March 7 e-mail: Private equity is destroying PA healthcare

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara March 7, 2025

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

On Thursday, Prospect Medical Holdings took the shameful action of moving to close the Crozer Healthcare System through bankruptcy court. This is truly devastating and will have life-and-death impacts in Delaware County and the region. I join all my colleagues from Delaware County in issuing the attached statement linked below.

The heartbreaking reality that we are facing is the result of private equity decimating health care across Pennsylvania. Prospect bought our nonprofit system in 2016 and then took systematic steps to weaken Crozer financially while simultaneously lining their own pockets. Our delegation has worked diligently over the last couple of years to stop them however we can, but we have been limited because Prospect has carefully worked in accordance with the law. Prospect then declared bankruptcy to further protect themselves in court from any criminal or civil actions. This pattern has been repeated by other private equity firms across the state -- and it must end.

While the closure process takes place, we are coordinating with the Delaware County Health Department to ensure that patients continue to receive care in surrounding health care systems.

The bottom line is we must change the laws to prevent this type of health care decimation again. This session, we are working on a package of bills to do just that. I call on all my colleagues -- Democrats and Republican in the PA House and Senate -- to join us in Delaware County to put a stop to private equity’s attack on health care across the Commonwealth and pass legislation that is needed to protect patients, workers and our communities.

Delaware County Delegation on the proposed closing of Crozer Health System

Tax season reminders

The start of March means that we’re in the midst of tax season, so I wanted to remind you that my office has all the most common state tax forms available for anyone who prefers paper copies. Just contact my office ahead of time and let my staff know which specific forms you need, and they’ll be printed and ready upon your arrival. Please note we only have state tax forms, no federal or local forms.

Additionally, don’t forget that you can use your state tax return to support Pennsylvania’s miliary, veterans and their families. A measure that I had signed into law under Gov. Tom Wolf in 2021 allows Pennsylvania taxpayers to donate any amount of their refund to the state’s Veterans’ Trust Fund. Every dollar contributed to the VTF goes toward helping servicemembers with anything ranging from health care to employment -- increasing their quality of life. It’s a worthwhile cause that benefits veterans right here in our community. Click here to learn more about what the VTF does.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Us

On March 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., I will be hosting an open house at my office in Media. Stop by to see the office, say hi, learn more about state services my staff can assist you with, and enjoy some St. Patrick’s Day treats.

Exploring PHL’s long-term goals

Thank you to the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for hosting an update from the Philadelphia International Airport on their latest developments and strategic vision. It was great to hear about all the upcoming infrastructure enhancements, PHL's role in fostering regional business growth and job creation, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Roadway improvements grants awarded to Morton, Springfield

Great news – our area is receiving over $1.4 million in roadway improvement grants! $250,000 has been awarded to Morton for the intersection of Woodland and Morton avenues, while $1.175 million is going to Springfield Township for improvements on State Road to support mixed-use development.

These investments will enhance traffic safety and efficiency. I'm proud to see these critical improvements moving forward and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our community.

Blue Ribbon Success

Last week, I was honored to stop by Springfield School District's Board meeting to celebrate Springfield High School being named a National Blue Ribbon School last year. The high school is one of only 13 schools in Pennsylvania and 356 across the nation to receive this honor, which highlights schools that excel in academic performance. Thank you for inviting me to celebrate this amazing moment and to the Board, Superintendent, and all the staff for what you do for our students.

Daylight Savings this weekend

This weekend we all get to experience time travel! At 2 a.m. Sunday, we jump ahead to 3 a.m., so remember to adjust any clocks in your home before going to bed on Saturday night.

It’s also a good reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner recommends doing so twice a year at each change of clocks between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time.

Visiting Mitzvah Circle

Earlier this week, the PA House Southeast Delegation had the opportunity to volunteer at Mitzvah Circle. Together, we filled over 70 boxes of necessities, clothing, and other essential items to help individuals and families in need. Thank you for having us and for all that you do for southeast Pennsylvanians!

Help shape Pennsylvania’s transportation future

The State Transportation Commission and PennDOT want to hear from you! The 2025 Public Comment Period for Pennsylvania’s 12-Year Transportation Program is open now through April 30. This is your chance to share your thoughts on transportation needs and priorities in our community.

Every two years, PennDOT updates the 12-Year Program, which guides transportation planning and funding across the state. Public input is a key part of this process. Your feedback helps PennDOT prioritize projects and improvements for roads, bridges, public transit, and more.

Learn more and have your say by visiting: https://talkpatransportation.com/.

Paid Leave Pays Off

Last week, I was honored to join the National Partnership for Women and Families to talk with some incredible panelists about paid leave and how it benefits everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and why I'm pushing for the Family Care Act here in Pennsylvania. The National Partnership released a report the same day about how paid leave has helped in Massachusetts. You can find the report at - https://shorturl.at/EOJxw.

Learn backyard composting

Using your kitchen and yard scraps for compost is a great way to reduce waste while providing nutrient rich soil for your garden, but where do you begin?

If composting at home is of interest to you, you’re invited to join the Pennsylvania Resources Council for a workshop in Rose Tree Park on April 22. They’ll cover the benefits and process of composting, plus everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a compost bin.

Registration is required. Compost bins can also be reserved for an additional fee.

Scholarship opportunities

High school seniors are invited to apply to three state-sponsored scholarships. See details below.

Grow PA Scholarships: Expected to open on Thursday, March 13, this program will offer scholarships to Pennsylvania students studying an in-demand occupation at an institution of higher education located in Pennsylvania. Grow PA Scholarship recipients must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation for the number of years they received the scholarship.

James R. Roebuck Scholarship: $1,500 scholarship for Pennsylvania students of color. Undergraduate students are also invited to apply. The deadline for registration is April 5.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors have until April 15 to apply to the PA House Scholarship Program. Eligibility requirements include a 3.0 minimum GPA, attendance at a Pennsylvania higher education institution as a full-time student, involvement in extracurricular activities and a demonstrated financial need.

Trout stocking schedule

Spring is just around the corner, and a sure sign of its arrival is the release of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's 2025 trout stocking schedule. Check out the full stocking schedule here.

Some key dates:

March 29 marks the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day.
April 5 kicks off the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season.
May 25 and July 4 are Fish-for-Free days.

Upcoming Events

Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 15 at noon, Springfield Road by S. Britton
Rain date is March 22

St. Patrick’s Day Open House
Thursday, March 20 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

26 E. 4th t., Media, PA 19063
Stop by my office for a St. Patrick’s Day Open House. Say hi, see the office, and learn how my staff can help you with state services.

Apprenticeship Fair with Senator Kearney
Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. - noon
DCIU Morton Campus – 200 Yale Ave.
Stop by to talk with apprenticeship program directors from a variety of organizations and labor groups!