Stephanie Berardi is an environmental policy professional, communications strategist, and small-business owner running as an Independent for Pennsylvania House District 154. She holds a master’s degree in sustainability from the University of Pennsylvania and has more than a decade of experience spanning public service, communications, and environmental policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
• Former regional communications manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, worked on issues involving PFAS, groundwater contamination, brownfields, air quality, environmental justice, and energy.
• Subject matter expert for the Energy Programs Office • Contributed to the development of Pennsylvania’s GO 100 PA solar energy legislation.
• Helped establish the Climate Caucus in Harrisburg to advance climate and environmental policy.
GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE
• Worked as an environmental specialist and constituent services liaison for former State Representative Steve McCarter and State Senator Amanda Cappelletti before serving at the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Served on Jenkintown’s Environmental Advisory Committee, Steering Committee, Planning Commission for Jenkintown 2035, and Rec. Board.
REAL-WORLD PERSPECTIVE: Berardi created an event planning company in 2010, volunteers for the Springfield School district where her child attends, works with local businesses to help generate new business and is a former radio personality for Disney where she was a positive role model for kids and families.
WHY SHE’S RUNNING AS AN INDEPENDENT
Berardi began her campaign as a Democrat but chose to run as an Independent because she believes ALL voters deserve a meaningful choice beyond the two major parties. She points to Pennsylvania’s closed primary system, which excludes unaffiliated voters from major-party primaries, and argues that representation should prioritize constituents over party loyalty.
“I chose to run as an Independent because voters deserve a choice beyond party lines, political labels, and the status quo. It’s about putting people ahead of party politics and creating space for thoughtful, independent leadership focused on solutions rather than political loyalty.”
THE EXPERIENCE BEHIND HER POSITIONS
Berardi’s government and environmental policy experience shapes her focus on public health, environmental enforcement, and practical solutions. During the February 18, 2025, SPS factory fire, she worked alongside first responders and coordinated with officials in Cheltenham, Jenkintown, and Springfield Township to help communicate critical information to residents. She continued to work alongside first responders in the days and weeks after to update her community with each new development. The experience reinforced her views on emergency preparedness, public communication, and the importance of protecting communities during environmental crises.
WHERE SHE STANDS
KEY POLICY PRIORITIES | PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE DISTRICT 154
1. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & PUBLIC HEALTH
HER POSITION: Prioritizing environmental protection and public health under Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, while opposing data center development that threatens the state’s air and water quality, natural resources, and communities.
KEY PRIORITIES
• Audit existing environmental laws and regulations to identify outdated standards, loopholes, and enforcement gaps.
• Invest in inspectors to strengthen enforcement actions to ensure permit holders comply with environmental requirements.
• Address climate risks and pollution threats, including PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics, to protect waterways, drinking water, food supplies, and public health.
“Stronger, science-based regulations and tougher enforcement actions can give state agencies the authority and resources they need to fulfill their responsibilities and protect the public. We need to invest more into inspectors to go out and make sure that the permit holders are compliant with following the rules and not breaking them not just when a complaint is filed against them,” said Berardi. “With years’ experience working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and serving my local community as an environmental advocate, I learned that environmental protection is about more than conservation. It is about safeguarding public health, protecting our natural resources, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring that future generations inherit a Pennsylvania where clean air and pure water are treated as rights, not privileges.”
2. SMALL BUSINESSES, SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS & GIG WORKERS
HER POSITION: People who work for themselves should not have to sacrifice health care or financial stability.
KEY PRIORITIES
• Expand affordable coverage options for people who earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance but too little to afford private insurance. • Create new tax incentives for self-employed individuals.
• Advance a state issued retirement plan for self-employed workers.
“As a small business owner and the wife of a musician and music producer, I know first-hand the hardships that entrepreneurs, self-employed, and independent workers face. Pennsylvania should make it easier—not harder—for people to build businesses, work for themselves, and support their families without sacrificing access to health care or financial stability,” said Berardi.
3. SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
HER POSITION: Pennsylvania must back first responders with the resources and financial support needed to protect their communities. KEY PRIORITIES
• Provide yearly support for staffing, training, equipment, and personal protective gear.
• Advocate for appropriate compensation when responders work extended hours during emergencies.
• Address the financial pressures facing volunteer fire departments, including Berardi’s stated goal of moving toward paid firefighter positions.
“Supporting first responders means more than thanking them after a crisis. It means investing in their safety, recognizing their sacrifices, and ensuring they have the financial and operational assistance to serve their communities,” said Berardi. “When emergencies happen, our first responders must be ready. And Pennsylvania must be ready to back them.”
4. EDUCATION
HER POSITION: Every child deserves an education that prepares them for the future and for everyday life, regardless of family income or ZIP code. KEY PRIORITIES
• Fully fund early childhood education and expand universal, full-day pre-K.
• Increase access to school counselors and student mental health services.
• Restore hands-on learning and practical courses such as financial literacy and life skills.
• Improve access to educational student evaluations and appropriate educational support.
“As both a mother and a lifelong believer in the power of education, I want to see Pennsylvania build a system that prepares every child for the future—not just academically, but for life. That means investing in our students, supporting educators, expanding opportunities, and ensuring our schools have the resources to serve their communities for generations to come,” said Berardi. “Education is not simply an expense; it is an investment in our children, our workforce, and Pennsylvania’s future.”
5. MENTAL HEALTH CARE
HER POSITION: Mental health care should be accessible and affordable—not a luxury reserved for those who can pay out of pocket. KEY PRIORITIES
• Improve insurance reimbursement rates to encourage more providers to accept insurance.
• Expand access to affordable, in-person therapy, including for people covered by Medicaid.
• Prioritize timely and appropriate mental health resources for veterans.
“Mental health care should not be a luxury reserved for those who can afford it. Everyone deserves access to support and seeking help should never mean choosing between getting care and paying for other necessities. Pennsylvania must work toward improving insurance reimbursement rates, expanding the network of providers who accept insurance, and increasing access to affordable, in-person services,” said Berardi.
6. CONSTITUENT SERVICE & ACCOUNTABILITY
HER POSITION: Residents deserve responsive service, transparent communication, and measurable progress from their elected representative. Berardi says she will focus on timely help navigating state agencies, measurable progress on public health and environmental priorities, and regular, transparent communication with constituents.
“Serving the public is an honor, and a state representative has a responsibility to serve every constituent, regardless of party affiliation. My commitment is to ensure that everyone who walks through my office door receives a warm welcome and five-star service. Whether someone needs help obtaining a SEPTA Key card or discovering unclaimed money held by the state Treasury, I want to make sure they leave with answers and the assistance they need. “While working for Steve McCarter in 2020, our office returned more claims and the highest dollar value in unclaimed property of any legislative district in Pennsylvania. We also averaged more than 65 calls a day helping residents navigate unemployment claims during the pandemic. Those results demonstrate what dedicated public service looks like, even in the most challenging circumstances: showing up, solving problems and making sure every constituent receives the help they deserve,” said Berardi.
For more information please visit www.stephanieberardi.org
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