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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Pittsburgh, PA – January 12, 2023 – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that two projects in the 43rd Senatorial District were awarded $480,736 through DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Program. Across PA, these projects work to protect waterways and watersheds, as well as reclaim abandoned mine sights and plug abandoned oil and gas wells.
“It’s the right of every Pennsylvanian to have clean air to breathe, pure water to drink, and beautiful natural spaces to enjoy,” said Senator Jay Costa. “I am very excited for these award winners, and am grateful for their work in protecting our environment.”
Growing Greener is the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania’s history to address critical environmental concerns. Per DEP, “Growing Greener grants can be accessible to watershed groups, local or county government, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, council of governments, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.” Grant recipients have a maximum of three years to see their projects to completion.
“Environmental justice is a racial justice issue, and my community deserves this long overdue investment in climate justice,” said Representative Mayes. “This funding will help ensure that every member of my district can enjoy our natural resources for generations to come.”
In SD-43, the awardees include the following:
Nine Mile Run Watershed Association dba Upstream Pittsburgh: Rosedale Runoff Reduction Project Dornbush Street GSI Construction – $230,736
Bridgeway Capital: Ecologically Sustainable Renovation of the Parking Lot at 7800 Susquehanna Street – $250,000
More information on the Growing Greener Plus is accessible on DEP’s webpage, https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Growing-Greener/Pages/default.aspx
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Allegheny County – January 11, 2023 – Today, State Democratic Senators from Allegheny County, including Senators Jay Costa, Jim Brewster, Wayne Fontana, and Lindsey Williams, announced over $21 million in Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) grants for community violence intervention and prevention for the region.
“All of us deserve to feel safe in the homes and neighborhoods we call home. I’m so proud that the PCCD is investing in community-based solutions that deliver safety and remove dangerous weapons from the hands of those who wish harm on those we love,” said Senator Costa. “I look forward to continuing work with leaders in Pittsburgh to keep one another safe and sound.”
PCCD awarded $88.6 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants to 122 projects throughout the state, and approximately $12 million in Coordinated Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) Strategies Pilot grants to 5 projects to support targeted anti-violence efforts in Philadelphia, Allegheny County, Chester City, and York.
Senator Brewster, a member of PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee, took part in approving the grants that were awarded today.
“As a member of the School Safety and Security Committee, I am pleased that we were able to meet this afternoon to approve the community safety awards included in this year’s historic budget,” said Senator Brewster. “One of my top priorities has been to secure our schools and neighborhoods, and these awards will help increase coordination and prevent violence across the Commonwealth.”
A total of 22 organizations and initiatives in Allegheny County were awarded funds to support efforts to reduce gun and group violence in communities.
“I’m pleased to see these much needed funds being distributed to proven programs that will help reduce violence in our communities. Many communities in the district I represent will benefit greatly from this funding,” said Senator Fontana.
“I’m glad to see these programs receive PCCD funding to help communities address the root causes of violence using evidence-based and trauma-informed solutions,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “These grants will go to projects that help students, families, and neighborhoods build safe schools and communities together.”
Allegheny County grant recipients include:
Coordinated CVI Strategies Pilot Grants Award Recipients
- Neighborhood Resilience Project, Allegheny County Convened Violence Prevention- $3,000,000
Violence Intervention and Prevention Competitive Grants Award Recipients
- Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation, Community Defense Project- $80,015
- ACH Clear Pathways, ACH Clear Pathway’s R.E.A.C.H. Program Support- $450,000
- Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer, Rapid Employment & Development to Reduce Violence- $2,426,014
- Amachi Pittsburgh, Hear4U Mobile Outreach- $440,500
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Inc., Woodland Hills Violence Prevention Program- $268,000
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Great Futures Solutions- $1,809,760
- Center for Victims, Competitive VIP Grant – Comprehensive Response- $2,500,000
- Community Empowerment Association, Inc., Violence Intervention Proposal (VIP)- $927,917
- Focus On Renewal Sto-Rox Neighborhood Corp., Families Foremost- $833,029
- Foundation of HOPE, HOPE Aftercare/MAD DADS Collaborative- $809,000
- Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc., P4:247 CommUNITY- $1,500,000
- Pittsburgh City, Pittsburgh Youth Violence Prevention in Schools- $2,499,909
- Pittsburgh Community Services Inc., PCSI’s Violence Intervention & Prevention Project-$750,000
- Ruth’s Way,Inc., The Achievement Consultation Program- $111,105
- The Pittsburgh Contingency, Inc. (South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace), South Pgh Coalition for Peace Outreach Program- $160,000
- The Pittsburgh Contingency, Inc. (Voices Against Violence), Voices Against Violence- $187,500
- University of Pittsburgh, Empowering Teens to Thrive- $1,240,722
- University of Pittsburgh (School of Medicine), Teen Outreach to Promote Safety (TOPS)- $704,285
- Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project, Project for Peace Service Camp- $25,000
- Youth Enrichment Services, Inc., Youth Lead Peer Engagement Violence Prevention Hub- $650,000
- YouthPlaces, YouthPlaces Trauma-Informed Care Project- $410,534
More information about grant recipients and project details can be found under the Gun Violence tab on the http://www.pccd.pa.gov/ website.
Harrisburg, PA − January 6, 2023 − Today, State Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) is proud to announce the Democratic chairs of the Senate’s standing committees for the 2023-24 legislative session.
“As the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus, it’s a great privilege to put forward these great leaders to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Jay Costa. “I fully entrust our members to lead with integrity as they work to deliver for everyone who calls this Commonwealth home. I look forward to working alongside them in the coming months.”
The Democratic chairs are as follows, listed alphabetically by committee:
- Aging & Youth: Maria Collett
- Agriculture & Rural Affairs: Judy Schwank
- Appropriations: Vincent Hughes
- Banking & Insurance: Sharif Street
- Communications & Technology: Jimmy Dillon
- Community, Economic, & Recreational Development: Anthony H. Williams
- Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure: Lisa Boscola
- Education: Lindsey Williams
- Environmental Resources & Energy: Carolyn Comitta
- Finance: Nick Miller
- Games & Fisheries: Jim Brewster
- Health & Human Services: Art Haywood
- Intergovernmental Operations: Tina Tartgalione
- Judiciary: Steve Santarsiero
- Labor & Industry: John Kane
- Law & Justice: Jim Brewster
- Local Government: Tim Kearney
- Rules & Executive Nominations: Jay Costa
- State Government: Amanda Cappelletti
- Transportation: Marty Flynn
- Urban Affairs & Housing: Nikil Saval
- Veteran’s Affairs & Emergency Preparedness: Katie Muth
For the complete list of all members’ committee assignments, visit PASenate.com/Committees.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – January 4, 2023 − Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will distribute approximately $15 million in Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding, including $565,292 for Senate District 43. Pennsylvania’s ARLE program uses data to provide automated enforcement at intersections where drivers typically run red lights.
In the 43rd Senatorial district, Penn Hills Township was awarded $565,292 for traffic signal replacement at Frankstown Road (SR 0400) & Beulah Road (SR 0130).
“Everyone deserves to get where they are going safely, whether you’re driving, biking, or walking,” said Senator Costa. “This funding will ensure that everyone who uses the roads follows the rules and keeps each other out of harm’s way. I look forward to seeing this project to completion.”
Fines from red light violations at 36 intersections in Philadelphia served as the source of ARLE funding. Per state law, projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion were considered for funding. An eight-member committee awarded funding based on safety benefits and effectiveness, cost, and local and regional impact.
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