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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. Over the last several weeks, I’ve been closely following the Trump administration’s reckless trade policies and the impact they’re having on Delawareans. I’ve heard about these impacts firsthand while visiting small businesses like Sumuri in Magnolia. They shared how they’re facing supply chain disruptions, price increases on necessary materials for their products, and fiscal uncertainty – all exacerbated by President Trump’s trade wars.
Make no mistake: these careless policies aren’t just harming Delaware. The impacts are being felt across the country and around the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that these tariffs will hurt the entire global economy. In all my conversations, I consistently hear one word: uncertainty. Uncertainty makes it harder to build a strong economy and makes life more difficult for Delawareans just trying to get by.
Since becoming your Senator, I’ve had the opportunity to hear from thousands of Delawareans about what these tariffs and other harmful policies – like cuts to Medicaid, the potential closure of a Social Security office, or the lack of medical research on cures – would mean to them. I take your stories with me back to Washington not only to legislate and provide oversight but to make it clear to my colleagues that these policies have real consequences. That’s why I’m launching a new portal that will make it easier for you to share your stories with me. Whether it is the impact of policy changes in Washington or accomplishments in our community that you would like highlighted in future editions of Let Me Be Blunt, please click here to share your story.
My commitment to hearing from you goes beyond this newsletter. Tomorrow, I’ll be hosting my first in-person town hall since you elected me to the Senate. Senator Chris Coons, Congresswoman Sarah McBride, Governor Matt Meyer, Attorney General Kathleen Jennings, and I look forward to answering your questions.
While the town hall is now at capacity, the entire event will be livestreamed on Senator Coons’ YouTube page.
THIS TUESDAY: Mobile Office Hours in New Castle
My team is hosting our next mobile office hours event at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center this Tuesday, April 29th. If you need assistance, caseworkers will be available to help. To RSVP, click here.
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 Austin Okie from Georgetown. Over the span of many years, Mr. Okie has donated hundreds of acres of land throughout Sussex County to be preserved. From Millsboro to Long Neck, to Fenwick Island, this is an enduring legacy in our state.
Thank you, Austin Okie, for doing your part to ensure future generations can enjoy some of Delaware’s natural beauty for years to come!
ABOVE: Mr. Austin Okie pictured in his home (Credit: Shannon Marvel McNaught, Delaware News Journal)
Yours in service,
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
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