2020 Fall Newsletter

(Aug 20, 2020)

Dear Neighbor,September usually means the return to school, treasured fall activities, and work routines; however, this falllooks to be different from any we’ve ever experienced. The uncertainty associated with the ongoing pandemicis unsettling. Throughout this year, I have worked to uphold my sworn obligation to protect the health, safetyand welfare of the people I represent, endeavoring to find balance. Every sector of our lives has beenimpacted, and as a community we have experienced this disruption collectively.Please know that I will continue to fight for the economic resources and the protections we all need to stayhealthy, safe, and prosperous. I encourage you to reach out to me and my district office team anytime at 484-200-8264 or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net. You remain in our thoughts, and we are here for you.All the best, Read more

 

Sappey announces more than $110k in hazard pay to frontline workers at Aventura at Pembrooke

(Aug 18, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced today that $113,760 in grants would help Aventura at Pembrooke provide hazard pay to its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was created to keep frontline employees working in vital industry sectors across the state. “Our frontline workers, including healthcare professionals, utility operators and grocery store attendants, have proven over the course of this pandemic how vital their hard work really is,” Sappey said. “I want to start off by thanking all of them for their dedication and sacrifice in the face of a deadly virus. This hazard pay is an important way we can show them and their families how much we care about their wellbeing. Anyone who puts themselves at risk to ensure the rest of us can live as close to a normal life as possible deserves this critical support.” Created through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, this reimbursement-based grant was made available to employers offering hazard pay during the eligible program period. Grants were administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. Grant funds were provided for hazard pay to direct, full-time and part-time employees earning less than $20 per hour, excluding fringe benefits and overtime for the 10-week period from Aug. 16, 2020, through Oct. 24, 2020. Employers could apply for up to $1,200 per eligible Read more

 

Sappey announces over $900k for West Goshen Sewer Authority in water and sewer grants

(Aug 17, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that $910,896 has been awarded to West Goshen Sewer Authority in the form of two separate grants. $500,000 from H20 PA and $410,896 from PA Small Water and Sewer. “We’ve seen what can happen when our water and sewer pipes are not properly maintained with recent collapses along West Chester Pike,” Sappey said. “If we want to prevent future disruptions to our water service and infrastructure, we need to act proactively before another collapse or failure. Thousands of feet of pipe will need to be repaired, and this money helps these projects get off the ground.” Funding was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funding is broken down as follows: West Goshen Sewer Authority: $500,000 H20 PA – Water Supply, Sewer and Stormwater funding. The project includes the rehabilitation of cured-in-place pipe lining of approximately 1,195 linear feet of 30-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe, 793 linear feet of 24-inch diameter RCP, and 6,469 linear feet of 20-inch diameter RCP. This project also includes the lining of 37 manholes used to convey flow from West Goshen Township, West Whiteland Township, Westtown Township and East Goshen Township. West Goshen Sewer Authority: $410,896 PA Small Water and Sewer Program funding. In 2019, multiple sections of 14-inch diameter asbestos cement pipe Read more

 

TIEC August Summit

(Jul 27, 2020)

This TIEC Summit is designed to provide in-depth, trauma-informed training for educators and other practitioners whose agencies or organizations service children and their families. Those who participate in the Summit sessions will be exposed to information and practices that enable them to approach their work through a trauma-informed lens. Read more

 

2020 Summer Newsletter

(Jul 21, 2020)

Dear Neighbor,These past few months have been a tremendous challenge for all of us. Every sector of life has beenimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even still, I am amazed by the resilience, compassion and generosityof the 158th District. Thank you for all you have done to help your neighbors in need and for doing your partto keep our community healthy and safe.In this newsletter, you will find information on my work in 2020. I also invite you to get updates on mylegislative Facebook page and through my e-news, which you can sign up for by contacting my district officeor visiting my website.My office is committed to serving you. We are here to help navigate state programs, locate resources, makereferrals and to share information. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help at 484-200-8264 or emailRepSappey@pahouse.net with questions and concerns. Read more

 

Shusterman, Sappey and Howard to host virtual panel on human trafficking in Pennsylvania

(Jul 20, 2020)

