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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

This week, Governor Shapiro presented his 2025-26 budget proposal to the General Assembly with much to be excited about for South and Southwest Philadelphia and Delco! This budget makes targeted and smart investments in the needs of our neighborhoods, starting with his continued commitment to an equitable public education for our children. I’m excited to see his aggressive strategy for economic and workforce development. Good jobs with good wages can uplift so many families and communities in conjunction with his plan to cut costs for hardworking Pennsylvanians through tax relief, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, and addressing the affordable housing crisis. And let’s FINALLY raise our minimum wage to make sure people are receiving a living wage to support themselves and their family without having to work multiple jobs and 80-hour weeks.

I encourage you to read up on the governor’s proposal, watch the speech, and let me know what stands out to you! As a majority member of the House Appropriations Committee, the next several weeks will be full of public hearings with the various agencies and departments in the administration that are responsible for putting these plans into effect, so I’ll be asking them questions to ensure the priorities of our communities here in the 185^th are considered and met.

With the chaos and uncertainty coming out of D.C. these days, it’s more important than ever to know your rights and how your various levels of government work for you. I invite you to come out for my first Civic Conversation Meet & Greet of 2025. We’ll be at Straight Gate Church, 6000 Elmwood Ave. from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.

We always have wonderful and honest conversations at these events. I hope to see you there!

I’m proud that my legislation to increase penalties for child labor act violations was approved in the House Labor & Industry Committee this week. You can click the image above to watch that meeting. The bill would double the criminal penalties for violations of the Child Labor Act and ensure that employers are properly held accountable for exploiting Pennsylvania’s children. The bill should see consideration in the full House of Representatives soon. In a time when other states are rolling back their child labor laws, we must stand up in Pennsylvania to protect our most vulnerable and cherished neighbors – our future, our children.

Seniors! Come celebrate Valentine's Day early with us on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 12 at Unico Village Senior Apts. in Southwest Philly. We'll have a free lunch for you, we'll play bingo, and connect you with state & local resources and information. I hope to see you there!

I’m proud to represent a legislative district where over 53% of the people are women. Your government should reflect who you are, so in 2025, I’m celebrating and highlighting the women who represent our communities at all levels of government with a monthly series of virtual meetings and in-person events that you should plan to attend to learn more about these amazing women, their achievements, the importance of representation, and how their work impacts our families and neighborhoods.

During our first Women in Government event, we talked a lot about the actions that are happening right now with the federal government in Washington, D.C. It has been very overwhelming with what seems like daily attacks on our neighbors, our freedoms and basic rights. Just remember that there are always people to help. If you are concerned about the actions being taken on immigration, I encourage you to contact these local organizations listed in this document. Additionally, while my office is here to assist you with state and local services, your concerns on these federal actions need to be heard by your federal officials. Check out the list of our congressional and senatorial officials and contact their offices for assistance or to let them know about your concerns. We’ve seen recently how advocacy and loud objections can lead to a course reversal or reevaluation by the president and his administration.

Don’t give up and don’t give in.

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

Outside of the Governor’s budget address, this was still a very busy week in Harrisburg! I started the week in committee hearings with the Education Committee and Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development Committee. We wrapped up the day with a photo of House members who wore red for Women's Heart Heath Awareness Day.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with the World Trade Center and Ghana Business this week, and grabbing a quick photo after the Governor’s address with our State Senator Anthony H. Williams and State Sen. Sharif Street.

It was great to meet with leaders for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the 2025 PA Fair Queen to talk about the importance of agriculture for all our communities.

This was a great week for Interboro High School as they won the Hi-Q competition over Archbishop Carroll and Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. Buc Pride!

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has made it easier for older friends and neighbors to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.

The application period for the 2025 program has just opened to get a rebate on your 2024 taxes or rent paid. Thanks to changes House Democrats fought for, more people are eligible, and the rebates are bigger than ever!

Give us a call, send an email, or stop by one of my offices to find out if you’re eligible. We can even help you apply.

Representatives from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will be providing a variety of webinars, including an overview of how to apply for all types of financial aid, reviewing financial aid offers, financial aid for non-traditional students, and more! Click the schedule above to register for these informative sessions to help you plan for your continued education!

Heater Hotline Update

The Heater Hotline program makes emergency repairs to heaters. This program is run by the Energy Coordinating Agency and supported by the Philadelphia Division of Housing and Community Development.

The Heater Hotline provides free emergency heater repairs for eligible households in Philadelphia. If the Heater Hotline staff determine that your heater needs to be replaced, they will forward your application to PHDC’s Basic Systems Repair Program.

To apply for heater repairs only, call the Heater Hotline at 215-568-7190.

Cash grants from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now available! You can receive from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. Renters and homeowners are eligible, so click the image above to find out more eligibility guidelines and apply! Contact my office if we can help.

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