News Center

Sappey: Pass the Honoring Our PACT Act for our Veterans Now

(Jun 06, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Sappey to host free drive-thru shred event

(May 24, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Letter to Senators Casey and Toomey urging them to support the Honoring Our PACT Act

(May 23, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Sappey applauds community effort to clean up Tropical Storm Ida debris along the Brandywine

(Apr 25, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Sappey hosts Walk, Learn and Play: Streams in the 158th

(Apr 25, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

West Chester University Promotes Economic Opportunities for Students with Autism

(Apr 20, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

“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

 

Sappey to host ‘Walk, Learn and Play: Streams in the 158th’

(Apr 18, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

The event will focus on how residents can use nature, such as the presence of specific animals and plants, to determine stream health and safeguard water sources from pollution. Read more

 

Sappey applauds passage of bills supporting the dairy industry

(Apr 14, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced that a package of bills supporting the Pennsylvania Dairy Industry passed the state House this week. “Pennsylvania is home to over 5,000 dairy farms, producing over 10.3 billion pounds of milk every year,” Sappey said. “This bipartisan package of bills would help struggling dairy farmers and support the commonwealth’s dairy industry. As the granddaughter of a dairy farmer, I’m proud to have supported these bills in the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee and pleased to see them pass before the House.” House Bill 1847 , introduced by Sappey, would change the name of the PA Milk Marketing Board to the PA Milk Board. The board monitors and enforces minimum payments to milk producers while licensing milk dealers, haulers, testers and weigher/samplers operating in Pennsylvania. This change more clearly reflects the role of the board to our dairy farmers and the industry. Other bills from the package, including H.B.s 224 , 2456 and 2457 , would update the Milk Marketing Law to more current standards, including suggestions from a recent Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study. These updates would allow more coordination between the board and the PA Department of Revenue for milk premium payments to help farms experiencing hardship, and updating penalties, fees, and enforcement measures for the licensure of milk dealers, certified testers, weighers, Read more

 

Sappey announces over $3.3 million in grants for child care centers

(Apr 06, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, April 6 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced today 21 child care facilities in the 158 th Legislative District received a total of $3,328,734 in a fifth round of stabilization grants through the American Rescue Plan Act. “Ensuring safe, quality child care is essential to restoring our full workforce,” said Sappey. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devasting impact on the child care industry. Many families struggle to find open spots in child care facilities because providers have been forced to cut back due to caregivers leaving the profession. This investment will help stabilize the childcare industry and will have a positive economic impact. This helps get women back into the workplace, helps employers fill jobs and ultimately improves the local economy.” The centers receiving the federal funding include: Tick Tock Early Learning Center, Avondale: $277,091. A Child’s Place Extended Care at Bradford Heights Elementary, Downingtown: $49,871. A Child’s Place at West Bradford Elementary, Downingtown: $68,572. Creative Kids of Downingtown, Downingtown: $245,818. Firm Foundations Day Care, Downingtown: $33,247. United Sports Training Center, Downingtown: $132,987. Ducklings Early Learning Center, Kennett Square: $415,481. The Growing Place Childcare & Preschool Kennett, Kennett Square: $336,935. J.A.M. Christian Daycare, Read more

 

WATCH: The Future of Transportation in Chester County

(Mar 16, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

Here are the resources mentioned by the panelists throughout the program: To report a pothole or road concern directly to PennDOT, please click here or call 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Chester County Planning Commission Chester County Priority Projects Southern Chester County Trails Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Information Guide from the White House on how stakeholders can access IIJA programs Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Senator Bob Casey’s Pennsylvania Summary U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pennsylvania Summary American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Economic Impact of IIJA in US Economic Impact of IIJA in PA Read more

 

Sappey to hold transportation virtual panel discussion

(Mar 11, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, March 11 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, invites residents of the 158 th Legislative District to attend her virtual panel discussion, “The Future of Transportation in Chester County,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17. The event will cover recent federal infrastructure funding, state initiatives and advances in transportation technology and how this all could impact Chester County. “Pennsylvania will receive $17.8 billion in federal aid to support infrastructure projects to replace and repair bridges, upgrade roads and highways, improve public transportation and more,” Sappey said. “We have an opportunity to bring the infrastructure of the commonwealth and Chester County into the 21 st century. This will attract industries, support small businesses and increase safety and accessibility.” Panelists will include U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula, and Transportation Management Association of Chester County Executive Director Tim Phelps. Residents should RSVP here or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net . Those who RSVP will receive a viewing link the day of the event. Questions for the panel can be submitted in advance to repsappey@pahouse.net . Read more

 

PA Horse Breeders Donate $150,000 to Penn Vet New Bolton Center for Biomarker, Blood Doping Research

