E-News: Continuing the fight for SEPTA; Come talk with me May 27

Rep. Mary Jo Daley May 19, 2025

PA Representative Mary Jo Daley banner image

Last week in the Capitol, I discussed why PA school coaches should have access to mental health training, like other school staff are required to take. Read on for more.

Dear Neighbor,

I want you to know that I’m fighting for SEPTA. As your state representative and chair of the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee, I hear exactly how Pennsylvania’s economy relies on the things that make us powerful and unique, and I could not be prouder or more committed to fight for SEPTA, our premier people-mover in Southeast Pennsylvania.

I co-hosted a rally and news conference today, at SEPTA headquarters in Philadelphia. Thank you to Narberth officials for showing up, too! Both Lower Merion Township and Narberth Borough have issued resolutions calling for the complete funding for SEPTA.

I will speak at another rally and news conference at the Narberth train station this Wednesday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m. Please join us if you are able. On June 5, I will host a SEPTA Roundtable Discussion at 10 a.m. in the Lower Merion Township Building.

I grew up here and I’ve been riding SEPTA since I was a teenager. I still ride the train to Center City regularly, and I take Amtrak to and from Harrisburg.

I’ve had some of my most meaningful conversations while on public transit. I cut my carbon footprint with SEPTA, and I have met so many new people on SEPTA, because SEPTA is about people. Without it, our region and state would grind to a halt.

For every dollar spent on mass transit and SEPTA, five more dollars are created in our economy. For every million dollars invested, 500 direct jobs are created, and thousands of downstream jobs are created at suppliers, vendors and support industries. For every dollar invested in transit, three dollars are added in new business sales.

That is why my fellow House Democrats and I voted three times last year, and once already this session, to deliver funding for transit across the state – including giving SEPTA the state support it needs. We’re ready to do it again, and you can sound off on the issue, as well.

You can share your testimony at SEPTA Budget Hearings this week. Public comment can be given online or in person at 5 p.m. today, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21. Meetings are available at www.septa.org/about/meetings.

UPCOMING EVENTS

My next Meet the Rep event is May 27

I will hold my May Meet the Rep Event from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at the Penn Wynne Library, 130 Overbrook Parkway, in Penn Wynne.

Residents of the 148th Legislative District are invited to talk with me about a variety of state government issues. If you have questions, this is the time to ask!

An RSVP is required. Please call or email the district office at: (610) 832-1679 or repmaryjodaley@pahouse.net.

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.

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, community organizations and more! Can’t wait to see you there!

In the Capitol: Legislation for mental health training in schools

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and last week in the Capitol I highlighted legislation that would require school coaches to receive mental health awareness training – like the training required of other school personnel.

The bill would ensure that all students, their parents or guardians, athletic staff and extracurricular advisors are informed of the availability of mental health services within their school and local community.

A recent study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found that only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources, and 67% want more training and information on the subject.

I’d like to extend a special “thank you” to Mekkai Williams, a Millersville University student and mental health advocate who has supported this legislation from day one. I’d also like to thank state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, for his support and participation on Wednesday.

You can watch more from the press conference here.

Celebrating National Small Business Week

This month, my office and I celebrated hardworking local business owners for National Small Business Week! Our local business owners are dreamers, doers and difference-makers who make our community unique.

Thank you to Babis Pharmacy in Merion Station, for showing me the ropes at your wonderful local pharmacy. What’s more, Love From Home gift shop, another local business, is located inside Babis Pharmacy.

I also visited POSH clothing boutique in Bala Cynwyd and had a wonderful talk with owner Stefanie Goldstone. I then had the pleasure of catching up with A La Karte and Chef Jonathan Chodosh!

Boutique and small shops are more than just places to buy goods – they're cornerstones of a thriving local economy. These small, independently owned businesses bring character, creativity and a personal touch that you won’t find in big-box stores.

They offer curated, often locally made products, helping support regional artisans and producers while keeping money circulating within the community. For more on small business support in PA, visit here.

Talking more about economic development

It was a pleasure discussing the future of Pennsylvania’s economic development as it pertains to tourism and recreation during the Spring25 conference hosted by Pennsylvania Economic Development Association. I attended with my colleague state Rep. Tom Mehaffie, R-Hershey, who is working on legislation to make the Hershey Kiss Pennsylvania’s official state candy. We also discussed the state of energy development in the commonwealth.

Laurel Hill East restored

I'm thrilled to share that the historic Gatehouse at Laurel Hill East has officially been restored! As the last remaining original building on the grounds, this architectural gem has undergone a stunning exterior rehabilitation — and we marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting to celebrate its renewal.

Dedicated to hope, remembrance

I'm happy that our community had an opportunity to reflect on a powerful symbol of hope, remembrance and resilience thanks to Gratz College: the dedication of an Anne Frank Sapling. Our staff member Rochelle Adjei-Abasa was able to represent my office, and her remarks were warmly received.

This event also reminds me how excited I am that Gratz College is opening a campus in the 148th Legislative District! Gratz’s mission as a leader in human rights, Holocaust education, and antisemitism awareness is timeless and essential. We all benefit from having them as a neighbor!

Honor fallen heroes by supporting the PA Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund

I’d like to wish you a happy and meaningful Memorial Day coming up this weekend. While many of us will celebrate the unofficial opening of summers with get-togethers, please remember to keep the memory of fallen military and civil service members alive this weekend.

One way to honor the fallen and pay tribute to those who have served is by donating to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial Trust Fund. The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial, located at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Lebanon County, stands in lasting tribute to those who served our state and nation in times of war and peace. This monument is nationally recognized as the largest veterans’ memorial located in any of the national cemeteries.

One-hundred percent of trust fund donations go toward upkeep like landscaping, lighting and fountains, as well as needed maintenance for structural and cosmetic components throughout the memorial. Donations are tax-deductible.

Donations can be made to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund online at www.donate.dmva.pa.gov or by sending a check made payable to the "Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund” and mailed to: DMVA Office for Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 9-26, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002.