We were back in Harrisburg for session this week, and while we passed some good legislation, including a bill to improve mental health curriculum in our schools, we still failed to address many of the biggest issues facing Pennsylvanians. Read more
This week, the House was scheduled to be in session for three days. Read more
Last week was an extremely difficult week for communities here at home and across the nation, and so many friends, neighbors, and constituents have expressed to me that that everything just feels so heavy right now. Read more
EXTON, May 26 – On Wednesday, Pennsylvania House Democrats attempted through procedural action to force the House to consider four gun-safety bills that have been sitting in the House Judiciary Committee for more than a year. State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, introduced a motion on the House floor to suspend the rules and immediately bring H.B. 770, an assault weapons ban, up for a vote. Despite strong public support for increased gun safety measures, including assault weapon bans, the House voted 111-87 against Otten’s motion, after House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff argued that the legislation should have to go through a committee first. The bill has spent more than a year in the House Judiciary Committee, where committee Chairman Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin, has previously vowed to block gun safety measures from receiving a vote. In September 2019, the committee was set to consider an extreme risk protection order proposal (also known as a “red flag” law) sponsored by Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery, which would allow for temporary, court-ordered seizure of a person’s firearms. Kauffman blocked the 2019 efforts despite bipartisan support, stating at the time, “ … We will not be considering red flag in the House Judiciary Committee so long as Chairman Kauffman is chairman.” He further said that his committee had “no intention of addressing further gun-control measures this session.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten put her 6 and 8 year old on the school bus the morning after the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. She talked with them about what happened in Texas and tried to assure them they would be safe at school. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten motions for the Pa. House to act on commonsense gun laws in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas. Read more
On Tuesday, Pennsylvania held its midterm primary election. Read more
EXTON, May 19 – Across the nation, including right here in Pennsylvania, a severe blood shortage is happening. The Red Cross, which supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply, had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals because of the shortage. This poses a concerning risk to patient care. To address this urgent need, state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, has partnered with the Red Cross and the Lionville YMCA for a community blood drive on Saturday, June 25. The blood drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lionville YMCA, 100 Devon Drive in Exton . Interested donors are encouraged to schedule their appointment in advance via the American Red Cross’ website and enter sponsor code “District155” or call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767). “Chester County hospitals, along with hospitals across the nation, are experiencing severe blood shortages. This not only poses a risk to patient care, but it also potentially places our doctors in the difficult position of deciding who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available,” Otten said. “I encourage all healthy and eligible donors to donate blood. And if you’re unable to donate at this event, please spread the word and consider donating at another opportunity. Every donation helps.” Approximately 36,000 units (a unit is equivalent to one pint) of red Read more
While it can sometimes feel as though our country is more divided than ever, there are always certain issues that unite constituents across party lines. Recently, two of those issues are road conditions and gas prices. Read more
Rep. Otten applauds DEP’s Office of Environmental Justice for taking steps to improve existing policy and submits suggestions to further protect communities from environmental hazards. Read more
Earlier this week, a draft Supreme Court opinion leaked to and published by Politico indicates that the court is set to overturn Roe v. Wade. Read more
I was in Harrisburg this week for the final House session before the 2022 primary election. With the primary just a few weeks away, keep an eye out for these upcoming deadlines... Read more
Today is Earth Day. And as of today, we have well over a dozen bills sitting in the House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee that, if enacted... Read more
EXTON, April 21 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, is accepting applications for paid summer internship positions in her Exton district office. Interns will work closely with staff and gain an in-depth look at the workings of Pennsylvania’s legislative branch. Interns will be responsible for a variety of assignments that will allow them to gain experience in a professional setting while learning more about state government and the legislative process. “Summer interns will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced team members with varying backgrounds and skillsets,” Otten said. “Interns can expect to help constituents access state services, assist with public outreach and community events, and work with legislative staff to research policy and assist with the legislative process.” The internship program will run for 10 weeks, up to 10 hours a week, at a rate of $12 per hour. Applicants must be at least 18. Otten encourages individuals of all backgrounds and academic interests to apply. To apply, email a resume and statement of interest to repotten@pahouse.net . Read more
The House returned to session this week. While there’s a tremendous amount of work to be done for the people of Pennsylvania, we instead spent much of our time passing harmful legislation that’s destined for a veto and hearing hours of unnecessary speeches on a package of dairy industry bills that—while I am glad to support them—could have been voted on in a matter of minutes, as they already had the full support of the legislature. Read more
Although the House was not in session this week, the Senate was busy working on legislation to prevent Pennsylvania from becoming a leader in climate action. Read more
The House returned to session this week for the first time since February. Read more
This Tuesday, March 22, we recognized World Water Day. Read more
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the final state House and state Senate maps approved in February by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission are constitutional and will serve as the district boundaries for the next decade, beginning with the 2022 election. Read more
Every year before the full legislature meets to debate the budget, the House Appropriations Committee meets with every state department to address their priorities and where they believe funds are needed most. Read more
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