Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes Praise Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 Budget

HARRISBURG, PA – February 6, 2024 – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro laid out his vision and priorities for the 2024-25 Pennsylvania Budget. In it, the Governor proposed historic increases in basic education spending, economic development, housing, community safety, and healthcare.

“Today’s budget proposal is a very solid plan to deliver for every Pennsylvanian. It’s a thorough, bold plan to open the doors of opportunity in a myriad of areas,” said Senator Costa. “From historic investments in basic education funding to laying out an aggressive economic development plan, this budget prepares Pennsylvania’s students and workers for a vibrant future in our commonwealth. I look forward to continuing to bring all parties to the table as we go forward through this budget process.”

“This budget prioritizes the urgent need for Pennsylvania to invest in our public schools and fix our unconstitutional education system. I applaud the Governor’s commitment to fully and adequately fund public schools and take action on the recommendations of our Basic Education Funding Commission. We have the money. And it’s far past time we fix our schools and ensure that future generations never have to walk into a crumbling school or lack educational tools they need to succeed,” said Senator Hughes. “And the Governor’s plans to invest in our teachers and toxic schools is another important piece of the puzzle to fix our schools. Without sufficient, well-trained, and experienced teachers, and safe and healthy school buildings, our investments in basic education will not go far.

Overall, this budget proposal embraces forward progress and answers to kitchen table concerns of Pennsylvanians. If we make focused investments in areas like education, affordable housing, gun violence, and economic development now, we’ll yield tremendous opportunity for the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor to make these important investments a reality for the people of Pennsylvania.”

The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has laid out its vision to deliver For Every Pennsylvanian. This year’s budget includes important developments on some crucial areas, including:

  • $1.4 billion toward fixing Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional and inadequate education funding system
  • Over $38 million for teacher support and recruitment
  • Over $100 million for solutions to end gun violence
  • Over $600 million for economic development
  • $50 million for the Whole Home Repairs program
  • A $15/hour minimum wage
  • An additional $5 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant, bringing the total to $10 million
  • An additional $238 million for mass transit across PA
  • $11 million to cap abandoned wells
  • $3 million for menstrual hygiene products for school students

More information about the caucus’s priorities is available at PASenate.com/priorities.

Footage of today’s press conference is available at PASenate.com/budget. Downloadable footage is available upon request.

 

Policy Committee Highlights Whole-Home Repairs Program in Pittsburgh 

PITTSBURGH − February 3, 2024 – The Senate Democratic Policy Committee traveled to Pittsburgh yesterday to host two events to highlight the successes of Pennsylvania’s groundbreaking Whole-Home Repairs Program. Less than a year after the distribution of funds, the Whole-Home Repairs program has already facilitated the repairs of hundreds of homes and changed thousands of lives, including many in Allegheny County.

“The Whole-Home Repairs Program is one of the best examples of how the government can directly support our constituents and meet one of their most important needs – safe housing,” state Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said. “Our events in Pittsburgh really highlighted not only the success of the program and the positive impact it has made in people’s lives – but also the unmet needs across the Commonwealth and the requests for funding that were not approved because of the lack of adequate, yearly funding for Whole-Home Repairs.” 

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing at the Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh on Friday to highlight the successes of the Whole-Home Repairs program across the Commonwealth. 

“Through the Whole-Home Repairs Program, Pennsylvania is tackling many of the root causes of community instability by keeping people in their homes and keeping these homes safe and healthy,” Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) said. “The need for this program is every bit as enormous as we anticipated. Whole-Home Repairs deserves continued investment because Pennsylvanians deserve investment.”

The Whole-Home Repairs Program was originally introduced in March 2022 as Senate Bill 1135 by Senator Saval and was signed into law in July 2022 as part of the state budget package with a $125-million appropriation to launch the statewide program. An additional $50 million was originally appropriated in the 2023-24 state budget, but the necessary implementation language was not included in the final code bills that passed the legislature in December 2023.

“There has been so much attention on the unhoused population of Allegheny County in the last few years, and rightfully so. But as we work to increase shelter capacity, bridge and transitional housing, we cannot lose site of the importance of keeping people in the homes they already have,” Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said. “We have to recognize that just because they’re housed today, if their home requires repairs that they can’t afford and becomes unlivable, those families may be unhoused tomorrow. That is what the Whole Home Repairs bill can do for families – keep them safe and housed.”

