Dear Neighbor,
In Pennsylvania, the General Assembly has a sort of limbo period in every even-numbered year, with one legislative session ending on November 30 and the next session on hold until the official swearing-in and return to legislative action in January.
During this quieter time, my staff and I are busy reviewing the bills that I’ve introduced or co-sponsored in the past session and working on our legislative and constituent-outreach priorities for the new session. It’s also a time to learn about and build upon successful legislative efforts in other states.
This week, my team has attended virtual briefings and webinars about the ongoing work in state legislatures across the country to protect reproductive rights, preserve our clean air and water, improve the resilience of our energy grid, grow our education and healthcare workforce, take advantage of federal clean energy tax credits, and make stronger economic investments in local communities. It’s always inspiring to see the great work being done all around the country, and very often, successful bills in other states can serve as model legislation for priorities we hope to advance here in Pennsylvania.
Of course, while the halls of Harrisburg might be quieter this time of year, it’s a notoriously busy time for schools and families. We love seeing posts from our local school districts and municipalities about all the winter concerts, cultural events, and holiday celebrations taking place this month.
This week, we’re especially excited to give a shout-out to some of our student musicians and local youth athletic organizations. After months of practice and hours spent competing, several local groups were rewarded for their hard work with the chance to perform or compete on the national stage.
The Downingtown East Marching Band had the chance to perform on the deck of the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and they represented Pennsylvania in the 2024 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
The Marsh Creek Eagles and Downingtown Young Whippets were both well represented at the Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Competition and Football National Championships in Florida, with both football and cheer squads bringing home awards in multiple age groups.
I was proud to join our Pop Warner crew to support a very special constituent and her Mighty Mites I squad. Here are some of the highlights from the competition this week:
- Downingtown Young Whippets Football
- Downingtown Young Whippets Cheer
- Mitey Mite 1 – 2nd in Sideline
- Mitey Mite 2 – 1st in Sideline, 5th in Routine
- Jr. Pee Wee – 2nd in Sideline, 3rd in Routine
- Pee Wee 2 – 2nd in Routine
- Pee Wee 3 – 2nd in Routine
It should come as no surprise that we have such a talented bunch of student athletes here in the district. I am so proud of their efforts and excited to see what their futures will hold. Congratulations and keep up the hard work!
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New Grant Awarded
I am happy to share that the Chester County Conservation District has been awarded $67,000 in DEP funding to help restore and protect local tributaries that lead to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Investing in cleaning the waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay is more than an environmental effort – it's a commitment to safeguarding a vital ecosystem, supporting local economies and preserving a legacy of natural beauty and abundance for generations to come.
The DEP awarded funds through the 2025?Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants?to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Earlier this year, the Shapiro administration announced that for the first time in its history, the Chesapeake Bay showed steady overall improvement, earning a C+ grade from the University of Maryland’s?Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card. While there is still much work to be done, this is the highest grade ever awarded to the overall health of the Bay since the report was created.
Read more here.
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Important Deadlines Approaching
The end of 2024 and the start of the new year are quickly approaching and with that are some important deadlines for several statewide programs. Read below to see if you qualify.
- The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians ages 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities ages 18 and older.
- During this period, individuals and families can enroll in health insurance plans, make changes to existing coverage, or renew their current plans.
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If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on any legislative or state-related issue, please contact our district office at repotten@pahouse.net.
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LIHEAP Applications are Now Available!
The application process for the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now open!
LIHEAP provides help with home heating bills so that Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners.
For eligibility requirements and information on how to apply visit:?dhs.pa.gov/LIHEAP.
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Pennie Open Enrollment Period
The Pennie Open Enrollment Period (OEP) will run from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. During this period, individuals and families can enroll in health insurance plans, make changes to existing coverage, or renew their current plans.
Even if you are happy with your current health coverage, the plans and prices offered through Pennie change every year. Many Pennie customers qualify for additional savings, helping Pennsylvanians navigate the challenges of rising healthcare costs.
Visit Pennie.com to compare plans and find high-quality, low-cost health coverage that fits your needs and budget. If you recently lost coverage through Medicaid, Pennie may have options to help you stay covered with a quality health plan at low or even no cost to you.
All plans offered through Pennie cover preventative care, mental health services, and more. Learn more at pennie.com or call the Pennie Customer Line at 1-844-8040 for assistance.
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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Expansion in 2024
If you’ve applied for Property tax/Rent Rebate, keep an eye out for your check or direct deposit! The first rebate checks were mailed to eligible applicants beginning on July 1, and applications will continue to be processed through the December 31 application deadline. If you have not yet applied for your rebate, our office can help!
We fought and won last year to expand income limits and rebate amounts. Beginning this year, the PT/RR Program:
- Raises the income limit to qualify for rebates to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters.
- Ensures this income cap will keep pace with inflation.
- Increases the maximum rebate from $650 to $1,000.
Simply put: More people are now eligible, and eligible individuals will receive more money back in your pocket!
The application deadline has been extended from June 30 to December 31, 2024, but the sooner you apply, the sooner you will receive your rebate!
For more information and how to apply, click here.
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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, 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,
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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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