SEPTA Service Info, My Policy Work, Upcoming Events and More!

Rep. Darisha Parker August 25, 2025 | 10:51 AM

PA Representative Darisha Parker banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Despite the efforts of my colleagues and I in the House Democratic Caucus, we are still without a budget or legislation that would prevent catastrophic service cuts and fare increases to mass transit agencies like SEPTA, which keep PA connected and moving forward.

We have fulfilled our obligation five times when it comes to funding transit. There’s nothing more we can do when the other chamber won’t act.

Please call these state Senators and tell them that SEPTA KEEPS PHILLY MOVING!

Per SEPTA’s website, the Phase 1 service cut implementation schedule is as follows:

August 8: Service cut schedule was made available via SEPTA.org & SEPTA app.
August 14: First week of service cuts became irreversible, each week must be planned 10-days in advance.
August 24: Most of the Bus/Metro service cuts go into effect.
August 25: Remaining Bus/Metro service cuts go into effect.
September 1: Fare increase goes into effect.
September 2: Regional Rail service cuts go into effect.

I won't stop fighting to keep PA moving forward!

THIS WEEK'S PUBLIC POLICY FORUMS

Food Insecurity

I attended a policy hearing about food insecurity in our state. I was shocked to learn that one in five adults in the five-county southeast region experiences food insecurity and one in three children don’t have enough to eat.

We must do better and work together to find solutions to this crisis.

Preparing for 2026 in Philly

We have a ton of special events happening next year in our city! While I’m super excited to see our city filled with tourists and celebration, we must ensure that we keep safety as a top priority.

This week, I attended a Policy Committee hearing to explore safety and security measures for all the excitement happening here in 2026.

Philadelphia Youth Court

I joined my colleagues to visit the Philadelphia Community Youth Court; we met with its founder Francine Hardaway to learn about their program. I was impressed by the program, its youth-led efforts to eradicate the school-to-prison pipeline by using restorative justice will have a profound impact on the criminal justice system moving forward.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Seniors: TOMORROW - It’s time to Vibe & Thrive

Join us tomorrow at our Vibe & Thrive Senior Health Day, from 10 AM - 2 PM at 2201 W. Venango St. There will be a produce giveaway, eye exams, live music, and more!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Next week – Let’s start a conversation

I’m partnering with my colleague State Rep. Andre Carroll for a Community Safety Conversation. Let your voice be heard.

12th Ward Ecoshed

It was so much fun with neighbors and friends at last weekend’s 12th Ward Ecoshed gathering! Keep an eye on my social media so you don’t miss out on these events!

IT'S TIME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

I was lucky to spend the day with Michal, the CEO of Cradles to Crayons at their Bookbag-a-thon. Cradles to Crayons works to ensure that students have clothes, school supplies and more for a successful school year.

We’re making sure kids start off school with everything they need!

Edward T Steel Back-to-School Resource Fair

It was a pleasure to meet the students and families at Steel School’s Back-to-School Resource Fair! I talked to many families about state resources my office can help with and I wish all students a wonderful new school year!

Internship Opportunity for College Students

Applications are now available for the Spring 2026 Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program in Harrisburg’s Capitol Building. Fellows earn compensation (and may receive college credit) while working with legislators in House committees or leadership offices.

Eligible applicants are college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students enrolled at a Pennsylvania institution—or Pennsylvania residents studying out of state—with a minimum 3.0 GPA in any major.

To learn more and apply, visit http://www.pahousefellowship.us/ or email the application to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.

It’s here! The 2026 DEP Environmental Education Grants are OPEN!

Educators, schools, conservation districts, nonprofits, and even local businesses can now apply for funding to help people of all ages learn how to take care of Pennsylvania’s land, air, water, and climate. From schoolyard gardens to clean water projects, if you’ve got the idea—we may have the funding.

Three grant sizes available:
??Seed ($5,000 or less)
??Grow ($5,001–$30,000)
??Impact ($30,001–$65,000)

Learn more and apply by Nov. 14, 2025 → dep.pa.gov/eegrants