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A First Look at the PA Budget Proposal

(Feb 07, 2025)

On Tuesday, Governor Shapiro delivered the third budget address of his term, laying out a proposal that makes continued investments in our children and schools, cuts costs for working families, and creates more economic opportunities for all Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Otten presents East Brandywine Fire Co. with $94K state grant

(Feb 03, 2025)

East Brandywine Fire Co. Chief Sergio Ora and Rep. Danielle Friel Otten. From left, East Brandywine Fire Co. Trustee Joe Edwards, Ron Miller, East Brandywine Fire Co. Treasurer Ken Ader, Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, Greg Kohlmaier, and Dr. Robert Nye. EXTON, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten on Friday presented $94,000 in state grant funding to the East Brandywine Fire Co. for the purchase of new rescue equipment. The fire company will use the funds to outfit a new rescue vehicle with a Res-Q-Jack kit and battery-powered rescue tools, which will free up existing equipment for use on other vehicles in the fleet. “The communities served by East Brandywine Fire Company have experienced significant growth over the past several years and continue to grow at a rapid pace,” said Otten, D-Chester. “This new equipment will help East Brandywine Fire Company continue to provide high-quality emergency services to keep up with the increased need. I commend East Brandywine for their hard work and dedication to keeping our neighbors safe, and I am glad we’ve been able to help fulfill this funding request.” The grant was funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. “The support of the state representative to our emergency services is second to none,” East Brandywine Fire Chief Vince D’Amico and East Brandywine Fire Co. President John Edwards Read more

 

E-News: This week has been a long year

(Jan 31, 2025)

This week has been a long year, folks. A lot has happened in a short period, and the overwhelming amount of concerning, confusing, and sometimes contradictory news coming at us may feel destabilizing right now. Read more

 

A Sad Note Starts House Session in Harrisburg

(Jan 24, 2025)

This week began and ended on a very sad note, as my House colleagues and I learned on Sunday of the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, State Representative Matt Gergely. Read more

 

Fires Remind us to Protect Essential Documents; My Office Can Help

(Jan 17, 2025)

As the wildfires in California continue to spread and destroy the homes and livelihoods of thousands, my heart is with the families of the 27 people who have been killed and the more than 80,000 who have been told to evacuate their homes. I cannot even begin to imagine the feeling of having to leave your home at a moment’s notice, grabbing the necessities, and leaving the rest behind without knowing if you will ever see your home again. Read more

 

Pennsylvania's 2025-26 House Session is Set and Ready to Begin

(Jan 10, 2025)

This past Tuesday was Swearing-In Day at the Capitol, marking the official start of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session. It was nice to be back in Harrisburg, seeing all of my colleagues with their friends and families on this celebratory day. Read more

 

Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines; Follow your government in action

(Jan 03, 2025)

Since 2019, I have had the honor of representing the 155th Legislative District, and in each year since then we have made progress toward making Pennsylvania a place where people from all walks of life have an opportunity to grow, learn, work, and succeed. As we head into a new year and the new 2025-2026 legislative session, I know I am not alone in feeling uncertain about what the immediate and longer-term future have in store. Read more

 

2025 Capitol Scenes Calendar

(Jan 02, 2025)

Download your copy here! Read more

 

Happy Holidays! Here are Our Holiday Hours and Deadlines for State Programs

(Dec 20, 2024)

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to wish each of you the peace and love of the season and hope for the new year ahead. As we look toward the beginning of a new year and a new legislative session, I am grateful for the work our community continues to put in together for the collective good of all. Read more

 

Celebrating our student musicians and athletes; Important deadlines for state programs

(Dec 13, 2024)

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. Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

(Dec 12, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – Members of the Chester County state legislative delegation are pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Chester County. The Chester County Conservation District was awarded more than $67,000 in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "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," said state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. “Stormwater runoff and agricultural runoff remain leading sources of water quality impairment in Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “These investments will help prevent pollution and restore and protect the local watersheds that are crucial to environmental health, public health, and the strong quality of life in our communities.” Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Earlier this year, the Read more

 

