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

Senator Costa Congratulates Elliot Howsie on Appointment to Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas

Harrisburg, Pa. − May 7, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. congratulated Elliot Howsie on his confirmed appointment to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Howsie was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf following Senator Costa’s recommendation and was today confirmed by the full Senate unanimously.

“I was honored to recommend Elliot through this process, and we saw he had a broad range of support from folks who have worked with him for years or just recently met him,” said Senator Costa. “Elliot has the unique blend of work and life experience that will make him a valuable addition to the bench. I know he’ll be a wonderful judge and administer fair justice in his new role.”

Howsie grew up in Wilkinsburg, and after graduating from Central Catholic High School, he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in criminal justice. 

As he pursued his master’s degree in criminal justice, Elliot worked in social services teaching decision making and reintegration skills to the children at Shuman Juvenile Detention Center.

Elliot went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney for five years in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, where he focused on prosecuting cases involving child abuse. After leaving the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, he established his own law firm. He worked as a sole practitioner specializing in criminal defense as well as personal injury cases in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, the Pennsylvania Superior Court, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. ​

In 2012, he was appointed by Allegheny County Executive, Rich Fitzgerald, to be Allegheny County’s first African American Chief Public Defender. 

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