Harrisburg, PA − October 23, 2025 − On Wednesday, October 22, Senator Jay Costa provided an update to Francine Schertzer on the status of the 2025-26 Pennsylvania Budget negotiations, as well as policy priorities for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus. You can watch the entire interview here:
Harrisburg, PA – October 21, 2025 – Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement following more budget delays that were led by Senate Republicans.
“It is deeply frustrating to see Senate Republicans waste more time instead of coming to the table to get a serious, responsible budget passed for the Commonwealth.
“What we got from Senate Republicans today was another exercise in delay tactics. They know the budget they passed today is not serious. It would raise local taxes, force cuts to health services and jobs, and leave school districts with debt that was incurred because of the Senate Republican budget impasse.
“Senate and House Democrats have shown multiple times that we are willing to compromise to get a budget done. The House passed a bipartisan budget for the second time weeks ago, but Senate Republicans choose to prolong this impasse.
“Our state budget is now one hundred and thirteen days past due, and the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of Senate Republicans. We again implore them to work with us, the House, and the Governor to get a budget done that funds our obligations and maintains important education, health, and support services.”
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Pittsburgh, Pa. − October 17, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Wayne Fontana, and Senator Lindsey M. Williams announced the approval of a $70,350,208 loan for Pittsburgh Water from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“It’s a joy and an honor to have played a small part in ensuring that all Allegheny County residents have access to safe, drinkable water. Replacing these old and risky water lines will support our kids, families, and seniors every time they reach for the faucet. I’m so grateful to everyone who worked together to bring these dollars home to the Pittsburgh Water, and I look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition,” said Senator Costa.
“Pennsylvania’s Constitution guarantees us all the right to pure water, and that includes our drinking water,” said Senator Williams. “This loan will support ongoing efforts to replace lead service lines and ensure that our families have access to safe drinking water at home, at school, and at work. And by securing state funding, Pittsburgh Water can perform the work without passing costs onto customers, especially when utility bills are at an all time high. This is a win for everyone.”
“I was proud to work with my colleagues and support Pittsburgh Water’s request to PENNVEST. Reliable water supply is critical for the safety and well-being of our constituents, and I support these improvements,” said Senator Fontana.
This PENNVEST loan will be used to install an estimated 49,710 feet of replacement 4-inch and 16-inch waterlines, including over 1000 public and private lead service lines. The work entails the replacement of undersized water mains, valves, fire hydrants, and water service lines. For this project, water mains were selected by prioritizing undersized mains and those with a history of breaks.
PENNVEST is a financing authority that provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution problems that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development.
HARRISBURG, PA − October 14, 2025 − Now that the Senate Republicans’ Budget Impasse has gone on for 106 days and counting, all twenty three members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus signed onto a letter urging Senate Republicans to call the Senate back into session and call up Senate Bill 160, a budget bill that passed the House on a bipartisan basis on Wednesday, October 8.
The letter in its entirety is available here.
Senate Democrats have been sounding the alarm on the impact of the Senate Republicans’ Budget Impasse for weeks, drawing attention to the healthcare workers, schools, daycare providers, and others feeling the extreme pinch.
After the House passed SB 160, Senate Republicans packed up and went home without voting on the bill. As the letter states, sending members home, “without a vote is a slap in the face to the counties, school districts, human service providers, and others who are struggling to navigate this unnecessary, politically motivated impasse. That is unacceptable.”
Senate Democrats have been loud, clear, and united: “It is beyond time for compromise. It is time to end this impasse.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH – October 10, 2025 − Today, State Senator Jay Costa announces $6,196,549 in funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) in federal tax credits utilized to finance the development of affordable housing. The funding was conditionally reserved for the approved projects.
“I am a long-time partner in and admirer of the crucial work PHFA does in delivering funding necessary to ensure a safe, affordable home for every Pennsylvanian,” said Senator Costa. “The dollars announced today will go a long way in putting more families in our communities into housing that works for them and their needs. I look forward to seeing these investments come to fruition in the 43rd district.”
The projects funded in the 43rd district are as follows:
Development Name: Shannon Heights Senior Living
Location: Verona, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $1,700,000
|DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
This proposal is for the new construction of 1 building (2 stories) for seniors 62 and older. The development will consist of 28 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units. There will be nine accessible units. The development is estimated to be a total of 56,835 square feet.
Development Name: Gable Ridge
Location: Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $992,686
DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
This proposal is for the preservation of six one- and two-story buildings, consisting of 50 one-bedroom units for senior 62+ occupancy. There will be five accessible units. The development is estimated to be a total of 41,276 square feet.
Conditional Reservation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits:
Development Name: HG Blair
Location: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $1,850,000
DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
This proposal is the second affordable phase of the Hazelwood Green planned district; there will be a third, market rate, phase. The proposal is for the new construction of a single, five-story, mid-rise building. The project will consist of 29 one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom, and seven three-bedroom units for general occupancy. There will be six fully accessible units and one unit equipped with features for residents requiring hearing and vision accessibility accommodation. The development is projected to be a total of 57,909 square feet, with 2,183 square feet of commercial space.
Development Name: Carrick Sr. Apartments
Location: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
Conditional Reservation of Tax Credits: $1,653,863
DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION:
|This proposal is for the new construction of one three-story building, consisting of 47 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom units for senior 62+ occupancy. There will be nine accessible units. The development is estimated to be a total of 56,385 square feet.
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Harrisburg PA − October 8, 2025 − Today, Senator Jay Costa, Senate Democratic Leader, and Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair, shared the following statement after the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a 25-26 budget for the second time.
“Yet again, Senate Democrats are standing ready with votes to pass a budget and stop this budget impasse that is causing real hurt to counties, schools, health and safety programs, and many others who rely on state funding.
“The House passed a budget today that represents compromise and responsible spending. Senate Democrats are ready to get this done.
“And while the House was in session passing a budget, for the second time, Senate Republican leadership decided to send members home. We could have passed a budget today if Senate Republicans weren’t so carelessly standing in the way.
“Instead of getting a budget deal done, Senate Republicans spent three days playing gubernatorial politics on behalf of the State Treasurer. Senate Republicans have demonstrated multiple times that they are not serious about getting a budget passed. They are more interested in playing political games with no regard for the individuals and organizations they hurt along the way.
“They continue to finger point, yet the state House passed a budget today and Senate Democrats are ready to vote to end this unnecessary impasse. What have they done? It’s far past time to put the people first.”
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