May 16 e-mail: Breaking the stigma: Act 121 taking effect this fall

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara May 16, 2025

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

I’ve been working for years in Harrisburg to erode the mental health stigma as well as ensure that first responders have the tools that they need to effectively do their jobs. Last year, my efforts paid off when Gov. Josh Shapiro signed my measure into law – Act 121 of 2024 – to change the Workers’ Compensation law to cover Post-Traumatic Stress Injury for first responders.

As many of you know, this is an issue that hits close to home for me. My father, a Philadelphia Firefighter, died by suicide when I was 13. Sadly, first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, and what’s even more devastating is thinking about how each of these deaths could be prevented. My goal with this bill all these years has been to remove a barrier to care, so no family has to endure the tragedy that mine did. I truly believe that by making mental health care more accessible for first responders, we can save lives.

I was honored to celebrate Act 121 last week, while simultaneously recognizing that much more work remains to be done to support Pennsylvania’s first responders. As budget season approaches in Harrisburg, we legislators have a responsibility to ensure those who risk their lives for our communities have the tools, resources and recognition they both need and deserve. I remain committed to building on this progress and fighting for policies that truly value and protect our emergency personnel – not just in words, but in action.

Memorial Day weekend office hours

With Memorial Day on May 26th this year, my office will close at noon on Friday, May 23rd and stay closed through Memorial Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 27th. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Primary Day – May 20th

In observance of election day on May 20th, my office will be closed. Normal business hours will resume on Wednesday, May 21st.

If you requested a mail-in ballot, it needs to be returned to Delaware County by 8 p.m. on May 20th, not postmarked. If you plan to vote in person, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and you can find your polling place at: Find your Local Polling Place | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

If you need assistance for election day-related issues, you can call PA’s hotline at 1-877-868-3772.

Modernizing Pennsylvania’s elections

Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American democracy and freedom – and as such, we should be leading the nation in access to the ballot. Pennsylvanians want practical updates to our election laws – just like the successful expansion of Vote-By-Mail a few years ago.

That’s why I’m glad to share that this week the House passed the Voting Rights Protection Act of 2025. This legislation would ensure Pennsylvanians have early access to voting, convenient ballot boxes to drop off your mail-in ballot, require the electric modernization of poll books, and ensure safety, security, and integrity for every election across the commonwealth.

We should be making it easier, not harder, for ALL Pennsylvanians to have their voice heard and their vote protected. This bill passed the House with my vote and will now advance to the state Senate for consideration. Click here to learn more.

Supporting safer classrooms

I stopped by Rabbit Hill Nursery School to check out their new security door — funded through a grant I was proud to support! Keeping students and teachers safe is always a top priority.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers are back this June!

Under this program, eligible seniors receive $25 in vouchers that can be used for fresh fruits, vegetables and edible herbs at Pennsylvania farmers markets.

This program is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call the Delaware County Aging office at 610-490-1300 to find out when and where they are distributing the checks/vouchers.

PA Medi counseling

Are you turning 65 soon and looking into Medicare enrollment? PA Medi trained volunteers can offer counseling sessions that will provide you with sound information so you can make your best choices for supplemental and prescription plans. Call my office to schedule an appointment.

Welcoming the Lombardi Trophy to the Capitol

Last week, we bled green as we welcomed the newest Eagles’ Lombardi Trophy to the Capitol! ???? #GoBirds

There is no Planet B, but there are plenty of solutions

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Delco Environmental Expo with PennEnvironment. It was a wonderful day to learn about sustainability, different clean energy options, and talk about how to address the climate crisis we are facing. It’s inspiring to see our community come together for the planet ????

Deadline extended for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The application deadline for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025.

Thanks to a historic expansion of the program passed by the General Assembly, more Pennsylvanians than ever -- older adults, widows/widowers and people with disabilities -- are eligible for the rebates, with increased maximum payments of up to $1,000.

Filing is free, easy, and can be done online through myPATH. In-person help is also available at my district office and through PA Department of Revenue district offices and Area Agencies on Aging.

Learn more about PTRR and apply by visiting: pa.gov/ptrr.

Help shape Swarthmore’s future

Swarthmore has released draft recommendations as part of its comprehensive planning process, Imagine Swarthmore – Planning Our Future Together. Community members are invited to review the plan and share feedback by May 31, 2025. Input on topics such as regional partnerships and funding opportunities is especially welcome. Please help spread the word and encourage others to participate in this important planning effort.

Speaking up for mental health care

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to break stigma, uplift voices, and push for better support systems. That’s why I’m especially grateful to have spoken at the National Dialogue on Schizophrenia: Pennsylvania in my role as co-chair of the PA Mental Health Caucus.

It was an honor to be part of such an important conversation focused on improving care, understanding, and outcomes for those living with schizophrenia and related conditions. Mental health is physical health, and we must continue to support legislation and programs that will provide assistance, not stigma.

Garrett Williamson students speak for the trees

Sen. Tim Kearney, Rep. Lisa Borowski, and I stopped by Garrett Williamson School to celebrate some of our smallest constituents taking a small step to help the environment. They raised all the funds for the tree as a class after learning about trees being cut down in the Amazon. Watching their enthusiasm for planting this tree and all the positive impacts it will have was a joy. Thank you for having us!

Upcoming Events

Dining Under the Stars
Weekly on Wednesdays, starting at 5 p.m.
State Street in Media

Swarthmore Farmers Market
Weekly on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon
Swarthmore Borough Parking Lot

Media Farmers Market
Weekly on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Edgemont Avenue between State and Front Streets

Swarthmore Rotary Fun Fair & 5k Race
Sunday, May 18th, noon to 4 p.m.
Park Avenue in Swarthmore

State Street Car Show
Sunday, June 1st, noon to 3 p.m.
State Street in Media

Swarthmore Pride Celebration
Sunday, June 1st, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
100 block of Park Avenue

Town Hall
Thursday, June 5th, 7 p.m.
Media Borough Parlor Room

Pride Parade
Saturday, June 7th, noon
State Street in Media