State Rep. Jill N. Cooper of Pennsylvania has provided an update on her legislative activities and district events as the new year begins, marking the midpoint of her current term.
In a statement reflecting on 2025, Cooper highlighted progress in areas such as public safety, government transparency, and accountability. She said, “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.”
Cooper emphasized her efforts to support emergency medical services (EMS) through House Bill 1152. She noted that she is the prime sponsor of this bill, which aims to increase reimbursements for EMS providers and require insurance companies to pay them directly. The bill currently has more than 55 bipartisan co-sponsors.
She also introduced House Bill 1513 with over 20 co-sponsors. This legislation would require online publishers of explicit material to implement age verification technology to protect minors.
On government reform, Cooper stated she sponsored several measures designed to improve efficiency in the General Assembly. These include House Bill 1010 to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House from 203 to 151 members; reintroduction of House Bill 1682 to suspend pay for lawmakers during budget impasses; and support for House Bill 1906 aimed at eliminating automatic cost-of-living increases when budgets are late.
Cooper added that she donates her salary increases each year to local charities and declines 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,” she said.
District offices handled over 13,000 constituent cases in the past year and hosted 22 events including town halls and forums.
Looking ahead to 2026, Cooper pledged continued focus on accessibility and transparency in communication with constituents. “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,” she said.
Cooper announced upcoming open house events at her district offices:
– New Kensington Office: Jan. 22
– Murrysville Office: Jan. 29 (with staff from Westmoreland County Treasurer’s Office available for dog license applications)
– Washington Township/Export Office: Feb.12
She also mentioned a survey regarding student cell phone use available on her website for those aged 18 or older.
Additional scheduled events include a town hall in Slickville on Feb. 24; a business round table in Murrysville on March 20; a financial aid seminar with PHEAA on March 30; Grants 101 workshop in Delmont on April 8; Seniors for Safe Driving event in Murrysville on April 30; mobile shredding event with Rep. Abby Major in New Kensington on May 8; and Women’s Legislative Tea in Delmont on May 13.
Residents can find more information by visiting RepJillCooper.com or following Cooper’s Facebook page.
