PITTSBURGH, PA – January 30, 2025 − Today, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled The Lightning Plan, a sweeping energy policy aimed at unleashing Pennsylvania’s energy potential, creating good jobs, reducing costs for energy consumers, and positioning our commonwealth as a leader in modern energy production and distribution.
In support, Senator Costa releases the following statement:;
“I am delighted to be supporting Governor Shapiro as he lays out a bold, visionary plan for energy in Pennsylvania that uplifts our commonwealth from every angle, from energy production to consumer costs to grid reliability and beyond.
“Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have supported and will continue to support bringing the Governor’s vision to fruition, advocating for legislation like PRESS, PACER, and EDGE to shore up our energy market and modernize critical tax credit programs.
“I look forward to championing The Lightning Plan throughout this budget season until all the pillars are signed into law.”
Learn more about the Senate Democrats commitment to affordable energy for every Pennsylvanian here.
PITTSBURGH, PA – January 29, 2025 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $1,175,000 in Gaming Economic Development Tourism money and Act 13 money benefiting the 43rd senatorial district.
“I am delighted to be announcing funding that supports our parks, our trails, our first responders, and our critical nonprofits that make our community so special,” said Senator Costa. “Supporting these crucial community organizations to improve their infrastructure is just one way we can continue to deliver safe, welcoming spaces for every Pennsylvanian.”
“These investments will enhance public spaces, improve accessibility, and strengthen community infrastructure,” McAndrew said. “From upgrading parks and public safety to supporting local firefighters, this funding ensures long-term benefits for residents. Thanks to Sen. Jay Costa for his advocacy in securing these essential funds.”
Alongside Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces the following awards from Act 13 funding:
- The Municipality of Penn Hills was awarded $80,000 for the Verona, Oakmont, Penn Hills, Plum (VOPP) Trail Connector Milltown Bridge Restoration
- Oakmont Borough was awarded $80,000 for Riverview Park Field Lights
Additionally, alongside Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces that Wilkins Township was awarded $80,000 in Act 13 funding for Community Center Outdoor Renovation.
Per the Department of Community and Economic Development’s website, “Act 13 of 2012 establishes 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.”
From GEDTF, Senator Costa and Representative McAndrew announce the following:
- Allegheny Valley North COG in Oakmont was awarded $195,000 to purchase and install full fixture light poles at Oakmont-Riverside Park.
- Tamion Enterprises in Penn Hills was awarded $250,000 for road paving, landscaping and cleanup & lighting at the East Hills Drive Gateway.
- North Bessemer Community Volunteer Fire Association in Penn Hills was awarded $125,000 to repair and replace the North Bessemer Community VFD Parking Lot Replacement.
- Verona Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $60,000 for Enhanced Emergency Response Equipment, specifically the purchase a new Stanley Land craft fire/rescue boat.
SEIU Local 668 in Wilkinsburg was awarded $125,000 in GEDTF funding for the installation of ADA compliant ramps, interior construction and upgrades, roof repairs and lighting in the SEIU 668 Wilkinsburg Office
With Representative Dan Frankel and Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, Rodef Shalom Congregation was awarded $110,000 in GEDTF funding to replace lighting fixtures throughout the building.
“Supporting the organizations that bring people together is always a good bet,” said Rep. Frankel. “With needed state support, these projects will enhance the day-to-day lives of neighbors throughout our community.”
“These grants from the GEDTF will allow us to continue investing in Pittsburgh’s economy by supporting recreation, community services and affordable housing throughout Allegheny County,” Mayes said. “Not only can we continue to attract tourism, but we can also improve our local recreational offerings, diversify Pittsburgh’s services to communities of color, and bring down the cost of housing in our area.”
In conjunction with Representatives Frankel, Mayes, and Abney, Senator Costa announces Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded $70,000 in GEDTF funding for ADA accessible pathways, improve stormwater and create new connections between park and CMU campus at Schenley Park.
“Public safety and accessibility are at the heart of these funds,” Abney said. “Thank you to Sen. Costa for his collaboration in securing these dollars.”
Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) grants allow municipalities, authorities, councils of government (COGs), and both non- and for-profit businesses to carry out significant economic development for current and future use. Administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC), these grants provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA – State Representative Matt Gergely, D-Pittsburgh, passed away on January 19, 2025, at the age of 45. First elected to the House of Representatives in 2023, Representative Gergely hailed from the 35th district, comprising of McKeesport, Clairton, Munhall, Duquesne, and Lincoln.
In sorrow, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus releases the following statement:
“We are so deeply sorry to learn of the passing of Representative Matt Gergely, and we already miss him more than words can express. A public servant to the very end, Representative Gergely left an indelible mark on everyone who met him. McKeesport lost a terrific champion today. We wish his loved ones peace and comfort as they mourn his untimely passing. May his memory be a blessing.”
Per the House Democratic Caucus, the family of Representative Gergely has requested privacy at this time.
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HARRISBURG, PA – January 8, 2025 − The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus announces its committee chairs for the 2025-26 legislative session.
The Senate Democratic Caucus also proudly welcomes two new members: Senator Patty Kim representing Senate District 15, and Senator Nick Piscottano representing Senate District 45.
- Aging & Youth – Senator Maria Collett
- Agriculture & Rural Affairs – Senator Judy Schwank
- Appropriations – Senator Vincent Hughes
- Banking & Insurance – Senator Sharif Street
- Communications & Technology – Senator Nick Miller
- Community, Economic & Recreational Development – Senator Anthony Williams
- Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure – Senator Lisa Boscola
- Education – Senator Lindsey Williams
- Environmental Resources & Energy – Senator Carolyn Comitta
- Finance – Senator Nick Pisciottano
- Game & Fisheries – Senator Lisa Boscola
- Health & Human Services – Senator Art Haywood
- Institutional Sustainability & Innovation – Senator Tim Kearney
- Intergovernmental Operations – Senator Tina Tartaglione
- Judiciary – Senator Amanda Cappelletti
- Labor & Industry – Senator John Kane
- Law & Justice – Senator Wayne Fontana
- Local Government – Senator Patty Kim
- Rules & Executive Nominations – Senator Jay Costa
- State Government – Senator Steve Santarsiero
- Transportation – Senator Marty Flynn
- Urban Affairs & Housing – Senator Nikil Saval
- Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness – Senator Katie Muth
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to fighting for every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – December 11, 2024 – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $2,753,914 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) benefitting the 43rd district, encompassing parts of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
“I am so proud to announce these dollars, which will go towards keeping our friends and neighbors safe,” said Senator Costa. “From supporting our law enforcement officers to advocating for victims of assault in our court systems, it’s critical to invest in community safety. I look forward to seeing this funding to go good use in the 43rd district.”
Awardees from the Federal Victims of Crime Funds, Rights and Services Act Funds, and Victims of Juvenile Offender Funds are as follows:
- Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $53,147 to assist victims of IPV in criminal court.
- Pittsburgh Action Against Rape was awarded $80,395 for RASA/VOJO Services to Sexual Violence Victims.
- Center of Victims was awarded $855,638 for RASA/VOJO Services.
Awardees from the Federal Project Safe Neighborhood Funds are as follows:
- Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer was awarded $37, 068 for Allegheny County Police PSN 4.
- Brothers and Sisters Emerging was awarded $26,520.
- Neighborhood Resilience Project was awarded $18,623 for Project Safe Neighborhoods.
- The Pittsburgh Contingency, Inc. was awarded $32,361 for South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace.
SisTers PGH Corp was awarded $75,000 from the Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act Funds for Project T Housing Support.
Swissvale Borough was awarded $150,000 from the Federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Funds.
A Child’s Place was awarded $47,000 from the State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds for ACP Allegheny and regional 2025.
Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer was awarded $1,378,162 from the Continuing County Adult Probation and parole Grant Funds for their 2024-25 programming.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to safe communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
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