Steve Santarsiero

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Steve Santarsiero
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 31st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 6, 2009[1]
Preceded by David J. Steil
Personal details
Political party Democratic
Residence Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania
Alma mater Tufts University B.A.

University of Pennsylvania J.D. Holy Family University M.Ed.

Occupation State Representative
Website http://www.pahouse.com/santarsiero/

Steven J. "Steve" Santarsiero is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He has represented the 31st district since 2009 and is currently serving his 3rd term in office.

Background

Santarsiero received his bachelor's degree from Tufts University in 1987. He went on to earn a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1992.[2] He practiced as an attorney in Newark. After witnessing the attacks on the World Trade Centers on 9/11, Santarsiero decided to become a school teacher and received his M.Ed. from Holy Family University. He taught social studies at Bensalem High School.[3]

Political career

Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors

Santarsiero was elected to the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors in 2003, where he was the only Democrat. He organized the Southeastern Bucks League of Municipalities[4] to discuss regional issues and solve local problems. In 2006, he was elected Chairman of the new Board.[5]

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

In 2008, Santarsiero was elected to Pennsylvania's House of Representatives with 53% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Pete Stainthorpe.[6] Santarsiero defeated Republican challenger Rob Ciervo by 162 votes in 2010, securing his second term in office.[7] In 2012, Santarsiero was elected with over 57% of the vote, defeating Republican Anne Chapman.[8]

Santarsiero serves on the Appropriations, Ethics, Environmental Resources & Energy, and Transportation Committees and is the Democratic Secretary of the Education Committee.[9]

Issues

Gay Rights

Santarsiero publicly supports expansion of LGBT Rights in Pennsylvania. When the US Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act on June 26, Santarsiero posted on his official Facebook page

"Today's federal Supreme Court decision to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act marks an historic victory for equality and civil rights. Congratulations to same sex couples who can finally be recognized under the laws of our nation for the commitment they have made to each other."[10]

Universal Background Checks

In early 2013, Santarsiero introduced HB 1010, which would end a loophole permitting intrastate long gun purchases in Pennsylvania. The bill has been the subject of controversy in Pennsylvania, drawing support from Cease Fire PA, Bucks Safe, the Peace Center, Keystone Progress, and Mayors Against Illegal Guns[11] and opposition from the Second Amendment Action Group and the National Rifle Association[12][13]

Environmentalism

Santarsiero has called for increased regulation of Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing.[14] In 2012, he introduced H.B. 2414 which has measures to increase driller accountability, increase the required drilling distance from water sources, and allow local governments to grant variances to drilling companies.[15] HB 2414 was a part of a 6 piece legislative package known as the Marcellus Compact sponsored by Pennsylvania Democrats to better regulate the natural gas industry in the state.

Reform

Santarsiero does not take any of the per diem allowances offered by the state government to members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He does not accept cost of living increases or use a state car.

Santarsiero also supports term limits for state representatives and senators.[16]

He introduced H.B. 1321 which forfeits the salaries of representatives during periods of budget impasse past the July 1st due date.

Santarsiero consponsored H.B. 153, which reduces the State Legislature by 50 seats.[17]

Campaign Finance

Following the Citizens United Supreme Court Ruling, Santarsiero introduced a H.R. 294 calling for a convention to amend the Constitution to allow states and Congress to pass laws limiting the amount of money that any person or group can donate to federal or state elections.[18] He has since reintroduced this resolution two more times.[19][20]

References

  1. ↑ "SESSION OF 2009 - 193D OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - No. 1". Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2009-01-06. 
  2. ↑ "Representative Steven 'Steve' J. Santarsiero's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 5/30/13. 
  3. ↑ "Steve Santarsiero". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 30, 2013. 
  4. ↑ "Towns seek ways to cope regionally 19 southeast communities are joining a forum to regularly discuss common traffic, development and other problems.". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 6/3/2013. 
  5. ↑ "About Steve". Steve Santarsiero for State Representative. Retrieved 5/30/13. 
  6. ↑ "2008 General Election Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved 5/30/13. 
  7. ↑ "2010 General Election Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved 5/30/13. 
  8. ↑ "2012 General Election Results". Pennsylvania Department of State. Retrieved 5/30/13. 
  9. ↑ "Rep. Santarsiero 31st District". Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Retrieved 5/30/13. 
  10. ↑ Seymour, Kara. "'Why Shouldn't Two People in Love Get Married?:' Reactions to DOMA Ruling". Newtown PATCH. Retrieved July 15, 2013. 
  11. ↑ "State Rep. Steve Santarsiero call for vote on bipartisan bill to require universal background checks for firearms in Pa.". Bucks Local News. Retrieved 7/18/13. 
  12. ↑ Bumstead, Brad. "Newtown shooting victim’s mom, NRA argue for and against background checks in Pa.". TribLive. Retrieved 7/18/13. 
  13. ↑ "Santarsiero, CeaseFire PA, mayors defend H.B. 1010 in response to Capitol rally on Second Amendment". Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Retrieved 7/18/13. 
  14. ↑ "Santarsiero: Marcellus Shale fails to protect Pennsylvanians". Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Retrieved 6/13/13. 
  15. ↑ "Santarsiero Introduces Bill as Part of Marcellus Shale Compact". Newtown Patch. Retrieved 6/13/13. 
  16. ↑ "Issues". Steve Santarsiero for State Representative. Retrieved 6/13/13. 
  17. ↑ "Bill to reduce Pa. House reported out of committee". Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Retrieved 6/13/13. 
  18. ↑ Davies, Dave. "Bucks County lawmaker wants consitutional amendment on campaign finance". Newsworks. Retrieved 6/13/13. 
  19. ↑ "Santarsiero Calls for Campaign Finance Reform". Newtown Patch. Retrieved 6/13/13. 
  20. ↑ "Santarsiero calls for election-spending reform at state, federal levels". PA House. Retrieved 6/13/13. 

External links

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