Dear Friend,

Today marks two years since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Since then, we’ve watched the Ukrainian people fight each day with courage and conviction to defend their homeland. Today, we mourn all who have been lost because of this unjust war, and we recommit ourselves to supporting Ukraine in its remarkable efforts to maintain its freedom and sovereignty in the face of such aggression.

This Week in Delaware

Investing in Affordable Housing

This week, I went on a walking tour of Wilmington’s West Side with leaders from Cornerstone West Community Development Corporation (CDC). We visited Cornerstone’s new office space in Wilmington, West End Neighborhood House, and the location for The Vistas, a 57-unit, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, affordable senior housing project that Cornerstone in partnership with St. Francis Hospital. Cornerstone West CDC submitted a Community Project Funding request through my office to help fund the creation of The Vistas. It’s never been more important that we create more affordable housing, especially for our seniors. That’s why, earlier this year, I introduced the bipartisan Housing Supply and Affordability Act to create more available and affordable housing, bringing safety, stability, and dignity to individuals and families across the country. As a reminder, CPF allows for governmental entities and nonprofits to apply for federal funding for community-based projects. I’m working in Congress to get this project, along with my office’s other CPF requests, across the finish line. 

Above: Joining Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester for the tour were representatives from the various organizations.

Celebrating Delaware’s App Challenge Winners!

I visited the Charter School of Wilmington to announce the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. This year’s winners are Eesha Sagiraju, Ian Porell, and David Safro for their app called CoughScan. The app aims to detect COVID-19 through symptom tracking and a cough analysis feature which leverages AI technology. I was proud to congratulate this year’s winners and see first-hand how their app works. Congratulations to Eesha, Ian, and David on this incredible achievement! If you’d like to read more about CoughScan, click here.

 Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester listens to a presentation by Eesha Sagiraju, Ian Porell, and David Safro about their app, CoughScan.

Opportunities for Delaware’s Young People

DEADLINE APPROACHING: Calling All Delaware High School Marching Bands!

I have the honor of nominating five high school marching bands in Delaware for the National Independence Day Parade on July 4, 2025! This is a great opportunity for Delaware high school marching bands to perform in front of thousands of spectators in Washington, DC. 

If your school is interested in being considered for this nomination, please contact my Wilmington office at 302-830-2330 by this Tuesday, February 27th by COB. For more information, including the answers to FAQs, please visit July4thParade.com.

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.

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. 

• 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.

This week’s constituent corner is Delaware Technical Community College! We learned this week that Del Tech was designated as a 2024 Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD). ATD is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as hubs of economic and social mobility in their communities. Del Tech was recognized for its commitment to ensuring student success and advancing equity across its campuses. Thank you, Del Tech, for keeping the students at the center of everything you do. Congratulations!

 Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard look at plans for a new Child Development Center, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, at Del Tech’s Newark campus.

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

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