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

 

O’Mara to host free shred, e-waste and prescription drug takeback event this weekend

(Sep 09, 2020)

SPRINGFIELD, Sept. 9 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara invites community members to her paper shredding, e-waste and prescription drug takeback event with state Sen. Tim Kearney and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer this weekend. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full, on Saturday, Sept. 12, in the parking lot of O’Mara’s district office, 905 W. Sproul Road. Attendees may bring up to four boxes or bags of documents containing sensitive information to be securely shredded on site, electronic devices that contain personal data such as hard drives, laptops and cellphones, and unneeded or expired prescription medications. TVs, computer monitors, household appliances and medicine with syringes will not be accepted. “This is a free and easy way to help community members clean out their homes and safely dispose of papers or electronics that people may be reluctant to just throw away,” O’Mara said. “It’s also a chance to responsibly get rid of any prescriptions that people no longer have a need for to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.” O’Mara will host another shred and drug takeback event on Oct. 31 in Broomall. For more information, call O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878. Read more

 

September 2020 4-page Newsletter

(Sep 04, 2020)

Rep. O'Mara's 4-page summer 2020 newsletter detailing back to school updates, a voter's guide, help for small businesses, upcoming events and more. Read more

 

Labor Day weekend in Delco

(Sep 02, 2020)

With the 3-day holiday weekend approaching, I wanted to share some useful reminders with you. This includes my office closing in recognition of Labor Day, preparing for the upcoming election and an idea on how you can celebrate your holiday weekend outdoors. Read more

 

Delco election and community updates

(Aug 28, 2020)

I hope everyone is continuing to stay safe and healthy. I’m pleased to share that this edition of my e-newsletter is packed with good news, from forms of financial relief available to Pennsylvanians to grants awarded to our community. Read more

 

O’Mara announces $425K grant awarded to Marple Township

(Aug 20, 2020)

BROOMALL, Aug. 20 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara today announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved a $425,000 grant for Marple Township to rehabilitate its storm sewer system. This grant will fund the township’s project addressing storm sewer overflows in the residential area between Meadowbrook Lane and Fawn Hill Road, which has caused sinkholes, flooding and deposition of sediment into Darby Creek. “Improving Marple Township’s storm sewer system will help prevent additional residential flooding and heighten the community’s safety, and it comes at a critical time. We had a storm hit us just two weeks ago, causing major stormwater flooding all across the township,” O’Mara said. “This project will allow Marple to make much needed improvements right now. It would also benefit our environment and cut down on sediment deposition into Darby Creek which, in high levels, can threaten local aquatic life and plant species.” This funding is a part of the PA Small Water and Sewer grant program. These grants assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system or flood control projects. Eligible projects are those which have a total project cost of not less than $30,000 and not more than $500,000. For more information, contact O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878. Read more

 

Miss my Tele-Town Hall? Click here to check out the discussion.

(Aug 19, 2020)

Find out what your friends and neighbors had to say about the issues that matter. Read more

 

Small Business, Election Day & Upcoming Event Info

(Aug 17, 2020)

As we’re approaching the end of summer, there are several reminders that I want to share with you. It’s still spotted lanternfly season, so I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report sightings, but Election Day is also right around the corner. Read more

 

O’Mara invites constituents to her three remote events next week

(Aug 14, 2020)

SPRINGFIELD, Aug. 14 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, will host three events next week in which community members may participate from home. They are: Senior scam virtual town hall with Delaware County district attorney Jack Stollsteimer at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17 over Zoom. Attendees will learn how to identify and avoid scams. Anyone interested in tuning in must contact O’Mara’s office for the login information. Telephone town hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. O’Mara will provide information on what’s been going on in Harrisburg and how it impacts Delaware County. O’Mara will call landlines throughout the district, those interested in participating or just listening in should remain on the line. People wanting to receive a call on their cellphone should register their phone number at http://bit.ly/2SF5nak . Kids’ mental health webinar with a representative from Child Guidance Resource Center at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. This webinar will cover preserving children’s mental health as we continue battling COVID-19 as well as back to school season and individualized education programs. Those interested in participating must contact O’Mara’s office to register for this webinar. “I’ve heard from constituents who are highly concerned with multiple issues surrounding COVID-19, between scams promising additional stimulus Read more

 

8/13/20 – Police Approach to Mental Health Calls – Harrisburg

(Aug 13, 2020)

