PITTSBURGH, PA – January 20, 2026 − Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representatives from Allegheny County to announce grants from the Multimodal Transportation Fund.
“I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of these Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars to benefit our communities,” said Senator Costa. “Across the 43rd district, the projects funded by these grants will ensure local families can travel safely throughout their communities. I look forward to seeing these dollars improve our municipalities and the daily experiences of our fellow residents. I am honored to work with my fellow Senate and House Democratic colleagues to improve our roadways in ways that demonstrate how we can make state government work for working people.”
With Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
- Borough of Wilkinsburg was awarded $500,000 to reconstruct Graham Boulevard located in Wilkinsburg Borough.
- Friends of the Riverfront, Inc. was awarded $450,000 to extend the Three Rivers Heritage Trail located in Swissvale Borough.
- Hosanna House, Inc. was awarded $750,000 for sidewalk, crosswalk, and alleyway improvements around Penn Lincoln Green in Wilkinsburg Borough.
- Swissvale Borough was awarded $700,000 for Phase 5 streetscape improvements along Monongahela Avenue located in Swissvale Borough.
- Wilkins Township was awarded $529,199 to upgrade the traffic signal at the intersection of Brown Avenue and Roland Road located in Wilkins Township.
With Representative Dan Frankel, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
- Walnut Capital-McKee, L.P. was awarded $553,809 for safety and streetscape improvements at the Louisa Street steps in Pittsburgh City.
With Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
- Oakmont Community Foundation was awarded $230,636 to realign Allegheny Avenue in Oakmont Borough.
- Verona Borough was awarded $550,075 for roadway and pedestrian improvements on Jones Street located in Verona Borough.
Learn more about the Multimodal Transportation Fund here.
Learn more about how Senate Democrats are fighting for every Pennsylvanian here.
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HARRISBURG, PA − January 6, 2026 − Today, State Senator Art Haywood, and Senator Jay Costa, Democratic Party Leader, gathered in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection and to honor the law enforcement officers who courageously defended democracy and the rule of law.
Joining the Senators were several members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Pastor Hank Johnson of Brethen in Christ U.S church in Mechanicsburg, and Lana Walmer of Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg.
The commemoration was held in remembrance of those who lost their lives, in recognition of the officers who ran toward danger, and in gratitude for the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families in defense of the nation’s democratic institutions. The event underscored that honoring law enforcement and speaking truthfully about January 6 is not a partisan exercise, but a moral obligation rooted in respect for democracy, dignity, and peace.
“The United States is a nation of laws, norms, democracy, and justice. Having a law enforcement background myself, I will never forget watching officers run towards danger as rioters attacked our nation’s capital five years ago,” said Leader Costa. “By issuing blanket pardons to hundreds of people convicted of attacking the capitol, President Trump’s message to law enforcement was that he and his administration will pick and choose when to have their backs, and that’s downright unacceptable. I am recommitting myself and my entire caucus to restoring decorum, dignity, and peace to our halls of power as we observe the fifth anniversary of this terrible chapter in US history.”
Senator Haywood emphasized that the purpose of the gathering was to center the humanity, courage, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who stood in defense of democracy.
“Today, we raise our voices to say to law enforcement that we see you, we honor you, and we thank you for defending our democracy,” said Senator Haywood. “We encourage all Americans to join us in support of the Capitol Police and all law enforcement. Members of Congress, staff and visitors who in the capitol on January 6, 2021.”
“On this day five years ago, the integrity and strength of our democracy was tested by violence and destruction. As we remember this dark day in America’s history and those who lost their lives, it’s important to denounce any and all political violence,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “Let us disagree peacefully. Let us work together towards solutions even if we may differ on the best way to get there. It’s the responsibility of every leader in America to call out political violence for the poison that it is and encourage a commitment to peace and the rule of law.”
Senators Haywood and Costa stressed that January 6 must be remembered with honesty and care, not as a political talking point, but as a moment that tested the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Both expressed hope that, with time, history will more fully honor those who protected democratic institutions and speak truthfully about the attempt to overturn a lawful election and undermine constitutional governance.
The commemoration concluded with a call to recommit to democratic norms, reject political violence, and uphold the dignity of law enforcement officers who continue to serve as guardians of public safety and constitutional order.
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HARRISBURG, December 23, 2025 − State Sen. Jay Costa and state Rep. Joseph McAndrew today announced $3 million in state funding to support the Municipality of Penn Hills with its public works planned transportation improvements.
