PITTSBURGH – August 5, 2021 – Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) released a statement today on the passing of Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO:
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Richard Trumka after his passing today. Not only is this their loss, but a great loss for the entire labor community and the workers of this country and around the world.
A Pennsylvania native himself, Trumka embodied the ideals of this commonwealth through his hard work as a coalminer in Nemacolin, PA, his election as the youngest ever president of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and his eventual rise to president of the AFL-CIO.
He fought his entire life for working families to have stable and safe jobs, living wages, and for the promise that immigrant families like his own could come to this country and truly make a better and more prosperous life.
I stand in solidarity with the labor community, and I will continue to commit myself to the ideals of fair labor practices and good jobs that support working families.
Richard Trumka’s legacy and commitment to the labor movement in Pennsylvania and far beyond will never be forgotten.”
###
PITTSBURGH – August 4, 2021 – Sen. Jay Costa (D- Allegheny) announced today that 15 schools in his Senate district will receive funding through the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP), awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and distributed by the PA Dept. of Education.
“Making sure that kids are provided with the best possible food choices is not only essential to their physical health but plays a large role in the development and future trajectory of these students. These are the types of programs that truly benefit our students in the long run,” Costa said.
The goal of the FFVP is to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impact students’ present and future health.
The following schools in the Senator’s district have received FFVP funding:
- Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship
- Penn Hills Elementary School
- Liberty Elementary School
- Pittsburgh Lincoln K-5
- Roosevelt Elementary School
- Propel Braddock Hills Elementary
- Propel Charter School – Hazelwood
- Propel Charter School – Homestead
- Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy
- The Pennsylvania School for The Deaf, PSD Cafeteria
- Kelly Primary School
- Turner Intermediate School
- Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy
- Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy
- Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy
Priority for funding through FFVP is given to schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
###
Pittsburgh – August 2, 2021 – Sen. Jay Costa (D- Allegheny) announced today that $635,000 in Keystone Communities (KC) program grant funding has been awarded to community revitalization projects.
“Every opportunity to revitalize a community gathering space, bring a storefront back to life, or to make our outdoor spaces safer and more accessible brings new life, new jobs, and new opportunities for our residents,” Costa said.
Projects that received funding include:
- Hosanna House, Inc. – Bringing Wilkinsburg to Light-Housing Acquisition – $ 135,000
- Mt. Oliver Borough – Façade Improvement Program – $50,000
- Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – URA Storefront Renovation Façade Program – $150,000
- Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh – Homeowner Accessibility Program for Independence (HAPI) – $300,000
The Keystone Communities program is administered by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The KC program is intended to encourage partnerships between public and private sector entities to support local initiatives to grow long-term prosperous neighborhoods.
“I am proud to support these local organizations in their revitalization efforts, and I look forward to the collaborative work that will continue across our city,” Costa said.
###
PITTSBURGH – July 28, 2021 – Today, Senator Jay Costa released the following statement in regards to the announcement that Leslie Davis is rising to become President and CEO of UPMC and the departure of Jeffrey Romoff:
“I welcome the ascension of Leslie Davis to the position of President and CEO of UPMC. I’m sure that UPMC will be in good hands under her leadership. Her experience and expertise will surely be an asset to the medical system, and I expect it will continue to be a major regional contributor for some time to come.
Jeffrey Romoff was truly a leader and innovator in the Pittsburgh region and in the healthcare industry. While we have had our differences about certain workforce and community policies, there is no denying that under his direction, UMPC has been a force in the healthcare sector, created an enormous number of jobs and helped lead Pittsburgh through the transition from a major steel manufacturing hub to a modern economy.
Today, Pittsburgh’s healthcare system is world renowned in healthcare delivery, research, education, and job creation.”
###
Allegheny County – July 23, 2021 – Today, Pennsylvania State Senators from Allegheny County including Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Wayne Fontana and Senator Lindsey Williams announced the approval of a $23,970,000 loan for the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
“This investment strengthens the overall infrastructure of our city. Well maintained systems eliminate overflows into waterways, mitigate against sinkholes, and allow for the proper funneling of sewage and stormwater away from where we live and work. It may not always be top of mind for residents, but the functionality of our sewer systems ensures the functionality of our cities,” said Senator Costa.
The loan will be used to replace and rehabilitate approximately 22 miles of wastewater collection lines in an existing system that serves 81,958 residential customers. The collection lines run through Homewood, Squirrel Hill, Maytide, Marshall-Shadeland, Spring Garden and Highland Park.
“This funding will continue the modernization of the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Improved infrastructure lowers the odds of service interruptions, water quality issues, and steep customer rate hikes,” said Senator Fontana.
“Residents in these neighborhoods have experienced significant problems caused by sinkholes, sewage backups, and waterline breaks,” said Senator Williams. “I’m glad to see PWSA and PENNVEST prioritizing investment in infrastructure where it is most needed and can make the most difference in the lives of our residents.”
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.
###
