Dear Neighbor,???? 

As we step into May, we’re entering a critical moment in our democratic calendar. With primary elections fast approaching, this is a time to reflect on both the power and the urgency of civic participation. Recent developments at the U.S. Supreme Court have narrowed key protections under the Voting Rights Act, making it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting practices. For many—especially Black and Brown communities—these shifts are not theoretical. They have real implications for representation, access, and whose voices are ultimately heard in our democracy.

Here in Philadelphia, we understand that the right to vote has always been something people have had to fight for, protect, and expand. Our city has a long history of grassroots organizing—neighbors talking to neighbors, communities mobilizing, and everyday people stepping up to ensure that their voices are counted. That kind of engagement is what sustains a healthy democracy, particularly in moments like this.

We’re also seeing, in real time, how civic participation connects directly to the policies that shape our lives. This week, my legislation, HB 99, which would abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania, advanced out of committee and is now moving forward in the legislative process. Efforts like this don’t move without public awareness, advocacy, and engagement. They are part of a broader conversation about justice, accountability, and the kind of system we choose to uphold—one that reflects fairness and humanity for all.

As we head into this election season, I encourage you to stay informed, talk with your neighbors, and make a plan to vote in the upcoming primary. Local elections have real consequences, and participation at every level helps shape the direction of our communities and our Commonwealth. Your voice matters—and this is the moment to use it.

In service, 

RepRabb

State Representative, 200th Legislative District

A member of my staff had the honor of speaking on my behalf at the 2026 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Rally on Monday, April 20, where survivors, advocates, and leaders came together to uplift the voices of those impacted by violence. The powerful testimonies shared—especially by courageous women—reminded us that behind every statistic is a human story that deserves to be heard, respected, and supported. Their stories were not just testimonies of pain but calls to action.

As lawmakers, we have a moral obligation to ensure that our systems do not further harm those who have already been impacted by violence, but instead center healing, dignity, and justice. I remain committed to advancing policies that support survivors and affirm that their voices matter—not only in moments like these, but in the decisions we make every day.

On Tuesday, my entire staff traveled with me to Harrisburg to advocate for House Bill 99—legislation that I reintroduced to abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to share that HB 99 has now passed out of the Judiciary Committee, marking a critical step forward in this long overdue effort.

The death penalty is deeply flawed. It carries the irreversible risk of executing an innocent person, is applied disproportionately across race and income, and has failed to deliver the justice or closure it promises. It is also significantly more costly than life imprisonment, diverting resources away from prevention, victim services, and strategies that actually make our communities safer.

I was joined by community stakeholders and partners, including Pennsylvania Abolitionists United Against the Death Penalty, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Atlantic Center for Capital Representation—organizations that have been leading this work for years. Most powerfully, we were joined by my friend Jimmy Dennis, who spent 25 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. His story is a stark reminder that the risk of irreversible error is real.

The passage of HB 99 out of committee is not the end of the fight, but it is meaningful progress. This legislation is about building a justice system grounded in fairness, accountability, and human dignity—and I remain committed to seeing it through.

I was proud to stand alongside Representative Mayes and my colleagues in the Women’s Health Caucus in response to the Commonwealth Court’s decision to overturn Pennsylvania’s decades-long ban on Medicaid coverage of abortion. This ruling represents a long-overdue step toward reproductive justice—one that begins to correct a deeply inequitable policy that has, for far too long, denied low-income Pennsylvanians access to essential health care.

Let’s be clear: this ban did not eliminate the need for abortion care, it simply made it harder, and in some cases impossible, for those with the fewest resources to access it. The burden of that injustice has fallen disproportionately on Black women and other marginalized communities, further widening gaps in health outcomes and autonomy.

This decision affirms what so many of us have long believed—that health care access should never be dictated by income, ZIP code, or circumstance. It is a fundamental right. And while this ruling is a meaningful step forward, our work is far from done. We must continue to advance policies that protect bodily autonomy, expand access to comprehensive care, and center the dignity and agency of every individual.

I remain committed to that work—because reproductive justice is not just about choice, it’s about equity, opportunity, and the ability to live with dignity.

This week, the House passed House Bill 1970 by a vote of 186–15, legislation that would give Pennsylvanians the option to obtain a digital driver’s license or ID card.

I was proud to co-sponsor this bill as part of an effort to bring our Commonwealth in line with the 21 other states already offering digital ID options. In an increasingly digital world, this is about accessibility, efficiency, and meeting people where they are—while maintaining the highest standards of security and identity protection. With the proper safeguards in place to prevent fraud and misuse, this is a common-sense step forward, and I urge the Senate to take up this legislation without delay.

In addition, I’m pleased to share that House Bill 2145, which I also co-sponsored, has advanced out of the Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. This legislation would ban harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFAS—from everyday consumer products like cosmetics, dental floss, and menstrual items.

PFAS are linked to serious health risks, including cancer and liver damage, and their presence in products we use daily—especially those used by our children—is unacceptable. Beyond personal health, these chemicals pose a significant threat to our water supply, as they can easily contaminate drinking water sources.

This week, I introduced a co-sponsorship memo to commission a study on converting immigrant detention centers into community-centered projects.

The Commonwealth is home to multiple immigrant detention facilities that operate under contracts with federal immigration authorities. These facilities have come under growing scrutiny, while at the same time counties and municipalities across Pennsylvania are grappling with significant economic and housing challenges.

My resolution would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study examining the impacts of detention facilities in Pennsylvania, identifying best practices that have successfully repurposed this infrastructure, and developing a community-centered conversion framework.

