Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing held in the Capitol and co-chaired by State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on how police approach mental health calls. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg. The media and public are urged to watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . Requested by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, the hearing will feature testimony from Delaware County officials and mental health experts. Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Jack Stollsteimer , Delaware County district attorney. Tim Boyce , director, Delaware County Department of Emergency Services. Tim Comly, lead mobile crisis specialist, Delaware County Crisis Connects Team. Cori Seilhamer, mental health program specialist and certified CIT coordinator, Franklin/Fulton County Office of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention. Christine Michaels , CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone PA. Elizabeth Sinclair Hancq, director of research, Treatment Advocacy Center. Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . ### Read more
SPRINGFIELD Aug. 5 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara applauded over $850,000 in grant funding awarded to Cabrini University, Eastern University, Valley Forge Military College, Delaware County Community College and Villanova University. The five postsecondary institutions within O’Mara’s legislative district received the following amounts: Cabrini University: $96,215 Eastern University: $108,458 Valley Forge Military College: $56,842 Delaware County Community College: $493,101 Villanova University: $104,982 The funding, which was made available from the federal CARES Act, will help the schools implement public health and safety plans so they may resume operations this fall. It will be used to help keep students, faculty and staff safe and assist in meeting the unique challenges of providing education during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Reopening schools, including colleges and universities, has been a complicated, multi-dimensional process in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. There isn’t one right or wrong way to approach it, so I’m confident that this funding will help these schools determine the best way to resume learning this fall and cater to the unique needs of their students,” O’Mara said. “Ensuring that Pennsylvania’s postsecondary schools remain on track for the academic year is a crucial element in restoring our economic Read more
This summer has been unlike any other, but I’m glad to see our community make the most of it despite the difficult circumstances. I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of celebrating the summer season as safely and responsibly as possible. Read more
MORTON July 27 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara will hold a community forum, “Building Unity in Morton Borough” to discuss how everyone can work together to nurture a supportive and safe community. The discussion will begin promptly at 7 p.m. July 29 outside Morton Borough Hall, 500 Highland Ave. This is an outdoor event and face masks must be worn. In case of inclement weather, the forum will take place on Aug. 5. O’Mara will be joined by a panel of elected leaders, Morton residents and the Morton police chief. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions centered around coming together to build unity in Morton. “As our nation continues to reel in the aftershock of George Floyd’s murder, I was approached by local Morton residents about planning a community forum so we can have meaningful discussions right here in our town,” O’Mara said. “My goal is to have everyone come with open hearts and minds so we can work toward making Morton a stronger and safer community for all.” Questions may be directed to O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878. Read more
I hope you’re all staying healthy, well and cool as we’re currently experiencing an excessive heat warning throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. The hottest times of the day are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so remember, “10 to 3: it’s not for me!” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 17 – Workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic could see hazard pay through funding advocated for by the Pennsylvania House Democrats. Eligible employers can now apply for $50 million in available grants to offer hazard pay to frontline workers in life-sustaining industries. Throughout the COVID-19 health crisis, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus has fought to support frontline workers and worked to ensure federal CARES Act dollars were allocated as part of the state budget package. Businesses in the following industries are eligible to apply for the grant funding: Health care and social assistance Food manufacturing Food retail facilities Public transit and ground passenger transportation Security services Janitorial services to buildings and dwellings More information on the grants is available here . Since the very beginning of the pandemic, and during 2020-21 budget negotiations, House Democrats have advocated for fair compensation and protections for frontline workers. Democratic state representatives from across Pennsylvania lauded the opening of the new grant program. Northeast Region Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe : "I am a strong advocate for better wages and conditions for all workers. During times of financial uncertainty, hazard pay is crucial for all frontline workers facing increased exposure to the COVID-19 Read more
