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Dear Neighbor,
On Tuesday, Governor Shapiro delivered the fourth and final Budget Address of his first term. I heard a lot that I was encouraged by, and many of the proposals align with the priorities I hear from families, educators, and local leaders here in central Chester County – all without raising taxes.
At the same time, this is only the beginning of the budget negotiation process. The governor’s proposal will evolve as the House and Senate begin budget hearings, where members of the Appropriations Committee and the corresponding standing committees have an opportunity to question each state agency about their budget requests and spending needs.
Below are some of the highlights that stand out to me so far. I will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.
Budget Highlights
From a personal standpoint, one of the most exciting parts of this year’s Budget Address was seeing ideas that I have championed elevated as priorities in the governor’s agenda. Several of the proposals highlighted on Tuesday, including mandatory recess, investments in student teachers, and continued funding for menstrual hygiene products in schools, are initiatives I have been championing for years because of the positive impact they can have for students and school communities across Pennsylvania. |
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I am thrilled to see these ideas gaining traction at the highest levels of state government. It brings me real joy to see legislation that has been years in the making finally recognized for its potential to strengthen our schools, support working families, and improve everyday life for Pennsylvanians, especially our kids. Now let us do the work, pass these bills, and get them to the governor’s desk. |
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Investing in Stronger Schools and Opportunities for All Children
In the 2024 and 2025 state budgets, we took historic steps toward meeting our constitutional obligation to fully and fairly fund public education. This year’s proposal continues that work with significant investments to close adequacy gaps, strengthen student supports, and ease pressure on local taxpayers.
The governor’s proposal includes increased funding for basic education, special education, school safety, mental health services, and facility improvements. These investments help ensure that every child in every district has access to a safe, healthy, and well-resourced learning environment.
I was also proud to see continued investment in the Student Teacher Support Program. This is a program I championed to help address Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage by providing stipends to student teachers during their semester of full-time classroom work. These stipends reduce financial barriers for future educators and strengthen the teacher pipeline for our public schools. Seeing this program grow and continue in the governor’s proposal is a meaningful step forward for our students and our workforce.
And on a personal note, I was ecstatic to hear Governor Shapiro highlight mandatory recess for students across Pennsylvania. This is legislation I have been working on since I joined the General Assembly. We know students feel better and do better when they have time to exercise and play. This proposal supports children’s mental and physical health, strengthens their social and emotional development, and ensures they have the opportunity to be active and interact with friends during the school day. |
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Helping Working Families Keep More of What They Earn
This budget proposal continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which is already putting money back into the pockets of nearly a million families. It also calls once again for raising the minimum wage to $15/hour. Pennsylvania has not raised its minimum wage since 2009, and every surrounding state has moved forward. Raising the wage would help families afford groceries, rent, and transportation while also strengthening local economies and reducing reliance on public assistance programs.
These policies are about dignity, fairness, and ensuring that people who work full time can afford the basics. |
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Making Life More Affordable
Affordability is the central theme of this year’s budget. Families across Pennsylvania are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and this proposal takes a comprehensive approach to lowering expenses and strengthening household stability.
The Governor’s budget proposal includes measures to lower energy costs, cap price spikes, and strengthen consumer protections. I was glad to see a continued focus on energy affordability, which is essential for families and businesses across our region.
Housing affordability is another major priority. The proposal includes long overdue reforms to help Pennsylvanians find and keep safe, stable homes. These include capping rental application fees, protecting tenants from unfair practices, modernizing land use planning, and supporting new housing development. These reforms would help more families secure a home and build long term stability.
For the first time in years, the proposal also includes a statewide investment in public transit. Reliable transit connects people to jobs, education, health care, and community. It is an economic engine, and this long-term funding solution would benefit riders in all 67 counties. |
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Growing Jobs and Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy
The budget proposal includes major investments in workforce training, apprenticeships, and career pathways that prepare students and workers for good paying jobs right here in Pennsylvania. This includes increased funding for Career and Technical Education, STEM programs, pre apprenticeship programs, and industry partnerships.
These investments help ensure that Pennsylvania remains competitive and that our residents have access to the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. The proposal also supports small businesses, agriculture, innovation, and economic development, all of which are essential to keeping people and jobs in our state. |
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Making Communities Safer and Healthier
The budget proposal continues to invest in proven community violence prevention programs, additional resources for law enforcement, and stronger support for first responders. This includes increased funding for the Violence Intervention and Prevention program, additional State Police cadet classes, and competitive grants for fire companies.
It also strengthens mental and behavioral health services, including support for the 988-crisis hotline, crisis stabilization centers, and community based mental health programs. These investments help ensure that people can access the support they need when they need it. |
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Protecting Taxpayer Dollars
I appreciate that the governor’s proposal includes new recurring revenue streams to protect taxpayers and strengthen the Rainy Day Fund. By taxing skill games and legalizing adult-use cannabis, the Commonwealth can generate significant revenue without raising taxes on working families. These measures also bring oversight, consistency, and fairness to industries that already exist in our communities.
The budget proposal also includes efficiency initiatives, modernization of state systems, and targeted investments that save money in the long run and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
Looking Ahead
I see many things to be hopeful about in this budget, and I am ready to get to work as the 2026-2027 budget season begins. Over the next several months, the House and Senate will hold detailed budget hearings with every state agency, and these conversations will shape the final spending plan that we send to the governor. I will continue to advocate for a budget that reflects our shared values, strengthens our public schools, supports working families, and invests in the long-term health and stability of our communities.
This is also a moment to build on the progress we have already made. The proposals highlighted in this year’s address give us a real opportunity to advance legislation that has been years in the making, including initiatives that began right here in our district. I am committed to ensuring that these ideas move from the governor’s speech to the House floor and ultimately to his desk.
As always, I will keep you informed throughout the process and continue to fight for a budget that delivers meaningful, lasting benefits for the people of central Chester County and for families across Pennsylvania. |
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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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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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