Dear Friend,

Black history is American history – and it’s on all of us to uplift the voices, stories, contributions, and lasting legacies of Black Americans here in Delaware and across the country. During Black History Month (and every month throughout the year), let’s continue to celebrate our past, reconcile it with our present, and look toward our collective future as we work together to make this nation a more just, equitable, and prosperous place for all.

Above: Embracing our roots, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester holds a scarf imprinted with a document — the Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath of 1867. It is signed with an X by her great-great-great-grandfather who was enslaved.

This Week in Washington

Now Introducing: H.R. 7132, the Housing Supply and Affordability Act!

This week, I, along with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Joyce Beatty of Ohio as well as Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Tim Kaine of Virginia, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Housing Supply and Affordability Act. The legislation would create more available and affordable housing, bringing safety, stability, and dignity to individuals and families across the country. If you’d like to read more about the legislation, please click here.

Investing in Delaware Families, Workers, and Small Businesses Through Bipartisan Tax Bill

On Wednesday, members from across the aisle came together to pass the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. My top priority since coming to Congress has been to improve the lives of Delawareans. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act will substantially benefit families, workers, and small businesses in Delaware and across the country. While it does not include the robust version of the Child Tax Credit that my colleagues and I passed in 2021, the expansion of the tax credit in this package will still benefit 40,000 kids in Delaware. It includes new, low-income housing tax credits to create more affordable housing and restores R&D deductibility to create jobs and spur innovation. I’ve long said, if we can make it in America, we should - and the passage of this legislation will help us do just that while putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans.

Celebrating the 84th Anniversary of the First Social Security Check

84 years ago this week, Ida May Fuller received the first Social Security check. Since then, millions of Americans – including millions of Delawareans – have paid into and received these benefits after a lifetime of hard work so they can retire with dignity. I will always fight to protect and expand your hard-earned Social Security benefits. That’s why this week, I was proud to cosponsor the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act, legislation that would modernize and improve SSI to help seniors, children, and people with disabilities. To read more about the bill, click here.

This Week in Delaware

Joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Founders Day Event

Today, I joined the Delaware chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. to celebrate their 111th Founders Day! I was glad to share in this moment with them as they looked back on all they’ve accomplished throughout the past 100+ years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. As I told the room today, there is so much work that still needs to be done – from addressing maternal mortality to securing our voting rights – and these will continue to be top priorities of mine.

Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Delaware Founders Day. 

Mobile Office Hours are Back!

Above: Casework team assists Delawareans during Mobile Office Hours.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Mobile Office Hours on Wednesday at the Laurel Public Library! I was glad that members of my casework team were able to assist you. If you weren’t able to make it on Wednesday, don’t worry! More Mobile Office Hours are coming soon. If you are in need of assistance in the meantime, please visit my website or contact my office at 302-830-2330.

REMINDER: Internship Applications Due March 18!

Having started my career in public service as an intern for then-Congressman Tom Carper, I’ve seen first-hand just how valuable an experience internships are. That’s why I wanted to let you know that my office is now accepting internship applications for my Washington, DC and Delaware offices for the summer of 2024.

Complete applications are due by Monday, March 18, 2024, by COB. This is an excellent opportunity for young people to learn about public service and gain experience working in a congressional office. For more information on how to apply, please visit my website here.

This week’s constituent corner is the Delaware Farm Bureau which took home a few of the most prestigious awards at this year’s American Farm Bureau Federation’s National Conference! The Bureau also won the Pinnacle Award – the biggest award that the American Farm Bureau gives out – alongside only six other states. These awards speak to the Delaware Farm Bureau’s proven commitment to, in their words, promote and protect Delaware’s agriculture community. Thank you for all you do to keep driving innovation throughout our agriculture community and ensure that our farmers and their families are supported. To Executive Director Don Clifton and everyone at the Delaware Farm Bureau, congratulations!

Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Don Clifton.

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

Below are some helpful resources for you:

• Lower Energy Costs: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped pass last Congress, there are opportunities to lower your energy costs through tax credits and rebates. Check out energy.gov/save to learn more. 

• Affordable Internet Access: Over 50,000 households in Delaware have signed up for affordable high-speed internet access thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Affordable Connectivity Program. Delawareans can check their eligibility at affordableconnectivity.gov.

• Free COVID-19 Tests: Delaware households can still claim 4 FREE COVID-19 tests at covid.gov. 

• Look Before You Book: Are you thinking about booking a trip? Before you do, you should ensure that your passport is up-to-date! You can go to travel.state.gov to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.

• 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.

• Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more, call 211, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline.

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