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!

Cyber charter schools are part of the modern world, but the rules governing these taxpayer-

funded public schools are ancient history.

Until now.

This week I was proud to vote for the Cyber Charter Reform Act and deliver fairness and transparency to taxpayers, parents and students here in the School District of Philadelphia, Interboro and William Penn School Districts.

Our bill makes sure the money spent on cyber charters is spent to educate our kids, puts an end to nine-figure slush funds, and makes sure the people paying the bills have a say about how cybers do business. When only about six out of 10 cyber students are graduating compared to nine out of 10 in traditional public schools, we can’t wait any longer.

We’re setting standard tuition rates and returning the savings back to the taxpayers and the home school districts and making sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.

Click above to watch my comments from our discussion in the House Education Committee.

Hopefully the Senate leadership will act soon on this reform and get it to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.

I was also happy to rally on Friday with my colleagues plus teachers and students from the William Penn School District at Penn Wood High School in Lansdowne urging equitable funding for historically underfunded districts like William Penn. You can click above to watch my comments from our rally and click here to watch the full event to learn more about the financial crisis facing Willliam Penn School District.

New session, New MOMNIBUS! Building on the overwhelming success of the PA MOMNIBUS package in the previous legislative session, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus has retooled and introduced the PA MOMNIBUS 2.0 for the 2025-26 legislative session!

Please plan to join us on Monday, June 16 for our PA MOMNIBUS Day 2025 at the state Capitol in Harrisburg!

The day will kick off at 11 a.m. with a voting meeting of the House Health Committee where they are scheduled to consider two of the bills in our PA MOMNIBUS 2.0 – the PA Dads Matter Act and Expanding Maternal Blood Pressure Monitoring Coverage. You can also watch that meeting on YouTube.

Next, we’ll hold a news conference and rally in the Rotunda at 1 p.m. to deliver an update on the legislation priorities of the PA MOMNIBUS 2.0 and build support for our continued focus on improving birthing outcomes. You’ll also be able to watch a livestream of the news conference here.

Lastly, we’ll hold a reception at 4 p.m. in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol to connect with legislators, community leaders, maternal health advocates, supporters and health providers to strengthen support for maternal health equity.

Please let us know that you’ll be joining us! RSVP on the PBMHC website – or plan to watch our events online!

PA MOMNIBUS Day 2025 is a signature advocacy and engagement day hosted by the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus to spotlight the ongoing fight for maternal health equity across Pennsylvania. This event reinforces the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to improving outcomes for all birthing people, while uplifting the voices, legislation, and partnerships driving lasting change.

The more people we’re able to touch the more effective we can be in state government! My “Older and Wiser Seminar" at the Southwest Senior Center was a great time to be able to connect seniors with information from the many state and local programs and services that my office can provide. If you missed it, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of my offices to find out how we can serve you!

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 went 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.

It was an honor for my office to be part of the America250 Liberty Tree planting at Brandywine Battlefield this week. The last known original Liberty Tree from the time of the Revolutionary War was on the campus of Saint John's University in Maryland until it was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Thanks to landscaper Mark Mehnert, who rescued and revived parts of this original tree, direct descendants of this Liberty Tree are thriving and making their way across the nation. America250PA's Liberty Tree Project includes a certified Liberty Tree planted in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties – this is our tree in Delco!

It was a moving and meaningful evening at the Peace in Philly event this week at Ezekiel Baptist in Southwest Philly.

Fascinating visit to the Wagner Free Institute of Science in North Philly for our legislative breakfast!

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