PAOLI, July 20 – State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, Christina Sappey and Kristine Howard invite constituents to their online panel to bring awareness to human trafficking, with an emphasis on how it can happen anywhere, and to teach people how to identify trafficking situations. The discussion will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30. A livestream will be available on each of the three representatives’ websites. Anyone who wishes to participate in the discussion by emailing questions to be answered live must RSVP online. Upon submitting an RSVP, the office will send instructions on where to submit questions and introduce the panelists. Shusterman, Sappey and Howard said that they wanted to shed light on this issue after the recent arrests of three Malvern residents for abducting and trafficking a 14-year-old girl. Additionally, the United Nations recognizes July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. “Human trafficking happens in every state throughout the nation, yet many people think it doesn’t happen in their neighborhood,” Shusterman said. “Predators often times exploit these feelings of safety and security, which result in tragic, traumatizing losses. We all need to do our part and learn how every one of us can help to shut down these sex trafficking rings that so often target Pennsylvania’s women and girls.” “The issue of human trafficking is so Read more

 

Sappey holding virtual panel discussion July 13 on systemic racism and gerrymandering

(Jul 10, 2020)

HARRISBURG, July 10 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, invites residents of the 158th Legislative District to her next in a series of virtual panel discussions on race, “Gerrymandering and Institutionalized Racism” at 6 p.m. Monday, July 13. Panelists will include state Reps. Joanna McClinton and Morgan Cephas, both D-Philadelphia, along with Carol Kuniholm, chair of Fair Districts PA. The meeting will be available via live stream, and those who wish to attend must RSVP by emailing Sappey’s office at RepSappey@pahouse.net or signing up online at https://www.pahouse.com/Sappey/RSVP/?id=1261 . “The topic of entrenched racism in our culture is huge,” Sappey said. “How do we begin to tackle necessary change in the institutions of our society? My hope is that by breaking the conversation down into parts we will begin to understand what has happened over time and what is needed to ensure that all citizens truly have the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Questions may be directed to Sappey’s office by calling 484-200-8264. ### Read more

 

Sappey announces upcoming shred event for July 18

(Jul 06, 2020)

CHESTER, July 6 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that she will host a Drive Thru Shred Event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 18 in the parking lot of her district office, Willowdale Town Center, 698 Unionville Road in Kennett Square. “Last year’s shred event was a big success and even though we cannot meet as we could last year, I wanted to provide this service to anyone who needs it in a safe manner,” Sappey said. “We know that identity theft can tear families apart. It’s imperative that you dispose of documents, especially after tax season, in a manner that protects yourself and your loved ones. It is always amazing to me how little information these scammers need in order to wreak havoc on a person’s finances.” Bring up to three boxes or bags of documents containing sensitive personal information to be shredded on site. In order to limit personal contact, this event will be drive thru. Sappey asks that all participants wear a face mask if they plan to attend and to stay in their vehicle. Someone will provide further instructions upon arrival. For more information, contact Sappey’s office at (484) 200-8264. ### Read more

 

Dinniman, Sappey Honored for Support of Equine Industry

(Jul 02, 2020)

WEST CHESTER (July 1, 2020) – State Senator Andy Dinniman and state Rep. Christina Sappey were both recently honored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) for their contributions to and support of the equine industry in Pennsylvania.Dinniman and Sappey received legislative awards from the PHBA for their work in the state legislature on behalf of the horse industry and equine agriculture. This was the second time Dinniman received the PHBA honor. He also received the award in 2018.“Horses are a big part of Chester County’s heritage, identity, and economy,” Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said. “Equine agriculture and sport brings investment, jobs, visitors and tourists, and supports our efforts to preserve open space. I want to thank PHBA for this award and pledge to continue to work together to keep horse breeding and equine agriculture strong in Pennsylvania.”“I am honored to be selected by PHBA for this award,” added Sappey, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. “The equine industry is incredibly vital to our region, especially in supporting downstream small businesses such as farms that lease space, composters and haulers, small and large animal veterinarians, feed and supply stores, shipping and transport, and so many more, all while maintaining the open space and beautiful landscapes Chester County is known for.”In 2017, Dinniman supported the efforts of Delaware Valley University and... Read more

 

Sappey announces over $22K for local environmental education grants

(Jul 02, 2020)

