$1.3 million in state funding for our community!

Rep. Darisha Parker September 21, 2026 | 12:29 PM

PA Representative Darisha Parker banner image

Dear John,

It was a full circle moment reuniting with Atiba Madyun at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators at the 28th Annual Legislative Conference in Philly. This year’s theme was profound: “Ensuring Liberty and Justice for All.”

My family’s firm, Ross Associates, worked with Atiba and his team 22 years ago, doing communication work for Sen. LeAnna M. Washington, who was the first woman to chair the PA Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC).

Decades later, I still work with his company, The Madyun Group, but now I’m Vice Chair of the PLBC.

Thank you, Aitba for hosting a lively discussion about the importance of voting.

In Service,

Helping neighbors find meaningful careers

My colleague State Rep. Andre Carroll and I partnered with State Sen. Art Haywood to help neighbors find a secure stable career at our recent hiring fair. It was a great turn out and thanks to everyone who came!

I love making new connections! Emanuel, Councilmember Anthony Phillips’ Chief of Staff, connected me with some of my amazing constituents from the 198th. I was lucky to meet the owner and staff of Indepence Nursing and Rehabilitation on W. Cheltenham Avenue.

Thank you for supporting our seniors!

Family fun at the annual Children & Youth Health Fair

I had so much fun with my colleague State Rep. Amen Brown distributing FREE food to neighbors and friends at the annual Children & Youth Health Fair.

State funding for our community!

A thriving community requires a wide range of services and organizations that can help people from all ages and walks of life. This is a massive investment for our neighborhoods; from early education for our youngest learners and a place for community sports, to ensuring we’re building our workforce and preserving our rich history, I’m thrilled to secure this funding to uplift our community.

Important voting information

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 plan to vote by mail but 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.

Hey! PA College Students:

Not sure where to vote this fall? You can register at your campus address or your home address. Learn more: vote.pa.gov/College

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

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/.