KENNETT SQUARE, April 7 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced $1 million in state funding has been awarded to the Square Roots Community Partnership, Inc. to continue its restoration work on the Creamery of Kennett Square. According to Sappey, the funding comes from Pennsylvania’s Main Street Matters program, which was created in the 2024-25 state budget to help revitalize downtowns, support small businesses and strengthen local economies. The $1 million grant will be used to restore the 19,000 square foot creamery building in the Birch Street District. “The Creamery project is a great fit for the Main Street Matters program,” Sappey said. “This funding will help restore the structural integrity of a historic building and foster economic development in the greater Kennett Square community and the Birch Street corridor. We value our history very much here, so doing the work to restore a structure that will invite visitors from far and wide to Kennett to learn, experience and enjoy is a very worthwhile endeavor.” Square Roots Community Partnership, Inc. is a nonprofit community initiative in Kennett Square that works to fund local business development projects, like the Creamery. All of its profits are used for community benefit projects. Read more
RSVP for Rep. Sappey's Climate Info Session starting at 6 p.m. at the Kennett Township Building on Monday, April 14 here: 2025 PA Climate Info Session Read more
Today, the state House Finance Committee heard testimony at the Kennett Library from area organizations and advocates about how an additional state-level tax credit would allow Pennsylvanians to better manage their personal finances and plan for their family’s financial and educational future. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Christina Sappey today said she continues to work closely with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture officials following today’s quarantine order for the Phorid fly on mushroom houses in New Garden and Kennett townships. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today ordered a mandatory treatment procedure for mushroom houses in those townships to help combat the ongoing migration of these flies at the end of their life cycle to residential areas. The quarantine, effective today, requires all mushroom farmers in these townships to undergo post-crop steaming procedures to kill adult flies and their eggs at the source, ending their migration. The department also is making $500,000 in grants available through the Chester County Conservation District to farmers subject to the order to help implement required treatment on their farms. Over her term as state representative, Sappey has held several in person and online public meetings on Phorid flies to hear from residents and to provide information and updates. She also advocates annually for an increase in the research line item for Phorid flies in the state budget. “I am extremely pleased that the Governor and the Department of Agriculture have heard our urgent requests for assistance and are taking action to help residents in the 158th impacted by Phorid flies,” Sappey said. “While Penn Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – Members of the Chester County state legislative delegation are pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Chester County. The Chester County Conservation District was awarded more than $67,000 in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "Investing in cleaning the waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay is more than an environmental effort – it's a commitment to safeguarding a vital ecosystem, supporting local economies and preserving a legacy of natural beauty and abundance for generations to come," said state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. “Stormwater runoff and agricultural runoff remain leading sources of water quality impairment in Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “These investments will help prevent pollution and restore and protect the local watersheds that are crucial to environmental health, public health, and the strong quality of life in our communities.” Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Earlier this year, the Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Christina Sappey said today that she is working closely with PennDOT to assure plans continue moving forward on replacing the Route 82 bridge over Doe Run, as its closure is creating stress on nearby roads and impacting first responders and commuters. The bridge carrying Doe Run Road (Route 82) over Doe Run in West Marlborough Township was unexpectedly closed in November after an inspection determined significant deterioration to the steel beams and deck. The eight-mile detour around the bridge closure directs motorists to use Route 841 (Chatham Road) and Route 842 (Clonmell Upland Road). “The Doe Run Road Bridge is used heavily by over-sized agricultural vehicles, connects customers to businesses, is a major throughfare for commuters traveling from Coatesville to Delaware, and is a vital crossing for first responders,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “Any fire incident could prove catastrophic to the numerous large animal ag operations in the area due to delays caused by the bridge closure. “The entire situation is dangerous for area residents and drivers. While the hope is vehicles will use the PennDOT established detour route, GPS and other sources are also directing motorists onto narrow, local roads around the bridge closure. These arterial routes lack shoulders, painted lines and have no speed enforcement, further endangering my constituents.” The Delaware Valley Regional Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that bipartisan legislation ( Act 146 of 2024 ) to better protect victims’ pets in domestic violence situations has been signed into law. The bill (H.B. 1210), introduced by Sappey with state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- Allegheny/Washington, amends Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming a petitioner’s companion animal. Previously, Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act gave judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse but did not give explicit authority to order protective measures for a victim’s pets. “We have known for some time the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse, Sappey said. “Abusers will use harming pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation.” According to the Humane Society of the United States, data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses. In one survey, 71% of domestic violence victims reported their abuser also targeted pets. Researchers have found links between coercive control and the abuse of pets, with abusers often using family pets as leverage in the torment of their victims, threatening to harm or kill Read more