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing held in the Capitol and co-chaired by State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara. Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold hearing on Police Approach to Mental Health Calls Thursday in Capitol

(Aug 10, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on how police approach mental health calls. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg. The media and public are urged to watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . Requested by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, the hearing will feature testimony from Delaware County officials and mental health experts. Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Jack Stollsteimer , Delaware County district attorney. Tim Boyce , director, Delaware County Department of Emergency Services. Tim Comly, lead mobile crisis specialist, Delaware County Crisis Connects Team. Cori Seilhamer, mental health program specialist and certified CIT coordinator, Franklin/Fulton County Office of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention. Christine Michaels , CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone PA. Elizabeth Sinclair Hancq, director of research, Treatment Advocacy Center. Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . ### Read more

 

O’Mara applauds grants awarded to five Delaware County higher education institutions

(Aug 05, 2020)

SPRINGFIELD Aug. 5 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara applauded over $850,000 in grant funding awarded to Cabrini University, Eastern University, Valley Forge Military College, Delaware County Community College and Villanova University. The five postsecondary institutions within O’Mara’s legislative district received the following amounts: Cabrini University: $96,215 Eastern University: $108,458 Valley Forge Military College: $56,842 Delaware County Community College: $493,101 Villanova University: $104,982 The funding, which was made available from the federal CARES Act, will help the schools implement public health and safety plans so they may resume operations this fall. It will be used to help keep students, faculty and staff safe and assist in meeting the unique challenges of providing education during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Reopening schools, including colleges and universities, has been a complicated, multi-dimensional process in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. There isn’t one right or wrong way to approach it, so I’m confident that this funding will help these schools determine the best way to resume learning this fall and cater to the unique needs of their students,” O’Mara said. “Ensuring that Pennsylvania’s postsecondary schools remain on track for the academic year is a crucial element in restoring our economic Read more

 

ATTN: First responders, students, pet owners and voters

(Jul 31, 2020)

This summer has been unlike any other, but I’m glad to see our community make the most of it despite the difficult circumstances. I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of celebrating the summer season as safely and responsibly as possible. Read more

 

O’Mara invites Morton Borough residents to socially distant, community-building forum this week

(Jul 27, 2020)

MORTON July 27 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara will hold a community forum, “Building Unity in Morton Borough” to discuss how everyone can work together to nurture a supportive and safe community. The discussion will begin promptly at 7 p.m. July 29 outside Morton Borough Hall, 500 Highland Ave. This is an outdoor event and face masks must be worn. In case of inclement weather, the forum will take place on Aug. 5. O’Mara will be joined by a panel of elected leaders, Morton residents and the Morton police chief. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions centered around coming together to build unity in Morton. “As our nation continues to reel in the aftershock of George Floyd’s murder, I was approached by local Morton residents about planning a community forum so we can have meaningful discussions right here in our town,” O’Mara said. “My goal is to have everyone come with open hearts and minds so we can work toward making Morton a stronger and safer community for all.” Questions may be directed to O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878. Read more

 

July Updates from my District Office

(Jul 20, 2020)

I hope you’re all staying healthy, well and cool as we’re currently experiencing an excessive heat warning throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. The hottest times of the day are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so remember, “10 to 3: it’s not for me!” Read more

 

Hazard pay grants now available to support frontline workers

(Jul 17, 2020)

HARRISBURG, July 17 – Workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic could see hazard pay through funding advocated for by the Pennsylvania House Democrats. Eligible employers can now apply for $50 million in available grants to offer hazard pay to frontline workers in life-sustaining industries. Throughout the COVID-19 health crisis, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus has fought to support frontline workers and worked to ensure federal CARES Act dollars were allocated as part of the state budget package. Businesses in the following industries are eligible to apply for the grant funding: Health care and social assistance Food manufacturing Food retail facilities Public transit and ground passenger transportation Security services Janitorial services to buildings and dwellings More information on the grants is available here . Since the very beginning of the pandemic, and during 2020-21 budget negotiations, House Democrats have advocated for fair compensation and protections for frontline workers. Democratic state representatives from across Pennsylvania lauded the opening of the new grant program. Northeast Region Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe : "I am a strong advocate for better wages and conditions for all workers. During times of financial uncertainty, hazard pay is crucial for all frontline workers facing increased exposure to the COVID-19 Read more