WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 3): Jennersville and Brandywine Hospital Updates

(Dec 03, 2021)

In October, following the announcement that Jennersville Hospital would close, and with the fate of Brandywine Hospital and other Tower Health properties uncertain, I co-hosted a policy hearing on protecting access to quality health care in our communities. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Nov. 19): The political theater needs to stop in Pennsylvania

(Nov 19, 2021)

In last week’s newsletter, which is available to view on my website, I talked about my frustration with how the legislature too often spends its time in Harrisburg on ceremonial or partisan pursuits, instead of working to improve our constituents’ lives by addressing actual problems that need to be solved here and across the state. Read more

 

Otten announces half a million in trail and transportation grants

(Nov 19, 2021)

EAST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP, Nov. 19 — State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, today announced that two communities within her legislative district each received grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that will improve walkability and ADA access to area walkways. One grant for $395,028 was awarded to East Pikeland Township. Funding comes from the Multimodal Transportation Fund and will go toward pedestrian safety improvements along state routes 23 and 724. This includes constructing sidewalks and bus shelters, providing safe access to bus stops and adding ADA accessibility features. “State routes 23 and 724 are major transportation hubs that are used by more than 20,000 vehicles per day. This project will help to promote use of public transportation along these corridors and ensure that the roadways are as safe and accessible as possible for all who use them,” Otten said. The second award was a $113,642 Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant for Spring City. This grant will help construct an ADA accessible parklet and trail connecter between downtown Spring City and the corner of Main Street and Yost Avenue, linking the Schuylkill River Trail and the borough’s business district. Trailhead signage will also be installed. “Creating an accessible link between downtown Spring City, municipal parking and the Schuylkill River Trail is an exciting next step in the community’s Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Nov. 10): It's time we address the real issues in Harrisburg

(Nov 10, 2021)

My time as your representative in Harrisburg has been eye-opening in many ways. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Nov. 5): Election and COVID-19 vaccine updates

(Nov 05, 2021)

With Election Day behind us, I would like to thank everyone who made time to vote, either in-person or by mail-in ballot. Read more

 

Rep. Otten's fall 2021 newsletter

(Nov 03, 2021)

Rep. Friel Otten's fall newsletter containing environmental and legislative updates, youth mental health information, a recap of a House Policy Committee hearing and more. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 29): Voting to support PA's craft breweries

(Oct 29, 2021)

Pennsylvania is home to more than 350 craft breweries—an increase from just 88 in 2011—making us the nation’s top producer of craft beer. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 22): Update on Aqua PA's proposed rate increase

(Oct 22, 2021)

Last week, I submitted public comment to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in opposition to the proposed water and wastewater rate increases requested by Aqua America and its operating entities. Read more

 

Rep. Otten's public comment to the PUC opposing proposed water and wastewater rate increases

(Oct 20, 2021)

In this public comment I submitted opposing Aqua America's proposed rate increase, I expressed specific concerns about the impact of privatization of public water systems on consumer rates; the impact of climate change on infrastructure costs; and the billing structures for large industrial customers with high-volume demand. Read more

 

$1.2 Million Slated for Affordable Senior Housing in Phoenixville

(Oct 19, 2021)

An important project to bring 50 affordable senior housing units to the Borough of Phoenixville is on track to receive nearly $1.2 million in tax credits through the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 15): Supporting PA's hospitals

(Oct 15, 2021)

On Tuesday, Rep. Dan Williams and I hosted the PA House Democratic Policy Committee for a panel on Saving Community Hospitals: Keeping Care Close. Read more

 

Lawmakers hear from healthcare workers, first responders, administrators, and advocates impacted by hospital consolidation

(Oct 13, 2021)

EAST BRANDYWINE, Oct. 12 – With Tower Health’s announcement last month that it will sell Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia and close Jennersville Hospital in West Grove, Pa., and with the fate of Tower’s Brandywine, Phoenixville, Pottstown, and Reading hospitals still very much up in the air, local healthcare workers, first responders, administrators, and advocates gathered today to address concerns about the potential impacts on quality and access to healthcare, including emergent and mental health care. The discussion was hosted at the East Brandywine Township Building by state Reps. Daniel Friel Otten and Dan Williams, both D-Chester, whose respective legislative districts flank Brandywine Hospital. “Hospital closures and consolidations impact every one of us,” Otten said. “Any one of us could be the family member in an ambulance with our child or loved one, praying to make it to the closest hospital in time. As Chester County’s older-adult population grows, our senior-living and long-term care facilities rely on nearby hospitals for emergency calls and patient care. Our law enforcement officers and county human services agencies rely on the availability of psychiatric beds, mental health services, and behavioral health programs to meet community need. The loss of ERs and reduction in critical care services put additional strain on our EMS departments and local municipalities. The ripple effects of Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 8): Forty-eight charges brought against Energy Transfer

