Harrisburg – Dec. 1, 2014 – State Sen. Jay Costa (D- Allegheny) said today that he was excited to begin serving citizens in the newly configured 43rd Senate District.
“As a result of reapportionment, all Senate districts in Pennsylvania were redrawn to adjust to changes in population,” Costa said. “The district was reconfigured within Allegheny County and includes the largest portion of the City of Pittsburgh as well as communities in the Steel Valley and the East Hills.”
The new district alignments took effect today.
Costa said that his local offices are well-positioned to serve the new areas of the district and build relationships just as he has done in municipalities that remain in the district. His district offices are located in Forest Hills, Carrick and Homestead.
“I am very proud of the constituent service that is provided by the staff in our district offices and how they reach out to solve problems,” Costa said. “I look forward to working with community leaders and building rapport with citizens in the new sections of our district.”
Costa said that he conducts many local events including town halls, shredding events, veterans outreach, flu shot clinics and provides specific services.
The district now includes Mt. Oliver and the following wards in the City of Pittsburgh: 4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 29 and 31. Also included in the district are Munhall, Homestead, West Homestead, Whitaker, and Rankin in the Steel Valley. The East Hills communities are Oakmont, Verona, Penn Hills, Churchill, Wilkinsburg, Braddock Hills, Forest Hills, Chalfant, Swissvale, Wilkins Township and Edgewood.
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Harrisburg – Nov. 21, 2014 – State Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following reaction to incoming Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman’s (R-Centre) comments about the possibility of a lame-duck legislative session in Enero.
The session would be convened in the last couple weeks of Gov. Tom Corbett’s term.
“The suggestion by the incoming Senate majority leader that the General Assembly engage in a lame-duck session in Enero – to take advantage of Governor Corbett’s last days in office – is inappropriate, unprecedented and inexcusable. The citizens have spoken and they have chosen a different governor with new ideas to move Pennsylvania forward.
“The ill-conceived idea to empower and use an unaccountable governor in his last days in office to revive already rejected policies would be viewed as an act of desperation and a serious blow to reform. I would be very surprised if Governor Corbett would allow himself to be used by Republican leadership in this way.
“The voters of Pennsylvania spoke loudly and clearly that they wanted Governor Wolf to work with lawmakers on solutions, not to perpetuate gridlock. The idea that a Enero lame-duck session would be productive is ludicrous and counter to any conceivable measure of good government. “
Harrisburg, Nov. 12, 2014 – Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) was re-elected to lead his caucus in the next legislative session.
Costa will be joined by a leadership team that will assist in devising policy solutions on key issues such as job creation, education investment, tax reform and repairs to the social safety net, he said.
“It is a great honor to be elected by my colleagues to lead our caucus for this session,” Costa said. “We have a great many challenges ahead of us but we have a wonderful opportunity to work with the new governor in crafting policy that helps all the citizens of Pennsylvania.
“Senate Democrats have a strong leadership team that will lead an energetic caucus.”
Costa, who will begin his third two-year stint as Democratic leader, will be assisted by Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia) who was re-elected Democratic Whip. Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Phila.) was also re-elected as Democratic chair of the committee.
“I am honored and appreciative to serve my colleagues in this role and look forward to developing solutions that address key issues and solve problems for Pennsylvanians,” Williams said.
Hughes has served as Democratic Chair of the Appropriations Committee since the beginning of the 2011-12 session.
“I am thankful for the support of my colleagues and the faith they have placed in me as Appropriations Committee chairman,” Hughes said. “Governor Corbett left us with a dire economic situation in an environment that he created. I look forward to working with Governor-Elect Wolf, our caucus and all members of the senate to address issues facing families.”
Costa, Williams and Hughes will be accompanied by a number of Senate Democrats who were either elected to different leadership positions or will join the team for the first time.
Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) was elected caucus chairman succeeding Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Fayette) who retired at the end of this term.
“In my role as caucus chair, I will have input into how Senate Democrats manage information, provide analysis and respond to key issues,” Fontana said. Fontana previously served as Democratic Caucus Administrator.
Senator Lisa Boscola will remain the Senate Democratic Policy Committee chair.
“Our policy committee has been very active in support of Senate Democratic initiatives,” Boscola said. “I look forward to working hand in hand with the administration and my Senate Democratic colleagues in crafting realistic and responsible policy that will impact future generations.”
Sens. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia), John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) and John Blake (D-Lackawanna) will become members of leadership for the first time.
Farnese was elected Caucus Secretary and will manage gubernatorial appointments to various boards and agencies.
“It is a great honor to serve our caucus as a member of the leadership team,” Farnese said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and becoming a strong voice in caucus deliberations.
“In my view, there is no reason that we cannot find common ground among disparate positions on critical issues.”
Yudichak will become Caucus Administrator, replacing Sen. Wayne Fontana.
