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Dear Neighbor,
As schools across central Chester County wrap up their school year, this week marks an important milestone for students, families, and educators throughout our community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the teachers, administrators, and support staff whose hard work and dedication made this school year a success. Your commitment to our students strengthens every classroom and every school in the 155th Legislative District.
I extend my best wishes to all the seniors graduating this month across central Chester County. Your hard work, resilience, and determination have carried you to this moment, and those same strengths will guide you as you take on whatever comes next. You should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished. Our community is cheering you on, and I cannot wait to see the paths you forge and the contributions you will make. |
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Visiting 4th Grade “Legislatures” Across Central Chester County
Every spring, I visit fourth grade classrooms across the district during their lessons on state and federal government. These visits are among my favorite parts of the year. Our fourth-grade students are just beginning to learn how our government works, and they bring so much curiosity and excitement to every visit.
One tradition I love is running a full mock House session with the students. They choose a Speaker, they debate a real bill, and they vote on it just like the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. And for years, the bill they debate has been one I have introduced every single session since 2019, School Free-Play Recess and Lunch Periods, which would guarantee every student in grades K through 5 gets 30 minutes of recess each day, and students K through 12 get 30 minutes of lunch each day.
These students take the debate seriously. They talk about needing time to move, to play, to eat, and to reset their minds so they can learn better. They understand why recess matters in a very real way.
But this year something BIG happened. In his 2026 Budget Address, Governor Shapiro said it is time to guarantee recess for students across Pennsylvania. He directed the State Board of Education to develop statewide recommendations to make it happen. And because the Governor made this a priority, my fourth grade visits took on new meaning this year. For the first time, this bill has real momentum. So hearing from students felt even more important, because these are the people who would feel the impact every single day.
Click here to see the results of each 4th Grade Legislatures across central Chester County. SPOILER ALERT: Every single time, the bill passes their fourth grade House session with huge support. Every classroom. Every school. Every debate. The message is clear. Students want and need recess.
We have heard from the students on this idea. Now it is time to make your voice heard. If you support guaranteed recess for students, contact your state representative and your state senator and let them know. |
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World Environment Day
Today is World Environment Day, a reminder to recommit ourselves to better environmental policy and to recognize the impact our individual actions have on the world around us. As House Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral PA Climate Caucus, I am proud to work with colleagues who are pushing for real climate action.
In Pennsylvania, our constitution guarantees the right to pure water, clean air, and the preservation of our natural resources, yet there’s a growing gap between those promises and what our current laws still allow.
I have proposed two pieces of legislation to close these gaps:
The Pennsylvania Water Resource Act would protect the waters of our Commonwealth by ensuring that the costs of water infrastructure, protection, and conservation are placed where they belong: with the largest commercial users.
The Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard, or PRESS, would create clean, reliable, and affordable energy by diversifying our energy portfolio, delivering tens of thousands of jobs, and positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in the energy arena for the next twenty years.
World Environment Day is a reminder that environmental protection and sustainable growth go hand in hand.
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DEP Issues DROUGHT WARNING for Chester County
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a drought warning for Chester County. Even with periods of spring rain and a snowy winter, groundwater and stream levels remain lower than normal for this time of year. DEP is asking residents, businesses, and farmers to voluntarily reduce daily water use by 10 to 15 percent, or about 6 to 9 gallons per person.
To put that in perspective, an average showerhead uses about two gallons of water per minute, and washing dishes by hand can use up to 27 gallons. Small adjustments like shorter showers, full dishwasher loads, and fixing leaks can make a meaningful difference. Residents and businesses that rely on private wells or on‑site septic systems should be especially mindful of their water use.
You can find drought information, updates, and resources from both Chester County and the DEP. |
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Celebrate Summer and the Semiquincentennial in Chester County
This summer also gives our community a chance to take part in America’s Semiquincentennial, a milestone that will bring international attention to our region. With major events like the MLB All-Star Game and the FIFA World Cup coming to Pennsylvania, visitors from around the world will get a glimpse of what makes Southeastern Pennsylvania such a remarkable place to live. Beyond the excitement of these events, our corner of the state stands out for its mix of history, natural beauty, and vibrant local communities. If you are looking for some ideas close to home, the Brandywine Valley website is a great place to start.
We are fortunate to live in an area where the story of our nation is still visible in the landscape around us. The fields and roads near the Battle of the Brandywine, the trails at Valley Forge, and the historic sites just outside Philadelphia remind us how much of America’s early history unfolded right here. The Semiquincentennial offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with that legacy and explore the places that helped shape our country. You can find events and resources through America250PA and America250Chesco.
There is so much to see and experience across our region, and summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy it. |
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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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PUC Alerts Consumers of Changes to Summer Electric Prices
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has announced that electric generation prices for all PUC‑regulated utilities will change on June 1. These updates occur twice a year and affect the “Price to Compare,” which is the default supply rate for customers who do not shop for a competitive supplier.
Many households have seen higher utility bills over the past year, and families across our region are watching their energy costs closely as we head into the summer months. During periods of extreme heat, electric bills can rise quickly because air conditioners and cooling systems run longer and more frequently. Understanding how both price changes and increased usage affect your bill can help you plan ahead.
What This Means for Consumers:
Beginning June 1, utilities will update their “Price to Compare,” which is the default supply rate for customers who do not shop for a competitive supplier. Even small adjustments can have an impact during hot weather.
At the same time, summer usage typically increases as cooling systems work harder. For many households, higher usage is the biggest driver of summer bills, even more than the rate change itself.
How You Can Prepare Now:
Consumers who cannot resolve billing or service issues directly with their utility or electric generation supplier may contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380 for assistance, consumer education, and additional information about available utility programs.
Learn more about these summer rate increases here. |
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period Extended
The 2026 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Period has been extended through December 31, 2026. Rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025 will be distributed beginning July 1, so submit your application now to get your rebate as soon as possible!
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.
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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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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