News Center

Miss my latest Tele-Town Hall? Catch up on the discussion here!

(Feb 26, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

Find out what your friends and neighbors had to say about vaccines, unemployment issues, school funding and much, much more. Read more

 

Rep. O'Mara's Feb. 2021 Newsletter

(Feb 24, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

Rep. O'Mara's winter 2021 newsletter features a summary of bills O'Mara authored, how to apply for unemployment benefits, the coronavirus vaccine, helpful community resources and more. Read more

 

O’Mara reappointed to Public Higher Education Funding Commission

(Feb 23, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced her reappointment to the state legislature’s Public Higher Education Funding Commission. The purpose of the commission is to review and make recommendations related to higher education funding, affordability and effectiveness, administration, and operations. O’Mara, who also organized the House Student Debt Caucus, will help develop a higher education funding formula for the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities and four state-related universities, which are Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln universities. Funding for the 18 higher education institutions will be determined on a case-by-case basis considering factors such as goals for higher education, virtual learning needs, graduation, retention and enrollment rates, student debt and financial aid, and any other factors related to higher education and the distribution of funding. The General Assembly would then need to authorize the proposed funding formula. “I’m honored to be reappointed to this commission and re-evaluate what higher education institutions need most right now as we continue recovering from COVID-19,” O’Mara said. “We faced unchartered territory in the last year that created countless hurdles in our higher education system. As we begin crafting our annual budget in Harrisburg, I’ll be able to bring these issues to the forefront of the Read more

 

O’Mara announces telephone town hall for Feb. 25

(Feb 22, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 22 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, invites residents of the 165th Legislative District to participate in a telephone town hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb 25. Residents of the district will receive a call to their home phones around 7 p.m. that day. To “attend” the meeting, people will be asked to stay on the phone. Anyone wanting to make sure they receive the phone call, or to register a cellphone, can register at https://tthm.wufoo.com/forms/register-for-rep-jennifer-omaras-teletownhall/ . The meeting will include discussion of issues of importance in the state and district, such as the coronavirus vaccine, revitalizing Pennsylvania’s economy, education and more. People can listen in and ask questions or leave feedback when the meeting has ended. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing RepOMara@pahouse.net . “A telephone town hall is a great way to connect with as many residents as possible in a safe, accessible way,” O’Mara said. “I look forward to hearing from constituents and addressing some of our community’s top concerns as we continue battling COVID-19.” For more information, call O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878. Read more

 

BI-WEEKLY E-BLAST (Jan. 28): Important PEUC, PUA and vaccine information

(Jan 28, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

Between COVID-19 vaccine distribution and Delaware County establishing its own health department, my office has recently been receiving several questions centered around the pandemic. Read more

 

O’Mara appointed to Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency board

(Jan 21, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

SPRINGFIELD, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that she will serve as a member of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency board of directors. “Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for highest student loan debt, with graduates owing an average of $38,000,” O’Mara said. “Receiving an education in Pennsylvania forces borrowers to postpone major life decisions such as buying a home or getting married because of the skyrocketing costs. If we don’t address the student debt crisis, our commonwealth’s professional workforce will gradually dwindle.” As a founder of the bipartisan Student Debt Caucus, O’Mara said that finding solutions to Pennsylvanians’ rising student debt balance is among her top priorities as a legislator. She added that mounting student debt could impact not only the borrowers’ finances, but also the finances of their families, partners and grandparents. “Working with PHEAA will put me in a better position to understand factors that contribute to Pennsylvania’s student debt crisis. I’m looking forward to using this experience to help me draft legislation with other members of the Student Debt Caucus to benefit past, present and future borrowers,” O’Mara said. O’Mara’s appointment will last until June 30, 2021. She will attend her first board meeting today. Anyone who needs more Read more

 

BI-WEEKLY E-BLAST (Jan. 15): Calling for unity in 2021

(Jan 19, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

The last two weeks kicked off the beginning of a new legislative session. On January 5, I was sworn in for my second term serving you. Read more

 

