Pittsburgh, PA − April 5, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Dan Frankel are pleased to announce an allocation of $269,708 in funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Senator Costa and Representative Frankel championed the creation of this grant in the wake of the 2018 deadly massacre in Pittsburgh, where an armed gunman killed eleven Jewish worshippers at Tree of Life Synagogue. His trial is set to begin this spring.
“All of us deserve to feel safe in our places of community, no matter how we look, who we love, or how we pray,” said Senator Costa. “I am so proud to be delivering on this crucial value and securing funds to keep our community spaces protected from bad actors who seek to inflict pain. It’s up to us to make sure we can pray without fear, fellowship without danger, and create community in peace.”
Signed into law in 2019, Act 83 directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication.
“We are deeply proud of our vibrant, diverse community in Pittsburgh,” said Representative Dan Frankel. “These grants will allow organization that serve vulnerable populations here to do so in ways that makes people feel safe and free to be themselves.”
The recipients of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding include:
- Afro American Music Institute: $75,000
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh: $7,708
- Congregation Dor Hadash: $12,000
- Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh: $150,000
- SisTers PGH: $25,000
More information about the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund is accessible on the PCCD’s website.
PITTSBURGH, PA – March 23, 2023 − Today, State Senator Jay Costa, Mayor Ed Gainey, and Representative Sara Innamorato gathered to call for the speedy passage of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP) in order to protect homeowners living in areas with rapidly increasing property tax rates. If passed, this legislation would allow Pittsburgh’s mayor and city council to freeze the property tax rates for people who have lived in homes they own for a certain period of time.
“The people who built our communities belong in those communities, and we have the opportunity to deliver on that crucial value here in Pittsburgh,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “As the costs of living rise, along with property taxes, it’s up to us to ensure that seniors and long-term members of our communities can afford to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love.”
“I’m proud to support this important legislation that will help keep people in the houses they made into homes,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “Nobody should be pushed out of their neighborhood because of development and this legislation will help make sure people can continue to call their neighborhood home.”
As Pittsburgh continues to experience increased investment and development pressure in specific neighborhoods of the city, longtime owner occupants have been and will continue to be put at risk of being forced out of their homes due to rapid increases in property taxes. Given rising living costs and constantly increasing tax burdens in areas where real property values have risen markedly as a consequence of the renovation of other deteriorating residences or the construction of new residences, coupled with the practical challenges for counties of the second class to implement such a program, the City of Pittsburgh is seeking amendments to the “First and Second Class County Property Tax Relief Act” to provide the same abilities to cities of the second class in order to allow longtime owner-occupants of residences to remain in peaceful possession of their homes.
“Bottom line: this is about protecting the people and families who have been here during the tough times while also welcoming new neighbors and new investment. It’s a win-win. It just takes the political will to get it done,” said Representative Sara Innamorato. “Establishing a LOOP would allow Pittsburgh to protect homeowners – from young working-class families to our seniors on fixed incomes – across the city from unaffordable property taxes, people who have been here for a long time and deserve to stay in the neighborhoods they’ve invested in. It’s one small step towards achieving equity in our governmental systems.”
Proposed changes to The First and Second Class County Property Tax Relief Act would involve:
- Amending the title of the statute from “First and Second Class County Property Tax Relief Act” to “First and Second Class County and City Property Tax Relief Act”;
- Amending occurrences of “counties of the first and second class” to read “counties and cities of the first and second class”;
- Further discussion on whether any amendments to Section 4749.4(c) would be necessary; and
- Amending Section 4749.5(c)(2) from “School districts and municipalities within a county of the second class may…” to read “School districts and municipalities within a county of the second class, including cities of the second class, may…”
Text of the legislation is accessible online here.
Footage of the press conference is available on his website, SenatorCosta.com. Downloadable photographs and video are available upon request.
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HARRISBURG, PA – March 7, 2023 − Today, Senate Democrats and House Democrats held a joint press conference to respond to Governor Shapiro’s Budget Address. Senate Democrats are pleased with a commonsense budget that invests in the future of Pennsylvania, and are excited to continue the negotiation process throughout the spring.
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has expressed unity in a few key priorities for Pennsylvania: education, workforce development, gun violence prevention, housing, seniors, and healthcare, including mental healthcare. This budget invests seriously in all these core areas responsibly both immediately and long-term.
