Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

09/01/2026

Rep. Paul Friel and I recently co‑hosted the PA House Democratic Policy Committee for a visit to The Camphill School Transition Program at Beaver Farm in Phoenixville. We heard directly from students, families, and providers about the supports young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities need as they move from the K–12 system into adult life.

Programs like Camphill help students build skills, confidence, and community as they prepare for adulthood, but families also shared concerns about gaps in the current system, including the requirement that students leave the program the day before they turn 22 and the limited residential options available after that age.

I have been committed to this issue throughout my time in office, and I will continue working to ensure adults with disabilities have real choices, supportive environments, and clear pathways as they navigate the transition from school to adult services.

08/31/2026

DCNR has dedicated the new $7.5M Marsh Creek State Park Visitor Center and Office in Chester County. The facility expands visitor services, adds sustainable features, and supports year‑round recreation at one of PA’s most‑visited parks.

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/shapiro-administration-dedicates-new--7-5-million-visitor-center

08/31/2026

🗣️ Caln Township Residents

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is seeking public feedback until September 15 on proposed traffic and pedestrian safety improvements for Lincoln Highway in Caln Township.

Visit the DVRPC website to view the full-concept design and take a brief survey, available in English and Spanish: https://buff.ly/kFY8g5x

Caln Township, you might have heard: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission studied traffic and pedestrian safety on Lincoln
Highway and has developed proposed safety improvements. We want to hear what you think
about them in a brief survey at https://www.dvrpc.org/rvzlinc/

08/27/2026

❗ ROADWORK ALERT ❗

PennDOT has announced that road construction is scheduled on U.S. 30 (Exton Bypass) to provide long-term sinkhole remediation on the highway in West Whiteland and East Caln townships.

🚧 Friday, August 28, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, alternating lane closures will be in place on eastbound U.S. 30 (Exton Bypass) between Quarry Road and Whitford Road.
🚧 Monday, August 31, through Thursday, September 3, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, alternating lane closures will be in place on westbound U.S. 30 (Exton Bypass) between Whitford Road and the exit to Lancaster Avenue.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time when driving near the work area because backups and delays will occur. The schedule is weather dependent.

08/27/2026

Every new school year brings a fresh start, and the Coatesville Area School District enters this fall with real momentum. After the past four years of historic state investments in public education, Coatesville is seeing measurable results. From reopening elementary school libraries to reducing class sizes to strengthening early childhood and STEM programs, adequacy funding is making a real difference in classrooms and communities. These improvements reflect what becomes possible when we fund our schools fairly and give every child the resources they deserve.

And Coatesville is not alone. A report from PA Schools Work shows that across Pennsylvania, increased state funding is giving school districts the resources they need to help students learn, grow, and thrive. Students are learning more, showing up more, and experiencing the benefits of a school system that finally has the tools it needs.

I recently sat down with Dr. Anthony Rybarczyk, superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District, to talk about what these investments mean for students and families.

We have more work to do, but this is a moment of real progress, and these successes are a reminder of what becomes possible when we continue investing in every student’s success.

08/26/2026

Today, staff from our district office will be at the Downingtown Library for a mobile office. This is a great opportunity to learn about state services and to ask questions about issues that concern you.

Our staff can help you with SEPTA Key Senior ID Card sign ups (must be age 65+/bring your ID), Unclaimed Property searches, Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms, PA Yellow Dot Program, information on Real ID and other state related services.

Stop in to say hello and find out how we can help you! We look forward to meeting you!

08/25/2026

Today, the world mourns the loss of Dolly Parton, a true icon whose impact reached far beyond music. She was a trailblazer, a philanthropist, and one of the greatest champions for childhood literacy our country has ever known. Through her Imagination Library, she gave millions of children the gift of books, curiosity, and confidence.

Dolly Parton showed us what it looks like to use your voice, your platform, and your heart to lift others up. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians, families, educators, and community leaders. My thoughts are with her loved ones and with everyone who was touched by her extraordinary life. 🩷

08/25/2026

Congratulations to the Chester County Food Bank on 17 years of service to our community!

Thank you for everything you do to combat food insecurity in Chester County and to ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious and familiar food. Your commitment, compassion, and partnership make a real difference every day, and our community is stronger because of your work. We are grateful to have collaborated with you and to support your mission to care for our neighbors. 💚

Today, Tuesday, August 25 marks Chester County Food Bank's 17-year anniversary! 🎉

Thank you to our incredible community for supporting us over the past 17 years in our efforts to ensure access to nutritious and familiar food for our Chester County neighbors facing food insecurity. We could not do what we do without you, and we are so grateful to have the gift of your generosity and kindness. 💚

08/25/2026

Pennsylvania recently lost a giant in the environmental movement. Former state legislator Franklin Kury was the visionary behind Article I, Section 27 of our state constitution, which states, “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.” Adopted in 1971, this language is a constitutional promise that was designed to protect every one of us, and it remains one of the strongest declarations of environmental rights in the world.

Through Kury’s leadership, Pennsylvania became one of the first governments anywhere to adopt a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a healthy environment as a basic right. His work made our Commonwealth a global leader in environmental protection at the time, and it set a foundation that continues to guide advocates, community leaders, and lawmakers today. He understood that safeguarding our natural resources was not only a policy choice, but a moral responsibility to future generations.

His legacy is an inspiration for me and for so many others. Article I, Section 27 was the ethos of my first campaign and continues to guide my work in the legislature. Kury’s belief that environmental rights belong to every person shaped my own commitment to public service. It's up to all of us who have followed or will follow him in the General Assembly to carry his vision forward, defend the constitutional protections he championed, and uphold the high standard he set.

A monumental figure in Pennsylvania’s environmental movement passed away last week. Former state legislator Franklin Kury, who was 89, led Pennsylvania to become one of the first governments in the world to adopt a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a healthy environment as a basic right.

Read the story from our friends at Inside Climate News. The link is in the comments.

08/25/2026

It’s hard to believe that 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.

With students in the Downingtown Area School District heading back to school today and students in the Coatesville Area School District starting next Monday, I want to extend my best wishes to all students, families, teachers, staff, bus drivers, and administrators for a safe, healthy, and successful school year.