April 17 Email: Great news for consumers: We stopped PECO from raising rates

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara April 20, 2026

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

We did it! Our pressure campaign, our letters, and our petition against PECO’s proposed rate hikes worked! Gov. Shapiro yesterday announced that PECO has withdrawn their rate hike request with the PUC.

With costs rising across the board these days, we certainly didn’t need this one, too—PECO’s request would have significantly increased gas and electric rates beginning next year. On average, these rate hikes would have cost families an additional $20.08 per month for electricity and $14.52 per month for natural gas.

I want to express huge thanks to everyone who signed our petition and wrote letters and helped pressure PECO to back off this rate hike. Our efforts proved that we can still make a difference when we work together!

Read more here.

My PARENT Act clears committee

I’m proud to report that the House Health Committee this week voted to advance my bill dubbed the PARENT Act, which would protect prospective parents’ rights to fertility treatments in Pennsylvania. I introduced H.B. 836 because 11 percent of women and 9 percent of men struggle with fertility, yet the potential loss of access to fertility treatments is a new challenge for many prospective parents. I want everyone to have the opportunity to start or expand a family.

My bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

Our paper shredding event is tomorrow!

Tomorrow is my annual Paper Shredding and Electronics Event with Senator Tim Kearney! Between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., stop by the parking lot at the Springfield Country Club to have your personal documents securely shredded on site or electronics safely and securely disposed of. Please note:

Only four boxes or bags per car
No lightbulbs, loose batteries, or items with freon
The Delco DA’s office will be on site, so bring any expired or unused prescription drugs

Mail-in voting is a safe and secure option for you

I want your vote counted on Election Day the way that works for YOU. Mail-in ballots are a simple, safe, and secure way to make sure your voice is heard...And it couldn't be easier!

Just visit votespa.com to request your ballot. Once you receive it, fill it out and mail it or drop it in a drop box, or submit it at your county election office. That's it! If you don’t put your ballot in the mail by May 12, then you should drop it off – don’t risk your vote not being counted. Your mail-in ballot must be RECEIVED by 8 p.m. on May 19.

Our successful Apprenticeship Fair

My Apprenticeship Fair this week with Sen. Kearney was a fantastic success! The event at DCIU’s Morton Campus focused on exposing the student attendees to different career opportunities, including jobs in the trades and labor industry.

LIHEAP application deadline extended

Good news for eligible residents who need help paying their heating bills: The application period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been extended until May 8. Through the program, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues.

First Pitch under the Lights!

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of throwing out the first pitch at South Marple Little League's first game under their new lights. Thank you so much for having me and I hope you all have a great season!

Business in Our Sites grants and loans available

Applications are open for grants and loans from the state’s Business in Our Sites program for the acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others. Entities that may apply include municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, and private developers (for construction loans only). The application deadline is June 30.

For more information about the program, visit here.

Drop off children’s books at my office

My office is participating in a local children’s book drive to help put books in the hands of Delco children. We are a drop-off site for the Delco Book Bank’s Summer Reading Book Drive. Feel welcome to drop off new or gently used children’s books at my office through the end of May!

Eligible PA veterans can apply for Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging eligible veterans to apply for a monthly pension offered through the state’s Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program. The DMVA is promoting the benefit to increase awareness during National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in April.

Pennsylvania veterans who qualify for the pension receive $150 per month.

To qualify, applicants must have been a PA resident upon entering the military, received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable; and have a service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher in each of two or more limbs as determined by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

To apply, veterans should contact their County Director of Veterans Affairs in the county in which they reside. More information about the DMVA Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program can be found at Pension Program.