Dear Friend,

This week, our office released the preliminary application deadline for Community Project Funding requests for FY2025. The current preliminary deadline for complete applications is Thursday, April 4, 2024, by close of business. However, all guidance and availability of FY2025 CPFs is subject to change pending the House Republican Conference’s release of FY2025 guidance. It is expected that the process will follow FY2024, where a limited number of applications will be accepted, and acceptance of an application does not guarantee that a project is funded.

Past funded projects include municipal infrastructure, affordable housing, mental health services for kids, and more. Bringing critical federal resources to Delaware has always been a priority of mine and these projects must demonstrate real community need and show broad-based community support. While we are still waiting for official guidance from the House Appropriations Committee, it’s important to me and to the development of our state that Delaware nonprofits and governmental entities have access to the materials they need as early as possible to begin putting together their CPF requests for FY2025.

For more information, please contact my office or visit my website here.

This Week in Washington

On Thursday, we celebrated Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. Last year, in partnership with East Coast Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated, I joined Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and a group of our colleagues in requesting that President Biden formally recognize Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on the fourth Thursday in March. Our effort was successful, and we were proud to celebrate this recognition to properly honor their service to our nation. To read the message from the President, click here.

This Week in Delaware

Connecting with the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

The New Castle County Chamber is a vital partner in connecting businesses and organizations with the community at large. That’s one of the many reasons why, this week, I was glad to connect with their members at their Annual Policy Makers Breakfast series and congratulate their new President, Yvonne Deadwyler.

Above: Yvonne Deadwyler and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.

As I said in my presentation, we can’t forget where we were four years ago. We have passed some truly significant pieces of legislation to help us rebuild our communities from the pandemic, invest in our infrastructure, and lower costs for consumers. I look forward to continuing to have the New Castle Chamber of Commerce as a partner in our collective efforts to grow our businesses and strengthen our state.

Joining the Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

I was honored to join the Epsilon Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at their 18th Annual Katherine B. Ross Finer Womanhood High Tea to celebrate their service and legacy. This event highlighted the contributions of Katherine B. Ross, a well-respected educator from Delaware and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and granted award scholarships to students pursuing careers in education. The event’s theme was, “Amplifying our Voices,” and such a message could not be more relevant in this moment.

Left to right: Danielle Brown, Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Aisha Monroe.

Visiting Fujifilm in New Castle

This week, I visited Fujifilm’s recently expanded facility in New Castle. Fujifilm manufactures aqueous inkjet inks for a broad range of industries. We talked about the need to strengthen our manufacturing workforce to ensure that businesses have skilled employees to do this work – which is one of my priorities in Congress. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to identify opportunities for us to invest in our manufacturing workforce and strengthen our supply chains so that we can make more goods at home and lower costs.

Left to right: Nicholas Griner, Karlton Williams, Brent Wright, Manufacturing and Engineering Director

Michelle Kelley, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, General Manager Melissa Toledo, Steve Sharpe, Dwayne Turaskus  

Below are some helpful resources for you:

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

• 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.

• Need a Passport Appointment?: The Department of State is encouraging travelers to go to passportappointment.travel.state.gov to schedule passport appointments within 14 days of their date of travel. You can utilize this resource until September!

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, the 24/7, free and confidential support Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 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 SSgt. William Bieber, a 99-year-old veteran from New Castle. Having flown 10 combat missions during World War II, he was honored for his service this week at a ceremony in Dover. After leaving active duty, he utilized the GI Bill to get a college degree and went on to be a teacher for more than 30 years. To SSgt. Bieber: thank you for your service. Our state and nation are forever grateful for it.

Photo: Roland Balik, U.S. Air Force

Lastly, as we approach Easter tomorrow, I would like to wish all who are celebrating a joyous resurrection Sunday.

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

Contact Me