State funding for our neighborhood, Opportunities for small business owners inside

Rep. Darisha Parker July 27, 2026 | 2:18 PM

PA Representative Darisha Parker banner image

Dear John,

Right now, there’s an affordability crisis across the nation. As prices continue to rise but wages remain stagnant (PA’s Minimum Wage is STILL $7.25) many people are one missed paycheck away from losing everything.

PA House Democrats know this because WE LISTEN and WE ACT.

We’re mitigating food insecurity

This budget funds the Pennsylvania Farm Bill for an eighth year at $13.8 million and renews support for Urban Agriculture Grants, Agricultural Innovation Grants, the Fresh Food Financing Initiative and other investments to increase food access for all.

Did you know?

Urban Agriculture can end food deserts, bringing fresh fruit and vegetables right to local grocery stores and the whole community.

Another benefit is that studies have proven that when we turn vacant space into community gardens, crime rates go down.

Providing & Expanding Tax Credits

The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit provided nearly $217 million to more than 876,000 Pennsylvanians during the recent tax season — and roughly 64,000 more people could still benefit this year as tax returns continue to be filed and processed.

With the expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program that House Democrats passed nearly 200,000 additional seniors and people with disabilities were able to receive the increased tax credit, resulting in more than $315 million to Pennsylvanians.

Economic Development

18.8% increase for Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance
$9.051 million, a $195,000 or 2.2% increase, for BusinessPA
$38 million for Pennsylvania First
$20 million for Main Street Matters

The bottom line is House Democrats are fighting for you!

PGW EnergySense™ Small Business Energy Check Program

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is conducting outreach in our neighborhood through PGW EnergySense™ Small Business Energy Check (SBEC) Program.

PGW partnered with an approved vendor named Power Direct, whose ambassadors serve to help local businesses learn about the SBEC program, which provides a no-cost energy assessment to help reduce the business’ energy usage and bills.

Starting the week of July 20, 2026, a Power Direct ambassador will visit local businesses to offer no-cost energy assessments.

Participation is simple, and many eligible businesses can receive valuable upgrades and recommendations for free.

Uplifting the 198th with state funding

Northwest Philly Quality of Life Survey

The 2026 Quality of Life Survey is a community initiative designed to hear directly from the people who live, work, worship, and invest in Northwest Philadelphia.

The more residents who participate in the survey, the more reflective it is of Northwest Philly’s priorities and values.

The survey takes just 5 to 7 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential, and the findings will be compiled into the 2026 Quality of Life Report, which will be shared publicly.

YOU hold the power in all levels of government

Are you a small business owner?

Small businesses are the backbone of our community and I will continue doing everything I can to lend support to your small business. Contact my office so my staff and I can visit your business!

Grant Opportunities

Did you know that your non-profit, municipality, school and other organizations can apply for state funding to help with things like security upgrades, facility remodeling and maintenance and more?

Click here to see what funding opportunities are available to you and please don’t hesitate to contact my office for assistance or a letter of support.

Let’s take it from the Block to the Ballot

I would love to join you and/or your neighbors to talk about civics and the power of community engagement. Please contact my office to schedule a time for an overview of local, state, and federal government, and how each plays an important role in your everyday life.

My office is here to help you - with a smile!

Seniors - apply for a SEPTA Fare Card

Apply for Your SEPTA Senior Fare Card! If you’re 65 or older, our office can help you complete your application for a SEPTA Senior Fare Card. We’ll submit your information and ID photo directly to SEPTA, and your card will arrive by mail within a few weeks. We can also assist with renewals and expired cards. No appointment is necessary, just walk in anytime.

Apply today for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program

If you are 65 or older, a widow or widower age 50 or older, or at least 18 with a permanent disability, you may qualify for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and receive a rebate on your taxes.

I voted to expand this program and, as a result, thousands more people are eligible and receiving larger rebates.

Click here for more information and don’t forget that my office can help you apply as well.

The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31.

Does the PA Treasury have your unclaimed property?

Did you know that 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property held by the PA Treasury? These funds often come from forgotten bank accounts, security deposits, or uncashed checks.

My office is happy to help you search for unclaimed property and assist with filing claims and submitting the necessary paperwork to the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury.

If you want to check to see if you have any unclaimed property in Pennsylvania visit: https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/.