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!
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Your Input Needed on School Facilities Master Plan
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The School District of Philadelphia will host a series of virtual & in-person community engagement sessions throughout the month of February to discuss the Facilities Master Plan. This plan includes closing and repurposing schools in our area, including Tilden Middle School, with those students reassigned to other schools in the area and the goal of expanding access to educational opportunities. The Tilden property would become an athletics facility for Bartram High School. No changes would take effect until the fall of 2027 at the earliest.
I highly encourage you to visit the district’s website to learn more about the School Facilities Master Plan and their process for the decisions they’re proposing, then register for one of the upcoming feedback sessions with the School District to get more information about the Master Plan and have your concerns addressed. Click on the graphic above to register for virtual and in-person meetings held across the city over the next three weeks.
The school district will officially submit their plan to the Board of Education on Thursday, Feb. 26 so there is time for your feedback and concerns to have effect.
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The House is back in session next week, and on Tuesday we’ll hear Gov. Shapiro’s address to the General Assembly where he’ll outline his budget proposal for 2026-27. I’m hopeful for a productive and swift budget process this year. I will stand with my House Democratic majority for our priorities that uplift working Pennsylvanians and serve our most vulnerable neighbors like our children and our seniors. My priorities for Philadelphia and Delco will once again be equitable education funding for all schools, as well as investments in public safety and increased tourism.
I encourage you to watch the Governor’s address on Tuesday online!
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Wrap up of Human Trafficking Awareness Month
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As we wrap up the month of January, my resolution to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in PA received a unanimous vote in the House Judiciary Committee. You can watch my comments from that meeting above. I was also featured in a news story in Erie, PA, about my efforts at the state level to help bring an end to this heinous crime, after several spas were busted for sex trafficking in Northwestern PA this week. This is clearly a statewide issue and ensuring that everyone is aware of the warning signs and how to report suspicious activity is a major first step to end human trafficking.
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You Might Have a Surprise Waiting in the State Vault!
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The state might have unclaimed property IN YOUR NAME just waiting in the state vault to be claimed. Come to my Unclaimed Property workshop on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Marconi Older Adult Center, 2433 South 15th Street. We’ll be able to search your name to see if there’s anything that belongs to you, from uncashed checks to antiques or anything in between. Let us help you get back what is rightfully yours.
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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!
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Property Tax & Rent Rebates Now Available
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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!
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PA House Legislative Fellowship Program
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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:
- College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;
- Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and
- 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.
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Financial Aid Literacy Workshops
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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.
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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.
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Seniors Ride FREE on SEPTA
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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.
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What a terrific evening at my Creative Conversations Meet & Greet with you! It was a great opportunity to share resources on mental health and have an open discussion about how my office can best support you. Glad to see so many neighbors excited to join the conversation!
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I had a wonderful tour of the American Swedish Historical Museum located within FDR Park in South Philly this week. There is so much to learn about and experience in this hidden gem in our backyard. This is a great tourism draw in our community that brings in people from all over the world.
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Confronting the Chaos – Know Your Rights
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Recent actions by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and other cities across our nation have become a cause for concern for many of us. Incidents involving aggressive enforcement tactics — including the fatal shootings by federal ICE officers in Minneapolis that have sparked widespread protests and debate over use of force and community safety — have raised serious questions about how these operations are being conducted and the impact they are having on families and neighborhoods. The chaos and fear being sown in these communities is unwelcome, unnecessary, and deeply troubling. If you are at risk or concerned for loved ones, I encourage you to contact the local organizations listed in this document for information or assistance. 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 list of our U.S. congressional representatives above and reach out to their offices to seek help or share your concerns. Advocating for our rights is a cornerstone of democracy.
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People are scared across our state and nation. It’s important to know your legal rights and how to react if confronted by ICE. Click here for guidance as an individual or for your organization or business.
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Don’t give up and don’t give in.
Know your rights and stay vigilant for your family and your community.
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PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES
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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.
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My offices are here to help!
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In service and in action,
Rep. Regina Young
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
105-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8634
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Southwest Philla. Office
6844 Elmwood Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19142
(215) 952-3376
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Delco Office
629 N. Governor Printz Blvd.
Essington, PA 19029
(610) 616-2003
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