Recently, rate increases for water and wastewater services provided by Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. (Aqua) went into effect for over 400,000 customers in 32 counties across the commonwealth. Many residents, including seniors on fixed incomes, have been surprised and frustrated to receive bills that have nearly doubled. The current rules regarding rate regulations and water utility sales are not in the consumer’s best interest. It is imperative that reform is considered in Harrisburg to prevent future prioritization of corporate profits over residents’ access to a basic necessity, such as water. I share the frustration of Aqua customers going through this current increase. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is the regulatory authority in Pennsylvania for utility rates. Utilities wishing to increase rates must submit a request to the commission for approval. The PUC is currently comprised of three commissioners, each appointed by the governor on a five-year term and confirmed by the State Senate. When Aqua submitted this request in 2021, I urged the PUC to hold in-person hearings for residents to voice concerns. When that request was denied, State Rep. John Lawrence and I hosted a telephonic public hearing and I joined many of you in testifying against the then-proposed additional charges. Despite these efforts, the PUC commissioners voted unanimously to approve the rate increase in May of 2022. Recently, I wrote to the PUC providing examples of the Read more
Pictured left to right are Dr. Joseph Greco, MD, LCH Medical Director, state Rep. Christina Sappey, Kate Genthert-Siolek, Chester County Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist, and Bob Rafetto, PRLA Brandywine Chapter Co-Chair. KENNETT SQUARE, Sept. 29 – Community members joined state Rep. Christina Sappey on Monday for a Free Naloxone Training at Kennett Borough Hall. The e vent was hosted with support from the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, The PA Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA), Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute and LCH Health and Community Services (formerly known as La Comunidad Hispana). The training, led by Chester County Drug and Alcohol Services, included an overview of the opioid epidemic in Chester County as well as information about resources to help in the fight against addiction. Participants learned how to identify a possible opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone. Following the presentation, attendees received a free naloxone kit. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication that can rapidly reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore breathing within two to eight minutes and has been used safely by medical professionals for more than 40 years. Accidental overdose is up at the county, state and national levels over the past 20 years, reports show. In Chester County, most overdose deaths had fentanyl present in Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 21 – State Reps. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and Christopher Rabb, D-Phila., have introduced H.R. 229 , recognizing September 2022 as “Transcontinental Underground Railroad Month” in Pennsylvania. Sappey had introduced resolutions commemorating the month in previous legislative sessions and this year was joined by colleagues Bullock and Rabb. The language of the document was drafted with support from the Legislative Black Caucus and the House Equity Committee. “The Underground Railroad is a significant freedom movement in American history and an integral component in the advancement of African Americans,” said Sappey. “I am proud to reintroduce this resolution and pay tribute to those who have taken great risks for freedom.” The trans-Atlantic slave trade began as early as the 15th century, introducing a system of slavery that was commercialized, racialized and inherited. People were forcefully abducted from Africa, enslaved in the American colonies and exploited to work in the production of crops, such as tobacco and cotton. During the era of slavery in the United States, the Underground Railroad served as a route to freedom for enslaved African Americans from throughout the United States, including Pennsylvania. While the Gradual Abolition Act was adopted by the Commonwealth in 1780, it required individuals who were slaves before 1780 to remain enslaved, allowing the Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced two grants totaling $239,037 were awarded to projects in the 158 th Legislative District. The funding was provided through the Commonwealth Financing Authority ’s Act 13 grant programs. Kennett Square Borough will receive $125,000 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant Program to restore Red Clay Park. The borough is proposing a transformative urban green space, trail, and ecological restoration project in the heart of the community. The project includes the removal of invasive species along the creek and stabilization of the streambank through riparian buffer plantings. In addition, the borough will construct creek access and new portions of trailways with picnic tables and welcome signs. “I was happy to support Kennett Square Borough’s application for these funds,” said Sappey. “The Red Clay Park and Creek Restoration Project will provide environmental and recreational benefits in an optimal location, creating key pedestrian connections to Kennett High School, the YMCA, the new library, Anson B. Nixon Park, local businesses and more.” Over the past decade the borough, in partnership with