PITTSBURGH, PA – Marzo 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Dan Frankel are proud to announce $88,573 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“Investing in our communities doesn’t just mean helping pay for hard infrastructure like bridges and highways, but in human and social infrastructure as well,” said Representative Frankel. “A bridge may connect two towns together, but it’s these other projects that help connect our neighbors to each other and build a sense of place, a sense of home. I want to congratulate everyone who worked to secure this funding, and know that I’ll keep working in Harrisburg to secure funding for projects large and small that benefit our community.”
Statewide Local Share Account Grants
Through the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, WQED Multimedia was awarded $88,573 for the purchase of six field camera equipment packages. The packages will include cameras, lenses, audio and lighting, batteries, and camera bags for proper storage.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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Pittsburgh, PA − Marzo 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative La’Tasha Mayes are proud to announce $258,341 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“I am thrilled to be announcing this funding for our community. The Latin American Cultural Center is very important to our area because it acts as a place where Latinx people can come together and express cultural pride and identity,” said Representative La’Tasha Mayes. “When we talk about community investments, these types of projects are just as important as any other infrastructure – helping communities thrive and grow, develop a sense of place and attract other development. I want to congratulate everyone who worked to make this happen.”
Statewide LSA
Through the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, the Latin American Studies Association was awarded $258,341 for roof replacement costs at the Latin American Cultural Center located in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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Pittsburgh, PA − Marzo 16, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Aerion Abney are proud to announce $775,973 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development.
“All of us deserve to travel safely on our streets and live in strong, sound communities,” said Senator Costa. “The grant funding we are announcing today will ensure that our public spaces, nonprofits, streets, intersections, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to repair what’s broken and expand what’s working. I’m so proud of all the awardees and look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor down the line.”
“These dollars will not only help local infrastructure but also provide significant monetary support to integral community-based institutions,” said Representative Aerion Abney. “Big thanks to Senator Costa for his help in securing these crucial funds.”
Statewide Local Share Account Grants
Through the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Jubilee Association Inc. was awarded $500,000 to cover the construction and engineering costs of renovating and expanding the Jubilee Association’s facility.
Through the Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, Keystone Church of Hazelwood was awarded $150,000 to build a multi-purpose addition to their facility located in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.
Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants
McKean Street Rehabilitation was awarded $125,973 for street and trail improvements as part of the redevelopment of the Distillery at South Shore.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) provides grants to deliver a safe and reliable system of transportation that is accessible to people who call Pennsylvania home. The program offers financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization.
Statewide Local Share Account Grants promote projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life of people in their neighborhoods and communities. Eligible projects are required to be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – Marzo 8, 2023 − Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $600,000 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) awarded to Allegheny County.
“All of us deserve to get the care we need when we are experiencing a disorder, and the information necessary to prevent overdoses in ourselves and others,” said Senator Costa. “This funding will help ensure that education and pathways to recovery are accessible to communities in Allegheny County.”
The University of Pittsburgh was awarded $600,000 from the State Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Funds for SAEDR Overdose Reduction work. Per Michael D. Pennington, Executive director of the PCCD, “These funds exist to support projects designed to educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse and/or reduce demand for these substances.”
More information about this grant program is available from PCCD’s website.
HARRISBURG, PA – Marzo 7, 2023 − Today, Senate Democrats and House Democrats held a joint press conference to respond to Governor Shapiro’s Budget Address. Senate Democrats are pleased with a commonsense budget that invests in the future of Pennsylvania, and are excited to continue the negotiation process throughout the spring.
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has expressed unity in a few key priorities for Pennsylvania: education, workforce development, gun violence prevention, housing, seniors, and healthcare, including mental healthcare. This budget invests seriously in all these core areas responsibly both immediately and long-term.
“Governor Shapiro has put forth a thoughtful, reasonable, and doable budget,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “This budget prioritizes our children, our educators, our workforce, our small businesses, and our seniors. This is a solid plan to move Pennsylvania forward, and I look forward to bipartisan cooperation with the Senate Republican Caucus as we go into hearings in the coming weeks.”
Senate Democrats have worked tirelessly to introduce and pass bills aimed at solving many of the problems this budget seeks to address. These include bills intended to fully fund public education and solving the teacher shortage crisis.
