Dear Neighbor,

March brings hope for warmer weather, longer days, and renewed energy for the work ahead. While national headlines, including the escalating conflict with Iran and actions by federal immigration enforcement, can feel heavy, I want you to know my office remains focused on serving you and your family.

In this newsletter, I’m sharing concerns on the war with Iran and the constitutional questions it raises, my legislation to protect houses of worship, raising the minimum wage and other updates on state budget hearings, ways to improve traffic safety, and new opportunities for students and families.

As always, my team is here to help:
📞 215-482-8726 | 📧 RepKhan@pahouse.net | 📍 4001 Main St., Unit 101, Manayunk

In this issue:

🚨 War with Iran

💼 Raising the Minimum Wage

⛪ Protecting Houses of Worship

💰 State Budget Hearings

🩺 Lowering Barriers to Care in Corrections Facilities
🚗 Improving Traffic Safety
🎓 PA House Scholarship
📅 Shredder Day!

Recent Escalation with Iran and Congressional Approval

This weekend, President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began coordinated military strikes against Iran. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against U.S. forces and American allies in the region, raising the risk of a broader war.

Let me be clear. Iran is a brutal regime and a designated state sponsor of terrorism. It has funded and armed groups responsible for attacks on civilians, our allies, and U.S. personnel.

But even when confronting horrible state actors like Iran, the United States cannot enter a large-scale military conflict or pursue regime change without clear evidence of an imminent threat to our homeland and without congressional authorization. I believe that is not only reckless, but unconstitutional. Four American troops have already been lost, and this conflict has already resulted in mass civilian casualties.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war for a reason. Before American service members are placed in harm’s way, Congress must debate the evidence and vote.

We must stop this escalation before it expands into another open ended war in the Middle East.

The American people deserve truth, constitutional process, and accountability when decisions of war and peace are made.

💼 Help Us Raise the Wage

One of my biggest priorities this year, and as I shape my questions during state budget hearings, is working towards a livable minimum wage. No one can survive on $7.25 an hour. That’s not a living wage in 2026.

I’ve introduced legislation with Rep. Roni Green and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta to immediately raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour and tie it to the cost of living so workers don’t fall further behind every year.

During the budget hearings, I used the opportunity to bring up our legislation and the fight to raise the wage - watch that here or by clicking on the image below!

Image: Photograph of me, Rep. Green, and Rep. Kenyatta

Right now, someone working full time at minimum wage makes about $15,000 a year. That doesn’t cover rent, groceries, childcare, or basic bills.

If you work full time, you shouldn’t be living in poverty. Period.

Want to help us raise wages in Pa? Sign on to our petition for a higher minimum wage here!

Also - the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry is hosting public sessions to consider updates to the rules that govern the Minimum Wage Act, including one in Philadelphia on March 10. Registration is required at this link for attendance.

If you care about fair pay and making sure workers aren’t left behind, this is another opportunity to weigh in.

Image: Minimum Wage graphic

⛪ Protecting Houses of Worship from ICE

No one should feel afraid to walk into their church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. Across the country we have heard stories of folks being so terrified of deportation or discrimination that they have stopped going to school, the hospital, and even to their house of worship.

That is why my colleagues and I introduced legislation this week that would prevent immigration enforcement actions inside houses of worship in Pennsylvania.

If you’d like to take a closer look at the legislation and the conversation around it, you can read the coverage from ABC27 here.

Image: Graphic of ABC27 article information

Faith communities should be places of prayer and support, not fear. Protecting religious freedom means ensuring our neighbors can worship and raise their families safely.

Image: Graphic on legislation to protect PA houses of worship

Passing a Strong Budget

Week two of budget hearings is underway, and we’re working with state agencies to ensure they are wisely spending your tax dollars and effectively supporting our Commonwealth.

Image: Photograph from budget hearing

This is where the details matter.

The state budget affects:

Public school funding
SEPTA and transportation
Property Tax/Rent Rebate relief
Healthcare programs
Public safety investments
Housing access and affordability

Families are stretched thin right now. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m working to ensure our budget reflects that reality.

During the recent budget hearing with Rick Siger, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, I raised an issue that’s top of mind for so many neighbors: housing access and affordability.

Click here or on the image below to watch a video of our exchange about how the budget will help make housing more affordable.

Lowering Barriers to Care in Corrections Facilities

At the recent Department of Corrections budget hearing, I raised concerns about medical co-pays in our state prisons. Right now, incarcerated individuals earn about 23 cents an hour. A $5 co-pay can amount to nearly a week’s wages. That means access to care can depend on whether someone has money in their account.

My legislation would reduce that co-pay to $1. It maintains accountability, while removing a real barrier to timely medical treatment. When people delay care because they can’t afford it, small issues turn into serious, and costly, problems.

I spoke about this during the hearing with the Secretary of Corrections and her Deputy; you can watch the exchange by clicking the image above or here.

🚗 Improving Road Safety Across Pennsylvania

Traffic deaths and serious crashes are rising nationwide, and we see the impact locally on roads like Henry Ave and Germantown.

Safer roads mean safer families. If you’ve got ideas or concerns about traffic safety, now’s the time to share them.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking public input on ways to improve highway safety and reduce crashes and fatalities across the Commonwealth.

Residents are encouraged to share feedback and ideas by February 28 at the link here or by clicking on the image below. Public input will help shape strategies that make roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

And if you need to report a driver who may be medically unfit to drive, you can write to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 68682, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682. More details here.

Image: PennDOT safety graphic

🎓 Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors!

Applications are now open for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program!

This program is available to graduating PA high school seniors who will be attending a PA college, university or career school and meet the financial and academic requirements.

Image: At Roxborough Hospital School of Nursing graduation

Each year, two students receive four-year scholarships covering one semester of tuition per year!

Requirements and the application form can be found here.

Applications are due April 15!

📅 Upcoming Community Events

March 10 – Journey’s Way Satellite Office Hours
12:30 – 2:00 PM | Journey’s Way, 403 Rector Street

Stop by to get help with state-related services and benefits, ask questions about programs you may qualify for, or just meet our team and talk about what’s happening in your community. I will be in Harrisburg for budget hearings during this event but my staff will be ready to assist you!

March 21 – Mutt Madness at Rox Pocket Park
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM | 5800 Ridge Ave.

Bring your furry friends and join neighbors for a fun day at the park! There will be activities for dogs and people alike — a great chance to get outside, meet neighbors, and celebrate our local community.

March 31 – LIHEAP Sign-Up Event
3:00 – 7:00 PM | YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave.

Struggling with heating bills this winter? Stop by to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and get help covering energy costs before the season ends.

May 12 – Property Tax / Rent Rebate Clinic
12:30 – 3:00 PM | Journey’s Way, 403 Rector Street

Appointments required. This program can put real money back in your pocket if you qualify for property tax or rent rebates — don’t miss this opportunity to save. Call our office for more details or to set an appointment.

May 30 – Shredder Day at NewCourtland
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | NewCourtland, 3232 Henry Avenue

We’re happy to announce Shredder Day is Saturday May 30th from 9-12pm! Three hours to safely dispose of personal documents, protect yourself from identity theft, and enjoy a little peace of mind. Bring your old papers and watch our team handle them securely.

Making life more affordable, improving safety, and standing with students and families — that’s why I stepped up to serve as an elected official. It’s an honor to do this work and to represent our community every day.

If you ever need help with a state issue, reach out to my office. We’re here for you.