Dear Friend,

As we approach the end of summer and students head back to school, we welcome you back to another edition of Let Me Be Blunt.

This week, Former Governor and Congressman Mike Castle was laid to rest. At his Celebration of Life, his wife, Jane, family, friends, and colleagues remembered Mike for his thoughtful service to our country, love of our state, and ability to work effectively with others – even those he didn’t always agree with. While he was known as a true public servant, a highlight was hearing about his “wicked” sense of humor and his athleticism. Sitting next to President Biden in the church pew, we both smiled about memories we had of Castle playing basketball against my late father, Ted Blunt. I’m sure there is a great game – with a lot of fouling happening – in heaven today!

This Week in Delaware

In a few weeks, the Senate will be back in session, and in preparation, our team continues to go up and down the state and receive your emails, calls, and letters – all to hear your voices.
 
In addition to a very well-attended virtual Town Hall hosted by the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) on the ramifications of H.R. 1 and H.R. 4, I joined Senator Coons, Congresswoman McBride, and members of the Delaware Healthcare Association for a roundtable discussion on how Republican cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act will harm Delawareans.
 
Healthcare leaders shared that these harmful cuts will strain hospital resources and make it harder to care for vulnerable Delawareans.
 
Let me be Blunt: these cuts do not just impact those on Medicaid, they raise prices for all of us. I will continue working with our healthcare providers to ensure they have the resources they need to keep our communities healthy and safe.

ABOVE: Our delegation and our hospitals will do all we can to ensure Delawareans can access the care they need.

Two Major Federal Investments in Harrington

The Delaware delegation joined leaders from the City of Harrington to break ground and review two major federal investments. Known as “the hub of Delaware” because of its location and history of being a trade and commerce center, public-private partnerships are key to Harrington's future.

The first was a $3.4 million federal grant we secured for the Harrington Industrial Park to fund critical infrastructure improvements. These investments will, in turn, create up to 750 new jobs in this community. More good-paying jobs equals a stronger economy.

ABOVE: Along with state and local officials, our delegation was proud to break ground on the new Harrington Industrial Park.

The second investment was an $18.8 million federal grant for Delmarva Central Railroad (DCR). This funding will support comprehensive track rehabilitation, improve rail crossings, and upgrade bridges over more than 120 miles of DCR’s track. If you've been reading this newsletter for a while, you know that strengthening our supply chains is among my top priorities, especially when it comes to our agricultural community. This project is a huge step forward for improving the supply chains in our region.

 ABOVE: In the House, I was proud to join the delegation in securing a major grant for Delmarva Central Railroad. Now, as a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I look forward to working on the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization in support of our state and region.

Supporting Senior Housing in Dover

A few years ago, as your Congresswoman, I secured $850,000 in federal funding to repair the affordable senior housing complex at Luther Towers in Dover. In their request, they included accessibility upgrades for residents and fixing the 30-year-old roof, which was original to the building. This week, I had a chance to check in on their progress.
 
As your Senator, I'm laser-focused on combating our housing affordability crisis, and it’s critical that Delawareans of all ages have a place to call home. Luther Towers has an important part to play as we continue our shared work toward that goal. Thank you to the leadership, staff, and residents!

 ABOVE: In this photo at Luther Towers, we are looking at a 30-year-old roof that was able to be repaired with federal funding I secured as a member of the House of Representatives.

A New Era in Early Childhood Education for Del Tech’s Stanton Campus

After putting a shovel in the ground in 2023, I was thrilled to be back on Delaware Technical Community College’s Stanton Campus to cut the ribbon on their new Child Development Center. While the area has 10 major employers, it is considered a childcare desert. This facility will provide a care option for faculty, staff, and the broader community, and it will also be a learning lab for Del Tech students in the early education field. The opening of this new center means affordable, high-quality childcare is now available on all four of Del Tech’s campuses. It’s a huge achievement that was built on time and under budget!
 
As a mother and grandmother, I know how important it is for children to have a safe and healthy place to learn and grow. But today, a quarter of Delaware families live in a childcare desert, where affordable, high-quality care is out of reach. Centers like this one – funded by the American Rescue Plan Act – will help us close that gap.

ABOVE: It’s always a good day to cut a ribbon – looked like little Naomi was excited, too! 

“Cutting the Board” with the Challenge Program

The Challenge Program does such important work to empower young adults who face significant barriers to employment. With a specific focus on vocational training in construction and woodworking trades and educational opportunities, the program has served over 550 participants since it began. In addition to the skills and certifications received, when I was talking to them, students told me about the partnerships that have allowed them to gain employment – from working for the New Castle County government, to a labor union making $39 an hour.
 
This week, at the grand opening of the CP Furniture Gibbs Center, instead of a ribbon, we cut a wooden board! With the support of public and private investments, this new center will allow the program to grow its reach and deepen the impact it makes in our community. It is estimated that the additional space will bring in more revenue from the furniture sales (from $500,000 a year to $2,000,000 a year by 2030).  As Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor and current member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, I look forward to working with Challenge Program to help Delawareans gain employment in our state.

 ABOVE: I am so proud of the participants in the Challenge Program and their drive to obtain the skills they need for a successful career in construction and woodworking trades, as well as sales.

ABOVE: I am the proud owner of the very first piece of furniture made by the Challenge Program’s Furniture Program, and years later, I was happy to “cut the board” on their new Gibbs Center. 

REGISTER NOW: Our Third Annual Constituent Resource Fair

I’m excited to invite you to our Third Annual Constituent Resource Fair on Tuesday, September 23rd, at Del Tech’s Terry Campus in Dover. Come talk to representatives from federal, state, and nonprofit agencies and access critical information about the services available to you. CLICK HERE to register.

This week, I’m sharing a story from Christine in Clayton.

Christine was diagnosed with a genetic liver disease 5 years ago. In 2024, she received a life-saving transplant. She told me: “Now I am on anti-rejection medications for the rest of my life... Some of these medications cost over $10K. I currently receive disability. Even if I was still working, there would be no way I could even afford co-pays.”

One diagnosis changed Christine’s life – but thanks to Medicaid, she was able to afford treatment. Christine said it best: “Medicaid is life-saving.” That’s why I’m working hard to protect and restore its funding for folks in Delaware and across the nation.

Do you have a story to share? I want to hear from you! Please click here to share your story.

Please note that your stories may be used on the Senate floor, on social media, or with the press.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Youth Workforce Connect Call: The Delaware Department of Labor’s Office of Wage & Hour Enforcement is facilitating a monthly Delaware Youth Workforce Connect Call to provide resources to support First State teens in the workplace. Visit industrialaffairs.delaware.gov/event-details/youth-connect-call to register for this informational opportunity. 

This week’s Constituent Corner honors an exceptional team of Sussex County lifeguards. Not only do our Sussex County lifeguards keep our beaches safe, but they just took home first place in the United States Lifesaving Association’s National Lifeguard Championships! This is the second year in a row that Sussex County has won the national championship, beating out over 30 teams from around the country. Congratulations to everyone involved – you make Delaware proud!

ABOVE: The Sussex County Lifesaving Association earned 1,309.496 points to win its second straight national championship. (ELLA EWING)

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