Recap from Harrisburg

Rep. Darisha Parker October 5, 2026 | 12:12 PM

PA Representative Darisha Parker banner image

Dear John,

My legislation passed the House!

Under current law, health care providers are required to offer the influenza vaccine to patients aged 65 or older. However, as we age, oftentimes we find ourselves with chronic illnesses that compromise our immune system.

My legislation would require health care providers to offer the influenza vaccine for patients 50 or older.

Keep reading to see how House Democrats are working for you!

In Service,

Legislative Review

House Bill 280 – The Open Primaries Act

In 2005 just 12% of voters were registered Independent or third-party, and today it’s over 16% -- nearly one in five voters in PA.

Generally, independent and unaffiliated voters cannot vote in PA’s Primary Elections if there are no third-party candidates on the ballot. With this system, hundreds of thousands of voters are left out of the primary election process.

This bill would allow independent, unaffiliated voters to choose which political party primary to vote in on election days – and the poll workers will keep a record of that decision.

House bill 2006 - AI Companionship Applications

Will require AI companionship applications to implement safety features when the user interacts with the applications for long periods of time.

Additionally, this legislation would require the application to detect and implement a safety protocol if a user talks about suicidal ideation or self-harm and notify and remind the user that the companion is not human.

Fighting against Human Trafficking

My colleagues and I celebrated the passage of two bills to protect people from human trafficking.

Senate Bill 45 increases criminal penalties for those who prey upon vulnerable individuals who have been groomed, manipulated, and forced into “The Life.” House Bill 1286, sponsored by Rep. Regina G. Young, establishes mandatory human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging, reservation companies and operators of short-term rentals, who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms.

Both bills were signed into law by Governor Shapiro in July.

Fighting for Women’s Healthcare

I attended a press conference with my colleagues, advocates and medial professionals to celebrate the passage of two bills that will ease burdens for women often brought on by menopause and menopause-related conditions.

The Senate needs to vote on this legislation to close the gap on disparities in women’s healthcare!

House Bill 1345, which was reported out of the House Human Services Committee on Monday, would provide Medicaid coverage for hormonal and non-hormonal therapy to treat menopausal symptoms.

House Bill 2135, the Menopause and Perimenopause Workplace Protections and Accommodations Act, advanced from the House Labor and Industry Committee this week. This legislation would ensure accommodation for pregnancy-related and menopause-related conditions in the workplace.

We honored a special guest in the House chamber this week

Imani Hamilton, daughter of the late Hon. Andrew Carn, former Philadelphia State Representative. Rep. Carn served eight consecutive terms in the PA House and worked tirelessly to help support Philadelphia youth and expand access to trade jobs for people of color.

It was great to meet with Imani as we honored her late father’s legacy in PA.

Welcoming former Dominican Republican President Leonel Fernández

I joined Reps. Danilo Burgos, Jason Dawkins, Andre Carroll, and Tarik Khan in Feltonville to welcome former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernández.

Fernández served three terms as president and later led the EU-LAC Foundation, helping to strengthen ties between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Philadelphia’s Dominican community contributes so much to our city through business, public service, education, healthcare, the arts, sports, and community life. Dominican pride is deeply woven into the fabric of Philadelphia.

Can you hear how excited I am about updgrading Happy Hollow Rec Center?

I’m beyond excited to have brought the funding to Germantown for the renovation of the historic Happy Hollow Rec center. In a time where third spaces and community institutions are closing left and right, Pennsylvania House Democrats are fighting to save the places we grew up with and loved with the funding and support they’ll need.

Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth

In recognition of October being Financial Planning Month, PA Auditor General Tim DeFoor invites students in grades K-12 to design the cover of the department’s newest financial literacy activity book.

Your child could be recognized by the Auditor General at a Novemeber celebration event. The submission deadline is Oct. 30. For more information and to view last year’s activity book, visit www.paauditor.gov/activitybook.

Gov. Shapiro announces a series of financial literacy events

Protect yourself from scams and identify theft, while learning how to save money and invest wisely. Staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities will host the events throughout October.

Click here to find an event near you.

Important voting information

Remember, elections happen more than just every four years – and each vote is a chance to shape the future you want to see.

Some key dates to keep in mind for 2026:

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: October 19

LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR MAIL-IN BALLOT OR ABSENTEE BALLOT: October 27

Apply for a mail-in ballot here

GENERAL ELECTION DATE: November 3; polls are open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Click here to find your polling place.

If you plan to vote by mail but get too close to Election Day without mailing your completed ballot, the city has several secure ballot drop boxes and satellite election offices available to ensure your vote is counted.

Just remember to get your completed ballot there by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Find your local drop box here.

Here is a list of Satellite Offices around the city.

Hey! PA College Students:

Not sure where to vote this fall? You can register at your campus address or your home address. Learn more: vote.pa.gov/College

Click the image below to learn more about the Shallow Rent Program

Small Business owners – the state has resources for you!

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!

Check out the state’s new Business One Stop Shop. You’ll find help from the Department of Community and Economic Development regarding business plans, state funding, taxes, and contracting, among other things.

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.

Click here to learn about the city's Catalyst Fund for Small Businesses

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/.