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Make your voice heard on PECO's proposed rate increases

Your voice wins: PECO withdraws $510M rate hike; PA must do more to protect ratepayers

(Apr 17, 2026)

On Thursday, PECO announced that it has withdrawn its rate case request. Thank you to all the constituents who joined me and my colleagues in calling on state regulators to reject the increase. Read more. Read more

 

Who owns our water in PA?

(Apr 10, 2026)

Pennsylvania is one of the most water-rich states in the country, with an estimated 80 trillion gallons stored in underground aquifers and trillions more in our lakes, reservoirs, and 83,000 miles of streams and rivers. Read more

 

Democratic SE Delegation urges PUC to reject PECO rate hikes

(Apr 08, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 8 — Members of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Southeast Delegation today wrote to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to express their strong opposition to proposed gas and electric rate hikes by PECO, according to state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, the delegation chair. Read more

 

Make your voice heard on PECO's proposed rate increases

(Apr 06, 2026)

No one should have to choose between paying their utility bills and putting food on the table. Please join me in calling on state regulators to reject this proposal and stand up for Pennsylvania consumers. Read more

 

Water privatization and higher rates: What you need to know in PA

(Apr 02, 2026)

Last week, we talked about the PUC’s upcoming public hearings on the proposed $63 billion merger between Essential Utilities and American Water. If approved, this merger would create the largest private water utility in the United States. Read more

 

PUC schedules public hearings on proposed Aqua PA and American Water merger

(Mar 27, 2026)

Pennsylvanians are already feeling the impacts of data center development on their rising electric bills, and those same data center proposals are poised to have an equally concerning impact on public water bills. Read more

 

Honoring Cpl. O'Connor; the price Pennsylvania paid for “cheap” gas; and more

(Mar 20, 2026)

This week, I had the solemn honor of attending the funeral for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor. As elected officials, we are often invited to join families and communities during moments of celebration, including award ceremonies, recognition dinners, and milestones that mark some of the brightest chapters in people’s lives. Being invited to stand with the O’Connor family, their friends, and loved ones during one of the most difficult moments of their lives was a very different kind of honor, and one I carried with deep respect.  Read more

 

Honoring Cpl. Timothy O’Connor

(Mar 13, 2026)

Our community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in West Caln Township. Corporal O’Connor dedicated his career to protecting the people of Pennsylvania, and his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Read more

 

Pa. families shouldn’t pay for power that never gets used

(Mar 06, 2026)

As we continue the conversation on rising electricity prices this week, here’s a take I think most of us can agree on: Pennsylvania households shouldn’t bear the extra costs created by data center development or pay higher rates driven by excess demand that never gets used. Read more

 

What should responsible data center policy look like in Pennsylvania?

(Feb 27, 2026)

While the proliferation of data centers across the commonwealth and the nation has only recently captured widespread media attention, I have spent more than a year working with legislators from multiple states in the PJM region to identify concerns and propose solutions that address the strain on our energy grid, the effect on our utility bills, and the potential environmental and economic impacts of rapid data center development. Read more

 

It's time to examine Pennsylvania's next budget; Chester County Spelling Bee standouts

(Feb 20, 2026)

With the Governor’s Budget Address now behind us and the House scheduled to return to session in late March, this period is one of the most important stretches of the legislative year. While the governor’s proposal sets the stage, it is only the first step in a months’ long process that relies heavily on public input, careful review, and collaboration across the Commonwealth. Read more

 

PJM extends price cap on electricity costs; New grants awarded to Downingtown Borough

(Feb 13, 2026)

For more than a year, I have worked with legislators from multiple states in the PJM region to express concerns and propose solutions for addressing the strain on our energy grid and the increased costs created by data center development. Read more

 

Otten, Comitta announce state funding for better traffic flow in Downingtown Borough

(Feb 10, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation awarded more than $160,000 in state grants to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety at intersections and street crossings in Downingtown Borough. The grants are part of a $27 million investment funded by PennDOT’s Automated Red-Light Enforcement Program to support 51 safety projects across 44 municipalities statewide . The approved projects in Downingtown include: $65,469 for lane configuration and detection upgrades at the intersection of Wallace Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, and detection upgrades at two adjacent intersections within the borough. $94,812 to enhance the existing mid-block pedestrian crossing along Pennsylvania Avenue at Kerr Park. "These investments will help to improve traffic flow, walkability and pedestrian safety in a busy part of town near some of Downingtown’s most popular parks and local businesses," said Otten, D-Chester. “I applaud the borough’s ongoing commitment to building a safe, convenient and welcoming community for residents and visitors." Pennsylvania’s ARLE program, which benefits municipalities throughout the state, is funded by fines from red light violations at 38 intersections in Philadelphia where red-light running has been determined to be an issue. Projects are selected Read more

 

Pa. state budget builds on education, workforce and doesn't raise taxes

(Feb 06, 2026)

On Tuesday, Governor Shapiro delivered the fourth and final Budget Address of his first term. I heard a lot that I was encouraged by, and many of the proposals align with the priorities I hear from families, educators, and local leaders here in central Chester County – all without raising taxes. Read more

 

A focus on energy reliability as our region picks up from storm; Update on ICE

(Jan 30, 2026)

