Opportunities for small businesses & more inside

Rep. Darisha Parker August 4, 2026 | 10:35 AM

PA Representative Darisha Parker banner image

Dear John,

I’m thrilled that this year’s state budget includes long-awaited pension increases for thousands of retired municipal police officers, firefighters, public school employees and state workers who dedicated their careers to serving the commonwealth.

These retirees served Pennsylvania for most of their lives and I’m proud that we were able to give back to them because they truly deserve it.

250 Acts of Service Challenge

I'm keeping the America 250 celebrations going by participating in Speaker Joanna McClinton’s 250 Acts of Service challenge! Serving others is such an important part of our country's legacy, and I want to encourage everyone to find ways, big or small, to give back.

Join us by posting a video showing how you’re getting involved in your community with the hashtag #250ActsofService to keep the giving going!

National Conference of State Legislatures

This week, I attended the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures with my colleagues. This annual conference is an amazing opportunity to hear ideas from other state legislators about what has worked as well as what hasn’t. My colleagues and I are eager to reshape some of the policies we discussed and make them work in PA!

Keep up with your health screenings

I stopped by Savior Vision Community Health Fair on Saturday – it was a great chance for family fun while receiving health screenings for men and women!

Clean Block Saturday with Mayor Parker

Last Saturday, I did my part alongside neighbors, colleagues and friends to make our community cleaner and greener. We made 4 stops around the 198th District and Mayor Parker was able to join us!

Volunteer with Drain Buddies

Drain Buddies is a volunteer-led project in Germantown where neighbors take action in caring for vital community infrastructure: storm drains and sidewalks

All Drain Buddies will receive a DRAIN BUDDIES Kit and will be eligible for additional gifts along their journey.

Check out the website and learn how to get involved: https://www.drainbuddiesphl.com/

Uplifting the 198th with state funding

Pennsylvania State Police expand pathways to a career as a trooper

The Pennsylvania State Police is expanding opportunities for students and aspiring law enforcement professionals through partnerships with colleges and universities across Pennsylvania. Through the Academy Internship Program, eligible college seniors can complete their final semester at the PSP Academy, earn academic credits, and begin their careers as Pennsylvania State Troopers after successfully completing cadet training.

Interested students must apply by Sept. 30, 2026.

Northwest Philly Quality of Life Survey

The 2026 Quality of Life Survey is a community initiative designed to hear directly from the people who live, work, worship, and invest in Northwest Philadelphia.

The more residents who participate in the survey, the more reflective it is of Northwest Philly’s priorities and values.

The survey takes just 5 to 7 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential, and the findings will be compiled into the 2026 Quality of Life Report, which will be shared publicly.

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!

Check out the state’s new Business One Stop Shop. You’ll find help from the Department of Community and Economic Development regarding business plans, state funding, taxes, and contracting, among other things.

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.

Click the image above to learn about the city’s Small Business Catalyst Fund.

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/.