Find the Holiday Spirit Right Here in Our Community; Tips for Managing Winter Energy Bills

(Dec 06, 2024)

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and was able to spend some time surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. It was nice to take a moment to relax during the Thanksgiving break. Although, here in the Otten household we were excited to quickly move on from fall and head straight into the holiday season. And it seems like a lot of the 155th Legislative District is ready, too! Read more

 

Holidays Remind Us to Slow Down, Share for Charity

(Nov 22, 2024)

After what has been a very busy and at times hectic year so far, we find ourselves heading into the holiday season. Over the upcoming Thanksgiving week and weekend, I look forward to spending some much-needed time with my family. I hope you are able to find some time for yourself in the next week, too, whether it be by turning off your phone, spending time with loved ones, getting outside, or whatever it is that soothes your soul. Read more

 

Looking back at the 2023/24 PA Legislative Session

(Nov 15, 2024)

The House was back in session this week for the final time in the 2023-2024 legislative year, and as we look back on this term, there is a lot we can be proud of. From historic investments in public education to putting more money back in the pockets of working families and seniors, House Democrats were able to work with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to Get Stuff Done! Read more

 

Otten announces $350,000 state grant for Hickory Park improvements

(Nov 13, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, today announced that Upper Uwchlan Township has received a $350,000 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grant for improvements and renovations to the township’s Hickory Park. The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant will go toward the renovation of pedestrian walkways, volleyball courts and a parking area, as well as construction of pickleball courts, a basketball court, a cricket/rugby pitch, and a baseball field and pavilion. It will also fund stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping, project signage and other site improvements. "These state grants help to fund transformative investments in our community spaces,” Otten said. “Hickory Park is Upper Uwchlan’s most popular and widely used park, and this money will help to expand recreation opportunities in the township and the surrounding area. I applaud the township for its plan to add new amenities that will serve a broad range of ages and interests, as well as the commitment to investments in ADA access and sustainable stormwater management to ensure that our parks are more inclusive and enjoyable for all." DCNR’s C2P2 offers a wide range of grant and technical assistance programs to help Pennsylvania communities, land conservancies and non-profit organizations plan, acquire and develop natural resources in the state. In addition to Read more

 

Thank you for making your voice heard!

(Nov 08, 2024)

It was great to see so many constituents at the polls on Tuesday as voters across the 155th Legislative District carried out their civic duty. I’m grateful to our county election officials, poll workers, and countless volunteers in every precinct who helped the process go smoothly. Read more

 

Down to the Wire Election Resources are Still Available to You

(Nov 01, 2024)

Election Day is finally almost here. With just a few days to go until November 5th, I hope that you have already made your plan to vote or returned your Mail-In Ballot through the mail, at a drop box, or at a Voter Services Satellite Office. Read more

 

Shred Event this weekend; New grant awards announced

(Oct 25, 2024)

This week, the House held their final voting session prior to the 2024 General Election, and we continued our work of advancing a bipartisan agenda that lifts up the people of Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Otten announces multiple state grant awards for critical projects

(Oct 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, today announced the award of several high-profile state grants for local projects that will benefit residents of the 155 th Legislative District. Some grants originated from the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, which was created to provide grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. The program is administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Downingtown Area School District, Brandywine Wallace Elementary School Window Replacement Project, $672,000 Downingtown Area School District will replace 78 windows at Brandywine Wallace Elementary School to address safety and energy loss concerns. The storefront and venting windows do not meet energy conservation codes, and the sliding windows are currently inoperable due to gasket deterioration and metal corrosion. The window replacements will provide energy savings, as well as health and safety benefits through improved air quality and more easily operated windows that present fewer risks of injury. The windows will also have a security benefit through simpler locking mechanisms that provide perimeter security. Downingtown Area School District, District-wide AED Project, $40,250 The Downingtown Area School District AED Master Plan includes the Read more

 

Election Day is only 17 days away!

(Oct 18, 2024)

With just over two weeks to go until Election Day (17 days!), I hope everyone has a plan to make their voice heard at the ballot box. Read more