The funding comes from the state Transportation Department’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and is earmarked for Penn Hills’ street paving and reconstruction program and sidewalk improvements.
“This funding helps our everyday residents,” said McAndrew, D-Allegheny. “While traditionally these roads are the responsibility of the municipality to maintain, this funding helps offset that burden and works to prevent the need to raise property taxes on a municipal level for this budgetary need.”
“I am pleased and honored to be announcing these grant dollars with Representative Joe McAndrew,” said Costa, D-Allegheny. “This funding will ensure that everyone who uses the roads is safe on their journey, from our drivers to our public transit riders to our pedestrians. I’m so grateful this funding is moving ahead.”
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets and enhance communities. The projects support the safety and accessibility of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.
Applications for the next round of MTF grants will open on Jan. 5 and will be due by Feb. 13, with awards being announced in the summer. More information about the program and funded projects is available at the PennDOT website.
PITTSBURGH, PA – December 11, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $1,933,927 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) benefitting the 43rd district, encompassing parts of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
“I am proud to be announcing funding that will support our friends and neighbors seeking support at the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Senator Costa. “I sincerely hope that these dollars deliver hope, safety, and resources to those who need it most, and I am so grateful for the organizations and programs who show up for the 43rd in times of great need.”
Awardees of Federal Victims of Crime Act, Crime Victims Services and Compensation, Victims of Juvenile Offender Funds are as follows:
- Women’s Shelter and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $53,139 for Assisting Victims of IPV in Criminal Court.
- Pittsburgh Action Against Rape was awarded $80,392 for RASA and VOJO Services to Sexual Violence Victims.
- Center for Victims was awarded $855,545 for RASA/VOJO January 2026 – December 2026.
Through the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiatives Grant Program, the University of Pittsburgh was awarded $944,851 for expanding HVIP service.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to safe communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
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The 2025-26 budget signed by Governor Shapiro creates a new $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program to support 55,000 child care workers statewide.
By providing $450 bonuses to staff at licensed Child Care Works providers, the Governor is strengthening the child care workforce and expanding access to care for Pennsylvania families.
Verona, PA – December 1, 2025 – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined child care workers, legislators, and community leaders at Riverview Children’s Center in Allegheny County to highlight child care investments secured in the 2025-26 budget the Governor signed last month. These investments will help Pennsylvania recruit and retain child care workers, expand access to quality care, and ensure more parents can stay in the workforce and provide for their families.
Pennsylvania’s child care industry currently has 3,000 unfilled jobs — openings that, if filled, would allow providers to serve 25,000 additional children. Providers continue to struggle with low wages that make it hard to hire and retain qualified staff, forcing them to close classrooms and turn families away.
To address workforce shortages and expand child care availability, the 2025-26 budget establishes a $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, which will provide roughly $450 annually per employee to licensed Child Care Works (CCW) providers. These bonuses will support approximately 55,000 child care workers statewide and help stabilize the child care sector.
“When parents can’t find affordable, reliable care, they can’t work — and our entire economy feels it,” said Governor Shapiro. “We’ve taken real action to lower costs by tripling the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit for nearly 219,000 working families, but affordability isn’t enough — we also have to expand access. That’s why we’re making investments to help child care centers hire and retain talented educators. These bonuses will help strengthen the workforce, open more slots for children, and make sure families across Pennsylvania can find the care they need.”
The budget also invests an additional $7.5 million for Pre-K Counts to help providers raise wages and stabilize the early educator workforce, along with a $10 million increase for Early Intervention services to support families with children experiencing developmental delays.
“Serving as co-chair of the Governor’s Early Learning Investment Commission — I hear firsthand how essential quality child care is to Pennsylvania’s families and our economy,” said Lt. Governor Davis. “Over the past year, we heard directly from business leaders — who made clear that child care is workforce infrastructure. Employers need it, parents depend on it, and our economy grows when families have reliable, affordable care. We also heard from child care workers who spoke about what these investments mean for them. One worker told us that these investments show their work has value — and she’s right. These educators care for our most precious resource: our children. That’s why Governor Shapiro and I fought to include child care investments in the final budget.”
In addition to child care investments, the Governor’s new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC)— created in the 2025–26 budget — will deliver $193 million in tax relief to 940,000 working Pennsylvanians beginning next tax season. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the new state-level credit equals 10 percent of the federal benefit. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will now automatically receive both credits, reducing taxes owed and putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvanians.
