Senator Costa Applauds Supreme Court Ruling, Calls for Continued Work on Health Care Access

Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 28, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. expressed hopefulness at today’s ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the case of Commonwealth vs. UPMC.

In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case back to the Commonwealth Court.

“I am pleased to report that the PA Supreme Court reversed and remanded the Commonwealth Court’s decision on the UPMC contract case back to the Commonwealth Court.

The Commonwealth Court will now have a hearing, consistent with this ruling. 

Today’s decision doesn’t extend the June deadline for the UPMC-Highmark contract, but it continues this important conversation on health care access in Western Pennsylvania and the entire Commonwealth by requiring the Commonwealth Court to expeditiously determine whether the consent decree may be extended beyond June 30, 2019.

I was proud to sign onto an amicus brief in support of AG Josh Shapiro’s case, along with many of my colleagues in the PA Senate Democratic Caucus. 

We’ll continue work on a legislative solution, but I’m heartened by the Supreme Court’s decision today.”

-Senator Costa

Elected Officials Announce Legislation Addressing Hate Crimes in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, PA − May 8, 2019 − Following an increase in hate crimes across the country, and a particular spike in acts of anti-Semitism, members of the General Assembly will introduce a package of legislation to combat hate crimes through education and increased penalties.

Details of this legislation will be unveiled at a press conference at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh later this week.

When: 12pm – Thursday, May 9, 2019

Where: Tree of Life Synagogue | 5898 Wilkins Ave  | Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Who: Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr.

Rep. Dan Frankel 

Rep. Ed Gainey