CHESTER, July 1 –State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that two environmental education grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have been approved for Stroud Water Research Center totaling $22,748. The funding will be distributed as follows: Stroud Water Research Center: Capacity building for Girls-in-STEM Watershed Education ($19,748). Stroud Water Research Center: Brandywine Watershed Discovery Day Camp 2020 for Underserved Youth ($3,000). “I’m very excited about this funding for Stroud Water Research,” Sappey said. “These programs focus on watershed environmental science, technology, engineering, and math, providing enrichment for students entering grades four through six. They will also encourage aspiring future female environmental leaders.” Sappey said that the grants will engage youth in environmental justice, climate change, and/or water quality improvement, expand their understanding of these issues in Pennsylvania and provide people with skills to take responsible action to protect Pennsylvania’s environment. For more information, contact Sappey’s office at 484-200-8264. ### Read more

 

Sappey sponsors telemedicine bill

(Jul 01, 2020)

CHESTER, July 1 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced the introduction of H.B. 2454 , which would provide for regulation and insurance coverage of telemedicine. “We’ve seen firsthand during this pandemic how telemedicine plays a critical role in providing Pennsylvanians access to health care,” Sappey said. “This legislation includes coverage for services provided by the Children Health Insurance Program and insurance coverage parity with services provided during office visits.” Sappey added that in addition to standard medical practices, mental health providers are sharing successes they have had with patients using telemedicine during the pandemic. It is critical for patients to be able to continue to utilize these tools remotely, she said. Telemedicine is the remote delivery of healthcare services and medical information using telecommunications technology. It’s a significant and rapidly growing component of health care today, Sappey said. By using telemedicine, specialists and other healthcare providers can expand their reach. This will help rural patients, in particular, who frequently choose not to seek care or are forced to travel long distances to see a provider. More information about the legislation is available by contacting Sappey’s office at 484-200-8264. ### CONTACT: Daniel Bixler House Read more

 

Small Business Assistance grants available

(Jun 29, 2020)

Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. The first round of the $225 million COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance grant program is expected to open for applications on Tuesday, June 30 and will remain open for 10 business days. Additionally, applications will continue to be accepted after 10 business days to be considered for future rounds of funding. Those rounds will be announced soon. This program will award grants ranging from $5,000 - $50,000 to small businesses economically impacted by the coronavirus, and money is specifically set aside for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people. For an application preparation checklist, criteria for eligibility and consideration, and a full list of participating Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), please click below to go to the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance website. https://pabusinessgrants.com/ Read more

 

Sappey holding virtual discussion Monday addressing institutionalized racism

(Jun 05, 2020)

KENNETT SQUARE, June 5 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, invites residents of the 158th Legislative District to her virtual panel discussion “Examining Race and Institutionalized Disadvantage in Our Community” at 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Panelists will include state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Morgan Cephas, both D-Philadelphia, along with Joan Duvall-Flynn of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Trauma Informed Education Coalition. The meeting will be available via live stream, and those who wish to attend must RSVP by emailing Rep. Sappey’s office at RepSappey@pahouse.net .or signing up online here . “The recent death of George Floyd has served as a hurtful reminder to the injustices and greater disadvantages that exist throughout our society,” Sappey said. “I’m asking that the public join me in this discussion with open hearts and minds as we examine the changes we need to make to begin addressing these inequalities.” Questions may be directed to Sappey’s office by calling (484) 200-8264. Read more

 

Sappey calls for hair salons and barbershops to be included in Yellow Phase guidelines

(May 29, 2020)

KENNETT SQUARE, May 29 – State Rep. Christina Sappey announced that she signed onto a letter addressed to Gov. Tom Wolf calling on him to add hair salons and barbershops to the list of businesses permitted to reopen during the Yellow Phase. The letter details safety precautions that could easily be taken to ensure the safety of customers, such as operating at 50% capacity. “I’ve been in contact with hair stylists and barbers throughout the district who are ready to get back to work and willing to take the precautions necessary to protect public health” Sappey said. “Allowing restaurants to serve customers outside was a huge victory for small businesses, and I believe we can help other business owners move into the Yellow Phase as well. With industry-specific guidelines in place, we can get so many more Pennsylvanians back to work and our economy back on track safely.” Other legislators who signed onto the letter are: state Reps. Joseph Ciresi, Steve Malagari, Melissa Shusterman, Tina Davis, Dave Delloso, Jennifer O’Mara, Dan Williams, Danilo Burgos, Tim Briggs and Austin Davis. Wolf has announced that all Pennsylvania counties, including Montgomery and Chester counties, will move at least into the Yellow Phase by June 5, with 17 counties moving to the Green Phase on today. For more information, contact Shusterman’s office at (484) 200-8264 or RepSappey@pahouse.net. Read more

