Dec. 26, 2024
Legislators Have Two Roles
Serving the residents of the 55th Legislative District is one of the highest honors I have experienced in my professional career. As my second term in the Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives gets underway, I am excited to continue working for you.
I am sometimes asked to describe what it is like to be a legislator. The first thought many people have is the work in Harrisburg that can include intense floor debates and casting votes in favor of, or in opposition to, various bills. While that is certainly the case, the work here at home is equally important.
For instance, as a Pennsylvania legislator, my offices are here to assist you when dealing with one of the Commonwealth’s state departments. Do you need a new birth certificate as quickly as possible? My staff and I can help!
Are you waiting for an unemployment compensation claim to be processed? We can assist you with that as well.
In fact, during the 2023-24 legislative session, my staff and I logged more than 6,200 constituent cases. This includes everything from correcting a misspelled name on a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation document to helping constituents collect unclaimed property through the Pennsylvania Treasury.
Also, more than 110 veterans received assistance in matters such as processing benefits applications or obtaining a copy of their DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
One of the most enjoyable parts of my work here in the district is hosting events such as town halls, where I get to meet directly with constituents. These events are a great opportunity for us to connect, share ideas and discuss what matters most to you. I want to hear your thoughts and feedback, so together we can work toward solutions that benefit everyone in our district. In the upcoming months, I will be hosting three open houses where I hope you and your family will stop by and meet my staff and me. All three events are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held:
• Friday, Jan. 17, at the Washington Township/Export office in Donal Plaza,105 Pfeffer Road, Suite 5, in Export.
• Friday, Feb. 14, at the New Kensington office in the Parnassus Professional Building, 356 Freeport St., Suite 100, in New Kensington.
• Thursday, March 20, at the Murrysville office in the Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave. in Murrysville.
To stay informed about my upcoming events, they are advertised on my legislative Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/RepJillCooper and in my weekly emails, which you can sign up for at RepJillCooper.com.
My work in Harrisburg is equally exciting. All 203 members of the House are assigned to legislative committees, where legislative proposals are first considered before they are discussed and considered on the House floor. For the last two years, I served on the Aging and Older Adult Services, Education, Housing and Community Development, and Labor and Industry committees. Committee assignments for the upcoming session have not yet been announced.
I make certain to take up legislative interests that directly impact our lives and those of our families, friends and neighbors. This means drafting bills and collaborating with my fellow lawmakers to address the issues you care about most. To achieve this, I also work alongside local organizations and businesses to tackle challenges together.
However, whether in Harrisburg or here in the 55th Legislative District, first and foremost, my role is all about you - listening to your concerns and advocating for your needs. Whether it is about issues related to education, health care, public safety, or our local infrastructure, I believe it most important that I advance your concerns, so they are brought to the forefront.
While it is most certainly an honor to be your voice in Harrisburg and assist you here at home, I will always remember that my role is one of service. And an important aspect of being a public servant is being accessible to you. If you would like to speak with me about a legislative topic, or if I and my staff can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us. My New Kensington office can be reached at 724-472-4102 and my Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113.
Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.
Celebrate Agriculture at 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show - The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off Saturday, Jan. 4, in Harrisburg. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 11.
This year’s theme is “Powering Pennsylvania,” which aims to highlight the vital role agriculture plays in the Commonwealth’s economy.
As always, the show will feature hundreds of competitions and exhibits, as well as animals and products related to the state’s robust agriculture industry. The annual showcase is a family-friendly event with lots to see and do; and don’t forget to stop by the famous food court for a taste of some Pennsylvania cuisine.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
For all the latest news about the Farm Show, visit
pa.gov/agencies/farmshow.
Looking for Summer Work? - PennDOT is looking to hire college students to supplement its permanent workforce from May through August.
The job typically entails seasonal maintenance work and sign upgrade services, maintenance and custodial services at roadside rest facilities, and laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and highway worksites.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be 18 years of age, enrolled in college for the next semester, and have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
The hourly rate is $17. Interested applicants should contact my office before Friday, Jan. 17, and also apply online at
governmentjobs.com.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my staff and I: legislative aides Debra Wohlin, Corrie Alexander and Alaina Adams; District Office Manager Robin Savage; and intern Elle Caron. Be sure to stop in at one of my upcoming open house events to meet us.