O’Mara takes oath for second term

(Jan 05, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her second term representing the 165th Legislative District in Delaware County. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. O’Mara also serves as vice chair to the House Democrats’ Southeast Delegation and co-chair of the bipartisan Fire and Emergency Services Caucus. O’Mara said that she will continue to focus on providing for first responders, addressing the student debt crisis and removing the stigma surrounding mental health in the new term. She will receive committee assignments later in the month. "I’m humbled to once again represent the people of the 165th Legislative District. I’ve spent the last two years understanding what matters most to the people of our district, so even though today is swearing-in day, I’m already hard at work drafting legislation based off their input,” O’Mara said. She added that her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. The phone number is (610) 544-9878. O’Mara is one of 59 female members in the House, the most to date. There are 32 Democrats and 27 Republicans. Read more

 

O’Mara begins second term with calls to increase government transparency

(Jan 05, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, introduced a proposed change to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ operating rules which would allow Pennsylvanians to be more involved in the lawmaking process. O’Mara’s amendment would increase transparency by giving the public more time -- a full 24 hours -- to provide input on legislation before it could pass the House. O’Mara said that under current House rules, elected representatives must only wait three hours before voting on a bill for final passage. “The current three hours is not enough time for the people to dissect and seriously consider both sides to a bill,” O’Mara said. “What I’m proposing is more than a rules change, it’s a call for legislators to come together and bring their constituents’ specific input on legislation into the House chamber. We debate bills that could impact every resident of this commonwealth; their voices need to be heard.” O’Mara is one of 10 House Democratic members introducing proposed changes to the House operating rules under a “People Before Politics” plan. The plan aims to increase openness, transparency and citizen control of the legislative process. More information on the plan is available here or by calling O’Mara’s office at 610-544-9878. Read more

 

House Democrats fight to increase transparency and accountability, make sure the people come first

(Jan 04, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – A group of 10 House Democrats announced the introduction of changes to the Operating Rules of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to reduce the impact of partisan politics, make sure ideas with broad public support get a fair hearing, and restore the people’s faith in government after the damage done by extremists in Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg. The People Before Politics plan was crafted with this central idea: lawmakers work for the people, not the other way around. It focuses on openness, transparency and citizen control of the legislative process. The People Before Politics plan includes the following proposals: Amendment 1 – The Voice of the People, sponsored by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila. This amendment would make sure each House member has an opportunity to speak at a designated time during the first full session day of the week on any topic, similar to how the U.S. House of Representatives allows members to speak. This change would end the requirement of “unanimous consent” so often abused by extremists to silence members and prevent legislative topics bottled up in committee from being heard by the people. Amendment 2 – Let the People See, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware . This amendment would restore the rule requiring a full 24 hours before final passage of any bill, including all bills amended in the House chamber or in committee, or sent over from the state Read more

 

Our Year in Review

(Dec 30, 2020)

It’s hard to believe but this year is finally almost over. I know 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in most of our lifetimes. Read more

 

O’Mara, Kearney announce $3M in regional grants

(Dec 29, 2020)

SPRINGFIELD, Dec. 29 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware/Chester, congratulated Springfield Hospital, Villanova University and Delaware County’s 911 communications system operators on securing $3 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants. Awards will be distributed as follows: Springfield Hospital received $500,000 to put toward construction costs. This grant will help fund the renovation of space on the hospital’s main floor to become the new home of the Center for Family Health. This will include 15 examination rooms, two counseling offices, a clinical support area, waiting area, nurse's station, staff lounge, lab and dedicated rooms for psychology, procedures, assessment/triage and other critical patient services. Villanova University received $1 million to create a new space for the university’s popular, award-winning theater and arts programs. Delaware County 911 communications received $1.5 million to strengthen the security and reliability of the county’s public safety communication system. This includes 24 tower upgrades to provide acceptable county-wide communication coverage, shelter structures, an ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions and 911 center equipment to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens, first responders and with surrounding counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Delaware County elected officials laud $1.5M grant to strengthen 911 system

(Dec 29, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – State representatives and senators from Delaware County applauded a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program award to strengthen the county’s 911 system. Through bipartisan efforts, elected officials helped secure grants to benefit more than 560,000 Pennsylvanians and help Delaware County’s first responders. This project will strengthen the security and reliability of the county’s public safety communication system. This includes 24 tower upgrades to provide acceptable county-wide communication coverage, shelter structures, an ice bridge, grounding, electric, HVAC, core work additions and 911 center equipment to communicate effectively in emergency situations with citizens, first responders and with surrounding counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. “Calling 911 and receiving a timely response has been an issue for years throughout Delaware County,” House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., said. “Thankfully, this funding will help streamline our communications system to ensure that residents in crisis can quickly receive help and support. I’m proud to see lawmakers from both the House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, come together for the safety of the people we represent.” “I’ve heard from many constituents about frustrations they’ve experienced with calling 911 since 2016,” Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 23): Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday

