PA Representative Tarik Khan banner image

Dear Neighbors,

I’m heading out the door to go back up to Harrisburg 🏛️. Governor Shapiro, my colleagues, and I are ready to get back to work to make PA more affordable and attractive for families.

Last week, Budget Secretary Uri Monson and I spoke about recruiting workers to PA, including raising our state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. Click the photo below to watch a brief clip of our talk.

Fairly funding Philly Schools

While we’re working to fairly fund Philly schools ($136 million more in this year’s budget), several cyber charters are draining hundreds of millions out of our education budget to amass large cash reserves and invest in real estate.

I spoke with PA Auditor General Tim DeFoor last week about our budget plans to help hold these cyber charters accountable. Click the image below to see a clip of our conversation.

Gorgas Park Improvements!

Exciting news! Gorgas Park is getting a much-needed upgrade. The streetscape project begins today and will:

Repair sidewalks between the Hermitage and Acorn crosswalks
Create inset parking along Ridge Ave
Restore the circular courtyard and improve accessible restroom access

🚧 What to Expect:

Temporary lane shifts for drivers
No parking around Gorgas Park on Ridge Ave during construction
A detoured walking path on the East Side of Ridge between Acorn & Hermitage

Image: Photo of me and other volunteers helping out at a Gorgas Park cleanup day

The project is expected be completed by April 15th!

Questions? Contact Roxborough Development Corporation at 215-508-2358 or email info@roxboroughpa.com.

Big Cuts to Our Healthcare Planned by Washington

Our communities rely on strong healthcare and education systems—but Washington is making devastating decisions that put both at risk. This isn’t just political posturing—real, devastating cuts are already happening.

Federal grants have been withdrawn, medical researchers are losing funding, and Washington just voted to slash $880 billion from our healthcare system. The uncertainty alone is forcing local healthcare providers to cut back services, and the consequences are dire if these cuts go through, including:

Some of our community hospitals & nursing homes closing
Kids with complex medical needs lose care
Students with disabilities lose essential support at school
Higher costs for those with private and employer insurance
Longer wait times to see your doctor

I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll this uncertainty takes on families at risk of losing their care. We cannot afford these reckless cuts.

Major Cuts to the Department of Education

On top of the looming healthcare crisis, Washington just slashed nearly half of the U.S. Department of Education staff — jeopardizing special education funding, student loan management, and critical grant programs like Pell Grants.

Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Education are working to minimize the damage, and as your state representative, I will fight against any cuts to public education. As mentioned, I am committed to securing over $136 million in additional funding for our Philly public schools this year, including special education services.

The White House also ended the Local Food for Schools Program, which brings fresh and unprocessed food to Philadelphia schools. Last year, PA students received nearly $7 million in federal funds from this program.

Please know that as your state representative and as a member of the PA House Appropriations Committee, I will do everything I possibly can to stop Washington's attacks on public education, our healthcare, our veterans, our environment, and whatever else is on their chopping block.

If you have concerns about federal programs or policies, contact your representatives below:

Image: Flyer with information about federal government contacts

Investing in People

While Washington is trying to cut Medicaid to the tune of $880 Billion to give the wealthy tax cuts, we are working to strengthen Medicaid here in Pennsylvania.

Governor Josh Shapiro & my colleagues are attempting to invest $2.5 billion into Medicaid. Our community’s health & safety should be prioritized, not the financial balance sheets of millionaires & billionaires.

Click the photo below to watch a clip of my talk with Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh about investing in our community

A Local Leader on Our Side —

Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris

On March 6th, we wrapped up three weeks of appropriations hearings, during which we explored our state's planned investments for the future. Thank you to our Majority Appropriations Chair, Representative Jordan Harris, who graciously assigned me to this committee in January, along with our Speaker of the House, Joanna McClinton!

Image: Moving into my office two years ago, with Chairman Jordan Harris

Chairman Harris, who represents the 186th District, which covers South and Southwest Philadelphia, is a former Philadelphia public school educator and led the passage of PA’s historic Clean Slate Law. Harris also authored and was the lead prime sponsor of our law last year, increasing security grants to nonprofits at risk for hate crimes by $5 million!

Image: On the House floor earlier this month, with Chairman Harris

Harris is also leading our efforts at the bargaining table with Majority Leader Matt Bradford and Speaker McClinton to bring, among other things, a $15 minimum wage, fully funding Philly schools and the steady stream of funding SEPTA needs. Thank you, Chairman Harris!!

Read on for information about our upcoming events in the community — otherwise, I hope to see you soon!

With Gratitude,

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Welcome to Mutt Madness, Library Hours & Shredder Day!

Spring is around the corner, and some exciting community events are lined up! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.

🐶 Mutt Madness Pet Adoption Event

Saturday, March 2, 11 - 2 pm at Roxborough Pocket Park (6170 Ridge Ave)

Are you looking to welcome a new furry friend into your family? Mutt Madness is the perfect opportunity!

In coordination with Roxborough Development Corporation and ACCT, we are working with local rescues to bring adorable, adoptable pets in search of their forever homes.

Image: In La Noce Park with a goldie named Willow (not up for adoption!) and Willow’s human Kevin

🗑️ Shredder Day

Saturday, May 17 from 9 am - 12 pm

Roxborough YMCA - 7201 Ridge Avenue

Join us for Shredder Day, where you can securely shred your private documents and other paper items — up to three trash bags full. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our office at (215) 482-8726!

Click on the image below to see a video from our last Shredder Day announcement!

Image: RepTar hanging out on a desk in a video about the last Shredder Day

📚 Library Office Hours

Need help with state services? Whether it’s PennDOT paperwork, rent rebates, or any other issue, our team will be on hand to assist you—no appointment is needed! The next session is at the Roxborough Library (6245 Ridge Avenue) on April 14th, 11:00 am to 2 pm. My staff will help you get the support you need!