Dear Neighbor,

I share in your frustration about costs right now. Whether it’s at ACME, paying your PECO or PGW bill, going out to eat, or filling up at the gas pump, prices are high. And policies coming out of Washington, like tariffs and ongoing conflict abroad, are only adding more pressure.

That’s why in Harrisburg my colleagues and I have been focused on helping where we can. Just last week, we passed my bill in the PA House with Reps. Jason Dawkins and Roni Green to more than double the minimum wage. We also just passed paid family leave through the House.

And tomorrow, we’re hosting an event to help folks lower their heating bills. Join us at the Roxborough YMCA to get help lowering your energy costs through LIHEAP.

Sign up here or click the image below to reserve your spot.

Image: Helping two constituents in our office— Alvida Brooks and Robert Sanders. Go Phils!!

Removing barriers to unionizing is another way we can help raise wages. Last week, my bill was reported out of the House Labor Committee to protect workers from retaliation if they refuse to attend union-busting meetings at work.

And just ahead of a historic vote at Penn State, where 5,600 faculty will decide whether to unionize, I chaired a House Policy Committee hearing pressing officials to remove union-busting language from their website.

There’s much more below, including another major bill passing the PA House to protect marriage equality in state law.

Warm regards,

Tarik

In this issue:

💼 $15 Minimum Wage

🩺 Protecting Workers from Union Busting

🏛️What’s Just Happened in Harrisburg

🐾 Mutt Madness

🏁 Roxborough Derby Day

🌿 Spring Cleanup

💼 Raising the Minimum Wage

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at just $7.25 for 16 years — and it’s falling further behind the cost of living every year. More than half a million Pennsylvanians are still earning less than $15 an hour.

Good news — there’s finally movement! My colleagues and I in the PA House just passed legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15, with an annual cost-of-living raise!

The House has done its job. Now it’s time for the Senate to act.

View my comments from when we voted on my bill to raise the wage here or by clicking below:

Image: Talking about raising the wage in session.

And take a moment to help us raise the wage—click here to sign our petition to increase the minimum wage!

🩺 Protecting Workers from Captive Audience Meetings

Workers shouldn’t be forced into political, religious, or anti-union meetings just to keep their job. That’s what my bill HB 64 ensures — and it just came out of the House Labor & Industry Committee.

Click here or on the image below to hear my comments in the committee hearing:

Image: Video with comments from Labor and Industry’s voting meeting.

This is about fairness. No one should have to choose between their paycheck and their beliefs.

There’s more work ahead, but this is real progress. Watch my comments after the bill vote by clicking here or the image below.

💼 Penn State Faculty Deserve a Fair Shot

Last week, I led a hearing on wage gaps in higher education and heard directly from faculty and staff at Penn State who are attempting to unionize. On Wednesday, 5,600 faculty will be voting on whether to unionize.

Click here or the image below to watch highlights from the hearing.

But staff have raised concerns about union busting— something you may remember the Penn State’s President pledged under oath not to do.

I raised concerns about how Penn State is communicating with workers around unionization. Suggesting a union could “hurt” the university isn’t neutral and doesn’t match their commitment to not influence the vote.

I called on Penn State to remove that language so workers can decide for themselves without pressure.

Watch our exchange from the hearing by clicking here or on the image below:

🏛️ Session Summary: What's Happening in Harrisburg

Last week, my colleagues and I welcomed two new representatives to the PA House: Rep. Jen Mazzocco from Allegheny and Rep. Ana Tiburcio from Lehigh!

We also approved the Family Care Act, a crucial step toward giving workers the ability to take paid time off to care for a new child or a loved one without risking their job or income.

I proudly supported Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s bill to codify marriage equality into state law, ensuring that everyone’s right to marry is clearly protected under Pennsylvania law.

Click here to watch this can’t miss video on Rep. Kenyatta speaking about his bill:

We supported our veterans by expanding property tax relief for disabled veterans and improving trauma-informed care for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.

And finally, we also protected consumers by requiring insurers to inform homeowners when policies don’t cover flood loss, something near and dear to many residents and business owners in our community.

🐾 Mutt Madness Event Recap

Mutt Madness in Pocket Park was a huge success this weekend and at least one pup found a forever home!

It was a great day with neighbors, local groups, and plenty of our four-legged friends. From pups meeting new families, to kids playing and volunteers stepping up, the photo says it all.

Huge thanks to our staff and partners, including Roxborough PA and ACCT Philly, for making it happen. It’s a reminder of how strong our community is when we show up for each other, and our animals too.

🏁 Derby Day in Roxborough!

Over the weekend, we had a blast at the Roxborough Pinewood Derby! Huge congrats to the scouts from Pack 334 and the Girl Scouts from Troop 983 for their amazing, fast race cars.

We even built our own car to race! Thank you to the scouts and parents who welcomed us and made the day so special!

🪻 Spring Cleanup on Lincoln Drive - Volunteers Needed!

Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) will close Lincoln Drive from Wissahickon Avenue to Ridge Avenue for a spring cleanup on Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m.–noon. Volunteers will help clear litter along this scenic but heavily traveled roadway — no experience needed.

FOW provides gloves, tools, and instruction — just wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and bring water. Meet at Historic Rittenhouse Town; groups of five or more should register in advance.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 31 – Help with Heating Bills/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.

The event will be from 3 – 7 PM at the Roxborough YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave. Sign up by clicking here!

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

Join us to apply for a program that can put real money back in your pocket if you qualify. This is for Property Tax or Rent Rebates. Don’t miss this opportunity to save! Call our office for more details or to set an appointment. Appointment is required — call our office at 215 482-8726.

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

Shredder Day is Saturday, May 30th from 9-12 PM! 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.

As many in our community observe Holy Week, and with Passover and Easter ahead, I wish you and your family peace, reflection, and time with loved ones.

All my best,

Tarik