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!

Keeping Philly & Delco Moving

I’m thankful that the crisis with SEPTA is over – for now. Governor Shapiro and PennDOT have approved SEPTA’s request for the one-time use of its state capital assistance to cover operations. This plan is a short-term fix that should help avoid service cuts for the next two years but doesn’t solve the long-term issues with funding mass transit in our state, nor is there a plan or commitment to restore the money being transferred from the capital funds which could affect long-term infrastructure and maintenance needs for SEPTA.

However, for now, all service cuts will be restored beginning on Sunday, Sept. 14 with a 21.5% fare increase systemwide also beginning on Sunday.

Public transit needs to be fully funded as the priority public service that it is.

We are not done fighting! I will continue to search for consensus on a real, sustainable funding plan that keeps transit moving safely and prevents us from having to revisit this struggle in the future.

Traffic Enforcement on Broad St.

Beginning next week, the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera program will begin operations along the length of Route 611 through the city which encompasses the entirety of Broad St. and a small portion of Old York Rd. in North Philly. There are 15 new cameras along the route that will be used to enforce the speed limit which is 25-mph except in some locations in our area near the Sports Complex on South Broad. Warnings will be issued for the first 60 days, but beginning on Friday, Nov. 14 tickets will be issued with fines as high as $150 depending on your speed. This is a positive step to reduce accidents and injuries on one of the most used and dangerous roads in the city. Broad Street is the North-to-South heart of our city – let’s treat it with care.

If you benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) there are new work requirements to continue receiving those benefits. Under the new federal guidelines, certain recipients will need to report that they are working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month). The requirements will continue to expand throughout the fall of 2025. You should have received a letter from the PA Dept. of Human Services if you are effected, however you can learn more on the DHS website. These changes are due to a new law recently passed by congress and signed into law by President Trump. These cuts disproportionately harm Philadelphia children, seniors, and working families. We’re fortunate in Philadelphia and Delco to have so many organizations and nonprofits that can assist in times of need, but it’s hard to replace or supplement these federal benefits for the long-term. Please reach out to my office if you need food assistance and we can connect you with options.

I always say that Education Is Power, so it was a special day for me to join the House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing in New Hope, Bucks County, on the need to encourage strong civics education standards in our K-12 schools. We heard moving testimony from former lawmakers and civics organizations like Philadelphia’s Committee of Seventy about the importance ensuring the next generation of voters are informed and educated to safeguard the strength of our democracy. You can watch the full hearing by clicking below and read more about the hearing on the Policy Committee website.

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.

The PA House Fellowship Program is open for applications

College students, come work in Harrisburg with legislators like me! You’ll have an opportunity to work at the beautiful Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg either on a committee or in the leadership offices. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

Applications are due by Oct. 1

Qualified applicants will be:

1. College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students.

2. Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and

3. Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

If you know of any college students who would benefit from our Fellowship Program, please feel free to invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email at: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.

Are you—or someone you know—looking for a job? I’m hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, September 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Marconi Older Adult Center, located at 2433 S. 15th Street in South Philadelphia. Bring your resume and be prepared to speak with employers who are looking to hire YOU!

The state Treasury has millions of dollars in unclaimed property in its vault—some of it could belong to you! This could include anything from a lost paycheck to jewelry or coins. Join me at my Essington office on Friday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We’ll check if there’s anything in your name and guide you through the process of claiming it!

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!

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.

My staff and I had an amazing time at the Elmwood Still Standing Group Annual Cookout, celebrating and highlighting the positive contributions people are making in our community. We were also honored to present a citation recognizing Khalil (The Entertainer) Khan as a cornerstone of the community.

What a powerful and meaningful day at the Minority Center Stop the Violence Walk and Rally. Thanks for everyone who showed up to make a difference in our community.

Thanks to everyone who showed up for the 12th Police District Monthly Townhall. I hope you had a moment to visit with Ms. Diane and find out about all the resources my office and connect you with!

It’s that time of the year! It was great celebrating with teachers, staff, and students at the Bregy and Patterson Back to School Nights!

Thanks to the volunteers at St. Paul’s food pantry this week. Neighbors helping neighbors!

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