Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

October 30, 2025

Pathways Created for Veterans to Become Teachers

Quite often, the best changes to public policy stem from the simplest ideas and address more than one issue.
 
A perfect example of this is a recent new law that creates an expedited path for a military veteran to become a certified career and technical education (CTE) teacher.

This isn’t just feel-good policy; it’s smart economics and heartfelt gratitude rolled into one. Pennsylvania’s CTE programs are the backbone of our skilled workforce, training students in fields like advanced manufacturing, health care, construction and information technology. But we’ve faced a persistent teacher shortage in some of these high-demand areas. Who better to fill those gaps than the men and women who’ve honed their expertise on the front lines, in hangars, on ships and in field hospitals?
 
Take a veteran mechanic who spent a decade maintaining Black Hawk helicopters. Or a former Navy corpsman with battlefield medical experience. These individuals aren’t starting from scratch – they’ve lived the curriculum. Yet under old rules, bureaucratic hurdles like unrelated college credits or redundant coursework often blocked their path to the classroom. This bill cuts through that red tape, recognizing military training and real-world experience as credible qualifications for CTE certification.

This is why I supported Act 41 of 2025.  The new law makes it easier for veterans to obtain a teaching certificate related to their direct experience in CTE fields during their time in the service. Veterans with 8,000 hours, or four full-time years, of service in an occupational area eligible for CTE Instructional 1 certification, which is required to teach in CTE programs in public schools.
 
CTE programs, like those offered at the Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in Derry, the Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in New Kensington, the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in New Stanton and the Forbes Road Career and Technology Center in Monroeville, can address a significant employment gap in Pennsylvania.
 
In speaking with employers, finding skilled staff continues to be a hardship for both large and small employers.  CTE programs can reverse this trend. Graduates from these programs often go right to work out of high school, earning professional wages in fields like manufacturing, carpentry, nursing and auto mechanics, and without accruing student loan debt.
 
The best bills regarding education are those that expand opportunities and have an impact that will ripple far beyond school hallways. This bill does just that. Veterans gain meaningful second careers, bringing discipline, leadership and hands-on knowledge to inspire students. Those students, in turn, enter the workforce better prepared, helping to close Pennsylvania’s skills gap. Employers in industries from energy to robotics get a deeper talent pool. And our communities benefit from veterans staying rooted here, contributing their post-service lives to the Keystone State.
  
On a different note, I disappointingly report that the budget impasse will continue into November.
 
The Senate, led by Republicans, recently passed an amended budget (Senate Bill 160) totaling $47.9 billion, a $300 million increase from their August plan but still far less than what Gov. Josh Shapiro had proposed.
 
Without raising taxes, the newest proposal funds essential services, fully covers debt service and school employees’ retirement obligations, as well as maintains the state’s credit rating. It also includes a 5% cut in General Assembly spending to reduce excess reserves.
 
The bill has been referred to the House, where majority Democrat leaders set the House agenda. I continue to advocate for consideration of the proposal, as it is a budget that does not spend beyond our means and will help avoid unnecessary tax increases.
 
Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Help Us Help Others – The Westmoreland County Food Bank has seen an increase in food insecurity related to the federal budget impasse and concerns with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. I have partnered with food bank leaders to use my office to collect non-perishable food donations. If you plan to visit either my Washington Township/Export office, located at105 Pfeffer Road, Suite 5, in Export, or my New Kensington office, located at 356 Freeport St., Suite 100, in New Kensington, please consider binging a non-perishable food that can help a local family.

Bells Across PA Unveiling in Murrysville Today - The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) is unveiling a liberty bell as part of its Bells Across PA program today, Monday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m. at the Westmoreland Heritage Trail Head in Murrysville. The program gives artists across the county opportunity to decorate a three-foot fiberglass bell to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. If you are available, I invite you to join the fun!
 
Interested in Learning More About the Laws and Regulations Related to Firearms? - Mark your calendars and come to my Firearms Safety and Rights Seminar on Thursday, Nov. 6, 6 - 8 p.m., at The Lamplighter, 6566 State Route 22, in Delmont. Firearms Owners Against Crime’s Jim Stoker will lead the discussion and be ready to answer questions. Registration is suggested but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. To register, call the Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 or email aadams@pahousegop.com.



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