State Representative Jill N. Cooper has highlighted efforts to support seniors entering care facilities and commented on Governor Josh Shapiro’s recent budget proposal.
Cooper, who serves the 55th Legislative District in Pennsylvania, explained her support for House Bill 348. The bill would require that new residents of senior care facilities and their families receive notice of their right to have an attorney assist with Medicaid benefits applications.
“As many as 70% of Pennsylvanians over the age of 65 will spend some time in a skilled nursing facility, which has a price tag of roughly $130,000 per resident per year. It’s common that seniors cover their own expenses until nearly depleting their personal savings and then seeking coverage through Medicaid,” Cooper stated.
She noted that non-legal staff often provide guidance on Medicaid eligibility but may not be fully familiar with relevant laws or permitted to draft legal documents. “House Bill 348 makes certain that seniors and their family members are aware of their rights and options at the time of entering a nursing home so they can make the best decisions possible,” she said.
Cooper also addressed Governor Shapiro’s annual budget address, expressing concern about his proposed $53.26 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026-27, which represents a 5.4% increase over the previous year. She pointed out that projected revenue is only $46.8 billion, noting reliance on policy changes such as legalizing recreational marijuana and taxing skill games outside casinos to bridge the gap.
“I do, however, agree with Gov. Shapiro’s policy points he discussed during his proposal regarding children and education. What may have been the loudest applause came when he called on the General Assembly to pass legislation addressing cellular phone usage in schools. As a co-sponsor of two bills that would do just that, I appreciate his stance on this. I have also authored legislation to require that pornographic websites implement age verification processes, which is consistent with Gov. Shapiro’s call for reasonable internet and artificial intelligence standards,” Cooper said.
She added: “But discussing policies we agree on does not disguise the important mission of fiscal responsibility, which, unfortunately, is where Gov. Shapiro’s proposal is lacking. We have to be realistic in our revenue projections within our current set of laws and policies. Building a budget on a wish list all but guarantees budget shortfalls in the future and requires taxpayers to make up the difference.”
Cooper invited constituents to an open house at her Washington Township/Export Office on February 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., encouraging community engagement and discussion about district matters.
She also announced a survey available at RepJillCooper.com for adults wishing to share opinions about student cell phone use in schools.
Additionally, Cooper shared information from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission about its upcoming trout stocking schedule for 2026; approximately 3.2 million adult trout will be stocked across streams and lakes statewide starting February 16 ahead of Mentored Youth Trout Day (March 28) and opening day (April 4).
Cooper participates in local organizations such as the Franklin Regional Panther Foundation and Westmoreland Community Action (https://www.repjillcooper.com/about). She lives with her husband Leighton (https://www.repjillcooper.com/about), graduated from Plum Senior High School and Grove City College (https://www.repjillcooper.com/about), spent fourteen years at Alcoa Corporation rising to vice president roles (https://www.repjillcooper.com/about), serves on multiple legislative committees including Education and Veterans Affairs (https://www.repjillcooper.com/about), and supports initiatives focused on fiscal responsibility as well as education improvements (https://www.repjillcooper.com/about).
