The 158th district is comprised of Avondale Borough and Kennett Square Borough, as well as the Read more

 

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners

(Oct 08, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed a bill aimed at freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners. House Bill 2536 would amend the state constitution by removing the limitation permitting Longtime Owner-Occupant Programs only in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties, thereby enabling future legislation to allow all local taxing authorities the option to adopt such a program to provide greater levels of tax relief to seniors. LOOPs provide property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years by exempting or deferring property tax increases – even if their home assessment values increase in future years. “We’ve been hearing about the impact high property taxes have, particularly on our senior citizens, for decades, so I am very pleased that my colleagues in the House unanimously supported our bill,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester , who sponsored the bill. “This legislation would provide local governments a way to help those who have lived in their homes over a decade and have felt the burden of rapidly rising property taxes the most. Our state constitution already allows Philadelphia and Allegheny counties the option of creating LOOPs. It’s time to make this mechanism available to the whole state. I believe creating options to address property tax burdens on an ever-aging state is a worthwhile endeavor.” Read more

 

Boletín de finales del verano de 2024

(Aug 26, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

Boletín de finales del verano de 2024 Read more

 

Sappey urges Aqua customers to attend public input hearing

(Jul 22, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, July 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappy has requested from the Public Utility Commission a public input hearing regarding the proposed rate increase for water and wastewater by Aqua PA Inc. The PUC has granted this hearing request, which will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Sappey urges all customers who will be impacted by this potential rate increase to attend and participate in the hearing. Following the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate coming out against the proposed rate increase, Sappey filed a formal complaint with the PUC regarding this proposed 18.7% rate hike for Aqua PA Inc. and Aqua PA Wastewater Inc. “Many Aqua customers are still coping with a substantial rate increase from 2022 which, for some, tripled their wastewater bills. It’s imperative that residents speak up now to let both the PUC and Aqua know how a rate hike of this magnitude would impact their monthly household budgets,” Sappey said. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for information on how the hearing will be conducted. People with questions may contact Sappey’s office by calling (484) 200-8264 or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net with “Aqua rate increase hearing” in the subject line. Sappey represents Read more

 

Sappey bill to create permanent Office of Child Advocate passes PA House

(Jul 01, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State House lawmakers today passed legislation ( H.B. 2175 ) introduced by Rep. Christina Sappey, D Chester, that would create a permanent Office of Child Advocate in Pennsylvania to help combat child abuse and child exploitation. Created through an executive order by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2019 over concerns related to complaints of abuse of children in congregate care facilities, the primary role of the Office of Child Advocate is to prevent child abuse and neglect. “OCA provides our state’s most vulnerable children with a direct line to assistance, serving a critical role in our government to ensure the children of Pennsylvania have a voice,” Sappey said. “Because it was established by executive order, the office ever remains in peril of being dissolved by future administrations. To better protect the children of Pennsylvania, the Office of Child Advocate should be codified as a permanent independent agency, as my bill would do.” According to Sappey, 34 other states have created permanent OCAs. The Joint State Government Commission Advisory Committee on Services to Children and Youth and the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force are among groups that have recommended OCA be a permanent office. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Sappey, Kane announce state funding for housing stability in southern Chester County

(Jun 20, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, June 20 – New state funding of $75,000 will help Kennet Area Community Service support homeless prevention programs and housing stability in southern Chester County, state Rep. Christina Sappey and state Sen. John I. Kane announced today. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency under the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement fund. KACS will use the state funds to support homeless prevention, housing stability, diversion, emergency housing, rapid rehousing and eviction prevention as part of its Emergency Assistance Program for families and individuals experiencing housing crisis in the southern Chester County region. “The impact that KACS makes towards the betterment of lives in southern Chester County cannot be overstated,” Sappey said. “I am pleased to see this funding approved to help support homeless prevention and housing stability, a critical issue in our area. I will continue to support the work KACS does in any way possible.” "KACS continues to be a beacon of hope in southern Chester County,” Kane said. "This funding will be a real game changer, empowering KACS to be that helping hand to families when they need it most. This will make a real and tangible difference for our families giving KACS the backing to continue their impact.” "KACS is grateful to receive this essential Read more

 

2024 Summer Newsletter

(Jun 03, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

I hear from constituents regularly about our roads, and I share your concern. That’s why I’m havinga Transportation Town Hall with special guest, Mike Carroll, Secretary of the PA Transportation Department on June 12. I hope you’ll join us for an informative discussion and Q&A. Read more

 

Lea mi boletín de verano de 2024 en español

(Jun 03, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

Lea mi boletín de verano de 2024 en español Read more

 

Sappey urges residents to participate in PUC’s June 10 PECO rate increase public input hearing

