Pennsylvania State Senator District 43
Description of office: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. The PA Senate consists of 50 members, representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Senators must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service. The Senate develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending, and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the House of Representatives). In addition, the Senate tries officials impeached by the House and authorizes executive appointments. Senators serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation. Term: 4 years Salary: $106,422 Vote for ONE.
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Jay Costa, Jr.
(Dem)
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court's ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
County
Allegheny
Occupation
Senator, attorney
Education
Associate's degree, CCAC; B.A., IUP; J.D., Duquesne Law School
Qualifications
Deputy Sheriff in Allegheny County, Register of Wills, previous terms
I believe that adequately and equitably funded schools are the most important issue we are looking at now in the state legislature. The courts ruled that our current system is unconstitutionally unfair and we have to fix it soon. We owe high quality schools filled with well-paid teachers to every child in this state, regardless of where they're born.
I also believe national attacks on reproductive freedom are a major concern, and we as a state need to remain a bulwark against abortion bans.
I believe that we should have same day registration so that folks can decide to participate in our elections with no hurdles. I'd like to see more funding to counties to better compensate poll workers, which will also allow us to recruit more people into that important role. I want counties to be permitted, clearly and legally, to pre canvass ballots and remedy simple errors - like a wrong date or missing signature. No one should be silenced on a technicality.
I support the recommendations of the commission, and I stand firmly against siphoning off public education dollars to private schools through voucher programs that fund unaccountable (and many unsuccessful) private schools.
I believe that the Abortion Control Act provides the right to abortion very clearly, but there are some adjustments that can make abortion more accessible - like the reduction of some administrative hurdles to care, and expanding the ability to practice abortion care beyond just physicians.
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