Demand for the program has far outpaced available resources. In Allegheny County, 96% of eligible applicants have been deferred because of a lack of sufficient funds. With similar reports from counties across Pennsylvania, additional state funding is urgently needed to continue the program.  

“It is no secret that Pennsylvania is home to some of the oldest housing stock in the nation. Being a realtor, I understand that not fixing one main element of a house can escalate quickly and have a negative trickledown effect on other areas of a home to the point of making it even uninhabitable,” Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) said. “The assistance provided for critical repairs on a house through the Whole Home Repairs Program can mean the difference between someone staying in their house and having to find somewhere else to live. As we have witnessed, the demand for the program has been staggering which illustrates the need to continue funding the Whole Home Repairs Program.”

The program provides funding for county-wide agencies to address habitability and safety concerns, provide measures to improve energy or water efficiency and make units accessible for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the program provides funding to the counties for construction-related workforce development. 

“The Whole Home Repairs Program allows families to safely remain in their homes, prevents blighted properties, puts people to work, and keeps communities together. This one program and its direct investment in people brings a return on investment for the entire community far beyond the lifechanging effects for individual families,” Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) added. “I support ongoing and expanded funding for Year Two and beyond of the Whole Home Repairs Program so that we can bring these impacts to more communities across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania.”

 At the hearing, Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny) noted that during his tenure as Mayor of McKeesport, they were forced to demolish over 5,000 homes – many of which could have been salvaged if a program like Whole-Home Repairs existed.

“The Whole-Home Repairs Program is a necessary program to help older communities reinvent themselves and maintain their communities,” Senator Brewster added.

Prior to the public hearing, members of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and several other elected officials held a press conference outside of the home of Kelly Scatena, an Allegheny County homeowner whose house was repaired through the Whole-Home Repairs Program.

“Home should be the place where you feel safe, and now I have that for my family. We can relax in our house and not worry that it’s going to fall down,” Kelly Scatena said. “Now that I’ve gotten these repairs, I feel like I have a solid foot on the ground. I feel like I’m actually a homeowner because I’m here for good. This has been life changing.”

The Whole-Home Repairs Program in Allegheny County is run by Action Housing, a nonprofit housing agency based in Pittsburgh. Action Housing received over 4,300 unique, eligible applications for the Whole Home Repairs program since it began, but because of the lack of funding, they were only able to work on 200 total homes.

“The Allegheny County Whole-Home Repairs Program has been a success for families and builders throughout the region, but the limited funding means that we’ve only been able to serve about 4% of eligible applicants,” Dan Sullivan, Housing Stabilization Program Manager, Action Housing, said. “Without continued funding, thousands of residents will continue to live in homes that are unsafe for them and their families. We can change the status quo, but we need the investment to do it.”

At the press conference, U.S. Representative Summer Lee indicated that she is working in Congress to secure federal investments to support Whole-Home Repairs across the country. 

“Just in my small neighborhood of North Braddock, we have over 400 blighted properties. Each time I walk by, I think of the people who – for lack of a few thousand dollars – lost their community. I think of the thousands in this region who are desperately in search of affordable housing. I think of how much generational wealth families have lost, and how that has impacted them in so many other ways,” Congresswoman Lee added. “Whole-Home Repairs could have helped them. The story is not just about the 200 families Action Housing could help, but also the 6,000 eligible applicants they could not help because the program ran out of federal funding. That’s why I’m in DC fighting to secure massive federal investment to continue Whole-Home Repairs in Pennsylvania and implement it nationwide.” 

The state legislators are hopeful that funding for the Whole-Home Repairs program is highlighted in the Governor’s Budget Address set for Tuesday afternoon in Harrisburg.

“I am proud that this program has already generated positive outcomes for neighbors in my district and across the state. However, we have a lot more we can do to ensure that our homes are safe and sustainable,” state Rep. Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny) said. “That is why I will continue to strongly advocate for Whole-Home Repairs funding in Harrisburg. Our communities deserve it.”

