Harrisburg, PA − October 26, 2021 − Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) have introduced legislation that would expand access to solar power through a local voluntary program, while ensuring adequate ratepayer protection.
Senate Bill 919, which would create the PA Local Solar program, seeks to allow electric utilities to establish subscriber programs, by which customers can choose to purchase 100% local solar energy, rather than the traditional grid mix. The legislation will give residential and business customers the option to participate in an off-site solar program, but does not mandate participation, nor require any state funding.
“The number of customers who would like to purchase solar energy is on the rise,” said Senator Laughlin. “However, those who live in apartment buildings or in a location that is not conducive to solar energy production are currently unable to participate in Pennsylvania’s growing solar economy. There are also many others who wish to participate, but lack the financial resources required for rooftop solar installations.”
“This bill will allow those who truly believe in renewable energy, but live in settings that are not conducive to generating it, to put their money where it will back up their desire for a cleaner grid,” Senator Laughlin said.
“Our bill provides customers with the opportunity to purchase solar energy from local solar projects,” said Senator Costa. “By providing all customers with the opportunity to choose solar power, we expand the reach of renewable energy into our communities, while creating jobs right here in Pennsylvania.”
###
Harrisburg – October 20, 2021 – Sen. Costa announced today that $36,277,000 has been awarded to the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority project through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“I am very pleased that as we continue talking about infrastructure on the national stage, we are continuing to make the investments to essential infrastructure projects within our own local communities,” Costa said. “Wastewater management and water management as a whole throughout the city is essential to creating a clean and safe environment now and for generations to come.”
The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority project will use these funds to replace and rehabilitate approximately 22 miles of small diameter wastewater collection lines.
PENNVEST is committed to funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across the commonwealth. More information about their mission and work can be found here.
“I will continue to make sure that state infrastructure improvement funds are serving our communities and ensuring clean water, safe roads and bridges, and updated and functional systems across the city,” Costa said.
###
HARRISBURG – October 15, 2021 – Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) announced today that $5,290,908 has been awarded to three local low-income housing development projects.
“Safe, stable, and affordable housing should be available to every person in Pennsylvania. I am very pleased and supportive of the fact that substantial investments into low-income and affordable housing are being made in our communities. I will continue advocating for funding of low-income housing projects on the state level and advocating for the right of every Pennsylvanian to have a safe place to lay their heads at night,” Costa said.
Projects that received funding include:
- Hawkins Village Redevelopment Phase II – $2,138,326
- Development of 22 two-story buildings with 51 total units, with six being accessible units and four will have ACC assistance.
- Edgewood Retirement Residence – $2,342,478
- New construction of four-story building of 48 units, six of which will be accessible, for seniors 62 and above.
- Wood Towers – $810,104
- Preservation and rehabilitation of high-rise building with 97 units, 10 of which will be accessible.
Funding comes through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority (PHFA) Low Income Housing Tax Credits, as well as the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE/HTF) through Pennsylvania’s allocation of National Housing Trust Funds.
For more information on PHFA programs visit phfa.org.
###
Harrisburg – September 23, 2021 – State Senate Democrats issued the following statement announcing the filing of an application for relief in Commonwealth Court in response to the Senate Republican subpoena of the Department of State, including the request of sensitive personal data of voters:
“Our application for relief requests a delay to the October 1, 2021 response deadline included in the subpoena issued to the Department of State and also seeks to enjoin the Senate Republicans from entering into any binding contract that would commit taxpayer funds to a third-party vendor until such time as the court makes a ruling on the lawsuit we filed last week.
This is a critical step in protecting taxpayer dollars from waste and inappropriate expenditures until the court has an opportunity to consider the legality of the subpoena. Waiting for the courts to review and rule on the subject is warranted due to the sensitive nature of the information being sought, particularly given the very real public concerns that have been raised surrounding privacy concerns.
Notwithstanding any one party’s personal viewpoints, we should all agree that the gravity of this matter constitutes serious and thoughtful consideration.”
A copy of the filing can be found HERE.
The Democratic members of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee are Caucus Whip Anthony H. Williams, Committee Chair; Caucus Leader Jay Costa; Caucus Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes; and Caucus Judiciary Chair Steven J. Santarsiero.
###
Application for Relief
Harrisburg – September 17, 2021 – The Democratic members of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee issued the following statement announcing a lawsuit filed today against a Senate Republican subpoena of the Department of State, including the request of sensitive personal data of voters:
“The latest ploy by the Senate Republicans is unprecedented and completely unwarranted. All aspects of the certified 2020 election have been thoroughly reviewed and adjudicated in the courts with no findings of irregularities or fraud. The timeframe to contest the 2020 certified election results is long overdue.
The unprecedented maneuver of collecting the sensitive personal information of millions of voters without their consent, including Social Security information and driver’s license, for political purposes is unjustifiable and a gross misuse of taxpayer resources. The fact that they will not share how that personal information will be stored, used or who will have access to it is astonishing.
Our lawsuit seeks a declaration from the court that it is a violation of Pennsylvania law to convene a legislative standing committee to issue subpoenas for multiple election records, including private voter information, to investigate the allegations of wrongdoing or to confirm election results. The Judiciary has the exclusive power over the trial and determination of contested elections under the Pennsylvania Constitution and the state Election Code. A legislative effort to use taxpayer funds to investigate the allegations of wrongdoing or to confirm election results violates the separation of powers doctrine where the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee simply has no statutory authority to proceed in this manner.
The consequences are dire; the committee’s subpoena requests for private voter information applicable to each and every voter in the Commonwealth, which will be provided to an undisclosed third-party vendor with no prescribed limits or protection. Simply put, Senate Republicans seek to go on a fishing expedition for clearly partisan purposes, despite the fact that the Secretary of the Commonwealth, working in concert with the county Boards of Election, has undertaken a thorough review of the election, as has the bipartisan Senate Special Committee on Election Integrity and Reform.
Senate Democrats will continue the fight to protect the identity of private citizens and their right to vote without intimidation. This is nothing more than an inexcusable attempt to erode public trust in our electoral process. We must not sacrifice the most fundamental principal of our democracy so that some may pursue political gain by perpetuating the Big Lie that this election was somehow stolen.
The Democratic members of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee are Caucus Whip Anthony H. Williams, Committee Chair; Caucus Leader Jay Costa; Caucus Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes; and Caucus Judiciary Chair Steven J. Santarsiero.
Download lawsuit →
