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

 

Voter Services Updates, the Northern Lights, and Fall Fest Recap

(Oct 11, 2024)

Were you lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights over our region last night? Crystal clear skies and strong geomagnetic storms made for perfect viewing conditions across Chester County. If you missed last night’s spectacular show, you may get another chance tonight. Read more

 

Voting Session Returns to Harrisburg; Tentative Agreement Reached in ILA Port Workers’ Strike

(Oct 04, 2024)

My colleagues and I returned to Harrisburg on Monday for the start of Fall session. We picked up right where we left off, with a packed week of committee and caucus meetings, advocacy events, and of course voting session days. Gov. Shapiro signed three bills into law this week, including legislation I cosponsored that will allow renters to stay in their homes while certain property repairs are completed. Read more

 

Touring the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center

(Sep 27, 2024)

Following the passage of the 2024-2025 budget in July, which delivered significant investments in public education, affordable housing and healthcare, human services, and our workforce, the House adjourned for summer recess. During this time, my team and I have been speaking with neighbors in all parts of the district, meeting with constituents, attending community events, working on legislation, and preparing for a busy fall. Read more

 

Addressing housing insecurity, the teacher shortage, and more

(Sep 20, 2024)

This past week has been an extremely busy one for Team Otten! My team and I attended multiple legislative events in the district and in the Southeast region, while still working hard here in the district office to deliver excellent constituent services to our community members. Read more

 

Continuing our work implementing the state budget

(Sep 13, 2024)

This past Saturday, my team and I were in Caln Township for Caln Community Day. We weathered some early showers but once those passed, we were all-in for a fun day. It was great meeting so many new friends and bringing our District Office services out into the community. Read more

 

Now is the time for action to prevent gun violence

(Sep 06, 2024)

Our hearts are heavy this week with the news of Wednesday’s fatal shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia, in which two students and two teachers were killed and nine others were injured. Read more

 

Summer 2024 Newsletter

(Sep 03, 2024)

Summer 2024 Newsletter Read more

 

Celebrating America’s Workforce this Labor Day

(Aug 29, 2024)

This week marked the start of the 2024-2025 school year for students and families here in the 155th Legislative District. As a parent of two children in elementary school, I know the first week always brings its challenges, especially getting back into routines, early bedtimes, and school mode, but I hope everyone had a great first week and is excited for the rest of the year! Read more

 

Successful Back-to-School Supplies Drive held

(Aug 23, 2024)

It’s hard to believe, but another summer has come and gone. For many of my younger constituents, that means it’s time to get ready to head back to school. I know we’re sad to see summer come to an end in the Otten household, but we are also very excited to meet our new teachers and rejoin our friends in the classroom. Read more

 

Hearing on Gun Violence Intervention Held in Downingtown

(Aug 16, 2024)

Throughout the legislative session, the House Democratic Policy Committee travels across the state holding public hearings that provide a platform for legislators to hear from community members and advocates on the issues that matter most to our respective districts. The testimony we hear can directly impact the legislation we introduce and ultimately vote on. Read more

 

Testifiers detail negative health, economic impacts of gun violence in PA

(Aug 12, 2024)

Gun violence intervention took center stage at Monday’s House Majority Policy Committee hearing as members gathered testimony to understand what more can be done to reduce gun violence in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Standing up for environmental justice at NCEL; Plus, Hearing on Gun Violence Intervention is Monday

(Aug 09, 2024)

This past weekend, I was in Louisville, Kentucky for the 2024 National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) National Forum. For the past three years, I have served as the Pennsylvania State Lead for NCEL. In this role, I have been the NCEL’s main point of contact in the Pennsylvania legislature, as we work to advance environmental issues and legislation. Read more

 

House holds ERE Hearing on PRESS energy policy

(Aug 02, 2024)

While the House has been in recess since Governor Shapiro signed the 2024-25 state budget into law on July 11, Team Otten has been staying busy. Read more