Dear Neighbor,

As we approach Earth Day, we are reminded that the fight for environmental justice is inseparable from the fight for social and economic justice. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the conditions in which we live should never be dictated by ZIP code or income. Yet for far too many communities across Pennsylvania—particularly Black, Brown, and low-income neighborhoods—environmental harm remains a daily reality. 

That’s why I have long advocated for bold, forward-looking policy, including legislation to transition Pennsylvania to 100% renewable energy by 2050. This is not just an environmental imperative—it is an economic opportunity to create sustainable, union jobs while protecting our planet for future generations. We have the tools and the talent; what we need now is the political will to act with urgency and intention. 

And while April 20th often brings attention to cannabis culture, it also serves as a reminder that our policies must be grounded in fairness and consistency. Too many Pennsylvanians—particularly those using legally prescribed medical cannabis—continue to face unjust consequences due to outdated laws. My efforts to address these inequities remain part of a broader commitment to ensuring that our systems reflect both science and justice. 

This moment calls for us to think holistically—about how we care for our environment, how we treat one another, and how we build policies that center on dignity and equity. Change is not only necessary—it is possible when we organize, advocate, and act together. 

In service, 

RepRabb

State Representative, 200th Legislative District

This week, alongside my colleagues in the House Blue-Green Caucus, I was proud to help launch a bold package of legislation designed to move our Commonwealth toward a cleaner, more just energy future. This is about more than innovation—it’s about equity, sustainability, and ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition. 

Our legislative package would expand renewable and carbon-free energy sources to diversify and strengthen our grid. It would incentivize the decarbonization of existing industries, invest in battery storage and solar infrastructure to better harness clean energy, and create apprenticeship pathways for veterans seeking to enter the sustainability sector. Just as critically, it would establish basic workplace protections for those laboring in extreme heat—because justice must extend to our workers as well as our environment. 

Pennsylvania is currently lagging behind many of our peer states in renewable energy production. That’s not just an environmental concern—it’s an economic one. This package represents an opportunity to create high-quality, union jobs while positioning our Commonwealth at the forefront of a rapidly evolving energy economy. I urge my colleagues in the House to meet this moment with the urgency it demands and advance this legislation.  

Click here for the latest from the Blue-Green Caucus. 

In that same spirit of economic and environmental justice, I joined advocates and colleagues at a Pennsylvania Policy Center “Policy for the People” tax justice press conference, where we underscored the need for a fairer tax system that works for everyday Pennsylvanians—not just the well-connected.

I also stood with House leadership at an affordability press conference focused on protecting residents from rising energy costs. This effort, led by the House Energy Committee and the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, advances legislation aimed at lowering utility bills and holding corporate actors accountable for price increases that burden working families. 

I had the honor of speaking at a Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus event alongside the National Coalition of Negro Women, continuing our shared commitment to uplifting Black voices and advancing equity across our Commonwealth. I also met with constituents and partners from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention during their advocacy day at the Capitol—an important reminder that mental health care must remain central to our policy priorities. 

Earlier this week, I also announced $500,000 in grant funding to restart Safe Steps Northwest, a critical violence prevention initiative serving Mt. Airy, Germantown, and East Germantown. This investment—through the 2025–26 Violence Intervention and Prevention grant—will support large-scale trash and litter cleanup across more than 150 blocks that have experienced or are in close proximity to gun violence. 

We know that safe streets begin with clean, cared-for spaces. Initiatives like Safe Steps Northwest are about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and investing in communities that have too often been asked to endure disinvestment and neglect. I’m grateful to the Commission for its support and look forward to seeing this work take root and grow. 

For more information on VIP grants and other violence prevention initiatives, visit the Commission on Crime and Delinquency website. 

While my time in Harrisburg is often centered on the work, there are always moments that remind me why it matters. I had the pleasure of connecting with a group of students from SLA Beeber and sharing a bit of history that doesn’t always make it into the official tour—because understanding the full story is essential to shaping a more just future.

This week, Gov. Shapiro announced that PECO will withdraw its proposed rate hike—a meaningful victory for energy justice and affordability across our Commonwealth. 

