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Dear Neighbor,
With the Governor’s Budget Address now behind us and the House scheduled to return to session in late March, this period is one of the most important stretches of the legislative year. While the governor’s proposal sets the stage, it is only the first step in a months’ long process that relies heavily on public input, careful review, and collaboration across the Commonwealth.
Over the next few weeks, the House Appropriations Committee will hold its annual Budget Hearings, where secretaries from each state department, along with members of their senior staff, testify before the Appropriations Committee and the corresponding House committee, and answer detailed questions about their budget requests and how they plan to utilize state funding in the year ahead. These hearings are a critical opportunity for legislators to dig into the details, evaluate programs, and ensure accountability.
You can find a full schedule of budget hearings on the House Appropriations Committee website and find links to the livestream for each hearing at pahouse.com/live.
During this time, my staff and I are busy in the district meeting with constituents, municipal leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community advocacy groups to hear their priorities and gather their feedback on the governor’s proposed budget. These conversations help us better understand the most urgent priorities of our district, how state investments impact our communities on the ground, and where adjustments may be needed to better support families, students, workers, and local services.
As we move through this process, my top priority is always to advocate for the priorities that matter most to the communities I represent. I am fighting for a spending plan that makes life more affordable for working Pennsylvanians and seniors and ensures that families can build stability and opportunity here in our commonwealth.
Alongside this work, I remain committed to strengthening our public schools, supporting safe and healthy communities, adding clean, reliable energy to our grid, and investing in the long-term well-being of our Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing these conversations and ensuring that the voices of central Chester County are well represented as we move toward a final spending plan.
This is a collaborative process, and I encourage members of our community to reach out to my office and share your thoughts.
Congratulations to our Chester County Spelling Bee standouts!
We are so proud of Yohaan Damani from Downingtown Middle School, this year’s first‑place winner, who clinched the championship with the word “predecessor.” Yohaan will go on to represent Chester County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., and we wish him all the best as he takes the national stage.
A big congratulations as well to Brooke Bainbridge from Lionville Middle School, who earned an impressive third‑place finish. Brooke’s hard work and dedication truly shined.
It’s wonderful to see two students from our community bee among the top spellers in the county. Their curiosity, preparation, and love of learning are inspiring examples for students across Central Chester County.
Read more here. |
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PennDOT requests Pennsylvanians’ feedback on traffic safety
PennDOT is seeking input from Pennsylvanians on traffic safety and driving behaviors through an online survey available through Feb. 28.
The survey was designed to help inform PennDOT on how the Shapiro administration can continue to improve traffic safety- and save lives- across the Commonwealth.
Answers are anonymous and the survey should take about five minutes to complete. Check it out here: qualtrics.pa.gov/jfe/form/SV_5vGB4JsXQGDXtye |
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Final Vote for the Inaugural Best of Chester County Agriculture Awards
AgConnect has launched the inaugural Best of Chester County Agriculture Awards, a new countywide celebration recognizing the people and organizations shaping the future of local agriculture. The awards highlight excellence across three categories: Young and Emerging Farmer, Woman in Agriculture, and Community Impact in Agriculture. Finalists were selected from public nominations submitted last fall, and voting is open from February 16 through March 1.
Each category honors a different part of our agricultural community. Young and Emerging Farmer showcases the next generation of leaders, Woman in Agriculture celebrates women making a lasting impact in the field, and Community Impact in Agriculture recognizes those whose work strengthens and supports the broader agricultural community.
This week, I want to draw your attention especially to the Community Impact in Agriculture category, where central Chester County’s own Milky Way Farm has been named a finalist. I cannot tell you how to vote, of course… but let’s just say that if you happen to have fond memories of their ice cream, their pumpkins, their Christmas trees, or their decades of community service, you may find yourself feeling particularly inspired when you see their name on the ballot.
Public voting runs through March 1, and you can learn more about the finalists and the awards here. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people who keep Chester County’s agricultural heritage strong. |
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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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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 will be available in my office soon, and we will update here when they come in. |
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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 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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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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