Harrisburg, PA – June 7, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats filed six discharge resolutions in an effort to move anti-gun violence and reform legislation to the floor of the State Senate for a vote. While Senate Republicans have moved bills that would make guns more accessible and make it harder for municipalities to address gun violence, bills from Senate Democrats that would strengthen gun safety in the Commonwealth have been stalled in committee.
Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued the following statement on the latest attempt from Senate Democrats to address the serious gun violence problem that exists in Pennsylvania and across the country:
“Every day we hear about more gun deaths – just this weekend there was a mass shooting on South Street in Philadelphia – yet the majority does nothing. Yes, multiple solutions are needed to solve the gun violence epidemic. Part of that is passing common sense gun laws that don’t impede on Second Amendment rights but improve our systems to ensure only responsible gun owners have access to firearms. We must protect our communities, and we must act now.
Our caucus has done everything within our power to move forward legislation that would directly address gaps in our law that make guns accessible to individuals who are a threat to others or themselves, yet the majority in Harrisburg hasn’t moved one single anti-gun violence bill out of committee. The six discharge resolutions give our Republican colleagues another opportunity to act in the best interest of their constituents and our Commonwealth.
It’s tragic and horrifying to think in the wake of multiple mass shootings across the country and the ongoing gun violence epidemic being felt in communities throughout Pennsylvania, that we’d continue to do nothing. It’s far past time we stop sending thoughts and prayers, and instead take action.”
The discharge resolutions were filed for the following bills:
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HARRISBURG – May 25, 2022 – Today, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats wrote the following letter to Republican leaders in response to rampant gun violence and mass shootings that have become too common in the United States. Just this year, 215 mass shootings have taken place in the country, with the devastating shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022, being the 215th.
In the letter, the caucus calls on the Republican majority to act on “reasonable and responsible legislation and appropriations” that does not infringe on Second Amendment rights but will help keep guns away from bad actors and support gun violence prevention. Senate Democrats list seven bills that have been introduced to mitigate gun violence but have sat in committee with no discussion or votes. They also highlight how American Rescue Plan dollars and Pennsylvania’s current budget surplus can be used to help communities prevent horrific violence.
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May 5, 2022 – Senator Jay Costa, State Senate Democratic Leader, and Senator Vincent Hughes, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statements in response to Governor Wolf’s announcement on historic state revenues in April and the 2022 fiscal year.
While State Republicans have expressed disinterest in using excess budget to fund tax cuts and education funding, saying they’d prefer to put the money in the commonwealth’s Rainy Day Fund, Sen. Costa and Sen. Hughes are calling for historic investments to help PA families and address issues Republicans have ignored for far too long.
Senator Jay Costa:
“Pennsylvania has $2.8 billion sitting in the Rainy Day Fund and $2.2 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan funds sitting in the State Treasury. And by June 30, it’s estimated that we will have almost $9 billion in extra revenue on hand. That’s billions of dollars that can be used to make generational investments in education that could allow local school districts to lower property taxes and a cut to the Corporate Net Income Tax to bolster businesses.
I hear my Republican colleagues say it would be fiscally irresponsible to use this money to better the lives of Pennsylvanians. They’ve said these funds would be better saved for a rainy day. That’s not entirely true- Republicans are laying out a false choice. We can do both! We can use the surplus budget to better schools for both students and teachers. We can use these extra funds to cut taxes for businesses, making it more viable for companies to thrive in the commonwealth and attractive for both large and small businesses to set up shop in Pennsylvania. We can put the money we have, right now, into the pockets of Pennsylvanians. We can spend a portion of the money for these investments and still have billions for the Rainy Day Fund.
As we start to enter budget negotiations, I’d ask state Republicans to explain why we wouldn’t take advantage of this win-win scenario. In my opinion, we can’t afford not to.”
Senator Vincent Hughes:
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in Pennsylvania and put money back into the pockets of taxpayers.
I’ve looked at current revenue, projections for the rest of the year, and forecasts for years to come, and I’m energized about the strong financial foundation we’ve built. I’m excited to see Pennsylvania have such a strong financial footing, but I’m more excited to have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians. We have billions already in our Rainy Day Fund and billions available to invest in toxic schools, cut school property tax, fund anti-violence programs, cut business taxes, make investments in higher education and efforts to cut student loan debt, build more housing to increase inventory and lower overall home costs, and put $2,000 in people’s pockets. There are so many possibilities!
