April 17 e-mail: Closed for Good Friday – Plus Community and Legislative News

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara April 17, 2025

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Please note that my office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday. We’ll resume normal business hours on Monday, April 21 and will respond to all calls and emails received over the extended weekend at that time.

To those celebrating this weekend, I wish you a joyful and meaningful Easter and Passover. May this season of reflection and renewal bring you peace, hope and time well spent with loved ones. Whether you're observing with family traditions, spiritual reflection or simply taking time to rest, I hope it’s a weekend filled with warmth and connection.

Public transit is essential and worth fighting for

Last Friday, I was proud to rally at City Hall alongside elected officials, workers, activists, and residents from Philadelphia and the Southeast to call on the PA Senate to join the House in fully funding SEPTA. Without urgent action, the proposed funding cuts would reduce SEPTA’s service capabilities by nearly half. This would lead to the elimination of multiple transit lines – devastating our economy, our communities and the thousands who rely on SEPTA every day to get to work, school and essential appointments.

As a life-long resident of Southeastern Pennsylvania, I have relied on SEPTA to get me to work, to school, to visit friends and family, and to travel the region. I know that SEPTA is an essential lifeline for so many in our region and is a critical investment to support our economy, our infrastructure, and our health. I will continue doing all that I can to ensure the General Assembly finally steps up to the plate and fully funds public transit across the Commonwealth.

Click below to hear my remarks on why SEPTA is vital to Delco residents and how we must act now to prevent a "death spiral."

Senior Breakfast – April 25!

Join me for a FREE Senior Breakfast on April 25th from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Media VFW!

This is a great opportunity to connect with other seniors in the community, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and learn from presenters about Medicare and other senior services available to you. Call my office at 610-544-9878 to register.

Location: Media VFW, 11 Hilltop Road

Date: April 25 | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

House advances critical protections for Pennsylvania workers

It was an exciting week in Harrisburg for Pennsylvania workers, as my colleagues and I passed several bills to provide critical worker protections:

Extending federal OSHA protections to public sector workers in Pennsylvania (H.B. 308).
Providing a cost-of-living increase to long-time state employees and public school employees (H.B. 411).
Expanding workers’ compensation to cover permanent disfigurement (H.B. 183).
Adding 911 operators to the list of professions that are considered emergency responders (H.B. 453).

I stand firmly with Pennsylvania workers. Every worker deserves dignity, safety, and a fair wage, and it’s our responsibility as lawmakers to protect their wellbeing through strong, forward-thinking legislation. I’m committed to building a Pennsylvania where all workers can thrive.

REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7th

Starting May 7, anyone getting on a plane or entering certain federal buildings will need a Real ID to board or enter. To help our constituents understand this process and what documents are needed, there are two upcoming events to hear directly from PennDOT.

First, there is a virtual webinar on April 22nd from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. You can sign up to attend by visiting SenatorKearney.com/REALID.

Second, I am hosting an in-person event on April 24 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Marple Library. Stop by to hear from PennDOT and get your questions answered.

Municipal primary reminders

The Municipal Primary Election is coming up on May 20, so ensure you are registered to vote before the May 5 deadline. Pennsylvania holds closed primary elections, which means you must be a registered Republican or Democrat to vote for that party’s nominees. You can register to vote, update your registration, or check your voter registration status online.

If you plan on voting by mail, the deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on May 13. For information on how to apply, go to the Department of State’s website.

Thanks for donating ??

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to our blood drive with state Sen. Tim Kearney last month! ?? Because of your generosity, we were able to collect 27 units of blood, which will make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

Missed this blood drive but still interested in donating? Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage.html to find other blood drives happening near you any time.

Thanks for shredding with me

Thanks to the Delaware County Daily Times for covering our Shred & E-Waste Event with state Sen. Tim Kearney and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. Shout out to all our great staff, volunteers, constituents & vendors who braved the cold and made our event a big success!

Tomorrow is the last day to apply to LIHEAP

This Friday, April 18, is the last day to get your application in for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for the 2024-2025 season.

This program provides a cash grant sent directly to your utility company to help with the bill. To see if you qualify and to apply, visit the LIHEAP website.

Building bright futures at our apprenticeship fair

Thank you to everyone who came out to my apprenticeship fair with state Sen. Tim Kearney! It was great to see so many students and parents and hear their excitement about the post-high school opportunities available. A huge shout out to all the vendors who took time out of their Saturday to attend and share information with the community.

Join us for the Delco Environmental & Renewable Energy Expo!

Friday, May 3

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Rose Tree Park

We’ve partnered with PennEnvironment to bring you an expo packed with resources, information, and opportunities to go green:

Explore clean energy + energy efficiency options.
Check out electric vehicles up close.
Connect with local environmental groups.
Learn how you can make an impact in your community.

RSVP here: https://shorturl.at/jYqYB.

Know a Delco resident turning 100 this year? Let’s celebrate them!

Delaware County Council and COSA are once again honoring residents who will be 100+ in 2025 with a special Centenarian Luncheon on Thursday, May 15 at the Drexelbrook Event Center.

Each honoree will receive a commemorative photo and an official proclamation, and the organization that brings the most centenarians will take home the $500 prize.

?? Date: May 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

?? Location: Drexelbrook Event Center, 4700 Drexelbrook Dr., Drexel Hill.

??? Centenarians + 1 guest attend free. Additional guests: $25.

?? Register by May 8 — Call Debbie Hedgepeth at (610) 872-1406 or COSA at
(610) 490-1300.

Let’s honor their incredible milestone, because 100 years is worth celebrating! ??

Upcoming events

Media Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m.
Media Tot Lot & Lawn

Marple American Legion Easter Egg Roll
Saturday April 19 at noon
1 N. Malin Road Broomall, PA 19008

Virtual Real ID Event
Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Register at SenatorKearney.com/REALID

In Person Real ID Event
Thursday, April 24,6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Marple Library

Senior Breakfast
Friday, April 25, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Media VFW, 11 Hilltop Road

Environmental Expo
May 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Rose Tree Park