Some politicians are lucky, others are blessed. State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), falls under the latter; son of a Pittsburgh political family, serving a seat held by Democrats since at least 1941, and fast ascended to head his caucus in the Senate.

Sen. Jay Costa

He has been re-elected four times and faced no opponent in his bid for a fifth, four-term this year. His brother, Paul, is a state representative and his late father, Jay Costa Sr., was the county treasurer.

Costa entered the Senate with the wind at his back, working on legislative initiatives and championing such issues as mass transit, education and economic development. He also builds relationships in his own party and across the aisle.

Well regarded by colleagues in his caucus, he has risen relatively quickly in leadership posts, becoming ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee early in his legislative career.

His caucus elected him Democratic Caucus Chairman in 2005; ranking Democrat on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee in 2009; and made him Senate Minority Leader in 2010.

Costa takes a comprehensive view of urban issues, noting the re-development of Pittsburgh's abandoned steel-mill sites into business parks and neighborhoods that include shopping and restaurants was due in significant part to mass transit.

"I clearly think access to mass transit was a major factor," he said.

The senator supported Pittsburgh's mass transit rail tunnel, built a couple of years ago under the Allegheny River. A large-scale infrastructure project mostly funded by federal money, the North Shore Connector created jobs and spurred economic growth.

"It is helping to develop the North Shore of Pittsburgh by connecting it with the downtown," Costa said.

AIA of Pennsylvania recently spoke with the senator about some key issues facing the state next year as well as one of his latest initiatives, the Senate's Arts and Culture caucus:

What's your view on the governor's moratorium regarding new school construction, the so-called Plan-Con program?
A: The moratorium is not something I agree with. We have been able to slow it down. The projects before this month (the moratorium started Oct. 1 and ends next May) have all been moving forward. I had a number of visits from folks directly affected by this. I think we need to encourage investments in our schools.

Tell us about the status of mass transit in Pennsylvania, does it need increased funds and does it need to be expanded?
A: What we definitely need in Pennsylvania is a transportation funding program that is comprehensive - not just mass transit, but our highways, our roads, airports and rails. I think it's critical that this discussion take place this spring. If the governor doesn't address it then I think the legislature must. For mass transit we need a dedicated funding stream. We have a small stream now, but we need more, and to make sure those dollars are spent appropriately and efficiently, providing a high level of quality service. In western Pennsylvania we need to a have a regional mass transit agency. It saves a lot of money and it brings all the counties together. It needs to be coordinated. We need to expand light rail in Pittsburgh - from downtown to Oakland and from downtown to the airport. Other regions want to see an expansion in mass transit, but they don't have the resources or the confidence the resources will be available.

You co-sponsored a bill on green building, where do you stand on state-funded buildings built to green standards?
A: I think it's the appropriate type of investment that over time gives us a return on what we will be spending and it's good for the environment. We should also grow the programs that help create those green jobs; programs that help stimulate and spur economic growth and, specifically, green buildings.

You supported the state historic tax credits for the restoration of historic urban buildings. Do you want to see funding for the $300 million program increased in the new legislative session?
A: I think the $300 million is a modest start. I certainly want to see it grow. Folks want to invest in their cities and downtowns. We need to foster that kind of investment. To me it's all about making those investments that improve our communities.

What are the priorities for the arts and culture caucus you proposed?
A: My goal - along with Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and various arts groups around the state - is to allow Senate members to participate in roundtable discussions four or five times a year; to talk about the needs for arts and culture and how they contribute to the community and the economy. It's an opportunity to make folks aware of the value of the arts and to discuss issues beneficial to further promoting and supporting the arts. We would get together with the various groups involved in the arts. We would look at issues such as what impact mass transit would have on the arts. If transit routes are cut, people won't be able get to the theatres and arts centers. We have to have a continuing conversation about the economic contribution provided by the arts.

How do you see arts and culture working in economic development?
A: Whether it's a theatre in downtown Pittsburgh or a rural community with an arts center, people come to these places; they come to the theatre, they spend money in the community, they go to the restaurants, they go to the shops. If you look at the economic impact, it's significant. Look at the arts centers. I think they've stabilized neighborhoods and communities. If you take them out of the equation you're going to have trouble.

What challenges do you see in next year's budget?
A: We have many large challenges, but you asked me about which ones are priorities and I would say education funding, pension funding and transportation funding.

Of those three, which do think is the biggest priority?
A: Transportation funding; we have to get that done so we can continue to invest in our infrastructure, then education funding - we need to increase our support of schools - and pension funding. We need to look at pensions at the state level and municipal level to determine how to keep them funded, but we need to be careful how we go about it. Funding for our transportation infrastructure - the highways, roads, airports, transit and railroads, is protecting our investment.