4-page summer newsletter detailing local COVID-19 resources, updates on reforming Pennsylvania's police force, grants awarded to the district and more. Read more
As we head into the holiday weekend, I wanted to share some information that I hope you find informative and useful. Read more
WAYNE, June 29 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that the Wayne Senior Center has been approved for a $23,194 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. This funding will go toward the center’s technology needs, including expanding its programming to include virtual reality and armchair travel. “I know that many constituents were impacted by senior centers closing during the stay-at-home order, so I’m proud to see funding come through to help them stay afloat,” O’Mara said, who serves on the House’s Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. “This grant will help ensure that the Wayne Senior Center can continue to offer not only the same critical services it did before the pandemic, but also strengthen its technological capabilities to better serve its patrons.” There are more than 500 senior community centers throughout Pennsylvania that provide a variety of offerings, such as nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and exercise programs. Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery help to fund these programs every year. For more information on senior community centers, visit aging.pa.gov/SCC . Read more
HARRISBURG, June 26 – Legislation to declare the bridge on Morton Avenue, a portion of State Route 2025, as “Capt. Michael Malinowski, Sr. Memorial Bridge” unanimously passed the House as omnibus H.B. 1597 on Wednesday, June 24. House Bill 1597 sought to re-name several bridges and roads throughout the commonwealth after area veterans and first responders. O’Mara’s motion to honor Malinowski can be found in section seven of the bill. Malinowski was the captain of Morton Rutledge Volunteer Fire Co. and passed away on Dec. 3, 2019. This was only one day after he reported feeling ill after responding to a call regarding downed trees and wires. Malinowski is widely remembered for his selfless service to the community and for serving on the company’s board of directors where he provided department trainings and helped repair the company’s crew room. “The loss of Captain Malinowski was a tragic and devastating one. He was an instrumental member of the Morton-Rutledge Fire Company, and his department and community sorely miss him,” O’Mara said. “This fallen hero is so deserving of this bridge dedication for protecting and serving his community. I believe honoring his legacy is the least we can do to show our thanks and respect.” For more information, contact O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878. Read more
Tomorrow Pennsylvania recognizes Juneteenth National Freedom Day. Read more
Without a doubt there is a lot going on right now in Delco, and around the world. We were called to stand united to fight a global pandemic, which still remains within our community and surrounding areas. Read more
While I support the swift, bipartisan action taken to pass a state budget plan, I could not support the central House-written bill within the complete budget package of legislation signed into law by the governor today. In that bill, majority House leadership left a $300 million deficit in property tax relief. I was able to vote to fill that gap in a different budget-related bill thankfully led by cooler heads in the Senate. The bottom line is that this year’s temporary budget is critical to keep school doors open through the next school year. First and foremost, students cannot afford to go without classroom or properly equipped home instruction any longer. You also could call this budget an expeditionary budget, as it provides the first five months of funding to most state agencies, but 12 months of funding to education at the same levels as last year’s budget. The overall state plan consists of the $25 billion General Fund allotment as well as $2.6 billion in federal funding that Pennsylvania received from the CARES Act. Pennsylvanians will not see any new taxes for at least the next six months. From the $2.6 billion CARES Act funding, the following money has been earmarked to directly offset the ravaging effect COVID-19 is taking on Pennsylvania. $632M for vulnerable populations including long-term care centers and nursing homes, who have been impacted the most by COVID-19 $150M toward worker protections $870M for business and local services Read more
Tomorrow is the Pennsylvania primary, so whether you are voting in-person or by mail, be sure you are prepared. Read more
I hope you continue to stay safe and well during this uncertain time for our commonwealth. I wanted to take a moment to let the residents of the 165th Legislative District know that I am listening and reading every message that you send to my office with your concerns, fears, and ideas. Read more
I hope that you’re all doing well and staying healthy during this uncertain time. Thankfully, I have some uplifting information to share with you regarding Pennsylvania’s phased reopening process. Read more
Despite this difficult and uncertain time we’re facing, I’m so proud to see Delco standing strong. Read more
As we’re working toward overcoming this difficult time in our nation’s history, I hope you’re doing your part and staying home. Read more
I hope you’re safe and healthy in the comfort of your home. This is a challenging time in Pennsylvania’s history, but remember that we’re all in this together. If we continue to be supportive of one another, our community will come out of this stronger than ever. Read more
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