Feb. 21 e-mail: Supporting PA Families: Paid Leave & Crozer Health Updates

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara February 21, 2025

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Dear Neighbor,

As you might have heard, Gov. Josh Shapiro has taken decisive action by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the federal funding freeze. I fully support this effort to protect critical resources that have already been approved by Congress and ordered to be released by a federal judge. Withholding these funds from Pennsylvanians is not just harmful – it’s unlawful. These dollars support vital programs that help families afford necessities, strengthen our communities and fuel economic growth across the commonwealth. I expect our federal government to uphold the law and the Constitution, not play politics with funding that Pennsylvanians rely on.

I applaud Gov. Shapiro’s action, and I’ll post any updates regarding this ongoing matter on my social media pages as they arise.

Grants awarded to local fire companies

Congratulations to five of our community’s fire departments on receiving state grants! This funding will help provide essential resources, upgrade equipment and support the brave first responders who keep us safe every day.

A huge thank you to our local firefighters for their dedication and service!

Read more at https://shorturl.at/MvNWf.

It’s time for Paid Leave in PA

Seventy-two percent of Pennsylvania households have two parents actively working. Without paid leave, Pennsylvania’s working parents often have to make impossible choices between their own health, raising their children and paying the bills. These forced decisions are hurting Pennsylvania’s families. With nearly a quarter of new mothers reporting having to return to work within 10 days after giving birth, the lack of access to paid leave has prevented Pennsylvania’s babies from the essential bonding they need to thrive. That’s why I teamed up with my colleague Representative Natalie Mihalek to share why now is the time to pass the bipartisan Family Care Act. You can read our full op-ed here - Opinion: Paid leave for Pennsylvanians is an opportunity to put politics aside - City & State Pennsylvania

FTI Consulting to temporarily oversee Crozer Health

The group FTI Consulting will temporarily manage Crozer Health, so that their four Delco hospitals will remain open and operational. While this is reassuring that quality health care will remain accessible to residents of our region, I understand it’s still an uncertain time and many people have questions. The Delaware County Wellness Line (484-276-2100) is prepared to answer those questions regarding updates on Crozer Health, urgent care options and other health care resources.

Residents can also visit DelcoPA.Gov/Prospect for real-time updates and additional resources.

SEPTA’s new spring schedules, changes to line names

Changes to SEPTA’s bus and metro schedules will go into effect February 23 and 24. The goal is to make the public transit system more user-friendly. Note that all bus lines will be indicated by numbers and all metro lines will be identified by letters. To learn more, visit: https://wwww.septa.org/news/spring-bus-metro-schedule-changes/.

Mobile Office Hours Reminder

Every Tuesday, a member of my staff is at the Springfield Library from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm to assist you with any state related needs. Stop by the adult section quiet room on the top floor to ask a question, inquire on a state service, or to just say hi!

Pennsylvania Game Commission 2026 ‘Working Together for Wildlife’ Art Contest Open for Submissions

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is hosting the 2026 Working Together for Wildlife Art Contest, featuring the barn owl as this year’s highlighted species.

The artist who submits the winning painting will receive a prize of $5,000, along with 50 artist proof prints.

Revenue generated from the sale of signed and numbered prints supports wildlife research and management programs in Pennsylvania. This means that participating artists not only have a chance to win, but also contribute to wildlife conservation through their art.

All submissions for the 2026 contest must be emailed to rebawillia@pa.gov by 4 p.m. on May 2, 2025. Click here to learn more.

Do you need a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, you will need a state-issued REAL ID?-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of ID (such as a U.S. Passport), to board a domestic flight. You can get a REAL ID now or when you renew your driver's license. Learn more about REAL ID here and feel free to contact my office at (610) 544-9878 with any questions.

SNAP benefit theft FAQs

Unfortunately, people around the commonwealth have been reporting theft of their EBT benefits. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services answers some frequently asked questions about skimming below and what you can do.

Learn more and stay up to date on threats, fraud and scams by visiting: dhs.pa.gov/scams.

Upcoming Events

Senator Kearney & Representative Curry’s Black & Diverse Business Forum
Saturday, February 22nd, 9 am to 12 pm
Room 2246 in the Academic Building of DCCC’s Marple Campus

PTRR Clinic with Senator Kearney & Representative Vitali
Friday, March 7th, 10 am to 3 pm
Broomall Surrey Senior Services

Springfield St Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 15th at 10 am
Saxer Avenue

St. Patrick’s Day Open House
Thursday, March 20th, 4 pm to 7 pm
Media Office – 26 E Fourth Street