News Center

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission TIP Projects

(Oct 06, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) has recently released the list of agreed-upon priority transportation projects in Greater Philadelphia. This program reflects an investment of $7 billion over four years of transportation infrastructure throughout the nine-counties that make up the DVRPC region. You can find a list of Transportation Improvement Program projects in and around the 158th Legislative District below. Click here to learn more about DVRPC and their TIP program. High Street Pedestrian Improvements US 322 West Chester Bypass Safety Improvements West Chester Pike Safety Improvements US 1 Expressway Reconstruction: PA 41 Schoolhouse Road Route 82 Crosswalks and Sidewalk Baltimore Pike/Newark Road Intersection Improvements PA 41 at State Road, Avondale Borough Boot Road over Amtrak Bridge US 202 at SR 926 Intersection Improvement Lancaster Avenue/Brandywine Creek SR 896 Safety Improvement US 1 Expressway Reconstruction: PA 896 to PA 41 SR:0001 US 30, Coatesville Downingtown Bypass Reconstruction You can read the project status report for current Chester County projects here . Read more

 

Sappey announces $414K in DCNR grants for river conservation, recreation

(Oct 02, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

CHESTER, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Christina Sappey announced today that $414,800 was awarded in the 158th Legislative District, in the form of two Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 2020 Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants. Stroud Water Research Center Inc. will receive $154,000 for construction of approximately 32 acres of riparian forest buffers along the Lower Susquehanna River and Lower Delaware River watersheds within Chester and Lancaster counties. The work will include landowner outreach and engagement, buffer plantings and post-planting establishment and other related site improvements. Natural Lands Trust Inc. will receive $260,800 for rehabilitation and continued development of Stroud Preserve in East Bradford and West Bradford townships. This project will include construction of a boat launch and walkways, access for people who use wheelchairs and other assistive equipment, landscaping, project signage and other site improvements. “I am very pleased to see these two organizations receive this funding, particularly for the riparian buffer work. Buffers are critical to ensure preservation of our high and exceptional value water ways. Without them sediment from erosion can lead to contamination” said Sappey, D-Chester. “I am also excited about the improvements coming for Stroud Preserve. Our preserves have seen an incredible increase in visitors during the pandemic, and this funding Read more

 

Sappey to hold annual drive-thru charitable item donation drive Oct. 3

(Sep 29, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

KENNETT SQUARE, Sept. 29 – State Rep. Christina Sappey’s Annual Drive-Thru Charitable Item Donation Drive will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 , at her district office, located at 698 Unionville Road. The event will run until noon or when the trucks are full. Green Drop, Toys for Tots, Kennett Area Community Services, David’s Drive, and the Brandywine SPCA will be on hand to collect the donated items. Participants must wear a mask and remain in their vehicle. Staff will provide direction upon arrival. “Last year’s donation drive demonstrated how eager our community is to help people in need,” said Sappey. D-Chester. “This event is about making a difference in the lives of those who need it most right now, and this year’s set-up helps those who want to make a difference with a one-stop drop for their charitable giving.” Donations of nonperishable food items, gently worn or new clothing, outerwear and shoes, new and used toys and games, kitchenware, household items, books, small furniture, and pet items such as collars, leashes and cat litter will be accepted. Donations should be placed in boxes or bags and organized before arriving. Those interested can find a wish list of donation items here . Questions can be directed to Sappey’s district office at (484) 200-8264. ### Read more

 

Institutionalized Disadvantage Virtual Panel Discussions

(Sep 21, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

I want to express my gratitude to all of those who took the time to participate in my virtual panel discussions. Links are provided below to watch at your convenience. Click here to watch our first discussion , “Examining Race and Institutionalized Disadvantage in Our Community.” We started the series with our panelists shedding light on the history of racism and the critical importance of self-introspection at this time. Click here to watch our second discussion , “Gerrymandering and Institutionalized Racism.” Our panelists shed light on the history of Gerrymandering and the critical steps we need to take to address the racial inequities it causes. Click here to watch our third discussion , “Institutionalized Disadvantage: Law Enforcement, the Community and Healing.” Our panelists were able to provide further insights into how law enforcement in our local communities have been reacting to the acts of violence and racism we are seeing across the country, as well as our spiritual and community leaders. Click here to watch our fourth discussion , "Institutionalized Disadvantage, a Law Enforcement Perspective." This discussion included panelists from several local and regional law enforcement agencies. Click here to watch our fifth discussion , "Institutionalized Disadvantage:Justice Read more