(May 29, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, May 29 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, is urging local PECO electric and natural gas consumers to participate in an upcoming public input hearing she has arranged with the Public Utility Commission regarding the energy company’s request to the PUC to raise its rates. “Residents’ voices need to be heard now, not after a rate increase,” Sappey said. “We’re all impacted by potential rate increases, so it’s time to speak up.” According to Sappey, PECO Energy Company asked the PUC on March 28 to increase rates for electric ($575 million more per year) and natural gas ($111 million more per year) distribution services. If the rate increase is approved, consumers will be paying significantly more, according to information from the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate. The in-person hearing for Chester County residents is being held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 10 at the Kennett Square Borough Building located at 600 S. Broad St. Pre-registration is not required to testify at an in-person public hearing. There will be a sign-up sheet in the hearing room. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for tips on offering testimony at public input hearings, along with how to handle any exhibits people wish to submit during testimony. People with questions may contact Representative Sappey’s office by Read more

 

Sappey to host Transportation Town Hall June 12

(May 21, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

DOWNINGTOWN, May 21 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, invites residents of the 158 th Legislative District to join her for a Transportation Town Hall at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at Bradford Heights Elementary School located at 1330 Romig Road, Downingtown. The 158th Legislative District includes residents living in East Fallowfield, East Marlborough, Kennett, New Garden, Newlin, Pocopson, West Bradford, West Marlborough townships and the boroughs of Avondale and Kennett Square. Sappey will be joined by PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll for a discussion about PennDOT’s operations, policies, programs, and upcoming initiatives affecting state roadways, driver services, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports, and waterways. Residents are encouraged to submit questions and share feedback. “Transportation related concerns are the top issues residents contact me about,” Sappey said. “I am grateful that Secretary Carroll will join me for this event to answer residents’ questions and engage in what will be a wide-ranging discussion. This is your opportunity to hear from the very top and to share your thoughts and questions.” Carroll previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for eight terms beginning in 2006 and was the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee from 2018 to 2022. He became Pennsylvania Secretary of Read more

 

Humane Action Pittsburgh Webinar on Animal Protection from Abuse in Domestic Violence Situations (Rep. Sappey's HB1210))

(May 13, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey, Humane Action Pittsburgh

Humane Action Pittsburgh Webinar on Rep. Sappey's H.B. 1210, a bill that passed the House in July 2023 and is currently under review in the Senate. The bill would specifically address animal abuse in domestic violence situations. Read more

 

Sappey to host free Drive-Thru Shred Event June 1

(May 10, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, May 10 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced she will hold a free Drive-Thru Shred Event -- rain or shine -- from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at Unionville High School, 750 Unionville Road in Kennett Square. The Shred Event is an opportunity for residents of the 158 th Legislative District to safely dispose of documents containing personal information and protect themselves from potential identity theft. "I am happy to provide a safe and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents and personal information while also promoting sustainability by recycling paper materials,” Sappey said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and help keep our community safe and green." During the event, drivers are kindly asked to remain in their vehicles and open their trunks. Staff members will then assist in unloading the items from the cars and return boxes or bags to participants, who are required to take them back. Each participant may bring a maximum of four (4) boxes or bags for shredding. The event will continue until 11 a.m. or until the shredding trucks reach full capacity. Materials will be shredded on-site. In addition, Kennett Area Community Service will be on-hand to collect non-perishable food donations. While donations are encouraged, they are not mandatory for participation in the Shred Event. Residents can RSVP by calling Read more

 

House clears Sappey bill to ensure Pennsylvanians’ access to telemedicine

(Apr 10, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, April 10 – State House lawmakers today passed legislation introduced by Rep. Christina Sappey, D Chester, that would require insurers to cover telemedicine. “The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light just how critical telemedicine is in providing access to a variety of healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Special needs families were able to receive therapies with consistency and many of us found mental health services available through telemedicine,” Sappey said. "Studies show that four out of five Americans have used telemedicine at some point in their life. Data also indicates that more than half of telemedicine visits are for mental health conditions—proving how vital telemedicine is in promoting mental health. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that do not require health insurers to cover telemedicine. This leaves Pennsylvanians at serious risk of not receiving care at all, and that’s unacceptable.” Under Sappey’s bill ( H.B. 1512 ) , a health insurer may not refuse to pay or reimburse a participating health care provider or a covered person for a medically necessary and appropriate covered healthcare service provided through telemedicine. Telemedicine does not include care provided solely through voicemail, email or instant messaging. “I am grateful to my House colleagues for voting to Read more

 

New Garden Air Quality Study

(Apr 03, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

The PA Departments of Health, Environmental Protection and Agriculture recently held a public meeting in New Garden Township to present the findings of an air quality study conducted in the township. Residents attended in person and virtually to learn about the results of the study, which measured hydrogen sulfide in the air. This study was done in response to a request from my office after residents complained of significant metal corrosion on their properties and health concerns possibly originating from mushroom farming and composting sites in the area. The study found that the highest hourly levels of hydrogen sulfide may have led to short-term respiratory effects in sensitive individuals, those with asthma for example, in Landenberg and West Grove. The PA DOH reported that longer exposure to hydrogen sulfide is unlikely to lead to long-term health effects. The highest hydrogen sulfide levels at monitoring sites were reported to occur on Tuesdays and Fridays, and were highest during the midnight to early-morning hours during the fall season. According to the Department, hydrogen sulfide does not cause the corrosion residents reported. At the meeting, the PA Department of Health stated they would consider data currently being collected in a separate study being done by West Chester University and New Garden Township at the conclusion of that study. The PA Department of Agriculture pledged to work with residents, townships, elected officials Read more

