News Releases
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...
Senator Costa Celebrates Dr. Seuss and ‘Read Across America’ Day with Area Students
March 1, 2013 — State Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today joined with educators and school children and celebrated the importance of reading with children.
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 Applaud Attorney General Kane’s Decision on Lottery
Harrisburg, February 14, 2013 – State Senate Democrats applauded Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s decision to reject the Corbett Administration’s plan to privatize the management of the Pennsylvania Lottery to a U.K.-based company Camelot Global...
Costa, Blake to Gov: Let Lottery Implement AFSCME Approach to Raise Profit
Harrisburg, February 11, 2013 – State Sens. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and John Blake (D- Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) said that instead of outsourcing the Pennsylvania Lottery’s operations to a U.K. company, Camelot Global Services, the governor should allow the Lottery...
Democratic Legislative Leaders Reject Proposed Electoral College Change
Harrisburg – February 7, 2013 – Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senate and House legislative leaders said today that they strongly oppose a Republican plan to make changes in the current Electoral College winner-take-all system that could reduce the state’s national...
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...
Pennsylvania Senate Democrats Discuss Plan to Address Distressed Cities
Harrisburg, December 18, 2012 – Acknowledging the escalating problems in economically-challenged communities across the state, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats today discussed their plans to address a wide range of problems impacting aging and distressed cities. The...
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...
Costa, Fitzgerald Cut Ribbon at Opening of Healthcare Quality Training Center
PITTSBURGH — DECEMBER 5, 2012 —Some holiday gifts are more memorable than others. This year, Allegheny County gave funds to the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) to offer our region a present that will benefit healthcare consumers in the community: The QIT Center.
Costa: Edgewood Borough Playground Improvement Project Receives State Grant
HARRISBURG, December 3, 2012 – Edgewood Borough residents will soon benefit from a grant to fund a playground improvement project, Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) announced today. The grant was awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural...
Costa: Grant for Trail and Alternative Energy Projects in Steel Valley
HARRISBURG – Nov. 28, 2012 – A local organization focused on preserving the history of the steel industry and providing for the community will soon receive state grant funds to bolster its efforts, Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today announced. The Rivers of Steel...
Senator Jay Costa Applauds work of Child Protection Task Force
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement in reaction to the report of the Task Force on Child Protection. The Task Force was created by resolution of the state Senate and House of Representatives:
“The Child Protection Task Force has put together an important document and a list of recommendations that will address issues that have been ignored for too long.
Costa Comments on PennDOT’s Ramp Metering and Closure Plan
As many of you are already aware, there has been a great deal of public discussion about PennDOT’s plans to close or meter many of the ramps along the Parkway East. I have heard from so many of you who are concerned about this project for various reasons. Please...
Senate Democrats Elect Leadership Team for 2013-14 Session
Harrisburg, November 14, 2012 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today elected leaders for the upcoming 2013-14 legislative session, with Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) reelected for a second term as Democratic Leader.
Honoring Our Veterans
Today we come together to honor our veterans -- those who have served, those still serving on our behalf at home and abroad and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our veterans have helped to define who we are as a nation and what we stand for in the name of...
Costa Comments on Corbett Plan to Privatize Lottery Management
Harrisburg, November 9, 2012 – Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) regarding Gov. Corbett’s lottery privatization plan: “The Pennsylvania Lottery is an efficiently and effectively run agency that funds critical services that benefit...
Hurricane Sandy Afternoon Update
Harrisburg - October 30, 2012 - (4:30 p.m.) In an afternoon conference call briefing, Robert Powelson, chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and Glenn M. Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, outlined new developments...
Hurricane Sandy Update
Absentee ballot deadline extended in Pennsylvania as state recovers from this massive storm. Harrisburg — October 30, 2012 – (9:20 a.m.) Gov. Tom Corbett provided additional details on how Pennsylvania is dealing with Hurricane Sandy earlier today at a briefing held...
Hurricane Sandy Impact, Important Contact Numbers, Information
October 29, 2012 — (6 p.m.) Gov. Tom Corbett held briefing to update the status of Hurricane Sandy and its impact on Pennsylvania. The governor said that the storm had 90 mile per hour winds and was making landfall in New Jersey and expected to move west. The storm...
Study Details Arts Contribution to Economy and Job Creation, Costa Says
HARRISBURG – October 16, 2012 – Calling the arts “an essential part of the fabric of Pennsylvania,” state Sen. Jay Costa said today that investing in arts is prudent because there is a discernible job creation and economic return. “The arts represent a significant...
Costa Releases Statement on Passing of Sen. Arlen Specter
Harrisburg - October 14, 2012 - State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) the state Senate's Democratic Leader, issued the following statement on the death of Sen. Arlen Specter: "Whether it was on the local, state or national political scene, Senator Specter helped shape...