(Dec 23, 2020)

As we approach Christmas, I know many of us are making difficult decisions on how to celebrate this year. My husband, Brad, and I will stay home and either call or video chat with our loved ones instead of visiting them in person. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 11): Celebrating safely this holiday season

(Dec 11, 2020)

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is almost over. The holidays are coming up fast, and what is normally a time filled with gatherings with loved ones, traveling and shopping for presents is completely different this year. Read more

 

O’Mara illuminates Capitol to honor fallen firefighter

(Dec 03, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, honored a fallen Delco firefighter by illuminating the outside of the Capitol red this week. As community members mourn the loss of Michael Malinowski on the one-year anniversary of his death, O’Mara also honored his memory in Harrisburg. She arranged to have the outside of the Capitol lit up in red from Monday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 4. “Mike Malinowski’s company, family, friends and community sorely miss him. As we recognize the anniversary of his passing, I wanted to do something special in our commonwealth’s Capitol to show my deepest sympathy and the deep appreciation we all have for his selfless service,” O’Mara said. 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. A photo of the Capitol glowing red is available on O’Mara’s legislative Facebook page. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Nov. 25): Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving

(Nov 25, 2020)

Our celebrations with family and friends will be very different this year, but I hope still joyful. No matter how you celebrate this year, I wish you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Read more

 

O’Mara announces $25K grant awarded to Springfield Volunteer Fire Co.

(Nov 18, 2020)

SPRINGFIELD, Nov. 18 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that Springfield Volunteer Fire Co. has secured a $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. O’Mara said the funding will go toward the company’s general operating support, helping them compensate for lost revenue due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Volunteers from Springfield Fire Company have always answered the call when people needed them most and saved countless lives. Their work truly is invaluable,” O’Mara said. “My dad was a firefighter, so working with first responders and ensuring that they have the tools they need to succeed is a cause I’m extremely passionate about. I’m especially proud to help bring this funding home during these unprecedented times as the Springfield Volunteer Fire Company recognizes their 100th anniversary.” Questions may be directed to O’Mara’s office by calling 610-544-9878 or emailing RepOMara@pahouse.net . Read more

 

Delloso, Krueger, O’Mara announce grant for Delaware County Technical High School

(Nov 18, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – State Reps. David Delloso, Leanne Krueger and Jennifer O’Mara, all D-Delaware, announced that Delaware County Technical High School was awarded a $50,000 equipment grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The department awards the competitive grants to school districts and career and technical centers with eight or more approved CTE programs for them to update or purchase new equipment to train students. “The equipment purchased with the help of this grant will benefit our entire region, since Delaware Technical High School consists of students from 15 local school districts,” said Delloso. “Numerous reports have forecast a shortage of skilled workers in Pennsylvania in the years to come, so the need to educate, train and develop skilled workers who are prepared to enter the workforce has never been more important.” Krueger said, “Having the right equipment helps career and technical schools train students properly so they can hit the ground running as they enter the workforce. I’m happy that Delaware County Technical High School will receive this funding, which is a great investment in our kids and our community.” O’Mara said, “Delaware County Technical High School prepares students for some of the most high-demand jobs in Pennsylvania. In order for them to get the most out of their education and confidently enter the workforce, they need hands-on experience Read more

 

O’Mara: $294K in Safe Schools grants

(Nov 17, 2020)

SPRINGFIELD, Nov. 17 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today helped announce more than $7 million in state Safe Schools grants, with $294,192 headed to schools educating students in her legislative district. The Pennsylvania Department of Education awards the competitive grants to prevent and reduce violent incidents, to purchase safety and security-related equipment and to provide training and compensation of school resource and police officers. “Students, teachers and staff members are entitled to feel safe while they are at work or in the classroom,” O’Mara said. “This funding will go a long way in not only strengthening safety measures throughout Pennsylvania schools, but it will provide a better sense of security for students. This will foster a healthy, productive and effective learning environment.” For the full 2020-21 awards by school district, visit here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/fundinggrants/Pages/default.aspx . More information about the types of grants awarded and on the program applications is available online: School Police Officer . School Resource Officer, Municipality . School Resource Officer, School Entity . Equipment Grant . Program Grant School Resource Officer, Municipality-Police Department Application . Questions may be directed to O’Mara’s office by calling (610) 544-9878 or Read more

