My Bio
Stephanie Berardi is an entrepreneur, a mom, a forward thinker, and leader that that understands the challenges of small businesses. She began her career as a radio personality for Disney and had a positive impact on thousands of kids. She served the public sector, policy leadership, and community advocacy and has personally helped many constituents across the district while working for former State Rep, Steve McCarter. She played a key role in creating the Climate Caucus in Harrisburg and helped residents navigate some of their most difficult moments, from unemployment claims during the pandemic to environmental crises like the SPS factory fire, and infrastructure challenges. She served in the senate and helped shape environmental legislation (GO100PA), advancing Pennsylvania’s transition to clean, healthy energy. She was the Regional Communications Manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, where she managed crisis communications across critical DEP programs. She was appointed to become the subject matter expert (SME) for the Energy Programs Office. Her work to hold polluters accountable and protect public health is not finished. Stephanie has devoted her life to environmental and community causes. She holds a master’s degree in sustainability from the University of Pennsylvania, served on Jenkintown’s Environmental Advisory Committee, the Steering Committee for Jenkintown 2035, and Rec board. In the legislature, Stephanie will fight to finish what she started: advancing smart environmental policy, advancing health care legislation, strengthening pollution protections, working across party lines to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis, and helping de-carcerate Pennsylvanians who have suffered under outdated and unjust policies. The 154th District deserves an experienced leader who understands government, science, and the real needs of working families. Stephanie Berardi doesn’t just talk about change—she has spent her career making it happen. She is running to build a healthier, fairer Pennsylvania and to show that women can be powerful change makers.
My Key Issues
Environment
I worked as the Regional Communications Manager for the Department of Environmental protection. I am well versed on subjects that matter; Air and water, permits, radiation protection, energy programs, waste, grants, brownfields, storm water management, pipelines, climate change, permits, and mining. I have extensive knowledge and will commit to keeping you informed of environmental issues that matter the most to you.
Recycling
One persons trash is another's treasure. Commodities like cardboard, metals can help generate income for small towns and businesses when the infrastructure is there to support the collection of these materials. We can innovate what we do with our trash to make it work for us. Single stream recycling might be convenient, but we pay more to have it sorted. Having dedicated collections for cardboard, glass or metals which can be sold back in bulk, can generate income and reduce hauling fee's.
Adult Use Cannabis
It's time to legalize adult use recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania. I'll help craft smart legislation that works for everyone and work with both parties to get this passed.
Raising the Minimum Wage
Seventeen years ago -2009 was the last time PA raised the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. People should not have to get 3-4 jobs just to make ends meet. Pennsylvania has to do better.
Energy
Solar and wind are viable options to alternative energy, powered by the natural elements. We need to break through the barriers to make these options more accessible to our communities.
Plastics
Single use plastic is wreaking havoc on our environment. The extraction, production and manufacturing of plastics is polluting our air, our land, harming our bodies. These products are either buried, burned, or sometimes recycled. There are natural alternatives like plant fibers, sugarcane, bamboo, pasta, and cornstarch that biodegrade. We need legislation that will help protect our environment and include a moratorium on producing any new plastics.
PFOS/PFOA
I have been involved with this issue from ground zero right here in our district. I learned, in great depth, the complexities of this forever chemical. The DEP is dedicated to finding, testing, and remediating this toxic chemical from contaminated sites. I've toured state of the art water treatment facilities that get this stuff out of our drinking water. There is so much more work to be done in the legislature to help ensure that we have access to pure water in Pennsylvania.
Preserving Natural Land
Pennsylvania is home to a vast landscape of natural beauty. We need to protect our land from data centers, warehouses and legacy pollution. We need laws that protect our pollinators and incentivize planting native species, wildflower pollinator gardens, and trees.
Arts and Entertainment
I fully support and stand with artists, musicians, performers, dancers and gig workers. My husband is a full time musician, engineer and producer and I see first hand, the day to day struggles. From health insurance to income instability its hard when you don't have job protections. I will work towards finding solutions, so you can continue doing what you love to do.
Technology
My position on technology is that there needs to be balance. Jumping ahead towards an AI future is going to leave humanity with an environmental burden that should carefully be considered. We need to resist data centers and protect our land that will take away our abundant farms, use our clean drinking water, and pull and exorbitant amount of energy that we cannot afford. The noise pollution, light pollution and large buildings will destroy Pennsylvania's land. AI takes away the human element and replaces human jobs. Let's keep phones and tablets out of kids hands as much as we can, get back outdoors, and let them play together.
Food Waste
Foodwaste is something we can mitigate to reduce the amount of methane that is trapped in our landfills. Awarding contracts to composters, we can divert more than 28 percent of what we toss to creating beneficial soil. This seems like such a simple solution. Let's get the conversation going.
LGBTQ
Love is love. I fully support our LGBTQ families in your unique journey and will stand by and fight to make sure you always have equal rights.
Mental Health
So many of us suffer from mental health issues. Going to therapy should not have a stigma attached to it. We need to ensure that everyone has access to getting help when they need it. Therapy should be a covered benefit across all heath insurance platforms.
Veterans Support
I will support our Veterans and ensure they have access to basic needs, mental health support, and career needs. We need to do more to make sure they know they are appreciated for the service.
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274