Dear Neighbors,

Some of the people hurt by the federal shutdown live right here in our community — workers missing paychecks and families facing higher costs if Affordable Care Act (Pennie) subsidies expire. If Washington politicians don’t act, premiums on Pennie will increase by 82%— meaning higher prices and hundreds of thousands of working Pennsylvanian families losing their health insurance.

It’s also infuriating to see the White House punish states led by Democratic governors by freezing funding for transit and other critical infrastructure projects — those are investments in our community and our future. These kinds of bullying tactics undermine trust, sow division, and set a dangerous precedent about using federal funds as political leverage. Washington lawmakers need to stop playing politics and step up to protect health care and keep Americans safe. Washington should work for everyone— not just the politically connected.

Like many of you, I’m also concerned about the extremist policies coming out of Washington. My dad came to the U.S. from Pakistan on a student visa because he believed in the American Dream and America’s leadership in science and innovation. As a civil engineer, he helped Philadelphia build the train line to the airport, strengthen our roads and bridges, and design essential public buildings. His story is a reminder that our leaders should be invested in building things up — not tearing them down.

Image: My dad accepting Engineer of the Year Award at the Sugarloaf in Chestnut Hill in 1996.

President Trump recently imposed a $100,000 fee on skilled immigrants to obtain a visa to work in this country. This foolish decision will push talent overseas— talent that we need here in the US. Immigrants built our country— turning them away before they have an opportunity to contribute to our community and economy hurts us and is un-American.

The CDC has also turned vaccine decisions over to an unqualified panel spreading conspiracy theories and preventing those who want vaccines to get them. And as a nurse and scientist, I find the White House’s reckless claim about Tylenol alarming — it’s the safest option in pregnancy for pain and fever, and false autism fears put moms and babies at risk.

Image: Click here, or the image above, to watch my comments on the White House’s irresponsible comments casting doubt on the safety of taking Tylenol during pregnancy.

While Washington plays politics with our lives, I’m working with colleagues to keep our families safe as co-prime sponsor of HB 1881 (which will guarantee vaccines remain available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies) and HB 1828 (which will ensure insurance continues to cover these lifesaving shots.

Image: With my mom vaccinating Philadelphia law enforcement this weekend.

I’m working across the aisle on a bipartisan bill to crack down on human trafficking and protect survivors. This legislation (HB 1286) gives law enforcement stronger tools and ensures our communities are safer and free from exploitation. We had a hearing on our bill last week in the House Tourism Committee.

Watch my remarks by clicking here or on the image below:

Meanwhile, last week my House Democratic colleagues and I voted to protect everyday people — making sure homebuyers know about flood risks (HB 1704), keeping personal data safe from hackers (HB 997), creating new insurance options for landslides and sinkholes (HB 589), and giving families more control over their privacy (HB 78). We also closed a dangerous loophole by requiring background checks for long-gun purchases (HB 1593).

Politics should never trump science — and it should never get in the way of keeping our community safe. Your voice matters. Call our US senators and tell them not to defund our health care: Sen. Fetterman (215) 241-1090 and Sen. McCormick (215) 405-9660.

As we head back to Harrisburg, I’ll stay focused on protecting your family and passing a budget that fully funds our public schools, lowering costs for households, and reinvesting in our community.

Sincerely,

Tarik

Read more below about:

Keeping Youth Safe from Sports Gambling
What Health Care Means
Saving Lives with Red Cross
Policy Committee Hearings Across PA

Talking with Students About Sports Gambling

Recently, I had the honor of speaking to students and athletes at Chestnut Hill College about my legislation that would call for a study of sports gambling in Pennsylvania. As online and sports betting grows in PA and across the United States, we need to act now to ensure safe, responsible play — and prevent a potential public health crisis.

Image: With Chestnut Hill student athletes.

Pennsylvania has been a leader in problem gambling protections, and this study will help strengthen safeguards, guide responsible policies, and serve as a model for other states. Students asked great questions about how legislation can protect communities while still allowing safe entertainment — exactly the kind of engagement that shapes better policy.

As Pennsylvania works to lead on problem gambling protections, it’s important to hear perspectives from our community. Feel free to send any thoughts or questions our way (215)482-8726 or reptarik@pahouse.net — your voices help shape safer policies.

Image: Speaking with student athletes at Chestnut Hill College about my sports betting legislation.

Impact of Healthcare Cuts

Last month, I joined Rep. Darisha Parker and Judge Tameka Lane at the NCNW Delaware Valley Section to talk about the potential impact of Medicare and Medicaid cuts on Pennsylvanians.

Up to 300,000 people could lose Medicaid coverage;
Over 140,000 residents could lose SNAP benefits
Rural hospitals and hospitals in low-income neighborhoods could be forced to close;
Medicaid funds for home- and community-based services could be slashed, affecting older adults and people with disabilities.

Image: Posing for a photo with the leadership of NCNW-PA, Rep. Parker, and Judge Lane.

Washington healthcare cuts would also increase the strain on already overworked county assistance offices and community health services — and could make it harder for neighbors to access care close to home.

In addition to the effects of the federal budget cuts, we also discussed the vital work my colleagues and I are doing to protect key health care rights at the state level. Recent legislation ensures that Pennsylvanians can keep adult children on parent insurance plans until 26, protects coverage for preexisting conditions, removes annual and lifetime caps on essential care, and preserves access to preventive services — guaranteeing vital coverage no matter what happens in Washington.

Now, we need the state Senate to pass this legislation so these protections become law, and Pennsylvanians can count on health care coverage they can rely on.

Saving Lives with the Red Cross!

A huge thank-you to the 30 neighbors who donated at our late summer blood drive — surpassing the Red Cross’ goal on our first-ever event! Every pint helps patients across Philadelphia and beyond.

Image: Collage of photos from event: 1. Me after my donation, 2. Posing with a constituent for photo, 3. Red Cross staff completing donations.

Special thanks to the Red Cross for their support, the Fallser Club for hosting, and Famous Fourth Street Cookies for the treats that kept everyone smiling. Your generosity saves lives!

Policy Committee Hearings Across PA

Earlier this year, I was honored when Chair Ryan Bizzarro asked me to take on the role of Progressive Subcommittee Chair of the Policy Committee. Part of that job is chairing public hearings — meetings where we hear straight from folks in the community about issues that matter to them. These hearings aren’t just talk; we usually schedule them when we’re considering new legislation or budget items so we can gather ideas, hear concerns, and make sure the policies we push in Harrisburg reflect real needs.

I recently chaired two community hearings. At New Hope-Solebury High, we talked about civics — how schools can do a better job teaching kids how government works and how they can get involved. In Morrisville, we focused on housing — hearing from families and local leaders about how hard it is to find an affordable, stable place to live.

Hearing these stories firsthand is why I do this work. When we actually listen to people, we can come up with policies that make a real difference in their lives.

Image: Enjoying a lighter moment with Reps. Prokopiak and Cerrato at a policy hearing I chaired on affordable housing.