HARRISBURG, PA – April 29, 2026 − Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Louisiana v. Callais, holding that a plaintiff alleging race-based discrimination under the Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 will be successful only if they can prove that there was a “strong inference of intentional discrimination” by the State and using an impossible legal test for any future plaintiff to meet in doing so.
In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has stood for fair, free elections that empower all Americans to elect leaders who share their values. As we celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, we are reminded of the struggles of communities of color, who organized for decades for inclusion in our political processes, maps that recognize their equal right to elect a representative of their choice, and protection from actors seeking to erase them entirely. Today’s decision deals a tragic blow to the Voting Rights Act and the legal protections it afforded to the voting power of racial minorities. Our caucus will continue the difficult, necessary work of supporting every Pennsylvanian, of every race, ethnicity, background, and creed, to secure representation that reflects the diversity that we treasure so dearly as Americans.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
#####
HARRISBURG, PA – April 27, 2026 − The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today filed an amicus brief in support of the City of Philadelphia urging the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to require the National Park Service to fully restore and maintain the exhibits commemorating the lives of the enslaved persons at the President’s House Site.
In February, U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe ordered the National Park Service to fully restore and maintain the slavery exhibits as the underlying lawsuit continued to work its way through the court system. The National Park Service appealed the injunction to the Third Circuit.
The brief focuses on the irreparable harms to be suffered if the Third Circuit does not uphold the District Court’s preliminary injunction in its entirety.
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus is proud to affirm that the full, truthful history of our nation, even those parts that are uncomfortable, does not change depending on who occupies the Oval Office. In filing today’s brief, our members stand on the side of truth and the visibility of Black history in the public square, particularly as we approach the Semiquincentennial. It is our obligation as patriotic Americans to face our past, not shy away from it, and embrace a telling of the American story that emphasizes the struggle of countless communities as they fought to be included in our commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We look forward to continuing our work of defending our history, as the truth is on our side.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
#####
HARRISBURG, PA – In response to State Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s letter stating her refusal to approve funds for security upgrades to Governor Shapiro’s residence, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement on behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus:
“It is unconscionable that Treasurer Garrity has refused to release funding that would ensure the safety and security of the Governor and his family. Playing games with the lives of the Shapiro family for cheap political points is behavior wholly unbecoming of the Treasurer, especially in light of the April 2025 assassination attempt on the Governor’s household during Passover. The security recommendations made by the Pennsylvania State Police are, unfortunately, profoundly necessary as political violence continues to plague our public discourse, and the Treasurer’s disregard for the prevention of future violence is downright shameful. We cannot and must not make campaign fodder of our leaders’ lives and the lives of their families, regardless of party or upcoming elections. A lone public official’s attempt to usurp authority over the Ethics Act, overturn decisions of the State Ethics Commission as she sees fit, and bend state law to her will sets a very dangerous precedent. Multiple state officials have determined that these security expenditures were lawful at this point. This decision is a disgrace, and we condemn it fully.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
#####
HARRISBURG, PA − April 21, 2026 − Today, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus were joined by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis to hold a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to kick off their Affordability Action Plan, which highlights legislation and budget items meant to support working families weathering President Trump’s affordability crisis.
Over the course of the press conference, Senate Democrats drew attention to elements of Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal, delivered on February 3, as well as a series of bills that would bring down costs and expand economic opportunities for Pennsylvanians. Members spoke on key areas impacting the wallets of families, including housing, wages, healthcare, food assistance, transit, and childcare.
“Our message today is clear: Senate Democrats are ready to enact commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvania’s families,” said Senator Costa.“By kicking off our Affordability Action Plan, Senate Democrats are leading the way on delivering meaningful solutions to the affordability crisis facing working families. I look forward to continuing this fight to bring down costs and raise wages, and I urge everyone to join us.”
“Pennsylvania’s economy is growing, and we’re creating more jobs, but Governor Shapiro and I are doing it in spite of what’s happening in Washington,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “And we see how working families, seniors and small businesses are struggling, under the weight of rising costs. That’s why the Shapiro-Davis Administration is putting more money back in your pockets. Last year we delivered more than $450 million in tax relief for seniors and working families, and there’s more on the way this year. We could not have gotten that done without the partnership and support of Senate Democrats. But there’s so much more we need to do – to help those Pennsylvanians who need it most.”
Senate Democrats highlighted the following legislation:
The entire Senate Democratic Caucus’s Affordability Action Plan, including today’s press conference and additional legislative initiatives, is available at PASenate.com/Affordability.
