The PA Senate Must Get Back to Work for SEPTA, Statewide Transit Investments

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten August 8, 2025 | 3:05 PM

PA Representative Danielle Otten banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Another week has gone by, and the Senate Republicans have still not made any progress on helping to advance a budget. Instead of coming back to Harrisburg, organizing their caucus, and working to deliver a budget, Senate Republican leadership has opted to spend the week golfing with campaign donors and negotiating via Twitter (Senator Pittman and Senator Ward). I respect Senator Kim Ward, but she cannot in good conscience sit back and say Pennsylvania Democrats are gaslighting the public about the crippling impact we will see if we do not pass a budget to provide critical funding for our communities, our most vulnerable neighbors, and our statewide public transit systems. It is true that Governor Shapiro proposed his budget over 180 days ago. It is true that House Democrats advanced budget bills prior to the June 30 deadline in a bipartisan manner. It is also true that Senator Ward and Senator Pittman have not introduced or passed a SINGLE BUDGET BILL. They have instead chosen to cry foul and complain about a late budget that they themselves have perpetuated.

House Democrats understand the severity of the moment and have chosen to lead, when others have shown they cannot. Over the past several months, House Democrats have led the charge to lower your taxes, help you save for retirement, put more teachers in your schools, and make your community safer. We’ve reached across the aisle and put people ahead of politics, because we understand that better jobs, better schools, and better communities benefit EVERYONE.

Funding for public transit remains the largest sticking point among Senate Republicans. Last week, House Democrats were made aware that Senate Republicans in southeastern PA, in areas served by SEPTA, would like to see additional oversight and accountability from SEPTA as a condition for funding. While it would have been beneficial for our colleagues to have these conversations with one another instead of posting on social media, our colleagues in the Senate have chosen to govern by tweet instead of showing up to the table for an honest and good faith debate with the intent to accomplish our goals together. Even so, after learning of our Republican colleagues’ request, House Democrats this week organized our members, rallied for funding and accountability, and advanced transit funding legislation (for the fifth time).

HB 1788, which passed the House Transportation Committee by a vote of 16-10 on Thursday, follows the recommended accountability measures requested by the southeastern Senate Republicans and provides funding for the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF), to support public transportation operations and funding for Pennsylvania’s massive network of roads, bridges and highways. The House will come back into session this Sunday and Monday to consider and vote on the bill.

Following the passage of this legislation in committee, I joined members of the Chester County House delegation, Senator Katie Muth, and other local officials for a press conference at the West Chester Transportation Center to call on the state Senate to fund SEPTA and other mass transit systems in Pennsylvania. Yesterday’s action comes just a week before SEPTA says it needs funding in place to continue normal operations. Otherwise, beginning August 24 they will be forced to make cuts to train, bus, and trolley lines throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area – directly impacting commuters and travelers in Chester County. Read more here.

Our workers, students, and seniors in Chester County rely on SEPTA to get to jobs, schools and medical appointments, and our small businesses rely on SEPTA to bring their employees to work. If we fail to reach a funding agreement and provide critical support for transit, it will mean more traffic on our roads and a huge hit to the economy in southeastern PA, which is the major economic engine for the rest of the state. SEPTA service cuts would be an enormous loss for our region and for our Commonwealth.

And don’t just take my word for it. Take a look at some of the stories our neighbors who rely on SEPTA have shared with my office.

Our economy runs on SEPTA

Our students and educators run on SEPTA

Our workforce runs on SEPTA

Funding for SEPTA and our other statewide public transit systems, isn’t just a Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh, or Allentown, or York, or Downingtown problem - it’s a Pennsylvania problem.

Our entire commonwealth relies on a strong and reliable public transportation network. Whether it’s seniors in rural counties using shared ride programs, commuters in suburban areas taking the train to work, students getting to school, or workers in our cities keeping the economy moving — public transit is essential infrastructure.

Transit systems like SEPTA, PRT, LANTA, rabbittransit, and dozens of others in Pennsylvania connect our communities, support local businesses, reduce congestion, and provide a lifeline for those without access to a car. When we fail to fund public transit adequately, the impacts ripple far beyond city limits — straining our roads, hurting our economy, and leaving our most vulnerable neighbors behind.

This isn’t a regional issue. It’s a statewide responsibility. Every Pennsylvanian benefits when our public transit systems are funded, functional, and future ready.

Take Action: Tell Southeastern PA Senators to Get Back to Work

The state budget is now more than a month overdue. Critical funding for schools, county services, and public transportation systems like SEPTA is being held up because Senate Republican leadership refuses to bring the Senate back into session and finish the job.

The House passed a transit plan that delivers for you and invests in fixing roads and bridges across the commonwealth. The Senate left town. It’s time for them to get back and do their jobs.

House Democrats are calling on Southeastern PA Republicans Senator Frank Farry, Senator Joe Picozzi, and Senator Tracy Pennycuick to do the right thing: compel their leadership to reconvene the Senate immediately and pass a responsible, full-funded budget that protects our schools, supports vital human services, and ensures transit systems like SEPTA can continue to serve millions of Pennsylvanians.

These delays are not just political — they are personal. Families, educators, transit riders, and vulnerable residents are already feeling the impact.

Please contact these SEPA senators today and tell them:

Come back to Harrisburg. Pass the budget. Fund SEPTA.

Sen. Frank Farry: Call 215-638-1784 and email

Sen. Joe Picozzi: Call 215-281-2539 and email

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick: Call 215-541-2388 and email

Your voice can make a difference — but only if they hear it!

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.

Back-to-School Supplies Drive

The start of the school year is approaching fast, and that means it’s almost time to start preparing for the first day of classes by getting new school supplies for the students in our lives. For some families this means a quick trip to Target or Staples for a new backpack and some folders, but for those already struggling to make ends meet, the start of the new school year can create additional burdens.

To help families in Chester County start the new school year on the right track, my office has partnered with Lord's Pantry of Downingtown for a Back-to-School Supplies Drive.

We will be collecting donations at our district office, 631 N. Pottstown Pike in Exton, through Friday, August 15. Supplies can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM.

Learn more here.

Lionville Park & Rossi Park Master Plan Community Survey

Exciting things are in the works in Uwchlan Township!

Uwchlan Township is currently working on a master plan for improvements to Lionville Park and the creation of a brand-new park at the former Rossi Property - and they want to hear from you!

The survey is short andHe simple and will help shape the future of Lionville Park and Rossi Park.

Take the survey here.

Trails & Transportation Plan Open for Public Comment

Do you use the region’s Circuit Trails – including the Struble Trail, Chester Valley Trail, or Schuylkill River Trail? If so, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) wants to hear from you!

The DVRPC has opened public comment on its draft transportation and infrastructure plan, which maps out investments and funding through 2050. The plan emphasizes safety, environmental sustainability, and community input.

Let the DVRPC know your thoughts about funding trails, green transportation, safety, and more. Comments can be submitted online or by mail until August 20. The final plan will be considered for adoption in September. Review the plan and share your feedback here.

2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended

The deadline to file Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2024, has been extended to December 31, 2025. The state will begin to issue rebate checks on July 1, so the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your rebate if eligible!

Thanks to changes passed in 2023, more people are eligible, with income limits adjusted to keep pace with Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has made it easier for seniors in Chester County to stay in their homes and afford groceries, medicine, and so much more.

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 will be available in my office soon, and we will update here when they come in.

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.

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, or visit my district office in Exton.

Please don’t hesitate to call, email, or contact us through my website and let us know how we can help!

Sincerely,