O’Mara applauds $3.2 million in COVID-19 relief for three area school districts

(Jan 19, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

SPRINGFIELD, Jan. 19 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that three public schools in her legislative district received federal stimulus funds to help offset the financial impact of COVID-19. Stimulus funds will support food programs, technological improvements and other education services. Funding will be distributed as follows: Marple Newtown SD: $913,628. Radnor Township SD: $1.85 million. Springfield SD: $511,410. “We’re almost one year into the COVID-19 public health crisis and it remains unclear how long students will continue to learn under a hybrid plan. As school districts, the legislature and Department of Health continue working on safely getting students back into the classroom full-time, this funding will help students of all ages stay on track this academic year.” O’Mara said. “My office also receives countless calls from individuals having issues with unemployment, so I know families throughout the community will sincerely appreciate the continuation of these schools’ food programs.” The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress in December. This round of funding included $2.2 billion in funding distributed to K-12 school districts and charter schools throughout the commonwealth Read more

 

O’Mara announces three It’s On US PA grants to help combat sexual assault at local colleges and universities

(Jan 13, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

RADNOR, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that three higher education institutions received It’s On Us PA state grants for from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which aims to reduce instances of sexual violence on university campuses. Grants will be distributed as follows: Cabrini University: $30,000. Eastern University: $30,000. Delaware County Community College: up to $15,350. “In order to end sexual violence, we need to examine this issue from many different angles. Supporting survivors is a worthwhile mission, but it’s crucial we do more to prevent these instances from happening in the first place,” O’Mara said. “This funding is a valuable investment in safety, well-being and character of not just college students, but the working professionals of tomorrow.” Delaware County Community College is one of five applicants that received It’s on Us carryover dollars. PDE is able to offer additional grant awards totaling $76,753 to the next five highest-scoring applicants as part of the 2020-2021 It’s on Us grant competition. The grants announced today may be used through May 2022 to address goals of the It’s On Us PA campaign, including: Improve awareness, prevention, reporting and response systems regarding sexual violence in college. Remove or reduce barriers that prevent survivors of Read more

 

O’Mara elected chairwoman of powerful Southeast Delegation

(Jan 12, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – The House Democratic Caucus’ Southeast Delegation elected Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, as the delegation’s chair for this legislative session. As chairwoman, O’Mara will lead the 35-member delegation on legislative initiatives and negotiations. The southeast delegation is the caucus’ largest and fastest-growing delegation, consisting of members from Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties. “I’m humbled that my colleagues chose me to lead the southeast delegation for the next two years,” O’Mara said. “As someone who doesn’t come from a political family -- my dad was a firefighter and my mom a school bus driver-- my experiences growing up are the reality of many hard-working Pennsylvanians. I am honored to lead the delegation and look forward to lifting up the voices of not just my constituents, but every Pennsylvanian in need of social and economic equity.” O’Mara took the oath of office on Jan. 5 to begin her second term. She said that she will continue to focus in the new term on supporting first responders, addressing the student debt crisis and removing the stigma surrounding mental health. Questions may be directed to O’Mara’s office by calling 610-544-9878. Read more

 

Farry, O’Mara announce grant to support "Sound the Alarm. Save a Life." initiative

(Jan 12, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG – Reps. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) and Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware) today announced a $60,000 grant to the American Red Cross in support of The Home Fire Campaign, specifically to provide smoke alarms for “Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.” initiative. The grant is being awarded through the Keystone Communities program with the Department of Community and Economic Development. Launched in 2014, “Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.” aims to reduce home fire deaths and injuries. These smoke alarm installations, carried out by the Red Cross and community partners have resulted in more than 100,000 free smoke alarms being installed in Pennsylvania homes. With a priority on protecting the safety and well-being of all since the onset of COVID-19, Sound the Alarm events, as well as in-person home fire safety and preparedness presentations have been postponed. However, the Red Cross has partnered with organizations currently providing in-home services, such as fire departments, home weatherization, and visiting rehabilitation programs. While in the home delivering these services, partner organizations will also install smoke alarms. “As a volunteer firefighter, I understand the importance of not only providing people with the tools necessary to keep them safe, but ensuring we educate our communities on the vital significance of the early warnings of dangers provided Read more

