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Legislation to reform short-term rentals introduced in state House

(Mar 19, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 19 -- State Reps. Lindsay Powell, Jennifer M. O’Mara and Mary Jo Daley today introduced legislation to establish a statewide regulatory framework for short-term rentals across Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.B. 2303 , is based on recommendations from a nonpartisan, independent study conducted by the Joint State Government Commission, which was directed by a 2024 House Resolution sponsored by Powell and O’Mara. The bill aims to create consistent, baseline standards for short-term rental properties while preserving flexibility for local communities. “On New Year’s Eve, a member of our community was seriously injured in a violent incident at a short-term rental in my district. This was the second such event in the same neighborhood in recent years – the prior taking the lives of two teenagers,” said Powell , D-Allegheny. “That is why, two years ago, Rep. O’Mara and I led passage of a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the short-term rental industry and develop recommendations for a statewide framework. “Today, we are proud to introduce legislation that turns those recommendations into action. This bill strikes a necessary balance of protecting public safety, supporting responsible operators, and ensuring transparency for local officials and law enforcement. As short-term rentals continue to grow across Pennsylvania, we have a Read more

 

Legislators, advocates call for Family Care Act passage

(Mar 17, 2026)

State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, Lisa Borowski, and Napoleon Nelson were joined by child and family advocates this week at a news conference to urge the passage of bipartisan legislation to create a family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Delaware County lawmakers push for Pa. family leave bill

(Mar 17, 2026)

State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-165, Springfield, and Lisa Borowski, D-168, Middletown, were in the lobby of the Delaware County Government Center on Monday morning to press for the state Legislature to pass the Family Care Act. Read more

 

March 6 Email: Celebrating Women’s History Month in March

(Mar 07, 2026)

Please join me in recognizing Women’s History Month in March, because women’s many significant contributions to our history often get too little notice. In fact, women have played important roles in advancing equality and justice, breaking down barriers, and shaping our cultural and political landscape. Women’s History Month reminds us all to celebrate our accomplishments, honor women’s struggles, and do our part to inspire future generations of women. Read more

 

Testifiers support legislation to regulate AI use in counseling services

(Feb 24, 2026)

At a House Majority Policy hearing Tuesday morning, lawmakers and testifiers discussed the need to implement safeguards for AI use in counseling services across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Feb. 20 Email: Advocating for paid family leave in the nation’s Capitol

(Feb 21, 2026)

Advocating for paid family leave in Washington, D.C. Read more

 

Feb. 6 Email: An encouraging budget proposal to help Pennsylvanians and lower costs

(Feb 07, 2026)

An encouraging budget proposal to help Pennsylvanians and lower costs Read more

 

Bill to set appliance energy efficiency standards passes PA House, moves to state Senate

(Feb 03, 2026)

Legislation would set energy efficiency requirements for 15 appliances sold in PA, predicted to reduce climate pollution by more than 6 million tons, save consumers over $7.7 billion Read more

 

Jan. 23 Email: $3.5 million in new state grants for the 165th District

(Jan 24, 2026)

One of my key roles in Harrisburg is advocating for the needs of Delaware County. This often involves collaborating with municipal and county officials to secure state funding for a wide range of projects—from emergency vehicles and streetscape improvements to water and sewer system upgrades and building renovations. These investments are essential, as our communities depend on this support to thrive. Read more

 

O’Mara announces nearly $3.5 million in grants for 165th District

(Jan 20, 2026)

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that nearly $3.5 million in state grants has been awarded for 10 projects in the 165th Legislative District. Read more

 

Jan. 9 Email: Why PA needs a higher minimum wage

(Jan 10, 2026)

I have always been a staunch advocate for a fair day’s pay for all workers. As 2026 begins, prices are on the rise while nearly 300,000 Pennsylvanians still earn between $7.25 and $12 an hour. Meanwhile, 22 other states are getting a higher minimum wage this year while Pennsylvania’s languishes at $7.25 Read more

 

Happy Holidays!

(Dec 24, 2025)

Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays. May you treasure this special time with your loved ones, and for those facing challenges, may you find comfort and support from family, friends, and neighbors. Read more

 

O’Mara: Nearly $1.5 million in grants will benefit projects in 165th District

(Dec 18, 2025)

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that nearly $1.5 million in grants has been awarded for eight projects that will benefit the 165th Legislative District. Read more

 

