Dear Neighbor,?????? 

As we welcome June, we enter a season marked by longer days, warmer evenings, neighborhood gatherings, and opportunities to celebrate the people and cultures that make our communities vibrant. Summer has a way of bringing us together—on our blocks, in our parks, at festivals, and around shared values of community, creativity, and belonging. 

June is both Pride Month and Black Music Month, offering us a chance to honor the countless individuals whose courage, talent, and vision have shaped our city, commonwealth and nation. Philadelphia has long been home to trailblazing LGBTQ+ leaders who challenged injustice and expanded the promise of freedom—from activists who organized for equality when it was neither popular nor safe to do so, to today's advocates who continue the work of building a more inclusive and affirming society. Their legacy reminds us that progress is only possible when ordinary people are willing to stand up, speak out and demand dignity for all. 

This month also celebrates Black Music Month, a fitting tribute in a city whose musical influence has echoed far beyond our borders. Philadelphia has given the world jazz legends, gospel innovators, soul icons, hip-hop pioneers, and generations of artists whose work has reflected the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of Black communities. Last weekend's Roots Picnic continued that proud tradition, bringing together artists and audiences from across the country to celebrate a musical legacy deeply rooted in Philadelphia's cultural landscape. The festival serves as a reminder that Black music is more than entertainment—it is storytelling, resistance, healing, and community. 

As we gather at community events throughout the summer, let us remember that Pride Month and Black Music Month share a common thread: the power of people to create culture, build community, and move society closer to justice. Whether through activism, artistry, or simply showing up for our neighbors, each of us has a role to play in shaping the future we want to see. 

I hope you'll join us throughout the summer as we celebrate our shared history, support local events, and continue building communities where everyone can thrive.

In service, 

RepRabb

State Representative, 200th Legislative District

For far too long, our Tax Code has been tilted in favor of the wealthiest individuals and corporations, allowing them to avoid paying their fair share while working families shoulder the burden. It's past time that we close these loopholes and build a tax system rooted in fairness, accountability, and economic justice. I am grateful to my colleagues and advocates who joined me in calling for the bold tax reforms Pennsylvanians deserve.

Last week, Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution in support of ranked choice voting, calling on the House to pass legislation allowing cities and counties to use this voting system in local elections. 

I was also proud to discuss House Bill 123 I introduced with co-prime sponsor Rep. John Inglis to authorize the use of ranked-choice voting in primary, general, and special elections. Ranked-choice voting empowers voters to vote for the candidates they truly support rather than feeling pressured to choose the candidate they believe has the best chance of winning. It is a commonsense reform that can strengthen our democracy by expanding voter choice and encouraging more representative outcomes. I hope the Council's support for ranked-choice voting sends a clear message to Harrisburg that Pennsylvanians are ready for a more inclusive and responsive electoral system. 

The first week of June session was as busy as expected, filled with meaningful conversations with constituents, advocates, labor leaders, and organizations working to build a more just and equitable Pennsylvania. Whether in Harrisburg or back home in the district, my staff and I spent Monday and Tuesday listening, learning, and collaborating with community stakeholders.  

I was pleased to meet with advocates from March on Harrisburg and the Coalition of Graduate Employees (CGE-UAW) at Penn State. We discussed the importance of government accountability, workplace justice, and ensuring that our public institutions remain responsive to the people they serve. Protecting workers’ rights and strengthening our democracy go hand in hand.

I joined members of SEIU and POWER Interfaith in Harrisburg to advocate for the funding of essential services our communities deserve. At a time of rising healthcare costs and uncertainty around federal funding, we must continue fighting for equitable access to healthcare and the public investments that help families thrive.

I also met with SEIU members from our district – including educators, school staff and caregivers – to discuss the Digital Advertising Tax, public education funding, healthcare, and long-term care services. Their experiences underscore the importance of investing in the workers and institutions that sustain our communities.

Our office met with First Up to discuss the state of early childhood education in Pennsylvania. We spoke about the urgent need to support childcare providers and expand access to quality early learning opportunities for all families.

I met with representatives from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences to discuss investments in the Land Scrip Fund and the role these resources play in supporting agricultural innovation, workforce development and food security across the Commonwealth.

My team met with advocates to discuss the importance of maintaining strong support systems and services for individuals living with epilepsy and their families.

I was honored to hear from constituents and advocates who shared their experiences with cancer. Their stories reinforced the need for continued investments in prevention, early detection, treatment and affordable healthcare.

I also met with advocates from CeaseFirePA and Eddie’s House to discuss evidence-based strategies to address gun violence, including secure firearm storage and efforts to curb the proliferation of ghost guns. Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we must continue advancing solutions that save lives and strengthen community safety.

These conversations help shape the work we do in Harrisburg and serve as a reminder that meaningful change happens when community voices are heard and centered in the policymaking process.

One of the things I love most about summertime is seeing more neighbors out and about, connecting with one another and enjoying all that our community has to offer. It’s also the time of year when my office is energized by the next generation of leaders through our internship program. 

This summer, Team 200 is fortunate to have not one, but two outstanding Sarahs working alongside us in service to the community. I’m excited for you to meet them and learn more about the talents, passion, and dedication they bring to our office. 

My name is Sarah-Julia, and I am a junior attending Hampton University majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Strategic Communications on the Pre-Law track. I plan to attend law school in the coming years, hopefully in the Philadelphia area, to continue giving back to my community, and practice Civil Rights Law.

