In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with PA State Representative Jennifer O'Mara about how her life experiences and the loss of her father shaped her career, how those stories resonated with people during her election, and what Pennsylvanians are saying they want from their elected leaders. The conversation also covers her experience with IVF, how motherhood has impacted her policy work, and how she juggles all her responsibilities. Ryan and Rep. O'Mara discuss her legislative priorities, including the AI mental health bill she is working on, as well as how she thinks her swing state will vote in the midterms, and the current state of Pennsylvania politics. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:01] Today's guest, Jennifer O'Mara, provides an overview of her career.

• [04:07] How our guest leveraged her life experiences during her election.

 • [05:46] What Representative O'Mara is hearing from voters in a swing state.

• [07:49] How 'kitchen table issues' can be addressed throughout the country.

• [09:44] Some of the policies she has initiated to help working families in her state.

• [14:29] How being a mother has informed her policy work as a state Representative.

 • [20:56] Balancing challenges, coalition creation, legislature, and having a family.

 • [22:46] Representative O'Mara tells us about her bill on AI therapy.

 • [25:02] Private equity issues and how our guest is trying to combat them.

 • [29:29] The state of Pennsylvania politics and what we can expect from the next election.