HARRISBURG – June 12, 2022 – Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued the following statement on today’s announcement on an agreement by the US Senate on a proposed deal to address gun violence:
“I am pleased that the United States Senate has reached a tentative deal on a proposed package to address the ongoing gun violence epidemic in our nation. Understanding it won’t be as multifaceted of an approach the US House of Representatives took last week, this is an important next step. I look forward to seeing the details of the agreement in writing.
As we all know, multiple solutions are needed to solve this problem. Part of that is passing common sense gun laws that don’t impede on Second Amendment rights but instead improve our systems to ensure only responsible gun owners have access to firearms. Senate Democrats have long advocated for the issues that are expected to be part of the federal plan – from the implementation of red flag laws and a more comprehensive background check system to increased mental health funding to provide greater access to services and improved school safety measures.
Even with today’s breakthrough, more needs to be done. Our caucus is doing everything within our power on the state level to move forward legislation that would directly address gaps in our law that make guns accessible to individuals who are a threat to others or themselves, including filing discharge resolutions to force a vote on actual solutions. We continue to urge our Republican colleagues in the majority to get serious and work with us to get this under control. Protecting our communities, our neighbors and our children should not be a partisan issue.
In addition to fighting for more secure gun legislation, Senate Democrats will also continue our advocacy for investments in access to mental health care at the community level and in our schools as well as funding for evidence-based programs and organizations to address community violence, including hate crimes. These are all issues we can address now, especially as part of our broader budget conversation. There is no time to wait.”
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Harrisburg, PA – June 7, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats filed six discharge resolutions in an effort to move anti-gun violence and reform legislation to the floor of the State Senate for a vote. While Senate Republicans have moved bills that would make guns more accessible and make it harder for municipalities to address gun violence, bills from Senate Democrats that would strengthen gun safety in the Commonwealth have been stalled in committee.
Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued the following statement on the latest attempt from Senate Democrats to address the serious gun violence problem that exists in Pennsylvania and across the country:
“Every day we hear about more gun deaths – just this weekend there was a mass shooting on South Street in Philadelphia – yet the majority does nothing. Yes, multiple solutions are needed to solve the gun violence epidemic. Part of that is passing common sense gun laws that don’t impede on Second Amendment rights but improve our systems to ensure only responsible gun owners have access to firearms. We must protect our communities, and we must act now.
Our caucus has done everything within our power to move forward legislation that would directly address gaps in our law that make guns accessible to individuals who are a threat to others or themselves, yet the majority in Harrisburg hasn’t moved one single anti-gun violence bill out of committee. The six discharge resolutions give our Republican colleagues another opportunity to act in the best interest of their constituents and our Commonwealth.
It’s tragic and horrifying to think in the wake of multiple mass shootings across the country and the ongoing gun violence epidemic being felt in communities throughout Pennsylvania, that we’d continue to do nothing. It’s far past time we stop sending thoughts and prayers, and instead take action.”
The discharge resolutions were filed for the following bills:
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HARRISBURG – May 25, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats wrote the following letter to Republican leaders in response to rampant gun violence and mass shootings that have become too common in the United States. Just this year, 215 mass shootings have taken place in the country, with the devastating shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022, being the 215th.
In the letter, the caucus calls on the Republican majority to act on “reasonable and responsible legislation and appropriations” that does not infringe on Second Amendment rights but will help keep guns away from bad actors and support gun violence prevention. Senate Democrats list seven bills that have been introduced to mitigate gun violence but have sat in committee with no discussion or votes. They also highlight how American Rescue Plan dollars and Pennsylvania’s current budget surplus can be used to help communities prevent horrific violence.
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PITTSBURGH – May 15, 2022 – Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued the following statement on the passing of former State Senator Jim Ferlo:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our former colleague Senator Jim Ferlo. Jim represented the 38th Senatorial District, serving portions of the City of Pittsburgh, parts of Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties, from 2003 until 2015. He served as the Democratic Chairman of the Law and Justice Committee and was the Democratic Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
Prior to his election to the Senate, Jim served on Pittsburgh City Council from 1988 to 2003 and was Pittsburgh City Council President from 1994 through 1998.
To anyone who served with him, I think it’s safe to say that he was the progressive conscience of the Senate during his tenure, and maybe the entire General Assembly. He was a staunch fighter and a champion of the people, especially of those whose voices were often ignored, and was known for his soring rhetoric and his never-back-down style. He always had an eye on community development and helped to found untold numbers of organizations to that end.
He served in elected office for decades, but his involvement in politics goes back to the 1960’s including organizing, marching, and protesting for causes that he believed in. This was always Jim’s true passion. He always advocated for working people, minority groups, women, and the LGBTQ community; the least heard voices in politics.
The son of Italian immigrants, Jim was born in Rome, New York and often credited is ability to be an effective legislator as being one of 10 siblings.
No matter what side of an issue someone fell, having Jim Ferlo as part of the conversation kept you on your toes and made you become more educated and thoughtful. For that, I know he made so many of us better public servants, myself included. It was a true honor to have served with Jim, but even more so, I’m so glad to have called him a friend. On behalf of the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
May 13, 2022 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announced a $500,000 grant to support clean-energy job training for underserved communities in Allegheny County. The award comes from the Clean Energy Workforce Development Grant Program, which is designed to:
- Create opportunities for individuals from underserved communities
- Provide access to clean-energy job training
- And bolster Pennsylvania’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
“This investment in clean-energy jobs is an investment in long-term careers with good pay,” said Senator Costa. “The grant program provides opportunities in a sector that will continue to grow and allow workers with a variety of skill sets to grow with it. As the industry expands, it will need more fabricators, assemblers, manufacturing workers, construction workers, mechanics, electricians, and installers. We need to ensure individuals have the access and information they need to fully take advantage of clean-energy workforce opportunities, now and into the future.”
The grant was awarded to Partner4Work to fund a collaboration between Partner4Work, Pittsburgh Gateway, Omicelo, a real estate investment firm, and PA CareerLink alongside employers, businesses, and additional community partners in Allegheny County. The project will create a pipeline for individuals from underserved communities to access training and quality jobs available within the clean-energy sector.
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