News Releases
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...
Sen. Costa Releases Statement on Voter ID Ruling
HARRISBURG, October 2, 2012 - - Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement in reaction to today's decision by Commonwealth Court on the controversial voter ID law: "In my view, the court's decision is the correct one in...
Statement from Sen. Jay Costa on Supreme Court Voter ID Decision
Harrisburg – September 18, 2012 -- Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today issued the following statement on the decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to vacate the Commonwealth Court's ruling on the state’s controversial voter ID law. The...
Sen. Jay Costa Issues Statement on Voter ID and Reapportionment Cases before the Court
Harrisburg – September 13, 2012 -- State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), the Senate Democratic leader, issued a statement concerning two issues that were before the state Supreme Court today. The Court heard arguments today on the voter ID law that will require all...
Costa: Open a College Savings Account in September and Save Money
HARRISBURG, September 10, 2012 – State Sen. Jay Costa said families can save $50 by enrolling online in the college savings program operated by the state treasurer’s office in September. “From now through the end of September, the PA 529 GSP plan is offering free...
Costa Reacts to Commonwealth Court Decision on Voter ID Law
Harrisburg, August 15, 2012 – State Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement in reaction to Commonwealth Court’s refusal to grant an injunction to halt the implementation of the voter ID law. The case is expected to be...
Costa Says HEMAP Restart is Excellent News for Families, Communities, Municipalities
HARRISBURG, August 13, 2012 – Pennsylvania’s Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) is once again accepting applications now that the state has received its portion of the national settlement with mortgage servicers, state Sen. Jay Costa,...
Costa Legislation Merged with Other Measures, Signed into Law
Harrisburg – July 24, 2012 – Two pieces of legislation dealing with criminal sentencing and changes to Pennsylvania’s tax law authored by state Sen. Jay Costa were merged into other legislation, passed by the General Assembly and signed into law. “I am pleased that...
Costa Appoints Respected Pittsburgh Attorney to PA Independent Regulatory Review Board
Harrisburg – July 19, 2012 – A noted Pittsburgh attorney who is regularly recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer has been appointed to a three-year term on the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) by Senate Democratic Leader state Sen. Jay Costa...
Senate Democrats File Reapportionment Plan Appeal
Harrisburg, July 6, 2012 - State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa said that the Senate Democratic appeal of the Legislative Reapportionment Commission Final Plan was filed with the Supreme Court today. (View Sen. Costa's Statement) Costa, on behalf of his caucus, is...
Costa Says Special Election Should Not Be Called Because of High Cost and Limited Time
Harrisburg – July 2, 2012 – Senate Democratic Leader, Sen. Jay Costa sent a letter today to Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley asking that he not call a special election in the 37th Senate District to replace Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny) who resigned over the weekend. Costa...
Senate Advances Sentencing Reform and Tax Exemption Initiatives Authored by Costa
Harrisburg, June 30, 2012 - Two measures introduced by Sen. Costa have been rolled into related legislation that has cleared the Senate. Costa's SB 519 was amended as provisions of the sweeping sentencing reform bill SB 100. The provisions of the bill now included as...