Dear Neighbor,

I’d like to share with you the work that I’m doing in Harrisburg and locally to ensure we Thrive in the 185. Keep reading for more details, follow my social media for updates, and please contact one of my offices to find out how we can help you with state and local programs and resources. #InformationIsPower

Follow me on social media and check out my website!

#GetInvolved and #JoinTheConversation!

I was proud this week to present a grant for nearly $400,000 to Bartram’s Garden to help with their programs to prepare young adults for careers in urban agriculture. This grant from the Pa. Department of Labor & Industry will build on the accredited, nationally recognized youth workforce development program at the Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden to prepare local young adults 18–24 for careers in urban agriculture.

Bartram’s Garden is a hidden gem in our backyard. When you’re in this space, you would never know that you are just a few hundred feet from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Philadelphia. Bringing young adults into this communal area and opening their eyes and minds to the possibilities of urban agriculture can be transformational. This grant will create opportunities for young people looking for a rewarding career in areas they may never have before considered or knew existed.

Click here to read more about our check presentation and the good work that it will do in our community!

I was also happy to host a tour of Bartram’s Garden for the Philadelphia House Delegation and Southeast Delegation that same day. I love to show off all the great spaces and places that we have here in the 185^th Legislative District, and Bartram’s Garden is a wonderful hidden oasis in our city. They’re open every day from sunrise to sunset – I highly encourage you to visit this summer to disconnect, relax, and enjoy the natural wonders around us along the Schuylkill River.

Last week, the Majority Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee who represents portions of South and Southwest Philadelphia to our north, in conjunction with the Philadelphia House Delegation, held a town hall meeting on the issue of skilled games being regulated in Pennsylvania. These machines are already in our corner stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and affecting our quality of life. They are unregulated, meaning we don’t know how many exist, the community has no say on where they’re located, and the state doesn’t receive any money from these machines. This all contributes to a decreased quality of life for our communities.

I encourage you to watch the recording of this meeting by clicking the image above, as we had a robust discussion of how our communities have already been affected and how a regulation of these machines could benefit our neighborhoods and the state economy.

City Councilmembers, legislators, and leaders from across all levels of government in the city testified at this meeting.

Regulation of skilled games will likely be part of the discussion of how to raise revenue in Pennsylvania, so be sure that you are informed and also let your local leaders know how you feel about these machines in our communities.

One of the most impactful bills that I have voted on was to create Paul Miller’s Law, making it illegal to use a handheld phone for any reason while driving. Paul Miller was killed by a distracted tractor-trailer driver who crashed head-on into his car in 2010. He was only 21 years old. This law goes into effect on June 5, so please be aware that you can now be cited for using your phone while operating your car as a primary offense, even if you’re stopped at a red light or for any other momentary pause in traffic.

Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and, if they are using hands-free technology, to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music.

This law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender. The data will be made publicly available in an annual report. This amendment is a step toward improving community relations and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

In this Women’s Health Month, I encourage you to find out about the array of preventive health services that are available to you at no cost through your health insurance – preventive services like regular check-ups and annual or periodic screenings, pregnancy care, and other essential health services.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Human Services (DHS), and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) have launched a new survey this week to identify challenges and questions women have about their health insurance.

Click the graphic above to access the survey. It will be open until July 7 and is available online in English, Spanish and Chinese. Your input will be used to inform the administration and the legislature of the barriers Pennsylvanians face with health care and how we can work together to improve maternal health initiatives and women’s health care.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department urges Pennsylvanians who have insurance questions, or who wish to file a complaint, to visit pa.gov/consumer or 1-866-PA-COMPLAINT.

Save the date for Saturday afternoon, June 21 at Elmwood Park for my annual 185 Community Day! This will be an exciting day fill of food, fun, and community resources for everyone!

The actions that are happening right now with the federal government in Washington, D.C. have been very overwhelming with what seems like daily attacks on our neighbors, our freedoms and basic rights. Just remember that there are always people to help. If you are concerned about the actions being taken on immigration, I encourage you to contact these local organizations listed in this document below. Additionally, while my office is here to assist you with state and local services, your concerns on these federal actions need to be heard by your federal officials. Check out the list of our federal representatives and senators and contact their offices for assistance or to let them know about your concerns. We’ve seen recently how advocacy and loud objections can lead to a course reversal or reevaluation by the president and his administration.

Don’t give up and don’t give in.

Know your rights and stay vigilant for your family and your community.

Great to see so many people at the Meet & Greet with Senator Anthony Williams at St. Edmond Senior Community Center!

You may have seen my staff members Luke and Chris walking the neighborhood this week in Tinicum Township knocking on doors to speak with our neighbors and drop off information about the services and resources that my office can provide.

Wonderful time at our Conversation with Elected Officials at St. Edmond’s on Tuesday this week. I always make great connections at these events with my neighbors!

I was so pleased to join students and teachers for the grand opening of Penrose School’s new outdoor classroom! What a fantastic opportunity for these young people at Penrose!

I was honored to speak at the Flags for Heroes event for Memorial Day weekend. A true honor and privilege to speak with these brave men and women, acknowledge our fallen heroes, and present local Scouts with recognition for their service to our community.

The application deadline for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has made it easier for older friends and neighbors to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.

The application period for the 2025 program is now open to get a rebate on your 2024 taxes or rent paid. Thanks to changes PA House Democrats fought for, more people are eligible, and the rebates are bigger than ever!

Give us a call, send an email, or stop by one of my offices to find out if you’re eligible. We can even help you apply.

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has released a multilingual tip sheet for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to help more eligible residents access the benefit. Now available in seven languages—English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified & Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese—the tip sheet is part of Pennsylvania’s initiative to expand access to state resources.

The PTRR Program, recently expanded for the first time in nearly 20 years, has already provided over $319 million in rebates for 2024, helping over 522,000 Pennsylvanians, including 106,000 first-time applicants. It supports seniors (65+), widows/widowers (50+), and people with disabilities (18+) based on income and rent/property tax paid.

Applicants can file online through myPATH in English or Spanish, with no account needed. Additional support for the PTRR program is also offered at PA Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, and my district offices.

Additional Spanish-language resources include a translated instruction book and a step-by-step video guide. For more info, visit revenue.pa.gov/PTRR.

My office helps city officials and local organizations connect to state grants available to help them do their important work to improve our communities and the lives of residents. You can find a list of state grant programs that are currently open for application on my website. We update this list as new programs come online so check back often.

In service and in action,

Rep. Regina Young