the Kennett Trails Alliance, has advanced the Kennett Greenway, a planned 14-plus-mile pedestrian and bicycle loop to connect the borough to everyday destinations. The greenway will run through 30 Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Sept. 19 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, thanked the bi-partisan state House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee for coming to Chester County to learn about the important role and impact of public horticulture on tourism in Pennsylvania. The hearing was conducted at Longwood Gardens, an industry leader for public gardens, on Friday, Sept. 16. Sappey requested the hearing to highlight the far-reaching economic, educational, environmental and physical benefits provided by Pennsylvania’s many public gardens, and to encourage promotion of public gardens throughout the commonwealth as a top priority for the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. “Our state public gardens are an integral part of the Pennsylvania tourism industry and generate significant revenue,” said Sappey. “This hearing was an excellent opportunity for policy makers to learn about how public gardens provide educational opportunities, create jobs and support local businesses.” Testimony was provided by members of the PA Public Horticulture Coalition, a newly formed organization of industry leaders who work to showcase the rich benefits public gardens and horticulture organizations bring to the public. “I’ve enjoyed working with the PPHC to amplify their voice and to share the important economic, community and cultural benefits that public horticulture brings to all citizens of the commonwealth,” Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Christina Sappey invites senior citizens in the 158 th Legislative District and their families to attend a free Senior Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Kennett Middle School, 195 Sunny Dell Road, Landerberg, PA 19348. “Our community partners and the commonwealth offer numerous programs and services for seniors,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “My hope is that this Senior Fair will provide residents with information on health and wellness, senior living, recreational opportunities, education and community events. I am pleased to serve the seniors living in the 158 th District.” Vendors will provide information on health care, government services, legal assistance and more. The event will feature music, light refreshments and free door prizes. Vaccinations will be available for individuals who can provide an ID and insurance card. Health screenings, including blood pressure readings, hearing tests and more, will also be available. Individuals over 65 with ID will be able to apply for or renew SEPTA Senior Passes. There will also be staff available to assist with unclaimed property searches. Anyone with questions should contact Sappey’s office at (484) 200-8264 or RepSappey@pahouse.net . Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Sept. 7 – Eight projects to improve outdoor recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and help revitalize local communities in Chester County will receive more than $3.3 million in funding, state Representative Christina Sappey and Senator Carolyn Comitta said today. “I’m pleased to see these investments in our open spaces and environment,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey. “By preserving land and installing green infrastructure, such as riparian buffers, we are expanding natural habitats while further protecting our waterways.” “Preserving open space, protecting our natural resources, and expanding recreational opportunities adds to the healthy and vibrant quality of life that continues to attract residents, families, and businesses to the Chester County region,” state Sen. Carolyn Comitta said. “These historic investments will continue to pay dividends in ensuring strong environmental health, public health, and economic opportunity.” The projects, located in Chester County, will receive grant funding administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). They are as follows: $1.5 million for Penn Township for the further development of Penn Sports Park, including the construction of pedestrian walkways, a Read more
I love the fall season and all that Chester County has to offer. The region becomes lively with events, traditions and the excitement that a nip in the air brings. Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Aug. 31 – State Rep. Christina Sappey today announced the approval of state funding for Stroud Water Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Pennsylvania State University, all of which are partners in the 158 th Legislative District. This new funding will have a big local impact on: Affordable agriculture labor housing. Preparing a skilled, future-forward agriculture workforce. Stroud’s research on benefit of agriculture restoration practices. Phorid fly research funding. Safely controlling Spotted Lanternfly. Pollination in fruit orchards. “As a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, we have worked on numerous issues facing our farmers in PA over the last several years, so I am thrilled to see this funding for our agriculture industry,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “It’s our No. 1 industry and it’s important to fund programs and research that help us make farming safer, more sustainable and to innovate and improve the way we operate.” Penn State University was awarded $126,718 to expand the use of new integrated pest management to control phorid flies in