 

O’Mara announces committee appointments for second term

(Jan 11, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today received four committee assignments for the 2021-22 legislative session. She will return to two committees that she served on last session as well as begin work with two new committees. “I am thrilled to announce my new committee assignments for the 2021-22 legislative session. The committees I’m joining are reflective of some of my priorities as a legislator — to support our first responders, to protect workers, to fund critical infrastructure investments, and to make sure our state is acting in a fiscally responsible way,” O’Mara said. O’Mara is now a member of the following committees for the 2021-22 legislative session. Asterisks indicate committees that she served on in her first term and will return to: *Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness: Reviews legislation concerning Pennsylvanians who serve and have served in the U.S. armed forces, Pennsylvania National Guard, and firefighting, emergency medical, emergency management, and homeland security services. Finance: Reviews bills relating to all financial matters for the state. Tax collection rates and policies are regularly reviewed, as well as policies that create or build on programs financed by the state. Labor and Industry: Reviews legislation on issues such as the state’s minimum wage, unemployment compensation, workers’ Read more

 

O’Mara takes oath for second term

(Jan 05, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her second term representing the 165th Legislative District in Delaware County. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. O’Mara also serves as vice chair to the House Democrats’ Southeast Delegation and co-chair of the bipartisan Fire and Emergency Services Caucus. O’Mara said that she will continue to focus on providing for first responders, addressing the student debt crisis and removing the stigma surrounding mental health in the new term. She will receive committee assignments later in the month. "I’m humbled to once again represent the people of the 165th Legislative District. I’ve spent the last two years understanding what matters most to the people of our district, so even though today is swearing-in day, I’m already hard at work drafting legislation based off their input,” O’Mara said. She added that her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. The phone number is (610) 544-9878. O’Mara is one of 59 female members in the House, the most to date. There are 32 Democrats and 27 Republicans. Read more

 

O’Mara begins second term with calls to increase government transparency

(Jan 05, 2021) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, introduced a proposed change to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ operating rules which would allow Pennsylvanians to be more involved in the lawmaking process. O’Mara’s amendment would increase transparency by giving the public more time -- a full 24 hours -- to provide input on legislation before it could pass the House. O’Mara said that under current House rules, elected representatives must only wait three hours before voting on a bill for final passage. “The current three hours is not enough time for the people to dissect and seriously consider both sides to a bill,” O’Mara said. “What I’m proposing is more than a rules change, it’s a call for legislators to come together and bring their constituents’ specific input on legislation into the House chamber. We debate bills that could impact every resident of this commonwealth; their voices need to be heard.” O’Mara is one of 10 House Democratic members introducing proposed changes to the House operating rules under a “People Before Politics” plan. The plan aims to increase openness, transparency and citizen control of the legislative process. More information on the plan is available here or by calling O’Mara’s office at 610-544-9878. Read more

 

House Democrats fight to increase transparency and accountability, make sure the people come first

(Jan 04, 2021) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – A group of 10 House Democrats announced the introduction of changes to the Operating Rules of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to reduce the impact of partisan politics, make sure ideas with broad public support get a fair hearing, and restore the people’s faith in government after the damage done by extremists in Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg. The People Before Politics plan was crafted with this central idea: lawmakers work for the people, not the other way around. It focuses on openness, transparency and citizen control of the legislative process. The People Before Politics plan includes the following proposals: Amendment 1 – The Voice of the People, sponsored by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila. This amendment would make sure each House member has an opportunity to speak at a designated time during the first full session day of the week on any topic, similar to how the U.S. House of Representatives allows members to speak. This change would end the requirement of “unanimous consent” so often abused by extremists to silence members and prevent legislative topics bottled up in committee from being heard by the people. Amendment 2 – Let the People See, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware . This amendment would restore the rule requiring a full 24 hours before final passage of any bill, including all bills amended in the House chamber or in committee, or sent over from the state Read more

 

Our Year in Review

(Dec 30, 2020) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

It’s hard to believe but this year is finally almost over. I know 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in most of our lifetimes. Read more