Had it moved forward, PECO’s proposal would have increased average electric bills by approximately $20 per month and natural gas bills by about $14.50 per month by 2027. For far too many of our neighbors already navigating economic strain, that burden was simply untenable. 

This outcome is a testament to what happens when everyday people organize and demand accountability. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the legislature who raised their voices, but most importantly, I’m grateful to the constituents who spoke out and made it clear: corporate-driven rate hikes at the expense of working families will not go unchallenged. 

I remain committed to advancing policies in Harrisburg that center equity, rein in corporate excess, and ensure that access to affordable energy is treated not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right. 

On Tuesday, one of my team attended a Philly Unwrapped event that focused on advancing sustainable packaging solutions in Philadelphia. The event brought together local business owners, community partners, and policy advocates to discuss the challenges of reducing single-use plastics to highlight ongoing efforts to support businesses in this transition.

The presentations described their approach, which includes developing a sustainable packaging toolkit, hosting community engagement sessions, providing direct support to select businesses, and advocating for policies that incentivize sustainability. The discussion also emphasized the importance of aligning environmental goals with economic realities, particularly for small businesses, while leveraging local and federal funding opportunities to drive long-term change within the community. This is the kind of collaborative, forward-thinking work we must continue to invest in as we build a more just, sustainable, and economically resilient future for all. 

On Thursday, I also had the opportunity to serve as a panelist at the Keystone News Summit in Hershey, where I discussed two pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening and sustaining local journalism. It was a meaningful conversation about the role of a free and accessible press in a healthy democracy—and I’ll admit, I always appreciate being in the company of fellow policy and media enthusiasts who share a deep commitment to this work.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period for 2025-26 has been extended until May 8! 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. This grant does not have to be repaid.

To find out if you qualify and for help applying, click here or contact my office.

Space is filling up fast for the second Civic Therapy Community Workshop on Tuesday, April 21 at 5 p.m. at United Lutheran Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave. 

We convene these workshops to equip our neighbors with the tools to both understand and organize against structural violence in all its forms. Together, we’ll explore meaningful policy solutions rooted in justice and accountability, connect with resources at the local, state and federal levels, and create space to lift up your concerns. This is about collective power – shaping policies that don’t just respond but truly support our communities. 

RSVP today to secure your spot – space is limited. We look forward to building with you there. 

Join me and my team at Mt. Airy Day. It is always a day filled with fun, food and great entertainment! 

Join me for one of our most popular community events—our Spring Shredding Event!? 

We’ll?be back on?Saturday, June 6, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM?at?New Covenant Campus (7500 Germantown Ave.). This is?a great opportunity?to safely dispose of your personal and sensitive documents.? 

I’m?proud to once again partner with Councilwoman Kendra Brooks—this continues to be a strong and impactful collaboration in service to our community.? 

Please note that each person is?permitted?to bring?up to?two large trash bags?of documents for shredding. This event is intended for personal use only—it is not a business or general trash drop-off.? 

Now is?a great time?to start getting your papers organized!? 

We will also be partnering again with the District Attorney’s Office to?provide?a safe way to dispose of unused or expired medications.? 

I look forward to seeing you there and continuing to serve our community together. 

Recent actions taken by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement have made it more important than ever to know your rights as a citizen. This training session can help you protect yourself, your neighbors and your communities. Click the QR Code above to register for this event.

Have you made your plan to vote yet? The deadline to register for the May 19 primary election is Monday, May 4.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, May 12. Voting with a mail-in ballot is still a simple, safe and secure way to ensure that your voice is heard.

You can take care of all of your voting needs from registering, to getting your ballot, to dropping off your completed mail-in ballot at one of Philadelphia’s Satellite Election Offices.

Don’t wait! Make your plan to vote today!

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is reminding higher education students that they can now complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. FAFSA is an easy way to help alleviate the costs of going to an institution like colleges, business schools and technical schools.

Applications are due by May 1 for many students, so don’t miss out on this opportunity! You can review the checklist for FAFSA submission at this link.

As a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I acknowledge that this commonwealth exists on the tribal lands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee, Lenape, Munsee, Shawnee and Susquehannock.

Pennsylvania State Capitol
322 Irvis Office Bldg.

PO Box 202200
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2200
(717) 783-2178

District Office

7216 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 242-7300

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