WEST CHESTER, Oct. 22 – Fifteen local municipalities throughout Chester County were awarded state grant funding for projects that support public safety, revitalize historic downtowns, improve stormwater and wastewater management, install new bridges and sidewalks, and invest in renewable energy, members of the Chester County State Legislative Delegation announced. The twenty-two projects that were awarded funding are represented by state Senator Carolyn Comitta and State Representatives Christina Sappey, Chris Pielli, Dan Williams, Danielle Friel Otten, Melissa Shusterman, and Kristine Howard. In total, they amount to a $7.4 million state investment in Chester County municipalities and local communities. “As a former mayor, I know just how important these investments are to local communities and municipalities. In the state Senate, I continue to work to secure funds that directly benefit the health, safety, prosperity and quality of life of residents, workers, and families throughout Chester County,” said Comitta. “I am pleased to work alongside Senator Comitta to support funding for these projects that invest in the longevity of our infrastructure and keep our communities safe and up to date,” Sappey said. “It is the direct result of strong state and local partnerships that work to combine resources and address needs.” “I am thrilled and extremely Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappey and Sen. John Kane today announced $734,670 in state funding for several community improvement projects in Chester County. Sappey joined state Sen. John Kane in advocating for several grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded from the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Gaming Act. These LSA grants for area projects will improve public safety and support programs. They include: $350,000 for the Chester Water Authority to upgrade the Sullivan booster station in Avondale Borough. The proposed project will install three new booster pumps, a new motor control center, multiple frequency drives, an emergency generator, automatic transfer switch, HVAC upgrades, and structural modifications to the booster station. The existing booster station pumps currently run overnight to fill a nearby water tower which proves costly to the authority. The proposed motor control system will work in tandem with the multiple frequency drives to allow for a more efficient use of each pump. In the event of an emergency, the new generator will be able to provide power for multiple pumps to be running simultaneously as the current system is only able to handle a single pump at a time. $34,670 to Kennett Square Borough to purchase an audio/visual surveillance system for its police station. The Kennett Square Police Department is operating with a failed main recorder and multiple outdated Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – House lawmakers and advocates today held a news conference at the state Capitol to urge for the passage of bipartisan legislation that would better protect victims’ pets and further protect victims in domestic violence situations. House Bill 1210 , introduced by state Reps. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, and Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, would amend Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming the petitioner’s companion animal. Sappey said Pennsylvania’s current Protection from Abuse Act gives judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse. However, judges have no explicit authority to order protective measures of a victim’s pets. “We have seen through data the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse,” Sappey said. “Abusers will often abuse or threaten the abuse of pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation. Strengthening the law to address and prevent this clear and devastating form of abuse is needed now. We have the time in the current legislative session to make this right.” Mihalek, a former county prosecutor, said she’s seen the situation occur in countless numbers. “We know through studies and statistics Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, Oct. 10 – State Rep. Christina Sappey invites veterans and their families in the 158 th Legislative District to attend her third annual Veterans Breakfast and Recognition Ceremony. This free event is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the Kennett Square VFW Post 5467, 704 W. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square. “I host this breakfast and recognition ceremony every year as a small expression of appreciation for the veterans in our community,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “Our veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices to protect us and our freedoms. Their courage and humility are inspiring, and I’m moved beyond words by these remarkable people living in our midst every day.” A free, hot breakfast will be provided as well as information on state government-related programs and services available to veterans. A keynote address will be delivered by state Rep. Jared Solomon, majority chair of the House Veterans Emergency and Preparedness Committee. Solomon served as a JAG officer in the Army reserves and currently serves in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Advance registration is required. Veterans and their families should RSVP by Friday, Nov. 1 by contacting Sappey’s district office at 484-200-8264 or emailing RepSappey@pahouse.net . The 158th district is comprised of Avondale Borough and Kennett Square Borough, as well as the Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed a bill aimed at freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners. House Bill 2536 would amend the state constitution by removing the limitation permitting Longtime Owner-Occupant Programs only in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties, thereby enabling future legislation to allow all local taxing authorities the option to adopt such a program to provide greater levels of tax relief to seniors. LOOPs provide property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years by exempting or deferring property tax increases – even if their home assessment values increase in future years. “We’ve been hearing about the impact high property taxes have, particularly on our senior citizens, for decades, so I am very pleased that my colleagues in the House unanimously supported our bill,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester , who sponsored the bill. “This legislation would provide local governments a way to help those who have lived in their homes over a decade and have felt the burden of rapidly rising property taxes the most. Our state constitution already allows Philadelphia and Allegheny counties the option of creating LOOPs. It’s time to make this mechanism available to the whole state. I believe creating options to address property tax burdens on an ever-aging state is a worthwhile endeavor.” Read more
