Daley highlights bill for mental health training at schools

(May 20, 2024)

HARRISBURG, May 20 – As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, during a Capitol news conference today highlighted the need for school coaches to receive mental health training. Her legislation (H.B. 1367) would help to ensure that students, parents and guardians, athletic coaches and extracurricular advisors are all made aware of the availability of mental health services within a school and/or local community. The bill would also require that athletic coaches receive mental health awareness training similar to training required of other school personnel. “We expect our school professionals to be there for our children, so with modern concerns facing us, it’s imperative that we keep fresh the training resources that give our teachers and coaches the ability to do their jobs,” Daley said. “Nearly half of America’s youth struggle with mental health before turning 18. Unfortunately, teenagers might not come forward and might be fearful of seeking help because they don’t think it would be ‘mentally tough.’” “I stand today before you as someone who made a comeback from an injury that felt like the end of the world, and it likely would have been if not for the support of my coaches,” said Brynn Neidgh, a student-athlete at York Suburban who spoke in support of the bill. A recent study surveying more than 10,000 Read more

 

Daley, Briggs to hold Sunday morning paper shredding event on May 19

(May 08, 2024)

MERION STATION, May 8 – State Reps. Mary Jo Daley and Tim Briggs will hold a paper shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full, on Sunday, May 19. The free event will take place at Har Zion Temple, 1500 Hagys Ford Road in Penn Valley. Residents who live in the 148 th or 149 th Legislative districts are encouraged to bring their old, sensitive documents such as tax paperwork, utility bills and bank statements to be securely shredded on site. There is a three-box limit, and the event will be held rain or shine. “Securely shredding paper can help reduce the incidence of identity theft, plus the paper will be recycled,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “I hope to see you there.” “This is a great opportunity to secure some peace of mind and extra space,” Briggs said. “Events like these provide a valuable service and give us the opportunity to connect with the community.” More information for those interested is available by contacting Daley’s office at 610-832-1679 or Briggs’ office at 610-768-3135. Read more

 

REVIEW: My Senior Fair is Thursday, May 9

(May 06, 2024)

I will be holding my Senior Fair from 10 a.m. to noon this Thursday, May 9 at Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Road in Wynnewood. Read more

 

Daley legislation to expand use of Alkaline Hydrolysis in PA passes House

(May 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, May 1 – A Pennsylvania House bill providing for a human cremation process known as alkaline hydrolysis passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, said Rep. Mary Jo Daley, sponsor of the legislation. Alkaline hydrolysis, sometimes called water cremation, is a method of cremation that uses an alkaline solution and a pressurized steel chamber to break the body down to an ash component. The combination of the alkaline solution, pressure, and heat creates the ash, similar to flame cremation, which requires high amounts of energy. “As the demand for cremation builds, it’s important to note that heat over 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary – and that requires a lot of energy consumption in crematoriums,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “When people think that cremation offers a greener end of life than a burial does, it’s important to keep this perspective in mind.” Water cremation is estimated to use about a quarter of the energy traditional cremations use, according to the Mayo Clinic. "The proposed legislation aims to provide Pennsylvanians with interment choices that are not only kinder but also environmentally sustainable compared to existing options," Daley said. “Complex problems require complex solutions, and it is important to keep up with these advancements in end-of-life care.” “Cremation is typically seen as a more Read more

 

Daley fights ‘use or lose’ leave policies in Pa. with bill protecting workers

(Apr 29, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 29 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley is introducing a House bill to limit employers in Pennsylvania from enacting “use it or lose it” leave policies at workplaces. So called “use it or lose it” paid time-off policies prevent employees from carrying over or cashing out their leave after a certain period has passed, such as the end of a calendar year. While new leave may be provided to employees, typically under these policies, any time earned but not used is forfeited without compensation. “We want to prevent any trend toward employers using these policies because paid time off is money earned by a worker; those wages and time must not be allowed to be taken back,” Daley said. “Workers deserve fair protections in state law against unscrupulous practices, and that’s what this bill would do.” Use-or-lose policies are prohibited in California, Colorado, Montana, and Nebraska. In these states, while employers may place caps on vacation and other leave accruals, unused accrued paid time off is generally considered wages that, once earned, cannot be taken away from employees. Daley is seeking co-sponsorship among her Republican and Democratic colleagues in the House. “While it may seem easy to those in some professions to encourage workers to use their vacation and other paid time off, many employees are denied the use of leave multiple times by their supervisors,” Read more

 

Daley announces May 9 Senior Fair in Wynnewood

(Apr 25, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley will host her annual Senior Fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 9 at Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Road in Wynnewood. This free event will feature numerous vendors all under one roof – including state, federal and local agencies, veterans’ organizations, insurance providers, community organizations and more. Main Line Health is slated to provide blood pressure screenings, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office will be making a presentation on scams relevant to seniors, as well. People 65 or older with a photo ID will be able to apply for or renew a SEPTA Senior Key Card at the event. SEPTA will accept the applications, and the cards will be mailed out to seniors once they are processed. “There’s something for every senior at the fair,” Daley said. “The aim is to improve the quality of life for area seniors, and I thank all of the fantastic vendors who will help deliver their services to our neighbors.” Read more

