HARRISBURG, PA − October 14, 2025 − Now that the Senate Republicans’ Budget Impasse has gone on for 106 days and counting, all twenty three members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus signed onto a letter urging Senate Republicans to call the Senate back into session and call up Senate Bill 160, a budget bill that passed the House on a bipartisan basis on Wednesday, October 8.
The letter in its entirety is available here.
Senate Democrats have been sounding the alarm on the impact of the Senate Republicans’ Budget Impasse for weeks, drawing attention to the healthcare workers, schools, daycare providers, and others feeling the extreme pinch.
After the House passed SB 160, Senate Republicans packed up and went home without voting on the bill. As the letter states, sending members home, “without a vote is a slap in the face to the counties, school districts, human service providers, and others who are struggling to navigate this unnecessary, politically motivated impasse. That is unacceptable.”
Senate Democrats have been loud, clear, and united: “It is beyond time for compromise. It is time to end this impasse.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH – October 10, 2025 − Today, State Senator Jay Costa announces $6,196,549 in funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) in federal tax credits utilized to finance the development of affordable housing. The funding was conditionally reserved for the approved projects.
“I am a long-time partner in and admirer of the crucial work PHFA does in delivering funding necessary to ensure a safe, affordable home for every Pennsylvanian,” said Senator Costa. “The dollars announced today will go a long way in putting more families in our communities into housing that works for them and their needs. I look forward to seeing these investments come to fruition in the 43rd district.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to a safe, affordable home for every Pennsylvanian here.
The projects funded in the 43rd district are as follows:
Development Name: Shannon Heights Senior Living
Location: Verona, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $1,700,000
|DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
This proposal is for the new construction of 1 building (2 stories) for seniors 62 and older. The development will consist of 28 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units. There will be nine accessible units. The development is estimated to be a total of 56,835 square feet.
Development Name: Gable Ridge
Location: Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $992,686
DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
This proposal is for the preservation of six one- and two-story buildings, consisting of 50 one-bedroom units for senior 62+ occupancy. There will be five accessible units. The development is estimated to be a total of 41,276 square feet.
Conditional Reservation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits:
Development Name: HG Blair
Location: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $1,850,000
DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
This proposal is the second affordable phase of the Hazelwood Green planned district; there will be a third, market rate, phase. The proposal is for the new construction of a single, five-story, mid-rise building. The project will consist of 29 one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom, and seven three-bedroom units for general occupancy. There will be six fully accessible units and one unit equipped with features for residents requiring hearing and vision accessibility accommodation. The development is projected to be a total of 57,909 square feet, with 2,183 square feet of commercial space.
Development Name: Carrick Sr. Apartments
Location: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $1,653,863
DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
|This proposal is for the new construction of one three-story building, consisting of 47 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom units for senior 62+ occupancy. There will be nine accessible units. The development is estimated to be a total of 56,385 square feet.
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McKees Rocks − September 16, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine housing affordability and seeking solutions to a growing issue across Pennsylvania.
“Housing affordability continues to be a major issue across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Miller. “I understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the housing crisis impacting our region and beyond. However, as a Commonwealth, we have the opportunity to lead the conversation and showcase our dedication to accessible and independent housing for our community members, allowing individuals to stay in their homes and enjoy the freedom to live comfortably.”
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“Every family who calls Pennsylvania home deserves a safe, affordable place to live and make memories,” said Senate Democratic Leader Costa. “Senate Democrats have been laser-focused on delivering on this core value, working across the aisle to provide working families with the tools, funding, and protections they need to secure a safe home they can afford. I am always delighted to convene leaders in the housing space to discuss strategies for creating more affordable housing, and I look forward to working alongside them as we work to achieve homes for every Pennsylvanian.”
“Too many Pennsylvanians are forced to choose between paying rent and meeting other basic needs,” said Senator Pisciottano. “This lack of affordable housing is holding back families, workers, and employers across our Commonwealth, and we must advance real solutions to ensure our communities, and our economy can thrive.”
“I’m grateful to today’s testifiers for highlighting the need for more paths to affordable homeownership,” said Senator Williams. “Corporate greed has made this path harder for so many Pennsylvanians, as out-of-state landlords buy up properties in what were once affordable neighborhoods. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home to live in and I look forward to working with my colleagues on policy that will make homeownership more attainable.”
“Increasing the availability of affordable housing is key to Western Pennsylvania’s growth and competitiveness moving forward,” said Senator Fontana. “We have several tools at our disposal to address housing affordability in our region and today’s hearing illustrated the importance of all levels of government working with our community-based partners to effectively utilize them.”
Jason Tigano, Founder and CEO of LEVEL: Equity Building (LEVEL), explained the long-term solutions he has identified with his organization.
