News Releases
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...
Sen. Jay Costa Statement on Pennsylvania Supreme Court Redistricting Decision
Harrisburg – May 8, 2013 – State Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) released the following statement on the decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to uphold the legislative redistricting plan: “The approval of the redistricting plan by the state Supreme...
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...
Senate Democrats Seek Job Creation, Education, Safety Net Dollars in Budget Discussions
Harrisburg, April 17, 2013 – Senate Democrats’ 2013-14 budget priorities are heavily weighted toward job creation, education investments, strengthening the social-services safety net, modernizing liquor sales and refocusing Pennsylvania’s business tax menu to help...
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.
Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing on Medicaid Expansion
Pittsburgh, March 8, 2013 – Democratic members of the state Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing in Pittsburgh today to receive testimony from local officials and health-care experts regarding Pennsylvania’s option to expand Medicaid coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act.
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...