SEPTA resumes service; Talking to kids about difficult news

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten September 12, 2025 | 4:39 PM

PA Representative Danielle Otten banner image

Dear Neighbor,

As we close out the second week of September, the state budget impasse continues, but there have been some new developments on the SEPTA front.

On Monday, SEPTA announced that PennDOT had approved SEPTA's request to spend state funds allocated for capital projects to fund their operating expenses over the next two years. While this action will, in the short term, restore SEPTA service and prevent the drastic cuts to the Thorndale-Paoli line and other essential routes, this is not a sustainable or permanent solution to the transit crisis. Capital and maintenance projects are necessary to ensure that tracks, transit cars and equipment, and stations are able to operate safely and reliably, and this solution pulls from those funds to keep trains, buses, and trolleys rolling.

Without further action, SEPTA and other transit agencies statewide will still be in a funding crisis two years from now, with fewer funds to draw from and less money to make critical infrastructure improvements.

The House has voted five times in support of sustainable, long-term funding for SEPTA and other public transit and transportation systems across Pennsylvania, and I remain committed to working towards agreement on a permanent funding solution. We cannot wait two more years; the time to start working toward consensus is now, before the next transit funding crisis is at our doorstep.

Talking to children about upsetting news

Wednesday was another tragic day in our country, where violence is becoming more and more normalized in schools, churches, public spaces, and the political sphere. Regardless of political leaning, and even in the face of sharp disagreement, I hope most of us can agree that political violence has no place in a democracy, and that we must take action to end this epidemic of violence, specifically gun violence, in America.

The news cycle is heavy and anxiety-inducing even for adults, and many of us also need to navigate how to answer tough questions from children and help them process exposure to things they should never have to think about. Common Sense Media, a non-profit with a mission of protecting children’s safety and well-being in the digital era, offers some good resources here and here for how to talk to your kids, if you’re in that boat this week.

Looking Back on a Busy Summer

As summer comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past few months. It’s been a busy season filled with community events, local celebrations, and important legislative work on behalf of our community and commonwealth. From connecting with constituents at Town Halls to fighting for school funding and statewide transit funding in this year’s budget, I’ve been grateful for every opportunity to support our community and fight for the issues that matter most to them.

Town Halls to Start the Summer: At the end of May, my team and I visited the Brandywines for a joint mobile office and town hall for the residents of Freedom Village in West Brandywine as well as a public town hall at East Brandywine Fire Company’s Witmer Conference Center. I always look forward to opportunities to catch up with familiar faces and meet more of our neighbors here in Central Chester County. We had some really robust and productive conversations on what the legislature is working on, my legislative priorities in Harrisburg, what we’re doing to address some local concerns, and what to expect in this year’s state budget.

Legislative tours: In June, I joined my colleagues in the Philadelphia House Delegation and PA House Southeast Delegation for a tour of Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia, hosted by Representative Regina Young. Located just a few hundred feet from the streets of Philadelphia on the banks of the Schuylkill River, Bartram’s Garden is truly a hidden gem. Founded in 1728 by John Bartram, it is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. Not only does it serve as a space to appreciate a wide variety of native and exotic species of plants, but it’s a space for young adults to learn more about the possibilities of urban agriculture through their high school internship program.

Advocating for Cyber Charter Reform: Also in June, the House advanced legislation to implement Cyber Charter reforms that would help students and taxpayers all across the state. I'm hopeful that this legislation will now pass the Senate as a standalone bill or be included with the related code bills that advance alongside the budget. These changes to our existing Cyber Charter law would put neighborhood schools in a better position and help students across the commonwealth without costing taxpayers an extra dime. We will continue to share updates if this bill advances and as budget talks progress.

Clean Energy Leadership Academy: In early July, I attended the Clean Energy Leadership Academy (CELA) in Golden, Colorado, hosted by the Center for a New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. CELA is an annual event that brings together a bipartisan cohort of state legislators to learn and share resources about effective state-level clean energy policy.

My colleague Rep. Greg Scott and I were among just 30 legislators from across the country to attend. We visited the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab and spent several days immersed in information and conversation about energy challenges and solutions.

Much of our time was devoted to discussions around the nation’s rising energy-cost crisis. We have so much work to do in Pennsylvania to ensure a clean-energy future that reduces net emissions, protects ratepayers, and considers the public interest in all utility decisions.

The good news is that the solutions presented at CELA included some really good model legislation from our neighboring states. I came back energized and full of ideas, and this summer my team and I have been working on three new bills to help protect the public interest, prevent residential ratepayers from subsidizing the costs of the largest energy consumers (like datacenters), and ensure that utilities are doing all they can to improve grid reliability and resilience and keep ratepayers’ costs low.

Uwchlan Ambulance Corps Anniversary: At the end of July, I was excited to join the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of their service to our community.

Formed in 1975 as an all-volunteer organization with a single ambulance, the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps has grown into a 24/7 operation with five ambulances and three responder vehicles that answer more than 4,000 emergency calls a year across a 65-square-mile service area. UAC's longevity in our community means that over the years, generations of dedicated volunteers have responded to innumerable fire alarms, traffic accidents, water rescues, and other emergencies throughout Uwchlan, Upper Uwchlan, West Whiteland, West Vincent, West Pikeland, Charleston, Wallace, and East Nantmeal townships.

I am so grateful to the past and current members of the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps for carrying on the strong traditions of service and safety, and it was my honor to speak at their anniversary celebration and present them with an official House of Representatives citation in recognition of their commitment and dedication.

AEDs Installed in Uwchlan Township Parks: Last fall, I was proud to work closely with Aidan’s Heart Foundation to assist them in securing a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. With the help of this grant, they were able to partner with Uwchlan Township to purchase and install AEDs and weather-proof cabinets at eleven different park locations this summer.

Additionally, they were able train and certify nine young adults in the community to become CPR Instructors who will in turn now lead CPR certification courses over the next two years here in Chester County, providing multiple opportunities for community members to be trained in CPR.

As a legislator, it’s incredibly gratifying to see the culmination of the grant funding process and to know that these dollars are being put to work in such a meaningful way. But what makes this effort even more impactful is the level of community involvement. From Aidan’s Heart Foundation’s tireless advocacy to their collaboration with Uwchlan Township and Lionville Youth Association, to the commitment of the young adults stepping up to lead CPR training, this project is a powerful example of what can happen when local organizations, government, and a community work together toward a shared goal.

GEYA Baseball Parade: What a season for the GEYA Baseball Little League team! From winning the Mid-Atlantic Region to taking the field in Williamsport at the Little League World Series, these kids showed heart, hustle, and true teamwork every step of the way.

This past Friday, our community came together to celebrate their incredible accomplishments with a hometown parade. I was honored to join in the celebration and present the team, coaches, and league administrators with citations from the PA House of Representatives in recognition of their achievement.

A huge congratulations goes out to the players for their dedication and determination, and a sincere thank you to the parents, coaches, and administrators who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this dream possible. You have made our entire community proud!

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.

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 & simple and will help shape the future of Lionville Park and Rossi Park.

Take the survey 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.

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!

Sincerely,