Pittsburgh, Pa. − October 18, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced the award of a $750,000 state grant to go to the Library for the Blind & Physically Impaired in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system.
“Libraries are critical hubs of community; they provide more than books on loan, they offer a safe space to learn, meet, escape, plan and dream,” said Senator Costa. “As a life trustee on the board of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, I’ve seen this firsthand for years. I’m especially pleased that this major grant will be going to an accessible library so that all can enjoy the library, regardless of physical challenges.”
The funds come from the Keystone Grant program in the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will use their award to renovate 11,000 sf of public/staff spaces on 1st floor; reconfigure for accessibility, replace outdated systems; exterior renovations include relocating main entrance.
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Pledges to Continue the Fight in the Legislature
Harrisburg, Pa. − October 3, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. applauded Governor Tom Wolf’s move today to instruct the PA Department of Environmental Protection to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
RGGI is a market-based collaboration among nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change while generating economic growth.
“Today’s executive order is a strong display of leadership from the Governor on one of the most serious issues facing Pennsylvania, this nation, and the world,” said Senator Costa. “Leadership from the federal government is not coming on climate change, and we can’t afford to wait.”
“I introduced Senate Bill 15 as a legislative option for Pennsylvania to join RGGI, and I’ll continue to push for that,” Senator Costa continued. “I stand with Governor Wolf and all champions for clean air as we work together to find creative, forward-thinking solutions for Pennsylvania.”
RGGI states set a cap on total CO2 emissions from electric power generators in their states. The program is often referred to as “Cap and Trade,” or “Cap and Invest.”
The states currently in RGGI (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont) have reduced power sector CO2 pollution by 45 percent since 2005, while the region’s per-capita GDP has continued to grow.
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Pittsburgh, PA− September 17, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced more than $1 million in state grants that will come to the 43rd senatorial district for greenway and recreational projects, including ones in Swissvale, West Homestead and the South side.
“Our region is a beautiful place to work and live, with many opportunities for outdoor recreation. I was proud to fight for these projects at the state level because I know they will make the Mon Valley and the rest of our district even better,” said Senator Costa. “As these projects continue, I look forward to seeing my friends and neighbors out on the trails and in our many public parks.”
The Borough of Swissvale will receive $115,000 for improvements to the Carrie Furnace Access Trail and Trailhead; the Borough of West Homestead will receive $34,000 to continue work on its Riverfront Park plan; and the City of Pittsburgh will $97,537 for trail renovations in South Side Park.
Also in the 43rd Senatorial District, Oakmont Borough will receive $200,000 for development of the Chateau Beach Park, and an additional $139,358 to rehabilitate Riverside park Track; Wilkins Township will receive $30,489 for rehabilitation of Eastmont Park; Penn Hills will get $104,410 for park improvements; and the Borough of Verona will undertake a project at Cribbs Field Pavilion with $200,000.
The total amount in grants today awarded to the district is $1,020,794.
The funds come from Act 12 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.
For more information on the program and application guidelines, visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/greenways-trails-and-recreation-program-gtrp/
Senator Jay Costa to visit East Liberty Farmers Market with Adagio Health CEO BJ Leber on Monday, August 12, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh, Pa − August 8, 2019 − Introducing farm fresh produce to more local communities is the driving force behind a recent partnership between Adagio Health and Senator Jay Costa of Pennsylvania’s 43rd District. The Pennsylvania Senator and the healthcare organization teamed up as part of a community-wide education and nutrition effort meant to engage and inform local consumers.
“Every summer, Adagio Health employees from our Power Up nutrition team are stationed at local Farmers Markets—providing food demonstrations, handing out recipe cards, and answering questions about how to prepare local produce,” said Adagio Health President and CEO, BJ Leber. “This year, partnering with Senator Jay Costa has allowed us to expand our outreach efforts, specifically in the 43rd District. With his support, we’ve been able to provide nutrition education and support in more communities to more consumers.”
Making sure local residents have access to fresh, healthy foods along with understanding how better nutrition can improve their lives is important to Senator Costa.
“Access and affordability of healthy food is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle,” said Senator Costa. “Local farmers markets provide that in so many communities in our area, and I’m thrilled to partner with Adagio Health this summer to help folks in the 43rd district get more fruits and veggies.”
In many communities, Farmers Markets offer access to fresh produce that may otherwise be very limited, especially when there isn’t a grocery store nearby. Access is critical, according to Power Up Program Manager Britney Zwergel, but she also says that when it comes to good nutrition, the team wants to educate and inspire.
“If you tell someone they should eat broccoli, sure, they might know that broccoli would probably be good for them,” said Zwergel. “But if they don’t have access to broccoli, if they don’t live near a grocery store that sells produce or if they don’t have transportation to a grocery store – they can’t buy broccoli so they’re not going to eat it. And if they do manage to obtain it, if they don’t have the skills or understanding of how to cook it or how to prepare it – they’re once again not going to eat broccoli. Our goal is to provide the skills and education for broccoli and beyond. We want to keep it simple, and fun, and easily accessible.”
And one of the biggest success stories so far this summer? Beets!
“At the Squirrel Hill Farmers Market, one of the local farmers across from our booth was selling beets. Well, we happened to be making and providing samples of beet hummus that day. He later told us he’s never sold so many beets in one day!” said Ms. Zwergel. “With our demonstration, we were able to help a local farmer increase his sales, which is great, and were able to inspire customers at the market to try something new and healthy.”
Other popular offerings by the Adagio Health Power Up team this summer: water infused with everything from cucumber to strawberries to blueberries … and simple summer fare like strawberry salsa.
