Residents Discuss Issues at Town Hall Meeting

Last Thursday night, State Sen. Jay Costa, Jr., D-Forest Hills, continued his series of town hall meetings with a discussion at the Sarah Jackson Black Community Center in Swisshelm Park

Costa began the event with a presentation about the state's budget situation, offering insight into the governor's proposal, and the changes that Costa and the Senate Democratic Caucus suggest to protect Pennsylvania's investments in education over the past several years.  

"We think we can spend the same amount of money but protect the jobs that are threatened by the governor's proposal and the gains in student achievement that we've seen  in recent years," Costa told the audience of about 30 citizens.

Following the presentation, Costa fielded questions for more than an hour on a wide range of topics, from state pensions, to Port Authority, to Marcellus Shale impact and taxation.  

The active and engaged attendees asked pointed and detailed questions about many issues facing Pennsylvania.

This series of town hall meetings will continue with a meeting this Wednesday at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill and on Thursday at Concord K-5 School in Carrick.  Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m.