Nov. 14 Email: Enacting a balanced, bipartisan state budget

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara November 15, 2025

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

The General Assembly on Wednesday passed a balanced, bipartisan budget plan with no tax increases or reductions in the Rainy Day Fund, and Gov. Shapiro signed it into law. This budget pays our bills, helps every kid in every school, preserves vital services, and prevents layoffs.

This budget spends a little over $50 billion—a compromise between the governor’s original proposal, our House proposal, and a Senate approach to simply rely on last year’s budget. It wasn’t easy, and it took longer than everyone would have liked, but in the end it delivers the important services people need in the face of a totally unpredictable federal government.

Specifically, the budget includes $800 million in investments in K-12 education and an additional $40 million in special education. For our local school districts, that means an increase of $542,063, or 6.8 percent, for Wallingford-Swarthmore; $218,749, or 3.2 %, for Rose Tree Media; $191,869, or 3.3%, for Marple Newtown; and $188,581, or 2.3%, for Springfield.

The budget also includes a $40 million increase in funds to address food insecurity in the face of unreliable support from the federal government, and it will invest $750 million in medical assistance managed care. It also helps working families with a Working Pennsylvanian Tax Credit and delivers $25 million for quality childcare workers. Finally, it delivers $5 million to Delaware County hospitals as they face increased volume due to Crozer’s closure.

While I never expected to have the baby and return from maternity leave without a budget, I’m grateful that we have fulfilled our constitutional duty and that our communities will finally receive the funding they desperately need.

My food collection drive

My office has launched a Food Collection Drive at this time of food insecurity for many people. Even with SNAP benefits finally being distributed, Thanksgiving time is when food pantries see some of their highest volume. Through November 21, we will be collecting food donations to benefit local pantries. If you are able, please consider bringing donations to my office at 26 E. Fourth St. in Media. As someone who has personally experienced food insecurity, it is deeply important to me that we use our resources to support our friends and neighbors during this time of great need. Thank you so much to those who have already donated! Those who need food can find of resources here or visit pa-navigate.org.

Seeking volunteers and food donations for Community Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving season, Media Fellowship House, along with Cedar Creek Catering, Media Food Bank, and First Church Media, is preparing to serve over 600 neighbors during our 7th Annual Community Thanksgiving Event on Saturday, November 22.

They are seeking volunteers and food donations to help ensure every plate is full. The most needed items include canned cranberry sauce, five-pound bags of russet and sweet potatoes, stuffing cubes, two-pound boxes of brown sugar, pumpkin and apple pies, and cases of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and water.

Please drop off food items by Sunday, November 16. To volunteer or learn more, visit here.

My successful Veterans Breakfast

I enjoyed seeing so many veterans Tuesday at my annual Veterans Breakfast at Springfield Country Club. I was honored to have the Adjutant General, Major General John Pippy, attend and share remarks with our guests. It was wonderful to have the chance to thank our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Recall of ByHeart Infant Formula

The state Department of Health is alerting Pennsylvanians that there are 13 cases of infant botulism across ten states connected to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, a milk-based powder formula with iron for children birth to 12 months. One Pennsylvania infant was hospitalized in October and is recovering.

Parents and caregivers should stop using the following lot numbers with “use by” dates of December 1, 2026, found on the bottom of the can. Please see the FDA website for information on what to do with formula from these lots.

Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)
Lot: 206VABP/251131P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”)

If your child is experiencing signs or symptoms of botulism, such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression, seek immediate medical assistance. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and next steps to take on the CDC website.

Trouble in Toyland

This week, I joined PennPIRG, a non-partisan advocacy organization looking out for consumers, as they announced the release of this year’s Trouble in Toyland report. PennPIRG Education Fund conducts an annual survey of toy safety, which has led to over 150 recalls and other regulatory actions over the years, and has helped educate the public and policymakers on the need for continued action to protect the health and wellbeing of children.

I was horrified when reading about some of the safety concerns that still exist in our children’s toys today, especially with the rise of AI technology. Giving a toy to any child should be a fun memory for families. Tragically, this report shows that we have more work to do when it comes to the safety of our children. I’m grateful to PIRG for educating parents and giving them the tools necessary to protect their children from things that should give them joy.

You can read the full report here and their list of safety tips for parents here.

Collecting Toys for Tots this Holiday Season

My office is once again serving as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots!

Through December 7, you can bring new, unwrapped toys to 26 E. Fourth St. in Media to be donated to children in need.

Open enrollment for Pennie health insurance

From now through January 15, Pennsylvanians can enroll in health coverage through Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace created through Obamacare. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress have yet to agree to extend health care subsidies. Consequently, we expect the cost of plans in our marketplace to go up significantly.

If you have questions or need help enrolling, visit Pennie.com/connect or call the Pennie Customer Service Center at 1-844-844-8040.

Apply for property tax or rent rebates

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and other necessities. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older.

Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the application deadline has been extended to December 31. My staff is available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to stop by my district office.