“As you know, quality affordable homeownership is one of our nation’s greatest challenges. Strong communities begin with stable residents who are invested in their neighborhoods,” said Tigano. “LEVEL is the long-term solution to creating a pathway for hardworking Pennsylvanians to attain the American Dream of owning their own home.”
Tigano stated in his testimony, “LEVEL prepares communities, homeowners, and homes together. We make affordable homeownership attainable to ensure generational stability and prosperity for neighborhoods and those who live in them.”
Rich Stephenson, Executive Director of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, provided insights into the affordable housing landscape and ongoing initiatives within Allegheny County. In addition, Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy for the Office of the Allegheny County Executive, discussed the “500 in 500” initiative, which was launched in June 2024. This initiative aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness by creating 500 affordable housing units within a span of 500 days in Allegheny County.
Further testimony emphasized the several tools Pennsylvania has to its disposal to address housing affordability and the recommendations from testifiers to help with growing issue in Pennsylvania.
Testimony
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
- James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
- Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., President & CEO – Greater Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity
- Jason Tigano, CEO – LEVEL: Equity Building
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his tenth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to providing access to affordable and health housing at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Download Agenda
Allegheny County’s Outlook and Efforts
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
Community Based Solutions and Actions
James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
PITTSBURGH, PA – September 11, 2025 − Today, PRT requested permission from Governor Shapiro and PENNDOT to use infrastructure dollars for operating expenses. This follows the Governor’s approval of SEPTA’s request for temporary operational support using state funds that are typically reserved for capital expenses that fund the purchase and maintenance of transit vehicles and infrastructure that provides for safety and efficiency on Monday.
This move will avert a planned 35% service reduction and 9% fare hikes which would have taken place in early 2026.
Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“Once again, the inaction of the Senate Republicans has forced the second largest transit system in Pennsylvania to reallocate funding from their capital fund to their operating fund. I am glad that Governor Shapiro, PennDOT, and PRT are taking the steps to ensure transit riders maintain reliable, affordable service. Still, I am extremely frustrated that Senate Republicans refuse to do their part to deliver a sustainable source of funding for our essential public transit systems. Transit powers our regional economy by getting people to work, kids to school, seniors to doctors’ appointment, and tourists to our attractions. We need the state to do its part to provide funding to keep these services available. While PRT riders can breathe a sigh of relief, Senate Democrats remain on the frontlines of the fight for a long-term revenue stream for our buses, trains, roads, and bridges.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – September 10, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $3,556,350 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) benefitting the 43rd district, encompassing parts of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. These dollars come from the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funds.
“It’s a solemn honor to announce funding to support and make whole victims of crime in Western Pennsylvania and demonstrate that there is help and hope for those picking up the pieces after an act of violence,” said Senator Costa. “All of us deserve to live in safe, vibrant neighborhoods with ample programming, support, and resources to serve those in need. And with PCCD’s continued investment in local, effective safety solutions, I am confident these dollars will prove fruitful in the 43rd district.”
Awardees are as follows:
- The Center for Victims was awarded $1,318,088.
- Pittsburgh Action Against Rape was awarded $1,033,593 for services to sexual assault and trafficked victims.
- Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $1,204,669 for maintaining comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to safe communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
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HARRISBURG, PA – September 8, 2025 – Today, Governor Shapiro and PennDOT approved SEPTA’s request for temporary operational support using state funds that are typically reserved for capital expenses that fund the purchase and maintenance of transit vehicles and infrastructure that provides for safety and efficiency.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, on behalf of the Senate Democrats, provides the following statement:
“Senate Democrats commend Governor Shapiro and Secretary Carroll for taking the leadership and making the hard decision to provide SEPTA badly needed funding to avoid continuing the dramatic service reductions that we’ve seen over the last few weeks.
“We, along with the Governor and the House Democrats, have been trying to negotiate a solution to the transit crisis over the last three years, and in particular, the last 6 months. The Senate Republicans are indifferent, even hostile, to the needs of our cities.
“The Senate Republicans have proven over the last two years that they are not willing to agree to a permanent and sustainable solution to support our transit systems statewide. The House of Representatives has passed five plans on a bipartisan basis that would have reasonably met the needs of our transit systems across the entire state, covering Republican and Democratic districts alike.
“So today, the Governor and PennDOT took the last, worst step that was available and accepted SEPTA’s request to access capital funds intended to provide for safe and efficient transportation service and to divert them for operational needs to restore the transit service that Philadelphia runs on. This is not ideal, but is necessary, and we applaud the Shapiro Administration for taking this bold action.
“We will be back at this again in the near future. This action is a temporary solution. We hope that we will not be back again next year fending off avoidable service reductions and more pain for the citizens. We remain dedicated to finding a permanent and sustainable source of state operating support for SEPTA, PRT and all transit agencies throughout our 67 counties that allows people to get to work, school and leisure and keeps our Commonwealth’s economy going.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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