News Center

Public Comment on Legislative Redistricting 

(Jan 06, 2022) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

The Legislative Reapportionment Commission (LRC) will accept public comment on the proposed state House and Senate maps until January 18, 2022. To view the proposed maps, click here or here . To submit public comment, view submissions from other Pennsylvania residents, or attend or view a public hearing, visit the Legislative Reapportionment Commission website . Today I submitted the feedback below to LRC regarding proposed state House districts 155, 167, and 74: While the proposed state House maps are more fair and representative of local communities than our current legislative districts, I have specific concerns about the newly drawn 155th, 167th, and 74th districts that I believe should be corrected in the interest of preservation of political subdivisions, communities of interest, contiguity, and community representation. Namely: (1) The split of East Caln Township from Downingtown Borough: In the proposed House map, Downingtown Borough is drawn into the 155th Legislative District, while East Caln Township is drawn into the 167th. However, Downingtown and East Caln are closely linked communities that share many common interests and concerns. East Caln Township is served by the Downingtown Borough Police Department, fire departments, and emergency services, as well as by nonprofits and community organizations serving the greater Downingtown area. East Caln Township lies within the Downingtown Area School District. Read more

 

Otten announces $917K in grants to benefit park projects

(Jan 04, 2022) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

EAST PIKELAND TOWNSHIP, Jan. 4 — State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, today announced that three projects in her legislative district received $917,200 in community conservation grants. The grants are part of an investment in 317 projects across the commonwealth funded through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding has been distributed as follows: East Brandywine Township: $59,800 to rehabilitate and develop Bondsville Mill Park, to include adding a parking area, installing a horticultural garden, increased ADA access, landscaping and other site improvements. East Pikeland Township: $607,400 to develop the Hidden River Park and Preserve. This grant will help fund the construction of a pavilion, comfort station, park maintenance building, nature play area, pedestrian walkways and bridge, observation deck, parking area and stormwater management measures. Funding will also help cover costs associated with installing fencing and utilities, strengthening ADA access, landscaping, and related site improvements. West Vincent Township: $250,000 to develop Opalanie Park. This will include building a pavilion, fishing pier, pedestrian walkway, loop trail, parking area, stormwater management measures and installing play equipment. Funding will also help strengthen ADA access and other site improvements. “Modern, safe, and accessible parks are Read more

 

Otten, Sappey, Williams and Hennessey congratulate Downingtown Marching Band

(Dec 28, 2021) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

State Reps. Danielle Friel Otten, Christina Sappey, Tim Hennessey and Dan Williams, all of Chester County, are happy to present a citation to the Downingtown Marching Band for their invitation to the Rose Parade. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 21): Recap of the last session week of 2021

(Dec 21, 2021) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

Last week, the House held its final days of session for 2021. Read more

 

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 10): We must keep fighting to save community hospitals

(Dec 10, 2021) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

Last week, I shared my concerns regarding the pending sale of Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals to Canyon Atlantic Partners. Read more

 

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

(Dec 03, 2021) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

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

 

Public Comment on Legislative Redistricting 
Jan 06, 2022

Otten announces $917K in grants to benefit park projects
Jan 04, 2022

Otten, Sappey, Williams and Hennessey congratulate Downingtown Marching Band
Dec 28, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 21): Recap of the last session week of 2021
Dec 21, 2021

WEEKLY E-BLAST (Dec. 10): We must keep fighting to save community hospitals
Dec 10, 2021

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