Building on the Shapiro Administration’s Record of Child Care Affordability
These new investments build on Governor Shapiro’s progress since taking office to make child care more affordable, accessible, and available, including when his first two budgets:
- Expanded the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit: In December 2023, Governor Shapiro signed into law a major expansion of the credit, increasing Pennsylvania’s match from 30 percent to 100 percent of the federal credit. The maximum benefit rose from $630 to $2,100 per family — and last year, this expansion delivered $136.5 million to 218,953 working families.
- Created the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit: In the FY2024-25 budget, the Governor secured a new credit encouraging employers to contribute to workers’ child care expenses. Employers can claim a tax credit for up to 30 percent of eligible contributions, capped at $500 per employee — helping businesses support working parents and strengthening the workforce.
- Secured nearly $117 million across his first two budgets for Child Care Works, helping up to 80,000 low-income families access subsidized care each year.
- Increased investments in early childhood education, including $15 million more for Pre-K Counts and a $2.7 million boost for Head Start.
Today’s event was held at Riverview Children’s Center (RCC), a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services-licensed, four-star Keystone STARS early learning center that has served families since 1979. As one of the region’s first National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-accredited programs, RCC now serves about 154 children from infancy through school age and employs 32 educators. With blended funding from Pre-K Counts, CCW, and private pay, RCC operates five pre-K classrooms, provides before- and after-school programming for the Riverview School District, and runs a 10-week summer camp. About 15 percent of RCC’s annual revenue comes from CCW, making state investments essential to sustaining high-quality early learning and child care for local families.
“We are honored to welcome Governor Shapiro to RCC as we highlight the critical importance of Pennsylvania’s early child care workforce,” said Stephanie Heakins, Director of RCC. “As a working mother, I know firsthand how essential high-quality early education and dedicated educators are — not only for our children’s development, but for the stability and success of families across the Commonwealth. At RCC, we are deeply committed to providing high-equity care so every child, no matter their background, begins with the strong foundation they deserve. Our educators embody that mission every day, and this center shows what’s possible when we invest in the people who make early learning work. Governor Shapiro, thank you for your leadership and for recognizing the profound impact early educators have on our communities.”
“Ninety percent of brain development happens in a child’s first five years — and every dollar invested in high-quality early child care and education yields a $14 return on investment,” said Leah Lisowski, a teacher at RCC. “The potential of this new era for early childhood education is incredibly exciting, especially for the hardworking, talented, and deeply committed educators who have dedicated their careers to our youngest learners. People often say we’re the workforce behind the workforce — and it’s true. I’m hopeful that this new budget investment marks a real step toward addressing the chronically low wages that have held this field back. Every child in Pennsylvania deserves access to high-quality early learning, and every educator deserves fair compensation for the vital work they do every day.”
With the 2025-26 budget signed into law, the Shapiro Administration will implement the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program and deliver bonuses to eligible workers later this fiscal year.
“Governor Shapiro’s leadership has been exceptionally strong — not just on child care recruitment and retention bonuses, but across the entire education conversation,” said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa. “The Governor fought to protect adequacy funding, strengthen special education, and build on our work to make life more affordable for families across the Commonwealth. We’ve delivered meaningful child care and dependent care support not just once, but two years in a row — and this year, we’re building on that progress with a new state-level Earned Income Tax Credit that will help nearly a million Pennsylvanians save more than $193 million. At a time when so many families are confronting real affordability challenges, these investments matter.”
“This $25 million investment is a first step in recognizing that child care workers are the keystone of Pennsylvania’s workforce,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “They allow our working families to get to work themselves, knowing that their children are safe, happy, cared for, and learning throughout the day. I’m proud to have partnered with the Shapiro Administration to get the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program into the FY2025-26 budget, and I look forward to working to expand it in the future.”
“Child care can feel like a second mortgage for many families,” said Representative Joe McAndrew. “That’s why it’s so important to continue bringing resources and investment into the child care space year after year — to ease the burden on working families, ensure quality staff are in these critical roles, and deliver meaningful support where it’s needed most. Year after year, I get to come back to this community and share what we are delivering — and we’re able to do that thanks to the leadership of Governor Shapiro.”
Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget will build on the foundation the Shapiro Administration has constructed over the past two years and move Pennsylvania forward as the Governor continues working across the aisle to get stuff done and ensure people across the Commonwealth have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.
Read more about Governor Shapiro’s 2025‑26 budget, view the Governor’s final budget remarks as prepared here, or watch the Governor’s delivered remarks here.
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