Dear Friend,

Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. I had a busy week in Delaware, meeting with people up and down the state. Next week, I’ll be in DC to keep pushing for a deal to fund our government and restore the health care cuts Republicans already made.

My Democratic colleagues and I already voted for a bill that would do both of those things. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues blocked that bill and left town. If they want to do the right thing for our nation, they know where to find us – at the negotiating table.

My Third Annual Constituent Resource Fair

From tax returns to veterans’ benefits, housing assistance to Social Security, my Senate office is your gateway to many of the public services you rely on.

That’s why I was incredibly proud to host my third annual Constituent Resource Fair this week at Del Tech in Dover. Thank you to everyone who came to learn about the resources offered by the more than 40 federal, state, and local organizations in attendance.

Our work does not end with the Resource Fair. If you need help resolving an issue with a federal agency, please reach out to my office. CLICK HERE to get in touch with my casework team.

ABOVE: I’m grateful to everyone who came out and made our third annual Constituent Resource Fair such a success.

ABOVE: As a former congressional caseworker, I know just how impactful our team can be for Delawareans. I’ve hosted a resource fair each of the last three years to connect our communities with the resources and services that are available.

Peace of Mind for Delawareans with Disabilities

On Tuesday, I toured KenCrest’s community home in Bear. KenCrest provides support for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential opportunities, community engagement, and individualized care. Most importantly, they empower people with disabilities to maintain their freedom and independence.

I was grateful for our conversation about how recent cuts, like those to Medicaid, are affecting the folks there. We also discussed upcoming legislation that could help counteract some of the effects of those cuts.

CLICK HERE to watch my reflections on this visit and the impact of Republicans’ health care cuts.

ABOVE: I’m proud to support KenCrest’s efforts to provide community living for Delawareans with disabilities.

A Progress Update on Rosa Health Center’s Expansion Project

When I was in the House of Representatives, I was proud to secure federal funding for Rosa Health Center to undergo a major expansion. Rosa provides high-quality, compassionate primary care to Delawareans, especially those in under-resourced communities. This week, I was in Georgetown to see their progress.

When completed, this project will increase Rosa’s capacity to provide high-quality care to their patients and improve the experience for the folks who work there. Previously, providers had to carry scales from room to room to assess their patients – now, each room will have all the tools the providers need already there. The expanded health center will also include several improvements to make the building more sustainable. I can’t wait to come back to celebrate the opening of this expansion when it’s complete!

ABOVE: Thank you to Dr. Rama Peri, all the staff, and the board of Rosa Health Center for hosting me this week.

Pathways to Success: Always a Phone Call Away

Young people are facing many challenges today, and that’s where Pathways to Success is looking to help.

They do invaluable work shepherding their students through young adulthood. Their staff are dedicated to going beyond instruction to provide guidance and mentorship to their participants. These teenagers know their mentors are always just a phone call away, no matter what.

On Tuesday, I stopped by Pathways to Success' office in Georgetown to learn more about what they do. They are truly changing lives in Sussex County.

ABOVE: I’m so impressed by the work being done by the folks at Pathways to Success, and I look forward to doing all I can to support them.

Progress Doesn’t Pause and Neither Can We

Last weekend, I was proud to join the annual AIDS Walk in Wilmington. Every year, this event provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we’ve made against this disease and recommit to the work ahead.

Together, we have improved treatments to the point that HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. However, the Trump administration’s cuts to critical health care programs, medical research, and AIDS prevention work threaten to take us backward.

The theme for this year’s walk summed it up perfectly: “Progress Doesn’t Pause, and Neither Can We.” I’ll always fight to build on our progress and support investments to finally achieve an AIDS-free generation.

ABOVE: I was proud to be at this year’s AIDS Walk in Wilmington alongside Senator Chris Coons, State Senator Dan Cruce, AIDS Delaware, the Delaware HIV Consortium, and so many members of our community.

NEXT WEEKEND: Mobile Office Hours in Bear

My office will host our next mobile office hours event at the Bear Library on Saturday, October 4^th. Members of our casework team will be available to help Delawareans in need of assistance. To RSVP, CLICK HERE.

DEADLINE APPROACHING: Service Academy Nominations

As a Senator, I have the opportunity to nominate some of the best and brightest young Delawareans to our nation’s prestigious service academies: the US Military Academy at West Point, the US Naval Academy, the US Air Force Academy, and the US Merchant Marine Academy. Due to the limited number of available slots, we conduct a thorough application and review process for interested students.

CLICK HERE for more information on the process and CLICK HERE to apply. The deadline is Friday, October 17^th, at 11:59 PM!

As we near the federal funding deadline, I’m more focused than ever on fighting for Americans’ access to health care. I’m still hearing stories every day from Delawareans who rely on Medicaid just to survive. I’m not giving up on them.

This week, I’m sharing what Sharon from Hartly told me. Sharon’s daughter has epilepsy, arthritis, migraines, asthma, allergies, and more. She has monthly IV treatments and sees many specialists. Sharon wrote to me, “Cuts to Medicaid would seriously affect my daughter. She is on many medications. Without Medicaid we would not be able to afford them.”

Sharon should be able to focus on supporting her daughter, not worrying about how to pay for treatments. That’s why I’m working hard to restore Medicaid funding.

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:

• Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund: Along with local nonprofits, Delmarva Power has established a program to provide relief to Delawareans who are facing higher energy costs. To read more about eligibility rules and how to apply, go to delmarva.com/ReliefDE.
• 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.
• Delaware EARNS Deadline Approaching: In 2024, Delaware’s Office of the State Treasurer launched the Delaware EARNS program to help Delawareans save for retirement. Certain employers are required to register for the program, so if you are one of those businesses, be sure to get registered by the October 15^th deadline. Go to earnsdelaware.com for more info or call the employer assistance hotline at 855-934-3701 with any questions.
• [NEW] DSHA Zoning and Land Use Reform Pilot Program: The Delaware State Housing Authority is accepting applications from counties and municipalities for its Zoning and Land Use Reform pilot program. The program will provide technical assistance to local governments to implement zoning and land use reforms that are designed to encourage a greater variety of housing types and address the cost of housing in the First State. Go to destatehousing.com/planning-assistance to learn more and apply before the October 31^st deadline.

This week’s Constituent Corner honors Brigadier General Karen Berry, who was confirmed on Monday as Delaware’s first Veterans Affairs Secretary. In this position, General Berry will serve as a representative for all of Delaware’s veterans, creating a roadmap for Delaware’s new Veterans Affairs Department. I've had the honor of knowing General Berry for years, and between her more than three decades of service in the Connecticut and Delaware National Guards and 25 years spent as a teacher, I’m confident in her ability to serve Delaware’s veterans. Congratulations, Secretary Berry!

ABOVE: Brig. Gen. Karen Berry, Delaware’s newly confirmed Veterans Affairs Secretary.

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