 

Sappey invites residents to Senior Citizen Fair April 13

(Mar 26, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, March 26 – State Rep. Christina Sappey is hosting a Senior Citizen Fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 13 at the Unionville High School gymnasium, 750 Unionville Road. Numerous vendors will be at the fair to provide senior residents information on state programs and services, health care, legal assistance and more. Health screenings, including blood pressure readings and hearing tests, will be offered. COVID and RSV vaccinations also will be available for individuals who can provide an ID and insurance card. People 65 or older with a photo ID also will be able to apply for or renew a SEPTA Senior Key Card at the event. The event also will feature music and light refreshments. Kennett Area Community Service will be on hand to accept non-perishable food donations. Donations are not required to attend. Registration is required. Interested residents should call Sappey’s district office at 484-200-8264 or email RepSappey@pahouse.net to RSVP. Read more

 

Sappey, Kane announce state funding for road improvements on East Baltimore Pike

(Mar 26, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, and State Sen. John Kane, D-Chester/Delaware, today announced the approval of a $750,000 state grant that will be used to make improvements to East Baltimore Pike and Schoolhouse Road in East Marlborough Township, Chester County. The grant comes from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, which is used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. “This funding is integral to the ongoing project to widen the road and improve traffic conditions along East Baltimore Pike,” Sappey said. “Transportation-related concerns are the issues residents contact me about the most. I am delighted to partner with Senator Kane and local officials to ensure state grant funding is being targeted to projects that will help move Chester County’s transportation infrastructure forward.” Sappey said $250,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund was awarded for upgrades to the same stretch of road last March. "This award is a major leap toward our common goal of boosting transportation, safety and connectivity for folks in our community," Kane said. "I can't wait to see the beautiful transformations this Read more

 

Sappey, Kane announce funding for Stream Restoration

(Jan 19, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Jan. 19 – State Rep. Christina Sappey and State Sen. John Kane, both D-Chester, today announced that more than $200,000 in state grants have been awarded to the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance to help fund stream restoration efforts in Chester County. A $117,775 Commonwealth Financing Authority grant was awarded to Brandywine Red Clay Alliance to aid stream restoration at the East Branch Red Clay Creek headwaters. The goal of this project is to improve water quality in the headwaters of the East Branch of Red Clay Creek with a holistic approach implementing a stream restoration on 1,850 feet of stream, flood plain connection and expanded riparian buffer. This project is a continuation of agricultural best management practices implemented just upstream with the equine operation and crop farming to reduce the flow of nutrients and sediments to this headwater stream. Additionally, $91,700 was awarded from state Growing Greener funds to help in Pocopson Township’s Pocopson Creek Watershed Restoration Plan. This watershed assessment and planning effort will identify known impairments in the Pocopson Creek Watershed study area, assess water quality, riparian buffer habitat and land use data and make site visits for the entire stream sections to prioritize areas for restoration. The plan will also provide a road map for future restoration by identifying and prioritizing sections for riparian buffer habitat Read more

 

Sappey, Chester County State Legislative Delegation Announce Millions in Investments in Local Communities
Oct 22, 2024

Sappey, Kane announce state funding for local projects
Oct 22, 2024

Lawmakers, advocates discuss urgent need for legislation to protect pets in domestic violence situations
Oct 22, 2024

Sappey to host annual Veterans Breakfast and Recognition Ceremony
Oct 10, 2024

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners
Oct 08, 2024

Boletín de finales del verano de 2024
Aug 26, 2024

Sappey urges Aqua customers to attend public input hearing
Jul 22, 2024

Sappey bill to create permanent Office of Child Advocate passes PA House
Jul 01, 2024

Sappey, Kane announce state funding for housing stability in southern Chester County
Jun 20, 2024

2024 Summer Newsletter
Jun 03, 2024

Lea mi boletín de verano de 2024 en español
Jun 03, 2024

Sappey urges residents to participate in PUC’s June 10 PECO rate increase public input hearing
May 29, 2024

Sappey to host Transportation Town Hall June 12
May 21, 2024

Humane Action Pittsburgh Webinar on Animal Protection from Abuse in Domestic Violence Situations (Rep. Sappey's HB1210))
May 13, 2024

Sappey to host free Drive-Thru Shred Event June 1
May 10, 2024

House clears Sappey bill to ensure Pennsylvanians’ access to telemedicine
Apr 10, 2024

New Garden Air Quality Study
Apr 03, 2024

Sappey invites residents to Senior Citizen Fair April 13
Mar 26, 2024

Sappey, Kane announce state funding for road improvements on East Baltimore Pike
Mar 26, 2024

Sappey, Kane announce funding for Stream Restoration
Jan 19, 2024