Dear Neighbor,

I’d like to share with you the work that I’m doing in Harrisburg and locally to ensure we Thrive in the 185. Keep reading for more details, follow my social media for updates, and please contact one of my offices to find out how we can help you with state and local programs and resources. #InformationIsPower

Follow me on social media and check out my website!

#GetInvolved and #JoinTheConversation!

Sending heartfelt condolences to the family of the Rev. Jesse Jackson who passed away earlier this week. It was an honor to meet him when he visited the state Capitol in October 2024. He helped me learn at a young age that "I Am Somebody" and to "Keep Hope Alive." His leadership will be missed, but his message of hope and resilience continues to resonate with me and in our communities.

Budget Process Begins with Hearings

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ll be involved in the public hearings on Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal for 2026-27. For the next three weeks, we’ll have leaders from state agencies testify to their department’s need for the requested funding in the budget, and what more we can do in the General Assembly to help them with their department’s mission to assist Pennsylvanians. Check out the full schedule of hearings, and watch all of them live on YouTube and pahouse.com/live. In this first week of hearings, I’m most interested in talking with the Judiciary, and departments of Corrections, and Community and Economic Development about their priorities and our communities in Philadelphia and Delco. Be sure to follow my social media accounts for reports from these hearings, watch the hearings live or recorded, and make sure you’re subscribed to this space to get the weekly wrap up!

The governor’s proposal sets up Pennsylvania for continued success without raising taxes. Education is power so I’m excited about the continued historic investments in our schools that would build on the promise of delivering an equitable education for all Pennsylvania students. Workforce development investments and raising the minimum wage are plans that would uplift communities across Philadelphia and Delco. Public safety, health and wellbeing, and mass transportation are the other bright lines for our communities in this proposal. I’m proud to serve as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and look forward to the dialogue at the budget hearings.

Civic Conversation on Sunday

I hope you can join me this Sunday, February 22, for my next Civic Conversation Meet & Greet! I’ll be joined by my colleague Rep. Roni Green at Bible Way Baptist Church, 1323 N. 52nd St., in West Philadelphia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come be part of the conversation and learn more about how government works for YOU. I hope to see you there!

Nursing Simulation Lab at CCP

What an amazing time on Friday morning with colleagues, community leaders, and students at the Community College of Philadelphia to cut the ribbon to officially open their new Nursing Simulation Lab! CCP is a growing giant in higher education for skilled occupations like healthcare workers, so this lab will continue to help recruit the best not just from Philadelphia, but from across our region to build and develop our much needed healthcare workers of the future.

Raise the Wage!

It is WAY past time for Pennsylvania to raise its minimum wage. We have been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009 — that is simply unacceptable! I was glad to hear Governor Shapiro address this directly in his budget speech and propose increasing the minimum wage to $15 by January 1, 2027. I fully support this proposal. Hardworking Pennsylvanians deserve fair pay that reflects today’s cost of living and the value of their work.

YOU can #JoinTheConversation by adding your name to our petition to reach one million signatures in support of raising the wage. Click the graphic above to sign our online petition as we work to deliver one million signatures to Governor Shapiro and Senate Majority Leader Pittman, demanding action on a living wage for hardworking Pennsylvanians.

Your Input Needed on School Facilities Master Plan

The School District of Philadelphia is hosting a series of virtual & in-person community engagement sessions throughout the month of February to discuss the Facilities Master Plan. The final meetings are happening this weekend, February 20-22. This plan includes closing and repurposing schools in our area, including Tilden Middle School, with those students reassigned to other schools in the area and the goal of expanding access to educational opportunities. The Tilden property would become an athletics facility for Bartram High School. No changes would take effect until the fall of 2027 at the earliest.

I highly encourage you to visit the district’s website to learn more about the School Facilities Master Plan and their process for the decisions they’re proposing, then register for one of the final remaining feedback sessions with the School District this weekend to get more information about the Master Plan and have your concerns addressed. Click on the graphic above to register for the remaining meetings.

The school district will officially submit their plan to the Board of Education on Thursday, Feb. 26 so there is time for your feedback and concerns to have effect.

