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Westmoreland Review

Saturday, May 18, 2024

State Rep. Jill N. Cooper

Recent News About State Rep. Jill N. Cooper

  • Rep. Jill Cooper expresses concerns over House Bill 2017's potential First Amendment infringements

    On May 16, 2024, Representative Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) voiced her concerns over House Bill 2017, a proposal intended to enhance the safety of social media usage, particularly for children. Despite its good intentions, Rep. Cooper expressed that the bill could potentially infringe upon First Amendment rights.

  • Pennsylvania Senate passes bill aimed at reducing tax burden and energy costs

    In response to the inflationary pressure that has seen costs for commodities such as groceries and building materials spike since 2019, a bipartisan plan aimed at reducing Pennsylvania’s overall tax burden and decreasing energy costs has been proposed. The plan, Senate Bill 269, was recently passed in the Senate and is expected to be considered by the House soon.

  • Concerns Raised Over Proposed Changes to Mail-In Ballot Procedures in Pennsylvania

    In a recent update from the State Capitol and 55th District, Representative Jill Cooper expressed her concerns regarding a bill that could potentially alter the process of handling mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania. Cooper stated, "I voted against a bill that would change how counties handle and count ballots received by mail."The proposed House Bill 847, which passed along party lines, suggests giving counties the option to begin the ballot pre-canvassing process seven days earlier, potentially leading to delays in reporting results. Cooper highlighted the importance of...

  • Rep. Jill Cooper Advocates Against Banning Handheld Cellphone Use While Driving

    Rep. Jill Cooper, representing the 55th Legislative District, has expressed her reservations regarding the proposed Senate Bill 37, which aims to prohibit the use of all interactive mobile devices while driving. Cooper argues that more laws may not necessarily be the solution to the issue of distracted driving, stating, "The need to make our roads safer does not stop at banning the use of cellular phones."Cooper emphasizes that the focus should be on addressing driver distraction as a whole, rather than singling out cellphone usage. She points out the potential unintended...

  • Concerns Raised Over Inflation and Energy Policy by Rep. Jill Cooper

    Rep. Jill Cooper from the 55th District of Pennsylvania has expressed concerns over the current state of inflation and energy policy in the state Capitol. Cooper highlighted the impact of rising prices on everyday products and the need for a review of policies driving inflation.Speaking on the matter, Rep. Jill Cooper stated, "Some argue that inflation has slowed, but speaking with constituents, as well as managing my own budget, I am in complete disagreement. It is costing us more to buy everyday products including food and clothing." Cooper emphasized the widespread...

  • Rep. Jill Cooper Advocates for Student Safety and Economic Growth in Latest Capitol Update

    Rep. Jill Cooper from the 55th District of Pennsylvania has recently addressed important issues concerning student safety and economic growth in the state Capitol on April 11, 2024.Cooper emphasized the importance of maintaining safe learning environments for Pennsylvania students, stating, "Without a question, schools should be safe places where Pennsylvania students can learn and grow." She introduced legislation aimed at keeping facial recognition technology out of schools, expressing concerns about the security and accuracy of the technology. Cooper highlighted the...

  • Rep. Jill Cooper Addresses Facial Recognition Tech in Schools and Promotes LNG Industry in Pennsylvania

    Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) recently addressed concerns regarding the use of facial recognition technology in schools, emphasizing the importance of student safety. Cooper stated, "Without a question, schools should be safe places where Pennsylvania students can learn and grow."Expressing worries about data security, Cooper highlighted the risks associated with storing biometric information in school systems, stating, "Most computer experts agree that sensitive information storage requires continual monitoring and even still, it is vulnerable to hacking and misuse."...

  • Cooper: Award to New Ken Leaders is Well-Deserved

    Apr. 10, 2024HARRISBURG - Local government leaders in the City of New Kensington have been honored with the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence, as recognized by Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland). Cooper expressed her agreement with the recognition, stating, “Mayor Tom Guzzo and the New Kensington City Council have been working hard to reinvent their great city and their efforts are easily seen.”The award, offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to acknowledge municipalities and local government officials...

  • Rep. Jill Cooper Voices Concerns Over Unfunded Mandate in School Counselor Proposal

    Rep. Jill Cooper, representing the 55th District of Pennsylvania, has raised concerns over a recent proposal that she believes could lead to increased school property taxes. The proposal in question, House Bill 1665, would mandate changes in how school counselors operate, limiting the time they can spend on tasks not directly related to student guidance.Expressing her reservations, Rep. Cooper highlighted the potential challenges of unfunded mandates on local governments, stating, "Understanding the hardships with unfunded mandates, I have several concerns with Harrisburg...

  • Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

    Mar. 28, 2024Representative Jill Cooper from the 55th Legislative District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has highlighted the importance of voter identification in ensuring the integrity of elections. Cooper emphasized the necessity for citizens to have confidence in the electoral process, stating, "If citizens are to have confidence in their government, they must first have confidence in the electoral process that selected its public officials."She further stressed the significance of secure elections, noting, "All Americans should have confidence that...

  • Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

    Representative Jill Cooper from the 55th Legislative District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently addressed the importance of restoring trust in the election system through a bipartisan-supported proposal for voter identification. Cooper emphasized the significance of citizens having confidence in the electoral process, stating, "If citizens are to have confidence in their government, they must first have confidence in the electoral process that selected its public officials." She highlighted the positive impact a voter identification requirement could...

  • Cooper and Ward: Grants Bolster Public Works Efforts and Local Economic Development

    State Rep. Jill Cooper and Senate President Pro Tem Kim Ward from Westmoreland County recently announced significant funding for local projects aimed at enhancing public works efforts and supporting economic development. The grants, totaling more than $350,000, were secured through the Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA) and Local Municipal Relief Funds.In a statement, Representative Jill Cooper highlighted the importance of the grants by stating, "Our local officials balance keeping taxes as low as possible with providing services and amenities, and grants like these go...

  • The Facts About Westmoreland’s Sanctuary Label - By Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland)

    Mar. 21, 2024In a statement addressing the immigration issue in the United States, Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) emphasized the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal immigration, noting that "Most of our families have a lineage in legal immigration." Cooper expressed satisfaction in the actions taken by county officials to remove the label of Westmoreland County as a "sanctuary county," stating, "I was happy that county officials, after working with myself and a House colleague, took action to have that label removed."Cooper highlighted the...

  • Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

    Mar. 21, 2024Representative Jill Cooper of the 55th Legislative District recently addressed concerns regarding the labeling of Westmoreland County as a sanctuary county. Cooper expressed her satisfaction with county officials' actions to remove this label, stating, "I was happy that county officials, after working with myself and a House colleague, took action to have that label removed."Cooper emphasized the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal immigration, highlighting the need for cooperation with federal authorities. She mentioned discussions with...

  • Rep. Jill Cooper Opposes House Bill 1773 and Advocates for Small Business Growth

    Rep. Jill Cooper, representing Westmoreland in the 55th Legislative District, has voiced her concerns over House Bill 1773, stating, "Such bad ideas are found in House Bill 1773." The bill, introduced as a "fair share" proposal, aims to restructure Pennsylvania's Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate, shifting the burden onto small businesses rather than larger corporations.According to Rep. Cooper, the proposed bill would have detrimental effects on small businesses, which are the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy. She emphasizes, "If taxpayers keep more of their money, they...

  • Rep. Jill Cooper Opposes House Bill 1773 and Supports Small Businesses

    Mar. 14, 2024Rep. Jill Cooper, representing the 55th Legislative District in Pennsylvania, has voiced her opposition to House Bill 1773, citing concerns about its potential impact on small businesses. Cooper highlighted that the bill, introduced as a "fair share" proposal, aims to restructure the Commonwealth’s Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate.Speaking on the matter, Cooper stated, "Such bad ideas are found in House Bill 1773." She emphasized the importance of considering the implications of taxation on different sectors of the economy, particularly small businesses....

  • Legislative Proposal Aimed at Preventing Food Allergy Emergencies

    Rep. Jill Cooper, representing the 55th District of Westmoreland, shared a recent encounter with a family facing the challenges of food allergies. Jason, a parent whose daughter was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), recounted a harrowing experience where a food allergy led to a severe reaction. He described the frightening moment when his daughter's throat hurt, and she experienced a laryngospasm, turning blue. Thanks to prompt medical intervention, she made a full recovery.In response to such incidents, Rep. Cooper highlighted a legislative effort she...

  • Cooper Celebrates WWII Vet’s 97th Birthday

    Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) recently participated in a heartwarming celebration of a significant milestone. The Delmont family's patriarch, Gildo, marked his 97th birthday, surrounded by loved ones. Cooper, a key figure in the event, joined the Sartori family to commemorate this special occasion. Gildo Sartori, a WWII veteran born in Claridge, Westmoreland County, in 1927, has a rich family legacy, including four children, six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.During the festivities, Representative Jill Cooper took the opportunity...

  • Cooper Issues Response to Governor’s Budget

    In response to Governor Josh Shapiro's budget address, Representative Jill Cooper of Westmoreland expressed her concerns about the proposed budget. Cooper highlighted that while the budget may seem like a solution to real problems, it actually creates more problems than it solves. She emphasized that the 8.4% increase in state spending is unaffordable for the families and businesses that fund Pennsylvania's government.Cooper pointed out that the governor's new spending plans would deplete the state's surplus and Rainy Day Fund. She warned that when these accounts run...

  • Cooper Dual Enrollment Bill Signed by Governor

    On January 29, 2024, a bill-signing ceremony was held in Harrisburg to celebrate the enactment of legislation that improves the law pertaining to dual enrollment programs. The bill, known as House Bill 1258, was co-prime sponsored by Rep. Jill Cooper, a freshman House of Representatives member from Westmoreland, and Rep. Stephen Kinsey, a Democrat from Philadelphia.The legislation eliminates the requirement that students enrolled in dual enrollment programs are removed from the school's average daily membership (ADM), which impacts state funding to local school districts....