Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

January 15, 2026

Closing 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026

We’ve reached a new year. I hope you and your family found moments of rest, peace, and reflection during the holidays and are ready for all that 2026 has in store!

As we begin this new year – marking the halfway point of the current legislative session and my term in office – it’s the perfect time to look back on what we’ve accomplished together and look ahead to where we’re going.

For me, 2025 was a year of meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to Westmoreland County families: public safety, government transparency and accountability. Throughout the year, I heard from parents, seniors, small business owners, and local officials who want a government that listens and responds. Those conversations directly shaped my work in Harrisburg.

One major priority has been strengthening emergency medical services (EMS) across Pennsylvania. House Bill 1152, of which I’m proud to be the prime sponsor, would increase reimbursements to EMS providers and make sure insurance companies pay them directly, helping to ensure they can continue their lifesaving work. The bill now has more than 55 bipartisan co-sponsors, a reflection of the broad support behind this initiative.

I also introduced House Bill 1513, which has over 20 co-sponsors, and would require online publishers of explicit material to use age verification technology, thereby protecting minors and giving parents more peace of mind about what their children can access online.

Good government reform remains one of my top commitments. I introduced and sponsored several measures to improve efficiency and accountability in the General Assembly, including House Bill 1010 to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House from 203 to 151 members. I also reintroduced House Bill 1682 to suspend pay for lawmakers and top state officials during budget impasses, something I already practice voluntarily. Similarly, I support House Bill 1906 to eliminate automatic cost-of-living increases in years when the budget is late.

Every year, I donate my salary increases to local charities and continue to decline taxpayer-funded perks such as pension benefits and per diems. It’s a simple principle: Lead by example and stay accountable to the people you serve.

Important reforms are crucial for the General Assembly to better function, and it is my belief that these reforms are only possible with constant action. 

Beyond legislation, our district offices had an incredibly active year, handling over 13,000 constituent cases and hosting 22 events ranging from town halls and forums to senior expos and local government workshops. These opportunities allow me to connect directly with residents, who are at the heart of my work.

As we move into 2026, accessibility and transparency remain top priorities. I’ll continue communicating openly about how I vote and why, welcoming your feedback every step of the way.

Your trust and engagement make everything we do possible. I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish together this year: building safer communities, a more transparent government, and a stronger future for every family in Westmoreland County.

Thank you again for your continued support, and here’s to making 2026 another year of meaningful progress.

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

Join Me at an Open House – My staff and I are looking forward to hosting open house events at my local offices! Gather with us to enjoy refreshments, discuss what is happening in Harrisburg and here in the district, and learn how my office can help you. The upcoming events include:

• New Kensington Office - Thursday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 356 Freeport St., Suite 100, in New Kensington.

• Murrysville Office - Thursday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3091 Carson Ave., in Murrysville. Staff from the Westmoreland County Treasurer’s Office will be on-hand to help with dog license applications, which can be paid for via check. Office staff can assist those seeking to pay for an online dog license via credit card.

• Washington Township/Export Office - Thursday, Feb.12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,105 Pfeffer Road, Suite 5, in Export.

Your Opinion Counts - Concern continues to rise from parents and educators that students’ use of cell phones has become a serious distraction from learning. Different approaches to address the issue have been discussed in the General Assembly and I have created a survey for those 18 years of age or older to weigh in. You can find the survey on my website, RepJillCooper.com. 

Save the Date for These Upcoming Events – Below is a list of some of my upcoming events. For more information,  be sure to follow my Facebook page at  facebook.com/RepJillCooper, visit Rep.JillCooper.com, or call my staff and I at my Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 or my New Kensington office at 724-472-4102.

• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall, Slickville VFD, 128 Main St., Slickville.

• Friday, March 20, 7:30-9:30 a.m., Business Round Table, Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville.

• Monday, March 30, 7-8:30 p.m., “Junior Jumpstart” Financial Aid Seminar with PHEAA, Northern Westmoreland CTC[PH1.1],  705 Stevenson Blvd., New Kensington.

• Wednesday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Grants 101, Delmont Volunteer Fire Department, 2360 PA-66, Delmont.

• Thursday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Seniors for Safe Driving, Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville.

• Friday, May 8, 10 a.m. to noon, Mobile Shredding Event with Rep. Abby Major, Lower Burrell VFW, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, New Kensington.

• Wednesday, May 13, 2- p.m., Women’s Legislative Tea, The Lamplighter, 6566 Route 22, Delmont.