 

2020 Charitable item donation drive wish list

(Sep 18, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

Green Drop All items should be bagged or boxed, and weigh 50lbs or less. Tube TVs and tube computer monitors are unacceptable. Acceptable GreenDrop donation items include the following: Clothing & Shoes All men’s, women’s, children and infant clothing including outerwear, underwear, shoes and boots, jackets, ties, shirts, dresses, blouses, sweaters, pants, hats, gloves, handbags, purses, raincoats and overcoats, swimsuits, sandals, shorts, sleepwear, jeans, T-shirts and formal wear. Household Items Cosmetics and toiletries (unopened), eyeglasses and sunglasses, artificial flowers and trees, umbrellas, yarns and material, knick-knacks, antiques, jewelry, luggage, buttons, musical instruments, towels, area rugs-6x9 or smaller, Christmas and seasonal decorations, novelties, framed pictures and paintings, yard tools, hardware tools, bedding, draperies, blankets, bedspreads, quilts, sheets, pillows and pillowcases. Kitchenware Cookware and bakeware, dishes, utensils, flatware, silverware, pots and pans, Tupperware, glasses and cups, serving plates and trays, and canning jars. Games/Toys Fisher-Price and Little Tikes items, bicycles, tricycles, board and other games, stuffed animals, software for PlayStation, Xbox, and Wii. Small Appliances Read more

 

Sappey resolution designating September as ‘International Underground Railroad Month’ adopted in House

(Sep 17, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Christina Sappey’s resolution designating September 2020 as “International Underground Railroad Month” in Pennsylvania was adopted today in the state House of Representatives. “Pennsylvania’s history shows it was pivotal in the freedom of slaves via the Underground Railroad,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “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 Read more

 

Strangers Who Rescued Father and Four Kids from Floodwaters Honored

(Sep 15, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Sappey holding virtual panel on law enforcement, community and healing

(Sep 08, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Sappey announces resolution designating September 2020 as “International Underground Railroad Month”

(Aug 31, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Sappey announces over $254K for special needs children in Chester County schools

(Aug 21, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Supporting our Local Restaurants

(Aug 21, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

I am supporting the following legislation in a bi-partisan effort to keep our local restaurants in business: Read more

 

2020 Fall Newsletter

(Aug 20, 2020) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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) Rep. Christina Sappey

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

 

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission TIP Projects
Oct 06, 2020

Sappey announces $414K in DCNR grants for river conservation, recreation
Oct 02, 2020

Sappey to hold annual drive-thru charitable item donation drive Oct. 3
Sep 29, 2020

Institutionalized Disadvantage Virtual Panel Discussions
Sep 21, 2020

2020 Charitable item donation drive wish list
Sep 18, 2020

Sappey resolution designating September as ‘International Underground Railroad Month’ adopted in House
Sep 17, 2020

Strangers Who Rescued Father and Four Kids from Floodwaters Honored
Sep 15, 2020

Sappey holding virtual panel on law enforcement, community and healing
Sep 08, 2020

Sappey announces resolution designating September 2020 as “International Underground Railroad Month”
Aug 31, 2020

Sappey announces over $254K for special needs children in Chester County schools
Aug 21, 2020

Supporting our Local Restaurants
Aug 21, 2020

2020 Fall Newsletter
Aug 20, 2020

Sappey announces more than $110k in hazard pay to frontline workers at Aventura at Pembrooke
Aug 18, 2020

Sappey announces over $900k for West Goshen Sewer Authority in water and sewer grants
Aug 17, 2020

TIEC August Summit
Jul 27, 2020

2020 Summer Newsletter
Jul 21, 2020

Shusterman, Sappey and Howard to host virtual panel on human trafficking in Pennsylvania
Jul 20, 2020

Sappey holding virtual panel discussion July 13 on systemic racism and gerrymandering
Jul 10, 2020

Sappey announces upcoming shred event for July 18
Jul 06, 2020

Dinniman, Sappey Honored for Support of Equine Industry
Jul 02, 2020