Additional participants in the Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing included Rick Vilello, Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Justin Livingston, Owner and Project Manager, JL Homebuilders; LuAnn Zak, Assistant Director, Indiana County Office of Planning and Development; and Chuck Weiss, Associate Executive Director for Housing, Community Action Lehigh Valley. 

“I have been so proud to join my colleagues in the PA Senate Democratic Caucus as we fight for a safe, accessible, and affordable home for every Pennsylvanian,” Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said. “The Whole-Home Repairs program has been integral to delivering on this crucial goal, and I look forward to continuing to support our working families by ensuring their homes keep them warm, dry, and comfortable.”

All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy. A recording of the press conference is available to watch on-demand at www.SenatorMuth.com/Video.

# # #

Testimony

Panel 1: Allegheny County Analysis 

  • Dan Sullivan – Housing Stabilization Program Manager, Action Housing
  • Kelly Scatena – Homeowner
  • Justin Livingston – Owner & Project Manager, JL Homebuilders 

Panel 2: Statewide Analysis

State Senator Jay Costa Celebrates PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement Dollars to Benefit 43rd District

PITTSBURGH, PA – January 30, 2024 – Today, Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) announces three projects in his senatorial district that will benefit from Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding. This program is designed to improve safety at intersections where research demonstrates drivers are prone to run lights and endanger other road users.

“Whether we drive, walk, bike, or take public transit, we all deserve streets that keep us safe, and get us home safe,” said Senator Costa. “I’m delighted that we are taking steps towards reducing instances of red-light running in Pittsburgh, which will keep our friends and neighbors safe in our city. I look forward to continued infrastructure investments that prioritize our beloved community members.”

The awardees of ARLE funding in the 43rd senatorial district are: 

  • Edgewood Borough – $292,000 for traffic signal improvements on the Braddock Avenue corridor including flashing yellow arrows, new vehicular signal heads with backplates and reflective tape, updating the existing controllers, and adding battery backup.
  • City of Pittsburgh – $453,657.21 for complete replacement of the traffic signal located at the intersection of the Boulevard of the Allies and Ward Street.
  • City of Pittsburgh – $545,267.58 for complete replacement of the traffic signal located at the intersection of Brownsville Road and Becks Run Road/Biscayne Drive.

The Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Funding Program) was established in 2010 as a PennDOT-administered competitive grant program in accordance with Vehicle Code (75 Pa.C.S.) §3116(l)(2), §3117(m)(2), and §3370(m)(2) §3117(m)(2). Funding for the program is generated from the net revenue of fines collected through Automated Red Light Enforcement Systems and Automated Speed Enforcement Systems.

The entire list of ARLE awardees is accessible on PENNDOT’s website.

Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus’ commitment to safe streets and communities for every Pennsylvanian here.

State Senators Jay Costa, Vincent Hughes, and Judy Schwank Praise Governor Shapiro’s Higher Education Blueprint, Call for Continued Stakeholder Conversations

HARRISBURG, PA – Today, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic caucus praise Governor Shapiro’s new blueprint for higher education, which seeks to expand access to higher education for Pennsylvania’s learners while consolidating governance and moving towards a more predictable, performance-based funding formula.  

“I greet the Governor’s higher education blueprint with excitement.  As we grapple with dysfunction in higher education and the burdens of student loan debt, we must reimagine our systems in Pennsylvania to set up our students for success and prepare them for the demands of the modern workforce,” said Senator Costa. “The Governor’s plan will strengthen our State System of Higher Education and our community colleges, make higher education more affordable for those who want to seek it, and provide a better governance structure providing for better continuity in our workforce training pipeline and for transparency and accountability. I look forward to continued conversations with all partners and stakeholders coming to the table as we go forward in developing this plan.” 

Senator Costa is a proud alumnus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as well as the Community College of Allegheny County, where he presently serves as a board member.  

Senator Vincent Hughes, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, said the following:   

“The Governor’s proposal has the potential to transform higher education in Pennsylvania. Making higher education affordable has been priority for me and members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, and I applaud Governor Shapiro’s focus on tackling Pennsylvania’s shortcomings head on. I look forward to hearing more and working with him to make the Commonwealth’s higher education offerings the best in the nation.” 

