Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Equal Pay for Equal Work! + Protecting Kids and more….

Equal Pay for Equal Work! + Protecting Kids and more….

 

Follow me on social media and check out my website!

#GetInvolved and #JoinTheConversation!

 

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

 

 

Protecting Children from Exploitation

Video

This week, my bill that would double the penalties for violating the state’s child labor law was passed in the House. Child labor violations are still too common in our state, with too many employers chalking it up to ‘the cost of doing business.’ That is straight up exploitation and unacceptable as we should work to guide and mentor our young people toward gainful employment. These fines have remained unchanged since 2012, yet violations continue to increase, so it’s clear they are an insufficient disincentive. Exploitation of children in any circumstance should be abhorrent to all Pennsylvanians. I’m hopeful the Senate will take up my bill soon and get this to the Governor’s desk to become law. Click below to read more.

 

 

Equal Pay for Equal Work

Video

Tuesday, March 25 was Equal Pay for Women Day. That’s the day that women achieve the same pay as men from the previous year – nearly 4 months. If you are pro-family, you should be for Equal Pay. As a member of the House Labor and Industry Committee, we debated legislation this week that would prohibit employers from paying workers less because of their gender, race, or ethnicity and protect employees from retaliation in any wage discrimination matters. This bill would be an important step in eliminating the pay gap for women, who on average are paid about 80% of what men are paid for doing the same job. There should be no argument against Equal Pay for Equal Work. Click above to watch my comments in the committee meeting.  

 

 

Happy Women’s History Month!

Video

I think it’s so important for women to share their stories to help uplift and encourage other women to achieve more than they might think they can do. That’s why I’m sharing stories of my life for Women’s History Month in a series of videos. Click above to watch my latest discussion about my proudest professional and personal accomplishments. I also have advice for tomorrow's women leaders.

This might be the end of Women’s History Month, but I hope you were able to take something meaningful from my life experience to uplift your own journey or for the women in your lift.

 

Protecting Your Health Care

House Democrats are working to protect your health care! This week we passed legislation to enshrine critical aspects of the Affordable Care Act at the state level, no matter what happens at the federal level.

 

Take advantage of PA’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit this tax season

I’m reminding eligible residents to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit before the April 15, 2025, tax filing deadline. This credit, expanded under a law passed by the General Assembly, provides financial relief to working families with child or dependent care expenses.

The credit matches 100% of the federal Child Care Tax Credit, offering a maximum of $1,050 for one child/dependent and $2,100 for two or more, with minimums of $600 and $1,200, respectively. Eligibility includes expenses for children under 13, spouses, or other dependents who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care. The credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers can receive a full refund after tax obligations.

To claim the credit, taxpayers must file a PA-40 form along with PA Schedule DC, Federal Form 2441, and 1040 Schedule 3. The Department of Revenue encourages filing through myPATH, Pennsylvania’s free online tax filing system.

You can find more information about the tax credit here or contact my office.

 

Continuing the Conversation about Representation

Save the date for my next Women in Government discussion – Monday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m.  I’ll be joined by powerhouse guests, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson! You can watch on my Facebook page or my website.

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 meetings and 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.

Click the graphic above to find our previous discussions and to RSVP for the April event.

 

Meet & Greet!

Join me at Inglis Gardens at Eastwick for a Senior Resource Meet & Greet on Wednesday, April 16 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. My staff and I will be available to connect you with information and resources to improve your quality-of-life! We look forward to meeting you!

 

Water Shutoffs for Unpaid Bills Return April 1

The Philadelphia Water Department will resume water shutoffs due to unpaid bills of more than $1,000 on Tuesday, April 1. If you receive a shutoff notice in your bill, contact PWD at (215) 685-6300 if you are seriously ill; if a senior, person with disabilities, or child under the age of 18 lives under your roof; if your landlord is responsible for your bill; or if you applied for assistance or discount programs. Learn more about the assistance programs that are available through PWD at their website and find ways to achieve a more affordable monthly water bill and protect yourself and your family from an expensive and disruptive shutoff.

 

 

Confronting the Chaos

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.

 

 

IN THE COMMUNITY

This week I had a tour of the Hanwha Philly Shipyard. Thanks to CEO David Kim and VP of Production Robert Fitzpatrick for showing me the amazing things they’re doing in South Philly for our economy and jobs in our region!

We had a successful meet-and-greet event at Gateway Towers where we completed property tax/rent rebates, connected folks with unclaimed property, and setup SEPTA passes.

It was great to see so many people come out for Coffee with Cops on Tuesday to engage with our local law enforcement officers.

Miss Diane attended the Harrisburg Literacy Summit with Lt. Gov. Austin Davis this week! Literacy is the backbone of education and access for our communities! #EducationIsPower

I had an enjoyable evening at the Iftar at Kilimandjard Restaurant with ACANA and the owner of the restaurant, Ms. Youma Ba

Unity in the Community Iftar Night Market, featuring Commissioner Omar Sabir, Anton Moore (CEO of Unity in the Community) and City Comptroller Christy Brady

The PA Legislative Black Caucus hosted dignitaries from Nigeria at the state Capitol on Wednesday.

It was an honor to meet with the President of Eastern University, Ronald A. Matthews.

 

 

PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

Deadline for LIHEAP is April 18

Cash grants from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now available! The deadline to apply is April 18, so don’t wait! 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 more eligibility guidelines and apply!

Contact my office if we can help.

 

Money Back in Your Pocket

Video

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.

 

State Grants Available

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.

 

My offices are here to help!

In service and in action,

Rep. Regina Young

Pennsylvania State Capitol
105-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8634

Southwest Philla. Office

6844 Elmwood Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19142
(215) 952-3376

Delco Office

629 N. Governor Printz Blvd.
Essington, PA 19029

(610) 616-2003