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Dear Neighbor,
This week, I had the solemn honor of attending the funeral for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor. As elected officials, we are often invited to join families and communities during moments of celebration, including award ceremonies, recognition dinners, and milestones that mark some of the brightest chapters in people’s lives. Being invited to stand with the O’Connor family, their friends, and loved ones during one of the most difficult moments of their lives was a very different kind of honor, and one I carried with deep respect. The Pennsylvania State Police Academy released a touching tribute to highlight the beautiful ceremony and celebration of life. You can watch it here. |
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One of the most moving moments of the service came during the eulogy delivered by Corporal O’Connor’s wife, Casey O’Connor. Her words painted a portrait of a man whose devotion to his family was as profound as his commitment to public service. Our community continues to grieve Corporal O’Connor’s loss, and his dedication to public safety and service to the people of Pennsylvania will always be remembered. His commitment to protecting others reflects the very best of our law enforcement community, and his absence is felt profoundly. The Pennsylvania House will formally recognize Corporal O’Connor’s life and service on a future date with a condolence resolution on the House floor, which will enshrine his service and our collective gratitude in the official record of the Pennsylvania House. My heart is with his family, his loved ones, and the troopers who served alongside him. This is an incredibly difficult time, and our entire community stands with them in support and solidarity. |
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I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Pennsylvania State Police, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, our local police departments, including Caln Township Police Department, Downingtown Police Department, Uwchlan Township Police Department, Upper Uwchlan Police Department, East Brandywine Township Police Department, and West Brandywine Police Department; our local fire companies, including Alert Fire Co. No. 1, East Brandywine Fire Company, Thorndale Fire Company, Glen Moore Fire Company, Lionville Fire Company, and Minquas Fire Company No. 2; along with the First West Chester Fire Company and the countless surrounding departments in Chester County for their extraordinary coordination and professionalism throughout this week’s services and arrangements. In moments of profound loss, the strength and compassion of this community always shine through. Over the past several days, that support was evident not only in the outpouring of messages shared online, but also in the many residents who lined the funeral procession route to pay their respects. It was an incredibly kind gesture from a grateful community. I am proud to be a member of such a supportive community, and it is the honor of my life to represent you in Harrisburg. |
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Ireland Visit with the Pennsylvania Irish American Caucus and the Pennsylvania Ireland Trade Commission Last fall I went to Ireland with the Pennsylvania Irish American Caucus and the Pennsylvania Ireland Trade Commission for the NFL International Series: Steelers vs. Vikings in Dublin. My sister and I went a few days early and drove the Wild Atlantic Coast, which mostly meant she drove a stick shift on the wrong side of the road dodging sheep while I sat in the passenger seat doing ancestry.com research with one hand while maintaining a white-knuckle grip on the dash with the other. It was the most Friel-sisters thing we've ever done. The countryside broke my heart, but in the best way. Everyone we met wanted to talk about America, what was happening, what we thought, what it felt like from the inside. And every single one of those conversations ended the same way. They'd tell us a little about Ireland's own road, the fight for independence, the long trouble that came after, and then they'd offer us something I wasn't expecting and honestly wasn't sure I was ready for: hope. One man said something I keep coming back to. He said, “as you travel this coast you'll see ruins. A lot of beautiful things are going to be destroyed along the way. But there will be something on the other side worth living for and building toward. It may be hard to see right now.” It is hard to see in America right now. I'm not going to pretend otherwise. As we recognized St. Patrick’s Day this week, I'm thinking about my great-grandparents, who survived a famine, crossed an ocean, and fought their way out of poverty, oppression, and colonization. I'm holding onto hope today. It's a little fragile if I'm honest. But it's there. And I think that's enough. View my post on Substack for more about the trip’s unexpected discoveries and our meetings with Irish Parliament. Disclaimer: I'm grateful to the Pennsylvania Ireland Trade Commission for the work they do connecting Pennsylvania and Ireland and for making an experience like this possible. The Ireland visit was paid for with personal funds. No taxpayer funds or political donor funds were used for the trip. |
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Pennsylvania paid the price for “cheap” gas. Now we're paying again. Over the last several weeks, we’ve talked a lot about data centers and the impacts of data center demand on our electricity bills. As we push for legislation and regulatory reform to protect Pennsylvania’s ratepayers, I want to talk about another piece of the energy cost puzzle that affects our wallets and our environment and provides important context for where we find ourselves today. There's a fossil fuel industry talking point making the rounds again: renewables are too expensive once you strip away the subsidies. It's a slick line, but it isn't supported by facts. And here in Pennsylvania, we have a cautionary tale that makes it even harder to defend. We know exactly what happens when we allow the oil and gas industry to set energy policy. We've been living with the costs. The Marcellus Shale boom flooded the PJM regional grid with cheap fracked gas, driving down wholesale electricity prices so far that clean, reliable nuclear power could no longer compete in an uneven market. Three Mile Island Unit 1, licensed to operate until 2034, capable of powering 800,000 Pennsylvania homes around the clock, closed in September 2019. At the time of its closure, TMI alone produced more zero-carbon electricity than all of Pennsylvania's wind, solar, and hydropower combined. It was replaced almost entirely by fossil fuel generation, and the economic and environmental consequences were both immediate and lasting. Now, Three Mile Island is coming back online, rechristened the Crane Clean Energy Center. But it won't be serving Pennsylvania families or restoring affordable baseload power to the public grid. Instead, under a 20-year exclusive contract, its entire output will be sold to Microsoft to power the company's data centers. Read my full post on Substack to find out where the legislature went wrong prior to 2019 and how we can avoid repeating the same mistakes this time around. |
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Be a part of the data center conversation You’ve heard a lot from me about data centers over the past several months, and now I want to hear from you! What questions do you have about data centers? Do you have concerns that have not been addressed? Please send your thoughts to repotten@pahouse.net, and be a part of this important conversation. |
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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. |
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Shop for the best electric rate with PA Power Switch We’ve talked a lot about the rising cost of energy in Pennsylvania and the PJM region and what I’m doing about it. With cold temperatures and rate increases sending electric bills through the roof, there are steps you can take right now to lower your monthly energy bills. 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. |
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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 are available in my office. |
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Free Tax Filing Assistance Available in Chester County Need help filing your taxes? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is here to help. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is once again offering free, IRS certified tax preparation to eligible residents. By helping individuals keep more of their earnings and access essential tax credits, VITA provides a critical boost for families working to build long term financial stability. For many households, maximizing this year’s refund is crucial. VITA supports working individuals who do not receive high wages by offering:
VITA sites across Chester County are now open for the season, with locations in Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Kennett Square, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford, and West Chester. To learn more about site locations, hours, and what to bring, click here. |
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LIHEAP Application Window Remains Open The 2025–26 LIHEAP (Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program) season remains open through April 10. 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. 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 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. |
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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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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! |
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District Office 631 North Pottstown Pike |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 34 East Wing PO Box 202155 (717) 783-5009 |
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