Harrisburg, Pa. − June 6, 2019 − The Senate Democratic Caucus recently reviewed findings compiled by independent counsel into allegations against Senator Daylin Leach; its preliminary report found a lengthy pattern of troubling behavior spanning several years regarding Senator Leach’s interactions with a number of women.
Members of the caucus have requested additional clarification in the review which will be compiled for a final version of the report.
Despite his claims, this report in no way absolves Senator Leach. The course of conduct outlined in the preliminary report is troubling, extensive and led to an atmosphere that was inappropriate and demeaning to staff, especially female staff.
“What we have already seen from the independent review shows irresponsible behavior and an unacceptable workplace for the staff of this caucus,” said Senator Costa. “Senator Leach’s course of conduct created an unprofessional and sexualized environment. That should not be tolerated in any workplace; we will not tolerate it here. For this reason, I believe Senator Leach should resign from the Senate.
The Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to an environment free of sexual or other forms harassment and intimidation; and expects its members to stay far away from the clear lines which define appropriate public behavior. We will continue this commitment in word and in action.”
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Harrisburg, Pa. − June 6, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today circulated a memo asking for cosponsors for a bill to create a “Cap and Invest” program for the state’s electric power sector.
“The federal government has abdicated responsibility on climate change— states, local governments, private companies and citizens must take the lead in enacting equitable policies to mitigate the growing impacts of climate change,” said Senator Costa.
The legislation will instruct the Environmental Quality Board to reduce carbon pollution emissions from the electric power sector – the largest source of emissions in Pennsylvania – by at least 90% by 2040 relative to baseline emissions. The Board can develop a market-based carbon pollution limit, which ensures a technology neutral, flexible approach that incentivizes the most cost-effective emission reductions and generates revenue for investments in economic development, workforce training, energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy affordability.
The legislation also enables the Board to adopt mechanisms that facilitate deployment of zero—emissions technologies, measures that provide for ongoing assessment of emission sources in the electric power sector that adversely affect disadvantaged communities and for reductions in harmful air pollution affecting the communities, protect against emissions leakage, and join one or more multijurisdictional programs for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Pennsylvania has already made important strides towards reducing greenhouse gases, and mayors from Pennsylvania’s two largest cities have already committed to reducing carbon emissions,” said Senator Costa. “But more work is needed to achieve the emission reductions and to make sure Pennsylvania isn’t left behind in the burgeoning growth of clean energy technologies and jobs.”
Further, the bill provides that revenue generated from the program be directed towards programs that promote clean air, mitigate utility bill impacts and protect low-income consumers, increase energy efficiency, and assist workers and communities impacted by the closure of power plants or mines.
Senator Costa is circulating this memo to garner more cosponsors before formally introducing the bill.
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Homestead, Pa. − June 5, 2019 − Senator Jay Costa and Representative Austin Davis today announced the award of $100,000 in state grate money to the Carnegie Library of Homestead. The award comes from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of its Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program.
With the funds, the Carnegie Library will renovate the music hall, and enhance its dedication to providing educational programs to the Steel Valley. A fire sprinkler system will be installed at the music hall to protect attendees of their performances but also protect this historic institution.
“The Carnegie Library is an invaluable resource to this community,” said Senator Costa. “The safety improvements they intend to make will preserve it for generations to come, and I was honored to recommend this project for state funding.”
“It’s always a pleasure to announce significant funding that goes toward the preservation of a historical landmark and the overall safety of our residents and visitors alike,” said Rep. Davis said. “The Carnegie Library of Homestead is a staple of our community and a pillar of educational opportunities. This funding will assist the library in maintaining safety measures while also ensuring its visitors can safely enjoy all the library has to offer.”
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) administers multiple funding programs. Grant programs are available to nonprofit organizations and local governments. Tax credits are available to owners of certified historic buildings.
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Harrisburg PA – June 4, 2019 – State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Pittsburgh) led House and Senate Democrats in announcing several voting reform proposals Tuesday in the Main Capitol Rotunda.
The legislators were joined by a large group of advocates and supporters pushing for automatic voter registration, no excuse absentee voting, same day voter registration and campaign finance reform. Sen. Hughes and Rep. Innamorato are proposing similar bills that would allow those eligible to register to vote when signing up for critical state services such as renewing drivers licenses or applying for a public benefit administered by the state.
“Our democracy depends on its voters, which is why we are fighting to ensure every eligible person has a chance to voice their opinion at the ballot box,” said Sen. Hughes, who is proposing Senate Bill 608. “We have a broad coalition of folks who understand this and are fighting for Pennsylvanians ability to have their voices at the ballot box. Expanding access and simplifying the processes will help do that for our communities across the commonwealth.”
Pennsylvania has 8.6 million registered voters, but less than 55 percent of voting-age citizens turned out in the 2018 midterm elections, with varying reasons impeding participation including work, illness, and other unforeseen circumstances. Research shows higher voter turnout in states that have enacted some or all of the reforms the coalition is seeking.