“Senate Democrats can play a large role in being advocates for the new governor’s policies as we continue to pursue the adoption of many of the proposals that have been crafted by our caucus over the years,” Yudichak said. “A united leadership team working in concert with the new administration can change minds and provide a path forward for all citizens.”
Blake was appointed by the caucus as Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“In the next several years, Pennsylvania will have to manage extremely tight finances and dwindling resources,” Blake said. “We can use innovative approaches, new ideas and common sense to move us in a new direction.”
The leadership positions are effective Dec. 1.
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Harrisburg – Oct. 8, 2014 – State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) expressed his thoughts on the death of former Sen. Mike Waugh of York County. Senator Waugh served as a member of the General Assembly for more than 20 years.
“Today Pennsylvania is mourning the loss of a great public servant. Senator Mike Waugh was a distinguished and honorable man. He served the citizens of York County admirably both in the House and the Senate.
“Mike made his mark on agricultural, emergency services and building construction issues. He was a leader in each of these areas and his fine work will carry on.
“Mike was well-liked by everyone, was greatly respected and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
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Harrisburg – Sept. 24, 2014 – State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) released the following the statement on the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 1182, the Medical Cannabis Act.
La declaración de Costa es la siguiente:
“Senate Bill 1182 opens the door to a new course of treatment for those suffering from serious medical conditions including seizure disorders and post traumatic stress disorder. This is a great step forward for Pennsylvania and creates a firm foundation to build on.
“This legislation is both reasonable and responsible and offers hope to those living with debilitating pain and life-threatening medical conditions. I have met with some of these families and listened to their stories. These individuals, particularly children and our veterans deserve the opportunity to have access to treatments that are proven to provide relief.
“The measure establishes a process that is tightly regulated from the beginning to the end and there are clear limitations on eligibility. Physicians must be consulted and it is up to the health care practitioner to determine whether a patient is qualified. Once the practitioner recommends the treatment, it must be approved by an independent board.
“I believe this measure is a balanced approach that will help people who are in dire need assistance while providing protection from abuse. I am hopeful that the state House of Representatives will act on this bill.”
The bill now moves to the Pa House of Representatives for consideration.
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Contacto: Stacey Witalec
Teléfono: 717 877-2997
Correo electrónico: switalec@pasenate.com
Harrisburg - 10 de julio de 2014 - Los miembros del Liderazgo Demócrata del Senado emitieron las siguientes declaraciones sobre el veto line-item del gobernador Tom Corbett a la financiación de la Asamblea General y su renovado llamamiento a los legisladores para que consideren la reforma de las pensiones:
El líder demócrata del Senado, el senador Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) dijo:
"La acción de hoy del gobernador Corbett ilustra claramente el bloqueo republicano y la disfunción que ha descendido sobre el gobierno estatal. Es difícil comprender lo que el gobernador Corbett cree que puede lograr. Este es un desastre presupuestario republicano, elaborado exclusivamente por los republicanos y entregado a los ciudadanos de Pensilvania por un partido que carece de liderazgo en la parte superior.
"El veto line-item de una parte de la financiación de la Asamblea General no hace nada para hacer frente a las necesidades de Pennsylvania. Sus acciones de hoy no ayudará a los estudiantes de las escuelas, los solicitantes de empleo o los vulnerables en necesidad de asistencia. El presupuesto, y sus acciones, están impulsados políticamente y no resuelven los problemas".
El Presidente Demócrata de Asignaciones del Senado, el Senador Vincent J. Hughes (D-Filadelfia/Montgomery) dijo:
"La Asamblea General es una rama coigualitaria del gobierno y no debe ser rehén de los caprichos ideológicos y las exigencias políticas de un gobernador que lucha por encontrar su equilibrio en un año electoral.
"Su renovado llamamiento a la legislatura para revisar un plan de reforma de pensiones que no pudo navegar su camino a través de la Cámara, por no hablar del Senado, personifica un Partido Republicano que está en quiebra de ideas tratando de impulsar un plan de pensiones que llevará a la quiebra a los contribuyentes de Pensilvania."
El senador Anthony H. Williams (demócrata de Filadelfia/Delaware), portavoz demócrata en el Senado, declaró:
"Las acciones del gobernador de hoy, y su indecisión y vacilación en los últimos diez días, refuerzan la necesidad de que Pennsylvania vaya en una nueva dirección. No hay duda de que necesitamos liderazgo ahora porque vamos por el camino equivocado con el gobernador Corbett.
"El presupuesto que se aprobó está lleno de artimañas y trucos contables, muchos de los cuales esbozó el propio gobernador. Renovar el debate sobre un plan de pensiones corto de miras y mal construido, combinado con un veto line-item de los fondos legislativos, no obligará a la Asamblea General a doblegarse y actuar en contra de los intereses de los ciudadanos de Pensilvania."
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