Dear John,

As we all begin to enjoy the warmer weather, I want to share some safety tips in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and includes different types.
• Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.
• Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage.
• Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk.
• The most common signs of skin cancer are changes on your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole.

You can learn more about sun safety from the CDC here.

Updates from Rhode Island

$3M+ for Affordable Housing

Rhode Island is receiving $3,066,413 in federal funds for affordable housing through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Trust Fund. This funding will help us to increase and maintain safe affordable housing units for extremely low and very low income families and those experiencing homelessness.

States are allowed to use this funding for:

• Site improvements and development hard costs
• Related soft costs
• Demolition
• Financing costs
• Relocation assistance
• Operating cost assistance for rental housing
• Reasonable administrative and planning costs.

Junior Achievement of Rhode Island’s Morris J.W. Gaebe Profile in Excellence Awards

I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all those recognized last night by Junior Achievement of Rhode Island for their work and dedication to our state and communities. I was especially honored to receive the Community ImpACT Award because that is what drives me day in and day out – the impact we can have on our children and our communities.

Junior Achievement serves as a vital resource in Rhode Island, inspiring young people in and out of school and educating them to help make smart academic and economic choices.

Throughout my tenure as an elected official, I’ve been proud to fight for resources for quality and affordable education, out of school learning, apprenticeships, and job training – all work that Junior Achievement is involved in.

It was really wonderful to be in a room surrounded by people so committed to our children and their futures.

Free COVID Tests Via the Postal Service

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. You can order your tests at CovidTests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

Important Passport & Travel Information

Due to unprecedented demand, the State Department has released updated processing times for passports. For passport applications submitted after March 24, 2023, routine processing time is 10 to 13 weeks and expedited processing is 7 to 9 weeks.

Before booking international travel, please remember to check the expiration date on your passport and plan accordingly. Passports last for 5 or 10 years, depending on your age when the passport was issued. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

You can learn more from the State Department here.

As always, I am here to serve you. If there is anything I can do, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at [email protected].

Warm regards, 

David N. Cicilline
Member of Congress