Dear Neighbor,
The House was back in session this week, where we passed multiple bills that will help protect our communities, create good paying jobs, and provide for our working families and seniors. While our chamber was able to reach bipartisan support on several meaningful pieces of legislation, we are still waiting—now three months past the June 30 deadline—for Senate leadership to negotiate in good faith toward a budget that works for all Pennsylvanians.
Adding to the uncertainty caused by our state budget impasse, the federal government shut down at 12:01 AM on October 1. Like all of you, I am concerned about the impacts to our social services, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and affected federal workers. Chester County Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan published a helpful page to address some of the most common questions about what happens during a government shut down. Her team will strive to update this information as more details become available.
Ireland Summit
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland with the American-Irish State Legislators Caucus and the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission. I want to be very clear that this trip was self-funded. When we were invited, it was with the clear understanding that legislators would pay our own way if attending.
As an Irish-American who grew up attending Gaelic football matches at Cardinal Dougherty High School, and with the Irish Center in Mount Airy (Philadelphia) being central to our family and community life, I was personally excited to explore my family’s heritage and trace connections to my great grandfather and great-great grandfather in County Donegal.
As a legislator, I was excited to learn more about the opportunities to advance trade and economic development between Ireland and Pennsylvania. Irish-owned companies currently have more than 16,000 employees in Pennsylvania, and the strong two-way trade relationship between Ireland and our commonwealth helps to support Pennsylvania jobs and small businesses. It was also enlightening and inspiring to visit Irish Parliament and hear from their legislators about the challenges they’ve faced as a nation and the solutions they’ve found to improve their economic standing, educational outcomes, public health, and overall quality of life.
Of course, another highlight of the trip was Sunday’s NFL game in Dublin between the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. My sister Meghan, now a Pittsburgh resident and Steelers fan, joined me on the trip, and while I won’t be turning in my lifelong Eagles fan card anytime soon, it was fun to root for that other Pennsylvania home team, just for the day!
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PA House Passes Universal Background Check Bill
I was back in Harrisburg for session on Tuesday, when the House took a major step toward protecting our communities from gun violence, passing HB 1593 - Background Checks for Firearms with a bipartisan vote of 104-99. Specifically, this legislation would require background checks for all firearm purchases in Pennsylvania, including the private sales of long guns such as rifles and shotguns - which were previously exempt under state law.
This legislation would close dangerous loopholes that have allowed firearms to be sold without proper screening, aligning Pennsylvania’s laws more closely with federal standards. By ensuring comprehensive background checks, it aims to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a risk to public safety.
House Democrats championed this legislation as a key part of their broader effort to address gun violence and promote safer communities across the Commonwealth. Advocates argue that universal background checks are a proven, common-sense measure supported by a majority of Pennsylvanians.
The bill now advances to the Republican-controlled Senate, where debate and uncertainty continue. Stay tuned as this critical legislation moves forward and Pennsylvania takes an important step toward reducing gun violence.
Support for Iron Hill Brewery Employees
Last week, Iron Hill Brewery unexpectedly announced that it would close its doors, effective immediately. Iron Hill has been a fixture in Southeastern PA for nearly 30 years, including multiple locations in Chester County. But behind the familiar name and local pride are real people who are now facing real hardship.
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That’s me in the picture above, when I attended my very first Great American Beer Festival as a part of Team IHB. Just before this photo, I was unpacking the tents, and one of the poles that held up the tent had been lost in transit. We had like 30 minutes before the doors opened. I was in a panic, when one of our brewers, Chris LaPierre, whom we lost too soon earlier this year, came in with a broomstick, a roll of duct tape, and some zip ties. I didn’t have time to give him the questioning side eye; thousands of people were about to flood the floor. So many incredible memories. So many incredible friendships.
Iron Hill has been so much a part of my story, both professionally, and personally. These were some of the best times of my life. I will always be grateful and proud to have been a small part of an incredible journey. To say that the last week and a half has been overwhelmingly sad is an understatement.
