Dear Neighbor,

So far this year, my office has helped 233 seniors obtain a SEPTA Senior Card, which allows those 65 or older to ride SEPTA routes for free in PA. Some of those seniors came to our SEPTA Senior ID Event yesterday with Senator Kearney at the Upper Providence Building, and we were happy to help!

It’s one way we’re working to make people’s lives more affordable. I understand that people are struggling with rising costs these days, and I believe every little bit helps.

If you missed Thursday’s event, don’t worry—my staff are always available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to contact my district office. You can also reapply by contacting us. For more information or to register, please call the office at 610-544-9878.

For only the second time in its history, the Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis. Blood donations have fallen to a 4-year summer low. That’s why I’ve teamed up with the Red Cross to host a blood drive this month. On August 31, from 9 am to 2 pm, you can schedule a time to donate blood at the Media Community Center. Please considering donating if you are able! CLICK HERE to make an appointment

Sponsor Code: OMARA

I want to inform nonprofit organizations that they can apply now for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to enhance security and protect against hate crimes at their facilities. I voted to include this $10 million program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency in the 2026-27 state budget.

Grants can range from $5,000 to $150,000 for a variety of eligible items, including:

• Safety and security planning and training;
• Purchase safety and security equipment and technology;
• Upgrade existing structures that enhance safety and security; and
• Vulnerability and threat assessments.

The deadline for organizations to apply online is Sept. 10.

I had a great time at National Night Out this week! The events in Marple, Springfield, and Media were a blast and it was great to connect with the community. Thank you to all the police departments for hosting such an important event.

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording life’s 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 deadline for applying has been extended to Dec. 31.

Learn more about the program here. Don’t hesitate to contact my district office for assistance with applications—remember, we’re here to help!

August 6 marked Moms' Equal Pay Day, which is how far into the year mothers must work to catch up to what fathers were paid in the previous year for comparable work. On average, moms make 64 cents for every dollar dads make.

This is why one of the many reasons I fight for paid family leave. In the year following a birth, new mothers who take paid leave are more likely than those who take no paid leave to stay in the workforce and are 54% more likely to report wage increases. My bill passed out of the PA House – it's time for the PA Senate to give moms what they want and pass paid family leave.

The Pennsylvania State Police is expanding opportunities for students and aspiring law enforcement professionals through partnerships with colleges and universities. Through the Academy Internship Program, eligible college seniors can complete their final semester at the PSP Academy, earn academic credits, and begin their careers as a trooper after successfully completing cadet training. Interested students must apply by Sept. 30, 2026.

The 2026-27 state budget provides funding for approximately 380 new cadet appointments, reinforcing efforts to strengthen public safety and recruit the next generation of troopers.

Learn more at https://patrooper.com/.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Administration has launched a statewide women’s health informational tour to raise awareness about the life-saving preventive services available at no cost through their health insurance plan. I want to inform you about it because a 2025 survey of women across PA found that 31% of women are very or somewhat unaware of the preventive services available to them at no-cost under the Affordable Care Act.

The tour will run through September with five stops in each region of Pennsylvania. At each stop, women will be able to ask questions and share their experiences navigating the health insurance system. The stops include one in Philadelphia at 10 a.m. on Aug. 26 at Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. For more info, visit here.

This week, we said goodbye to our three summer interns, Lucas, Olivia, and Archer. I want to thank them for all their hard work over these last three months, helping constituents, doing research, and more. Best of luck at school this year!

To help everyone stay safe when temperatures rise, I want to make sure you’re aware of Delaware County’s 2026 Heat Plan. It includes Code Red alerts and cooling centers at senior centers, libraries, and community buildings. To learn more, visit https://delcopa.gov/health-department/heat-information, or call the Delaware County Health Department’s Wellness Line if you need help staying cool at (484) 276-2100.

And remember these tips to beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of water
• Check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors
• Limit time outdoors, especially midday
• Never leave kids or pets in a car
• If you need to be outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive sweating.
• When in doubt, take a break, cool down and seek help.  

During July and August, our office will hold summer hours by closing at 3 pm on Fridays. Stay cool and enjoy your summer!

Sincerely,

District Office

26 E. 4th Street

Media, PA 19063-3042
(610) 544-9878

Pennsylvania State Capitol
217 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202165

Harrisburg, PA 17120-2165
(717) 783-4090