KENNETT SQUARE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- You'll likely remember the rescue from Chester County, when four strangers worked together to save a family from flooding.The victims were nearly swept away in rushing water from Tropical Storm Isaias in early August.Four strangers, turned good Samaritans, saved a father and four children from a sinking vehicle as the floodwaters continued to rise.Today, their rescuers were honored."At a time when we really need to hear stories like this, I am moved beyond measure by what took place one afternoon and how differently the story could have ended," said State Rep. Christina Sappey at the event in Kennett Square on Friday.The stranger from different parts of the world, who saved the father, his two kids, his niece and his little brother, all reunited for this honor.They are all still in awe of the rescue and still haunted by the life-saving moments that brought them all here today. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, invites residents of the 158th Legislative District to her next presentation in a series of virtual panel discussions on race: “Institutionalized Disadvantage: Law Enforcement, The Community and Healing.” The discussion will stream live at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at www.RepSappey.com . Panelists include state Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan, Chief Gerald Simpson of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, and Rev. Annalie Korengel, pastor of Unionville Presbyterian and the police chaplain for Kennett Township, Kennet Square, and Southern Chester County Regional Police Departments. Those interested in participating should RSVP by emailing Sappey’s office at RepSappey@pahouse.net or signing up online at https://www.pahouse.com/Sappey/RSVP/?id=1277 . “Throughout this series of discussions, we have explored the origins of systemic racism in the American institutions of education, housing, health care and justice,” Sappey said. “This upcoming panel will focus on law enforcement changes, community healing and the path forward. I look forward to this event and hope that as many people as possible can join to help chart a new course together.” Questions and comments for panelists may be emailed to RepSappey@pahouse.net before or during the Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 31 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced her plans to introduce a resolution that would designate September 2020 as “International Underground Railroad Month” in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania’s history shows it was pivotal in the freedom of slaves via the Underground Railroad,” Sappey said. “The more research that was done, the more we uncovered safehouses, escape routes and hiding places across the entire state. Ordinary citizens and some former slaves known as ‘stationmasters’ would risk their own freedom to help their loved ones escape. It’s time to recognize the importance of the Underground Railroad. This designation honors this state, its people, and all of those who have fought and continue to fight for true freedom of all peoples.” “This moment in time is a chance to reflect on all of those who fought tirelessly for their right to vote and true freedom,” said Dr. James Trotman, founding director of the Frederick Douglass Institute at West Chester University. “I tend to think of Douglass himself, and the North Star, his first newspaper, in another challenging time. After he attended the 1848 Women’s Rights Conference in Seneca Falls, New York, he changed the newspaper’s masthead to reflect the impact of the conference on him and our common struggle. The masthead read, ‘Right is of no sex; truth is of no Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 21 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced today that several Chester County schools and school districts would be the recipients of $254,487 in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds and Pennsylvania Department of Education federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. “No matter how our schools choose to move ahead, we need to make sure those with special needs are never left behind,” Sappey said. “This money allows our educational institutions to better prepare themselves and meet the needs of all of our children. A quality education for all students is our number one goal, even in the face of a pandemic.” The grants will be distributed as follows: Avon Grove Charter School: $5,000. Kennett Consolidated School District: $24,803. Downingtown Area School District: $35,858. Avon Grove School District: $37,355. Unionville-Chadds Ford School District: $49,672. West Chester Area School District: $101,799. These funds are to be used for: Providing enhanced real-time instruction to bolster remote services and supports for students with complex needs. Providing services and supports to students with disabilities who experienced a loss in skills and behavior and/or a lack of progress due to the mandatory school closures. Grant amounts were calculated using an allocation formula based on Read more
I am supporting the following legislation in a bi-partisan effort to keep our local restaurants in business: Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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