Costa, Brewster insist that Turnpike dollars are obligated to improve regional access
Harrisburg – March 31, 2017 – State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the legislative commitment concerning the Mon-Fayette Expressway is clear and that improving access to the region via a revitalized and comprehensive transportation network is an obligation that must be fulfilled.
The lawmakers released the following statements in response to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s (SPC) vote earlier this week to delay funding of the Mon-Fayette Expressway. This was closely followed by an announcement by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission that it was halting work on the roadway. The combined actions of the two agencies put further economic development opportunities associated with the project in jeopardy.
The lawmakers are calling for a meeting to be convened with members of the SPC, plus officials from the Turnpike, PennDOT, and regional leaders to discuss the status of the project.
The vote suspended funding for the final 14-mile piece of a proposed 74-mile highway running from West Virginia to Monroeville. The estimated total cost of the last section of the roadway, which connects PA Route 51 in Jefferson to Monroeville, is $2.1 billion.
The Mon-Fayette Expressway project was authorized in statute and identified as a legislative priority. The funds, if not spent on the project, may be used to pay for other legislatively-mandated projects, some of which are not located in the Mon Valley or eastern suburbs.
Costa’s statement follows:
“The decision by the SPC and the Turnpike puts further development of the project in jeopardy. These actions by these two agencies should not be viewed as a license for officials from other areas to try and leverage the funding for projects outside of the region.
“The funding set aside for the project is intended to pay for the improvement of the road network serving economic development sites in the Mon Valley and eastern suburbs. As a result of the actions of this past week, we need a more detailed examination and explanation of how the Turnpike is going to ensure that the legislative mandate to build the road network is going to be accomplished.
“This is an authorized project that was established by statute to aid the region. Those funds set aside for this project should be used to make significant improvements and upgrades to the road system of the region, not be used to help fund projects in Philadelphia or elsewhere. The goal of the project was to improve access and create jobs. We cannot lose sight of the intent of the project.”
Brewster’s statement follows:
“It is imperative that officials from the Turnpike and PennDOT recognize that the enhancement of the road network in the Mon Valley and eastern suburbs is critical. Building a first-rate road system for the region through the auspices of the Turnpike has been a priority, is specified in law, and the legislative mandate cannot be ignored.
“There is a compelling need for a quality transportation system that complements the region. Workers, businesses and residents of the area must be connected to jobs, markets and communities so the entire region can be revitalized and quality of life improved. That need has not been altered by the delay in funding the Mon-Fayette.
“The people in the region have waited a long time for a transportation link that opens up long-dormant economic sites so that the whole area can enjoy economic resurgence. The funds were intended to create access to the region and should not be used to fund projects that do little or nothing to help revitalize the Mon Valley and east suburban communities.”
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HARRISBURG, March 29, 2017 – Four local water and sewer projects will share more than half a billion dollars in state grant funds, state Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) announced today.
“Our residents rely on public water and sewer systems to provide for some of the most basic needs of their families,” Costa said. “Communities across Pittsburgh are blessed with water and sewer authorities focused on ensuring we have safe water to drink and operational sewer systems to prevent devastating health and environmental issues.
“Investing in our water and sewer infrastructure system isn’t a partisan issue- it’s a quality of life issue. These grants funds will support projects that enhance the quality of life for everyone and that’s something of which we can all be proud.”
In Munhall, the Sanitary Sewer Municipal Authority will receive $140,000 to repair defects within the system, causing hydraulic overloading to the downstream system during wet weather events.
Wilkins Township will receive $200,000 in Small Water and Sewer funds that will be used for project upgrades along Mortimer Avenue and Highland Avenue.
Verona Borough plans to use its $80,000 grant to rehabilitate sewer lines and manholes located throughout the borough. The project includes the relining and repair of 15 manholes and using cured-in-place pipe lining of existing sewer lines.
Finally, the Mount Oliver Borough will use a $110,000 grant to replace a local sewer line currently operating under limited capacity due to the slope of the line along Anthony Street.
Funding for the projects through the Small Water and Sewer Fund was authorized by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at today’s meeting. The CFA is an independent state agency responsible for administering Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. More than $22 million was awarded to municipalities and authorities with projects ranging in cost from $30,000 to $500,000.
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Harrisburg – March 1, 2017 – State Senator Jay Costa today issued the following statement in reaction to threats directed at Jewish places of worship, schools, community centers and the desecration of cemeteries in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.
“I am heartbroken and appalled at the cowardly acts of vandalism and intolerance directed at Jewish places of worship, community centers, churches and cemeteries in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. These acts of hate will never define us; rather, they will strengthen our resolve to unite in the face of bigotry and prejudice.
