Dear Neighbor,

In this edition, I’m sharing what I’m following — from my response to Senator John Fetterman’s vote on the War Powers Resolution to the impact the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” is having on our neighbors.

You’ll also see updates from my work in state budget hearings, efforts to expand universal pre-K, raise the minimum wage, and scholarship opportunities for students.

And don’t miss ways to connect this month, office hours, Shredder Day, pet adoption events, and help with energy bills.

As always, my team is here to help:

📞 215-482-8726

📧 RepKhan@pahouse.net

📍 4001 Main St., Unit 101, Manayunk

In this issue:

🏛️ War in Iran, Senator Fetterman Vote

🌧️ “Big Beautiful Bill”

💰 State Budget Hearings

🗳️ Protecting our Elections

📝 Universal Pre-K Investments

💼 Help Us Raise the Wage
🎓 PA House Scholarship
📅 Shredder Day and Other Events

War in Iran, Fetterman

The U.S. Senate just voted on a War Powers Resolution regarding military action in Iran. The resolution would have required congressional approval for continued U.S. military involvement and reaffirmed the Constitution’s clear principle that Congress, not one person in the White House, decides when America goes to war.

I was disappointed to see Senator John Fetterman vote against the resolution, and I spoke out publicly about my concerns. Because when it comes to decisions about war, country must come before party.

Over the past week, the justification for military action in Iran has continued to shift. At a time when the president’s approval ratings are historically low and serious questions remain about transparency from the Department of Justice regarding the release of the Epstein files, it raises legitimate questions about the true intentions behind rushing toward another war.

At the same time, the human cost is already mounting. Six American service members have been killed, civilians are dying, and reports from the region describe devastating strikes — including the destruction of a girls’ school with children inside.

War is the most serious decision a government can make. If the United States is going to enter another conflict in the Middle East, the American people deserve transparency, debate, and a vote in Congress before another generation is sent into war.

Effects of the 'Big Beautiful Bill'

President Donald Trump calls it the “Big Beautiful Bill.” But here in Pennsylvania, many of the consequences are just starting to take shape.

The law cuts funding for programs like Medicaid and food assistance while shifting more costs onto states. Nearly 1,500,000 Pennsylvanians were left hungry, 300,000 lost their medical assistance, and a $20 billion hole in the Medicaid program was created over the next decade here in Pennsylvania. The bill puts services at risk for seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been in Harrisburg for state budget hearings. Last year, Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) appointed me to serve on the House Appropriations Committee.

I spoke this week with PA Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh about what this bad bill could mean for our commonwealth and the families who rely on these programs.

You can watch our conversation in the video linked here and in the image below.

Keeping PA Safe: What I Asked Our Attorney General

At another budget hearing this week, I pressed Attorney General Dave Sunday about private equity firms taking over community hospitals.

Across the country, these firms buy hospitals, load them with debt, and put profits ahead of patient care. When it fails, patients and communities pay the price.

That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to put real guardrails on private equity ownership of hospitals.

Watch the exchange here or by clicking below:

Protecting PA from Federal Overreach

I also asked the attorney general whether his office has the tools and the will to step in if federal agents overstep their authority here in Pennsylvania.

We’ve seen troubling examples in places like Minneapolis, where aggressive federal actions raised serious concerns about civil liberties and coordination with local authorities. No matter where someone was born, everyone deserves to live, work, and exercise their rights without fear of unlawful enforcement.

As the commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer, the AG plays a key role in defending state law and protecting residents if federal action crosses the line. I wanted to hear directly how he plans to approach that responsibility.

Watch that exchange here or by clicking below:

These hearings are about more than numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re about whether our institutions are prepared to protect people, including their health, their rights, and their dignity.

Roxborough Proud: Protecting Our Elections

Despite repeated claims from the president about a “rigged election,” Pennsylvania’s elections are free, fair, and safe.

During budget hearings, I spoke with Roxborough’s own PA Secretary of State Al Schmidt about the safeguards already in place to protect our elections and how his office is combating misinformation so voters can have confidence in the process.

Click here or the image below to hear our exchange.

Image: With Dr. Schmidt and Roxborough regular Rep. Steve Malagari.

I also raised concerns about protecting voters from intimidation. Every Pennsylvanian deserves to vote safely and without fear, and I will continue working to ensure that every option is considered to protect voters and uphold the integrity of our elections.

Please click here or below to hear his response on this question.

Pre-K Investments Deliver Big Results

During the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on Universal Pre-K, I spoke about what the research, and educators, have been telling us for years: high-quality pre-K works.

Study after study shows that children who participate in strong early learning programs enter kindergarten more prepared, are less likely to need remedial support, and are more likely to stay on track. That’s not just good for kids, it’s good for families, schools, and taxpayers.

In the hearing, I talked about how universal pre-K is one of the smartest investments we can make. When we support children early, we reduce long-term costs and open the door to better outcomes in graduation rates, workforce participation, and lifelong earnings.

Watch a brief clip of how Pre-K will make a difference in our community here or by clicking below:

If you are interested in reading more about the legislation, you can find coverage in the PA Capital-Star here or linked in the image below.

💼Helps Us Raise the Wage

This week, I met with fellow legislators and the governor's office to discuss our bill to raise the wage in Pennsylvania.

Representative Roni Green is leading the effort for H.B. 2222, which will raise the wage in PA to $15 immediately and then tie the wage to cost of living, rising automatically every year. I’m proud to join Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Napoleon Nelson to help introduce this critical as a co-prime sponsors.

Last week, I raised the issue of the minimum wage with the PA Secretary of Community & Economic Development from an economic competitiveness standpoint. At this week’s budget hearing, I continued that push with Labor Secretary Nancy Walker, focusing on talking about workers, enforcement, and what it will take to finally move Pennsylvania forward.

Raising the wage isn’t just about fairness. It’s about keeping workers in our state, supporting small businesses through stronger consumer spending, and making sure that full-time work provides basic stability.

Watch the exchange by clicking here or the link below:

Momentum is building — more than 100 people in the last week have already signed onto our petition to raise the wage!

Click here to sign our petition to increase the minimum wage!!

🎓 Scholarship Opportunity for PA High School Seniors!

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a PA college, university, or career school and meet the academic and financial requirements.

Image: At Chestnut Hill College graduation.

Each year, two students receive a four-year scholarships covering one semester of tuition annually.

Requirements and the application form can be found here.

Applications are due April 15!

Apply Now >

📅 Upcoming Community Events

March 10 – Journey’s Way Satellite Office Hours
12:30 – 2 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!

Image: Flyer for Journey's Way Office Hours Event

March 21 – Mutt Madness at Rox Pocket Park
10 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.

Image: With a beauty up for adoption at last year’s Mutt Madness!

March 31 – LIHEAP Sign-Up Event
3 – 7 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 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 arrange an appointment.

May 30 – Shredder Day at NewCourtland
9 AM – 12 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.

Image: Flyer for Shredder Day

I believe government should reflect common sense, fairness and dignity, real opportunity, and accountability for the people we represent. That’s why I chose to step up and serve.

Making life more affordable, keeping our communities safe, and standing with students and families are at the heart of the work I do. It’s an honor to represent our community every day.

Image: With mom and office staff.

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

Warmly,

Tarik