HARRISBURG, PA – In response to State Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s letter stating her refusal to approve funds for security upgrades to Governor Shapiro’s residence, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement on behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus:
“It is unconscionable that Treasurer Garrity has refused to release funding that would ensure the safety and security of the Governor and his family. Playing games with the lives of the Shapiro family for cheap political points is behavior wholly unbecoming of the Treasurer, especially in light of the April 2025 assassination attempt on the Governor’s household during Passover. The security recommendations made by the Pennsylvania State Police are, unfortunately, profoundly necessary as political violence continues to plague our public discourse, and the Treasurer’s disregard for the prevention of future violence is downright shameful. We cannot and must not make campaign fodder of our leaders’ lives and the lives of their families, regardless of party or upcoming elections. A lone public official’s attempt to usurp authority over the Ethics Act, overturn decisions of the State Ethics Commission as she sees fit, and bend state law to her will sets a very dangerous precedent. Multiple state officials have determined that these security expenditures were lawful at this point. This decision is a disgrace, and we condemn it fully.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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HARRISBURG, PA − April 21, 2026 − Today, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus were joined by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis to hold a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to kick off their Affordability Action Plan, which highlights legislation and budget items meant to support working families weathering President Trump’s affordability crisis.
Over the course of the press conference, Senate Democrats drew attention to elements of Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal, delivered on February 3, as well as a series of bills that would bring down costs and expand economic opportunities for Pennsylvanians. Members spoke on key areas impacting the wallets of families, including housing, wages, healthcare, food assistance, transit, and childcare.
“Our message today is clear: Senate Democrats are ready to enact commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvania’s families,” said Senator Costa.“By kicking off our Affordability Action Plan, Senate Democrats are leading the way on delivering meaningful solutions to the affordability crisis facing working families. I look forward to continuing this fight to bring down costs and raise wages, and I urge everyone to join us.”
“Pennsylvania’s economy is growing, and we’re creating more jobs, but Governor Shapiro and I are doing it in spite of what’s happening in Washington,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “And we see how working families, seniors and small businesses are struggling, under the weight of rising costs. That’s why the Shapiro-Davis Administration is putting more money back in your pockets. Last year we delivered more than $450 million in tax relief for seniors and working families, and there’s more on the way this year. We could not have gotten that done without the partnership and support of Senate Democrats. But there’s so much more we need to do – to help those Pennsylvanians who need it most.”
Senate Democrats highlighted the following legislation:
The entire Senate Democratic Caucus’s Affordability Action Plan, including today’s press conference and additional legislative initiatives, is available at PASenate.com/Affordability.
Statement from Senator James Andrew Malone:
“It’s time to reward hard work by making sure the people who do it can afford good lives. I’m proud to introduce new legislation to help reduce the cost of childcare by expanding the Employer Childcare Contribution Tax Credit alongside my colleagues’ initiatives that also focus on cutting costs for families.”
Statement from Senator Lindsey Williams:
“Universal School Meals not only helps students be prepared to learn – it also lowers grocery prices for everyone. When students eat breakfast and lunch at school – families save. And as families buy less at the store, prices drop for everyone. SB180 is a win for students and a win for anyone shopping for groceries. This is the kind of investments that the legislature should be making in this year’s budget to make the lives of all Pennsylvanians more affordable.”
Statement from Senator Nick Miller:
“We have heard clearly from Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth: the cost of daily life is too high. Families can no longer afford to wait. It is our responsibility to respond with solutions by implementing a comprehensive energy plan to lower utility costs, investing in housing to increase supply and lower costs, and making sure every family has a fair shot to live comfortably and build a future in their own community.”
Statement from Senator Tina Tartaglione:
“Wages are central to affordability. With costs going up and the minimum wage still stuck at $7.25, too many full-time workers are struggling to get by. The House has passed a bill to get us to a $15 minimum wage, and now the Senate must act. Pennsylvania’s workers can’t afford to wait any longer.”
Statement from Senator Art Haywood:
“Affordability is about dignity; food on the table, care within reach, and a stable home. In the face of devastating federal cuts, Senate Democrats stand with the Shapiro-Davis proposed budget to protect our neighbors and help communities thrive.”
Downloadable footage of today’s press conference and still photography is available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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Allegheny County – April 15, 2026 – Today, Senators Wayne Fontana and Jay Costa announce that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a loan of $21,770,999 to Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) for a water main replacement project that will serve residents of their districts.
“I am proud to announce this substantial state investment into our neighborhoods,” said Senator Fontana. “Replacing our aging water and sewer infrastructure with newer, safer pipes continues to be a priority of mine and this project is another major step towards that goal. When my legislation to allow local municipal authorities to access state funding for waterline and sewer repairs became law in 2017, this is exactly the kind of investment we wanted to see.”