State Senator Judy Schwank, who sits on the PASSHE board of governors, said the following:   

“The Governor has proposed an innovative plan to revitalize higher education in the Commonwealth. During my tenure as a PASSHE board member, I’ve come to recognize the necessity of approaching higher education in a more comprehensive manner. This blueprint is a great starting point that I am excited to support and help further develop.”  

Governor Shapiro’s blueprint is accessible in full here. Among other things, the blueprint seeks to:  

  • Create a new system for higher education that unites the PASSHE universities and 15 community colleges under a new governance system 
  • Cap tuition at $1000/semester for learners making up to the median income in Pennsylvania 
  • Fund institutions of higher education on a performance-based formula that incentivize increased enrollment, graduation rate, and workforce development in areas of shortage, specifically education and nursing.  

Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus’ commitment to an excellent education for every Pennsylvanian here.  

Senator Jay Costa Announces Over $1.4 Million in Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Grants for the 43rd District 

PITTSBURGH, PA – January 16, 2024 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $1,468,000 in Gaming Economic Development Tourism money benefiting the 43rd senatorial district. 

“I am delighted to be supporting the organizations that support our community, especially those taking new approaches to housing, safe roads, and green transit,” said Senator Costa. “Supporting these crucial community organizations to improve their infrastructure is just one way we can continue to deliver safe, welcoming spaces for every Pennsylvanian.”  

The recipients of these grant dollars in the 43rd district are as follows, sorted by the house district they fall into: 

Frick Art and Historical Center, Inc was awarded $100,000 for the Clayton Restoration Project. The project focuses on the exterior rehabilitation of Clayton. The building will then be painted with Keim Mineral Silicate Paint, specially formulated to prevent water damage.

CC Mellor Memorial Library and Edgewood Community House was awarded $50,000 for C.C. Mellor Memorial Library Roof Replacement. CCM experiences frequent leaks from the building’s original clay tile roof. This roofing is past its useful life and will be replaced.     

Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments was awarded $30,000 for Dark Hollow Woods Trail Stormwater Improvements. The project includes earthwork and grading; construction of approximately 300 linear feet of earthen berm and swales; 450 linear feet of 12″ CPP storm sewers; 5 new precast inlet structures; connections of existing roof drain collectors to new stormwater conveyance system; rip rap outfall protection; erosion and sedimentation controls and restoration of disturbed areas.          

Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation was awarded $125,000 for Negley Rotunda Restoration Project. GEDF funds will restore the exterior parapet to this former synagogue structure. This will eliminate current water leakage into the building. 

Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER) was awarded $30,000 for their POWER Campus. Phase 3 includes the inpatient program which will include 21 patient rooms located on the 3rd floor of the building. The patient room buildout takes up approximately 6000 sf of that floor. Each room will have its own private bathroom and shower. 

Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Corporation was awarded $75,000 for Bathesda Housing Redevelopment. This project seeks to restore 37 units of affordable housing in the Homewood neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh ensuring that the units have suitable amenities and fixtures that should be available to all. Units will be made available to those living at or below 60% of Area Median Income, and will ensure that those in need of affordable housing have access to it. 

The Citizen Science Lab Project Dream  was awarded $63,000 for the MLK Center for Scientific Excellence. GEDTF funding will be utilized to prepare and develop the site. 

Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments was awarded $175,000 for 2023 Verona Borough Road Reconstruction. Roads include Third Street, Athletic Street, Vogels Lane, and the unnamed alley. 

Center for Civic Arts was awarded $50,000 for the Wilkinsburg Cooperative Civic Center. The project will replace a 6,000 sq ft flat roof over the 24 classroom Education Wing. 

Jubilee Association was awarded $50,000 for Jubilee Facility Second Floor Renovation. Phase II work includes: renovating the existing facility’s 2nd floor to include: 945 sqft food pantry, 1,400 sqft clothing room, public laundry, bathrooms, private counseling rooms, & offices. New wiring, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, & insulation will be installed. 

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded $50,000 for Schenley Park Visitors Center and Cafe Renovation. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is requesting funding to renovate the Schenley Park Café and Visitors Center in the heart of Pittsburgh’s third-largest park. 