One of our biggest responsibilities as lawmakers is to use taxpayer money wisely and to the benefit of the taxpayers. Yet, budget negotiations haven’t even started yet and I’m hearing from Republicans it would be irresponsible to invest this money in the people. How about: it’s irresponsible to hoard the money.
The beauty of our current fiscal situation is we can make investments that will have real effects on the lives of Pennsylvanians and maintain a strong Rainy Day fund. We can do both! Let’s not play politics at a time when there are so many ways we can impact our taxpayers, our hardworking constituents who deserve to be priority number one as we negotiate next year’s budget.
To my Republican colleagues, this does not need to be a bipartisan issue. Let’s agree to put the people first and responsibly allocate funds. We can do both, all we need are willing partners.”
Total General Fund collections for this fiscal year so far come to $40.7 billion for the Commonwealth, which is 12.4% percent higher than projected. In addition, Pennsylvania revenue collections have met or exceeded estimates for 15 months in a row. And over the past seven years, revenues have grown steadily by $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion a year. Forecasts from nationally recognized economic forecasting firms Moody’s Analytics and HIS Markit project continued, steady revenue growth for the commonwealth over the coming years.
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HARRISBURG – February 8, 2022 – Governor Tom Wolf gave his final budget address today to a joint Pennsylvania House and Senate Session. The proposed budget invests in Pennsylvanians through education, workforce development, criminal justice reform, public health investments, and raising the minimum wage – without calling for a single tax increase.
“I am very pleased with the proposed budget that the Governor presented today because it gives us the ability to truly invest in Pennsylvanians. We are in an excellent position, with an estimated $6 billion budget surplus, to fund programs and initiatives that help Pennsylvania’s live the full and prosperous lives they deserve,” Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa said.
Investments in education include $1.55 billion increase in basic education, $200 million in special education, $60 million in Pre-K Counts and $10 million for Head Start Supplemental Assistance, $300 in Level Up funding to 100 school districts with the highest needs, and $77.7 million in federal funds to make childcare more affordable. Proposed investments of over $180 million across higher education programs and a total of $200 million for Nellie Bly scholarships to help PASSHE students.
Further investments include $35 million in grants and technical assistance through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for community-led gun violence prevention efforts and $1 million for reentry services to assist women by giving them the best opportunity to start fresh and reduce recidivism.
Making sure that Pennsylvania workers earn a living wage has been a long-time priority of the Senate Democratic Caucus and this budget proposes an immediate e increase of state minimum wage to $12 per hour, with an annual increase of $.50 per hour until all minimum wage employees reach $15 per hour.
“This budget gives us the opportunity to make the critical investments that Pennsylvania needs in our schools, communities, and workforce. Now is the time to put this money into the programs that fund the future of this commonwealth. We must use the surplus of this budget to show Pennsylvanians that we see where they are struggling, and we are supporting a budget that gives them the support where they need it,” Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes said.
For more information on the 2022-2023 budget, visit pasenate.com/budget.
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Harrisburg, PA – February 2, 2022 – Governor Tom Wolf announced today his $1.7 billion plan to help Pennsylvania fully recover from the pandemic and pave the way for a successful future with support for families and workers, small businesses, the healthcare system, and statewide community revitalization through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“As Pennsylvania endured the pandemic, we strategically invested to support small businesses, frontline workers, agriculture, healthcare, first responders, and more. This ensured that Pennsylvania survived,” said Wolf. “Now it’s time for Pennsylvanians to thrive, and investing $1.7 billion in a bright future for this commonwealth will give Pennsylvanians a sense of security and a clear path forward.
My plan will not only help Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild financial security for themselves and their families, but it will improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians for generations to come,” said Wolf. “I urge the legislature to act now. Pennsylvanians can’t afford to wait.”
Gov. Wolf has prioritized fiscal responsibility from the very beginning of his administration. As he turned around Pennsylvania’s finances and worked to build a budget surplus, he’s simultaneously invested in Pennsylvanians through education, health care, business support, workforce development, and more. These historic investments, combined with relief distributed during the pandemic, ensured Pennsylvania survive the past two years. However, more support is critical to fully recover and ensure every Pennsylvanian the opportunity to succeed.
