Senate Democrats’ Small Games Plan Now Backed by Governor

Harrisburg – October 24, 2013 – State Senate Democrats said today they were pleased that Gov. Tom Corbett has now signaled his approval of their plan to direct revenues generated from small games of chance in taverns to the Lottery Fund. The Democratic plan would bolster lottery programs and create a potential funding source for a property tax freeze benefitting seniors.

Hughes Supports Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage

PHILADELPHIA, September 17, 2013 — At a news conference in Philadelphia’s City Hall today, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione announced new legislation aimed at restoring the buying power of Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. Tartaglione, the Democratic chair of the Labor...

Senate Democrats Comment on Corbett Health Plan

Harrisburg, September 16, 2013 – Senate Democrats issued the following joint statement in response to Gov. Tom Corbett’s announcement of his plan to reform the state’s Medicaid program. Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Sen. Vincent J. Hughes...

Liquor Privatization Will Hurt Distressed Communities

HARRISBURG – June 29th, 2013 – Senator Vincent Hughes released the following statement on the liquor privatization proposal offered today by Pennsylvania Senate Republicans: “Today, my Republican colleagues offered a plan to privatize the Pennsylvania Liquor Control...

Senator Vincent Hughes: Time for Senate to Vote on Medicaid Expansion

HARRISBURG – May 14th, 2013 – Senator Vincent Hughes announced today that he has filed a discharge petition in an effort to get a vote on Senate Bill 12, which would require Pennsylvania to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The...

$300 Million Education Common Core Mandate Threatens Graduation

Harrisburg, May 13, 2013 – A new unfunded education mandate now being quietly pursued by the Corbett administration will soon saddle school districts with a $ 300 million expense and threaten graduation for thousands of students across Pennsylvania, Senate Democrats said today at a Capitol news conference.

Hughes: Economy League Study Details Benefits of Medicaid Expansion

Harrisburg, April 19, 2013 – The Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) study on Medicaid expansion released this morning reinforces Senate Democratic arguments about the benefits of expansion, state Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said today. Gov. Tom...