Harrisburg – June 8, 2015 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said it is appalling that Senate Republicans opposed the nomination of Col. Marcus Brown to serve as commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police and voted against a nominee who is “exceptionally qualified and experienced.”
Brown was nominated earlier this year by Gov. Tom Wolf. Brown’s nomination was defeated by a vote of 22 to 26, with all negative votes coming from Republican members of the Senate.
“Republicans today turned aside the nomination of an exceptionally qualified and experienced law enforcement professional. It is sad that the nomination of Colonel Brown turned into a side-show where special interest groups raised petty and illusory issues so they could derail the nomination.
“My hope was that Senate members on both sides of the aisle could rise above the fake controversies, innuendo and attacks and examine Colonel Brown’s record in law enforcement. The Senate should be better than to get caught up inconsequential issues when it considers nominees to such important posts as commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
“In denying confirmation to Colonel Marcus Brown, the Senate did not enhance the security of the citizens of Pennsylvania and it did a disservice to all taxpayers.”
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Harrisburg – June 2, 2015 – Legislative Democrats gathered in the state Capitol for a news conference today to highlight the broad and deep support in the General Assembly for legislation that would create a new $1 billion natural gas extraction tax for education.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia) along with House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny), Democratic Whip Mike Hanna (D-Clinton) and Democratic Appropriations Chair Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny) in concert with Democratic members of both the Senate and House called on Republicans to move the education investment plan.
In his March budget address, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a new Marcellus Shale gas extraction tax of 5 percent, with a 4.7 cent tax on volume. The plan contains a provision to ensure that the distribution of Act 13 fee revenue to communities is maintained.
“There has been far too little talk and too many delays in considering a gas extraction tax plan that would raise $1 billion for education,” Costa said. “The Republicans in both the Senate and House seem hesitant about addressing the substance of the governor’s proposal and uninterested in examining responsible education investment proposals.”
The governor’s plan would generate an estimated $1.015 billion in fiscal 2016-17.
“The severance tax proposed by the governor is reasonable and responsible and it is in line with the tax rates of the top 10 gas producing states,” Dermody said. “Republicans have sidestepped the adoption of a reasonable energy tax to fund education investments and have instead moved political issues that do nothing to help students.”
The lawmakers said the $1 billion in new revenues would be used to invest in basic and higher education and help replace dollars slashed by former Gov. Tom Corbett.
“The governor’s plan helps backfill the revenues that were lost when school funding was cut during the Corbett administration,” Hughes said. “Students, teachers, administrators, parents and taxpayers need help now and will receive a boost if the new investment plan for education is approved.
“The support for moving a plan in both the Senate and House is wide and deep and is illustrated by the number of members of both chambers who turned out today to publicly support using energy taxes for education.”
The plan maintains the Act 13 fee distribution to communities impacted by drilling, at the highest level to date ($225 million).
“A natural gas extraction tax is a substantive, meaningful way of providing for education, while maintaining the payments to communities that are affected by energy extraction,” Markosek said. “The additional investment for education would be paid by an industry that is engaged in a very profitable activity.”
Costa and Hughes both said that they believe that there is a will in the state Senate to consider a shale energy tax that is earmarked for education.
The senators said that there is far too much disinformation concerning shale extraction being distributed by the industry and threats by the industry to pull out of the state if a reasonable tax were to be imposed are counterproductive.
“We need an industry that is healthy and productive enough to sustain robust job growth,” Costa said. “The responsible tax that the governor has proposed will not hobble gas extraction.”
Hughes said that the gas drilling is very lucrative. Last year, he said, the value of gas severed from Pennsylvania wells was $11 billion up from $4 billion in 2011.
“The major gas producers in Pennsylvania have indicated that they expect substantial growth this year,” Hughes said. “This doesn’t sound like an industry that is ready to vacate.”
Hanna said that members of the House Democratic caucus have been strong advocates of an energy extraction tax because they, like their constituents, “see the relationship between an energy tax on a Pennsylvania-based resource to invest in Pennsylvania’s most valuable resource, our children.”