Senate Democrats have also fought for increased investments in community-based antiviolence programs. The Democratic caucus was proud to champion Senator Nikil Saval’s Whole Home Repairs program, an investment in Pennsylvania’s aging and inaccessible housing stock. Additionally, the Democratic caucus has also long called for investments in protecting our environment, which would create good-paying green jobs throughout the commonwealth. The Women’s Health Caucus has fought for resources to address maternal health outcomes and mortality, especially among Black and brown women. This budget takes logical, intentional steps in each of these areas, supporting Democrats’ work and priorities.
“The governor has said in meetings prior to today’s address that he is looking for a new spirit of collaboration in putting together the state budget,” said Appropriations Chair Senator Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia. “My colleagues and I welcome that new energy and are confident we will work together to accomplish many impactful things for Pennsylvanians in the 7th District and across the commonwealth with this budget.”
Senate Democrats are especially excited about Governor Shapiro’s calls for a $15/hour minimum wage and adult-use recreational cannabis. Both of these measures would immediately boost the economy of Pennsylvania, putting money directly in the pockets of working families, small businesses, and government coffers. Senator Tina Tartaglione and Senator Art Haywood have long called for a livable minimum wage; Pennsylvania’s $7.25/hour minimum wage is lower than that in every neighboring state.
“Governor Shapiro’s proposal offers us an opportunity to move Pennsylvania forward and come to a consensus on key issues,” said Senator Judy Schwank of Reading. “The proposed investments in public safety, workforce development and education are pragmatic and will deliver real results for the people of this Commonwealth. Working through the budget is always a long process, but I believe today’s proposal is a very promising start point.”
Video footage of the press conference is available for viewing at PASenate.com/video. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
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HARRISBURG, PA – Febrero 27, 2023 – Today, Senate Democrats held a press conference calling for the swift and bipartisan passage of HB1 and HB2, which would open a Window to Justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.
“The time to pass a Window to Justice for these survivors is now,” said Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “We are calling on our colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus to do the right thing here and deliver justice for these victims quickly and in a bipartisan fashion.”
“The victims of childhood sexual abuse have been failed by so many people in so many ways,” said Senator Sharif Street. “Let’s not fail them again by failing to act. It is offensive to use them as a bargaining chip, this should not be politicized.”
HB1 and HB2 were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. HB1, which would create a constitutional amendment, passed 161-40, with Democrats voting unanimously for its passage. HB2, which would amend the statute itself, passed 134-67, again with unanimous Democratic support.
“We have a moral obligation and a professional duty to get this done,” Senator Santarsiero said. “This is not a new issue, and we have a unique opportunity here in the Senate to finally get these survivors justice. Let’s do the right thing and let’s do it now.”
“Today we have the opportunity to deliver HB 1 and HB 2 to the Governor’s desk and finally give adult survivors of child sex abuse a window to justice,” said Senator Maria Collett. “The longer we delay, the more survivors suffer and the harder their cases become to ultimately prove. We must not allow perpetrators of abuse or the institutions that shielded them to evade accountability any longer.”
The Senate passed SB1 on Enero 11, 2023, which would have put a constitutional amendment creating a Window to Justice on the ballot. However, Senate Republicans added an amendment to require voters to show ID every time they vote, and another allowing resolutions to override executive regulations. Democrats nearly unanimously voted against the bill as amended, outraged that the GOP prioritized political agendas over justice for countless victims of child sex abuse.
“We have an opportunity before us to come together in a bipartisan way and provide healing and justice to victims of child sexual abuse – but the Senate Majority Party continues to allow personal political priorities to stand in the way of the needs of survivors,” said Senator Katie Muth. “Every single survivor is worthy of being heard, protected, and having their rightful pathway to justice and healing. It is time that the Senate supports these victims and passes standalone legislation that opens a statute of limitations window for victims of child sexual abuse.”
Because HB1 and HB2 were passed during Special Session by the House, the Senate would need to gavel into special session. Before leaving office, Governor Wolf called a special session. The senate will be in regular session for five days prior to breaking for budget hearings, during which the Senate Democratic Caucus is urging the Republican Caucus to open a special session and pass HB1 and HB2 swiftly.
“Now that the House has taken lead in bringing justice for survivors of childhood sexual assault, it’s time the Senate does the same,” said Senator Kearney. “We need to stop the partisan tactics around the statutory window. The victims deserve better, and we can provide better, we can provide justice now. I join my Democratic Colleagues in urging this legislature to open the special session and vote on these pieces of legislation. It’s the right thing to do.”
Video footage of the press conference is available for viewing at PASenate.com/video. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
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