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
4-page summer newsletter detailing local COVID-19 resources, updates on reforming Pennsylvania's police force, grants awarded to the district and more. Read more
As we head into the holiday weekend, I wanted to share some information that I hope you find informative and useful. Read more
WAYNE, June 29 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that the Wayne Senior Center has been approved for a $23,194 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. This funding will go toward the center’s technology needs, including expanding its programming to include virtual reality and armchair travel. “I know that many constituents were impacted by senior centers closing during the stay-at-home order, so I’m proud to see funding come through to help them stay afloat,” O’Mara said, who serves on the House’s Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. “This grant will help ensure that the Wayne Senior Center can continue to offer not only the same critical services it did before the pandemic, but also strengthen its technological capabilities to better serve its patrons.” There are more than 500 senior community centers throughout Pennsylvania that provide a variety of offerings, such as nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and exercise programs. Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery help to fund these programs every year. For more information on senior community centers, visit aging.pa.gov/SCC . Read more
HARRISBURG, June 26 – Legislation to declare the bridge on Morton Avenue, a portion of State Route 2025, as “Capt. Michael Malinowski, Sr. Memorial Bridge” unanimously passed the House as omnibus H.B. 1597 on Wednesday, June 24. House Bill 1597 sought to re-name several bridges and roads throughout the commonwealth after area veterans and first responders. O’Mara’s motion to honor Malinowski can be found in section seven of the bill. 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. “The loss of Captain Malinowski was a tragic and devastating one. He was an instrumental member of the Morton-Rutledge Fire Company, and his department and community sorely miss him,” O’Mara said. “This fallen hero is so deserving of this bridge dedication for protecting and serving his community. I believe honoring his legacy is the least we can do to show our thanks and respect.” For more information, contact O’Mara’s office at (610) 544-9878. Read more
Tomorrow Pennsylvania recognizes Juneteenth National Freedom Day. Read more
Without a doubt there is a lot going on right now in Delco, and around the world. We were called to stand united to fight a global pandemic, which still remains within our community and surrounding areas. Read more
While I support the swift, bipartisan action taken to pass a state budget plan, I could not support the central House-written bill within the complete budget package of legislation signed into law by the governor today. In that bill, majority House leadership left a $300 million deficit in property tax relief. I was able to vote to fill that gap in a different budget-related bill thankfully led by cooler heads in the Senate. The bottom line is that this year’s temporary budget is critical to keep school doors open through the next school year. First and foremost, students cannot afford to go without classroom or properly equipped home instruction any longer. You also could call this budget an expeditionary budget, as it provides the first five months of funding to most state agencies, but 12 months of funding to education at the same levels as last year’s budget. The overall state plan consists of the $25 billion General Fund allotment as well as $2.6 billion in federal funding that Pennsylvania received from the CARES Act. Pennsylvanians will not see any new taxes for at least the next six months. From the $2.6 billion CARES Act funding, the following money has been earmarked to directly offset the ravaging effect COVID-19 is taking on Pennsylvania. $632M for vulnerable populations including long-term care centers and nursing homes, who have been impacted the most by COVID-19 $150M toward worker protections $870M for business and local services Read more
Tomorrow is the Pennsylvania primary, so whether you are voting in-person or by mail, be sure you are prepared. Read more
I hope you continue to stay safe and well during this uncertain time for our commonwealth. I wanted to take a moment to let the residents of the 165th Legislative District know that I am listening and reading every message that you send to my office with your concerns, fears, and ideas. Read more
I hope that you’re all doing well and staying healthy during this uncertain time. Thankfully, I have some uplifting information to share with you regarding Pennsylvania’s phased reopening process. Read more
Despite this difficult and uncertain time we’re facing, I’m so proud to see Delco standing strong. Read more
As we’re working toward overcoming this difficult time in our nation’s history, I hope you’re doing your part and staying home. Read more
I hope you’re safe and healthy in the comfort of your home. This is a challenging time in Pennsylvania’s history, but remember that we’re all in this together. If we continue to be supportive of one another, our community will come out of this stronger than ever. Read more
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, we strive to keep you up to date on actions being taken to mitigate the effects of this crisis. Below, please find most recent information and updates from companies and providers that are enacting extraordinary measures to ensure continuity of service delivery for customers. PUC Issued Emergency Order 3/13/20 Moratorium on utility shutoffs for all regulated utilities Applies to electric, gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and steam utilities *Order does not apply to municipal utilities Verizon For the next 60 days, Verizon will: Waive late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills Open their Wi-Fi hotspots to all Americans for the next 60 days ATT For the next 60 days, ATT will: Not terminate the service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic Waive any late payment fees that any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer may incur because of economic hardship related to the coronavirus pandemic Keep public Wi-Fi hotspots open for any American who needs More information can be found here: Read more
As of today, Friday March 13th, my office will be closing for walk-in services. Staff will be available by phone, email, and social media. Read more
SPRINGFIELD, March 11 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara today announced that two community faith-based organizations received grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to enhance their safety and security measures. Temple Sholom in Broomall received a $50,000 grant and Congregation Beth El Ner Tamid received a $29,407 grant. Funds may be used toward safety and security planning, purchase of security-related technology such as metal detectors, surveillance equipment and theft control devices, threat awareness and response training and any other safety or security-related project. “Houses of worship are known for being a place of sanctuary, peace and serenity for those of faith. No one should ever feel unsafe, afraid or worry when they are within these walls,” O’Mara said. “The duty of public servants, such as myself, is to ensure that every individual seeking to worship safely, with peace of mind, can do so during these trying times. Grants like these ensure that Pennsylvania’s places of faith are also places of safety.” The grants are provided through PCCD’s Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the passage of Act 83 of 2019 . The act directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations that have been or that are likely to be targets for hate crimes, according to the FBI’s 2017 Hate Crime Statistics publication. Priority consideration for funding was given to Read more
SPRINGFIELD, March 5 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara today announced that the Delaware County Workforce Development Board received a $137,463 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry to provide summer internship opportunities through the State/Local Internship Program. SLIP is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and helps young adults develop workforce preparation skills by providing participants with their first work experience. “Often times, the high cost of pursuing higher education in Pennsylvania, whether from a trade school or university, can hinder people when it comes to securing well-paying, sustainable, full-time work,” O’Mara said. “Pennsylvania is facing a shortage of skilled workers, and programs like SLIP help fill that void without contributing to the student debt crisis.” The 2020 SLIP will operate for an eight-week period between May 1 and August 28. The program will offer wages at a minimum of $10.35 an hour for young adults between 16 and 24. For more information about pursuing an education and career in Pennsylvania at any stage of life, visit https://www.pasmart.gov/ . Read more
Delaware County state Reps. Margo Davidson, Jennifer O’Mara and Brian Kirkland today announced a grant has been approved for the Delaware County Historical Society for $4,000 through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program. Read more
My discussions with you throughout last week at our student debt, 2020 census, and telephone town halls have been so insightful and enriching for my staff and me. It was also a pleasure sitting down with you at our senior breakfast in Radnor this past Friday. Read more
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