As many of you are already aware, there has been a great deal of public discussion about PennDOT’s plans to close or meter many of the ramps along the Parkway East. I have heard from so many of you who are concerned about this project for various reasons. Please know that I too am alarmed about the potential effects of this project, and as a result, yesterday I spoke directly with Dan Cessna, executive of PennDOT engineering to express my concerns.
The safety and security of our residents and their families remains my top priority. During our conversation, I articulated my concerns for the increased traffic in our communities where children play after school and wait for buses in the morning. Diverting additional traffic to these communities puts lives at risk with little or no benefit to the motoring public, which is clearly documented in the original report.
This additional traffic also presents an environmental hazard to the families and businesses in our residential communities, significantly increasing the amount of exhaust and fumes that directly affect the health of our residents and those visiting our communities. In my view, moving forward with a plan that would be detrimental to the health and safety of the people who have worked so hard to make our community vibrant would be short-sighted and provide little to no long-term gains.
After a lengthy conversation, I am pleased to report PennDOT has decided not to pursue the project any further. Again thank you to each of you who reached out to me to voice your thoughts and opinions about this project. Working together, we can clearly make an impact on the key issues affecting our community and continue providing for the safety of our citizens.
Click here to read the full text of Sen. Costa’s letter to Dan Cessna, executive of PennDOT engineering
Costa reelected Democratic Leader
Harrisburg, November 14, 2012 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today elected leaders for the upcoming 2013-14 legislative session, with Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) reelected for a second term as Democratic Leader.
Today’s leadership elections were held nearly one week after Democrats gained three seats in last week’s General Election, strengthening the caucus to 23 members.
“I am grateful and honored by the support of my colleagues and humbled by the trust they have placed in me to lead them forward,” Costa said. “Our momentum has never been stronger and the caucus more unified in facing the challenges in front of us.
“As we welcome three new members and welcome back caucus members who are already serving Pennsylvania, we look forward to next session with renewed energy and optimism for the future.”
Prior to being elected Democratic Leader by his colleagues, Costa served as Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and previously served as Allegheny County Register of Wills (1992-96) and Deputy Sheriff (1984-89).
Other Democratic senators elected to leadership today were:
Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Phila./Delaware) was reelected Senate Democratic whip. Williams joined the Senate in 1998. He began his career in public service at the age of 31, first winning office as a state representative.
“As caucus members and Pennsylvania residents, we recognize the depth and breadth of the issues facing us during the next legislative session,” Williams said. “I look forward to having meaningful discussions with my colleagues and bringing members together as we work towards solutions that will move Pennsylvania forward.”
Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Phila./Montgomery) was again elected Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee chair. Hughes has served in the state legislature since 1987. He was elected to the Senate in 1994 and also previously served as Democratic Caucus chairman.
“We’ve worked hard over the last two years to make progress and deliver positive results amid a challenging political landscape,” Hughes said. “With increased strength in the caucus, we can continue to focus on job creation and finding solutions to education funding issues that will help Pennsylvania families and their children.”
Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Fayette/Somerset) was reelected caucus chairman. Kasunic was elected to the Senate in November 1994 but also served as a member of the state House of Representatives.
“Working with the members of the caucus we’ll continue to address the issues that are impacting the lives of families and business owners,” Kasunic said. “In the next session, Senate Democrats will remain focused on improving the lives of working Pennsylvanians and paving a solid, sustainable path for the next generation.”
Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) will again serve as Democratic Caucus secretary. She was elected to the Senate in 1994. Prior to her election to the Senate, the Philadelphia Democrat served as business representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
“We’re energized moving into next session,” Tartaglione said. “With the gain of three additional members, our voice will be stronger as we work together on the programs and initiatives that will help grow jobs and increase training opportunities for working Pennsylvanians.”
Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh/Monroe) was reelected to the leadership team as Democratic Policy Committee chair. Boscola was first elected to the state House in 1994. She was elected to the Senate in 1998.
Boscola’s Democratic Policy Committee has been very active during the last session, holding public hearings on a wide range of issues in many locales across Pennsylvania.
Boscola said that she is “looking forward to next session because we can continue concentrating our efforts on making Pennsylvania a place where families and businesses alike come to grow and thrive for years to come. “
Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) is also returning as a member of the Senate Democratic Leadership. Fontana will serve as Caucus administrator for the 2013-14 session.
Fontana was first elected to the Senate in a special election in May 2005 and was reelected to full terms in 2006 and 2010.
“We have a great many challenges that we must meet in the upcoming session and I am pleased to be in a leadership position with the caucus,” Fontana said. “We have to work hard to ensure that priorities such as job creation, education and environmental protection are addressed.
“We need to have focus and be prepared to move aggressively in solving problems and we can do that if we work hard and look for common ground.”
Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny/Armstrong/Westmoreland) will also be returning as vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Ferlo was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and is a former Pittsburgh City Council member.
