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!

Please be aware of the potential for dangerous winter weather coming to our area this weekend into Monday, and the aftermath in the following days. Philadelphia is currently operating in Enhanced Code Blue mode due to prolonged sub-freezing temperatures. In addition to special measures for the safety of our homeless neighbors, warming centers are open throughout the city and hosted by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Free Library, and other sites. Warming Centers are free and open to the public.

Plan ahead for how you’ll manage if you lose power or heat during the storm. Check in on your family, friends, neighbors, and especially those most vulnerable. If you see someone who appears to be homeless outdoors, please call Philadelphia’s Homeless Outreach Hotline at (215) 232-1984.

Let’s look out for one another and get through this challenging weather safely.

Increasing Public Health & Safety

This week, the state awarded over $2.9 million in grants to local transportation and sewer projects that will enhance public safety and quality of life in our communities. The projects include updated signage at the airport, improved pedestrian and bicyclist safety at the Navy Yard and in Southwest Philly, and upgrades to the Pine Street sanitary sewer in Colwyn Borough. I’m grateful for the Shapiro administration’s continued commitment to improving the everyday lives of people in South and Southwest Philadelphia and Delaware County. Click above to learn more!

Education is Power

I always tell students that education is power. I was happy to join my legislative colleagues and school administrators this week at William Penn School District’s Penn Wood Ninth Grade Academy to highlight historic investments made in the district since 2023. The historic investments in our recent state budgets to uplift and equitably fund systemically underfunded schools like Penn Wood have been a lifeline to the district, students, teachers, staff and the surrounding communities.

Investing in our schools is investing in our future. I’m proud to continue advocating for funding equity in districts like William Penn, ensuring our students are empowered with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to lead us forward.

The future is bright for William Penn because strong schools foster strong communities!

Creative Conversations with YOU

What do you want to see in our community? What kind of support would help you improve your mental health? Join me for my Creative Conversations Meet & Greet on Thursday, January 29, at my Delco Office in Essington, starting at 5:30 p.m. We’ll share information and resources on mental health and have an open discussion about how my office can best support you. Come out and join the conversation!

And save the date for all my upcoming events in the community! Watch this e-newsletter and my social media for details or contact one of my offices!

Property Tax & Rent Rebates Now Available

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open for taxes or rent that you paid in 2025. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities while meeting certain household income requirements. In Philadelphia, supplemental rebates provide an additional $190 to $500 in relief to applicants with the most need.

These rebates have made it easier for older and disabled folks to stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and so much more. Don’t miss out!

Contact one of my offices today to find out if you qualify and let us help you apply!

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.

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.

I had a great time this week discussing civics with ACANA at the Southwest Leadership Academy!

Our first civic conversations event of 2026 was a successful discussion at Unico Village senior apartments! You can’t grow if you don’t know! Don’t miss our next event coming soon!

We had a wonderful volunteer event with our partners from the Philadelphia International Airport at Caring for Friends food bank.

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.

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.

In service and in action,

Rep. Regina Young