Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

January 22, 2026

Supporting Schools that Want Later High School Start Times

Educators share a common goal: helping students succeed.

Decades of research are conclusive that one proven way to do that is by starting the high school day a little later. In fact, studies recommend beginning the school day no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

To support districts that want to make this change, I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation that would make it easier for schools to cover related costs. The proposal doesn’t mandate school districts to delay start times; it simply expands how schools can use existing funds if they choose to. If a district chooses to implement a later start time, it should be noted that it is a long journey with many meetings with the community. It is not something that happens overnight.

Back in 2019, Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission completed a study titled Sleep Deprivation in Adolescents; A Case for Delaying Secondary School Start Times, at the direction of Senate Resolution 417 of 2018. The findings were that during adolescence, biological changes shift teens’ internal clocks, making earlier start times a mismatch for their natural sleep patterns.

When students consistently wake up before their bodies are ready, the consequences are serious. Research from the National Institute of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links adolescent sleep deprivation to higher risks of heart disease, weakened immune systems, anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts. Poor sleep can also lead to lower academic performance and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors, from substance use to delinquency.

Students who are healthy, rested and emotionally balanced learn better. But for many schools, adjusting daily schedules and rewriting bus routes for multiple buildings can be a logistical and financial challenge.

That’s where this legislation helps.

My bill allows districts to use funds from Pennsylvania’s existing School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, to cover the costs of changing start times. These grants already support schools, career and technical centers, intermediate units and charter schools with physical, behavioral health, and safety initiatives.

Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators – our next generation of doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs. Ensuring they have the rest and resources they need to succeed in school is not just an education priority; it’s an investment in Pennsylvania’s future.

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:

• 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. 

Applications Open for Youth Camp - The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and American Legion, is seeking applicants for its annual youth camp. The Elmer Hafer-American Legion-State Police-National Guard Youth Camp will be held June 7-13, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.

The six-day program is for teenagers ages 15-17 who are interested in exploring careers in Pennsylvania law enforcement or the military. Cadets will take part in a wide range of hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training designed to build their understanding of law enforcement, as well as their confidence, teamwork and leadership abilities.

Applicants must be 15-17 years old at the start of the camp. Candidates should be physically fit, in good health and maintain a strong academic record. Cadets are sponsored by local American Legion posts, so there is no cost to participate.
 
More information and the online application is available at pa-legion.com.