(Oct 08, 2021)

On Tuesday, PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro came to Marsh Creek State Park to announce 48 criminal charges against Energy Transfer, the developer of the Mariner East II pipeline. Read more

 

Mariner East grand jury letter

(Oct 06, 2021)

Letter addressed to Gov. Wolf, Sec. McDonnell and Chairwoman Brown Dutrieuille urging them to halt the Mariner East pipeline project. Read more

 

Otten calls for halt of Mariner East pipeline following Attorney General Shapiro’s filing of 48 criminal charges

(Oct 05, 2021)

EXTON, Oct. 5 -- State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, chair of the Pennsylvania House Legislative Climate Caucus and member of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has filed criminal charges against Sunoco Pipeline/Energy Transfer for environmental crimes related to the Mariner East pipeline project: “This morning, PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro came to Marsh Creek State Park to announce 48 criminal charges against Energy Transfer, the developer of the Mariner East II pipeline. The charges, most of which are for releasing industrial waste at 22 sites in 11 counties across the commonwealth, include 22 counts of prohibition of discharge of industrial waste under the Clean Streams Law; 22 counts of prohibition against other pollutions under the Clean Streams Law; two misdemeanor counts of unlawful conduct under the Clean Streams Law; and one felony count of unlawful conduct under the Clean Streams Law for willfully failing to report incidents to the Department of Environmental Protection. “Attorney General Shapiro is sending a clear message to Energy Transfer and other pipeline operators: You cannot operate in Pennsylvania and play by your own set of rules. If you break Pennsylvania law, you will be tried in a criminal courtroom in Pennsylvania. “Today’s announcement would not have been possible without Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 1): Banned Books Week

(Oct 01, 2021)

We were back in Harrisburg for another session week this week. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Sept. 24): It's Climate Week!

(Sep 24, 2021)

The House returned to session this week for the first time since June. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Sept. 10): County resources for those impacted by Hurricane Ida

(Sep 10, 2021)

As we continue the cleanup from Hurricane Ida, Chester County has compiled resources for residents and businesses affected by the storm. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Sept. 3): Recovering from Hurricane Ida and heading back to school

(Sep 03, 2021)

On Wednesday, Chester County and surrounding areas experienced severe storms from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, which led to flash flooding, evacuations, water rescues, and damage to homes. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Aug. 27): Vaccine and redistricting updates

(Aug 27, 2021)

On Monday, the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 3): Jennersville and Brandywine Hospital Updates
Dec 03, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Nov. 19): The political theater needs to stop in Pennsylvania
Nov 19, 2021

Otten announces half a million in trail and transportation grants
Nov 19, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Nov. 10): It's time we address the real issues in Harrisburg
Nov 10, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Nov. 5): Election and COVID-19 vaccine updates
Nov 05, 2021

Rep. Otten's fall 2021 newsletter
Nov 03, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 29): Voting to support PA's craft breweries
Oct 29, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 22): Update on Aqua PA's proposed rate increase
Oct 22, 2021

Rep. Otten's public comment to the PUC opposing proposed water and wastewater rate increases
Oct 20, 2021

$1.2 Million Slated for Affordable Senior Housing in Phoenixville
Oct 19, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 15): Supporting PA's hospitals
Oct 15, 2021

Lawmakers hear from healthcare workers, first responders, administrators, and advocates impacted by hospital consolidation
Oct 13, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 8): Forty-eight charges brought against Energy Transfer
Oct 08, 2021

Mariner East grand jury letter
Oct 06, 2021

Otten calls for halt of Mariner East pipeline following Attorney General Shapiro’s filing of 48 criminal charges
Oct 05, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Oct. 1): Banned Books Week
Oct 01, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Sept. 24): It's Climate Week!
Sep 24, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Sept. 10): County resources for those impacted by Hurricane Ida
Sep 10, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Sept. 3): Recovering from Hurricane Ida and heading back to school
Sep 03, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Aug. 27): Vaccine and redistricting updates
Aug 27, 2021