(Mar 04, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, PA (March 1, 2021) – The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) announced today a $150,000 donation to the Equine Pharmacology Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s (Penn Vet) New Bolton Center that will support continued revolutionary research in equine biomarkers. The new round of PHBA funding – which will expand on the cutting-edge research that the PHBA helped to fund in 2018 - will bolster three key research initiatives focused on improving the health and safety of equine athletes and enhancing integrity in racing. One area of research seeks to identify novel mRNA biomarkers that can help proactively predict if a horse is at risk for injury, even for injuries that are difficult or impossible to detect using conventional methods. Ultimately, researchers hope to develop a rapid stall-side blood test that could be administered prior to a race, helping racing officials accurately detect horses that may be at an elevated risk. The funding will also support Penn Vet’s sample collection for continued development of an Equine Biological Passport through the expansion of the Equine Pharmacology Laboratory’s BioBank. Samples from the BioBank are analyzed to determine baseline levels of blood-based biomarkers found in racehorses. Once established, these baseline levels can be used to determine if blood samples taken from a horse pre- or post-race show any variations from Read more

 

Hearing Examines EMS Crisis in Pennsylvania

(Mar 04, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, March 3 – This week, the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held a hearing on the EMS crisis in Pennsylvania. State Reps. Christina Sappey and John Lawrence, both of Chester County, requested the hearing after a briefing from West Grove Fire Co. on the impact of hospital closures last November. Providing testimony at the hearing were the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS, Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, Hospital Association of Pennsylvania, Harleysville Area EMS, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, West Grove Fire Co., Office of Emergency Services, County of Cameron, West Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute, Cetronia Ambulance Corps and the PA State Association of Township Supervisors. Testifiers shared the severe challenges they currently face, such as recruitment and retention of personnel, funding shortfalls, inadequate Medicaid reimbursements and billing constraints, hospital emergency room protocols, and COVID-19 challenges to the EMS system. Neil Vaughn, president of the West Grove Fire Co., said the EMS crisis seen across the state, combined with the closure of two Chester County hospitals, has increased first responder burnout and emergency response time. “As a county, it took us from five hospitals to three; two of the three hospitals that we now go to on a regular basis are now outside the Read more

 

Sappey announces more than $186K awarded to fire and EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced today $186,600.40 in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grants. “These are challenging times for our first responders. Many of our local fire and EMS organizations are understaffed and underfunded,” Sappey said. “Grants like these help our emergency crews remain properly trained and equipped. I am very pleased that we can provide funding to those dedicated to keeping us safe.” The grants were awarded to the following local fire and rescue departments: Avondale Fire Company: $15,000. Avondale Fire Company EMS Division Inc: $8,325.05. First West Chester Fire Company: $15,000. Good Fellowship Club of Chester County Inc: $8,325.05. Goshen Fire Co: $15,000.00 (Fire) $8,325.05 (EMS). Kennett Fire Company No 1: $15,000. Longwood Fire Co: $15,000 (Fire) $8,325.05 (EMS). Po Mar Lin Fire Company: $15,000. Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services: $8,325.05. West Bradford Fire Company: $15,000. West Grove Fire Company: $15,000 (Fire) and $8,325.05 (EMS). These grants are administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, education and public outreach, recruitment and retention, construction savings account, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are Read more

 

2022 Winter Newsletter

(Feb 11, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

Dear Neighbor, I hope 2022 is off to a good start for you and your family. Read more

 

Chester County Legislative Delegation and Commissioners Meet with School Superintendents to Discuss Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth

(Feb 09, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

Downingtown, PA - Chester County’s school superintendents shared their concerns regarding the increased demand for mental health services for students with state and county elected officials at a special information session held at the Chester County Intermediate Unit on February 2, 2022. Organized by Pennsylvania State Representative Christina Sappey and CCIU Executive Director Dr. George F. Fiore, the meeting was the culmination of work done by a smaller group formed early last summer to address youth mental health and suicide prevention needs in Chester County. This smaller work group consisted of county officials, school superintendents and staff and CCIU. They inventoried current programming and resources and identified gaps in service. The goal of this larger meeting was to bring both county and state officials together to hear directly from the superintendents. The presentation made by superintendents provided an overview of the current situation and a plan to significantly improve services and meet students’ needs. “We all share the public’s urgent concern for the mental health and safety of our kids, and for how this is landing on our schools,” said Representative Sappey. “Accurately addressing the behavioral health needs of our students is critical to saving lives. Today we have been given a road map and I am hopeful that with bi-partisan support we can overcome these challenges.” Providing opening remarks, Dr. Read more

 

RSVP for my virtual panel discussion: The Future of Transportation in Chester County

(Feb 08, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

The Future of Transportation in Chester County with State Rep. Christina Sappey. The virtual panel discussion will take place Thursday, March 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Read more

 

