Press Releases
PA Senate Democrats Urge Action on Legislation for Working Families, Pledge to Oppose Partisan COVID Task Force
Harrisburg, PA − April 8, 2020 − The Senate adjourned Tuesday afternoon after the House Republicans indicated they would not be taking up Senate Bill 841, legislation that would have enabled local municipalities to hold their meetings remotely, permitted e-notary use;...
Sen. Fontana Endorses American Working Family Relief Plan
Pittsburgh, March 18, 2020 – State Sen. Wayne Fontana today endorsed policies and legislation that would help protect workers during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The “American Working Family Relief Action Plan” addresses practices for...
Fontana Announces Grants to Improve Safety and Security for Pittsburgh Nonprofits
HARRISBURG, March 11, 2020 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today announced a total of $149,080 for three non-profit organizations in Pittsburgh to strengthen safety and security measures. Organizations qualify for the grants based on a Federal Bureau of...
Governor’s Budget Plan Touts Numerous Fontana Initiatives
HARRISBURG, February 4, 2020 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today provided the following statement on Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed $36 billion budget for fiscal 2020-21: “This budget plan would hold the line on taxes while stoking investment in education, job...
Fontana Announces $2.8 Million in State Grants for Local Transportation Projects
Pittsburgh, November 12, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today announced four state transportation grants in his district totaling $2.857 million. “These state funds bolster community efforts to improve efficiency, safety and enhance access throughout our...
Fontana Announces $460,000 in State Grants for Three Local Projects
HARRISBURG, September 17, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today announced a total of $460,000 in state grants for three Allegheny County projects in his senate district. “These grant dollars help local communities move forward on projects that improve...
Fontana Announces $15 Million in State Grants for 17 Local Projects
Pittsburgh, August 1, 2019 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced a total of $15 million in state grants for 17 Pittsburgh development projects. “These state dollars will support and speed up progress on innovative projects that will help create jobs, attract...
PA Senate Democratic Caucus Decries Changes to SNAP Program, Urges PA Congressional Delegation to Oppose
Harrisburg, Pa. – July 29, 2019 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation, urging that the federal Department of Agriculture does not end automatic eligibility for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance...
Sen. Fontana Comments on Highmark-UPMC Consent Decree
Harrisburg, June 24, 2019 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today provided the following statement in response to the Highmark/UPMC consent decree extension: “Today’s announcement is a victory for patients, medical access and quality care throughout...
Members of Pa Senate Democratic Caucus Request Disaster Declaration on Gun Violence
Harrisburg, Pa. − June 24, 2019 − Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today jointly sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf requesting a disaster declaration for gun violence in the Commonwealth. “We believe it is necessary to raise the public’s awareness...
Senate, House Members Unveil Elections Reform Proposals
Harrisburg PA – June 4, 2019 – State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Pittsburgh) led House and Senate Democrats in announcing several voting reform proposals Tuesday in the Main Capitol Rotunda. The legislators were...
Sen. Fontana to Make Funding Announcement at Memorial Service
State Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Brookline) will make a funding announcement at this Saturday’s Memorial Service in Beechview. The service will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at the Beechview Memorial Monument Parklet, Broadway and Shiras Avenues. Your...
State Officials and Advocates Kick Off Real Jobs, Real Pay Tour
Pennsylvania − May 20, 2019 − Advocates, lawmakers and state officials will participate in tours and a statewide day of action on Thursday, May 23rd with businesses that choose to pay their employees a living wage. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage remains at a regional low...
Members of the Task Force on Lead Exposure Discuss Legislative Recommendations of Advisory Committee and Task Force Report on Lead Exposure
Harrisburg, May 7, 2019 – Senator John Yudichak (D – Luzerne/Carbon) and legislative members of the Task Force on Lead Exposure held a press conference today to discuss the legislative recommendations that were part of ‘Lead Exposure Risks and Response...
State Senate Committee Holds Second Hearing on Global Warming
PITTSBURGH, April 23, 2019 – At the request of state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) and Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Brookline), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing today in Pittsburgh on strategies for combatting climate change by...
Democrats Introduce Package of Legislation to Curb Workplace Harassment
HARRISBURG, PA, March 26, 2019 – Democrats from the Pennsylvania House and Senate today introduced a package of legislation aimed to curb harassment in the workplace, along with support from Governor Tom Wolf and Victim’s Advocate Jennifer Storm. ...
Fontana Announces $2.25 Million in State Funds for Five Local Projects
Harrisburg, March 26, 2019 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced a total of $2.25 million in state grant funds for five Allegheny County projects. “This state support complements local efforts improve, redevelop and step up important local projects,” Fontana...
Sen. Fontana Renews “Extreme Risk” Gun Suspension Effort
PITTSBURGH, February 14, 2019 – On the one-year anniversary of the Parkland mass shooting tragedy, state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today reintroduced legislation that would empower families and police officers to petition a court to temporarily remove...
Fontana Praises Wolf’s Budget Proposal
HARRISBURG, February 5, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today provided the following statement on Gov. Tom Wolf’s $34.1 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2019-20: “I am encouraged by the governor’s budget proposal for its emphasis on strengthening a...
Fontana and Costa Announce $650,000 for Open Space Project Near Arena
PITTSBURGH, February 1, 2019 – State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today jointly announced a $650,000 state grant to provide open space and transportation improvements to the 28-acre former Civic Arena site in Pittsburgh. “I am pleased...