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!

My offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day. We can’t say it enough—THANK YOU to all the brave men and women of the 185th who have served our country in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Way to Turnout, 185!

I held my most recent Civic Conversations event this past Monday morning at the 2nd Council District Satellite Election Office in Woodland Plaza, alongside Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, Philadelphia City Commissioner Chairman Omar Sabir, and many others, to stress the importance of making your voice heard at the ballot box! I was thrilled to see so many people out early on a Monday morning and even happier to see strong voter turnout in our area on Tuesday.

These discussions are always informative and engaging, and I hope you can join us for our next round of conversations in 2026.

You can’t grow if you don’t know! #JoinTheConversation

Thank You, Veterans!

It was one of the greatest honors of my career to recognize the many veterans in our area who bravely served our country this week alongside Speaker Joanna McClinton. We hosted a Veterans Event at the PAL Center in Southwest Philly to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice. It was incredible to meet so many heroes and hear their stories of valor and bravery. Click above to see all the photos of our honored veterans and the excitement of the day!

Fighting Hunger in Our Communities

As folks in Philadelphia and Delco begin to feel the effects of missing out on SNAP benefits,

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced over $1 million in emergency funds for Philadelphia-area food banks, including Philabundance and the Share Food Program. Although the federal government is required to use contingency funds for SNAP benefits, their response has been slow, and they are likely providing only a fraction of the usual support. Even a partial payment may not be enough for working families, making our food banks a vital resource in addressing food insecurity in our city.

We’re fortunate in our area to have so many organizations and nonprofits that can assist in times of need. The Share Food Program, Philabundance, and City Food Finder websites are good resources to find Free Food & Meal Sites in Delco and Philadelphia. Seniors 60+ may also be eligible for the Senior Food Box Program through the state.

Together, by acting locally with compassion and consideration for one another, we can support each other through this difficult time.

Please reach out to my office to learn more and find out about state and local services that may be available to you.

No Shutoffs During the Shutdown!

Another unfortunate consequence of the federal government shutdown is that the 2025–26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season will be delayed by at least one month and is now expected to begin on Dec. 3, 2025. Regular LIHEAP Cash and Crisis applications will not be accepted until the season opens, as funds cannot be allocated until the federal government reopens or LIHEAP funds are released to the states.

PGW and PECO have agreed to pause shutoffs because of non-payment for LIHEAP eligible customers until the program reopens, and this week the PUC announced they have commitments from utility companies that they will not terminate heat or electricity in November for LIHEAP-eligible Pennsylvanians impacted by the federal government shutdown. PGW & PECO have their own assistance plans so if you’re in need you must contact them directly about their plans or click here for information from the PUC.

For immediate needs during the shutdown, you can use PA Navigate to help find resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting www.pa211.org.

Changes Coming to Pennie

Due to changes in federal law, and since the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits were not renewed by Congress, health insurance costs are expected to rise significantly for Pennie enrollees in 2026. Health insurance costs are likely to increase by a minimum of 82% - some folks may see a doubled or even quadrupled increase. You should be receiving communications from Pennie about these changes if you are currently enrolled. For now, make sure that your information is up to date with Pennie, including your income. You can also begin shopping around for other plans to see if there are cost-effective solutions for you. The 2026 open enrollment period will begin on Nov. 1 for health insurance plans for 2026.

Click the graphic above to visit the Pennie website created to explain what is happening, why it is happening, and how you can prepare for these changes.

You can also go to pennie.com/connect to find Pennie-certified assisters and brokers by your ZIP code. Some offer virtual, over-the-phone, and in-person appointments. My offices are also here to guide you through the process.

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 affected, 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. Please reach out to my office if you need food assistance and we can connect you with options.

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.

Save the date for my upcoming Senior Health Fair on this Wednesday, Nov. 12, starting at 10 a.m. at St. Edmonds Senior Center, 2130 S. 21st St. Local providers will be on-site to connect you with resources and information to help improve your quality of life!

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.

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