Look inside to see how House Democrats are fighting for you!

Rep. Darisha Parker August 31, 2026 | 4:04 PM

PA Representative Darisha Parker banner image

As we head back into legislative session in September, I wanted to remind you how PA House Democrats are fighting for and delivering results for hardworking Pennsylvanians like you!

In the 2025–26 legislative session, we passed 467 bills in the House, but only 87 were passed by the Senate. From raising the minimum wage and funding mass transit to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have access to affordable health care, these are just some of the bills that House Democrats passed to help PA thrive.

Sadly, the Senate doesn’t see it that way and has refused to vote on life-changing or life-saving legislation.

I hope that during this new session, we can work together and find common ground to uplift people across the Commonwealth.

My colleagues from the Philadelphia House Delegation toured the Philadelphia Airport this week – we stopped at Paris Baguette, a bakery inside the airport.

Block by Block Neighborhood Walks

We had a great time meeting with neighbors during our Quality of Life Walk this week. You deserve to know that your elected officials are working for you and that your voice is not only heard, but valued!

City services, including L&I and the Streets Department, joined us to chat with neighbors, many of whom were affected by the explosion in Nicetown on June 29, 2025.

Great news! Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian service between NYC and Pittsburgh, with a stop in Harrisburg, will expand from once daily to twice daily! More people will now have the opportunity to travel on upgraded, safer rail lines, helping to ease the burden on commuters.

PA House Democrats have been working toward this for a long time. Thanks to Gov. Shapiro for getting it across the finish line!

Grabbed some tasty treats with my colleagues, State Reps. Regina Young, Amen Brown, and Ana Tiburcio, at Scoopful Delights, 7060 Germantown Ave. August is Black Business Month, so stop by Scoopful Delights and support other small, Black-owned businesses in our community!

Spoke with state legislators from across the country about issues affecting the Black community, including affordable housing, energy, and criminal justice, at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) Fall Regional Meeting in Detroit.

We also discussed which policies are working to address these issues in other states, what they’ve tried, and how they’ve succeeded.

Click the image below to learn more about the Shallow Rent Program

Upcoming Events

Get ready to vote in November

Remember, elections happen more than just every four years – and each vote is a chance to shape the future you want to see.

Some key dates to keep in mind for 2026:

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: October 19

LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR MAIL-IN BALLOT OR ABSENTEE BALLOT: October 27

Apply for a mail-in ballot here

GENERAL ELECTION DATE: November 3; polls are open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Click here to find your polling place.

If you get too close to Election Day without mailing your completed ballot, the city has several secure ballot drop boxes and satellite election offices available to ensure your vote is counted.

Just remember to get your completed ballot there by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Find your local drop box here.

Here is a list of Satellite Offices around the city.

Small Business owners – the state has resources for you!

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 here to learn about the city's Catalyst Fund for Small Businesses

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/.