Senators Maria Collett and Jay Costa Lead Senate Democrats in Affirming Constitutional Rights, Introducing Resolution Condemning Unconstitutional Use of Force by Federal Immigration Officers
Harrisburg, PA — January 27, 2026 − Senator Maria Collett (D-12, Montgomery, Caucus Chair) and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-43, Allegheny) announced plans to introduce a new resolution affirming that constitutional rights guaranteed by the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions apply to all people within the Commonwealth.
The resolution, co-prime-sponsored by twenty-two members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, responds to recent fatal shootings by federal immigration officers and a growing pattern of enforcement actions that raise serious constitutional concerns, including detaining individuals without arrest, intimidating bystanders, and conducting unlawful searches.
Statement from Senator Maria Collett:
“Every public official — from the President to the newest federal officer — swears an oath to uphold the Constitution. That oath is not conditional. It does not bend to political preference or administrative convenience. Pennsylvanians deserve a government that stands up for their rights when they are threatened.”
Statement from Senator Jay Costa:
“I am appalled and dismayed as I watch the ongoing degradation of Americans’ most basic civil rights – rights guaranteed to us by our Constitution and affirmed time and time again by our Courts. I am proud to add my name to this resolution and recommit to defending the hard-won Constitutional freedoms we cherish so dearly.”
About the Resolution:
Senators Collett and Costa’s resolution:
- Condemns the use of deadly force by federal immigration enforcement officers in recent incidents.
- Affirms that constitutional protections apply to everyone in the United States.
- Calls for impartial investigations and accountability for any unlawful actions.
- Urges federal leadership and Congress to exercise oversight and ensure adherence to constitutional standards.
In closing, Senator Collett said: “Our Constitution is more than a document — it is a promise. A promise that power will be restrained, that dignity will be protected, and that every person will be treated with fairness under the law. In moments when that promise is threatened, leaders must speak clearly and act decisively. This resolution demonstrates to the public that there are leaders in Harrisburg they can trust to uphold the Constitution, reaffirming our commitment to that promise and our dedication to the people we serve.”
In addition to the resolution introduced today, Senator Collett has sponsored legislation to unmask ICE agents(SB 1071, led by Senators Amanda Cappelletti and Nikil Saval) and prohibit unlawful ICE arrests and detainments within the Commonwealth (led by Senator Art Haywood).
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Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from Small Water and Sewer Program
PITTSBURGH, PA – January 22, 2026 − Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representatives from Allegheny County to announce grants from the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program.
“I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of these Small Water and Sewer dollars to benefit our communities,” said Senator Costa. “Across the 43rd district, the projects funded by these grants will ensure local families can access clean, potable water free from contaminants. As always, it’s been an honor to work with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to deliver this critical funding to benefit our constituents who call Allegheny County home.”
With Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces the following Small Water and Sewer grant awardees:
- Churchill Borough was awarded $391,022 for Churchill Stormwater Projects.
- Edgewood Borough was awarded $375,000 for Monongahela Way/Nine Mile Run Culvert Improvements.
- Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $300,000 for Wilkinsburg Highland Way and Beacon Hill Sanitary Force main and Pump House Controls Replacement.
- Township of Wilkins was awarded $200,000 for Penhurst Drive Sanitary Sewer Improvements.
With Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces the following Small Water and Sewer grant awardees:
- Verona Borough was awarded $199,883 for Sanitary Sewer Lining.
- Municipality of Penn Hills was awarded $400,000 for Penn Hills Gascola EQ Facility Concrete Repairs.
Learn more about the Small Water and Sewer program here.
Learn more about how Senate Democrats are fighting for every Pennsylvanian here.
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Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from the Multimodal Transportation Fund
PITTSBURGH, PA – January 20, 2026 − Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representatives from Allegheny County to announce grants from the Multimodal Transportation Fund.
“I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of these Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars to benefit our communities,” said Senator Costa. “Across the 43rd district, the projects funded by these grants will ensure local families can travel safely throughout their communities. I look forward to seeing these dollars improve our municipalities and the daily experiences of our fellow residents. I am honored to work with my fellow Senate and House Democratic colleagues to improve our roadways in ways that demonstrate how we can make state government work for working people.”
With Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
- Borough of Wilkinsburg was awarded $500,000 to reconstruct Graham Boulevard located in Wilkinsburg Borough.
- Friends of the Riverfront, Inc. was awarded $450,000 to extend the Three Rivers Heritage Trail located in Swissvale Borough.
- Hosanna House, Inc. was awarded $750,000 for sidewalk, crosswalk, and alleyway improvements around Penn Lincoln Green in Wilkinsburg Borough.
- Swissvale Borough was awarded $700,000 for Phase 5 streetscape improvements along Monongahela Avenue located in Swissvale Borough.
- Wilkins Township was awarded $529,199 to upgrade the traffic signal at the intersection of Brown Avenue and Roland Road located in Wilkins Township.
With Representative Dan Frankel, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
- Walnut Capital-McKee, L.P. was awarded $553,809 for safety and streetscape improvements at the Louisa Street steps in Pittsburgh City.
With Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
- Oakmont Community Foundation was awarded $230,636 to realign Allegheny Avenue in Oakmont Borough.
- Verona Borough was awarded $550,075 for roadway and pedestrian improvements on Jones Street located in Verona Borough.
Learn more about the Multimodal Transportation Fund here.
Learn more about how Senate Democrats are fighting for every Pennsylvanian here.
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