HARRISBURG, PA – March 26, 2025 – Last night, Democratic East Petersburg Mayor James Malone won a special election for Senate District 36, which comprises northern Lancaster County, against Republican County Commissioner Josh Parsons. Of the 184,569 registered voters in SD-36, 53% are Republicans and 30% are Democrats.
James Malone’s victory brings the total membership of the Democratic Caucus up to 23, narrowing the gap with the Senate Republican caucus.
In welcoming the first Democratic State Senator from Lancaster since 1889, Democratic Leader Jay Costa releases the following statement:
“The people of Lancaster County were loud and clear: Decency and commonsense beats the Trump and Musk agenda of hatred, chaos, and misery. I am thrilled to welcome another outstanding champion for Democratic values to the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats, and I look forward to working with him to continue fighting for a government that works for every Pennsylvanian. As we go forward in our discussions of the future of education, transit, healthcare, housing, good jobs, and care for our elders, I know James Malone will be a champion of the values Lancaster holds dear.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA − March 20, 2025 − Today, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order which begins the process of dismantling the US Department of Education.
In condemning this unconstitutional action, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and Senate Democratic Education Chair Lindsey Williams issue the following joint statement:
“We are appalled that President Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire cronies have taken the unconstitutional and unprecedented step of dismantling the US Department of Education, and moreover, that they have barely attempted to disguise their flagrant raiding of our children’s futures to line their own pockets.
“The US Department of Education plays a critical role in ensuring that every single student, especially our students with disabilities, receives an excellent public-school education surrounded by adults who care about them. In Pennsylvania, we rely on the US Department of Education for $1.45 billion in education support funding, $3.3 million in mental health services funding, and $238.1 million in workforce development funding. On the higher education front, the destruction of the Department of Education stands to cost our Commonwealth $68.9 billion in federal student loans, which support over 1.8 million Pennsylvanians.
“Dismantling the US Department of Education will do nothing to improve students’ math and literacy skills, nor will it lower property taxes; on the contrary, this order will serve only to clear the way for rolling back the civil rights of our students and unleashing untold discrimination without consequences.
“Further, Executive Orders are not law. They cannot change existing law or our constitution. This Executive Order cannot eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Today’s action is unconstitutional, but the damage to our students, parents, and educators has already begun.
“Pennsylvania’s Department of Education will continue to diligently carry out its mission to provide a comprehensive, effective, and contemporary system public education on the state level to the best of their abilities, but the future of necessary funding, technical education, and special education is in incredible peril. The Senate Democratic Caucus will be fighting harder than ever for our students, our educators, our parents, and our support staffers.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to an excellent education for every Pennsylvanian here.
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HARRISBURG, PA – February 26, 2025 − Yesterday evening, the US House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that endorses slashing critical funding to Medicaid and Medicare to the tune of $880 billion.
In adding to the pleas of fellow Pennsylvanians, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) release the following statement:
“Last night, Republicans in Washington passed a budget that will result in catastrophic cuts to Medicaid so they can cut taxes for billionaires. This should have been a non-starter for any lawmaker who represents the people of Pennsylvania, yet ten Republicans from PA voted ‘yes’.
“We should be improving access to healthcare, not taking it away from seniors and vulnerable Americans who rely on Medicaid for life-saving treatments and care.
“For weeks, our offices have been flooded with calls from constituents who are scared and confused, wondering if they were one Congressional vote away from losing access to the healthcare they need. Now it’s clear that PA Republicans will not do anything to protect healthcare for Pennsylvanians.
“There is no excuse for cutting Medicaid to pay for a tax cut for millionaires and billionaires. PA Congressional Republicans should be ashamed of their decision to turn their back on their constituents.”
Learn more about the Senate Democrats’ commitment to accessible, affordable healthcare for every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – February 24, 2025 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $2,424,410 in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant money benefiting the 43rd senatorial district.
Per the Department of Community and Economic Development, “The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development.”
“All of us deserve to get where we’re going safely and easily, whether we walk, bike, or drive,” said Senator Costa. “I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of Multimodal Transportation Funds, and I look forward to seeing improvements our roads and sidewalks that will benefit countless families who call these communities home.”
With Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces the following:
- The Borough of Rankin was awarded $445,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Funds for the reconstruction of Rankin Boulevard and Harriet Street located in Rankin Borough, Allegheny County.
- Forest Hills Borough was awarded $200,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for roadway and sidewalk improvements on multiple streets located in Forest Hills Borough, Allegheny County.
- Swissvale Borough was awarded $300,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to reconstruct sidewalks and pedestrian stairs along multiple streets located in Swissvale Borough, Allegheny County.
- Wilkinsburg School District was awarded $500,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for pedestrian and vehicle transportation improvements around the Kelly Primary School located in Wilkinsburg Borough, Allegheny County.
With Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, Senator Costa announces the following:
- Carlow University was awarded $529,410 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to make sidewalk and crosswalk safety improvements, located in Pittsburgh City, Allegheny County.
- The City of Pittsburgh was awarded $450,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for a streetscape lighting improvement project along Penn Avenue AI Corridor located in Pittsburgh City, Allegheny County.
Learn more about the Multimodal Transportation Fund here.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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HARRISBURG, PA – February 13, 2025 – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that he will be filing suit to challenge President Trump’s unconstitutional freeze on $1.2 billion that the US Congress appropriated to Pennsylvania, along with an additional $900 million requiring an undefined review by federal agencies.
Governor Shapiro’s suit seeks to restore access to funding to PA agencies that provide critical services to Pennsylvanians, including LIHEAP, energy and clean water infrastructure, and plugging orphan wells, among other programs that benefit the commonwealth.
In support of this lawsuit, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) release the following:
“I am proud to support Governor Shapiro in his fight to demand what is constitutionally ours from an overreaching federal executive,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “My offices have been inundated with calls from constituents who are concerned, confused, and scared that the programs that keep their heat on and their homes livable will be taken away at a moment’s notice. In these unprecedented and destabilizing moments, I am grateful for the leadership of a Governor who does not run away from fights but takes them head-on. I look forward to supporting his efforts to deliver the funding that is rightfully, constitutionally, Pennsylvania’s.”
Senator Vincent Hughes, Democratic Appropriations Chair, said, “Right now, Pennsylvania can’t access billions of dollars for home repairs, clean water, public health, and rural jobs. This money has already been approved by Congress. It is intended for programs and services that have a real impact on millions of Pennsylvania residents. The current federal disregard for our constitution and the people we serve cannot continue.
This lawsuit is justified and a needed step to untangle the confusion that has been caused by the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze. We must put the lives of Pennsylvania’s people first. With this lawsuit, Gov. Shapiro is doing that.
I applaud Governor Shapiro for standing up for the people of Pennsylvania and what they need and deserve, and for standing up for the rule of law in our country. His steady leadership in this time of chaos and confusion in Washington, is exactly what Pennsylvania needs.”
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – February 12, 2025 − Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $238,424.75 in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services 24-25 Grant Awards benefitting the 43rd senatorial district.
“I am always proud to announce support for our brave first responders, and today is no exception,” said Senator Costa. “These vital dollars will allow our EMS and fire companies to maintain their readiness when disasters or emergencies strike. I look forward to seeing this grant money go to good use in our communities.”
The EMS awards are as follows:
- City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire was awarded $15,000.00
- Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $15,000.00
- Municipality of Penn Hills EMS was awarded $14,970.00
- Woodland Hills EMS was awarded $15,000.00
The Fire Company awards are as follows:
- Borough of Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $15,030.95
- Borough of Swissvale dba Swissvale Fire Department was awarded $14,170.24
- Churchill Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $12,233.63
- City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire was awarded $15,676.48
- Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $16,322.02
- Forest Hills Volunteer Fire Dept was awarded $16,322.02
- Mount Oliver Hook and Ladder Co was awarded $15,461.31
- Penn Hills #1 Volunteer Fire Co was awarded $12,663.99
- Swissvale Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $14,170.24
- Verona Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $12,018.46
- Wilkins Township Volunteer Fire Co No 1 was awarded $14,385.41
- Wilkins Township Volunteer Fire Company No 3 was awarded $20,000.00
A complete list of awardees throughout the commonwealth is available here.
For more information about the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant, click here.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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