As I run into and connect with so many friends, I am reminded that what Chief, Mark, and Kevin built was more that a brewpub; it was a family and a culture, and all of that goes so far beyond the four walls of a restaurant and brewery. The reach of IHB has touched so many places, including the PA House of Representatives, and so many new spin-off brew pub brands that got their start schlepping tents, scrubbing tanks, busing tables, and shoveling spent grain.
Through all these memories and connections, I want to remind everyone that our office is here to support you; whether you're part of the Iron Hill family, a local business owner, or a member of our broader community. We understand how deeply this loss has touched so many lives, both personally and professionally. If you need assistance navigating the unemployment system, Pennie (the state health insurance marketplace), or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here and ready to assist.
Additionally, there is an active Facebook set up by former IHB staff to help employees connect with opportunities in the business. Learn more here.
Trout Stocking the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek
On Thursday, Team Otten joined the PA Fish & Boat Commission in Downingtown to stock the East Branch of Brandywine Creek with trout for the upcoming season. Trout stocking plays a vital role in maintaining Pennsylvania’s vibrant fishing culture and aquatic health. By introducing hatchery-raised trout into select waterways, we help:
- Enhance recreational fishing: Stocking ensures anglers have access to quality fishing opportunities throughout the season.
- Support conservation efforts: Stocked trout can supplement wild populations and help balance ecosystems where natural reproduction is limited.
- Promote outdoor education: Events like these connect communities to nature and inspire the next generation of stewards.
- Monitor waterway health: Stocking sites are often chosen based on water quality and habitat conditions, helping track and improve stream health.
Thanks to the PA Fish & Boat Commission and all the volunteers who make this work possible.
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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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Help Shape the Future of Pennsylvania Rail
The comment period is open from now through October 24 for the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan. This plan, updated every four years, focuses on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment and economic development. It also evaluates opportunities for growth in passenger and freight rail, including local projects such as new passenger stations in Downingtown and Coatesville as well as restoration of passenger service from Reading through Phoenixville to Philadelphia.
Public transit’s short term funding crisis may have been resolved for now, but SEPTA regional rail and Amtrak’s Keystone East Corridor are still in desperate need of a permanent solution. Please take a few minutes to make your voice heard on the future of rail in the Commonwealth.
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Getting Ready for Municipal Election Day
With less than 40 days until Election Day, there is no better time to make sure you are ready to vote!
In Pennsylvania, we hold elections every year, twice a year – with a primary in the spring and a general election in the fall. That means every single year, you have the power to shape who represents you at the local, county, state, and even judicial levels.
This November, voters in our community will be choosing leaders for important positions like:
- School Board Directors
- Township Supervisors & Borough Council Members
- Mayors
- County Offices
- Judges for the County Court of Common Pleas
And statewide, voters across the commonwealth will be voting on state judicial retentions, a state Superior Court judge, and a Commonwealth Court judge.
Unfortunately, Municipal Elections typically have LOW voter turnout, but these elected officials make decisions that impact our day-to-day lives. From decisions about our schools, law enforcement, open space preservation, local taxation, zoning & development, and how justice is administered, these choices matter!
Make sure you are ready for Election Day today!
Your vote is your voice, and your vote is powerful. Be sure to make it heard on November 4th!
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Seasonal Vaccine Opportunities in Chester County
The Chester County Health Department will be hosting community clinics for anyone interested in getting their flu and COVID vaccines. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, while the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for ages 65+, and available for those 6 months–64 with certain medical conditions or by request.
Clinics are being held at community locations such as schools and libraries, and appointments can be scheduled online. To save time, fill out consent forms in advance, bring your insurance card if you have one, and wear short or loose-fitting sleeves for easy access.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, click here.
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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.
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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.
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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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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
State Representative,
155th Legislative District
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
34 East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-5009
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District Office
631 Pottstown Pike
Exton, PA 19341
(484) 200-8259
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