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!

PA Budget Hearings Continue

This was our second full week of House Appropriations Committee public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for 2026-27. Several agencies we spoke with this week do the heart of the work on my legislative priorities, so it was good to talk about the great work that we’re doing in South and Southwest Philadelphia and Delco.

Last year, my bill to double the penalties for child labor law violations passed in the House so I was interested to speak with the PA Department of Labor & Industry about the trends in those violations and their view on the impact of increased penalties on bad actors who exploit our children for labor. You can watch that exchange by clicking above.

You know that fighting to end human trafficking has been a major priority for me, both as a legislator and as a human being. The good news is that human trafficking prevention efforts are making a difference in Pennsylvania. During our hearing with the Office of the Attorney General, I asked Attorney General Dave Sunday about his agency’s work to combat human trafficking and what we can do in the legislature to better support survivors. You can watch that exchange by clicking above.

Check out the full schedule of hearings, and watch all of them live on YouTube and pahouse.com/live. 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!

Helping Seniors Afford Medication

Next Tuesday, March 10, I’m hosting a public hearing at noon with the House Majority Policy Committee to learn more about how we can help seniors afford medication. Too many seniors have to decide whether to put food on the table or buy their medication and that it wrong. I have legislation that would raise the income limits for the PACENET program that would allow thousands of older adults to qualify without having much of an impact on the program itself. I’m working to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors and loved ones are ensured access to life-saving medication without breaking the bank. The hearing in Harrisburg, but you can watch the livestream or the recording on YouTube.

Gov. Shapiro Launches Women’s Survey & Listening Tour

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women is gathering input from women across PA through a new digital survey as part of the Shapiro Administration's forthcoming State of the Woman Report: a comprehensive, data-driven effort to assess the status of women across the state. The survey will collect insight from PA women on their experiences and priorities to better inform the administration’s policies that impact women.

All women over the age of 13 are encouraged to participate in the digital survey by clicking the graphic above though May 30.

The listening tour kicks off in Philadelphia at the Parkway Central Library, located at 19th and Vine in Center City, on Thursday, March 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Click the graphic above to register for this FREE event! The session will feature light food and beverages, as well as a children’s activity table, so participants don’t need to arrange childcare to attend.

The report will build on PA’s inaugural 1966 Report on the Status of Women and the most recent report from 2004, examining the progress women have made over the last 60 years and identifying the gaps that still exist. The report will combine historical analysis, current data, and firsthand experiences from women in rural, suburban, and urban communities to provide a comprehensive picture of the current status of women.

Watch Your Mailbox!

Did you receive my latest print newsletter in your mailbox? It should be arriving very soon. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read about the work I’ve been doing locally and in Harrisburg for our communities, and all about the services and resources that my office can provide. If you didn’t receive one, please reach out to my office for a copy and to ensure that you’re on our mailing list!

Heard it on the Radio

Are you a fan of The Bishop Mary Show on WWDB radio? Who isn’t?! I had a joyous morning on the program talking about what led me to public service and the priorities that I’m working on in the PA House. Click above to listen to the full interview!

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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!

Meet and Greet at Gateway Towers

If you’re a resident of Gateway Towers, I hope you can join me at my Meet & Greet Resource Fair on Tuesday, March 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We’ll have light refreshments and connect you with state and local services and resources for which you may qualify. Come say hi and get connected!

Next Civic Conversation

My next Civic Conversation is happening on Wednesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at the PPD 12th District Headquarters, 6448 Woodland Ave., Southwest Philadelphia. I’ll be joined by our neighbor and history-making Speaker of the House, Joanna McClinton! Come learn how government works for YOU and how you can join the conversation. Call my office to let us know you’ll be attending!

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!

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.

What a wonderful morning reading to the children at Penrose Elementary School today for Read Across America 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