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Dear Neighbor,
As we begin 2026, we remain focused on delivering real results for the people of Pennsylvania. Last year, we advanced more than 280 bills to lower taxes, help families save for retirement, put more teachers in our classrooms, and make our communities safer. We are living through challenging times, and we continue to move Pennsylvania forward by staying focused on the issues that matter most to working families.
In the year ahead, we will continue building momentum, our priorities remain clear: addressing rising costs so families can afford to live and thrive in their communities; investing in strong, public schools; ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare; and supporting the public transit systems that keep our region connected and our economy moving. These are long-term commitments, and we’re ready to keep doing the work.
While we await the start of the 2026 legislative session, my team and I are busy here in the district. We’re meeting with constituents, helping secure state funding for local projects, and working closely with community partners and stakeholders on legislation that reflects the needs and priorities of central Chester County. This work at home is just as important as the work we do in Harrisburg, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our community every day.
I also want to hear from you about the issues that matter most to your family and your community. The input of an active, engaged constituency directly shapes the work I do in Harrisburg and ensures that our legislative priorities reflect the real needs of central Chester County. Please feel free to call, email, or stop by our district office to speak with a member of our team and make your voice heard.
Coffee with Constituents: Office of U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan
On Thursday, our office was pleased to host staff from the Office of U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan for their first Coffee with Constituents event of 2026. We had an excellent turnout, with residents from our shared communities stopping by throughout the afternoon to ask questions, raise concerns, and share what’s on their minds as we begin the new year.
These give us valuable time to connect directly with the people we serve. Constituents had the chance to speak one-on-one with both state and federal casework teams, learn more about available services, and connect with the people who can help them navigate issues ranging from state programs to federal agencies. Our teams also benefitted from hearing firsthand about the challenges, priorities, and ideas shaping daily life here in central Chester County.
We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to join us, and we appreciate Congresswoman Houlahan’s office for partnering with us to make this event a success. |
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2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show
On Wednesday, I attended the Pennsylvania Farm Show for Legislator Day, and as always, it was a wonderful reminder of why this event is such a beloved tradition. The Farm Show is a great, family-friendly experience, and because it is held indoors, it offers a welcome break from the cold January weather.
While many people know the Farm Show for its horses, cows, sheep shearing demonstrations, and the famous annual butter sculpture, there is so much more to explore. Vendors from across the Commonwealth come to share their artisan goods, including Pennsylvania-made beer, wine, and ciders, books from local authors, garden seeds from native plants, and plenty of delicious homemade foods. It is a true celebration of the creativity, talent, and agricultural heritage that makes our commonwealth unique. |
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This year’s theme, titled “Growing a Nation,” appeared throughout the exhibits and displays. It offered a gentle reminder of the important role agriculture plays in shaping our communities and our Commonwealth.
I went hoping to enjoy the atmosphere and catch up with friends, neighbors, and fellow legislators and I certainly did. I also left with my hands full of incredible goods from Pennsylvania vendors. It is hard to walk through the Farm Show without finding something special to take home, so stay tuned for my next TikTok where I showcase my haul from the Farm Show.
If you cannot make it before the show wraps up on Saturday, January 17, make sure to mark your calendars for the 2027 Farm Show. It is a must-see event and deserves a spot on any Pennsylvania travel bucket list.
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New Grants Awarded
I am proud to announce that $1,068,400 in state funding has been awarded to benefit community conservation efforts in central Chester County, in Caln, East Brandywine, West Brandywine, and Uwchlan Townships.
These grants reflect our shared commitment to preserving open space and expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities for every resident. By improving parks, strengthening trail connections, and protecting natural spaces, we’re investing in both our quality of life today and the long-term environmental stewardship that will benefit Chester County for generations.
Read more here. |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period Now Open
The 2026 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period is now open and accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
This program has made it easier for seniors in Chester County to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.
Please call or stop by my office to find out if you’re eligible and get assistance applying for your rebate. We’d be glad to answer any questions and set up an appointment to help you complete your application online!
For those who prefer to file by mail, paper applications will be available in my office soon, and we will update here when they come in. |
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If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on any legislative or state-related issue, please contact my district office at repotten@pahouse.net. |
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LIHEAP Application Window Now Open
The 2025–26 LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program) season officially opened on December 3, 2025. LIHEAP is a federally funded DHS program that helps eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to income‑qualified households.
Eligible families are encouraged to apply early. Assistance is available while funds last and is distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. LIHEAP also provides support in crisis situations and weatherization services, ensuring no one has to choose between staying warm and meeting other essential needs. |
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SEPTA Senior Key Cards and Card Renewals
If you have a SEPTA Senior Key Card that has expired or will expire within the next month, we can renew it in our district office. To renew your card before it expires, please stop by my district office, or call us to make an appointment. If you are planning a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show at the end of February, please keep in mind that while the signup process only takes a few minutes in my office, the card will be mailed to you and can take a few weeks to arrive. Now is the perfect time to apply!
My office can also process applications and take photos for new SEPTA Senior Key ID Cards, which allow seniors 65 and older to travel for free on all SEPTA Regional Rail and transit routes within Pennsylvania. Just stop by my district office and bring a form of ID with your date of birth on it, such as a PA driver’s license or non-driver ID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. We’ll enter your information into SEPTA’s online system, take a quick photo, and then SEPTA will mail your new card to you directly. |
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2-1-1 Southeastern Pennsylvania: Health and Human Services
2-1-1 works with county governments and provider agencies to ensure important local program information is easily accessible.
Visit 211sepa.org for more information. |
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Mental Health Resources: Call 9-8-8
Chester County residents experiencing mental-health-related crisis or distress can dial 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This system is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people in crisis to a trained mental health professional.
Chester County offers additional resources for those in crisis, including Chester County’s warm line, 1-866-846-2722, operated by Certified Peer Specialists, who are individuals in recovery with a lived experience of mental health challenges.
Chester County’s Teen Talk Line ensures seamless referral to Mobile Crisis for youth in need of immediate or higher-level support. The call line is 855-852-TEEN (8336), and the text line is 484-362-9515.
Visit the Department of Human Services website for more information about the 988 system and other state and local mental health resources.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, please don’t give up hope, and please know that you do not need to walk this path alone. We are here and we will do whatever we can to help. |
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In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our district office will be closed on Monday, January 19. We will reopen at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20 to assist you with any state-related issue.
My staff and I are here to help make state government work better for you! For assistance with the above programs or any other state-related services, please email repotten@pahouse.net, call 484-200-8259, contact us through my website, or visit my district office in Exton and let us know how we can help!
Sincerely, |
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Danielle Friel Otten |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 34 East Wing (717) 783-5009 |
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District Office 631 Pottstown Pike |
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