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!

Initial SEPTA Cuts Begin on Sunday

Despite the best efforts of House Democrats (and the lack of a serious effort by Senate Republicans), SEPTA is forced to begin its outlined service cuts to be able to balance its budget absent funding from state. It is a frustrating and unfortunate situation that leaves transit riders trapped in the middle with reduced or eliminated service. The graphic above shows the transit lines in our area which will be affected – I encourage you to visit SEPTA.org or use the SEPTA app on your phone to verify schedules for your transit needs.

This is just the first round. Fare increases will begin on Sept. 1, and without a funding plan in place, more severe service reductions and eliminations will take place in Jan. 2026.

The Senate plan was not a fix, not even a stopgap — it’s a delay wrapped in a shell game that forces transit systems in every corner of Pennsylvania to choose between keeping riders and workers safe or keeping the doors open. Instead of delivering a real, sustainable funding plan like we have presented them with five times, Senate Republicans have chosen to push off the problem while shifting money around and calling it a solution. Pennsylvanians deserve better than this.

Mass transit is more than getting people to the airport – it’s the helping hand and mobility connection for so many Pennsylvanians across our commonwealth.

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.

?? 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

The Free Library of Philadelphia is hosting workshops to assist federal workers with updating resumes, networking, and other transition skills. Our closest is Monday, Aug. 25 at 4:30 p.m. at the South Philadelphia Library at 1700 South Broad, but there are others across the city and a virtual option on Thursday, Sept. 18 at noon. Click above to find more events and visit the Free Library of Philadelphia’s resource page for displaced federal workers for more assistance and resources.

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.

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!

Music in the Park

Save the date for our Music in the Park event on Thursday, Aug. 28, beginning at 6 p.m. in Elmwood Park at 71st 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.

My Back-to-School Fair in Philly

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!

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.

We had a fantastic group of staff, neighbors, and other legislators at Cradles to Crayons this week to fill bookbags full of supplies to get our students off to a good start in school this year.

Thanks to my neighbors for the great conversations during legislative knocking this week in Elmwood Park! Your input is so important to my work in Harrisburg, and it’s always a great way to meet new neighbors! We’ll be wrapping up our Summer Tour in our Delco communities over the next few days, so keep an eye out for my team!

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