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!

Sex crimes and human trafficking are a growing problem nationwide and Pennsylvania is not immune. In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 469 victims of human trafficking in Pennsylvania, with tens-of-thousands of victims across the country. Sadly, this insidious problem is intensely focused in our area, as we’re so close to multiple major transportation centers with the Philadelphia International Airport and two major Interstates with I-95 and I-76 all converging here in the 185th District.

To help combat this evil practice, I’ve introduced legislation that would require hotel and motel associates, and third-party listing platforms to be trained to understand what human trafficking is, how to identify it, and what steps to take if suspected trafficking is taking place. I was proud to stand with my bipartisan co-sponsors, state Sen. Anthony H. Williams and leaders from the PA Restaurant & ?Lodging Association for a press conference this week at Gov. Printz Park in Essington to call for awareness of the problem and my legislation.

Our moral objective is to protect innocent lives from exploitation and put an end to the evils of human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Click the image above to watch my comments from our press conference.

It’s getting real. SEPTA announced this week that without a commitment to increased funding from the state by Aug. 14, they will be forced to put into motion their plans for service cuts and fare increases. The House Transportation Committee has done their job approving, for a fifth time, a funding plan for statewide mass transit systems plus road and bridge projects and now incorporates the oversight and transparency priorities of Senate Republicans. The House is scheduled for session this weekend to move that legislation to the Senate. They will have enough time to approve that measure before SEPTA’s deadline, if they choose to act. We must keep up the pressure on the Senate GOP to acknowledge the economic reality of our region, support kids getting to school and commuters getting to work, and help seniors keep their lifeline to family and medical needs.

Mass transit is more than getting folks to and from the Eagles game on a Sunday afternoon – it’s the helping hand and mobility connection for so many Pennsylvanians across our commonwealth.

The inaction of the state Senate Republicans is holding up funding that would prevent SEPTA’s proposed service cuts and fare increases. It’s time to tell the Senate GOP – TIME’S UP. There are three Republican state Senators who represent parts of the SEPTA region. Contact Senators Frank Farry, Tracy Pennycuick, and Joe 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 to fund SEPTA.

?? 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

It was a pleasure to speak at the convention for the PA Federation of Democratic Women this week.

I love giving back to our neighbors through volunteering at Philabundance. It was great packing lunches with them this week.

Tuesday, Aug. 5 was National Night Out and I joined the 1^st, 12^th, and 17^th Police Districts for their events to bring neighbors together and uplift their communities.

I had a wonderful visit to the Tinicum Farmers Market! So many delicious options and great to see so many neighbors enjoying the market!

Thanks to everyone who came out for the community meeting at Finnegan Rec Center this week!

Thanks to our Delco Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon who held her Coffee with the Congresswoman event at the Tinicum Library this week. It’s so important to stay informed with all levels of government, and Congresswoman Scanlon is always here for the 185^th!

Thanks to my neighbors for the great conversations during legislative knocking this week in South Philly! 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