Well, another summer is in the books! We’re now navigating the big shift from summer into fall routines. As I think of this transition, I think of you, your families, your children, and all the opportunities that lie ahead in the new season. One such opportunity is modeling for our children how we treat each other, particularly in this political season with its heightened emotions. Indeed, we can model civility for each other. It’s impactful and contagious. Recently, I drove over one of our one-lane bridges. I always pray another car isn’t coming over simultaneously, forcing me to back up. I came down the other side and waved to thank a waiting driver for their patience. Usually, drivers just look ahead when I do this, but this time the driver smiled and waved back. I experienced an instant serotonin boost, smiling the rest of my trip. Read more
Boletín de finales del verano de 2024 Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, July 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappy has requested from the Public Utility Commission a public input hearing regarding the proposed rate increase for water and wastewater by Aqua PA Inc. The PUC has granted this hearing request, which will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Sappey urges all customers who will be impacted by this potential rate increase to attend and participate in the hearing. Following the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate coming out against the proposed rate increase, Sappey filed a formal complaint with the PUC regarding this proposed 18.7% rate hike for Aqua PA Inc. and Aqua PA Wastewater Inc. “Many Aqua customers are still coping with a substantial rate increase from 2022 which, for some, tripled their wastewater bills. It’s imperative that residents speak up now to let both the PUC and Aqua know how a rate hike of this magnitude would impact their monthly household budgets,” Sappey said. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for information on how the hearing will be conducted. People with questions may contact Sappey’s office by calling (484) 200-8264 or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net with “Aqua rate increase hearing” in the subject line. Sappey represents Read more
HARRISBURG, July 1 – State House lawmakers today passed legislation ( H.B. 2175 ) introduced by Rep. Christina Sappey, D Chester, that would create a permanent Office of Child Advocate in Pennsylvania to help combat child abuse and child exploitation. Created through an executive order by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2019 over concerns related to complaints of abuse of children in congregate care facilities, the primary role of the Office of Child Advocate is to prevent child abuse and neglect. “OCA provides our state’s most vulnerable children with a direct line to assistance, serving a critical role in our government to ensure the children of Pennsylvania have a voice,” Sappey said. “Because it was established by executive order, the office ever remains in peril of being dissolved by future administrations. To better protect the children of Pennsylvania, the Office of Child Advocate should be codified as a permanent independent agency, as my bill would do.” According to Sappey, 34 other states have created permanent OCAs. The Joint State Government Commission Advisory Committee on Services to Children and Youth and the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force are among groups that have recommended OCA be a permanent office. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, June 20 – New state funding of $75,000 will help Kennet Area Community Service support homeless prevention programs and housing stability in southern Chester County, state Rep. Christina Sappey and state Sen. John I. Kane announced today. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency under the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement fund. KACS will use the state funds to support homeless prevention, housing stability, diversion, emergency housing, rapid rehousing and eviction prevention as part of its Emergency Assistance Program for families and individuals experiencing housing crisis in the southern Chester County region. “The impact that KACS makes towards the betterment of lives in southern Chester County cannot be overstated,” Sappey said. “I am pleased to see this funding approved to help support homeless prevention and housing stability, a critical issue in our area. I will continue to support the work KACS does in any way possible.” "KACS continues to be a beacon of hope in southern Chester County,” Kane said. "This funding will be a real game changer, empowering KACS to be that helping hand to families when they need it most. This will make a real and tangible difference for our families giving KACS the backing to continue their impact.” "KACS is grateful to receive this essential Read more
I hear from constituents regularly about our roads, and I share your concern. That’s why I’m havinga Transportation Town Hall with special guest, Mike Carroll, Secretary of the PA Transportation Department on June 12. I hope you’ll join us for an informative discussion and Q&A. Read more
Lea mi boletín de verano de 2024 en español Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, May 29 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, is urging local PECO electric and natural gas consumers to participate in an upcoming public input hearing she has arranged with the Public Utility Commission regarding the energy company’s request to the PUC to raise its rates. “Residents’ voices need to be heard now, not after a rate increase,” Sappey said. “We’re all impacted by potential rate increases, so it’s time to speak up.” According to Sappey, PECO Energy Company asked the PUC on March 28 to increase rates for electric ($575 million more per year) and natural gas ($111 million more per year) distribution services. If the rate increase is approved, consumers will be paying significantly more, according to information from the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate. The in-person hearing for Chester County residents is being held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 10 at the Kennett Square Borough Building located at 600 S. Broad St. Pre-registration is not required to testify at an in-person public hearing. There will be a sign-up sheet in the hearing room. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for tips on offering testimony at public input hearings, along with how to handle any exhibits people wish to submit during testimony. People with questions may contact Representative Sappey’s office by Read more
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