 

O’Mara, Kearney announce $3M in regional grants

(Dec 29, 2020) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

SPRINGFIELD, Dec. 29 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware/Chester, congratulated Springfield Hospital, Villanova University and Delaware County’s 911 communications system operators on securing $3 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants. Awards will be distributed as follows: Springfield Hospital received $500,000 to put toward construction costs. This grant will help fund the renovation of space on the hospital’s main floor to become the new home of the Center for Family Health. This will include 15 examination rooms, two counseling offices, a clinical support area, waiting area, nurse's station, staff lounge, lab and dedicated rooms for psychology, procedures, assessment/triage and other critical patient services. Villanova University received $1 million to create a new space for the university’s popular, award-winning theater and arts programs. Delaware County 911 communications received $1.5 million to strengthen the security and reliability of the county’s public safety communication system. This includes 24 tower upgrades to provide acceptable county-wide communication coverage, shelter structures, an ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions and 911 center equipment to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens, first responders and with surrounding counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Delaware County elected officials laud $1.5M grant to strengthen 911 system

(Dec 29, 2020) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – State representatives and senators from Delaware County applauded a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program award to strengthen the county’s 911 system. Through bipartisan efforts, elected officials helped secure grants to benefit more than 560,000 Pennsylvanians and help Delaware County’s first responders. This project will strengthen the security and reliability of the county’s public safety communication system. This includes 24 tower upgrades to provide acceptable county-wide communication coverage, shelter structures, an ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions and 911 center equipment to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens, first responders and with surrounding counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. “Calling 911 and receiving a timely response has been an issue for years throughout Delaware County,” House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., said. “Thankfully, this funding will help streamline our communications system to ensure that residents in crisis can quickly receive help and support. I’m proud to see lawmakers from both the House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, come together for the safety of the people we represent.” “I’ve heard from many constituents about frustrations they’ve experienced with calling 911 since 2016,” Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 23): Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday

(Dec 23, 2020) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

As we approach Christmas, I know many of us are making difficult decisions on how to celebrate this year. My husband, Brad, and I will stay home and either call or video chat with our loved ones instead of visiting them in person. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 11): Celebrating safely this holiday season

(Dec 11, 2020) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is almost over. The holidays are coming up fast, and what is normally a time filled with gatherings with loved ones, traveling and shopping for presents is completely different this year. Read more

 

Miss my latest Tele-Town Hall? Catch up on the discussion here!
Feb 26, 2021

Rep. O'Mara's Feb. 2021 Newsletter
Feb 24, 2021

O’Mara reappointed to Public Higher Education Funding Commission
Feb 23, 2021

O’Mara announces telephone town hall for Feb. 25
Feb 22, 2021

BI-WEEKLY E-BLAST (Jan. 28): Important PEUC, PUA and vaccine information
Jan 28, 2021

O’Mara appointed to Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency board
Jan 21, 2021

BI-WEEKLY E-BLAST (Jan. 15): Calling for unity in 2021
Jan 19, 2021

O’Mara applauds $3.2 million in COVID-19 relief for three area school districts
Jan 19, 2021

O’Mara announces three It’s On US PA grants to help combat sexual assault at local colleges and universities
Jan 13, 2021

O’Mara elected chairwoman of powerful Southeast Delegation
Jan 12, 2021

Farry, O’Mara announce grant to support "Sound the Alarm. Save a Life." initiative
Jan 12, 2021

O’Mara announces committee appointments for second term
Jan 11, 2021

O’Mara takes oath for second term
Jan 05, 2021

O’Mara begins second term with calls to increase government transparency
Jan 05, 2021

House Democrats fight to increase transparency and accountability, make sure the people come first
Jan 04, 2021

Our Year in Review
Dec 30, 2020

O’Mara, Kearney announce $3M in regional grants
Dec 29, 2020

Delaware County elected officials laud $1.5M grant to strengthen 911 system
Dec 29, 2020

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 23): Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday
Dec 23, 2020

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 11): Celebrating safely this holiday season
Dec 11, 2020