Harrisburg, May 27, 2015 – State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today issued the following statement congratulating Sen. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny/Washington) on his appointment to serve as incoming President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. Sen. Smith’s resignation will be effective within the month.
“For the past three years, Sen. Smith has served as a thoughtful and distinguished member of the Senate Democratic Caucus and was an advocate for hardworking people all across Allegheny and Washington counties,” said Costa. “He is a man of great integrity, whose background makes him the ideal candidate to serve as the President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber.”
Costa remarked that Smith’s advancement to this position is a testament to the breadth and depth of the experience and expertise he brought to the caucus.
“Matt has earned the respect of everyone who knows and has worked with him. This position will give Matt the opportunity to expand on his record of public service and build from his years of work in the House and the Senate.”
Sen. Smith developed a strong record of support for education, economic development, and government reform during his time in the Senate. He introduced legislation to provide access to housing for homeless veterans, protect the rights of pregnant mothers in the workplace and championed new laws to toughen penalties against those would severely injure or kill a police dog.
Smith served as the Democratic chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and also served as a member of the Aging and Youth, Appropriations, Judiciary, and Transportation committees.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the commonwealth and represent the residents of the 37th Senatorial District. I would like to thank my constituents for entrusting me to be their advocate in the district and at the state level, and want them to know that even as I leave public office I will continue to work to make our region stronger and prepare our workforce to compete in the 21st century economy.” Smith said. “I would also like to thank Sen. Costa and all of my Senate colleagues for their partnership and support during my time in the Senate and as I transition into this new role. “
“Matt was a catalyst for change within the Senate and had a firm grasp on issues of importance to his constituents. He will be sorely missed by the entire caucus,” Costa said. “Our loss is truly the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce’s gain.”
No decision has been made on plans to fill his seat. Costa said the office will remain open and continue to deliver the same level of service they have enjoyed under Sen. Smith.
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