 

Daley: Graffiti incident does not reflect values of Wynnewood

(Apr 01, 2024)

MERION STATION, April 1 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, today released the following statement regarding antisemitic graffiti at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El. “We stand with the Jewish community. Hate has no home here. It is deeply troubling that some still stoke hate, division, and fear in our own backyard. But I am confident that acts like the one we saw over the weekend are feeble in the face of a united community. The memories of these affronts are overcome by the knowledge that when someone commits an act of harm against a community, the community carries on in the face of adversity. “We hope that police find the perpetrator and that justice can be carried out. And finally, we know that this act in no way accurately reflects the community we know and love.” Read more

 

Daley invites Whitemarsh and Lower Merion residents to ‘Meet the Rep’ event

(Mar 28, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 28 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, is hosting a meet and greet for constituents from the 148 th Legislative District from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 4 at the Whitemarsh Township Building, 312 Old Lancaster Road, Merion Station. This is an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Daley and her staff on various state government-related matters. Daley and her team will be available to help with state government-related programs and services. Whether residents have questions about local initiatives, need assistance navigating government resources, or want to discuss any concerns, Daley said the meet and greet is the perfect platform to voice opinions and get the help that’s needed. "Engagement with our community is essential for effective representation," Daley said. "I am excited to meet with constituents face to face and offer assistance wherever possible.” To ensure a productive and organized event, RSVPs are required. Please call 610-832-1679 or email RepMaryJoDaley@pahouse.net to register in advance. Read more

 

Daley announces 2 state grants for area construction projects

(Mar 26, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Two separate state grants were awarded to KGSB Investor LLC and Saint Joseph's University for those entities to complete needed pedestrian safety infrastructure in the area, said state Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery. The grants originate from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. KGSB Investor LLC received $1,378,176 to build safe walkways accounting for bike, car and bus traffic at their planned mixed-use community in the City Ave District, Bala Cynwyd, Lower Merion Township. Saint Joseph’s University is receiving $727,930 to build an ADA-compliant pedestrian pathway at Kelly Academic Plaza in Lower Merion Township. "Congratulations to our grant recipients,” Daley said. “By receiving funding to construct pedestrian pathways, you're not just building paths; you're paving the way for safer, more accessible communities. Your dedication to enhancing walkability is truly commendable." Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. The CFA was established Read more

 

Honoring St. Patrick's Day in the Capitol

(Mar 22, 2024)

Pardon the cliché, but spring has sprung and with it, another year of my and my colleagues’ work honoring St. Patrick’s Day is in the books. Read more

 

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation to assist small businesses impacted by natural disasters

(Mar 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 22 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., announced that he plans to introduce legislation with a bipartisan group of legislators to assist small businesses that are affected by natural disasters. Khan said he will be joined by state Reps. Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Jason Ortitay, R-Washington/Allegheny; and Jose Giral, D-Phila, in introducing the legislation. the legislation would create a Small Business Catastrophe Savings Account, which would allow for small businesses to deposit pre-tax dollars into a specially designated savings account. Small businesses would be able to deduct this amount from their taxes; however, they would only be permitted to use these funds to help recover from a natural disaster when their insurance claim does not cover the full cost of rebuilding. If the small business needs the money in the future for another unrelated reason, the money could be withdrawn, but the business would need to remit all taxes owed. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and we must do all that we can to ensure a natural disaster -- that they have no control over -- does not completely upend their business,” Khan said. “This legislation is fair and gives these businesses the opportunity to be better prepared financially in the case of one of these catastrophes.” The lawmakers expressed their belief that allowing Read more

 

Khan ‘Michael’s Law’ Bill Highlighted in House Committee Hearing

(Mar 21, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, March 21 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee held a hearing at the Woodmere Art Museum about legislation introduced by state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila. Khan’s bill would require venues to waive admission fees for personal care attendants. This legislation is called “Michael’s Law” in honor of Michael Anderson, a Pennsylvania man with cerebral palsy, who was forced to pay a dual fee for entrance to a local museum because he required a paid personal-care aide to accompany him. “People with disabilities who require a personal care attendant should not have to pay double admission to go to a venue — once for themself and one for their vital caregiver,” Khan said. “Just as we wouldn't charge a EMT to enter a stadium because they were responding to a 911 call, we shouldn’t be charging people twice to enter a venue. This simple allowance opens venues for persons often marginalized in our society, and it is the right thing to do.” Committee Chair Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, echoed Khan’s sentiment for this legislation. “This legislation will help to ensure that those with disabilities are able to bring their caregivers with them to visit sports arenas, museums, theaters, and other venues,” she said. The committee heard from testifiers Read more

 

REVIEW: PA Budget Hearings Begin Next Week in Harrisburg

(Feb 16, 2024)

I write to you before state budget hearings begin next week in Harrisburg. An essential part of creating Pennsylvania’s fiscal spending plan each year, hearings are the stage for many critical discussions about Pennsylvania’s state government services. It’s where the governor’s cabinet is most accessible to the General Assembly, in a public setting. Read more

 

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access

(Jan 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – Today, on the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade , state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing the introduction of legislation regarding abortion rights. Rep. Khan was joined by fellow legislators and abortion-rights advocates. The legislation aims to remove unnecessary obstacles to safe abortion access by eliminating the requirement that abortion facilities meet the same regulations as ambulatory surgical centers. It would also remove the excessive mandate that abortion providers maintain admitting privileges or have transfer agreements at hospitals, which only blocks access to care. The legislators who have also prime-sponsored Khan’s bill are state Reps. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Mary Issacson, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Tara Probst, D-Monroe/Pike; Heather Boyd, D-Delaware; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia. "As a nurse, I know that restrictive abortion laws do not lower abortion rates — they just make them less safe," Khan said. "We must remove any unnecessary requirements from facilities that provide this care. Our bill increases access to safe abortion by increasing people's access to safe abortion Read more

 

February Meet the Rep.

(Jan 18, 2024)

Meet the Rep. Read more

 

Veterans invited to register now for Daley’s Veterans Tribute Lunch on Jan. 30

(Jan 11, 2024)

MERION STATION, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley is inviting veterans who live in the 148th Legislative District to her annual Veterans Tribute Lunch to be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 30 in the Spring Mill Ball Room, 1210 E. Hector St. in Conshohocken. The lunch is free for veterans and a guest. Registration is required. Those interested can RSVP by emailing RepMaryJoDaley@pahouse.net or by calling her office at 610-832-1679. Veterans can expect a lunch with local, regional, and state organizations that have valuable resources and information for Pennsylvania veterans. There also will be a personal memoir workshop, led by Villanova Writing Center Director Mary Beth Simmons and historian Dennis Montagna. “There is something for every veteran at our regional Veterans Tribute Lunch,” Daley said. “I look forward to helping veterans connect with one another and to helpful resources. All veterans gave some, and this is Pennsylvania’s way of giving back.” Read more

 

Winter 2024

(Jan 05, 2024)

Winter 2024 Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities

(Jan 04, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Human Services: OCDEL Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement Who May Apply: Eligible childcare providers will be notified via an eligibility letter from their Early Learning Resource Center. Providers must meet the requirements outlined here . Use: Staff qualifications and professional development, early childhood education programs, partnerships with families and communities, leadership and management, and accreditation costs. Funds: Grant amounts vary by provider. Grant funding comes from $12 million of federal Childcare Development Fund funds. Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2024 More information: Keystone STARS Website Department of Transportation: State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Incentive Program Who May Apply: To be eligible for STIC Incentive funding, the STIC or other equivalent task force, committee or group must be formally established with a charter, include public and private members, meet regularly, and comprehensively consider sources of innovation. Use: The State Transportation Innovation Council Incentive Program provides funding to help STICs foster a culture of innovation and make innovations standard practice in their states. Examples of allowable activities include but are not limited to: developing standards and specifications; developing training to facilitate widespread use of innovation, developing memoranda of agreement; preparing a report summarizing the lessons Read more

 

Over $260,000 in Arts and Culture Funding Awarded

(Dec 27, 2023)

Norristown, PA – December 20, 2023 – Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Montgomery/Delaware) today announced a slate of grant funding awarded to District Seventeen projects. At a meeting yesterday of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), $266,907 was awarded to multiple projects in Senate District Seventeen through the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program. The awards are as follows: Expressive Path Inc awarded $10,000 Located in Norristown Borough, Montgomery County. Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries awarded $21,972 Located in Lower Merion Township, Montogomery County and Philadelphia City, Philadelphia County. Kelly Music for Life, Inc. awarded $10,760 Located in Haverford Township, Delaware County. Main Line Art Center awarded $31,010 Located in Haverford Township, Delaware County. Norristown Zoological Society DBA Elmwood Park Zoo, Accredited Zoo awarded $95,000 Located in Norristown Borough, Montgomery County. Norristown Zoological Society DBA Elmwood Park Zoo, Performing Arts Organization awarded $21,728 Located in Norristown Borough, Montgomery County. Theatre Horizon awarded $33,508 Located in Norristown Borough, Montgomery County. Wayne Art Center awarded $42,929 Located in Radnor Township, Delaware County. “When we support the arts, not only are we Read more

 

Veterans Tribute Lunch

(Dec 27, 2023)

Registration is required. Please RSVP by emailing RepMaryJoDaley@pahouse.net or by calling my District Office at (610) 832-1679. Read more