Pittsburgh, Pa. − January 8, 2021 − Earlier today, Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman released a statement indicating that he intends to overturn the decision of voters in the 45th senatorial district and to defy a federal judge’s order.
“I am deeply disturbed by Senator Corman’s comments today with regard to the rule of law. His statements continue to challenge our democratic processes,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “Senator Jim Brewster won his election. That election was certified by Department of State Secretary Kathy Boockvar. That win was affirmed in a court of law, twice.”
“These comments are particularly disturbing in that they demonstrate a pattern of undemocratic behavior from Senator Corman and members of the Senate Republican Caucus,” Senator Costa continued. “Three times this week, that caucus has locked arms with Donald Trump in its efforts to disenfranchise voters and threaten democracy. Maya Angelou tells us, when someone shows you who they are – believe them the first time. I hope that voters across Pennsylvania have seen and believe them after this week.”
On Monday, Senate Republicans led by Senator Corman requested that Pennsylvania’s presidential votes be discarded in the Electoral College count – a move that would helped inspire the actions we saw in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, under the direction of Senator Corman, Republicans refused to seat Senator Brewster who won his election and had that election affirmed in state and federal court. In a hostile takeover later that day, they stripped Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman of his authority to preside over the Senate floor when he refused to go along with their scheme.
On Wednesday, the Senate Republican caucus contributed to the rhetoric which fomented a violent insurrection at our nation’s Capitol, that at least one Senate Republican actively organized and attended.
“Senator Corman has exercised an election insurrection and is inching Pennsylvania toward authoritarianism,” said Senator Costa. “The suggestion that he would defy yet another court order in his quest to steal the 45th district from Senator Brewster is chilling, and takes clear cues from his role model, Donald Trump.”
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Pittsburgh, Pa. − January 7, 2021 − Following the riot in Washington, D.C. yesterday, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued the following statement:
Senator Mastriano is guilty of encouraging yesterday’s coup attempt in Washington and inspiring its violent actors with his words and actions since November.
I support the First Amendment, and Senator Doug Mastriano has that right as well. However, as a public servant and sitting Senator – he, and all members of this body, must be held to a higher standard. For this reason, I am calling on him to resign. The residents of the 33rd senatorial district deserve to be represented by someone with a higher regard for this nation, its laws, its judicial system and its government.
Senator Mastriano has shown a disregard for the rule of law; and as former President John Adams said “we are a nation of laws.” Our elected leaders and government officials are bound by oath to respect and uphold those laws.
I strongly believe that Senator Mastriano’s cumulative conduct over the last three months is unbecoming of a member of the Pennsylvania Senate. Since November, Senator Doug Mastriano has been a loud proponent of Donald Trump’s anti-democratic conspiracy theories. He has questioned the integrity of our elections without evidence, wasted taxpayer resources with sham hearings that claimed fraud without proof, and yesterday he was intimately engaged in the protest at the nation’s capital that ultimately turned into a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol building.
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Pittsburgh, PA − January 2, 2021 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued the following statement on the passing of Representative Mike Reese:
“I am devastated to learn of the passing of our House colleague Mike Reese. On behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus, I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. My prayers are especially with his young family as they mourn this sudden loss. He was a leader in Western PA and gone far too soon.
While we didn’t have the opportunity to work together often in our separate chambers, I fondly remember playing softball with him at our annual charity game in Harrisburg. He was a great player and teammate. I am stunned he is no longer with us.”
Pittsburgh, Pa. − December 23, 2020 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announced the award of $9.3 million in grants from the state to help fund local projects in the 43rd senatorial district.
“Our community needs all the help it can get as projects of all sizes have been slowed and folks have been under employed this year, and I advocated for state funding to get our district working and thriving again,” said Senator Costa. “I want to thank Governor Tom Wolf for seeing the value in these projects and working with me to get these grants out. I look forward to watching them succeed.”
The following projects in the 43rd district will receive grants:
- Dawson Manor Associations will receive $1.3 million to redevelop 2400 East Carson Street.
- The Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery (POWER) will receive $1.5 million to redevelop its Pittsburgh campus in Swissvale.
- The Western PA School for Blind Children will receive $1 million to update its dormitory HVAC system.
- The Western PA School for the Deaf will receive $1 million for building renovations and improvements on its Edgewood campus.
- Munhall Borough will receive $1 million for improvements to its borough building.
- Carlow University will receive $1 million for development of a mixed use space on 5th Avenue
- The City of Pittsburgh will receive $1 million to rehabilitate Homewood Park
- The Academy Schools – Community Specialists Corporation will receive $500,000 for a new Outlook Academy expansion and revitalization
- Point Park University will receive $1 million to complete renovation on a professional career readiness center
Funding for these grants comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
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