PA State Rep. Jill Cooper

09/06/2026

My Export and Murrysville offices participated in the Red Sand Project to shine a light on human trafficking and those who have fallen through the cracks.

Lynn Mance of the Westmoreland Human Trafficking Task Force visits my district offices each year to place red sand in the sidewalk cracks in front of the office to serve as a powerful reminder that human trafficking can happen anywhere. It can even happen right here in our communities. Thank you, Lynn, for continuing this educational tradition and reminding us of the importance of this issue.

Awareness is the first step. By educating ourselves, recognizing the warning signs and supporting survivors, we can help prevent trafficking. For more information, visit the Westmoreland Human Trafficking page at https://bit.ly/4cqrz0x.

09/06/2026

As eBike use continues to grow, so do concerns about safety, speeding and reckless operation on our roads and sidewalks. I believe we can support responsible eBike use while also giving our municipalities the tools they need to address safety concerns in their own communities. That’s why I’m proposing legislation that takes a balanced approach — protecting responsible riders while giving local communities greater authority and putting safeguards in place.

Watch my full interview on PCN to hear more about where I stand on eBike safety and local control https://pagopvideo.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/593236667.mp4

09/05/2026

Update: Currently there are 13,000 homes without power in Westmoreland County. Stay safe! Thank you again to all our first responders —volunteer firefighters, EMS and police.

Please report their outage by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487) or clicking the “Outages” link on firstenergycorp.com.

Customers should assume all downed or low-hanging power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and use extra caution where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris. Report downed lines ASAP by calling 911.

FirstEnergy, customers can sign up to receive email and text message alert notifications for updates after they've reported a power outage. Customers may also use two-way text messaging to report outages, request updates on restoration efforts and make other inquiries about their electric accounts. More information about these communication tools is available these communication tools is available at firstenergycorp.com/connect.

09/05/2026

One hundred years ago the doors of what is now the Palace Theater opened as the Manos Theater. Since then, generations have walked through those doors, settled into the seats and created memories that have become part of its incredible story.

As your state representative serving on the Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee, promoting landmarks like the Palace is deeply important to me. I know many people head downtown for entertainment, but I want to make sure everyone realizes that Greensburg has a great facility, and even greater entertainment right in our own backyard.

I was glad to join the Palace Theater for this incredible centennial celebration. To mark the occasion, a time capsule was unveiled at the event, preserving pieces of its first century for future generations to discover in 2076. The capsule holds old props, programs and other items from shows that have taken place at the theater over the decades. What a fun idea!

Here's to 100 years of history and many more shows to come at the Palace Theater in Greensburg!

09/05/2026

To all the firefighters, police officers, EMS crews, utility workers, and volunteers who have been on the front lines during this storm: thank you. Your hard work, long hours, and bravery are keeping our communities safe and helping neighbors get back on their feet. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re grateful for everything you’re doing.

⚡ Power update (Westmoreland County):
• About 23,000 customers are currently without power.
If you’re out of power, please report your outage:
• Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
• Text OUT to LIGHTS (544487)
• Or use the “Outages” link at firstenergycorp.com
⚠️ Safety reminder:
• Assume all downed or low-hanging power lines are energized and dangerous.
• Stay at least 30 feet away.
• Use extra caution where lines are tangled in trees or debris.
• Report downed lines immediately by calling 911.
📲 Stay informed:
• FirstEnergy customers can sign up for email and text alerts after reporting an outage.
• You can also use two-way texting to report outages, request restoration updates, and ask account questions.
• More info: firstenergycorp.com/connect

🗺️ For the latest outage maps and storm restoration updates, visit FirstEnergy’s 24/7 Power Center. In the PA Outage Maps, expand the Summary section on the left to see outage counts by county/municipality.
Let’s continue to look out for one another.

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09/04/2026

A great evening with the men and women of Derry Township VFD Co.1 of Bradenville at their Fire Prevention Night! Getting out of the station, meeting families and bringing first responders and other organizations together is what this night was all about. It was a chance to see the dedication that goes into protecting our beloved community.

It was wonderful to see the Greensburg Bloodhound Team there as well!

Our first responders are the ones we count on in an emergency, and they deserve to know we have their backs! Thank you to Derry Township Fire Department and all of the agencies who joined them and for putting safety, education and preparedness first!

09/03/2026

The Export office will close at noon on Friday, September 4th and the New Kensington office will be closed all day. Both offices will be closed Monday, September 7th in observance of the holiday.

If you need to reach the office during this time, please leave a voicemail and someone from the office will return your call on Tuesday, September 8th.

09/03/2026

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) are inviting public input about their draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan.

The draft plan and public comment form are available online at https://www.pa.gov/wildlife-action-plan. Comments must be submitted by Sept. 19.

According to the agencies, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan was first developed in 2005 and has since served as the Commonwealth’s blueprint “to conserve Pennsylvania’s native fish and wildlife, maintain resilient habitat, and protect and enhance Species of Greatest Conservation Need.” As required by Congress, state wildlife action plans must be revised no less than every 10 years.

A wildlife action plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required for states to receive State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program funds. The Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan is scheduled to be delivered to the USFWS by Oct. 1.

Read more at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/newsroom/pgc-pfbc-seek-public-input-pa-wildlife-action-plan-aug2026.

09/02/2026

I was happy to be invited to join the Arnold Fire Department and City of Arnold Police Department as the fire department officially placed its new engine into service! Arnold firefighters take tremendous pride in their equipment, and this new engine is a great addition that will help them continue protecting the City of Arnold and surrounding communities. It is an important investment in the safety of our residents and the dedicated first responders who are always ready to answer the call. The department was able to secure funding for the new engine through Pennsylvania's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Congratulations to the Arnold Fire Department on this exciting addition. Thank you to Chief Gartley and the firefighters for everything you do for our community!

09/02/2026

The school year is officially here! Wishing all students, teachers, administrators and school staff of the 55th District a safe and successful school year ahead!

To our students, work hard, be kind, ask questions and make the most of the year. Here's to a great school year ahead!