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Dear Neighbor,
As we begin October, my team and I have been busy serving residents both here in the district and in Harrisburg. Last Sunday, despite some rainy weather, we had a great time connecting with neighbors at Downingtown Fall Fest and celebrating everything that makes our community special.
Back in Harrisburg, Monday kicked off another busy week of session. This week, the House passed a package of bills focused on improving menopause care and support for women across Pennsylvania. The House Education Committee advanced a series of bills designed to help school districts navigate the growing use of artificial intelligence in education. And the House Health Committee advanced legislation that would establish a clear legal framework for Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), helping ensure that individuals' health care wishes are understood and respected across health care settings. In Liquor Control Committee, we held an informational meeting to gather feedback on the marquee events hosted in Pennsylvania over the summer of 2026 and the special permits that were enacted to expand hours and services for bars and restaurants during these events.
October also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year, the East Wing Fountain at the Capitol is dyed pink, serving as a beautiful reminder of the importance of raising awareness, supporting research, and standing with those affected by breast cancer. It also reminds us of the lifesaving importance of routine screenings, regular exams, and early detection. Unfortunately, breast cancer has touched nearly all our lives in one way or another, whether through our own experience or that of a friend, family member, colleague, or loved one. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves not only as a time for reflection, but also as a call to action to prioritize our health and encourage those we care about to do the same. |
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And while Election Day may still be a few weeks away, mail-in ballot drop boxes and Voter Services satellite offices open on October 12 in Chester County. Whether you're planning to vote by mail, take advantage of on-demand mail ballot voting, or cast your ballot in person on Election Day, now is the time to make a plan to vote. Read on to find all the information you need!
Legislative Updates
Four bills focused on improving menopause care and support for women in Pennsylvania passed the House this week with strong bipartisan support:
I voted in support of all four bills, which now head to the Senate for consideration.
House Education Committee passes AI bills
On Tuesday, the House Education Committee advanced a package of bills to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in our schools.
I voted in support of each of these bills in committee, and I am hopeful that we will pass them on the House floor when we return to session later this month.
Additionally, last week the House passed Rep. Melissa Shusterman’s AI chatbot safety bill on a bipartisan vote of 133-70. This bill includes multiple safeguards to protect children and vulnerable adults in our commonwealth from the harms of AI chatbot companions. While the use of AI chatbots is rapidly expanding, there are currently no federal safety or consumer protection regulations for these products. Rep. Shusterman’s bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.
House Health Committee advances health care interventions bill
On Wednesday, the House Health Committee advanced legislation that would establish a clear legal framework for Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). POLST forms allow individuals with serious illnesses or advanced frailty to translate their health care preferences into medical orders that can be immediately followed by health care providers across a variety of care settings.
Senate Bill 730 would formally recognize POLST orders under Pennsylvania law, create statewide standards for their use, ensure that patients' treatment preferences are honored across health care settings, and provide clear guidance for health care professionals, facilities, and emergency responders. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
Liquor Control Committee hears feedback on Summer 2026 events
In Liquor Control Committee, we heard from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Liquor Control Board, Visit Pittsburgh, and the City of Philadelphia, Department of Commerce, who presented feedback on the special event permits granted to hospitality businesses during the NFL Draft, America 250, and World Cup events held in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia earlier this year.
It was encouraging to hear that there were no major incidents from a public safety perspective, and these events, plus the MLB All-Star Week events in Philadelphia and the 2026 PGA Championship in Newtown Square, featured Pennsylvania and our cities in a very positive light. While we don’t yet have all the details around economic impact, PA saw a significant tourism boost throughout May, June, and July, earning widespread praise for our hospitality and even our transit systems.
I’m hopeful that we can take this opportunity to learn what went well and also where we can do better to ensure that future prominent events are an all-around win for everyone affected, including local non-hospitality retailers and service providers, as well as local residents whose parking spots and work commutes are impacted by surging crowds.
In 2025, tourism had an $87.2 billion impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, with 206.2 million visitors supporting 521,021 jobs and generating $5.2 billion in state and local taxes. I am eager to see what the report looks like for 2026.
New Grants Awarded
This week, I was excited to learn that more than $1 million in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been awarded to two projects here in our district:
These awards reflect the vision and dedication of local officials who are continually looking for ways to improve their communities and create new opportunities for their residents. I'm grateful for the work they’ve done to advance these projects, and I am always happy to support their efforts to secure the state funding needed to bring them to life.
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Voting is underway in Chester County!
Election Day is still a few weeks away, but voting is already underway in Chester County. Pennsylvanians have more options than ever when it comes to casting their ballot, whether that means returning your mail-in ballot to a USPS mailbox or secure mail-in ballot drop box, taking advantage of on-demand mail ballot voting, or voting in person on Election Day on November 3.
No matter how you choose to participate, now is the time to make a voting plan and familiarize yourself with important deadlines and available resources.
Any qualified voter may apply for a mail ballot and vote from the comfort of home. Once the ballot is requested, voters can track the status of their ballot through the time the completed ballot is received and their vote is recorded.
For voters who prefer to complete the process in a single visit, Chester County will begin offering on-demand mail ballot voting on October 12, the same day that mail-in ballot drop boxes open across Chester County. On-demand voting allows eligible voters to apply for a mail ballot, receive it, complete it, and return it during the same trip to a designated election office. Additional information about the process is available through the Pennsylvania Department of State's On-Demand Mail Ballot Voting Guide and Chester County Voter Services.
Once you have completed your mail-in ballot, you may return it by mail or by using one of Chester County's secure drop-off locations. Voters should remember that Pennsylvania law only permits voters to return their own ballot, unless a voter qualifies for and completes the state's designated agent process.
For a list of Chester County ballot drop-off locations and hours of operation, visit the Chester County Voter Services website. |
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Important Election Dates and Deadlines
November 3 is Election Day. Here are the dates and deadlines you need to ensure that you are prepared to vote.
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Election Resources
For accurate and up-to-date information, rely on your county election office or vote.pa.gov, the official website of the Pennsylvania Department of State. |
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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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Upcoming Events
FREE Paper-Only Shred Event
Join Team Otten for a FREE Paper-Only Shred Event!
Bring your confidential documents to be destroyed! Each car will be limited to 4 file-size boxes. Small paper clips and staples are OK, but please no binder clips, binders, or cardboard (plan to take your boxes home with you).
The shredding event will take place in the parking lot of the North Brandywine Middle School, 256 Reeceville Rd, Coatesville, PA.
This event is first-come, first-served. When the truck is full, the event will end. All shredded paper will be recycled!
If you have any questions, please contact Rep. Otten’s district office at 484-200-8259 or email repotten@pahouse.net . |
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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. The Department of Revenue began sending rebates on 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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In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, our district office will be closed on Monday, October 12. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 13 at 9 AM to assist you with any state-related issue.
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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