|
|
Dear Neighbor,
This week took me back to Harrisburg for another round of legislative session, while my district office team stayed busy assisting community members with state services and programs. Following our session days, I was back home for meetings in the district and the annual Chester County Library System legislative breakfast, which was held this morning.
I also submitted public comment this week to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, opposing the proposed merger between Essential Utilities (AQUA) and American Water Works. This merger would have major implications for families, municipal systems, and the future of water access in our Commonwealth, and it is important that the public record reflects those concerns.
Public Comment Opposing Water Utility Merger
The proposed merger between Essential Utilities and American Water would create the largest private water utility in the United States, giving the combined entity a monopoly in our region and outsized control over water rates and service. The monopolization of a natural resource is not in the best interest of working families, seniors, small businesses, or any institution in our commonwealth.
The PUC has the ability and authority to approve or reject this merger and to impose conditions including rate protections, affordability commitments, and infrastructure investment guarantees. This week, the PUC wrapped up its series of in-person and telephone hearings to gather public input about the proposed merger.
On Thursday, I sent a letter to the PUC urging them to reject this merger and prioritize the interests of consumers. Chester County residents and all Pennsylvania water utility customers have the right to safe, reliable water at an affordable rate.
|
|
|
Chester County Library System Legislative Breakfast
My team and I always look forward to meeting with the trustees and staff of the Chester County Library System, and this year’s Legislative Breakfast at the Chester County Library in Exton was no exception. This annual event supports the release of the libraries’ yearly Impact Report and offers an opportunity to hear directly about the work our libraries are doing in their communities.
We are living through challenging times in our country and our commonwealth right now, with actions at the federal level threatening many of the services, institutions, and constitutional rights we once took for granted and with this year’s state budget still uncertain. Now more than ever, we need to hold the line and protect essential institutions like our public libraries.
Every speaker at this morning’s event, from library officials to our County Commissioners, to our state legislators and U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, acknowledged the importance of libraries to our communities. Several of us spoke about the hours spent with our young families in the very children’s section where this morning’s event was held, and about our own memories of finding sanctuary, solace, and our own window to the world in the libraries we visited as children.
I still remember sitting on the second floor of the Greater Olney Library in my childhood neighborhood, curled up in a beanbag chair with a favorite book, soaking up the glorious air conditioning, which we didn’t have in my family’s Philadelphia rowhouse. To this day, libraries provide so much more than books, offering everything from seed swaps to museum passes to literacy lessons and access to media and technology that may otherwise be out of reach for some families. Through good times and bad, libraries have been at the heart of our communities, a resource and a safe space for children, families, seniors, students, English language learners, and entrepreneurs.
I want to also recognize the service of Susan Banks, who will soon retire from her position as our state librarian and the Deputy Secretary of Commonwealth Libraries for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. As she noted in her remarks this morning at the Chester County Library, she has long championed the philosophy that “libraries belong to everyone, and in libraries, everyone belongs.” I am grateful for her service to our commonwealth and her years of advocacy for our libraries as centers of community growth and equitable access to information and lifelong learning. As your state representative, I will continue to advocate for state budgets that support our libraries so that every community has access to these critical resources. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
District Office 631 North Pottstown Pike |
|
Pennsylvania State Capitol 34 East Wing PO Box 202155 (717) 783-5009 |
|
|