Statement from Senator James Andrew Malone:
“It’s time to reward hard work by making sure the people who do it can afford good lives. I’m proud to introduce new legislation to help reduce the cost of childcare by expanding the Employer Childcare Contribution Tax Credit alongside my colleagues’ initiatives that also focus on cutting costs for families.”
Statement from Senator Lindsey Williams:
“Universal School Meals not only helps students be prepared to learn – it also lowers grocery prices for everyone. When students eat breakfast and lunch at school – families save. And as families buy less at the store, prices drop for everyone. SB180 is a win for students and a win for anyone shopping for groceries. This is the kind of investments that the legislature should be making in this year’s budget to make the lives of all Pennsylvanians more affordable.”
Statement from Senator Nick Miller:
“We have heard clearly from Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth: the cost of daily life is too high. Families can no longer afford to wait. It is our responsibility to respond with solutions by implementing a comprehensive energy plan to lower utility costs, investing in housing to increase supply and lower costs, and making sure every family has a fair shot to live comfortably and build a future in their own community.”
Statement from Senator Tina Tartaglione:
“Wages are central to affordability. With costs going up and the minimum wage still stuck at $7.25, too many full-time workers are struggling to get by. The House has passed a bill to get us to a $15 minimum wage, and now the Senate must act. Pennsylvania’s workers can’t afford to wait any longer.”
Statement from Senator Art Haywood:
“Affordability is about dignity; food on the table, care within reach, and a stable home. In the face of devastating federal cuts, Senate Democrats stand with the Shapiro-Davis proposed budget to protect our neighbors and help communities thrive.”
Downloadable footage of today’s press conference and still photography is available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
#####
HARRISBURG, PA – April 20, 2026 − Today, the Commonwealth Court issued a decision holding that reproductive choice is a fundamental right guaranteed by the PA constitution, and that the state’s MA coverage prohibition on abortion services violates the Equal Rights Amendment and equal protection provisions of the Pennsylvania constitution.
In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“Today’s Commonwealth Court ruling recognizing reproductive autonomy as a fundamental constitutional right is an enormous victory for every woman, especially those who rely on Medicaid to get the care they need. The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has long held that a woman’s decision whether, when, and how to have a family is a fundamental right, and we are deeply grateful that the Commonwealth Court’s decision today aligns Pennsylvania with this key value. While much remains to be debated and legislated, today is a day for celebration as we expand access to care for thousands of Pennsylvania’s women and families.”
Alongside the House Democrats, Senate Democrats filed two amicus briefs in this case in support of the Women’s Law Project and abortion providers, arguing that the statute prohibiting state dollars from funding abortion care violated the Equal Rights Amendment and the equal protection provisions.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
#####
Allegheny County – April 15, 2026 – Today, Senators Wayne Fontana and Jay Costa announce that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a loan of $21,770,999 to Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) for a water main replacement project that will serve residents of their districts.
“I am proud to announce this substantial state investment into our neighborhoods,” said Senator Fontana. “Replacing our aging water and sewer infrastructure with newer, safer pipes continues to be a priority of mine and this project is another major step towards that goal. When my legislation to allow local municipal authorities to access state funding for waterline and sewer repairs became law in 2017, this is exactly the kind of investment we wanted to see.”
“Today’s PENNVEST loan will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of residents of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, ensuring they have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water,” said Senator Costa. “Residents of the 42nd and 43rd Senatorial Districts can rest assured that the Pennsylvania government is making a difference in their lives by financing projects that improve our quality of life in a tangible way. I look forward to seeing these dollars get to work very shortly.”
PWSA’s 2025 small diameter water main replacement project includes the replacement of aging 4-inch to 16-inch diameter pipes with new zinc-coated ductile iron pipes ranging from 4 to 24 inches. Water mains, valves, fire hydrants, and water service lines will be replaced. Water mains were selected for replacement based on a number of risk-factors, prioritized by being undersized, having a history of breaks, and the presence of lead. This project area includes the East Allegheny, Spring Hill, and Hill District areas of the City of Pittsburgh.
- FINANCIAL IMPACT: This is an existing system and serves 70,061 residential customers with a population of 303,255. The population impacted by this project has a median household income level below the state median household income level. Without the extended term on their PENNVEST loan of $21,770,999, user fees would expect to increase by an additional 40 percent. The PENNVEST low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $12,188,701 over the life of the loan.
- INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTH: This project will assist the Authority with addressing the system’s water loss of 64.4 percent.
- SOURCE WATER PROTECTION: This water system has a Source Water Protection Plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to thriving communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
#####
