News Releases
Senators Stefano and Costa to Jointly Introduce Legislation Reforming Driver’s License Suspensions
Harrisburg, Pa − December 6, 2019 −Senator Pat Stefano (R-Fayette) and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. (D-Allegheny) announced plans to introduce legislation that would reform the process of license suspension for driving violations. The legislation would...
Senator Costa Announces More than $2 Million in Transportation Grants
Harrisburg, PA − November 12, 2019 − Today, Senator Jay Costa, Jr. announced that $2 million in grants for transportation projects will be awarded to the 43rd senatorial district. “We have aging infrastructure in our region and across the Commonwealth; it’s important...
Hate Crime Legislation Introduced in Pa. House, Senate
Legislation will give state the tools to prevent and address hate crimes across commonwealth
HARRISBURG, October 30, 2019 – As Pennsylvanians paused to mark one year since the terror attack in Squirrel Hill, legislators in the Pennsylvania House and Senate have moved to introduce a comprehensive legislative package to address hate crimes.
Senator Costa to Introduce Legislation Reforming Campaign Finance, Improving Transparency
Harrisburg, Pa. − October 25, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today circulated a memo to his colleagues in the Senate seeking cosponsors on legislation that would reform Pennsylvania’s campaign finance laws and ensure better transparency and...
Senator Costa and Representative Frankel Applaud $5M in Safety Grants for Religious Entities
Harrisburg, PA − October 23, 2019 − On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Senate added an amendment to House Bill 859 that would provide $5 million in grants for community and religious spaces to improve their security. “This is about taking the next step to do what needs...
Legislators Introduce Local Solar Program in House and Senate
Harrisburg, Pa − October 22, 2019 − A bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators along with advocates and utility providers came together in Harrisburg today to announce plans for a local solar program. “In my district, I have seen a huge spike in folks interested in...
Senator Costa Announces $750,000 Grant for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Blind & Physically Handicapped Center
Pittsburgh, Pa. − October 18, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced the award of a $750,000 state grant to go to the Library for the Blind & Physically Impaired in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system. “Libraries are critical...
Senator Costa Applauds Governor’s Move on Environmental Protection
Pledges to Continue the Fight in the Legislature
Harrisburg, Pa. − October 3, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. applauded Governor Tom Wolf’s move today to instruct the PA Department of Environmental Protection to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Senator Costa Announces More than $1M in Grants for District Projects
Pittsburgh, PA− September 17, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced more than $1 million in state grants that will come to the 43rd senatorial district for greenway and recreational projects, including ones in Swissvale, West Homestead and the...
Broccoli, Beets and Better Living for Local Communities
Pittsburgh, Pa − August 8, 2019 − Introducing farm fresh produce to more local communities is the driving force behind a recent partnership between Adagio Health and Senator Jay Costa of Pennsylvania’s 43rd District. The Pennsylvania Senator and the healthcare organization teamed up as part of a community-wide education and nutrition effort meant to engage and inform local consumers.
Members of the General Assembly Ask Governor Wolf for a State Of Emergency To Address Pennsylvanians Living in Poverty
Harrisburg, Pa. − August 1, 2019 − Today, Democratic members from the Pennsylvania House and Senate are asking Governor Tom Wolf to declare a state of emergency to address the needs created by the elimination of the state’s General Assistance program. General...
Senator Costa Announces $8 Million in State Grants for his District
Pittsburgh, Pa. – August 1, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced more than $8 million in state grants that will go to projects in the 43rd senatorial district. “I’m proud to have advocated for these projects in our area, and excited to see...
PA Senate Democratic Caucus Decries Changes to SNAP Program, Urges PA Congressional Delegation to Oppose
Harrisburg, Pa. – July 29, 2019 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation, urging that the federal Department of Agriculture does not end automatic eligibility for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance...
Senator Costa Celebrates Fresh Food Grants to Local Schools
PITTSBURGH, PA – July 15, 2019 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announced the award of federal grants to local elementary schools to fund healthy, fresh food programs for students. “Our young students can’t learn properly if they aren’t properly fed,” said Senator Costa. “A...
Housing Funds Approved for Key Projects in Region, Costa says
Harrisburg – July 11, 2019 – More than $1.2 million in funding for a wide range of critical housing projects in Allegheny County was approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said today. “The dollars approved for these...
