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 court sent the case back to the Commonwealth Court to ascertain if the law is being implemented correctly and whether voters reasonably have access to voter ID cards:
“In vacating the decision, the court left it to the Commonwealth Court to determine if the photo ID law is being implemented properly and whether there is liberal access to voter ID cards in compliance with the legislative intent of the law.
“The facts of the case haven’t changed. There was ample and overwhelming evidence presented during the Commonwealth Court’s hearing of this case to conclude that there are multiple obstacles that voters must navigate in order to gain a valid voter ID that permits them to cast a vote that will be counted on Election Day.
“This case is about voter suppression and the partisan attempt to influence the General Election. The right to vote and a citizen’s access to the ballot box must be guaranteed. Unquestionably, there continues to be problems with the current, expedited implementation of the law.
“Given the short time line for Commonwealth Court to consider the case and determine the status of the law, it appears that the only decision is on issuing the injunction.”
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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 voters to show a valid photo ID when they cast their vote in the General Election in November, as well as the challenges to the 2012 legislative reapportionment plan.
“Two exceptionally important cases were before the state Supreme Court today. Both cases involve the ability of citizens to cast votes and be guaranteed fair elections so they have a voice in their government.
“The voter ID case involves the ability of all citizens to cast their vote on Election Day. There is no evidence of voter fraud and obstacles to voting should not be permitted. The requirement that voters have photo ID before their vote is counted will cause immediate harm for seniors, the poor, students and others.
“As a plaintiff in the legislative reapportionment case, I asked the court to throw out the partisan political plan that was approved by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission so that a new, fair, and constitutional map can be drafted. This is the second time that a flawed plan has been before the court. The plan has too many county splits and is too skewed politically to pass constitutional muster.
“I am confident that the court will carefully consider each of these cases and make appropriate rulings that protect the ability of citizens to vote and be represented fairly.”
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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 enrollment for all new accounts that are opened online this month, saving families the $50 enrollment fee,” Costa said. “Using this program helps families cope with the high cost of a college education.”
To open or contribute to an account, visit www.PA529.com or call 1-800-440-4000. Constituents may use the code “Jay Costa” when they enroll online in the PA 529 GSP to waive the $50 enrollment fee.
The contributions made to PA 529 plans are tax deductible and when they are used for qualified education expenses are state and federal tax exempt.
“The PA 529 plan is a key financial tool that helps families manage college costs. It may also be used grandparents and friends to contribute to a student’s education,” Costa said.
Costa (D-Allegheny), a longtime advocate of funding for higher education during his tenure in the Senate, said that investing in a PA 529 account is smart and forward-thinking. PA 529 contributions grow at the rate of tuition inflation. The lawmaker said that if a family saves enough for a semester at a state system university today, there will be enough to pay for another semester at the school in the future – regardless of tuition increases in the future.
Costa serves as the Senate Democratic Leader and is a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Pittsburgh and the Community College of Allegheny County. He is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Duquesne University law school in Pittsburgh.
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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 the two pieces of legislation that I put together were included in broader legislative proposals and signed into law by the governor,” Costa (D-Allegheny) said.
Sen. Costa’s SB 519 was amended into a sweeping prison reform proposal that was enacted as Act 122. The provisions of the measure clarify the burglary statute as it relates to three-strike sentencing.
As a leading voice for changes in correction policy, Costa spoke repeatedly on the Senate floor about the need to adopt strong sentencing reforms as a way to reduce mounting corrections costs. The reforms included in Act 122 are expected to save taxpayers $251 million over the next five years.
“For many years I served on the state sentencing commission and as Democratic chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee so I know about the costs of incarceration and how taxpayers have to confront costs,” Costa said. “I’ve been a proponent of alternative sentencing measures and more cost-effective methods of dealing with non-violent offenders.
“My legislation clearly defines burglary and how this offense should be interpreted as a part of the sentencing process.”
Costa said the other piece of legislation was amended into the tax code. Costa’s proposal exempts the transfer of real estate between a step-parent and a step-child from realty transfer taxes. This measure was signed into law as Act 85.
“The inclusion of language from my legislation – SB 593 – in the tax code was the most efficient way of ensuring its passage this session,” he said.
Costa said that the sentencing reform was a key aspect of the budget and policy priorities outlined by Senate Democrats.
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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 (D-Forest Hills.)
Costa announced that he appointed Dennis A. Watson of the downtown firm Grogan Graffam, PC to serve on IRRC.
“Dennis Watson will be a terrific addition to IRRC and make a valued contribution to improving Pennsylvania government,” Costa said. “Dennis has a wealth of experience in a wide range of legal issues, is a seasoned litigator, dedicated professional and a person who is committed to public service.”
Costa forwarded Watson’s appointment to IRRC on July 16. IRRC is a state commission charged with the oversight and review of all proposed and existing rules promulgated by various state agencies, authorities, courts or municipal governmental.
“IRRC plays a key role in making sure that rules and regulations proposed by government are in the best interest of the public and that they are rational and reasonable,” Costa said. “With Dennis’ experience, he will quickly make his mark in ensuring that proposed rules hit the mark and have no unintended consequences.”
Watson currently serves as President of Grogan Graffam PC. He has been president since 1998 and has been a shareholder since 1983.
A former school director in the North Hills School District, Watson has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania and received his law degree, cum laude in 1977 from the University of Pittsburgh. Watson’s practice includes complex commercial, construction, maritime insurance and personal injury cases.
“Dennis has been recognized by his peers and state and federal courts for his legal work,” Costa said. “He is also committed to his community and has served on a number of boards in West View.”
Watson is a proctor in the Maritime Law Association, served as Special Master for Allegheny County and in the Western District of the U.S. District Court and has been a member of Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission’s Advisory Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
IRRC was created by Act 181 of 1982.
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