 

O’Mara to host Veterans Day lunch on the go

(Nov 09, 2020)

BROOMALL, Nov. 9 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, invites area veterans to her Veterans Day Lunch on the Go from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 11 at American Legion Post 805, 2340 West Chester Pike. This will be a contactless, drive-thru event. Attendees should be prepared to follow signage that will create a steady traffic flow. “This lunch on the go will replace my annual Veterans Day Breakfast at Paxon Hollow Country Club to ensure that our community’s veterans can celebrate their day safely and with peace of mind,” O’Mara said. “Veterans of every military branch have made unfathomable sacrifices to preserve our freedoms. Even though we’re still battling COVID-19 in our commonwealth, I wanted to show them my sincere appreciation for their service, so I planned this socially distanced, contactless lunch as a way to say thank you.” O’Mara said there is still time for veterans to reserve their lunch and they are welcome to bring along a plus one. Reservations are required so meals can be ordered in advance . Those interested in attending should call or email O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878 or RepOMara@pahouse.net . Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 30): Are you ready for Election Day?

(Oct 30, 2020)

Election Day is this Tuesday, Nov. 3. There are multiple ways to cast your ballot in Pennsylvania, and while each one is safe and secure, they all carry different caveats. Read more

 

Your voting FAQs answered

(Oct 16, 2020)

Over the past couple of weeks, my office’s phones have been ringing off the hook with questions mainly about voting by mail and voting in person. Read more

 

O’Mara: More than $154K in state money headed to emergency responders in 165th Legislative District

(Oct 09, 2020)

SPRINGFIELD, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara announced that several local fire and emergency services organizations will receive grants to offset the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Act 26, the state made $50 million in grants available to fire and emergency medical services organizations that were affected by the pandemic. The funding can be used for operational and equipment expenses. “Congratulations to all these hardworking companies on their well-deserved awards,” said O’Mara, D-Delaware. “Like so many funding opportunities these days, self-advocacy and careful tedious paperwork is a big part of bringing in the money to keep a company ready -- and most people don’t know that part of the job is another huge way these heroes are serving their communities.” In the 165 th Legislative District, grants were awarded as follows: Broomall Fire Co. $25,068 Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. $35,199 Radnor Fire Co. of Wayne Inc. $25,342 Springfield Fire Co. $24,520 Marple Township Ambulance Corps $15,048 Radnor Fire Company of Wayne Inc. $15,048 Villanova Emergency Medical Services $14,129 “It bears repeating that even under normal circumstances, emergency responders are expected to put their lives before others on a weekly basis, but COVID-19 has taken that reality to a completely Read more

 

O’Mara, Morton-Rutledge firefighters honor Capt. Malinowski at bridge dedication

(Oct 06, 2020)

MORTON, Oct. 5 – In honor of the late Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. Capt. Michael Malinowski Sr., state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara and members of the company joined together Sunday to cut the ribbon on the newly named Capt. Michael Malinowski Sr. Memorial Bridge , which carries the Morton Avenue section of State Route 2025 over Stoney Creek connecting Morton and Rutledge. The ceremony was followed by a memorial ride featuring two firetrucks from the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. Station 13. "The community and I wanted to dedicate a place to Captain Malinowski to recognize all that he did for all of us,” said O’Mara, D-Delaware. “Mike was such a big part of Morton and Rutledge, and it’s fitting that we name the bridge connecting the two boroughs after him. “The memory of Mike’s life of service will continue to inspire us, and I will continue to be there for his family and the members of the Morton-Rutledge Fire Company." Malinowski was captain of Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. and passed away Dec. 3, 2019. Legislation written by O’Mara was introduced in H.B. 1597 to rename the bridge in his honor. The law was signed into law this summer. ? The dedication was attended by Malinowski’s widow, Melissa, and his children; the Malinowski family; members and officers of the Morton-Rutledge Fire Co. and their families; Morton Mayor Tom App; Rutledge Mayor Kevin Cunningham; and Morton Read more

 

Updates from Delco to Harrisburg

(Oct 02, 2020)

As we enter October, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of caring for both your loved ones and yourself. This month recognizes several observances, including Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness, and Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Read more

 

Dining Capacities Changing

(Sep 18, 2020)

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which as many of you know, is something very important to me. Read more