Women’s Resource Fair

Save the date for my Women’s Resource Fair on Wednesday, March 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ezekiel Baptist Church, 5701 Grays Ave. We’ll be sharing information about services and resources tailored specifically to the needs of women in our community. Bring your sister, mother, aunt, and all the important women in your life to take advantage of this valuable event. I look forward to seeing you there!

Investing in Working Families

As part of the 2025-26 state budget, I voted to give a tax break to nearly a million Pennsylvania families, including almost 200,000 in Philadelphia.

It’s called the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit – because working people deserve a break! If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you automatically qualify for an additional 10% tax break on your state taxes. That’s money back in your pocket to help pay for groceries, childcare, or other everyday expenses.

This is state government working for you — making sure hardworking families keep more of what they earn. You could earn up to $805 in a tax credit. Click the graphic above to learn more and estimate your credit!

Property Tax & Rent Rebates Now Available

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open for taxes or rent that you paid in 2025. This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities while meeting certain household income requirements. In Philadelphia, supplemental rebates provide an additional $190 to $500 in relief to applicants with the most need.

These rebates have made it easier for older and disabled folks to stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and so much more. Don’t miss out!

Contact one of my offices today to find out if you qualify and let us help you apply!

PA House Legislative Fellowship Program

Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted! The Fellowship Program is based in our magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit), and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. The Summer Semester will run from Thursday, June 4 through Thursday August 6, 2026.

Qualified applicants will be:

1. College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;
2. Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and
3. Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit the website. Applications can be submitted via email to: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net

Applications for the Summer Semester are due on Monday, March 2.

Stay Warm this Winter!

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period for 2025–26 is now open! Whether you rent or own your home, you could receive a cash grant from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. You can find out more about eligibility requirements and documents you’ll need to apply by clicking the graphic above. Most importantly, this is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

To find out if you qualify and for help applying, contact my office to make an appointment with my knowledgeable staff, who can also find out if you qualify for any other state and local programs. You can also apply for LIHEAP online. Weatherize your home by sealing drafts and replacing your furnace filter, and explore other energy-saving tools. If you’re concerned about paying your heating bill, contact PECO or PGW now to ask about their assistance programs or payment plan options before it’s too late. Acting early is important—#CallUtilitiesNow to explore options that can help keep your service connected.

Did you know that seniors ride for free on SEPTA? A SEPTA Senior Fare Card allows seniors 65 and older to ride for free, but those cards do expire after three years. My office can help you get or renew your card. As we continue to work on a State Budget solution for mass transit, senior fare cards still allow you to ride for free to your medical appointments, your job, visiting family and friends, or anything you need to do in our region.

SEPTA keeps our communities moving and economy thriving – and a senior fare card helps your wallet by saving on transportation costs! Contact my office today for more information on getting or renewing your SEPTA Senior Fare Card.

It was a pleasure assisting our neighbors and enjoying a few rounds of bingo at our mobile office site at St. Edmond’s Senior Center this week!

Recent actions by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and other cities across our nation have become a cause for concern for many of us. Incidents involving aggressive enforcement tactics — including the fatal shootings by federal ICE officers in Minneapolis that have sparked widespread protests and debate over use of force and community safety — have raised serious questions about how these operations are being conducted and the impact they are having on families and neighborhoods. The chaos and fear being sown in these communities is unwelcome, unnecessary, and deeply troubling. If you are at risk or concerned for loved ones, I encourage you to contact the local organizations listed in this document for information or assistance. While my office can help connect you with state and local resources, concerns regarding federal actions should be directed to federal officials. Please refer to the list of our U.S. congressional representatives above and reach out to their offices to seek help or share your concerns. Advocating for our rights is a cornerstone of democracy.

People are scared across our state and nation. It’s important to know your legal rights and how to react if confronted by ICE. Click here for guidance as an individual or for your organization or business.

Don’t give up and don’t give in.

Know your rights and stay vigilant for your family and your community.

My office helps city officials and local organizations connect to state grants available to help them do their important work to improve our communities and the lives of residents. You can find a list of state grant programs that are currently open for application on my website. We update this list as new programs come online so check back often.

In service and in action,

Rep. Regina Young