Newsroom

$ 300 Million Education Common Core Mandate Threatens Graduation

Harrisburg, May 13, 2013 – A new unfunded education mandate now being quietly pursued by the Corbett administration will soon saddle school districts with a $ 300 million expense and threaten graduation for thousands of students across Pennsylvania, Senate Democrats said today at a Capitol news conference.

Costa Comments on Former Gov. George Leader’s Death

HARRISBURG, May 9, 2013 -- State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today expressed his thoughts on the death of George M. Leader, who was Pennsylvania’s governor from 1955-59 and was a member of the state Senate from 1951-54: “Gov. Leader was a pioneer as senator, governor...

Costa Pleased with Highmark/WPASH Affiliation Approval

Harrisburg,  April 29, 2013 – State Sen. Jay Costa released the following statement on the state Insurance Department’s approval of Highmark’s proposed affiliation with the West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS). Costa has been a strong proponent of the affiliation...

Rand Study Supports Medicaid Expansion, Senators Say

Harrisburg, March 28, 2013 – Two top Democratic state Senators who have been urging the Corbett administration to expand Medicaid said the governor should pay attention to a new, detailed study commissioned by The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) that shows the advantages of enrolling more Pennsylvanians in Medicaid.

Costa, Ferlo Express Disappointment at Liquor Privatization Plan

Harrisburg, March 21, 2013 — Senate Democratic Law and Justice Chair Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today released statements expressing their opposition to the passage of the wine and spirits privatization plan in the Pa...

Senate Democrats Announce Medicaid Expansion Legislation

HARRISBURG, March 13, 2013 – Senate Democrats announced sweeping legislation that would compel Pennsylvania to participate in the expansion of Medicaid so that 650,000 more Pennsylvanians would be covered by health insurance.

Costa Urges Governor to Reinstate adultBasic Coverage

Harrisburg, March 5, 2013 - Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today issued the following statement concerning Commonwealth Court's decision regarding the diversion of tobacco settlement funds from the adultBasic and Medical Assistance for Workers with...

Costa: Allegheny County Airport Receives State Grant

HARRISBURG, March 4, 2013 – The Allegheny County Airport will be receiving a $512,000 state grant for the design and construction of hangars. “The Allegheny County Airport plays an important role in aiding business and commerce in the Pittsburgh area,” said State...

Sen. Costa Hosts Town Hall Meeting

February 25, 2013 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) held a town hall meeting at Chatham University in the Laughlin Music Hall, Welker Room on Saturday, February 23rd  from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. [divider top="0"] ###

Sen. Costa to Host Town Hall Meeting

FOREST HILLS – February 22, 2013 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said that public input is critical to having a fair and informed budget process in Harrisburg and that Town Hall Meetings are invaluable in gaining insight from citizens of the...

Senate Democrats React to Governor’s 2013-14 Budget Proposal

HARRISBURG, February 5, 2013 — Governor Corbett outlined his 2013-14 budget proposal today, which my colleagues and I view as a false choice plan for Pennsylvania. It does little to address the problems the commonwealth is facing and relies on shaky and faulty...

Senator Costa to Hold Town Hall Meeting

Mark your calendars and join me for the first of many town hall meetings.  We'll be getting together to discuss your thoughts and concerns on issues affecting you and all of Pennsylvania.  Numerous community organizations will also be in attendance to answer your...

Costa, Dinniman Express Dismay at Liquor Privatization Plan

Harrisburg,  January 30, 2013 — Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Senate Democratic Education Chair Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) today released statements expressing their opposition to Governor Tom Corbett’s plan to privatize and expand the sale of...

Senate Democrats Appalled at Corbett Administration Lottery Decision

Harrisburg — January 11, 2012 — Senate Democrats today released statements expressing dismay and disgust at the actions of the Corbett Administration  in announcing the notice of award as it relates to the private management agreement, (PMA), for the Pennsylvania...

Senator Costa comments on the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut

Today we grieve with the families, friends and loved ones of those affected by the senseless and tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. There are no words to comfort the heart and quiet the mind when horrific events like this befall the community, much less...

Senate Hearing in Erie Focuses on Faltering Human Services Safety Net

Erie December 13, 2012 — Erie area human services providers today told a state Senate panel that the availability, quality and reliability of crucial services to disabled people are diminishing in the face of dwindling state financial support and questionable bureaucratic decisions in Harrisburg.

Senator Costa Comments on Health Insurance Exchange Decision

December 12, 2012 — Senator Costa released the following statement today regarding Governor Corbett's decision to allow the federal government to operate Pennsylvania's health insurance exchange mandated by the federal healthcare law: "The decision by Governor Corbett...

Democratic Leaders Meet to Discuss Budget Priorities

Members of House and Senate leadership recently met with reporters to discuss our focus and priorities for the upcoming budget discussions. We outlined our concerns on issues affecting many Pennsylvania families. Our concerns included transportation, funding for basic...