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!

SEPTA gets you to your job, your appointments, to the store, and to family visits. It also gets more than 53,000 kids to school every day.

We are running out of time before SEPTA’s proposed service cuts and fare increases take effect on Aug. 24 – one day before the School District of Philadelphia resumes classes. The inaction of the state Senate Republicans is holding up funding that will prevent these draconian actions. I have voted FOUR TIMES to increase the investment that we make in statewide mass transportation including SEPTA, but all those efforts have been met with indifference and inaction on the part of Senate Republicans. It’s time to tell the Senate GOP – TIME’S UP. There are three Republican state Senators who represent parts of the SEPTA region, and their only response has been to propose more transparency and process – items that SEPTA is already required to do. Contact Senators Farry, Pennycuick, and Picozzi and tell them that it’s time to get serious, do their job, and fund SEPTA. Tell them to do their job and vote on the funding plan that is in front of them that we approved in the House which would support mass transit plus projects for roads and bridges all across PA. 

• Sen. Joe Picozzi, R-Philadelphia : 215-281-2539

• Sen. Frank Farry, R-Bucks County : 215-638-1784

• Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-Montgomery & Berks Counties : 215-541-2388

One of my favorite parts of being a state Representative is the ability to see various areas of the commonwealth to find out about the successes they’ve had and how we might be able to use that in our communities. This week, I joined the House Democratic Policy Committee to tour areas of the City of Reading to discover how City Revitalization and Improvement Zones (CRIZ) impact local communities and economies. The leaders in Reading have invested CRIZ funding to revitalize and redevelop parts of the city to breathe new life into their area. It was a fantastic and informative tour about the power of state government and what we can do to realize the potential of our people and our community. Click above for a quick recap of our tour!

With the extreme heat of this summer and the continually rising cost of living, it’s welcome news that PECO is now offering assistance grants for unpaid bills for eligible customers. Qualifying customers will receive a grant of $500 toward a past-due balance on your residential electric or natural gas bill from PECO. There are other eligibility requirements, so click the image above to find out more about the PECO Customer Relief Fund. Applications will be available starting Monday, Aug. 4.

Did you know that seniors ride for free on SEPTA? A SEPTA Senior Fare Card allows seniors 65 and older to ride for free, but those cards do expire after three years. My office can help you get or renew your card. As we continue to work on a State Budget solution for mass transit, senior fare cards still allow you to ride for free to your medical appointments, your job, visiting family and friends, or anything you need to do in our region.

SEPTA keeps our communities moving and economy thriving – and a senior fare card helps your wallet by saving on transportation costs! Contact my office today for more information on getting or renewing your SEPTA Senior Fare Card.

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon is hosting a Coffee and Conversation event at the Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca Street in Essington, on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Space is limited so RSVP here for this opportunity for conversation with your federal representative before she heads back to D.C.!

Don’t miss out on my informative Homebuying Workshop! This FREE event will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Condo Reconciliation Group Inc., 6634 Woodland Ave. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refresh your knowledge, this workshop will provide you with the tools and resources to navigate the home-buying process confidently. Click above to RSVP or call 215-278-9182. See you there!

Join me and Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton every Thursday at 7 a.m. for an hour of self-care. Join the Glow Together Walkers and start your morning with intention and community as we walk through the gorgeous community spaces in our area. Walking, getting outside, and engaging with your community are ideal self-care strategies that get you moving and into a social space with likeminded community members.

We’ll either be at Heinz National Wildlife Refuge or Bartram’s Garden – check the graphic above for our weekly schedule.

The hour is free and for all ages. You can click above to RSVP or just show up!

Save the date for our Music in the Park event on Wednesday, Aug. 13 beginning at 6 p.m. in Elmwood Park at 71^st and Buist Ave. Come ready to enjoy an evening of fun and wonderful music with your neighbors and be sure to check out all the information and resources that we’ll have set up for you.

Be sure to come out to the 12^th Police District Community Day in Woodland Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The 12^th Police District is holding their next Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at the police headquarters at 65^th and Woodland Ave.

This summer flew by! It’s almost time for Back-to-School! Check out Philly’s Back-to-School Bus Tour! There will be free backpacks, enrollment support, helpful back-to-school tips and lots of fun games!

See the image above to find a date and time convenient for you!

Make sure you stop by the 2^nd Annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Delaware County Wellness Center, 25 Chester Ave. in Yeadon!

Click the image above for donation locations and more information.

And don’t miss out on my Back-to-School Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Connell Park in Southwest Philly at 6401 Elmwood Ave. Students living in the 185^th District can get a free bookbag and school supplies to the start off the new year right!

Join me and my House colleagues from Delaware County for a forum on resources and information helping with children’s mental and behavioral health. We’ll be at Penn State Brandywine in Media on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Please contact my office to RSVP or more information about this important event

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.

Youth at Empowered CDC have undergone an eight-week Leadership Development Training program. Over those weeks they have experienced various resources, trainings and certifications. We also honored the life of Pam Africa at this event. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Thanks to my neighbors for the great conversations during Summer Walking Tour this week in Colwyn and Eastwick! Your input is so important to my work in Harrisburg, and it’s always a great way to meet new neighbors! Check the graphic below to see when our Summer Tour is coming to your neighborhood!

If you used SNAP benefits to purchase food that was lost in a power outage, flood or fire, you can ask for replacement SNAP benefits to get new food. The replacement affidavit form saying how much food you lost can be completed at www.dhs.pa.gov/SNAP or at your local CAO.

Did you already apply for your Property Tax or Rent Rebate? Rebates are now being distributed so you should receive yours soon – track your refund online! If you haven’t applied yet, my office is here to help you find out if you qualify and help you apply. Contact one of my offices today - don’t wait!

These rebates have made it easier for older and disabled folks to stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and so much more.

The application period 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!

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