I got involved with Rep. Rabb's office during my sophomore year of high school, in 2023, at Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social Justice, when they began a cohort of Senior to Senior. This experience drew my interest in serving others and my community through services that can give impact and change. After high school, I navigated interests, tried new opportunities, and was happy to come back and begin a new chapter within the 200th Legislative District, and intern with Rep. Rabb to further my interest in serving others and learning about polices, legislation and advocacy.

Since being back home, I have loved being in the city, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family. 

Hi, my name is Sarahjane, and I am interning at Rep. Rabb’s office this summer! I am a third-year JD candidate at Drexel Kline School of Law with an interest in policy and legislation. I grew up in Quakertown, PA, but my parents are from Philadelphia, and I am happy to be back living, working, and serving Philly.   

I chose to intern with Rep. Rabb this summer because of his commitment to social justice and his focus on the intersection between politics, social justice, and history.

Rep. Rabb and his work for the people of northwest Philadelphia and Pennsylvania is an inspiration to me and a demonstration of the integrity and care that I hope to carry throughout my future career. I know there is a lot I can learn, not only from his work, but from all of the people in the 200th District and I am excited for my experience this summer.   

When I have free time in the area, I enjoy walking on the Wissahickon with my friends and getting out into nature, because it feels like a slice of home in the big city. I hope to meet you this summer and thank you for letting me into your community.   

On May 28, one of my team attended a legislative ‘lunch and learn’ on post-sentencing supervision and violation proceedings in Pennsylvania. This event examined the important work that takes place after a sentence is imposed, covering a broad range of topics including probation, parole, revocation, resentencing, and recommitment proceedings, as well as the role of the courts, county probation departments, and the Pennsylvania Parole Board in overseeing these processes. 

The event conveyed the importance of effective supervision, accountability, and coordination throughout the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. By highlighting how post-sentencing decisions can affect public safety, correctional populations, and statewide policy, this session provided valuable insight into the challenges and responsibilities involved in supporting fair and effective outcomes for our communities. 

Members of my staff were honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the newly renovated Hutter Kitchen at Northern Children’s Services in Roxborough. While Northern's campus is located outside the 200th Legislative District, its impact reaches children, youth, and families from neighborhoods across Philadelphia, making this an investment in the well-being of our entire city. 

This exciting milestone marks the first completed project in Northern’s broader effort to preserve and revitalize its historic campus while expanding opportunities for the young people and families it serves. The renovated kitchen will do much more than prepare meals—it will support nutrition education, life-skills development, behavioral health programming, and increased access to healthy food for hundreds of children and families each year. 

It was especially inspiring to hear from current and former residents whose lives have been transformed by Northern’s services. Their stories served as a powerful reminder that investments in our young people create lasting ripple effects throughout our communities. 

For more than 170 years, Northern Children’s Services has been a vital resource for Philadelphia families, providing critical support, care, and opportunity to generations of children. I commend Northern’s staff, leadership, donors, and community partners for bringing this project to life and for their continued commitment to ensuring that every child has the resources, support, and opportunities they need not only to succeed, but to thrive. 

On May 29, two members of Team 200 attended a Government Affairs meeting at SEPTA Headquarters, where agency officials provided updates on several upcoming initiatives and service enhancements. A significant portion of the discussion focused on preparations for a busy July, which will include the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and Independence Day celebrations. To accommodate increased demand, SEPTA plans to operate train service 24 hours a day during this period. Officials also outlined proposed adjustments to bus routes, including the addition of new routes and modifications to existing services based on ridership trends and community needs. 

The meeting also highlighted SEPTA’s ongoing Trolley Modernization Program, which aims to improve above-ground trolley stops by creating more visible, accessible, and rider-friendly stations. In addition, SEPTA reviewed its long-term financial outlook, detailing the roles of federal and state funding, investment income, and passenger revenue in supporting future projects over the next five to ten years. The presentation concluded with an overview of SEPTA Transit Police initiatives, emphasizing a proactive approach to station safety and fare enforcement to help maintain a secure transit system and support the agency’s long-term operational goals. 

On June 3, 2026, I joined students, educators, and community members at the Need and Deed Rally at Charles W. Henry School. This powerful student-led event highlighted issues affecting our neighborhoods and gave young people the opportunity to share their concerns, ideas, and vision for a better Philadelphia. 

I was inspired by the students who organized and led this rally. Their passion, courage, and commitment to advocacy were on full display as they engaged elected officials and community stakeholders in meaningful dialogue. These amazing young advocates are already making their voices heard—and they are undoubtedly future rabble-rousers making good trouble in the pursuit of justice and positive change. 

Events like this remind us that young people are not just our future—they are leaders right now. My office looks forward to continuing to support the students of C.W. Henry and other young changemakers across Philadelphia. 

The Stenton Museum is offering a wealth of free programming this June that celebrates history, culture, and community learning. Highlights include a June 9 discussion presented in partnership with WHYY and the University of Pennsylvania’s McNeil Center for Early American Studies, a family archiving workshop on June 13, and the museum’s popular “Firefly Hours” cultural gatherings throughout the month. I encourage neighbors of all ages to take advantage of these engaging opportunities right here in our community. Visit www.stenton.org for more information. 

It’s not too late! Today (June 6), we’ll be at New Covenant Campus, 7500 Germantown Ave. today until 1pm. So, bring up to two large bags of documents to be shredded along with an unlimited amount of unused and expired medication.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia will have a Free Museum Day as part of Juneteenth celebrations in the city. For more information, visit www.aampmuseum.org. 

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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