Newsroom
Pennsylvania State Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia
Let’s celebrate the Keystone State’s contributions to America 250 – It all started in Philadelphia!
PHILADELPHIA – May 5, 2026 − With the U.S. Semiquincentennial less than two months away, the Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial gathering honoring America’s 250th birthday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Files Two Discharge Petitions for Window to Justice Legislation
HARRISBURG, PA – May 4, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa filed discharge petitions for House Bill 462 and House Bill 464, which both open a Window to Justice for adult survivors of child sex abuse. Both bills passed the House of Representatives in June...
Senator Costa Files Discharge Petitions for Window to Justice Legislation
Senator Costa Talks Affordability Action Plan on This Week in Pennsylvania
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Responds to Louisiana v. Callais
HARRISBURG, PA – April 29, 2026 − Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Louisiana v. Callais, holding that a plaintiff alleging race-based discrimination under the Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 will be successful only if they can prove that there was a “strong inference of intentional discrimination” by the State and using an impossible legal test for any future plaintiff to meet in doing so.
Senate Democratic Caucus Files Amicus Brief in Support of City of Philadelphia to Protect Black History at President’s House Exhibit
HARRISBURG, PA – April 27, 2026 − The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today filed an amicus brief in support of the City of Philadelphia urging the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to require the National Park Service to fully restore and maintain the exhibits...
Session Spotlight :: April 20, 2026
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Condemns Treasurer’s Denial of Security Upgrades to Governor’s Residence
HARRISBURG, PA – In response to State Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s letter stating her refusal to approve funds for security upgrades to Governor Shapiro’s residence, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement on behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate...
Senate Democrats Champion Affordability Action Plan to Bring Down Costs and Expand Economic Opportunities to PA Families
HARRISBURG, PA − April 21, 2026 − Today, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus were joined by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis to hold a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to kick off their Affordability Action Plan, which highlights...
Senator Costa Kicks off Affordability Action Plan
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Commends Commonwealth Court Decision Ending State Prohibition on Reproductive Healthcare Spending
HARRISBURG, PA – April 20, 2026 − Today, the Commonwealth Court issued a decision holding that reproductive choice is a fundamental right guaranteed by the PA constitution, and that the state’s MA coverage prohibition on abortion services violates the Equal Rights...
Senators Fontana and Costa Announce over $21 Million in PENNVEST Funding for Allegheny County
Allegheny County – April 15, 2026 – Today, Senators Wayne Fontana and Jay Costa announce that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a loan of $21,770,999 to Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) for a water main replacement...
Senators Jay Costa, Lindsey Williams, and Wayne Fontana Announce over $53 Million in PENNVEST Funding for Allegheny County
PITTSBURGH, PA – April 15, 2026 − Today, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) held a Board Meeting to award loan and grant funding for the latest round of applicants. Together, Senators Jay Costa, Lindsey Williams, and Wayne Fontana announce...
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Announces Nearly $2 Million in Keystone Grants for Libraries in the 43rd District
PITTSBURGH, PA – April 7, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $1,900,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Commonwealth Libraries benefitting three libraries in the 43rd Senatorial District. Keystone grants...
Senator Costa discusses Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit Program on Face the State on CBS21
Senator Costa discusses Minimum Wage Bill on Face the State on CBS21
Session Spotlight :: March 23, 2026
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Celebrates Passage of House Minimum Wage Bill, Calls for Swift Movement in Senate
HARRISBURG, PA – March 24, 2026 – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement on the final passage of HB 2189: “The PA House of Representatives today passed a minimum wage bill that, in one swift motion, champions working families,...
Session Spotlight :: March 16, 2026
Senator Costa joins DCED in Downtown Pittsburgh to Celebration Neighborhood Assistance Program
Shapiro Administration Continues Commitment to Revitalizing Pittsburgh, Highlights $3.3 Million Investment to Support a More Vibrant Downtown
The recent Neighborhood Assistance Program award to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership will help create a cleaner, safer downtown over the next six years. Since Governor Josh Shapiro united the public, private, and non-profit sector behind a concrete plan to...
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Announces Over $1.7 Million in PCCD Grant Funding for the 43rd Senatorial District
PITTSBURGH, PA – March 11, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $1,798,040 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) benefitting the 43rd district, encompassing parts of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The...
Session Spotlight :: 2026 Budget Hearing Edition
Session Spotlight :: February 23, 2026
Happy Black History Month from the PA Senate Democrats
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Lauds Governor Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan, Urges Bipartisanship to Enact Priorities
PITTSBURGH, PA: Today, Governor Josh Shapiro joined members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, stakeholders, and activists in Philadelphia to celebrate his Housing Action Plan, which will expand housing access and opportunity across the commonwealth. Building on...