Harrisburg, PA − October 23, 2019 − On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Senate added an amendment to House Bill 859 that would provide $5 million in grants for community and religious spaces to improve their security.
“This is about taking the next step to do what needs to be done by making available resources to protect our communities and those who want to worship freely in a safe way,” said Senator Costa. “As we approach the first anniversary of the tragedy in Squirrel Hill, I’m glad that we can report to our constituents that we are addressing their safety.”
The amendment received unanimous support in the Senate, it is expected to be voted on final passage on Wednesday.
Following an affirmative vote, it will move to the House for its final consideration before heading to the Governor’s desk.
“Houses of worship are places of refuge for many, and we must do everything we can to ensure that Pennsylvanians can feel safe in their spiritual homes,” said Representative Frankel. “Our constituents – particularly those who were affected by last year’s horrifying attack – have a right to feel secure as they go about their lives. This funding is one of several ways we are working to protect that right.”
In June, Senators Costa, Andy Dinniman and Judy Schwank introduced legislation called “Tolerance, Respect and Understanding,” (TRU, Senate Bill 676) which was the impetus for this amendment in the Senate
Senate Bill 676 was modeled after the new School Safety and Community Violence Prevention Grant Program (Act 44 of 2019) and its language is reflective of that in federal Hate Crime Prevention Act, designed to protect institutions that are targets of actions fueled by hate. The legislation was twofold: establishing a Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Program to provide security improvements for facilities used by faith-based organizations and supporting community-based conversations and events that create an atmosphere supportive of tolerance, respect, and understanding.
“I’m glad that legislation served as a starting point for today’s amendment, and combatting hate is not easy, but today we are doing something that I believe we can prevent the next tragedy,” said Senator Costa.
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Harrisburg, Pa − October 22, 2019 − A bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators along with advocates and utility providers came together in Harrisburg today to announce plans for a local solar program.
“In my district, I have seen a huge spike in folks interested in reducing their carbon footprint and making their homes more energy efficient, but sometimes – cost gets in their way,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. “It is great to work on an issue collaboratively with the opposite party and chamber, as well as the utility sector and environmental advocates. That’s the kind of support that the PA Local Solar Program has.”
The proposed program, PA Local Solar, would allow electric utilities in Pennsylvania to establish subscriber programs, by which electric customers could elect to purchase 100% localized solar energy, rather than the traditional grid mix. PA Local Solar provides citizens and businesses with the choice to participate in an off-site solar program, but does not mandate participation, nor require any state funding.
Represenative Lori Mizgorski has a companion bill in the House.
“I am excited to introduce House Bill 1970, which expands access to solar power in Pennsylvania,” said Mizgorski. “Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available but is limited to the traditional grid mix. My legislation eliminates barriers and provides all customers with the opportunity to purchase solar energy from local solar projects, located right here in Pennsylvania. By providing all customers with the opportunity to choose solar power, we expand the reach of renewable energy into all communities.”
“Duquesne Light is proud to support the PA Local Solar Program, which will provide our customers with the option to choose 100% localized renewable energy, even if they do not have access to rooftop solar,” said Steve Malnight, Duquesne Light Company President and CEO. “The program will allow us to better serve the growing number of customers who want solar energy and expand the reach of renewable energy in the Greater Pittsburgh area.”
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Pittsburgh, Pa. − October 18, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced the award of a $750,000 state grant to go to the Library for the Blind & Physically Impaired in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system.
“Libraries are critical hubs of community; they provide more than books on loan, they offer a safe space to learn, meet, escape, plan and dream,” said Senator Costa. “As a life trustee on the board of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, I’ve seen this firsthand for years. I’m especially pleased that this major grant will be going to an accessible library so that all can enjoy the library, regardless of physical challenges.”
The funds come from the Keystone Grant program in the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will use their award to renovate 11,000 sf of public/staff spaces on 1st floor; reconfigure for accessibility, replace outdated systems; exterior renovations include relocating main entrance.
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