“While Pennsylvanians are still bruised and trying to recover from the pandemic, we cannot sit on billions of dollars in federal aid that could heal Pennsylvania,” added Wolf. “It’s wrong to hold this money back from helping people. It’s past time we take action.”
Gov. Wolf’s $1.7 billion action plan includes a diverse variety of programs that aim to promote immediate and future success. Today, he called on the legislature to take immediate action on the proposed plan:
The PA Opportunity Program, $500 million
Pennsylvanians are resilient, yet many workers and families are still covering pandemic-related costs, stabilizing their budgets, and rebuilding their savings.
The PA Opportunity Program would provide much needed relief to workers and families with relief from the high cost of childcare and household expenses and opportunities to complete a degree, credential, or license that will strengthen their skills and increase income—all leading to a better quality of life.
Small Business Support, $225 million
The COVID Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program would provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the pandemic. Among other things, businesses can use these grants to cover operating expenses and access technical assistance, including training and guidance to stabilize and relaunch their businesses. The program would prioritize women- and minority-owned businesses and rural communities. Gov. Wolf proposes to recapitalize this program at $225 million to help approximately 11,000 additional businesses.
Increased Property Relief for Low-Income Renters & Homeowners, $204 million
To provide direct property tax relief to Pennsylvanians, Gov. Wolf wants to invest an additional $204 million into the existing Property Tax Rent Rebate program for a one-time bonus rebate to current program users. This investment would double existing rebates. An estimated 466,000 Pennsylvanians would receive an additional average rebate of $475.
Support for Pennsylvania’s Healthcare System, $325 million
This investment would recognize healthcare workers for their heroic dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic and give healthcare providers resources to recruit and retain a skilled workforce:
- $250 million for long-term care recruitment and retention incentives and workforce development initiatives to grow the critical healthcare workforce;
- $40 million for the behavioral health workforce to expand county mental health programs; and
- $35 million to expand the student loan forgiveness program at PHEAA to include additional critical healthcare workers.
Investing in Conservation, Recreation & Preservation, $450 million
Pennsylvania must continue to invest in vital conservation, recreation, preservation, and community revitalization projects and address the threat of climate change. Gov. Wolf’s plan proposes new funding for the Growing Greener conservation and recreation program as well as for agriculture conservation programs, such as the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program and the existing Agriculture Conservation Excellence Grant Program.
After experiencing record-breaking rainfall and flooding events this past year, this program would make Pennsylvania more resilient in the face of more extreme and frequent weather events caused by climate change. It would support our economy, enhance our communities, and improve quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
Gov. Wolf was joined by Senate and House Democratic leaders for today’s event.
“Everyone here has seen the balance sheets. The ARPA dollars are waiting to be spent and they were designed to be spent like this. I’m fed up with hearing that we need to save them for a ‘rainy day,’” said Senate Democratic leader, Senator Jay Costa, D-Pittsburgh. “Visit any hospital, talk to a small business owner, hear from a working mother who can’t find child care and now can’t work. They’ll all tell you that it’s raining now. It’s time to spend the money we have. Thank you Gov. Wolf for proposing this plan, you have my support.”
“Our state’s economy can’t fully recover until all Pennsylvanians can share in its recovery,” House Democratic leader, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware said. “These targeted investments, drawn on a portion of the commonwealth’s American Rescue Plan dollars, will help thousands of Pennsylvania families and small businesses rebound from the repeated challenges caused by COVID-19.”
“We know from experience that if you make the right investments you get the right results. We are aware of those who want to curl up and pretend the pandemic is over or it never happened at all,” said Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes, D-Phila/Montgomery. “The reality is quite different. There is still work to be done and we’re standing with Governor Wolf to do it.”
“Pennsylvanians are still hurting from the financial impacts of the pandemic, and we have an opportunity to invest in a recovery that leverages our one-time rescue dollars as a down payment to a stronger economy and a better future,” said House Democratic Appropriations Chairman Matthew Bradford, D-Montgomery. “House Democrats believe we should use these federal funds to support families, seniors, frontline workers, and businesses while also investing in the long-term health of Pennsylvanians.”
The funds for Gov. Wolf’s action plan for Pennsylvania would come from the American Rescue Plan Act, which is federal dollars and would not pull from any general fund appropriations.
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