Bill to protect vaccine access through pharmacists passes state House

(Dec 16, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – As federal authorities continue to undermine immunization access, the Pennsylvania House has passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Arvind Venkat , Tarik Khan , Bridget Kosierowski and Jennifer O’Mara to protect Pennsylvanians’ access to vaccines provided by pharmacists, regardless of federal policy changes. Current state law allows pharmacists to administer vaccines based on federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. The legislation, H.B. 1881 , would also allow pharmacists to provide vaccines based on recommendations from Pennsylvania health authorities, which may draw from guidance issued by professional medical societies. “The work of our local pharmacists is crucial to keeping our communities healthy, and that work should continue to be backed by science,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “This legislation will allow Pennsylvanians to avoid the politicization of health care and get the lifesaving vaccines they want, even if the federal government stops recommending them purely due to politics.” Under this legislation, state vaccination approvals would come from the CDC, competent authorities designated by the Board of Pharmacy, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health which could be informed by professional medical societies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Read more

 

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County

(Dec 16, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – The PA House Democratic Delaware County Delegation today announced the approval of $408,500 through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Delaware County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through the NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95% on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Nearly 90 organizations in our region have been selected for funding through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, said. “These groups work tirelessly to serve our neighbors and strengthen our communities. I’m proud to partner with many of these groups on projects that provide food, job training, and healthcare to so many of our neighbors.” “This investment through the Neighborhood Assistance Program will make a real difference for families and neighborhoods across Delaware County,” said Rep. Leanne Krueger. “These funds will strengthen our communities and improve quality of life, and I’m proud to support programs that ensure resources reach the neighborhoods that need them most.” “These public-private partnerships are a concrete way for our local businesses to give back to our communities AND reap the economic dividends from these investments in Read more

 

Dec. 12 Email: My Holiday Open House is next week!

(Dec 13, 2025)

I hope you can join me for my Holiday Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 18 at my Media office. My staff and I will be on hand to listen to your thoughts on legislative issues and provide information about state programs and services. We’ll have light refreshments, and we’ll be happy to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones this holiday season. Read more

 

Legislators announce nearly $3.5 million investment in public safety programs in Delaware County

(Dec 12, 2025)

The PA House Democratic Delaware County Delegation today announced nearly 3.5 million in state grant funding to support crime victims, children, and justice-involved people with substance use disorders, while strengthening local justice system services throughout Delaware County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Read more

 

Nov. 26 Email: Happy Thanksgiving!

(Nov 26, 2025)

With Thanksgiving approaching, I want to extend warm wishes to you and your family and express my hope that you are able to find plenty to be thankful for this year. Read more

 

Federal shutdown affects food, heating aid: resources and how to help

(Nov 01, 2025)

Due to the federal shutdown, two million Pennsylvanians will go without food aid in November, as SNAP recipients will not receive their benefits. Meanwhile, the LIHEAP heating aid program, which helps 300,000 families in our state, is now scheduled to begin on December 3, rather than the original start date of November 3. The timing couldn’t be worse—with rising costs and food banks stretched thin, many families are already struggling to make ends meet. Read more

 

Oct. 17 Email: A new law to help emergency responders with PTSI

(Oct 20, 2025)

On October 29, Act 121 of 2024 takes effect. It’s a particularly important law to me because it provides Workers’ Compensation coverage for emergency responders who sustain post-traumatic stress injuries in the line of duty. I led the effort in the House for this law, and I wrote the language that was included in the final, bipartisan version signed by Gov. Shapiro nearly one year ago. Read more

 

Legislation to reform short-term rentals introduced in state House
Mar 19, 2026

Legislators, advocates call for Family Care Act passage
Mar 17, 2026

Delaware County lawmakers push for Pa. family leave bill
Mar 17, 2026

March 6 Email: Celebrating Women’s History Month in March
Mar 07, 2026

Testifiers support legislation to regulate AI use in counseling services
Feb 24, 2026

Feb. 20 Email: Advocating for paid family leave in the nation’s Capitol
Feb 21, 2026

Feb. 6 Email: An encouraging budget proposal to help Pennsylvanians and lower costs
Feb 07, 2026

Bill to set appliance energy efficiency standards passes PA House, moves to state Senate
Feb 03, 2026

Jan. 23 Email: $3.5 million in new state grants for the 165th District
Jan 24, 2026

O’Mara announces nearly $3.5 million in grants for 165th District
Jan 20, 2026

Jan. 9 Email: Why PA needs a higher minimum wage
Jan 10, 2026

Happy Holidays!
Dec 24, 2025

O’Mara: Nearly $1.5 million in grants will benefit projects in 165th District
Dec 18, 2025

Bill to protect vaccine access through pharmacists passes state House
Dec 16, 2025

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County
Dec 16, 2025

Dec. 12 Email: My Holiday Open House is next week!
Dec 13, 2025

Legislators announce nearly $3.5 million investment in public safety programs in Delaware County
Dec 12, 2025

Nov. 26 Email: Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 26, 2025

Federal shutdown affects food, heating aid: resources and how to help
Nov 01, 2025

Oct. 17 Email: A new law to help emergency responders with PTSI
Oct 20, 2025