|
Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. This week was a big one for our office.
I’ve heard from folks across our state that access to and availability of affordable housing is one of the top issues we need to address. That’s why I’m proud that the first bill I introduced as your Senator is aimed at addressing the housing crisis we face.
The Housing Supply Frameworks Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would help states and local communities modernize their zoning regulations, making it easier to build affordable housing and lower housing costs across America. The last similar reform was in the 1920s and our needs and way of life have changed drastically since then. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill across the finish line. Together, we will redeem the American dream for our communities. Read my full press release on the bill here.
Strategizing Ways to Address Nursing Workforce Shortages
I was proud to host my second Nursing Workforce Roundtable late this week. Since I last hosted this roundtable, Delaware has made significant progress in growing the nursing workforce. However, our shortages persist and nurses continue to face barriers.
I was grateful to hear from all the experts who participated from across the state. In addition to a presentation on the data and trends, we discussed recruitment, retention, burnout, safety, and education. We also heard from current nursing students.
I revealed on the call that I will soon be introducing the National Nursing Workforce Center Act in the Senate, which would invest in growing our nursing workforce to meet the health care needs of today and the future. Congresswoman Sarah McBride said it best, “Nurses are the central nervous system of our entire health care system.”
ABOVE: Senator Blunt Rochester is joined by nursing experts from across Delaware at her Nursing Workforce Roundtable, including US Rep. Sarah McBride and Delaware State Sen. Marie Pinkney, Chair, Health & Social Services Committee
A Decade of Advocacy Against Lung Cancer
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to join the American Lung Association for their 10th annual LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day in Washington DC as they raised awareness of their priorities and honored the contributions of those impacted and those caring for individuals battling the disease. I was surprised and proud to learn one of this year’s LUNG FORCE heroes was my brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Carter who lost his mother, Delores Pollard Carter, in 2008.
For a decade, this group has been a leader in the fight for lung health and policies to defeat lung cancer. I will always stand alongside them to protect access to Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the lifesaving research being conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester pictured with LUNG FORCE leaders, including her brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Carter (center).
Fully Funding Special Education
Earlier this month, I sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon demanding answers on how this administration plans to protect students with disabilities amid deep funding cuts.
In continuation of my dedication to these students and their families, I joined Senator Chris Coons to further protect those with disabilities by introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would push Congress to fulfill our commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Every student deserves to have access to a high-quality education — period.
Standing up for American Manufacturing
I sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick requesting answers regarding the defunding of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country — including one in Delaware.
Small manufacturers rely on MEP centers. They are economic drivers that support innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs. In addition to the uncertainty of their global tariffs, the administration’s actions against MEP centers could further destabilize small businesses.
Busy Meeting Schedule
I had a busy week of meetings in my new office in DC. From Disability Rights Delaware to the Ambassador of New Zealand — it was a pleasure to host so many new and familiar faces. Check out my Instagram to follow along with our visits.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester pictured with Ambassador Rosemary Banks
Future Leaders
Last Sunday, I stopped by the closing ceremony of the 2025 Youth in Government State Conference. The Youth in Government program does an incredible job of educating students about public service and preparing them for future leadership roles.
These are challenging times, but our young people inspire me. I can’t wait to see these future leaders achieve great things in our state and beyond!
CLOCKWISE STARTING WITH TOP LEFT: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester pictured with the youth House of Representatives; the youth Senate; the youth governor and a senator; the youth justices; and participants in the House gallery
UPCOMING: Mobile Office Hours in New Castle
My office will be hosting our next mobile office hours at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center on Tuesday, April 29th. Members of our casework team will be available to help Delawareans in need of assistance. To RSVP, click here.
Below are some helpful resources for you:
- Lower Energy Costs: You can lower your energy costs thanks to tax credits and rebates made available by the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn more at energy.gov/save.
- Look Before You Book: Before you book your next international trip, make sure your passport is up to date! Visit travel.state.gov to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Before you go overseas, consider downloading STEP, a free service that will send you safety and security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Travel with peace of mind and enroll today at mytravel.state.gov/s/step.
- 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
- Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more should call 211, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline.
- U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Programs: The State Department sponsors several programs across the world that can give Americans educational, cultural, and professional experiences. Find out more at exchanges.state.gov/us.
- Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Medicare Part D beneficiaries can spread out the costs of prescription drugs over the course of a year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Payment plans have zero-interest installments and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap. Learn more at medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan.
This week’s constituent corner spotlights everyone who took part in the annual 12-hour UDance dance marathon last Sunday at the University of Delaware. Every year, students and community members alike turn out to raise money to combat childhood cancer. This event benefits the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation which was formed in 2007 to honor Andrew McDonough, a teenager from Wilmington who passed away from leukemia.
This year, they raised an amazing total — over $1.8 million. Congratulations to everyone involved!
PHOTO: The big reveal of the amount of money raised at this year’s UDance (StrictlyGP Shots)
Yours in service,
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
|