The current Act 13 fee is insufficient, according to Markosek and needs to be adjusted. The Act 13 fee is the equivalent of a rate of less than 2 percent.
“Our current impact fee is stagnant. The commonwealth is not sharing in the growth of the natural gas industry,” Markosek said. “Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve a better, more responsible, approach that is fair to the industry and funds key investments in education and environmental protection.”
The Democrats said that they are willing to consider all responsible proposals. They said that members of both the Senate and House have offered plans that would be good starting points of discussion but insisted that the lion’s share of funds generated from any of the plans considered be earmarked for education.
They said that they would insist that a reasonable energy extraction tax be included during upcoming budget discussions.
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Contact: Stacey Witalec
Telephone: 717 877-2997
Email: switalec@pasenate.com
Contact: Bill Patton
Telephone: 717 787-3566
Email: BPatton@pahouse.net
Harrisburg, May 27, 2015 – State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today issued the following statement congratulating Sen. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny/Washington) on his appointment to serve as incoming President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. Sen. Smith’s resignation will be effective within the month.
“For the past three years, Sen. Smith has served as a thoughtful and distinguished member of the Senate Democratic Caucus and was an advocate for hardworking people all across Allegheny and Washington counties,” said Costa. “He is a man of great integrity, whose background makes him the ideal candidate to serve as the President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber.”
Costa remarked that Smith’s advancement to this position is a testament to the breadth and depth of the experience and expertise he brought to the caucus.
“Matt has earned the respect of everyone who knows and has worked with him. This position will give Matt the opportunity to expand on his record of public service and build from his years of work in the House and the Senate.”
Sen. Smith developed a strong record of support for education, economic development, and government reform during his time in the Senate. He introduced legislation to provide access to housing for homeless veterans, protect the rights of pregnant mothers in the workplace and championed new laws to toughen penalties against those would severely injure or kill a police dog.
Smith served as the Democratic chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and also served as a member of the Aging and Youth, Appropriations, Judiciary, and Transportation committees.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the commonwealth and represent the residents of the 37th Senatorial District. I would like to thank my constituents for entrusting me to be their advocate in the district and at the state level, and want them to know that even as I leave public office I will continue to work to make our region stronger and prepare our workforce to compete in the 21st century economy.” Smith said. “I would also like to thank Sen. Costa and all of my Senate colleagues for their partnership and support during my time in the Senate and as I transition into this new role. “
“Matt was a catalyst for change within the Senate and had a firm grasp on issues of importance to his constituents. He will be sorely missed by the entire caucus,” Costa said. “Our loss is truly the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce’s gain.”
No decision has been made on plans to fill his seat. Costa said the office will remain open and continue to deliver the same level of service they have enjoyed under Sen. Smith.
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Harrisburg – May 22, 2015 — State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) expressed his thoughts on the death of J. Matthew Simon of Point Breeze. Simon served as President of Point Park College from 1986 to 1995 and as a member of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority from 2005 until his death. Simon died on May 20:
“Matt was a successful and respected member of our Pittsburgh community. Throughout his long career in public service, he held many positions of distinction — lending his character and integrity to every project on which he worked.
“His commitment to education was evident through his work as president and department chair at Point Park. Matt spearheaded the effort to fund educational scholarships, making post-secondary education affordable and accessible for students. He made it his personal mission to help students achieve their dreams and his exemplary work will benefit students for years to come.
“In 2005, I was proud to recommend Matt to serve as a member of the Pittsburgh Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. Matt served with distinction and shared the commitment and dedication of his fellow board members in trying to find solutions to difficult fiscal issues.
“Matt’s life’s work made meaningful contributions to helping organizations and communities all across Pennsylvania. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. He was a role model and gentlemen whose service made Pittsburgh, and our region, a better place.”
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By Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa
On the ballot this year are three critical seats on the state Supreme Court, one seat each on the Superior and Commonwealth courts as well as county row offices and municipal posts which influence how citizens are judged or represented. These races are of statewide interest and local importance.