“Let me be very clear – any act of violence or attempt to break the spirit and quiet the voices of our Jewish neighbors is an attack on us all. I join the call for an investigation into these crimes and am confident our law enforcement partners will bring the perpetrators to justice.
“I am inspired by the outpouring of support from not only across the state, but the nation and the world in the face of these incidents. As we look toward the future, my hope is that together we find ways to replace hate with love and violence with peace and unity.”
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Harrisburg – February 16, 2017 – Committed to the fight against opioid addiction, State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today introduced legislation that would provide support to families seeking emergency treatment for loved ones.
“Families are suffering – it’s as simple as that,” Costa said. “They desperately are seeking emergency treatment options for their loved ones but without their consent, have no opportunity to provide the help they need.”
“We can’t leave families powerless to addiction. We have to put the resources in place to support them in their time of need.”
Senate Bill 391 amends the Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA) giving families the opportunity to seek involuntary commitments of loved ones for treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. While Pa law currently allows for involuntary commitment of those diagnosed with a mental illness, the current statute does not consider substance abuse disorder as a mental disorder.
Amending the Mental Health Procedures Act will provide authority for a spouse, relative or guardian to petition for the involuntary commitment of an individual for treatment purposes. Under the proposed law, families could petition their county administrator to determine whether an individual suffers from addiction and is a threat to themselves or others.
If such a determination is made, the individual would appear at a healthcare facility for a hearing conducted by a mental health review officer, ensuring the patient is notified of rights and examined by a physician. The attending physician would then determine the length of stay necessary based on medical expert opinions, rather than a pre-determined time period under the current statute.
“It’s heart-wrenching to me that under current law, if your loved one has been diagnosed with an addiction and refuses treatment but desperately needs support, there is nothing you can do,” Costa said. “As a parent, I can’t imagine a situation where you could feel more hopeless. If nothing else, this legislation is there to provide help and restore hope to families.
The legislation, known as “Casey’s Law”, closely resembles a measure passed in 2004 in Kentucky after the death of 23-year-old Matthew Casey Wethington. Matthew died in 2002 despite repeated unsuccessful attempts by his family to help him gain access to treatment. Several states in the grip of the opioid epidemic have also moved similar legislation including Indiana and Ohio.
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Plan increases education funding, cuts billions in expenses, no broad-based tax increase
Harrisburg – February 7, 2017 – Gov. Tom Wolf presented his budget plan for Fiscal Year 2017-18 that calls for an increase in education funding, cuts of $2 billion in government expenses and no broad-based tax increase, state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said today.
“The governor offered a responsible spending plan and a blueprint for reinventing government,” Costa said. “The approach utilizes consolidations and efficiencies to cut more than $2 billion in expenses to balance the $32.3 billion plan.
“Pennsylvania faces a $3 billion budget hole and there is no appetite for broad-based tax increase so the governor devised a responsible alternative that is a balanced and fair starting point.”
The Democratic Leader said the upcoming budget hearings provides an opportunity for Senate Democrats to weave their priorities such as jobs, education, health care and property tax relief into the final fiscal year budget.
Costa said that Wolf’s plan employs a strategy for significantly changing state government. He calls for the consolidation of four agencies, the closing of a prison and the streamlining of operations in an effort to trim costs by $250 million.
Importantly, Costa said, the plan also provides for increases in education and a focus on issues important to the middle class. The budget calls for an increase of $100 million in basic education, $75 million more funding for pre-K and $25 million for special education.
“Senate Democrats believe that we must invest in education and job creation,” Costa said. “The plan is a starting point and a foundation for even more in-depth discussions on economic development and helping our schools.”
Costa said that the governor also tapped into a priority of Senate Democrats through his call to increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour. He said that not only does this increase help those who are struggling to make ends meet, but it generates $95 million in revenues to help balance the budget.
“Minimum wage workers deserve a raise,” Costa said. “It makes economic sense and is the responsible thing to do.”
The proposed budget increases spending by 1.8 percent. The plan includes new revenues such as a responsible Marcellus Shale extraction tax. Under this governor’s plan, the severance tax would generate $293 million more in revenues, while the local impact fee payments that are currently made to municipalities would credited.
Another focus of the plan is an effort to combat opioid abuse, Costa said. The governor has called for an extra $10 million to expand access to naloxone for first responders and there is another $3.4 million to expand drug courts.
The Senate begins three weeks of budget hearing on Feb. 21.
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