Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility e-newsletter: Jan. is Human Trafficking Awareness Month + more…

e-newsletter: Jan. is Human Trafficking Awareness Month + more…

 
 

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!

 

January is Human Trafficking Month

As a legislator, I’ve been working to increase awareness of the evils of human trafficking in our region. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month which shines a national light on the warning signs and how to report suspected trafficking.

My legislation that would increase training for lodging staff to identify suspected trafficking passed the House unanimously in December, 2025 and I’m hopeful that the Senate will consider the bill soon.

Click the graphic above for a brief video about the importance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month!

It takes all of us to stand up for victims and be vigilant in prevention to end human trafficking.

Visit HumanTraffickingHotline.org to learn more about how you can be part of the solution and to report suspected trafficking.

As part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, I was honored to meet with the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency in Philadelphia this week for a roundtable discussion on statewide efforts to end human trafficking in our state. We also launched PCCD's new website which is a powerful hub of resources and information to prevent and report exploitation and support survivors. Click above to read more about that powerful discussion, and explore the new Pennsylvania Human Trafficking Resource & Coordination Project website to access a wealth of resources and knowledge. I’m truly proud of the work that we’re doing collaboratively here in Pennsylvania to raise awareness and put and end to the scourge of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in our state and nation.

I was also part of the kickoff for the Philadelphia International Airport’s human trafficking awareness campaign. Major transportation hubs like PHL are often a center for trafficking, so educating and increasing awareness for airport workers and travelers passing through the terminals is crucial to spotting and reporting suspected activity. I’m proud to work with an amazing community partner like PHL on their campaign.

PA House Legislative Fellowship Program

Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted! The Fellowship Program is based in our magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit), and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. The Summer Semester will run from Thursday, June 4 through Thursday August 6, 2026.

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 the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit the website. Applications can be submitted via email to: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net

Applications for the Summer Semester are due on Monday, March 2.

Financial Aid Literacy Workshops

Start planning now for your student’s higher education with PHEAA! Check out the flyers for PHEAA’s upcoming January and February Financial Aid Literacy Webinars. Searching for Scholarships covers the types of scholarships available, tips for standing out, and current scholarship opportunities. Advanced Planning for Financing Higher Education spans resources available from Elementary into High School.

 

Stay Warm this Winter!

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period for 2025–26 is now open! Whether you rent or own your home, you could receive a cash grant from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. You can find out more about eligibility requirements and documents you’ll need to apply by clicking the graphic above. Most importantly, this is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

To find out if you qualify and for help applying, contact my office to make an appointment with my knowledgeable staff, who can also find out if you qualify for any other state and local programs. You can also apply for LIHEAP online. Weatherize your home by sealing drafts and replacing your furnace filter, and explore other energy-saving tools. If you’re concerned about paying your heating bill, contact PECO or PGW 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.

 

Seniors Ride FREE on SEPTA

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.

 

 

IN THE COMMUNITY

I had an informative visit with Moran Towing at their site in the Navy Yard and on the river to see their vision of the future for the pier and port on the Delaware River.

 

 

PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

State Grants Available

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.

 

 

Confronting the Chaos

Recent actions by federal immigration agents in cities across our nation are cause for concern for all of us. The chaos being purposely and violently sown by ICE in communities across our country is out of control. I encourage you to contact the local organizations listed in this document below for information or assistance if you are at risk or concerned for loved ones. While my office can help connect you with state and local resources, concerns regarding federal actions should be directed to federal officials. Please refer to the above list of our U.S. congressional and senatorial representatives and reach out to their offices to seek help or share your concerns. Advocating for our rights is a cornerstone of democracy.

Don’t give up and don’t give in.

Know your rights and stay vigilant for your family and your community.

 

My offices are here to help!

In service and in action,

Rep. Regina Young

Pennsylvania State Capitol
105-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8634

Southwest Philla. Office

6844 Elmwood Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19142
(215) 952-3376

Delco Office

629 N. Governor Printz Blvd.
Essington, PA 19029

(610) 616-2003

 

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