Last weekend’s snowstorm brought real disruption to our region. Schools closed, businesses adjusted their hours, and many community events were postponed or canceled. The effects lingered into the early part of the week, reminding us how quickly winter weather can upend daily routines. Read more

 

Prepare for the winter storm; First responders honored; Grants awarded to local projects

(Jan 26, 2026)

It looks like much of the country is gearing up for a major winter storm, and central Chester County is right in the path of it. With so many of us preparing to hunker down, this is a good moment to take stock of what you might need for a few days at home. Read more

 

Otten highlights more than $1.4 million in state funding for community infrastructure projects

(Jan 23, 2026)

EXTON, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, today announced that nearly $1.4 million in state funding was approved for infrastructure projects in her central Chester County legislative district. “State investments like these help our communities address long-standing infrastructure needs and keep pace with growth while alleviating some of the burden on local taxpayers,” Otten said. “My team and I enjoy working with our local municipalities to identify their needs and funding priorities, and I’m thrilled to have helped bring these resources to our district. These projects will help to improve public safety, address the infrastructure challenges that come with development and population growth, and enhance quality of life for residents across central Chester County.” Funding awarded from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: Main Line Hospitals Downingtown Health Center Transportation in Caln Township, $532,167 for roadway, intersection, and pedestrian infrastructure improvements at the site of the proposed Main Line Health Center at Lloyd Avenue and Route 322. Uwchlan Township and Lionville Middle School Whitford Road Pedestrian Crossing Project , $120,569, for pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Whitford Road and Lori Circle. Funding awarded from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: Uwchlan Township Municipal Authority , Read more

 

Continuing to move Pennsylvania forward; Farm Show brings PA together

(Jan 16, 2026)

As we begin 2026, we remain focused on delivering real results for the people of Pennsylvania. Last year, we advanced more than 280 bills to lower taxes, help families save for retirement, put more teachers in our classrooms, and make our communities safer. We are living through challenging times, and we continue to move Pennsylvania forward by staying focused on the issues that matter most to working families. Read more

 

Otten announces more than $1 million in new DCNR grants

(Jan 13, 2026)

EXTON, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, today announced that $1,068,400 in state funding has been awarded to benefit community conservation efforts in her central Chester County legislative district. Funding was administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), which helps communities improve parks and playgrounds, build and repair trails, conserve open space, restore rivers and watersheds, and grow local economies through outdoor recreation. “These grants reflect our shared commitment to preserving open space and expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities for every resident,” Otten said. “By improving parks, strengthening trail connections, and protecting natural spaces, we’re investing in both our quality of life today and the long-term environmental stewardship that will benefit Chester County for generations.” DCNR approved funding for the following projects in Otten’s central Chester County district: Caln Township, $472,500, for the construction of approximately 0.25 miles of the Beaver Creek Trail from Lloyd Park to Mary Street Field, including stormwater management measures, a pedestrian bridge, ADA access, landscaping, and other related site improvements. East Brandywine Township, $338,400 toward the acquisition of approximately 14.9 acres for Read more

 

Staying Safe While Demanding Accountability; Plus, Route 30 Bypass updates and more

(Jan 09, 2026)

I hope everyone enjoyed a joyful and restorative holiday season, and I wish you all the very best in the year ahead. As we begin 2026, I also want to extend my congratulations to all our newly elected local officials as they step into their roles and begin this important work on behalf of our communities. Public service is a team effort, and I’m grateful for every partner, new and returning, who is committed to strengthening our region. I am looking forward to another year of community and collaboration here in central Chester County as we continue the work of serving our neighbors together. Read more

 

Your voice wins: PECO withdraws $510M rate hike; PA must do more to protect ratepayers
Apr 17, 2026

Who owns our water in PA?
Apr 10, 2026

Democratic SE Delegation urges PUC to reject PECO rate hikes
Apr 08, 2026

Make your voice heard on PECO's proposed rate increases
Apr 06, 2026

Water privatization and higher rates: What you need to know in PA
Apr 02, 2026

PUC schedules public hearings on proposed Aqua PA and American Water merger
Mar 27, 2026

Honoring Cpl. O'Connor; the price Pennsylvania paid for “cheap” gas; and more
Mar 20, 2026

Honoring Cpl. Timothy O’Connor
Mar 13, 2026

Pa. families shouldn’t pay for power that never gets used
Mar 06, 2026

What should responsible data center policy look like in Pennsylvania?
Feb 27, 2026

It's time to examine Pennsylvania's next budget; Chester County Spelling Bee standouts
Feb 20, 2026

PJM extends price cap on electricity costs; New grants awarded to Downingtown Borough
Feb 13, 2026

Otten, Comitta announce state funding for better traffic flow in Downingtown Borough
Feb 10, 2026

Pa. state budget builds on education, workforce and doesn't raise taxes
Feb 06, 2026

A focus on energy reliability as our region picks up from storm; Update on ICE
Jan 30, 2026

Prepare for the winter storm; First responders honored; Grants awarded to local projects
Jan 26, 2026

Otten highlights more than $1.4 million in state funding for community infrastructure projects
Jan 23, 2026

Continuing to move Pennsylvania forward; Farm Show brings PA together
Jan 16, 2026

Otten announces more than $1 million in new DCNR grants
Jan 13, 2026

Staying Safe While Demanding Accountability; Plus, Route 30 Bypass updates and more
Jan 09, 2026