PA's state budget is an investment in YOU!

Rep. Darisha Parker July 20, 2026 | 3:34 PM

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Dear John,

It’s been a busy month in Harrisburg but I’m happy to say that the state budget was passed and signed by Gov. Shapiro.

Read below for more details about how PA House Democrats are delivering for you!

Delivering Historic Investments in Education

This budget allocates a $50 million statewide increase for basic education and special education funding, $121 million for school safety and mental health support grants, increases for the Student Teacher Stipend program and support for Career and Technical Education, and increased funding for our state and state-related higher education institutions.

Safer Communities

More than $62 million is allocated for the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, which channels funding to community-based organizations working to reduce gun violence.

Strengthening Our Workforce and Addressing Critical Workforce Shortages

Increases funding for the Child Care Staff Retention and Recruitment program to ensure that all childcare centers have qualified staff.

An increase for the Student Teacher Stipend Program so our future teachers can gain meaningful classroom experience and pay their bills.

Increased investment to the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program to combat PA’s nursing shortage.

Supporting Law Enforcement and Further Reducing Crime

Investing in law enforcement allowing for four new cadet classes.

This budget reflects the work that PA House Democrats have done to ensure that Pennsylvania is the best place for people to live, learn, and grow.

Air Quality Warning

How can we find Common Ground today?

I attended an exclusive screening of Episode 4 titled Common Ground in the documentary series In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America.

It was amazing to see the story of free Black Philadelphians and how leaders such as Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and James Forten shaped the growing equality movement.

I was honored to speak afterwards – discussing an important question – how can we reach a Common Ground today?

Check your mailbox for important information from my latest newsletter!

Upcoming Event

Resources for Residents and Businesses Impacted by Heavy Rain & Flooding

If you’re home or business was impacted by the recent storms, please see the information below regarding flooding from extreme rain during the severe storm on June 22.

How to Recover from a Disaster?- The City's Blog can be found here?with safety, clean-up, insurance, and documentation tips.?
Damage Reporter Survey?- If any private property has received storm-related damage, we ask them to complete the secure survey (www.phila.gov/damagereporter) for the Office of Emergency Management. The information collected in this form will be used by the City of Philadelphia to determine the areas and extent of incident-related damages. This form is not an application for resources and does not guarantee assistance; it may help determine if assistance is available. The survey can also be completed by calling 3-1-1.?
Businesses impacted by flooding can contact the Mayor's Business Action Team by emailing Business@phila.gov or calling 215-683-2100.
Downed Trees?- should be reported to 911 if blocking a road or on a house, reported to PECO if on electrical lines, or reported to 3-1-1 for removal. More information can be found here.
Blocked or Damaged Sewer Inlets?- should be reported to PWD's 24-hour emergency line at 215-685-6300.
3-1-1, the 3-1-1 Mobile App, and the Neighborhood Community Action Centers?can assist with all other City service requests.
We encourage everyone to Stay Informed?about severe weather threats and emergency resources by following @philaOEM on X and Facebook, and by signing up for ReadyPhiladelphia, the City's free emergency notification system.?
StormPHL Messages - The Office of Emergency Management has activated a dedicated text message platform for the City to deliver storm recovery text messages to enrollees. Those who are recovering from the storm can text "StormPHL" to 888-777 to receive updates related to recovery.?

National Flood Insurance - All residents interested in purchasing a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy for future flood coverage can visit floodsmart.gov. Traditional homeowners' insurance does not cover damage resulting from flooding. Philadelphia residents automatically receive a 15 percent discount on NFIP policies.
The Philadelphia Water Department also reports that a capital improvement project is currently underway to increase sewer capacity in N. 21st?Street from Stenton Ave. to W. Godfrey Ave. More information about this project is available on the PWD website. Furthermore, PWD is in the?early stages?of feasibility planning for a large, deep tunnel that is dual-purpose: to mitigate flooding in and around Germantown and to reduce combined sewage overflows to the Tacony-Frankford Creek. The planning stage will?identify?project feasibility and options for tunnel size (diameter), length, and underground path. If the planning and design phases progress as scheduled, construction would?likely begin?in the mid-to-late 2030s.?

YOU hold the power in all levels of government

Are you a small business owner?

Small businesses are the backbone of our community and I will continue doing everything I can to lend support to your small business. Contact my office so my staff and I can visit your business!

Grant Opportunities

Did you know that your non-profit, municipality, school and other organizations can apply for state funding to help with things like security upgrades, facility remodeling and maintenance and more?

Click here to see what funding opportunities are available to you and please don’t hesitate to contact my office for assistance or a letter of support.

Let’s take it from the Block to the Ballot

I would love to join you and/or your neighbors to talk about civics and the power of community engagement. Please contact my office to schedule a time for an overview of local, state, and federal government, and how each plays an important role in your everyday life.

My office is here to help you - with a smile!

Seniors - apply for a SEPTA Fare Card

Apply for Your SEPTA Senior Fare Card! If you’re 65 or older, our office can help you complete your application for a SEPTA Senior Fare Card. We’ll submit your information and ID photo directly to SEPTA, and your card will arrive by mail within a few weeks. We can also assist with renewals and expired cards. No appointment is necessary, just walk in anytime.

Apply today for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program

If you are 65 or older, a widow or widower age 50 or older, or at least 18 with a permanent disability, you may qualify for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and receive a rebate on your taxes.

I voted to expand this program and, as a result, thousands more people are eligible and receiving larger rebates.

Click here for more information and don’t forget that my office can help you apply as well.

The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31.

Does the PA Treasury have your unclaimed property?

Did you know that 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property held by the PA Treasury? These funds often come from forgotten bank accounts, security deposits, or uncashed checks.

My office is happy to help you search for unclaimed property and assist with filing claims and submitting the necessary paperwork to the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury.

If you want to check to see if you have any unclaimed property in Pennsylvania visit: https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/.