“Today’s PENNVEST loan will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of residents of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, ensuring they have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water,” said Senator Costa. “Residents of the 42nd and 43rd Senatorial Districts can rest assured that the Pennsylvania government is making a difference in their lives by financing projects that improve our quality of life in a tangible way. I look forward to seeing these dollars get to work very shortly.”
PWSA’s 2025 small diameter water main replacement project includes the replacement of aging 4-inch to 16-inch diameter pipes with new zinc-coated ductile iron pipes ranging from 4 to 24 inches. Water mains, valves, fire hydrants, and water service lines will be replaced. Water mains were selected for replacement based on a number of risk-factors, prioritized by being undersized, having a history of breaks, and the presence of lead. This project area includes the East Allegheny, Spring Hill, and Hill District areas of the City of Pittsburgh.
- FINANCIAL IMPACT: This is an existing system and serves 70,061 residential customers with a population of 303,255. The population impacted by this project has a median household income level below the state median household income level. Without the extended term on their PENNVEST loan of $21,770,999, user fees would expect to increase by an additional 40 percent. The PENNVEST low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $12,188,701 over the life of the loan.
- INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTH: This project will assist the Authority with addressing the system’s water loss of 64.4 percent.
- SOURCE WATER PROTECTION: This water system has a Source Water Protection Plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to thriving communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – April 15, 2026 − Today, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) held a Board Meeting to award loan and grant funding for the latest round of applicants.
Together, Senators Jay Costa, Lindsey Williams, and Wayne Fontana announce that The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority was awarded a loan of $53,895,600. This funding will be used to rehabilitate small diameter and large diameter sewer mains through trenchless methods to restore structural integrity, reduce root intrusion, and reduce infiltration and inflow. The Projects also include excavation/manhole repairs as required and pre/post construction closed-circuit television inspections. This Programmatic Financing project will happen over three phases and include sewer rehabilitation in the Hazelwood, Bon Air, Stanton Heights, Overbrook, Chateau, Larimer, Swisshelm Park, Carrick, and Allegheny West areas of the City of Pittsburgh.
- FINANCIAL IMPACT: This is an existing system and serves 104,017 residential customerswith a population of 303,255. The population impacted by this project has a median household income level below the state median household income level. Without the PENNVEST loan of $53,895,600, user fees would expect to increase by an additional 70 percent. The PENNVEST low-interest loan funding will provide the grant-equivalent of $16,202,005 over the life of the loan.
- PUBLIC HEALTH: This project will result in reduced downstream wet weather sewage overflows.
- AQUATIC HEALTH: Wet weather sewage overflows will be reduced from flowing into nearby waterways.
- INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTH: Existing sanitary sewers that have reached the end of useful life will be rehabilitated.
- COMPLIANCE: This project is in accordance with a Corrective Action Plan approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with sewer tap allocation plan dated August 14, 2015.
“I am pleased to be announcing today’s PENNVEST award, ensuring that residents of Allegheny County have safe, clean water when they turn on the tap,” said Senator Costa. “Delivering tangible projects that meaningfully improve the lives of working families is just one more way that state government is doing great work for every Pennsylvanian. I look forward to seeing these dollars get put to work in the very near future.”
“Our aging sewer system causes sinkholes, sewage backups, and waterline breaks,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “I’m glad to support this state investment that will allow Pittsburgh Water to make infrastructure upgrades where they are most needed and can make the most difference in the lives of our residents, without passing on the costs to ratepayers.”
“The replacement of our area’s aging water infrastructure is a continuing priority of mine and I was proud to support this major state investment into our communities,” said Senator Wayne Fontana.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – April 7, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $1,900,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Commonwealth Libraries benefitting three libraries in the 43rd Senatorial District.
Keystone grants prioritize public library facility projects that address accessibility, energy efficiency, non-routine maintenance of essential systems, improving or restoring interior public spaces, and constructing new libraries or building additions.
“I am a lifelong lover of our public libraries, and I am so proud to be announcing these grants to benefit these critical community resources,” said Senator Costa. “Libraries foster a lifelong love of learning, providing space for friends and neighbors to engage with books, media, data, and social services. I look forward to continuing to support our public libraries so that every Pennsylvanian has ready access to knowledge, books, internet, social services, and belonging.”
In the 43rd Senatorial District, the awards are as follows:
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Squirrel Hill Branch, $400,000 to replace roof and HVAC.
- CC Mellor Memorial Library, $750,000 to restore roof and renovate interior space.
- Penn Hills Library, $750,000 to renovate entrance area, upgrade HVAC and lighting, and add solar panels.
For more information on this grant program, including the entire list of Keystone Grant Recipients across Pennsylvania, click here.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to safe communities for every Pennsylvanian here.
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