Despite the parochial nature of most municipal elections, there is a great likelihood that the election of state Supreme Court justices, Superior and Commonwealth Court judges and the contests for down-ballot offices this year will attract millions of dollars from outside interest groups and well-heeled out-of-state contributors. These “investors” believe that they can influence state policy with their checkbooks. Much of that funding will be either unreported or under-reported.
Pennsylvanians deserve better. Seats on the high court and other state courts, county offices and municipal offices should not be thought of as investment products. Voters should be wary of being swayed by outside influences and so-called “dark money.” Sadly, there is too much outside influencing of elections and voters are blinded by the money cloak that shades their knowledge of candidates. There is a better way.
I recently introduced legislation (Senate Bill 11) a measure that provides for campaign finance limitations, along with several other important reforms. The corrupting influence of money in politics is known objectively and anecdotally to most Pennsylvanians. Our citizens are not alone in thinking that too much money in politics corrupts. Nationally, according to a Gallup poll, 79 percent of Americans support limits on campaign fundraising.
This election season has reminded all of us of the need to clean up the campaign finance system and our campaign finance laws. We can do better than to hope that things get better. We must act and build fairness and equality in our electoral system by providing reforms for how candidates raise money and disclose shadowy donors.
The measure I introduced will put these stringent restrictions in place:
- Limit the expenditures and donations by and to a candidate, political action committee (PAC), political party or other person, for the purpose of influencing election;
- Require disclosure of super PAC donors;
- Require stockholder approval of expenditures on political activity.
Pennsylvania’s uncapped campaign finance rules, confounding Supreme Court decisions, and outside influence by national super PAC’s underscore what is wrong in our political system. Campaign expenses are increasing exponentially and driving elected officials and candidates to spend more and more time raising money instead of focusing on important issues or solving challenging problems. Fact is, in Pennsylvania’s most recent gubernatorial election, candidates spent a combined $82 million dollars. Races for the state Senate are frequently rising above the $2 million benchmark.
We must act soon to restore confidence in our electoral process and shield our citizens from a bombardment by outside dollars and outside contributors who have no interest in quality, responsive government. This can be accomplished by adopting tough, but fair, campaign finance reforms such as those prescribed in my legislation.
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Harrisburg – May 13, 2015 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said that the Senate Republican pension reform plan that passed the Senate today (Senate Bill 1) is illegal because it impacts benefits of current employees, is woefully short-sighted, and unfair to workers.
Costa challenged Senate Republicans in floor debate to reconcile well-established law with the proposal. He said that the plan would be immediately challenged in court, cause a litigation explosion and compel taxpayers to cover back benefits.
The Democratic leader said that the Republicans abused the process in rushing the measure to the Senate floor for a vote. Plus, he said that both Senate Democrats and Gov. Tom Wolf have offered responsible, constructive, constitutional proposals that would address high public pension costs reasonably.
Costa said the plan provided little relief even if the bill overcomes legal hurdles. The projected savings for the teachers’ retirement system would be $3.1 billion and $600 million for the state employees system.
He said the measure does not address the unfunded liability in the pension funds that spiked because Pennsylvania failed to make its actuarially required contribution for 17 years. Eighty-eight percent of current costs of the state worker and teacher retirement funds are to pay off the unfunded liability. The plan adds a cash-balance plan for new hires but uses contributions from new hires into the fund to pay retirement benefits for others.
Costa’s comments follow:
“Senate Democrats believe that there are responsible pension reform plans that protect taxpayers and provide reasonable benefits for workers but the Senate Republican plan does neither, plus it is unconstitutional. The Republican plan hurts current workers, devastates pension benefits for future employees and provides little in the way for relief for taxpayers.
“The plan puts new employees and future retirees into poverty and makes changes in public pension systems that are unreasonable. The process that was used to pass this plan was flawed and rushed and the plan itself falls woefully short of any reasonable tests of legality or fairness.”
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Contact: Stacey Witalec
Telephone: 717 877-2997
Email: switalec@pasenate.com
