|
|
Dear Neighbor,
This week, I traveled to Pittsburgh for two House Education Committee hearings focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in our schools. One hearing examined how AI is being used in K‑12 classrooms, and the other explored its expanding presence in higher education. I found both hearings incredibly insightful, and I appreciated the thoughtful testimony we heard from educators, researchers, and technology experts.
The emergence and adoption of new technology almost always outpace the implementation of laws and regulations around that technology. While I have concerns about the use of AI in education, ranging from the impact of data centers required to power AI to the many implications for our students, teachers, and school communities, I think it’s important that we recognize that AI is already part of our educational landscape, being used in our schools and universities as we speak. It is not a distant concept; it is here, and students and teachers are interacting with it every day. Now is the time to get our arms around the issue and determine what responsible AI integration should look like.
As I listened to the hearing testimony, several themes stood out clearly. We need to carefully and intentionally protect the privacy of students, families, and educators; ensure that teachers have not only a seat at the table but a leading voice in the conversation; and ensure that decisions are centered on student experiences and outcomes so that AI serves as a tool that supports learning and critical thinking, not a substitute for human interaction or effective traditional educational methods.
AI can summarize vast amounts of information in seconds, but we will always need people who can interpret that information, question it, and apply it thoughtfully. Human ingenuity and critical thinking remain essential, no matter how advanced our technology becomes. These are the skills that will allow us to understand and evaluate the reams of information AI produces.
This week’s hearings reinforced the importance of setting clear guardrails for how AI should be integrated into education. We need to be proactive and intentional about this work. If we want AI to strengthen learning rather than weaken or undermine foundational skills, then now is the time to decide how it should be used in our classrooms, before those decisions are made for us. |
|
|
|
Weigh in on the AQUA and American Water Merger
While I was in Pittsburgh for Education Committee, my friend and colleague Rep. Christina Sappey attended Wednesday’s Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission hearing on the proposed Essential Utilities (AQUA) and American Water merger.
Rep. Sappey testified on behalf of ratepayers and the members of our Democratic Chester County House delegation, urging the PUC to reject this merger outright or impose strict, enforceable requirements including rate protections, transparency requirements, and service quality guarantees as a nonnegotiable condition of approval. I am grateful to Rep. Sappey for attending and speaking on all our behalf, and I will be submitting my own written comments to the PUC.
This merger, if approved, would create the largest private water utility in the United States. The monopolization of a natural resource is not in the best interest of working families, seniors, small businesses, or any institution in our commonwealth. Chester County residents and all Pennsylvania families deserve safe, reliable water at an affordable rate.
It’s not too late to weigh in and share your concerns. The PUC will host two telephonic hearings on Tuesday, April 28 and an in-person hearing in King of Prussia on May 5:
If you wish to testify at one of the telephonic public input hearings, preregistration is strongly encouraged. Failure to pre-register may result in you not being called to testify. If you choose to pre-register, you may do so by 12 noon on Monday, April 27. No preregistration is available for the in-person hearing.
If you have concerns about the proposed merger, I strongly encourage you to testify on the record, whether in-person or by telephone. Informal testimony does not factor into the PUC judge’s decision, and any complaints after the fact will be too late.
For instructions on how to testify, please visit the PUC website. |
|
|
|
If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts on any legislative or state-related issue, please contact my district office at repotten@pahouse.net. |
|
|
|
Shop for the best electric rate with PA Power Switch
PA Power Switch makes it easy to compare electricity rates and plans, including plans that save you money while sourcing energy from 100% renewable suppliers. PA Power Switch is Pennsylvania’s official electricity shopping website managed by the Public Utility Commission, so you can be assured that offers are verified and legitimate, and the website makes it easy to review and understand the terms and duration of each offer.
In addition to unbiased comparison shopping, the site provides information about your rights as a utility consumer, plus a helpful explainer about understanding your electric utility bill so you can better see which costs are within your control. (PECO will still be your electric utility; PA Power Switch just allows you to choose the company that supplies your electricity.)
Electricity prices fluctuate, so be sure to check back periodically to make sure you are signed up for the program and rate that best suits your household’s needs and budget. Consider selecting a plan with a fixed, non-introductory rate, or setting a reminder on your calendar or phone to reevaluate plans in a few months, especially if the initial program you select has an introductory period.
Taking a few minutes a few times a year to review your options can save money and ensure your energy plan fits both your values and your budget. |
|
|
|
|
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period Open
The 2026 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period is 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 are available in my office. |
|
|
|
|
LIHEAP Application Window Open through May 8
The 2025–26 LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program) season will remain open through May 8, 2026. 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. |
|
|
|
|
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.
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. |
|
|
|
|
2-1-1 Southeastern Pennsylvania: Health and Human Services
211 SEPA is part of the national 211 Call Centers initiative that seeks to provide health and human services for everyday needs and those in crisis situations.
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
District Office 631 North Pottstown Pike |
|
Pennsylvania State Capitol 34 East Wing PO Box 202155 (717) 783-5009 |
|
|
