HARRISBURG, PA – August 2, 2022 − Today, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled to uphold Act 77, the state’s election law that permits no excuse mail in voting to continue in Pennsylvania. Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) offered the following statement in support of the court’s decision:
“Today’s decision upholding Act 77 is a victory for voters of every age, race, faith, income, and zip code.
Voting by mail ensures that everyone can participate in choosing their leaders, especially our seniors, healthcare workers, students, and disabled friends and neighbors. While the GOP continues to disenfranchise voters, we will fight so that everyone who wants to vote can vote however is most accessible to them.”
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HARRISBURG, PA – July 28, 2022 − Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced a lawsuit against the Republican-led General Assembly for their unconstitutional attempt to ban abortion in Pennsylvania. Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), leader of the Democratic Caucus in the PA Senate, shared the following statement in support of the lawsuit:
“Today, I am proud to support Governor Wolf’s lawsuit challenging the legality of SB 106, a bill that offers several amendments to our Commonwealth’s constitution, including removing the right to abortion in Pennsylvania. I have been unwavering in my support of abortion access. As a caucus, Senate Democrats have consistently voted to protect access to this necessary medical procedure, and consistently voted against efforts to make abortions more difficult for Pennsylvanians to access. The GOP rammed through SB 106 at the 11th hour during budget negotiations, attempting to sneak their anti-abortion legislation through under the cover of night. This move was intentionally devious and would strip rights from millions of people who call PA home.
Governor Wolf’s lawsuit will ensure that the amendments in SB 106 will appear on the May 2023 ballot only if they are legally appropriate. While the institution of the General Assembly is facing this suit, it will be the responsibility of the GOP to defend its midnight backroom deal-making. Regardless of the outcome of this suit, our caucus remains committed as always to protecting the right to abortion in Pennsylvania.”
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Pittsburgh, PA − July 21, 2022 – Pennsylvania State Senators from Allegheny County including Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Wayne Fontana and Senator Lindsey Williams announced a $200+ million dollar loan for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“I’m thrilled to see PENNVEST support the infrastructure of Pittsburgh’s drinking water in such a substantial way,” said Senator Cota. “These funds support PWSA’s plan to modernize a key function of our area and ultimately prioritize the continuous accessibility of clean water to every resident and visitor of Allegheny County.”
The PENNVEST loan of $209,005,329 will be used to support PWSA’s Water Reliability Plan, an effort to modernize and improve the region’s water system. According to PWSA, the plan will take about six years and invest nearly $470 million in large-scale water improvement projects which include replacing a 114-year-old clearwell and reducing contaminant infiltration at the Highland No. 2 Reservoir.
“This loan will support once-in-a-generation upgrades to water infrastructure in Allegheny County,” said Senator Fontana. “There’s too many examples of the harm and damage that can occur when we let infrastructure needs go unmet and then scramble to fix the problem after it’s too late. PWSA’s plan gets us ahead of that scenario. The thoughtful effort to make their system more modern, reliable, and sustainable will ensure that residents always have access to clean drinking water.”
“Investing in the water infrastructure of our region is a huge priority for me, so it’s wonderful to see the largest loan in PENNVEST history go to PWSA to rehabilitate and replace the facility at Highland No.2 Reservoir,” said Senator Williams. “Ensuring that we have clean, safe drinking water without imposing rate hikes is absolutely crucial, especially as inflation and rising utility costs impact working families.”
In addition to improving the reliability and long-term sustainability of Pittsburgh’s water system, the project will also address a Department of Environmental Protection Consent Order and Agreement to maintain the volume, quality, and disinfection of the system’s water.
PENNVEST serves communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects. These projects not only contribute to improving Pennsylvania’s environment and the health of its people, but also provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania’s workers. More information is available on the PENNVEST website: https://www.pennvest.pa.gov.
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Rankin, PA – July 19, 2022 – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announced $7.5 million in state funding for a project located in the Rankin Borough. The redevelopment of the Carrie Furnace site will receive a $3 million dollar grant and a $4.5 million dollar loan from the Commonwealth Financing Agency’s (CFA) Business in Our Site (BiOS) program.
“The Carrie Furnace is a historic landmark in the Mon Valley and an important economic development opportunity for the future of Rankin,” said Senator Costa. “This funding will kick off construction of a regional attraction for film production which will be a one-of-a-kind facility for Southwest PA, creating many immediate and long-term jobs.”
This funding goes toward Phase II of III for the complete redevelopment of the 65-acre site that will consist of the acquisition of 4 acres and the development of a 52,000 square foot Film Ready Tech Flex Spec building. Specifically, BiOS funds will be used for acquisition, excavation, grading, sidewalks, and construction of the parking fields associated with the film production building.
BiOS grants are intended to empower communities to attract growing and expanding businesses by helping build an inventory of shovel ready sites. These sites must be previously utilized property or undeveloped property that are planned and zoned for development.
For more information on this funding project and other grant opportunities, visit dced.pa.gov.
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Harrisburg, PA – July 8, 2022 – Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa today voted in support of the state budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23.
“Given our unprecedented revenue surplus, Senate Democrats fought tirelessly to ensure an agreement that would provide historic investments in education, support safer neighborhoods and more secure schools, and put money back in the pockets of all Pennsylvanians so families and communities can thrive.
While I feel this budget does not take full advantage of the resources we have, this is a process of compromise and there is a lot here that I support, including several initiatives proposed by Senate Democrats.
This budget utilizes more than $2.1 billion in American Rescue Plan dollars that will be used to fund a variety of critical programs that support school safety, mental health, and anti-violence initiatives; long term care workers and childcare assistance; affordable housing; clean water and infrastructure upgrades; higher education; and increases in property tax rebates to homeowners.
Most notably, this plan provides historic investments in education from pre-K through college, including career and technical education, something our caucus has advocated for many years.
Our work on helping the citizens of this Commonwealth is not done as we continue our recovery from the pandemic and face the challenges of global inflation, but today’s actions are a good start.”
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