Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility e-Newsletter: Sad Day for Team185 + REAL ID and SEPTA info

e-Newsletter: Sad Day for Team185 + REAL ID and SEPTA info

 

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#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

 

 

Remembering Dom

It is with intense sadness and heartbreak that I share the loss of my Team member Dominic Gunter III. Dom was a 20-year-old man with purpose as a regular volunteer and intern in my Delco office. He was laid back, but always eager to learn more. Dom was killed due to senseless gun violence. His killers have not been found, and his family and friends are mourning his death. This hits hard for so many reasons and on so many levels! My passion and advocacy led me to this place in government because of my desire to impact children. I’ll close with this - although there is a lot of chaos and noise all around us, especially in government, please don’t underestimate the power of your impact whenever you make connections with people. Make it count.

 

 

Do You Need a REAL ID? YES!

As of May 7, you’ll need a REAL ID, valid U.S. Passport or Military ID to board a domestic airline flight or visit a federal government building. While it’s important to get your REAL ID, you only need to get one now if you have a flight scheduled in May or need to enter a federal building that requires one - but be sure to get yours soon! Click above to watch my brief discussion with Shane from the Philadelphia International Airport about the importance of getting your REAL ID!

PennDOT is hosting REAL ID Days at certain driver’s license centers where they can process and issue your REAL ID at the time of service. These are days in which those centers are normally scheduled closed. You can visit the South 70th Street Driver License Center at 2904 South 70th Street, Unit 8, in Southwest Philly on Monday, April 14 & 28, as well as May 5 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. to get your REAL ID with same day service. The Whitman Plaza Driver License Center at 330 West Oregon Avenue, Ste 240, in South Philly can also process your REAL ID on those days, however not with same day service.

 

#SaveSEPTA

This week’s announcement of potential service cuts and fare increases would have major impacts on the 185th, including elimination of bus service to the Navy Yard, 9 p.m. curfew on regional rail and subway lines, plus major service reductions on our bus and rail routes. It’s about jobs, it’s about getting kids to school and people to work, it’s about mobility for seniors. I’ve voted 3 times in the #PaHouse for a funding solution, but the state Senate Republicans have failed to show up. I urge you to call on Senate Leaders to come to an agreement now before these cuts become reality and bring our region to a halt. Click here to TAKE ACTION.

These proposals won’t take effect until August, but I’m hopeful we can agree on a solution before that happens and cripples our region. Pennsylvania doesn’t move without SEPTA.

 

Deadline for LIHEAP is extended to April 18

Cash grants from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now available! The deadline to apply is extended to 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.

 

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Continuing the Conversation about Representation

Join me for my next Women in Government discussion – this 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!

 

 

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

So glad to see so many neighbors out at the 12th Police District Town Hall meeting this week!

My staff member Jalen was out in Colwyn Borough this week knocking on doors and leaving information about the services my offices can provide. If you missed Jalen’s smiling face at your door, check in with my SW Philly or Delco office to find out how we can help you today!

 

 

PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

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