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 office will be closed beginning at noon on Wednesday for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ll reopen on Monday to serve you. My staff and I send heartfelt wishes to you and your family for a happy, safe, and warm holiday season. Click the graphic above for a short holiday message!

Fighting Food Insecurity at the Holidays

Even though our 2025-26 state budget includes over $40 million to address food insecurity across the state, including $5 million in new funding for Pennsylvania food banks and $2 million to supplement SNAP, many working families are still facing rising costs for food, housing, childcare, and utilities. In this season of Thanks, I’m hopeful that as a community we can come together to support one another.

This week, I joined many of my colleagues at Caring for Friends in Northeast Philly to pack meals for our neighbors in need at Thanksgiving. This was a great volunteer opportunity to ensure that everyone has food on their table for the holiday.

I’ve also taken action locally. This morning, I partnered with Sharing Excess to provide free and fresh foods for our community. It was a wonderful community event to help with daily meals and ensure holiday tables are full, while connecting folks with all the state and local resources that are available through my office.

Yesterday, we made sure our local organizations who support our communities at the holidays had a turkey to feed their people. I’m happy to help to our community partners, churches, schools, ward leaders, and more as they help our neighbors in need.

Understanding Your Electric Bill

Effective Dec. 1, energy supply prices will adjust meaning an increase in electric bills for many ratepayers. This change is applied to the electricity you use, so as we’re headed into the winter months it’s a good time to prepare for the likely increased energy usage. Weatherize your home by sealing drafts and replacing your furnace filter, and explore other energy-saving tools.

If you’re concerned about paying your electric bill, contact PECO now to ask about their assistance programs or payment plan options before it’s too late. Acting early is important – #CallUtilitiesNow to explore options that can help keep your service connected.

Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) will open on Dec. 3. Contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or any other utility-related issue.

Heating Assistance to Open Dec. 3

As the weather begins to get colder, I’m sending out a reminder that the 2025–26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period will begin next week on Dec. 3, 2025.

PGW and PECO have agreed to pause shutoffs because of non-payment for LIHEAP-eligible customers until then, and the PUC announced they are beginning the winter moratorium on shutoffs earlier on Nov. 1 with commitments from utility companies to not terminate heat or electricity for LIHEAP-eligible Pennsylvanians. PGW & PECO have their own assistance plans so if you’re in immediate need you must contact them directly about their plans or click here for information from the PUC.

You can also use PA Navigate to help find immediate resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting www.pa211.org.

Healthcare Enrollment Happening NOW

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 double or even quadrupled increase. You should be receiving communications from Pennie about these changes if you are currently enrolled. The 2026 open enrollment period began on Nov. 1 for health insurance plans for 2026, so you may begin shopping around for other plans to see if there are cost-effective solutions for you.

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.

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