mushroom production. “The 158 th Legislative District in southern Chester County includes most of our mushroom industry. The impact of phorid flies on residents and mushroom growers cannot be Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Aug. 31 – State Rep. Christina Sappey will host a free Community Naloxone Training from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, September 26 at the Kennett Borough Hall, 600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square, PA (new address). This training will be for individuals, businesses, community organizations, restaurant and hospitality employees and anyone interested in learning how to properly administer life-saving naloxone to those experiencing a drug overdose. This event is being supported by the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, The PA Restaurant & Lodging Association, Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute and LCH Health and Community Services (formerly known as La Comunidad Hispana). Spanish translation services will be provided at the event by LCH Health and Community Services. “Sadly, every day at least 10 people in Pennsylvania will die from a drug overdose,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “Trainings are one way we can help prevent these tragedies. By learning how to administer naloxone, you could help save a life." Registration for the free training event is required and interested individuals can sign up here or by calling Sappey’s office at (484) 200-8264. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication that can rapidly reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore breathing within two to eight minutes. Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Christina Sappey announced today that the Garage Community & Youth Center has been awarded $23,000 in state funding. The grant will be used at the Garage’s new facility, at 121 Pennsylvania Ave. in Avondale Borough, which opened in May 2022. These funds will help to purchase and install an emergency generator, renovate a shower within the facility and provide basic shelter essentials for small children, including meals. “I am pleased to see this investment in the Garage Community and Youth Center,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “The center helps families in the community by providing a safe, supportive place for youth after school.” The Garage Community & Youth Center is an after-school and youth-development program serving middle and high school students in Avondale and Kennett Square. It first opened its doors in the Kennett community in 2001. In 2021, the group purchased the Avondale location, moving from West Grove. In addition to after school care, the Avondale site is now in the process of becoming an emergency storm shelter location with the American Red Cross. “Portions of Avondale have a history of flooding during storms, so I am grateful to the Garage for working proactively to assist impacted families,” Sappey Read more
I hope this summer newsletter finds you well and that you’re finding an opportunity to slow down, spend time with friends and family and enjoy the abundant natural beauty here in the 158th. Read more
Every ten years, after the U.S. Census, the Legislative Reapportionment Commission is created to redraw the boundaries of Pennsylvania’s state House and Senate districts to maintain equitable representation based on population. In March, the bipartisan Legislative Reapportionment Commission and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania approved new legislative district maps. These maps will remain in place for the next decade. The new 158th Legislative District consists of: » Avondale Borough » East Fallowfield Township » East Marlborough Township » Kennett Square Borough » Kennett Township » New Garden Township » Newlin Township » Pocopson Township » West Bradford Township » West Marlborough Township The following municipalities will no longer be in the 158th and have moved to the legislative district in parenthesis: » East Bradford (moved to the 156th) » West Goshen (moved to the 156th) » London Britain (moved to the 13th) I will continue to serve as state representative for residents of East Bradford, West Goshen and London Britain until the end of the current legislative session on Nov. 30, 2022. Read more
2022-2023 Education Budget Increases in the 158th Legislative District Read more
As a legislator in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I am constantly grounded in the knowledge that so many Pennsylvanians choose to faithfully serve our nation in the Armed Forces. It is vital that our elected officials pay special attention to the needs of veterans and their families, as their selfless sacrifice has benefitted us all. Following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, many brave men and women answered the call to defend our nation. In doing so, they put themselves in danger. Many found themselves overseas in combat or on remote bases where living conditions were unsanitary and dangerous. As Americans whose freedom is secure thanks to the hardship endured by these brave soldiers, we have a responsibility to care for veterans who, in the defense of liberty, suffered physical or emotional wounds and, in many cases, continue to suffer from the lasting effects of their injuries. Roughly 3.5 million U.S. servicemembers have been exposed to toxic inhalants from waste and garbage burn pits on military bases; such toxic exposure has led to lasting and severe health conditions. To ensure that these veterans get the health care they need and