Center of Life was awarded $35,000 for Center of Life Community Hub. For Center of Life’s project on Hazelwood Green, a schematic development plan will be provided that includes a site plan, renderings, architectural drawings, contractor cost estimates, refined sources and Uses of Funds statement, an ongoing operating budget for the facility, and project schedule.

Bike Share Pittsburgh Inc. was awarded $75,000 for Mobility Justice in Micromobility. The organization will purchase and install three bikeshare stations including three kiosks, 57 docking points, and 30 e-bikes in Wilkinsburg Borough. 

Amani Community Development was awarded $150,000 for Brownsville Road – Demo & Site Prep. The proposed project will cover $500,000 of existing building demolition, utility connection, regrading, retaining wall, stormwater retention, erosion and sediment controls as an essential pre-development effort for the full redevelopment of the blighted housing at 2531 Brownsville Road into new affordable apartments for the elderly.   

Rodef Shalom Congregation was awarded $100,000 for Roof Replacement. Roof replacements include installing 2,590 sq. ft. of EPDM roofing material, insulation, vapor barriers and flashing to three roofs averaging more than thirty years old. 

Latino Community Center was awarded $100,000 for Comunidad: New Community Spaces for Latino Community Center in Allegheny County. LCC will renovate the first floor of the building they occupy (while continuing to operate on the second floor, essentially doubling the space.) The project will involve construction administration, permitting, demolition, mechanical, plumbing, ADA compliance, & fire security renovations (i.e. all necessary infrastructure) to prepare the 1st floor for interior improvements to accommodate a significant number of new programs. 

Community Specialists Corporation was awarded $75,000 for New Outlook Academy Window Project. Community Specialists Corporation is applying for the purchase and replacement of 328 windows throughout New Outlook Academy. 

Gwen’s Girls was awarded $35,000 for Rochez Building Renovation Project. GEDTF funds will be used to support the total costs of necessary interior renovations and repairs (Phase 1) to the Rochez Building.

Congregation Beth Shalom was awarded $50,000 for Synagogue Energy Efficiency Project. Their HVAC units and boiler are at the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced with high-efficiency units that will consume far less energy. Reductions in utility bills from replacing the current HVAC units and boiler will result in lower operating expenses, and the savings will be used to retain and hire staff primarily in our preschool, where staffing and therefore enrollment in certain classrooms remains a challenge due to COVID-era employment issues. 

Civically, Inc. was awarded $50,000 for Hunter Building Redevelopment Project – 1007 Wood Street. Construction costs including selective demo, HVAC, new flooring additional AE design costs necessary to move the project forward. Environmental assessment and remediation in order to comply with EPA/DEP requirements for safe revitalization of the Hunter Bldg.     

Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) grants allow municipalities, authorities, councils of government (COGs), and both non- and for-profit businesses to carry out significant economic development for current and future use. Administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC), these grants provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County.

###

Senator Jay Costa Announces Over $500k in Act 13 Grants Benefitting the 43rd Senatorial District 

PITTSBURGH, PA – January 16, 2024  – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $565,403 in Act 13 grant funding benefitting the 43rd senatorial district. 

“It’s a great honor to be delivering crucial state funding to the green spaces that allow the people of Pittsburgh to appreciate our natural environment,” said Senator Costa. “Our parks and playgrounds support our children, families, and communities, and I am delighted to be supporting them in their efforts to bring people and nature together. I look forward to seeing these dollars get put to work in our neighborhood parks and trails.” 

The recipients of these grant dollars in the 43rd district are as follows. 

  • Borough of Braddock Hills was awarded $97,834 for Braddock Hills Borough Community Playground Facility 
  • Borough of Forest Hills was awarded $210,000 for Forest Hills Parks Rehabilitation       
  • Verona Borough was awarded $30,301 for Verona Borough Park and Greenspace Planning
  • Wilkins Township was awarded $104,465 for Eastmont Park Rehabilitation Phase 3   
  • Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $122,803 for Rosa Parks Park Improvements Project   

Per the Department of Community and Economic Development’s website, “Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program.” 

#####