Senator Costa to Lead MLK Assassination Memorial and Call to Action on His Legacy

As a tribute to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for poor and working people, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus are launching a 30-day campaign to address poverty and economic security in the commonwealth.

The senators will kick off the Call to Action on the Crisis of Poverty and Economic Insecurity, April 4, which is the 51st anniversary of King’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee. Members of the Senate Democrats will host events in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton announcing the call to action as tribute to King’s fight.

Senator Costa will lead the Pittsburgh-area event.

The statewide Call to Action on the Crisis of Poverty and Economic Insecurity will to examine 30 issues related to poverty and economic security that the Senate Democrats are working on this legislative session. Each piece of legislation, whether it is a minimum wage increase or better access to affordable childcare, is intended to help improve conditions for Pennsylvania’s impoverished communities.

WHEN: 11 am, Thursday, April 4

WHERE: South & Hays St. MLK Mural |  Wilkinsburg, Pa.

WHO:  Senator Jay Costa, Jr.

State Rep. Ed Gainey   

Rashad Byrdsong, founder Community Empowerment Association

Ashley Comans, Wilkinsburg School Board member 

Kadida Kenner, PA Budget & Policy Center

Raise the Wage Coalition

We The People

Find more information at PASenate.com/MLKLegacy

Sen. Costa Recommendation Elliot Howsie Nominated for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas

Pittsburgh, PA – March 29, 2019 – Earlier today, Governor Tom Wolf nominated Allegheny County Public Defender Elliot Howsie to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Donna Jo McDaniel.

“I was honored to recommend Elliot Howsie,” said Senator Jay Costa, Jr. “Mr. Howsie has the incredible breadth of work and life experience for this position, and I believe he will be an invaluable addition to the bench. His peers agree, and in addition to my and the Governor’s support, he has the highest recommendation of the Bar Association.

“He possesses the requisite temperament and intellect for the job, and I look forward to his confirmation process in the coming weeks.”

Howsie grew up in Wilkinsburg, and after graduating from Central Catholic High School, Elliot 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. ​

On March 19, 2012, Elliot Howsie was appointed by Allegheny County Executive, Rich Fitzgerald, to be Allegheny County’s first African American Chief Public Defender. 

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