Harrisburg, PA – October 21, 2025 – Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement following more budget delays that were led by Senate Republicans.
“It is deeply frustrating to see Senate Republicans waste more time instead of coming to the table to get a serious, responsible budget passed for the Commonwealth.
“What we got from Senate Republicans today was another exercise in delay tactics. They know the budget they passed today is not serious. It would raise local taxes, force cuts to health services and jobs, and leave school districts with debt that was incurred because of the Senate Republican budget impasse.
“Senate and House Democrats have shown multiple times that we are willing to compromise to get a budget done. The House passed a bipartisan budget for the second time weeks ago, but Senate Republicans choose to prolong this impasse.
“Our state budget is now one hundred and thirteen days past due, and the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of Senate Republicans. We again implore them to work with us, the House, and the Governor to get a budget done that funds our obligations and maintains important education, health, and support services.”
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HARRISBURG, PA − October 14, 2025 − Now that the Senate Republicans’ Budget Impasse has gone on for 106 days and counting, all twenty three members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus signed onto a letter urging Senate Republicans to call the Senate back into session and call up Senate Bill 160, a budget bill that passed the House on a bipartisan basis on Wednesday, October 8.
The letter in its entirety is available here.
Senate Democrats have been sounding the alarm on the impact of the Senate Republicans’ Budget Impasse for weeks, drawing attention to the healthcare workers, schools, daycare providers, and others feeling the extreme pinch.
After the House passed SB 160, Senate Republicans packed up and went home without voting on the bill. As the letter states, sending members home, “without a vote is a slap in the face to the counties, school districts, human service providers, and others who are struggling to navigate this unnecessary, politically motivated impasse. That is unacceptable.”
Senate Democrats have been loud, clear, and united: “It is beyond time for compromise. It is time to end this impasse.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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Harrisburg PA − October 8, 2025 − Today, Senator Jay Costa, Senate Democratic Leader, and Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair, shared the following statement after the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a 25-26 budget for the second time.
“Yet again, Senate Democrats are standing ready with votes to pass a budget and stop this budget impasse that is causing real hurt to counties, schools, health and safety programs, and many others who rely on state funding.
“The House passed a budget today that represents compromise and responsible spending. Senate Democrats are ready to get this done.
“And while the House was in session passing a budget, for the second time, Senate Republican leadership decided to send members home. We could have passed a budget today if Senate Republicans weren’t so carelessly standing in the way.
“Instead of getting a budget deal done, Senate Republicans spent three days playing gubernatorial politics on behalf of the State Treasurer. Senate Republicans have demonstrated multiple times that they are not serious about getting a budget passed. They are more interested in playing political games with no regard for the individuals and organizations they hurt along the way.
“They continue to finger point, yet the state House passed a budget today and Senate Democrats are ready to vote to end this unnecessary impasse. What have they done? It’s far past time to put the people first.”
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McKees Rocks − September 16, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine housing affordability and seeking solutions to a growing issue across Pennsylvania.
“Housing affordability continues to be a major issue across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Miller. “I understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the housing crisis impacting our region and beyond. However, as a Commonwealth, we have the opportunity to lead the conversation and showcase our dedication to accessible and independent housing for our community members, allowing individuals to stay in their homes and enjoy the freedom to live comfortably.”
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“Every family who calls Pennsylvania home deserves a safe, affordable place to live and make memories,” said Senate Democratic Leader Costa. “Senate Democrats have been laser-focused on delivering on this core value, working across the aisle to provide working families with the tools, funding, and protections they need to secure a safe home they can afford. I am always delighted to convene leaders in the housing space to discuss strategies for creating more affordable housing, and I look forward to working alongside them as we work to achieve homes for every Pennsylvanian.”
“Too many Pennsylvanians are forced to choose between paying rent and meeting other basic needs,” said Senator Pisciottano. “This lack of affordable housing is holding back families, workers, and employers across our Commonwealth, and we must advance real solutions to ensure our communities, and our economy can thrive.”
“I’m grateful to today’s testifiers for highlighting the need for more paths to affordable homeownership,” said Senator Williams. “Corporate greed has made this path harder for so many Pennsylvanians, as out-of-state landlords buy up properties in what were once affordable neighborhoods. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home to live in and I look forward to working with my colleagues on policy that will make homeownership more attainable.”
“Increasing the availability of affordable housing is key to Western Pennsylvania’s growth and competitiveness moving forward,” said Senator Fontana. “We have several tools at our disposal to address housing affordability in our region and today’s hearing illustrated the importance of all levels of government working with our community-based partners to effectively utilize them.”
Jason Tigano, Founder and CEO of LEVEL: Equity Building (LEVEL), explained the long-term solutions he has identified with his organization.
“As you know, quality affordable homeownership is one of our nation’s greatest challenges. Strong communities begin with stable residents who are invested in their neighborhoods,” said Tigano. “LEVEL is the long-term solution to creating a pathway for hardworking Pennsylvanians to attain the American Dream of owning their own home.”
Tigano stated in his testimony, “LEVEL prepares communities, homeowners, and homes together. We make affordable homeownership attainable to ensure generational stability and prosperity for neighborhoods and those who live in them.”
Rich Stephenson, Executive Director of the Allegheny County Housing Authority, provided insights into the affordable housing landscape and ongoing initiatives within Allegheny County. In addition, Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy for the Office of the Allegheny County Executive, discussed the “500 in 500” initiative, which was launched in June 2024. This initiative aims to assist individuals experiencing homelessness by creating 500 affordable housing units within a span of 500 days in Allegheny County.
Further testimony emphasized the several tools Pennsylvania has to its disposal to address housing affordability and the recommendations from testifiers to help with growing issue in Pennsylvania.
Testimony
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
- James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
- Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., President & CEO – Greater Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity
- Jason Tigano, CEO – LEVEL: Equity Building
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his tenth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to providing access to affordable and health housing at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Download Agenda
Allegheny County’s Outlook and Efforts
- Rich Stephenson, Executive Director – Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Ed Nusser, Director of Housing Strategy – Office of Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
Community Based Solutions and Actions
James Eash, Real Estate Director – Action Housing
PITTSBURGH, PA – September 11, 2025 − Today, PRT requested permission from Governor Shapiro and PENNDOT to use infrastructure dollars for operating expenses. This follows the Governor’s approval of SEPTA’s request for temporary operational support using state funds that are typically reserved for capital expenses that fund the purchase and maintenance of transit vehicles and infrastructure that provides for safety and efficiency on Monday.
This move will avert a planned 35% service reduction and 9% fare hikes which would have taken place in early 2026.
Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“Once again, the inaction of the Senate Republicans has forced the second largest transit system in Pennsylvania to reallocate funding from their capital fund to their operating fund. I am glad that Governor Shapiro, PennDOT, and PRT are taking the steps to ensure transit riders maintain reliable, affordable service. Still, I am extremely frustrated that Senate Republicans refuse to do their part to deliver a sustainable source of funding for our essential public transit systems. Transit powers our regional economy by getting people to work, kids to school, seniors to doctors’ appointment, and tourists to our attractions. We need the state to do its part to provide funding to keep these services available. While PRT riders can breathe a sigh of relief, Senate Democrats remain on the frontlines of the fight for a long-term revenue stream for our buses, trains, roads, and bridges.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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