Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

September 25, 2025

Bill to End Budget Impasse in House, But Action Must be Taken

This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was finally called to session and I am hopeful progress will soon be made in passing a 2025-26 budget, which is several months late.

It’s clear that counties are experiencing significant financial strain as critical funding for counties, schools, pre-K centers and hospitals are being withheld. Yet, a solution is just one House vote away from reaching Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk.

In August, the Senate passed a bill extending last year’s funding levels to serve as the 2025-26 budget to swiftly release funding. House Democrats unanimously voted the bill down in the House Appropriations Committee.

On Sept. 10, the same committee reconsidered the Senate bill and it was unanimously passed. At this point, the proposal needs only to be approved by the full House, without amendment, to get to the governor’s desk and become law.

House Democrat leaders who control the agenda have not yet scheduled a vote on this Senate bill. Like many Pennsylvanians impacted by the delay, I am demanding progress be made soon.

It's important to note that Gov. Shapiro's proposed budget of $51.5 billion exceeds the Independent Fiscal Office's (IFO) revenue projection of $48.3 billion by $3 billion. This discrepancy raises concerns about potential future tax increases or cuts to county services, a situation we are actively working to prevent.

I stand firmly against reckless overspending and advocate for the passage of last year's budget at $47.6 billion to serve as the 2025-26 budget. Doing so is a level-headed measure to deliver essential public services while negotiations on new spending continue. Essential services must not be used as leverage for overspending.

AG Launches ‘Operation Robocall Roundup’ 

Unfortunately, I get telemarketers’ calls somewhat frequently.

It’s probably more of a case of poor timing, but my phone rings with such a call when my hands are full or I am already expecting an important call. So, I stop what I’m doing to look at my phone screen. No thank you, caller with an area code I have never seen before, I am not interested in an extended vehicle warranty. 

Robocalls and text messages aren’t just annoying; sometimes they are illegal!

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday recently announced his office joined 50 bipartisan attorneys general in sending warning letters to 37 voice providers demanding they immediately stop illegal robocalls and texts being routed through their networks. The companies are violating one or more rules outlined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

By disregarding the federal rules, the companies are inadvertently permitting robocallers onto their phone networks and then passing those robocalls downstream to other providers, until the robocalls reach you and me. The task force is also sending warning letters to 99 downstream telecom providers. 

So many states working cooperatively sends a clear message to telephone service providers to be more diligent in not allowing these robocalls to occur.

But as is the case with many consumer protection subjects, there are steps we can all take to better protect ourselves.

Attorney General Sunday advises to be mindful that providing your phone number to a legitimate business for its rewards program allows the business to place you on telemarketing lists without requiring further consent. Similarly, providing contact information when participating in online surveys or contests, or entering contests at fairs and other public events, may also result in future telephone solicitations. 

The best way to reduce unwanted robocalls and texts is to sign up for the Pennsylvania Do Not Call list online at attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 1-888-777-3406, as well as the FCC’s National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov. 

Unfortunately, enforcement efforts do not extend beyond each department’s areas of jurisdiction. Many scammers, particularly those looking to trick or “phish” personal information such as bank information or Social Security numbers from potential victims, are located in other countries. Also complicating enforcement efforts is the use of “spoofing” technology which masks the spammers contact information.

It’s also important to note that FCC rules list some exceptions, including contacts from debt collectors, those conducting surveys, nonprofit fundraisers as well as legislators and government agencies.

If you continue to receive robocalls and texts, be certain to mark it as “spam” or “junk.” Doing so helps phone carriers take action.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.
 
Don’t Get Scammed! - Join us for a Scam Jam on Friday, Oct. 3, from 9 -11 a.m. at the Murrysville Community Center and learn how to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft and common scams. Experts will be there to share tips and answer all of your questions. Call 724-387-9113 to register.
 
Nominate Your Favorite Trail - If you have a favorite trail that provides unique opportunities, encourages and celebrates diverse user groups, or enhances your community, please nominate it for Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year. 

Each year, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC) designate a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the economic, environmental and health benefits trails bring. The winning trail will be recognized through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution, a trailhead marker along the trail, and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.

You can nominate your favorite trail at pa.gov. The deadline for nomination is Friday, Oct. 31.  


Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper