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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. I want to start by wishing all the moms and mother figures in Delaware and across our nation – especially my mom, Alice – a very happy Mother’s Day! This week, in addition to meeting with another ambassador and attending committee hearings on topics such as “Winning the AI Race: Strengthening U.S. Capabilities in Computing and Innovation,” we highlighted two important contributors to our everyday lives: small businesses and nurses.
It’s National Small Business Week — a time for us to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Delaware, and salute them for their contributions to our state. From creating jobs to providing vital services, small businesses play a pivotal role in building a strong economy and improving our quality of life. In the past, small business owners have shared challenges with me like access to capital and technology, workforce shortages, and paperwork. Most recently on visits, they have expressed concerns about the uncertain landscape created by the President’s tariffs and trade wars. Despite it all, there is a sense of pride in the work they do, the innovations they bring to light, and the satisfaction of accomplishing a dream.
Celebrating the Power of Nurses
It’s also National Nurses Week, and to kick things off, I joined a virtual press conference hosted by the Delaware Nurses Association. We came together to announce some exciting news — two major initiatives to strengthen the nursing workforce in our state — and celebrate the “Power of Nurses” in 2025! Nurses play a critical role in our lives, and I am committed to getting them the resources they need to be successful.
Breaking Ground on New Affordable Housing for Seniors
I was honored to join federal, state, county, and local officials – as well as donors and community leaders – at the groundbreaking for the Ministry of Caring’s Villa Maria. When completed, Villa Maria will provide much needed safe, affordable housing for 73 Wilmington seniors. This event was a celebration of the years of hard work, dedication, and extensive partnerships it took to bring this project to life. Delaware, like the nation, faces a housing supply crisis (especially affordable housing), and Villa Maria is a step in the right direction.
ABOVE: Celebrating the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Ministry of Caring’s Villa Maria
Supporting Critical Funding for Lupus Research and Awareness
My office is first and foremost Delaware’s office, and I’m always glad to welcome Delawareans who stop by to meet with my team and me. This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with two Delawareans, Sharron and Hannah Weaver, who came to Washington to advocate for funding to support Lupus research. I know how critical it is that we protect Medicaid and research funding for diseases like Lupus, and I’ll keep fighting to save these programs from budget cuts.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester pictured with Sharron and Hannah Weaver.
Need to Update Your Passport? We can Help!
After the overwhelming interest in our passport processing event last year, I knew we needed to do it again! I’m proud to announce that my office will be hosting a Passport & Global Entry Event on Saturday, June 7th at 10:00 AM at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center.
We have separate registrations for passports and Global Entry, so be sure to RSVP for a time slot specific to the service you need. Time slots are limited, so RSVP as soon as possible.
Sign up here for assistance with your passport and sign up here for Global Entry.
Calling Delaware High School Students: The Senate Page Program is Here
Do you know a high school student interested in the United States Senate? Consider the Senate Page Program! Pages play critical roles in Washington, from preparing the Senate Chamber for session and delivering correspondence around the Capitol, to working on the Senate Floor. Please visit my website for more information on how to apply by the May 18th deadline.
This week, I’m highlighting one of the more than 200 stories Delawareans have shared through my “Share Your Story” portal. This week’s story comes from Hanna (Bear, DE).
Hanna works for the VA in a job that is meaningful to her and allows her to support her 11-month-old son with her husband, a member of the Army National Guard. This administration’s attacks on federal agencies have made Hanna’s work more challenging, and she fears that even her stellar performance reviews won’t prevent her from being terminated. She told me, “It's a heavy burden to carry while still keeping a smile on your face and serving your mission.”
Hanna’s story is a stark reminder that spending cuts harm more than just federal workers. These cuts also hurt their families and the people they serve. I’ll keep working to protect and restore important federal funding while pushing for a budget that makes sense for all Americans.
Do you have a story to share? I want to hear from you! Please click here to share your story.
Below are some helpful resources for you:
- Cybersecurity Training: If you’re a small business owner with a cooperative agreement or grant with the SBA, you can access brand-new cybersecurity training designed by Delaware’s award-winning Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Visit northstarcert.americassbdc.org.
- 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 honors Ms. Susan Browne, who recently celebrated her 107th birthday! Ms. Browne is Delaware State University’s oldest living alumna and has dedicated her remarkable life to educating Delaware students and inspiring her children to do the same. Ms. Browne grew up attending a segregated one-room schoolhouse and has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. When I asked what keeps her going, she told me she takes life “one day at a time” – advice that we could all take to heart. Wishing you a happy birthday, Ms. Browne!
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester speaking with Ms. Susan Browne in her home.
Yours in service,
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
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