Westmoreland Review

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 risks associated with storing biometric data and the potential implications for student safety, noting, "Putting systems in place to make significant decisions or limit building access, based on error-prone technology, jeopardizes student safety."

Switching gears, Cooper also discussed the vital role of Pennsylvania's energy industry during a hearing and press conference. She addressed the growing demand for liquified natural gas (LNG) and the negative impact of efforts to halt new exportation. Cooper underscored the economic benefits of LNG production, stating, "In the United States, Pennsylvania is the second largest producer of natural gas, following Texas," and highlighted the positive environmental impact of increased LNG use in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Furthermore, Cooper shared important news updates and reminders with the public, including a scam alert regarding phishing attempts targeting E-ZPass users on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. She also encouraged community participation in the "Pick Up Pennsylvania" spring community improvement campaign, organized by the Pennsylvania departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation.

Representative Jill Cooper's efforts reflect a commitment to safeguarding student welfare, promoting economic growth through energy initiatives, and fostering community engagement in environmental conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.