Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

October 9, 2026

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Early Detection Key

It’s hard to argue that the colors of fall are brilliant shades or orange, brown and red. But for those impacted by breast cancer, that list must also include pink.

Each October, pink can be found just about everywhere, including professional sports uniforms, retail promotions and the exterior lighting of popular landmarks. In Harrisburg, that includes the popular Capitol Fountain at the east entry to the capitol building and where I had the honor of joining legislators and survivors for a rally hosted by the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

The use of pink to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early screening goes back to 1992 when Self magazine editor Alexandra Penney and Estée Lauder executive Evelyn Lauder, herself a breast-cancer survivor, launched a campaign that included distributing about 1.5 million pink ribbons at Estee Lauder cosmetic counters.

Globally, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. In 2024, an estimated 2.4 million new cases were recorded, with nearly 694,000 lives lost to the disease.

In the U.S. alone, approximately 382,640 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year – 321,910 invasive and 60,730 non-invasive types. Despite these alarming numbers, there is reason for optimism: when identified early, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer exceeds 99%.

The key to positive outcomes with breast cancer is not unlike most cancers – the earlier it is detected, the more positive the outcome. This is why I was quick to support Act 52 of 2025. Passed in late fall of last year, the new law builds on the historic progress of Act 1 of 2023, which eliminated out-of-pocket costs for supplemental screening imaging, by now ensuring that follow-up diagnostic mammograms, breast MRIs and ultrasounds are also covered without cost-sharing under state-regulated insurance plans. 

Fortunately, survivorship is on the rise. There are more than four million breast cancers survivors in U.S. While most are women, it must be noted that about one in 100 breast cancer patients are men.

On an unrelated noted, I share the disappointment and frustration of several businesses and organizations regarding the uncertainty of the use of skill games machines across Pennsylvania.

I stood with the small business owners, players, community organizations, and members of the House and Senate during a rally in front of the capitol building this week. When the Supreme Court ruled that these machines are not permissible in current law, the General Assembly was given a 120-day deadline to change it, which expires on Oct. 13. Without a bill being passed codifying skill games into law, the machines will have to be removed.

For many of these businesses and organizations, this isn’t simply about whether a machine can remain in a location. The revenue generated from skill games has become part of how they pay their bills and support the work they do in their communities.

I believe there is a way to bring skill games under clear and reasonable rules, with appropriate oversight, accountability, and transparency, without taking away an important source of funding from the veterans’ organizations, volunteer fire companies, EMS providers, nonprofits, and small businesses that depend on these revenues.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.
 
Veterans, Mark Your Calendars for Oct. 31! - If you’re a veteran, be certain to mark your calendar for my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30-11 a.m. Open to all veterans in the 55th District and one guest each, the event includes retired Rear Adm. Charles Kubic as guest speaker. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years and established Kubic Engineer Group in 2012. Register by Oct. 26 by emailing aadams@pahousegop.com, or calling 724-472-4102 or 724-387-9113.

Where Can I See the Best Fall Colors? - Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Commonwealth! If you want to do some leaf peeping, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is once again offering its weekly fall foliage reports to help you pick out the best places to visit for the best color! The reports are available at pa.gov/FallFoliage.

Be Smart Activity Book Contest for Students! - This October, we’re joining the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General to celebrate Financial Planning Month! Students in grades K-12 can participate in the department’s Be Money $mart Activity Book Cover Contest. Create a drawing or design and submit it for consideration by Oct. 30. The winning submission will be announced by the auditor general at the end of the month! Learn more at paauditor.gov.



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