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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. As of this week, the federal government is no longer shut down.
Many Delawareans have reached out to me to share their thoughts on the deal to reopen the government. While I’m pleased our dedicated federal workforce will be made whole, I voted against this deal because it does nothing to address the skyrocketing health care costs facing American families. Delawareans deserve better. CLICK HERE to read my full statement.
Across the nation, Americans are logging onto HealthCare.gov and seeing monthly premiums that are significantly higher than last year. With the cost of living already so high, this is nothing short of a crisis. We had an opportunity to address this by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. But all the deal got us was a “promise” to hold a vote on health care costs in the future.
One thing is certain: promises don’t lower premiums. Now, I’m more focused than ever on fixing the health care crisis that President Trump and Republicans in Congress created. CLICK HERE for my thoughts on the shutdown deal.
ABOVE: This is what’s at stake in this health care crisis: a Georgetown resident will see their premiums skyrocket by 446%.
An Incredible Honor
On Friday, I was honored to receive the Louis L. Redding Lifetime Achievement Award from the Delaware Barristers Association. Louis Redding was the first Black person – and the only one for 25 years – admitted to practice law in Delaware. He was truly a legal and civil rights pioneer whose impact was felt not only in our state but across our nation.
As a child of the 1960s, I’m a product of the America that Redding helped build. From his historic work in school desegregation cases, which became part of the Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, to his work dismantling discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations, Lawyer Redding’s legacy lives on.
Now, as a Senator, I have the responsibility and privilege of advancing Redding’s vision – equality and justice for all. Thank you to the Barristers Association for this prestigious honor.
ABOVE: It was an incredible honor to receive an award named for the pioneering Louis L. Redding.
ABOVE: As a Senator, I'm proud to have the responsibility and privilege of advancing Redding’s vision for America.
“Thank You” Isn’t Enough
Every year, Veterans Day provides us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude to those who have served in uniform to defend our country. For the sacrifices they’ve made for our freedoms, a simple “thank you” will never be enough.
In addition to leading the Veterans Housing Stability Act in the Senate, I was proud to stand with Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH) to introduce a resolution honoring America’s Black veterans and recommitting to supporting them when they return home. Our resolution calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to invest in closing the disparities Black veterans face, given that they suffer from chronic illnesses and homelessness at a disproportionate rate. You can read about our resolution by CLICKING HERE.
Supporting Farmers and Feeding Children are Bipartisan Priorities
For 15 years, the Farm to School Program has brought local foods to our students’ lunch tables while teaching them about nutrition and agriculture in their communities. However, this incredibly popular program can’t keep up with demand. Alongside Democratic Senator Peter Welch and Republican Senator Susan Collins, I’m looking to change that.
We recently introduced the Farm to School Act to get more locally grown, fresh foods in schools across the nation by expanding and investing in the Farm to School Program. Supporting farmers, feeding children, and equipping them with valuable skills are bipartisan efforts. I look forward to working with our colleagues to pass this bill. You can read more about it by CLICKING HERE.
Calling Young Leaders: Spring Internship Applications are Open!
Are you a Delaware college student or recent graduate who wants to make an impact on people's lives? Are you interested in getting an up-close look at how the federal government works? Consider applying for an internship with my office this spring. We’ll have internships available in Delaware and D.C. that cover the legislative and communications portfolios. Applications for internships in D.C. are due tomorrow. The application deadline for internships in Delaware has been extended to Sunday, November 23rd.
CLICK HERE for more information and to see how you can apply today!
Delaware High School Students: The Senate Page Program is Here
Do you know a high school student who wants to get invaluable experience 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. CLICK HERE to see my website for more information on how to apply by the Sunday, November 30th deadline.
In this week’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we’re highlighting the OWL Pantry and Urban Farm Program at Odyssey Charter School. The mostly student-led team grows leafy greens in a hydroponic lab and urban farm, which features 60 raised beds and a greenhouse, and distributes food to over 150 families every week in their school community. Since October 2024, they’ve distributed more than 140,000 pounds of food to the benefit of thousands of Delawareans!
I’m proud of the students, staff, and volunteers at Odyssey Charter for all they do to make this program a reality. Apart from instilling a passion for community service in our next generation of leaders, their work comes at a time of need for our neighbors. Keep up the good work, Odyssey Charter!
ABOVE: These students at Odyssey Charter’s OWL Pantry Program represent the very best of our state of neighbors.
Do you have a story or resource you’d like to share? Is there a person or organization that’s been going the extra mile for our fellow Delawareans? Please CLICK THIS LINK to tell us who we should honor next week in Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
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.
- 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 worldwide that offer 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 Morgan Rispoli, a physical education teacher at Hodgson Vo-Tech. Ms. Rispoli is dedicated to bringing mental health programming to her students through empathy and dedication. Through partnerships with organizations like the SL24: UnLocke the Light Foundation and support from her school district, she provides platforms for her students to be heard. And she has received several awards for it! Though she’s not in it for the recognition, she could not be more deserving.
Thank you, Ms. Rispoli, for all you do to impact your students and our community!
ABOVE: Ms. Morgan Rispoli (Photo: Damien Giletto/Delaware News Journal)
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