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Dear Neighbor,
The House was back in Harrisburg for session this week, and we continued advancing legislation through committees and preparing several bills for final consideration. We will return to Harrisburg next week as we keep moving important measures toward the finish line and continuing the work that directly affects families and communities across the Commonwealth.
Now that May is here, the focus will begin to shift toward budget negotiations. This is the point in the year when the work intensifies, shaped by the conversations we have had throughout the year with state agencies, community partners, and local advocates. Gov. Shapiro announced today that year-to-date state revenues have exceeded projections by $1 billion, strengthening our opportunity to pass a responsible budget that meets the needs of our communities. With the resources available, there is no reason we cannot deliver an on-time spending plan that reflects the priorities of Pennsylvanians.
As we move through this process, my top priority is always to advocate for the issues that matter most to the communities I represent. I am fighting for a budget that makes life more affordable for working Pennsylvanians and seniors and ensures that families can build stability and opportunity here in our Commonwealth. I remain committed to strengthening our public schools, supporting safe and healthy communities, adding clean and reliable energy to our grid, and investing in Pennsylvania’s long-term wellbeing. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the weeks ahead and ensuring that the voices of central Chester County are well represented as we work toward a final spending plan.
Your Water, Your Bill, Your Rights: A 7-Part Series Part 5 of 7: “Pennsylvania’s Water Law: The Deepest Well Wins”
Pennsylvania's groundwater laws were established long before industrial wells, high‑capacity pumps, or large commercial users existed. Under this outdated system, a landowner can withdraw enormous amounts of water as long as the use is considered “reasonable,” even if it affects nearby wells or leaves neighboring households without reliable access to water.
In Part 5 of my seven‑part series on water rights in Pennsylvania, I look at how this old legal framework works, how our lack of a statewide permitting system leaves communities vulnerable, and why laws built for a completely different era are no match for modern water demands.
It's past time for Pennsylvania to modernize its water use laws and take steps to protect our shared water resources instead of leaving it up to our communities or state agencies to respond to harm after the fact. Updating our laws is essential to safeguarding wells, supporting local planning, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to reliable, sustainable water.
Read my full post on Substack to learn how our groundwater rules work today, where they fall short, and what steps Pennsylvania can take to protect watersheds and communities across the Commonwealth. |
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Upcoming Roadwork in central Chester County
PennDOT has announced the following projects impacting drivers in central Chester County. Drivers are advised of the following travel restrictions:
Please allow extra time and drive carefully through active work areas. All scheduled activities are weather dependent. |
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Please contact my district office at repotten@pahouse.net if you have questions or would like to share your thoughts on any legislative or state-related issue. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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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