“Governor Shapiro has put forth a thoughtful, reasonable, and doable budget,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “This budget prioritizes our children, our educators, our workforce, our small businesses, and our seniors. This is a solid plan to move Pennsylvania forward, and I look forward to bipartisan cooperation with the Senate Republican Caucus as we go into hearings in the coming weeks.”
Senate Democrats have worked tirelessly to introduce and pass bills aimed at solving many of the problems this budget seeks to address. These include bills intended to fully fund public education and solving the teacher shortage crisis.
Senate Democrats have also fought for increased investments in community-based antiviolence programs. The Democratic caucus was proud to champion Senator Nikil Saval’s Whole Home Repairs program, an investment in Pennsylvania’s aging and inaccessible housing stock. Additionally, the Democratic caucus has also long called for investments in protecting our environment, which would create good-paying green jobs throughout the commonwealth. The Women’s Health Caucus has fought for resources to address maternal health outcomes and mortality, especially among Black and brown women. This budget takes logical, intentional steps in each of these areas, supporting Democrats’ work and priorities.
“The governor has said in meetings prior to today’s address that he is looking for a new spirit of collaboration in putting together the state budget,” said Appropriations Chair Senator Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia. “My colleagues and I welcome that new energy and are confident we will work together to accomplish many impactful things for Pennsylvanians in the 7th District and across the commonwealth with this budget.”
Senate Democrats are especially excited about Governor Shapiro’s calls for a $15/hour minimum wage and adult-use recreational cannabis. Both of these measures would immediately boost the economy of Pennsylvania, putting money directly in the pockets of working families, small businesses, and government coffers. Senator Tina Tartaglione and Senator Art Haywood have long called for a livable minimum wage; Pennsylvania’s $7.25/hour minimum wage is lower than that in every neighboring state.
“Governor Shapiro’s proposal offers us an opportunity to move Pennsylvania forward and come to a consensus on key issues,” said Senator Judy Schwank of Reading. “The proposed investments in public safety, workforce development and education are pragmatic and will deliver real results for the people of this Commonwealth. Working through the budget is always a long process, but I believe today’s proposal is a very promising start point.”
Video footage of the press conference is available for viewing at PASenate.com/video. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
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HARRISBURG, PA – February 27, 2023 – Today, Senate Democrats held a press conference calling for the swift and bipartisan passage of HB1 and HB2, which would open a Window to Justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.
“The time to pass a Window to Justice for these survivors is now,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “We are calling on our colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus to do the right thing here and deliver justice for these victims quickly and in a bipartisan fashion.”
“The victims of childhood sexual abuse have been failed by so many people in so many ways,” said Senator Sharif Street. “Let’s not fail them again by failing to act. It is offensive to use them as a bargaining chip, this should not be politicized.”
HB1 and HB2 were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. HB1, which would create a constitutional amendment, passed 161-40, with Democrats voting unanimously for its passage. HB2, which would amend the statute itself, passed 134-67, again with unanimous Democratic support.
“We have a moral obligation and a professional duty to get this done,” Senator Santarsiero said. “This is not a new issue, and we have a unique opportunity here in the Senate to finally get these survivors justice. Let’s do the right thing and let’s do it now.”
“Today we have the opportunity to deliver HB 1 and HB 2 to the Governor’s desk and finally give adult survivors of child sex abuse a window to justice,” said Senator Maria Collett. “The longer we delay, the more survivors suffer and the harder their cases become to ultimately prove. We must not allow perpetrators of abuse or the institutions that shielded them to evade accountability any longer.”
The Senate passed SB1 on January 11, 2023, which would have put a constitutional amendment creating a Window to Justice on the ballot. However, Senate Republicans added an amendment to require voters to show ID every time they vote, and another allowing resolutions to override executive regulations. Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the bill as amended, outraged that the GOP prioritized political agendas over justice for countless victims of child sex abuse.
“We have an opportunity before us to come together in a bipartisan way and provide healing and justice to victims of child sexual abuse – but the Senate Majority Party continues to allow personal political priorities to stand in the way of the needs of survivors,” said Senator Katie Muth. “Every single survivor is worthy of being heard, protected, and having their rightful pathway to justice and healing. It is time that the Senate supports these victims and passes standalone legislation that opens a statute of limitations window for victims of child sexual abuse.”
