Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

March 27, 2025

Prioritizing Penn State New Ken

Throughout the budget process in Harrisburg, elected officials and staff often use the word “priorities.” Much like Pennsylvania families and businesses, the supply of money is not endless and therefore, we must prioritize and sometimes place one need ahead of another.

I argue that, in government, prioritizing is even more important. The money being spent is not Harrisburg’s; it’s yours. Those who fund the government rightfully expect its core services to operate efficiently in return. This is especially true for education, considering it is one of Harrisburg’s largest funding draws.

This is why Pennsylvania State University’s February announcement that officials are considering closing some of their branch campuses was particularly concerning. Penn State New Kensington is most certainly a priority.

First and foremost, the New Kensington campus provides higher education to students who may not have the means or opportunity to attend larger campuses. This includes 
a diverse range of first-generation students, including non-traditional learners and underserved populations.

I say this with firsthand experience, as a proud first-generation college student that took summer classes at Penn State New Kensington. Also, my district staffer, Alaina Adams, is a proud Penn State New Ken graduate. Higher education is one of several paths that leads to a young person’s successful career and this path must not pass exclusively through Happy Valley.

In the world of economic development, Penn State New Kensington had a vision when it partnered with the local community to create The Corner Launchbox and Digital Foundry New Kensington. These programs foster innovation by helping local businesses embrace new technology.

These programs benefit not just students but have been an important part of New Kensington’s revitalization. Technology developer TECfusions, in nearby Upper Burrell, is planning to build a data center on a nearly 1,400-acre shuttered site in New Kensington. Nearby, the advanced manufacturing company Re:Build Manufacturing recently opened its doors; and Premier Labs, which provides local companies with automation, robotics and artificial intelligence needs, is setting up shop. 

Essential to the conversation is that Penn State is the Commonwealth’s only “land-grant university.” This is a designation through federal legislation passed in 1862 that enabled states to sell federal lands. In return, there is a threefold mission: teaching, research and outreach. Clearly, the important work ongoing at Penn State New Ken is an important part of that mission.

It’s also important to note that Penn State is one of the state’s four “state-related universities.” As such, the General Assembly appropriates funding for the primary use of reducing tuition costs for in-state students. 

The allocation of these funds, roughly $600 million annually, has been contentious in recent years and for good reason. The current process lacks important transparency on how these taxpayer dollars are spent.

So, when it was announced that Beaver Stadium in State College is undergoing a $700 million renovation, the need for transparency on the part of any university receiving taxpayer dollars has become incredibly apparent. As mentioned above, money spent by the General Assembly is not Harrisburg’s – it’s yours.

This is not to argue against cost-cutting measures, including consolidations and mergers, being used to save taxpayer dollars. But the process must consider every impacted stakeholder. On this subject, that includes prioritizing existing and potential students, as well as the entire New Kensington community.

Therefore, I am introducing a House resolution that pushes these decisions be made in the most transparent manner possible and it be demonstrated how the possible closures align with the university’s land grant mission. The proposal also directs school officials to explore all other options.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Checks are in the Mail for Money Match Program Recipients - The Pennsylvania Money Match initiative, which automatically returns certain unclaimed property from the state, is disbursing more than $1.7 million to its rightful owners this week. 

According to Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, 7,380 checks are being issued in this first round of the Money Match program. In May, as many as 40,000 additional checks could be issued to single owners of unclaimed property valued at up to $500, following a thorough identification and verification process. 

This program was made possible by the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 24, which was signed into law as Act 81 of 2024.

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to check the state’s unclaimed property database at patreaury.gov for any property valued at more than $500 that may be owed to them. A more formal claim process must be followed to have that property returned. 

You need not pay anyone to help reunite you with property that belongs to you. For assistance with an unclaimed property claim, please contact my Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 or my New Kensington office at 724-472-4102.

New Turnpike Texting Service Launched - The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) has officially launched a new text messaging service, offering customers real-time communication during unexpected traffic backlogs.

This service is free, available 24/7 and designed only for PA Turnpike customers experiencing unexpected backlog. By texting “info” to 47676, drivers receive automated, location-specific information about the incident, anticipated clearance times and roadway updates.

Here’s how it works: While at a complete stop in a location where it is safe to remain stationary, through hands-free devices and voice command, or through a passenger in the car, text “info” to 47676. Users will be walked through prompts to verify their backlog location using GPS. Once confirmed, the service provides automated updates every 15-20 minutes, including what happened, how long it will take to clear and other roadway updates. Texts stop after an incident clears. To reactivate the service for a new incident, text 47676 again. This is not used for daily commuter traffic or constructed-related delays.

Turnpike officials also remind drivers that Paul Miller’s Law goes into effect in June, prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. Drivers are expected to follow this and all other applicable laws and regulations related to the use of mobile devices in vehicles.


Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper