Dear Friend,

Happy Women’s History Month! Throughout March, we take the time to celebrate the remarkable women across generations who have made an impact on our communities, our state, and our nation. Let’s also remember to uplift the incredible women in our everyday lives and thank them for all they do for us. 

This Week in Washington

Update on Government Funding

This week, I voted for a fourth continuing resolution to extend government funding at its current levels, keeping the government open and operating and avoiding a partial government shutdown. However, this is yet another temporary fix to the real issue at hand – the House Republican Conference’s inability to govern. We must pass our normal appropriations bills that keep critical government programs funded, and it is my sincere hope that when Congress returns to Washington next week, Speaker Johnson does what’s in the best interest of the American people in a bipartisan way.

This Week in Delaware

Supporting the Work of First State Community Action Agency

On Monday, First State Community Action Agency’s Executive Director, Bernice Edwards, myself, and stakeholders welcomed National Community Action Foundation’s CEO and co-founder, David Bradley, to Georgetown. First State is Delaware’s only Community Action Agency and helped nearly 12,000 Delawareans just last year! Whether it is connecting people to employment opportunities through job training and workforce development, helping people secure affordable housing and preparing people for homeownership, or working to reduce recidivism through their Second Chances Reentry program, First State makes a real difference in the everyday lives of Delawareans. They utilize federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding, a program that David created, to support their programming. It’s critical that Congress pass a budget that protects CSBG funding so that their services can continue to support our communities.

Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Bernice Edwards, and David Bradley.

Connecting with West Seaford

I joined representatives from the City of Seaford and 9th Street Development Company to hear about the work being done at the Nylon Capital Shopping Center. We discussed how $20 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will be combined with private investment to breathe new life into what was previously a destination for shoppers around the region. Once completed, this will be a commercial and community hub with a healthcare provider, coworking space, and facilities for higher education and workforce development. I look forward to seeing this project progress!

Above: Trisha Newcomer, Director of Economic Development & Community Relations, City of Seaford, Rob Hererra, co-founder, 9th Street Development Company, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Steve Weathers, Development Projects and Property Management, 9th Street Development Company.

Federal Funding for Energy Efficiency in Seaford

Speaking of Seaford, I, along with Senator Carper and Senator Coons, recently announced a $75,000 grant for Seaford through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, a program that’s funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law! The grant will allow the City of Seaford to perform solar lighting retrofits on 52 existing streetlights in two outdoor public spaces. If you’d like to read more about the announcement, click here. 

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 celebrates Pam Cornforth, President and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware. It was just announced that Pam is Delaware’s representative on USA TODAY's Women of the Year list! Pam and her staff at the Ronald McDonald House offer a home away from home for families with seriously ill or injured children at hospitals in our area. I was proud to visit their location in Wilmington last August, and I got to see the important work they do first-hand. Congratulations, Pam!

Above: Jim Bailey, Volunteer, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Pam Cornforth, President/CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware, and Ivey Helmick, Development Manager, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware 

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

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