“I am proud of our Power Up team and so grateful to Senator Costa for his support of our efforts,” said Ms. Leber. “Many people know Adagio Health as a provider of reproductive healthcare services for women and men in this region, but may not realize that nutrition education is also a really big part of what we do. It’s part of our approach to better health and wellness from a whole-body perspective. We are so glad to have had the opportunity to work with more local communities thanks to Senator Costa. And summer’s not over yet! See you at your local Farmers Market.”
Adagio Health’s Power Up program is a SNAP-Education program funded by the USDA. It is designed to encourage students (Preschool through 12th grade), adults, seniors and communities to choose healthier foods and live active lifestyles.
About Adagio Health – Since 1971, Adagio Health has provided health and wellness services throughout 23 counties in western Pennsylvania, and now, seven counties in West Virginia. Services include family planning and reproductive healthcare for women and men, breast and cervical cancer screening, community education and nutrition services. Most of the nearly 110,000 patients receiving services are women who are uninsured, underinsured or need access to confidential reproductive health and family planning services. These services are provided through funding from foundations, the State and Federal government and in partnership with a variety of local organizations and other funders.
About Senator Jay Costa – Senator Costa has dedicated his life to public service, and making sure state government is used as a force for good – protecting and providing opportunities for those who need it most. Throughout his career, Senator Costa has been a strong, effective promoter of education. Seeking additional funding for K-12, higher education and pre-school, he is recognized as one of the state’s leaders in education.
Recognizing his accomplishments, Senator Costa was elected Leader by his colleagues in 2010.
Beyond his legislative work, Senator Costa has served on the board of trustees of the University of Pittsburgh, is treasurer of the Community College of Allegheny County board. He serves on boards including: the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Senator John Heinz History Center, 3 Rivers Wet Weather, Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, CLO, Forest Hills Community Development Corporation and a life trustee of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
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Harrisburg, Pa. − August 1, 2019 − Today, Democratic members from the Pennsylvania House and Senate are asking Governor Tom Wolf to declare a state of emergency to address the needs created by the elimination of the state’s General Assistance program.
General Assistance was terminated, effective August 1st and there are no state resources lined up to fill the gaps that this will leave. Eleven thousand Pennsylvanians, representing every county in this state, will no longer receive roughly $200 per month that they had been using to cover the costs of utilities, transportation, health care, and toiletries, as they wait for more permanent assistance programs or work toward self-sufficiency.
In their letter to Governor Wolf, elected officials wrote:
The value of the GA program was the flexibility it offered to people that were desperately in need of basic resources. Housing, healthcare co-payments, transportation access, toiletries, and much more could be attained though the cash assistance. But it also makes putting the puzzle back together for how to help the individuals even more difficult. Each of these services is provided by a different agency or level of government. The opportunity provided by an emergency declaration is an organized response for data collection, data sharing, program coordination, and resource direction that does not exist in the daily operation of state government. Data sharing alone has been a major hurdle for reaching out and coordinating a response.
Much more will need to be done to assist soon-to-be former GA recipients in getting the assistance they need to keep their lives in order. We have heard story after story about how the GA program has lifted people out of poverty and turned their lives around. It has kept people in homes, provided life saving healthcare, or transportation to get people access to care. We need to find a way to continue to help these people and an emergency declaration will help get the right people to the table for coordinating the response. The opioid emergency declaration has proven your success in this approach and can be replicated here.
Download the full letter here →
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Pittsburgh, Pa. – August 1, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced more than $8 million in state grants that will go to projects in the 43rd senatorial district.
“I’m proud to have advocated for these projects in our area, and excited to see them come to fruition thanks to this investment from the state,” said Senator Costa. “Each of the projects funded today are vastly different, and I believe will improve the lives of our residents and as well as bolster our region’s economy through the development process.”
The funding comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
One of the projects funded today will be the Carnegie Library of Homestead. They’ll receive $500,000 to renovate their locker rooms and pool, making the entire facility more wheelchair accessible.
“The Carnegie Library of Homestead provides superb services to our residents, and facilities like that deserve to have the most up-to-date resources at their disposal,” said Representative Austin Davis, who represents Homestead said. “I can’t wait to see all the positive that come from this substantial funding.”
Also with today’s funds, ACTION Housing will move forward with the redevelopment of the old Squirrel Hill Theater, which has been vacant since 2010. They’ll receive $1,000,000 to create a six-story building on the site.
“In order for our city and region to live up to its “most live-able” title and remain affordable for both new and long-time residents, mixed-use property is vital,” said Representative Dan Frankel, who represents the area.
As the Frick Art & Historical Center moves forward with its mission, they will receive $1,250,000 to tackle major capital projects.
“By helping save the cultural landmarks of our city, we are preserving our past for future generations,” Representative Ed Gainey, who represents this area, said. “When we invest in these projects, whether the redevelopment of a brownfield or the preservation of local history, we are investing in the people in our communities, and encouraging businesses and community organizations to do the same.”
Other projects funded today in Senator Costa’s district include:
- $500,000 for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to renovate meeting rooms and feature areas for community programs
- $500,000 for the Distillery at South Shore in Pittsburgh to update its façade, replace windows, HVAC and plumbing
- $500,000 to the Urban Redevelopment Authority to preserve and stabilize the Homewood Coliseum
- The Urban Redevelopment Authority will receive additional $1,000,000 to revitalize the Hunt Armory Recreation Facility
- $500,000 for the City of Pittsburgh to expand Homewood Park
- $1,000,000 go to the City of Pittsburgh to renovate the public pool at the Oliver Bath House
- $1,000,000 for ICON Development, Pgh to begin work on a mixed-use project at Lexington Technology Park
- $500,000 for the development of a 12-story office and retail building at Innovation Research Tower to include 100 parking spaces, and 86 bicycle spaces
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