EXTON, May 13 – State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten, D-Chester, has reintroduced legislation that would place the costs of early detection and warning systems on pipeline operators rather than taxpayers and ensure that these systems are in place prior to pipeline operation. Pennsylvania law requires school districts, municipalities, and local emergency management agencies to implement disaster response and emergency preparedness plans consistent with guidelines developed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. However, a recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission found that pipeline operators have too often failed to provide any reliable means of monitoring pipelines for leaks or alerting communities of pipeline incidents, leaving local officials unable to fulfill their state-mandated emergency preparedness requirements. House Bill 1364 , which Otten introduced as H.B. 1735 during the 2019-20 legislative session, seeks to address that failure by establishing a pipeline early detection and warning board. This board would collect fees from pipeline operators and distribute those funds to municipalities, school districts, or county governments for the development of early detection and warning systems to alert communities and emergency responders in the event of a pipeline incident. “For too long, Pennsylvania taxpayers and our local communities have borne all the risks and all the costs of pipeline Read more
Earlier this week, Governor Wolf announced that COVID-19 mitigation orders, except masking, will be lifted on Memorial Day, May 31. Read more
Earlier this month, my colleague Rep. Christina Sappey and I co-hosted the third event in our series of four online panel discussions focused on Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic. Read more
We are now less than one month from the May 18 municipal primary election, and I want to take this opportunity to share some more information about what will be on the ballot. Read more
EXTON, April 21- State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks, and state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, announced today that projects totaling $793,330 were recently awarded to key Chester County community and infrastructure projects through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA). “Funding approved today represents significant investments in our regional infrastructure, vital support for outdoor recreational opportunities, and demonstrates an overall commitment by the Commonwealth to Chester County and Southeast Pennsylvania,” said Muth.? “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our local township officials continued to show up every day, working with foresight toward what will improve our region tomorrow.? I am always happy to support the work of our community partners and I look forward to completion of these important projects.” “The grants awarded today will help to enhance and protect public spaces and improve quality of life for residents of Uwchlan Township, West Vincent Township, and the surrounding areas,” Otten said. “I applaud our township officials and the volunteers who serve on our local Parks and Rec committees and Environmental Advisory Councils for their proactive and ongoing work to develop a unified vision for our municipal spaces and bring that vision to fruition. I am proud to help bring this funding back to Chester County and Read more
On Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that COVID-19 vaccine appointments are now available for everyone 16+. Read more
WEST BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP, APRIL 16 – State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten, D-Chester, today announced that West Brandywine Township received a $1.69 million grant from the state Transportation Department. The funding will be used for embankment stabilization, drainage and roadway reconstruction of a section of Pratts Dam Road. These repairs will help minimize negative environmental impacts and improve traffic safety. “In addition to improving roadway safety, the project will enhance the water quality of the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek by preventing further erosion into the stream,” Otten said. “This funding will help to ensure that residents and emergency vehicles maintain access to Pratts Dam Road, where deterioration of the embankment has resulted in hazardous conditions. I am grateful to PennDOT for recognizing the urgent need for safety improvements along this important emergency response route and scenic corridor.” This project is one of 43 highway, bridge, rail, and bike and pedestrian projects in 21 counties that were selected for $45.9 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. For more information, contact Otten’s office at 484-200-8259. Read more
Please join Rep. Danielle Friel Otten and Rep. Christina Sappey for a virtual series on Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic. We will discuss how the pandemic has affected the mental health of children and young adults in different age groups, what resources are available to help them, and how parents can access available resources. We’ll hear from counselors and health care providers, and we’ll reserve plenty of time for Q&A. Read more
On Thursday, the Chester County Health Department announced that COVID-19 vaccination appointments are now available for everyone in Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C. Read more
This week has brought us some very welcomed vaccine news, beginning with Chester County’s launch of its new vaccine scheduling and registration system on Monday. Read more
The House was back in session this week and last. Last Wednesday, we expected to vote on legislation to push through emergency action for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, but our vote was derailed mid-day. Read more
Vaccines continue to be the number one issue on constituents’ minds, and my colleagues and I continue to push for answers and increased supply to our region. Read more
In my last email newsletter, I asked constituents who had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and had their second dose canceled or “unconfirmed” by their provider to contact our office. Read more
On Thursday evening, my friend Rep. Christina Sappey and I hosted the first event in our four-part virtual series on Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic. This first session focused on how the pandemic has affected the mental health of children ages Pre-K through 2nd grade. Read more
A panel on youth mental health and the pandemic focusing on the Pre-K to 2nd Grade years. Read more
Vaccine distribution remains the number one issue on constituents’ minds. We’ve shared a lot about why and where things went wrong; now let’s talk about what needs to be done to fix it, and where we are finally seeing some signs of hope and progress. Read more
Concern about access to the COVID vaccine continues to be the number one issue I’m hearing from constituents, and I wanted to provide an update on what we know so far. Read more
Over the past week, my office has received more emails and phone calls about vaccine distribution than any other issue. Folks are understandably eager to register for a vaccine, frustrated by a lack of clear information, and concerned that vaccines are not being distributed equitably or fairly. Read more
Letter to Gov. Wolf from the legislative Climate Caucus detailing requests to consider for his upcoming budget address. Read more
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631 North Pottstown PikeExton, PA 19341
P*: (484) 200-8259
F*: (484) 200-8269
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Constituent services available by email, phone, or in-person by appointment. If you need an appointment outside our regular business hours, please call us at 484-200-8259 or email repotten@pahouse.net and we will do our best to accommodate.
122 Wallace Ave.Downingtown, PA 19335-2643
Hours of Operation - Fourth Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
34 East WingPO Box 202155Harrisburg, PA 17120-2155
P*: (717) 783-5009
F*: (717) 772-2943