Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

February 5, 2026

Helping Seniors Protect Their Assets

The retirement journey is different for every senior and their family.

For some, long-term plans may have been made years in advance. But for others, things don’t go as planned, leaving a senior and their family to be resourceful and make decisions based on new challenges.

When entering a senior living facility, such as a nursing facility or personal care home, it’s realistic that such a move can bring confusion and anxiety. The last thing your loved one should have to worry about is understanding the fine print on Medicaid applications.

This is why I co-sponsored and supported House Bill 348. If passed into law, new residents to senior care facilities and their loved ones or designated representatives will be provided with a notice that they have the option of having an attorney assist them with a Medicaid benefits application. 

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.

But this does not always have to be the case.

Often it is nursing home staff and non-legal agencies who provide direction and assistance to nursing home residents and their families in deciding whether or not to apply for Medicaid assistance to pay the nursing home costs. At times, they are unfamiliar with the regulations, complexities and strategies of Medicaid eligibility rules and laws. They also are not permitted by law to draft deeds, trusts or estate planning 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.

On another note, Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget address to kick off the 2026 budget negotiation cycle. Unfortunately, his proposal is to spend $53.26 billion during the 2026-27 fiscal year, which is a 5.4% spending hike. Because revenue during that same year is estimated at only $46.8 billion, he’s relying on policy shifts such as the legalization of recreational marijuana and taxing non-casino skill games to make up for the shortfall.  

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.

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.

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

Join Me Thursday for an Open House – My staff and I are looking forward to my next open house event! Gather with us at my Washington Township/Export Office, Thursday, Feb.12,11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,105 Pfeffer Road, Suite 5, in Export to enjoy refreshments, discuss what is happening in Harrisburg and here in the district, and learn how my office can help you. 

Your Opinion Counts - Concern continues to rise from parents and educators that students’ use of cell phones has become a serious distraction from learning. Different approaches to address the issue have been discussed in the General Assembly and I have created a survey for those 18 years of age or older to weigh in. You can find the survey on my website, RepJillCooper.com. 

Think Spring! Trout Stocking Schedule Available - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced its 2026 trout stocking schedule is now available online at pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat and on the FishBoatPA mobile app.  

The PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling. Stocking is set to begin the week of Feb. 16 in advance of the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 28, and the statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 4.

The 2026 adult trout stocking schedule is searchable by county; lists the waterways in alphabetical order; and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers and the species of trout that will be stocked at each location.



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