Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

February 19, 2026

Bringing Back the Art of Cursive

In an age when most communication happens through screens and keyboards, the graceful loops and lines of cursive handwriting might seem like something from another era.

But for me, and for many Pennsylvanians who value both tradition and literacy, this topic is about far more than nostalgia — it’s an essential skill we’ve let slip too far away. That’s why I’m proud to have co-sponsored legislation to bring cursive writing back into Pennsylvania schools.

Cursive is not just a way of writing — it’s a way of thinking. Research shows that learning cursive improves fine motor skills, strengthens memory, and helps students make meaningful connections between reading and writing. More importantly, it helps preserve a personal, human touch in a fast-moving digital world. There’s something powerful about signing your own name in your own hand, a mark of identity and pride that no keyboard can replace.

Several studies made the connection that when students engaged in the act of writing information, instead of typing it, they are more likely to recall the information and apply a future use for it. Comparatively, the results were even better when the students wrote in a more rhythmic fashion, limiting the number of times the writing utensil is lifted from the paper.

Ultimately, researchers surmised that flowing motions of cursive writing help reinforce neural connections and build hand-eye coordination in developing brains. Students who learn cursive handwriting show improved language fluency, enhanced creativity and better recall.

Interestingly, the New York Times reported the College Board found students who wrote in cursive for the essay portion of the SAT scored slightly higher than those who printed, which experts believe is because the speed and efficiency of writing in cursive allowed the students to focus on the content of their essays.

Pennsylvania is joining a growing national movement. Twenty-five other states have passed laws requiring students to learn cursive once again. We’re part of a wave of communities recognizing that foundational communication skills never go out of style — they adapt and endure.

For me, this issue is also deeply personal. My daughter was taught cursive in school, but my son was not. Today, she can easily read notes from my parents, while he struggles to make out those same letters and family recipes written in beautiful script. He also can’t fully engage with many of our founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and personal letters of early Americans, because they’re written in cursive.

That gap showed me firsthand what’s at stake. I want future generations to feel connected to their history, their families and their heritage, through the words written by those who came before them.

The new law, Act 2 of 2026, ensures that every Pennsylvania student will once again learn this timeless skill, just as previous generations did. It’s not turning back the clock; it’s preparing students with tools for expression and comprehension and expanding their ability to appreciate historical documents, communicate confidently and understand language at a deeper level. 

Since the bill’s passage in the House, I am encouraged by the support from teachers, parents and community members across the Commonwealth. Together, we can help our students reclaim a valuable tradition — one that connects us to our history while strengthening our future.

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

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. 

Local Businesses Invited! – I am hosting a Business Roundtable to discuss what is working and the ongoing challenges encountered by local entrepreneurs. Join me Friday, March 20, 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville. Registration by March 16 is required. Contact Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or via email at rsavage@pahousegop.com.

MCAP Offers Service, Education Opportunity - Students looking for an affordable higher education and an opportunity to serve the Commonwealth may be interested in the prestigious Military College Assistance Program (MCAP).

Available through a partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard and Valley Forge Military College (VFMC), MCAP provides full tuition coverage for all four of a student’s undergraduate years in exchange for eight years of service with the National Guard. Students will receive a $420 monthly stipend as they complete their first two years of education at VFMC and then may transfer to another Pennsylvania school to continue receiving the MCAP tuition benefits. 

Learn more about the program at vfmcollege.edu. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.



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