 

Sappey postpones April events

(Mar 23, 2020)

KENNETT SQUARE, March 23 – State Rep. Christina Sappey announced that she will postpone her two April events, a sustainable living forum and a litter cleanup, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sustainable living forum was originally scheduled for April 2 and the litter cleanup for April 18. Sappey said they will be rescheduled for a later date. “Even though I will not be hosting any events and my district office will be closed until further notice, please know that my office staff is still available by phone and email to assist constituents with any of their state-related needs,” Sappey said. “I look forward to connecting with the community again, in person, as soon as possible.” Sappey’s office can be reached by phone at (484) 200-8264 or by email at RepSappey@pahouse.net . Read more

 

Sappey postpones upcoming events and in-person constituent services amidst COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak

(Mar 13, 2020)

KENNETT SQUARE, March 13 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that, under the advisement of public health officials, she is postponing her upcoming veterans’ luncheon scheduled for March 20, and sustainable living forum scheduled for April 2 to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. “Two of our neighboring counties, Delaware and Montgomery, have presumptive positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, so it’s important to ensure the health and safety of Chester County residents,” Sappey said. “These events will be rescheduled to a later date.” Additionally, Sappey’s district office will be closed to the public for the time being. The office will remain operational with staff available by phone and email, but no in-person services or appointments are being held until further notice. While there are currently no presumptive positive cases of the virus in Chester County, Sappey said that these are precautionary measures to help keep constituents and staff safe. Sappey added that while her office will temporarily not welcome visitors, she encourages constituents to contact her by phone at 484-200-8264 or email at RepSappey@pahouse.net for assistance with state-related matters. The public can receive current information regarding COVID-19 coronavirus by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH. Read more

 

Raiding the race horsing fund bad for Pennsylvania

(Feb 25, 2020)

Last fall in Harrisburg, I participated in a discussion about southeastern regional priorities. Several topics arose, but the issue of debilitating student loan debt came up repeatedly as subtext to the questions of how we grow our economy; how we ensure a trained workforce; and how we encourage young people to stay in Pennsylvania after graduation. Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in student loan debt, with graduates averaging debt of $35K. Carrying that much debt means many graduates are unable to afford to move into adulthood independently. A large number must work several jobs to meet expenses, and more than a few of our graduates will, unfortunately, default on their student loans, leaving them unable to build a sound foundation for the future. In his 2020 state budget, Governor Tom Wolf has proposed student debt forgiveness for our PA state system graduates when they agree to stay in PA for 6 years after graduation. This is a bold initiative and worthy of exploration. The second oldest state in the US needs these skilled, eager young people to stay, work, and make a life in PA. On the surface there is not much to object to; however, the Governor’s proposal would be paid for with $200 million from the PA State Horse Racing Development Fund. This fund was created by Act 71 of 2004 and uses proceeds from slots to support breeding of top-level race horses, to further strengthen our agricultural economy. In this budget scenario, the issue of addressing PA Read more

 

2020 Winter Newsletter

(Feb 10, 2020)

As I head into my second year serving as your State Representative, I am humbled by the confidence you have placed in me. It is an honor to represent those I have always considered my neighbors and to fight for our many shared priorities in Harrisburg. Read more

 

Pa. Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property

(Nov 30, 2018)

Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts; Uncashed checks, including paychecks; Lost stocks and bonds; Contents of safe deposit boxes; Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies; Expired gift cards/gift certificates. To find out if you have unclaimed property, search your name in the Unclaimed Property database at www.patreasury.gov/Unclaimed/Search.html , call 1-800-222-2046, or contact my office . There is NO CHARGE to claim your unclaimed property. Read more