“Participatory government demands equal access to participation,” said Rep. Innamorato, who has proposed House Bill 1556 on automatic voter registration. “Too often, the complicated registration process we have in place poses a significant obstacle to access to the ballot. Automatic voter registration and our other proposals would make it easier for all Pennsylvanians to have a voice, get informed and be heard. We need to be removing barriers to participation, not erecting new ones. These are the first steps in the fight for a fair, secure democracy in our commonwealth and our communities.”
Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Jennifer O’Mara (D-Springfield) discussed their proposals to expand early voting, which aim to expand voting beyond the 13-hour time frame Pennsylvania currently mandates. Both proposals would expand the time frame greatly and add options to vote on the weekend. Sen. Fontana is proposing SB 294 and Rep. O’ Mara is proposing HB 1558.
“If people don’t vote, democracy doesn’t work,” Sen. Fontana said. “If people can’t vote, we are shortchanging our democracy. During the most recent primary election last month, many counties across the state were lucky to have even a 20 percent voter turn-out. It’s obvious we need to find ways to improve voter access and participation and to me, the task is simple. We need to find ways to make voting easier and more accommodating.”
“Introducing an early voting bill is a priority for me because voting should be easier for everyone,” Rep. O’Mara said. “When I was campaigning, I met a young woman named Kate who uses a wheelchair. She told me her polling pace is not ADA accessible, and voting is a big challenge for her. So, one reason I decided to introduce early voting is so people like Kate have the ease and access to practice their constitutional right. It’s about time Pennsylvania steps up to make voting easier for all its eligible citizens.”
Sen. Judy Schwank (D- Berks) introduced her proposal for no-excuse absentee voting, SB 411, which would allow voters to submit absentee ballots for any reason. Currently, 27 other states and the District of Columbia have enacted no-excuse absentee voting.
“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy,” Schwank said. “We need to remove needless barriers that keep people from being able to vote or from having their votes counted.”
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced HB 101, which aims to bring same-day voter registration to Pennsylvania while also simplifying the process. His legislation would help increase voter turnout because of increased convenience, while also maintaining integrity in the voting process by not counting same-day registrant votes until the Department of State has verified eligibility.
“The right to vote is the perfect symbol of our democracy,” Rep. Bizzarro said. “Unfortunately, it’s perfect in theory, not in practice. Our outmoded laws – including the one requiring that residents register 30 days in advance of an election to vote in that election – discourage participation by imposing unnecessary hurdles. Our legislation to streamline the process would help fix that.”
Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) is proposing shifting ballot positions for candidates running for public office in Philadelphia. The goal of SB 602 is to eliminate the advantages held by candidates who draw first position on the ballot.
“A growing number of Pennsylvanians, especially young voters, are unaffiliated with major parties or uninterested in party politics,” Sen. Williams said. “Those voters still deserve to have a voice in who represents them in city council and the mayor’s office, which is why I’m offering legislation to conduct nonpartisan, ranked-choice voting in the Commonwealth’s largest city, Philadelphia.”
Advocates in attendance included the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, Common Cause, Pennsylvania for Fair Elections, Committee of 79, League of women Voters, Brennan Center for Justice, Keystone Progress, SiX.
Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 29, 2019 − Senator Jay Costa, Jr. today announced state funding for transportation projects in the 43rd senatorial district, paid for by the Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) program.
The ARLE program aims to improve safety at intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue. Under state law, grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 30 intersections in Philadelphia. The law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding. Municipalities submitted 134 applications, totaling almost $38 million in requests.
“I recommended three intersections in my district because I’ve heard from constituents, and seen myself, that they were not as safe as they could be,” said Senator Costa. “Upgrading the traffic signals, improving pedestrian accommodations, and updating these intersections overall will make them safer for drivers, walkers and cyclists.”
The three projects include:
- Churchill Borough – $107,000 to upgrade traffic signal controllers, install battery backup systems, and new LED traffic signal heads at three intersections.
- City of Pittsburgh – $165,000 to upgrade the traffic signal at intersection of Bigelow Boulevard and Bayard Street with new traffic signal supports, LED signal heads, full pedestrian accommodations and detection system.
- Swissvale Borough – $60,000 to upgrade traffic signal heads and the traffic signal controller, and to install a battery backup system at the intersection of South Braddock Avenue and Waverly Street/Edgewood Avenue.
Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on criteria such as benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact, and cost sharing. This investment brings the total dollars awarded through the ARLE funding program to $78.49 million, funding 416 safety projects since 2010.
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Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 28, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. expressed hopefulness at today’s ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the case of Commonwealth vs. UPMC.
In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case back to the Commonwealth Court.
“I am pleased to report that the PA Supreme Court reversed and remanded the Commonwealth Court’s decision on the UPMC contract case back to the Commonwealth Court.
The Commonwealth Court will now have a hearing, consistent with this ruling.
Today’s decision doesn’t extend the June deadline for the UPMC-Highmark contract, but it continues this important conversation on health care access in Western Pennsylvania and the entire Commonwealth by requiring the Commonwealth Court to expeditiously determine whether the consent decree may be extended beyond June 30, 2019.
I was proud to sign onto an amicus brief in support of AG Josh Shapiro’s case, along with many of my colleagues in the PA Senate Democratic Caucus.
We’ll continue work on a legislative solution, but I’m heartened by the Supreme Court’s decision today.”
-Senator Costa
