In 2023-2024, Senator Costa worked with state senators and representatives of all parties to get important changes to property taxes, the justice system, emergency response, and more signed into law:

Higher Education Package

Act 69, Act 89, and Act 90 of 2024 (SB 1248): This holistic restructuring of higher education in PA provides economic opportunities for our college students by making colleges and universities more accessible and affordable.

Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP) for the City of Pittsburgh

Act 53 of 2024 (SB 219): This law allows the City of Pittsburgh to create a program that protects long-term homeowners from the burden of skyrocketing property taxes in neighborhoods experiencing rapid property value increases.

PA Task Force Urban Search and Rescue Team in Western PA

Act 113 of 2024 (SB 792/HB 843): The newly-formed Pittsburgh-region Urban Search and Rescue Unit now has secure state funding and resources to increase specialized training for severe emergencies in Western PA.

School-Based Mental Health Funding

Act 33 of 2023 (HB 27): School Mental Health Grants totaling $100 million were distributed to schools to improve access to mental healthcare and promote safe communities.

Juvenile Justice Task Force Report Recommendations

Act 107 and Act 108 of 2024 (SB 169 and SB 170): These two bills implement reforms needed in the juvenile justice system to improve outcomes for youth, families, and communities, with a focus on protecting public safety.

Community Service Alternative for Driver’s License Suspensions

Act 138 of 2024 (SB 1118): Where drivers struggle to pay fines and fees for low-level traffic violations that lead to license suspensions, this law gives judges the ability to get drivers back on the road through community service initiatives, improving the economic landscape for our workforce and employers.

Resolution to Study the Impact of Housing and Health Quality

(SR 24/HR 66): The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee published a report on October 2, 2024, on the effects of housing on health and provide data and recommendations on public health related to families’ homes.