Because HB1 and HB2 were passed during Special Session by the House, the Senate would need to gavel into special session. Before leaving office, Governor Wolf called a special session. The senate will be in regular session for five days prior to breaking for budget hearings, during which the Senate Democratic Caucus is urging the Republican Caucus to open a special session and pass HB1 and HB2 swiftly.
“Now that the House has taken lead in bringing justice for survivors of childhood sexual assault, it’s time the Senate does the same,” said Senator Kearney. “We need to stop the partisan tactics around the statutory window. The victims deserve better, and we can provide better, we can provide justice now. I join my Democratic Colleagues in urging this legislature to open the special session and vote on these pieces of legislation. It’s the right thing to do.”
Video footage of the press conference is available for viewing at PASenate.com/video. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
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Harrisburg, PA – February 7, 2023 – The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus applauds the Commonwealth Court’s historic ruling in William Penn School District, et al. v. Pennsylvania Department of Education, et al., that Pennsylvania’s system of funding public education is unconstitutional.
Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer, President Judge of the Commonwealth Court, today ruled that “Petitioners satisfied their burden of establishing the Education Clause was clearly, palpably, and plainly violated because of a failure to provide all students with access to a comprehensive, effective, and contemporary system of public education that will give them a meaningful opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and civically.”
“Today’s historic victory affirms what students and educators in Pennsylvania have long known: Pennsylvania’s system of funding public education is failing to meet the needs of every student and is unconstitutional,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “This is an enormous step towards ensuring that every single young person, of every race, class, and ZIP code, receives a fully-funded public school experience, including well-compensated educators and ample learning resources.”
Judge Jubelirer’s order states that: “Education is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Pennsylvania Constitution to all school-age children residing in the Commonwealth.”
“This is a major victory for the students, their teachers, and for all Pennsylvanians. The ruling makes clear what we’ve been raising the alarm about and fighting to fix for many years: Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unfair, inequitable, inadequate and has been hurting our students. All of our children deserve a 21st century education,” said Democratic Senate Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties.
Judge Jubelirer concludes her nearly 800-page decision by handing the General Assembly a clear charge. “All witnesses agree that every child can learn. It is now the obligation of the Legislature, Executive Branch, and educators, to make the constitutional promise a reality in this Commonwealth.”
“Today’s decision is no surprise – if you talk to students, families, and educators – they know that our schools have never been fully or fairly funded,” said Democratic Senate Education Chair Lindsey M. Williams. “We have the funding necessary to fulfill our constitutional promise to all of Pennsylvania’s students. It’s far past time for the legislature to prioritize students over their political agendas and create a system where all students have access to the quality public education they are guaranteed by our state constitution. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to get to work now.”
“I’m proud that the Senate Democratic Caucus has long been united around the urgent need to address the funding crisis plaguing Pennsylvania’s public schools, especially those serving students in low-income areas,” continued Senator Costa. “Now that the Court has ruled, the caucus looks forward to continuing the fight to deliver necessary resources to the learners who need it most.”
Today’s ruling is a long time coming: In 2014, six school districts, six sets of parents, and two advocacy groups filed the lawsuit. The trial began in Commonwealth Court in November 2021 and arguments concluded July 2022.
The ruling in its entirety can be read here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – January 24, 2023 − Today, State Senator Jay Costa today expressed his support for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s call for an assessment of tax-exempt organizations compliance with PA’s Purely Public Charity Law Currently, about a third of Pittsburgh real estate is exempt from property taxes.
“I am pleased to lend my support to Mayor Gainey as his administration begins this assessment of Pittsburgh’s tax-exempt organizations,” said Senator Costa. ”The City of Pittsburgh relies on property taxes to deliver crucial public services to everyone who calls the Steel City home, from road maintenance to trash pickups to social services and beyond. This especially applies to our public schools, who rely heavily on property taxes to deliver excellent educations and beautiful childhoods to every young person in our city.
“It’s crucial that every public charity demonstrate that it’s holding up its end of the bargain and meeting its charitable obligations to our friends and neighbors. I look forward to reviewing the results of this assessment and will be in close contact with the Mayor’s team as we move forward.”
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