Supporting Black maternal health and reproductive rights across PA

Rep. Mary Jo Daley April 22, 2025 | 12:20 PM

PA Representative Mary Jo Daley banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Spring! As the weather warms up, so does legislative action in the state Capitol and across the state.

Last week in Pittsburgh, I had the opportunity to support the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus as they kicked off the state’s first Black Maternal Health Conference.

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Leadership.

Too many expectant mothers are dying across the state, and with a growing number of health care facilities in danger of closing, more regions across the state have limited or non-existent access to maternal health care facilities. It’s a trend state we lawmakers are attempting to reverse.

You can learn more at www.pahouse.com/BMH.

Earlier this month, I was also proud to rally with many of my same colleagues under the Capitol Rotunda and express our unwavering support for women’s health care and reproductive rights in Pennsylvania.

I spoke on the merits of our proposed Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. It would ensure that women seeking reproductive health care are not obstructed or threatened when accessing clinics. This law would not infringe on anyone’s right to free speech or protest but establishes a clear boundary: persuasion must never cross into obstruction or intimidation.

Watch more here:

You can also help protect access to women’s health care by sharing a letter from PAHouse.com.

House Tourism Committee meeting focuses on America250

In Harrisburg this month, I held a special House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee meeting to discuss the America250PA Commission and its role in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.

We heard testimony from members of the America250PA Commission as well as local leaders, citizens, and members of the private sector from across the state who have been collaborating over the past several years to bring this celebration together in 2026.

I'd like to especially thank America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman and former Governor Mark Schweiker, who co-chairs America250PA, for their work and introduction to the meeting. 2026 is going to be a banner year for Pennsylvania!

For more on America250PA, visit here.

Strengthening PA-Ireland ties

State Sen. Devlin Robinson and I celebrated the inaugural meeting of the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission on March 25, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Ireland.

The commission was established following the passage of my legislation (H.B 2132) last session, which Gov. Josh Shapiro ceremonially signed into law during a special event attended by Irish and Pennsylvania officials.

The commission, which is comprised of government, business and education leaders, will focus on enhancing trade, investment and academic exchange opportunities between Pennsylvania and Ireland. The effort aligns with Pennsylvania’s broader strategy to engage international markets and create economic opportunities for local businesses.

Protecting the Wissahickon

This week, I attended the check presentation of a state grant to Montgomery County for restoring a floodplain along the Wissahickon. The11-acre project site, owned by Montgomery County, experienced flood and wind damage from Hurricane Ida and the related tornado in September 2021.

The Whitemarsh Wissahickon Floodplain Restoration Project represents a bold step toward ecological renewal – restoring a vital floodplain, fostering essential habitats, and creating a living classroom where the community can reconnect with nature’s beauty and resilience.

More details can be found here.

Know Your Rights as a Renter event is June 5

Join me at the Bala Cynwyd Library at 131 Old Lancaster Road, Bala Cynwyd on Thursday, June 5, for an informative event where you can learn all about your rights as a renter. This forum will cover important topics such as fair housing law, lease agreements, repair issues, security deposits, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and protect your rights as a tenant.

To register, click here.

REAL ID enforcement begins May 7

I’d like to remind you of the May 7 REAL ID enforcement date, which is right around the corner.

Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to:

Board domestic commercial flights.
Enter a military base.
Enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID.

To help deliver you a REAL ID, PennDOT offers REAL ID Mondays at driver license centers. The nearest centers to us, which will participate Mondays April 28 and May 5, are:

Norristown Driver License Center: 1700 Markley St., Suite 30, Norristown, PA 19401
King of Prussia Driver License Center: 143 S. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Investing in SEPTA

A critical piece to our region’s transportation infrastructure, SEPTA connects communities, supports economic development, reduces traffic congestion and provides an essential service to thousands of residents who rely on public transportation daily.

My fellow legislators, local officials and more rallied last week following a push to call attention to funding SEPTA. If you would like to help, ride SEPTA and share your advocacy!

PA seeking former federal workers

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to help fill critical vacancies in the Commonwealth workforce with experienced and qualified former federal employees.

The order directs the Office of Administration to accept federal government experience as equivalent to Commonwealth work experience for identified critical vacancies, ensuring former federal employees with valuable experience can more easily apply for relevant Commonwealth jobs.

Visit here and please share with anyone you know could benefit!

3rd Annual Second Chance Resource Fair is April 28

April is Second Chance Month – a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges people with criminal records face in their lives and to promote opportunities to successfully reintegrate them into society.

This month, our Montgomery County, PA Clerk of Courts is hosting the 3rd annual Second Chance Resource Fair from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the George Washington Carver Community Center, 249 Jacoby St. in Norristown, 19401.

This year, Montco is partnering with the Montgomery County Reentry Initiative of Family Services to bring more resources and support to individuals on their reintegration journey. For more information, visit here.

Come enjoy NarbEarth Day and Whitemarsh Township Day

Whitemarsh Township Day is on Saturday, April 26, at Victory Fields at 201 E. Germantown Pike. Township Day occurs every April to welcome residents back outdoors for the season. It’s a fun day filled with crafters, food trucks, local clubs and groups, businesses and of course plenty of rides and games for the kids! I hope to see you there!

NarbEarth Day will be on Saturday, May 3, from noon to 4 p.m. in Narberth Park, presented by the Narberth Civic Association (rain date is Sunday, May 4, same time). This year marks the 36th edition of this popular Narberth tradition! Learn different ways you can make change happen. Drop by the free swap tables and visit with staff from my office. Bring and/or take plants, toys, household goods or gently used children’s clothing.

My next Meet the Rep is May 27

My next Meet the Rep event will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 at the Penn Wynne Library, 130 Overbrook Parkway, in Penn Wynne, 19096.

I hope to see you next month! An RSVP is required. Please call or email the district office at (610) 832-1679 or RepMaryJoDaley@pahouse.net.

Save the date for my Senior Fair: June 13

Please save the date for my annual districtwide Senior Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 13 at the Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood.

This free event will feature vendors focused on senior life all under one roof – including state, federal and local agencies, veterans’ organizations, insurance providers, community organizations and more! Can’t wait to see you there!