Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

November 13, 2025

Budget Unlocks Pennsylvania’s Energy

I am pleased to report the state budget impasse that began July 1 has concluded after the passage of budget legislation. I supported the 2025-26 budget plan because it includes several policy objectives aimed at economic development, government efficiency and creating financial savings.

One of my most important concerns is that annual budgets are assembled with an eye toward business growth. This way, revenue to Harrisburg is increased because Pennsylvania residents are experiencing more career opportunities, earning more and spending more. By realizing our full economic potential, future tax increases can be avoided. Operating state government certainly requires funding, but throughout the budget impasse, I have fought against bad policy that would lead to tax spikes.

The new budget includes removing Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a voluntary agreement between several states to cap CO2 emissions. The plan was likely to increase electricity costs by more than 30% and chase new energy projects, and the careers they would offer, to other states.

Also improving our ability to do business is overhauling the environmental permitting system, which will now take a pro-business “deemed-approved” model. These changes will clear roadblocks to business growth and most certainly translate into a more competitive job market.

In education, the budget makes a stronger investment in school choice by revising the public cyber education funding formula to better reflect the true cost of educating students using a cyber curriculum, as well as expanding the Economically Disadvantaged Schools tax credit program. This important program helps families whose students attend schools that are failing defray the cost of pursuing education choices. Student reading across the Commonwealth is bound to improve as the budget includes the use of proven, evidence-based strategies to teach reading.

I also appreciate the significant improvements to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often-abused welfare programs intended to help those who are truly in need. The budget makes serious improvements to the program by removing applicants who are taking advantage of the system.

The budget impasse lasted for nearly four months because previous proposals relied on one-time revenue sources to fund recurring expenses and using monies from the Rainy Day Fund, setting us up for tax increases in the years to come. The final product, however, uses surplus monies to close the gap and makes serious policy improvements to expand our revenue through responsible cost-cutting measures, allowing our businesses to flourish.

While I am relieved the budget impasse is over, soon it will be February and the 2026-27 budget cycle will begin when Gov. Josh Shapiro makes his budget address.

I remain committed to the budgeting principles that keep government from spending beyond its means and include policies that improve our business environment. But the discussions and negotiations need to occur on a much timelier basis. Long budget impasses are simply inexcusable.

This is why I will continue to advocate for my No Budget, No Pay proposal, House Bill 1682. It would suspend compensation to the governor, lieutenant governor and members of the General Assembly during a budget impasse.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Go ‘Glamping’ in PA in 2026! - Love the outdoors but not into “roughing it?” 

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently announced it is teaming up with Timberline Glamping Company to offer “glamping” at eight state parks starting in 2026!

Each glamping site (short for “glamorous camping”) features safari-style tents with real beds, heat and air conditioning, lighting, décor and outdoor seating. Each park with glamping sites will include one ADA-accessible tent, ensuring access for all visitors. Add-ons – such as local experiences, firewood bundles, games and gourmet s’mores kits – are also available.

Learn more by visiting www.pa.gov and navigating to the DCNR page. 

Oh, Say, Can You Sing? - The Pennsylvania Farm Show is less than two months away, and the Department of Agriculture is inviting Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” a star-spangled sing-off to win a chance to sing live at the event. 

Each morning, from Jan. 10-17, the Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Top vote-getters may also be selected to sing at special events and competitions.

The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages, both individuals and groups, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 24. Learn more by visiting www.pa.gov and navigating to the Department of Agriculture page. 



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