Jan. 9 Email: Why PA needs a higher minimum wage

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara January 10, 2026

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

I have always been a staunch advocate for a fair day’s pay for all workers. As 2026 begins, prices are on the rise while nearly 300,000 Pennsylvanians still earn between $7.25 and $12 an hour. Meanwhile, 22 other states are getting a higher minimum wage this year while Pennsylvania’s languishes at $7.25.

House Democrats have acted on this issue. Last June we passed H.B. 1549, which is designed to give every PA worker a base-level pay of $12 an hour by 2028. But Senate Republicans won’t move the bill. If you want to see action on it, contact the offices of Senate Republican leaders and tell them to pass H.B. 1549 this year to help Pennsylvania’s working families and economy.

It’s about time.

From Delco to Harrisburg: My 2025 recap

I'm proud to share all that my staff and I accomplished in 2025! Last year, over $3.9 million in grants were awarded to various municipalities and organizations throughout the district. My office assisted over 5,900 constituents with state services. I co-sponsored 323 pieces of legislation and 12 of my bills and resolutions were voted out of the state House of Representatives.

Here's to serving you from Delco to Harrisburg again in 2026!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events around the district

Monday, January 19 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and there are plenty of opportunities to recognize the day in our community. Media Fellowship House and the NAACP Media Area Branch are hosting their 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commemoration and Spirit Hall of Fame on Sunday, January 18 from 3 to 4:30 pm at First Church Media. Media Fellowship House is also having their annual day of service and is currently accepting toiletry donations through January 19.

Morton Borough is hosting a community breakfast on January 19 from 10 am to 12 pm at Morton Borough Hall. The Community TMVA of Eastern Delaware County is hosting their annual Unity Breakfast at 8 am on January 19 at the Drexelbrook.

Please note that my office will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observation of Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Day.

Veterans assistance hours at my office

Again this year, a veteran service officer will be at my office once a month to help veterans with a host of services. The VSO will be there the second Monday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm. Please call to schedule an appointment at 610-544-9878.

January is National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month, and I am thrilled with the turnout at our blood drive with Senator Kearney’s office this past week. Thirty-two people donated blood, making a difference the lives of patients with sickle cell disease, moms with complicated childbirths, people fighting cancer, accident, trauma victims, and more.

I’m incredibly grateful to Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County for hosting us at the Springfield YMCA and to American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania for their life-saving work!

The PA Farm Show starts tomorrow!

As always, I’m looking forward to the Pennsylvania Farm Show, which starts tomorrow at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. It’s one of the largest indoor agricultural events in the country, and admission is free! It will run through January 17.

Learn more here.

Applications available for home heating help

The application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is open. Through the program, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues.

College scholarship opportunities for PA students

To honor Pennsylvania’s historically strong commitment to education, the state commission planning America’s 250th anniversary celebration will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving PA students attending in-state colleges next school year. Any Pennsylvania high school senior who plans to attend a PA college for 2026-27 may apply. Twenty-five scholarships, totaling $10,000 each, will be awarded by the America250PA commission.

Applications are due January 31. More details can be found here.

Multimodal transportation grants available

PennDOT announced recently that they are accepting applications for a new round of Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grants. Applications are due by February 13.

The MTF provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transit agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit access.

More information about applying for the MTF grants is available by clicking here.