“I am happy to welcome three new members to the Senate Democratic Caucus and I congratulate my leadership team for their reelection for the next session,” Ferlo said.
The new session of the General Assembly begins in January.
# # #
Today we come together to honor our veterans — those who have served, those still serving on our behalf at home and abroad and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Our veterans have helped to define who we are as a nation and what we stand for in the name of freedom. Never have they swayed from their call to service, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. As Americans, we owe them a debt of gratitude, of which we will never fully repay. It is my hope that today and every day, Pennsylvanians will strive to exude the courage and strength that each of these men and women have so selflessly displayed and commit to guard the honor and respect for their service long after their time in uniform has passed.
It is because of their dedication and extraordinary commitment to this country and the pursuit of freedom, that we all can enjoy the opportunities afforded to us by this great nation. May God continue to bless our veterans, their families and grant them continued safety and health until they return home to their families once again.
Harrisburg, November 9, 2012 – Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) regarding Gov. Corbett’s lottery privatization plan:
“The Pennsylvania Lottery is an efficiently and effectively run agency that funds critical services that benefit Pennsylvania seniors. The overall question is, why would the governor propose a privatization plan that potentially threatens to siphon off dollars intended to help seniors and pay them to a private contractor instead?”
“As our senior population continues to grow, we need to continue working to build up the network of programs and services to support them, not chip away at the system. Moving this plan forward in the manner as we’ve seen in the governor’s announcement today is more evidence of the kind of closed-door bargaining that continues to dictate policy in Harrisburg.”
“The people of Pennsylvania, especially our seniors, deserve an open and transparent process complete with legislative input and oversight on an issue that will directly affect the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
“The harsh reality is that moving into such a long-term contract as the governor has outlined would be the same as signing the mortgage to senior programs over to a private company for the next generation.”
“Just a few months ago, I introduced legislation – Senate Bill 1574 – that would put safeguards in place to ensure programs and services that have become a lifeline to many of our seniors were not jeopardized, while also protecting workers and guaranteed proper oversight.”
“There are too many question that need to be answered before any agreement is signed that could impact the lives of seniors forever.”
###
Harrisburg – October 30, 2012 – (4:30 p.m.) In an afternoon conference call briefing, Robert Powelson, chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and Glenn M. Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, outlined new developments relating to Hurricane Sandy and the impact that the storm has had on Pennsylvania.
According to information conveyed during the briefing, there were 903 Pennsylvanians in shelters and there have been three fatalities as a result of the hurricane striking Pennsylvania. As of mid-afternoon, 41 counties have issued disaster declarations and 1.2 million citizens were without power – 570,000 in PECO’s service area in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. There is the potential that power may not be restored for seven to 10 days.
Although the storm was making its way out of the state, Pennsylvania may still feel the impact of the storm. Two large shelters were being opened at West Chester University and East Stroudsburg University.
Also it was noted that hospitals, nursing homes and counties needed generators and that some schools may remain closed due to energy and flood issues. There has been no interruption of welfare benefits.
In regards the election, an extension has been granted to apply for an absentee ballot if county courthouses – and the elections offices – were closed due to the storm. The length of the extension is dependent upon the number of days the elections board was idled. The original application deadline was today.
-30-
Absentee ballot deadline extended in Pennsylvania as state recovers from this massive storm.
Harrisburg — October 30, 2012 – (9:20 a.m.) Gov. Tom Corbett provided additional details on how Pennsylvania is dealing with Hurricane Sandy earlier today at a briefing held at Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) headquarters.
Later today, the governor said he will be speaking with President Barack Obama and will be in contact with Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie of New York and New Jersey respectively, to determine if resources are able to be shared.
The center of former Hurricane Sandy is now over Chambersburg and the strength of the storm has diminished. There has been local flooding and reports of wind damage. Two deaths have been reported.
The governor said that 1.3 million Pennsylvanians are without power this morning. There are 603 people in shelters and that 48 shelters are operational. Thirty-eight counties have issued disaster declarations. PEMA is on level one status and 1,700 National Guard troops have been deployed.
SEPTA and Amtrak remain closed although speed restrictions on interstates have been lifted, except for I-90 and I-79 in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The storm dumped between 6-9 inches of snow in the Laurel Highlands and that western Pennsylvania will see additional impacts in Pennsylvania as the storm moves west then north.
Last night, the governor indicated that there would be an extension for submitting absentee ballot applications in those counties where the courthouses have been closed as a result of the storm. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the deadline for voters to request absentee ballots – originally 5 p.m. Tuesday – has been extended by up to two days, depending on how many days county offices were forced to close because of the storm.
Resources:
An excellent list of telephone numbers for utilities and other contact information was released yesterday and posted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Find out up-to-date information about Hurricane Sandy from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on its website www.readypa.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA
Information about major state road closures is available by calling 511 or by www.511pa.com
Find the nearest Red Cross shelter