Above all, this resolution establishes community participation as a condition of any future decision-making. This is not a study about what the state wants to do to communities, but about how the state can support what communities want to do for themselves.

Since taking office in 2017, I’ve had the privilege of welcoming more than 40 young people into my office as interns—each bringing curiosity, talent, and a commitment to public service that gives me hope for our future!

This spring, I’m proud to welcome another rising leader who will be joining us as part of his senior project. Please join me in welcoming Jak.

Hi! My name is Jak, and I am interning at Rep. Rabb’s office for the next month. I am currently a senior at the William Penn Charter School, and I plan to continue my education next year at Amherst College.

My academic interests are sociology, philosophy, economics, and mathematics. At Penn Charter, some of my most meaningful involvements include serving as Class Clerk and leading the Ethics Club and Math Mentorship Club. I love learning and have proudly coined my own phrase: “By living to learn, I will learn to live.” Outside of the classroom, I am an athlete who loves playing soccer and running. I am also a strong supporter of stretching and sleeping, both of which have changed my body and my life. I believe they—just like friendship, which I also love—are superpowers.

My favorite part about living in the district is Germantown Avenue. Whether I am running, walking, driving, getting a haircut, or grabbing a bite to eat, the friendly faces and lively atmosphere never cease to brighten my day. Not only does it literally lie at the heart of the district, but it also lies at the heart of the community. It has everything you need, and the remarkable events it hosts are simply the cherry on top.

On Friday, April 17, I attended the unveiling of one of the Liberty Bell installations at the intersection of Ogontz Avenue and Walnut Lane—one of two located in the 200th District. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, this installation stands as both a reflection and a reimagining of what liberty looks like in our communities.

This particular bell beautifully captures the spirit of West Oak Lane—infused with vibrant color, rich imagery, and the unmistakable influence of jazz, a cultural cornerstone that speaks to resilience, creativity, and collective expression. It was a powerful reminder that our history is not static; it lives and breathes through the people and places that shape it every day.

I stood alongside Mayor Parker, Councilmember Phillips, and other local leaders for this moment. But more than anything, it was the presence of community—neighbors, artists, and residents—that made the occasion so meaningful.

This is what community looks like: coming together to celebrate our shared history, honor our culture, and envision a future rooted in equity, creativity, and collective pride.

On Saturday, April 18, I started my day at the Northwest Victim Services Legislative Breakfast in Chestnut Hill to mark the beginning of National Victims’ Rights Week.

Standing alongside fellow elected officials and community advocates, I shared my own lived experience as a survivor of gun violence and spoke to the lasting impact that trauma can have—not only in the immediate aftermath, but in the months and years that follow. Healing is not linear, and seeking professional support is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of courage and self-preservation.

As we continue this work, we must lead with empathy. Too often, we move through our daily lives without recognizing the invisible burdens that others carry. Let this be a reminder that extending grace and compassion is not optional—it is essential. We never truly know what someone is navigating or what they have endured.

If we are serious about building safer, more just communities, then we must also commit to supporting survivors, centering healing, and showing up for one another with humanity and care.

Later on April 18, after the breakfast, I made my way to one of my favorite annual traditions—Dinah Day at Stenton Mansion. While it may sit just outside the boundaries of my district, it is very much part of the shared history and cultural fabric of Northwest Philadelphia, and I’ve been proud to attend this meaningful event each year since 2022.

Dinah’s story is one of courage, brilliance, and resistance. An enslaved woman, she used her wit to mislead British troops and help protect Stenton during the Revolutionary War—an act of quiet heroism that deserves to be remembered and uplifted.

The day was filled with powerful moments—students from The Jubilee School sharing letters, guided tours of the mansion and its grounds, mindfulness activities, and opportunities to break bread in community. It was a reminder that history lives not just in buildings, but in the stories we choose to tell and carry forward.

I encourage everyone to take time to visit this historic treasure here in Northwest Philadelphia. When we engage with places like Stenton, we deepen our understanding of the past and strengthen our commitment to a more just and inclusive future.

I want to congratulate two current Temple students, Amber S. Jones and Sincear Walter, who received 2025-26 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation James R. Roebuck Scholarship awards. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate college students of color.

These students represent the promise of the PLBC to uplift strong voices of color throughout the Commonwealth. This scholarship will help Amber and Sincear continue to excel, and I look forward to seeing them on the graduation stage and beyond.

We recently hosted another Civic Therapy Workshop, a place for community members to come together, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the issues impacting their daily lives.

We began the evening with a panel discussion featuring community leaders and practitioners who helped ground the conversation in real-world experiences. The panel set the tone by exploring how civic engagement can serve as a tool for healing and empowerment, particularly for communities navigating systemic challenges and structural inequities.

Following the panel, participants broke into discussion spaces where they shared personal experiences, identified community concerns, and explored pathways for collective action. We also connected attendees with state government resources and provided guidance on how to effectively advocate for themselves and their neighbors. The conversation was thoughtful, honest, and rooted in a shared commitment to building a more just and responsive government.

Events like this remind us that democracy is not just about voting—it’s about ongoing participation, listening, and collaboration. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a powerful discussion. If you missed this session, we look forward to seeing you at a future Civic Therapy event. Click here to watch the panel!

Time is running out to register for the May 19 primary election!

The deadline to register for the vote 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 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.? 

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

You can be part of the conversation about keeping water affordable for all customers in Philadelphia. The public is invited to attend and speak at a Public Input Hearing of the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board on proposed increases in Water Department rates and charges.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. on May 7 in Conference Room 18031 at 1515 Arch Street. You can also join the meeting via Zoom and leave public comments through May 22. For more information, visit the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board website.

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. 

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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