Advocating for our Environment
The debate on climate change is over. The science is settled: our planet's climate is changing and humans are one of the causes. Now it's time to act. For the month of April, the environment is my top focus and I'm going to share with you updates on legislation I'm working on, as well as some facts about the issue. Follow along on my Facebook page.
On April 23rd, the PA Senate Democratic Policy Committee will be having a hearing on methane emissions and our air quality in Pittsburgh. You can find details about attending the hearing at pasenate.com.
Elliot Howsie Nominated for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
 Last week, Governor Tom Wolf nominated Allegheny County Public Defender Elliot Howsie to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Donna Jo McDaniel.
I was honored to recommend Elliot Howsie. Mr. Howsie has the incredible breadth of work and life experience for this position, and I believe he will be an invaluable addition to the bench. His peers agree, and in addition to my and the Governor's support, he has the highest recommendation of the Bar Association. He possesses the requisite temperament and intellect for the job, and I look forward to his confirmation process in the coming weeks.
Howsie grew up in Wilkinsburg, and on March 19, 2012, Elliot Howsie was appointed by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, to be Allegheny County’s first African American Chief Public Defender.
$1.5 Million Coming to the 43rd District
 The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved funding for transportation projects in our district early last week.
We have a growing region, but to continue that development we have to make sure that folks can get around - whether they are walking or riding. Safe, accessible pedestrian walkways are needed in our region, and I'm proud to support the grants that will help them move forward.
The grants awarded include:
- $500,000 to the City of Pittsburgh for the Bigelow Boulevard Streetscape
- $500,000 to the City of Pittsburgh for the 21st Street Project
- $390,000 to the Borough of Verona for First Street reconstruction
- $250,000 to the Borough of Mt. Oliver for the Brownsville Road Streetscape, Phase 3
In the 43rd
Right down the street from my Homestead office is a neat little soap and gift shop - Pip & Lola's Everything Homemade. I talked to the owners about their new location, their products, and their love of Shakespeare for a fun episode of In The 43rd. Click here to watch.
Tune in every Wednesday afternoon on Facebook or SenatorCosta.com for a new episode!
Stay Connected
If you haven’t visited my Facebook page, join the conversation by ‘liking’ the page and follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Plenty of information is available on these pages about community events and issues affecting our friends and neighbors. If you have questions or concerns, send me a direct message or post you thoughts.
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