Senate Democrats Applaud Wolf’s Swift Action to Fund Voting Security Upgrades
Harrisburg – July 9, 2019 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today applauded the swift action by Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration to fund essential county voting security upgrades via the issuance of up to $90 million in bonds. The bond...
Senate Democrats Highlight Funding for Affordable Housing in the PA FY2019-20 Budget
Harrisburg – July 1, 2019 – The just-passed state budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20 included a large increase in funding for the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE). Several members of the Senate Democratic Caucus...
Senator Costa Supports State Budget, Looks to Fall Session to Accomplish Policy Goals
Harrisburg – June 27, 2019 – Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2019-20 General Appropriations budget which is now headed to Governor Tom Wolf’s desk; Senator Costa looks forward to returning to session in the fall...
Members of The General Assembly & Statewide Advocates Hosted News Conference Defending General Assistance
Harrisburg – June 24, 2019 – Health and Human Services Committee Democratic Chairman State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) joined members of the PA General Assembly and statewide advocates to fight to protect the General Assistance program. House Bill...
Members of Pa Senate Democratic Caucus Request Disaster Declaration on Gun Violence
Harrisburg, Pa. − June 24, 2019 − Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today jointly sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf requesting a disaster declaration for gun violence in the Commonwealth. “We believe it is necessary to raise the public’s awareness...
Sen. Costa Response to UPMC Ruling in Commonwealth Court
I am disappointed to see UPMC prevail in today’s ruling from the Commonwealth Court. Their unwillingness to prioritize patient care ahead of their profit margin cannot go on. If we don’t have a solution to the contract dispute by June 30, many folks in Western Pennsylvania will be thrown into health care chaos.
I’ll continue my work on the legislative solution, and I hope that AG Shapiro immediately begins work on an appeal of this decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Senator Costa Responds to Senator Leach’s Statement Regarding Independent Review of Allegations
Harrisburg, Pa. − June 6, 2019 − The Senate Democratic Caucus recently reviewed findings compiled by independent counsel into allegations against Senator Daylin Leach; its preliminary report found a lengthy pattern of troubling behavior spanning several years...
Senator Costa to Introduce Cap and Invest Bill for Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pa. − June 6, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today circulated a memo asking for cosponsors for a bill to create a “Cap and Invest” program for the state’s electric power sector. “The federal government has abdicated responsibility on...
Senator Costa and Representative Davis Announce $100k for Carnegie Library of Homestead
Homestead, Pa. − June 5, 2019 − Senator Jay Costa and Representative Austin Davis today announced the award of $100,000 in state grate money to the Carnegie Library of Homestead. The award comes from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of its...
Senate, House Members Unveil Elections Reform Proposals
Harrisburg PA – June 4, 2019 – State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Pittsburgh) led House and Senate Democrats in announcing several voting reform proposals Tuesday in the Main Capitol Rotunda. The legislators were...
Senator Costa Announces Funding for Transportation Projects in Pittsburgh, Swissvale and Churchill
Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 29, 2019 − Senator Jay Costa, Jr. today announced state funding for transportation projects in the 43rd senatorial district, paid for by the Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) program. The ARLE program aims to improve safety at intersections...
Senator Costa Applauds Supreme Court Ruling, Calls for Continued Work on Health Care Access
Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 28, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. expressed hopefulness at today’s ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the case of Commonwealth vs. UPMC. In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case back to the...
State Officials and Advocates Kick Off Real Jobs, Real Pay Tour
Pennsylvania − May 20, 2019 − Advocates, lawmakers and state officials will participate in tours and a statewide day of action on Thursday, May 23rd with businesses that choose to pay their employees a living wage. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage remains at a regional low...
State Legislators Announce Legislation Addressing Hate Crimes
Squirrel Hill, Pa. − May 9, 2019 − Members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate stood together today outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh to announce plans for legislation that will address hate crimes. “Hate crimes are on...
Senator Costa Congratulates Elliot Howsie on Appointment to Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
Harrisburg, Pa. − May 7, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. congratulated Elliot Howsie on his confirmed appointment to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Howsie was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf following Senator Costa’s recommendation and was...