deserve, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 3967, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, also known as the Honoring our PACT Act. This legislation would provide expanded eligibility for VA medical care for veterans who participated in activities that exposed them to toxins, Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, May 24 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, invites everyone to a free drive-thru shred event from 9 a.m. to noon (or until the trucks are full) Saturday, June 11. This year’s shred event is being held at a new location, Unionville High School, 750 Unionville Road in Kennett Square. Staff will be on hand to direct drivers. “Each year more than 10 million Americans have their personal information stolen,” said Sappey. “Proper disposal of confidential items can help protect people and their family against identity theft. I am pleased again to hold this shredding event to prevent information from falling into the wrong hands.” Participants are asked to remain in their car and open their trunk, staff members will then empty the car and the materials will be shredded on-site. The shred event is for individuals only, not businesses. Only paper will be accepted. Please do not bring binders, binder clips or books. There is a four box or bag limit per car. The bags/boxes will be returned after they are emptied. Kennett Area Community Services will be on-site to collect nonperishable food donations from attendees. While donations are welcome and encouraged, they are not required to access the free shredding services. Anyone with questions should contact Sappey’s office at (484) 200-8264. Read more
In our work in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, we are constantly grounded in the knowledge that so many Pennsylvanians choose to faithfully serve our nation in the armed forces Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, April 23 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, publicly thanked groups and individuals that participated in cleanup efforts near the Brandywine Picnic Park on Saturday. In the wake of Tropical Storm Ida last fall, a large amount of debris from the river and the surrounding neighborhoods had been deposited on the park and surrounding properties. Responding to residents’ concerns and individuals interested in lending a hand, Sappey’s office connected community volunteers and businesses with the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, a local watershed conservation group, and the Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority (SECCRA) to organize the cleanup of the site. “It was inspiring to see neighbors come together to participate in this cleanup effort -- fittingly on Earth Day Weekend -- to help keep the waterway clean, protect the environment and restore the scenic beauty of the area,” Sappey said. “Volunteers worked for months to organize and were ultimately successful without the use of any state or federal grants.” Sappey expressed special thanks to SECCRA, which waived the dumping fees for this clean up effort. “The flooding following Tropical Storm Ida on Sept. 1, 2021, had a devastating impact on residents and landowners in our region. BRC is pleased to play a part in this cleanup effort,” said Jim Jordan, executive director and CEO of BRC. Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, April 23 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, was joined by over 60 community members Saturday for “Walk, Learn and Play: Streams in the 158 th ” at Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale. Sappey hosted the event with Stroud staff to help district residents learn more about healthy streams and rivers, factors that can degrade the quality of these waterways, and what homeowners and residents can do to protect them. “I’m grateful to the Stroud Water Research Center for providing this up-close look at the wonders of our local natural resources. There’s no better way to learn than by getting out and experiencing nature first-hand,” Sappey said. “This event was a wonderful chance to learn how we can all work together to protect the environment.” The free, family friendly event included a nature walk along the White Clay Creek and hands-on activities, including stream-side tables where attendees learned about insects from the stream bottom and fish living in White Clay Creek. Those in attendance also learned about forested riparian buffer projects. Dr. David Arscott, Stroud executive director and research scientist, stated "We had a great morning sharing and learning about environmental stewardship to help restore and protect our rivers and streams." Read more
“It was wonderful to join Sen. Comitta, Secretary Snead, Secretary Berrier and students from the Dub-C Autism program today,” said Rep. Sappey. “We’ve learned so much about autism over the last 20 years so, it’s truly heartening to see inclusion in practice here. Neuro-diverse individuals want to be productive members of the community just like all of us, and this supportive programming keeps young people moving forward in their education and on the path to independent living. I am extremely proud of West Chester University for their leadership in this area.” Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Christina Sappey.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
Willowdale Town Center698 Unionville RdKennett Square, PA 19348-1704
P*: (484) 200-8264
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
112 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202158Harrisburg, PA 17120-2158
P*: (717) 772-9973
F*: (717) 772-3072