Sappey to host Telephone Town Hall

(Feb 03, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, invites residents of the 158 th Legislative District to join her Telephone Town Hall at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 16. Residents will receive a legislative update and have the opportunity throughout the event to ask questions related to state and local issues. Special guest Mark Pavlovich of Fair Districts PA will discuss the redistricting process and be available to answer questions. “I look forward to hearing from constituents about the issues that are important to them,” said Sappey. “This is a great opportunity to connect with residents on a variety of topics, especially as the state budget process begins this month.” Residents interested in joining the call should RSVP by contacting the Representative’s office at 484-200-8264, or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net . A preferred number should be provided in the RSVP to ensure a connection at the time of the event. The 158 th Legislative District includes East Bradford, Avondale, East Marlborough, London Britain, New Garden, Newlin, West Bradford, West Marlborough and a portion of West Goshen. Read more

 

Sappey, Comitta and Herrin Announce $2.1 Million for Chester County Hospital

(Jan 21, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

WEST CHESTER, Jan. 18 -- State Rep. Christina Sappey, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and State Rep. Dianne Herrin announced today that they have secured more than $2.1 million in total state funding to support expanding inpatient and emergency department capacity at Chester County Hospital. The funding, made available through the federal American Rescue Plan, comes at a crucial time as communities across the county face Tower Health’s abrupt decision to close Jennersville Hospital in southern Chester County and impending plans to close Brandywine Hospital in the Coatesville area at the end of this month. “The growing mental health crisis and its increasing burden on law enforcement and hospitals is a major concern, so I’m particularly pleased that we were able to access this funding to help Chester County Hospital expand its behavioral health treatment area,” Sappey said. “Chester County Hospital has a longstanding tradition of service to our community and they are the right group at the right time to utilize this funding.” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, said the funds will significantly help Chester County Hospital and its emergency department deal with an expected influx of patients due to the closure. “These are vital and timely investments in our public healthcare and emergency care infrastructure in Chester County – investments that were especially needed in emergency and Read more

 

Sappey applauds more than $970,000 in grants for parks and conservation projects

(Jan 04, 2022) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced four local projects are set to receive a combined $972,000 in Community Conservation Partnership Program grants. “Preserving open space remains a priority for residents of Chester County. It’s important for several reasons, not just the beneficial recreation opportunities preservation creates, but holding on to as much pervious surface as possible helps prevent flooding. Open Space also increases property values and tourism revenue,” Sappey said. “This investment in our future will enhance the quality of life for our area and will have lasting impacts for generations to come.” The grants include: New Garden Township: $250,000 to rehabilitate the St. Anthony’s in the Hills Park. Work will include construction of an internal loop trail, parking area and stormwater management measures; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, riparian buffers and lighting; ADA access, landscaping, project signage and other related site improvements. New Garden Township: $582,000 to purchase approximately 105 acres along McCue Road and Church Road for a new township park. Chester County: $60,000 to prepare a countywide trail plan. Chester County Water Resources Authority: $80,000 to prepare an update to Read more

 

Sappey: Pass the Honoring Our PACT Act for our Veterans Now
Jun 06, 2022

Sappey to host free drive-thru shred event
May 24, 2022

Letter to Senators Casey and Toomey urging them to support the Honoring Our PACT Act
May 23, 2022

Sappey applauds community effort to clean up Tropical Storm Ida debris along the Brandywine
Apr 25, 2022

Sappey hosts Walk, Learn and Play: Streams in the 158th
Apr 25, 2022

West Chester University Promotes Economic Opportunities for Students with Autism
Apr 20, 2022

Sappey to host ‘Walk, Learn and Play: Streams in the 158th’
Apr 18, 2022

Sappey applauds passage of bills supporting the dairy industry
Apr 14, 2022

Sappey announces over $3.3 million in grants for child care centers
Apr 06, 2022

WATCH: The Future of Transportation in Chester County
Mar 16, 2022

Sappey to hold transportation virtual panel discussion
Mar 11, 2022

PA Horse Breeders Donate $150,000 to Penn Vet New Bolton Center for Biomarker, Blood Doping Research
Mar 04, 2022

Hearing Examines EMS Crisis in Pennsylvania
Mar 04, 2022

Sappey announces more than $186K awarded to fire and EMS companies
Feb 11, 2022

2022 Winter Newsletter
Feb 11, 2022

Chester County Legislative Delegation and Commissioners Meet with School Superintendents to Discuss Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth
Feb 09, 2022

RSVP for my virtual panel discussion: The Future of Transportation in Chester County
Feb 08, 2022

Sappey to host Telephone Town Hall
Feb 03, 2022

Sappey, Comitta and Herrin Announce $2.1 Million for Chester County Hospital
Jan 21, 2022

Sappey applauds more than $970,000 in grants for parks and conservation projects
Jan 04, 2022