Let Me Be Blunt: Thank You to the Women Who Raised Us

Dear Friend, Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt . I want to begin by wishing all moms, grandmothers, and bonus moms a Happy Mother’s Day. As a mother of two and a grandmother of one, I know firsthand the joys and challenges that motherhood brings. The early mornings, late nights, and desire to be in too many places at once are never easy, but they also create great memories and more importantly, great people! While we have a holiday to celebrate moms, it’s more important that we put our policies and money where our mouths are. With the United States having the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, I’m introducing a slate of legislation this coming week to support pregnant and postpartum moms. Whether lowering healthcare costs, or increasing access to postpartum treatments, it is time that we ensure moms receive the same quality of care that they give to those around them. Stay tuned for our legislation! For now, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who raised us, supported us, and showed up for us. And a special shout out to Alice Blunt — I love you, Mom! ❤ Clean Air is a Right Last Wednesday at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I questioned EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin on the administration’s FY 2027 budget request and decisions to rollback decades of environmental protection policies critical to protecting our public health. I also shared bipartisan concerns voiced by leadership of all three counties about the lack of resources for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds. This week, I continued the conversation with Climate Action Campaign and other Delaware leaders and advocates regarding clean air. I’m proud to lead the Public Health Air Quality Act , which would strengthen our national air quality monitoring system. These issues are tied to increased health and financial costs. I remain committed to protecting the environment for future generations and will continue partnering with Delawareans to see this through. It was an honor to join leaders and advocates from Delaware to put people over polluters. From Farm to Table The Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation that sets our nation’s agricultural policies and ensures our farming communities are equipped with the resources to succeed. Last week, the House passed a version of the bill that fails to fully address current affordability gaps facing farmers and all Americans. This week in Dover, I sat down with leaders from the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Farm Bureau to discuss the needs of our farmers and communities. From tariffs to exorbitant fuel and fertilizer prices, it is becoming increasingly challenging for our family farmers. Ultimately, those costs make their way to our homes, schools, and businesses. As a state that is urban, suburban, rural, and coastal, our farming communities play a critical role in Delaware’s success. I look forward to bringing these ideas back to D.C. as we continue Farm Bill conversations in the Senate. A Spotlight on the Arts (and the Economy) Growing up as a dancer, I developed a love for the performing arts at an early age. It taught me teamwork, resilience, focus, determination, and a connection to our shared humanity — traits that guide me every day. Because of its impact in my own life, I believe it is critical that we continue to celebrate and advance access to the arts. Additionally, the arts can be a huge economic driver! Speaking of that, I was grateful to tour the upcoming new and expanded stage and facilities at Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville. Like many, I attended concerts there (my last one was the incomparable Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight) with the mobile stage on the grounds. This will be a new and improved experience. From their work increasing access to all ages and backgrounds to their support of local and small businesses, they are a First State gem! It was so great to be back at the Freeman Arts Pavilion and see their efforts to bring art to Delawareans across the state. Open for Business It was great to connect with the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce and visit with local Delaware businesses. Small businesses are always touted as the backbone of our communities, and in order to support them, we must hear them. Our conversations centered on issues of high fuel costs, workforce challenges (particularly with our broken immigration system), flooding, and artificial intelligence. A special thank you to Bethany Beach’s very own Bethany Blues BBQ, Juice Box, and Tangerine Goods for their insights and hospitality. Global Impact Starts at Home Agilent Technologies is a global leader in life science research, patient diagnostics, and testing required to ensure the safety of our water, food, and medicine. And much of that work happens right here in Delaware! I was thrilled to tour Agilent’s site in Wilmington, where their scientists are creating some of the world’s most cutting-edge technology. We discussed their efforts to grow the STEM workforce pipeline and the challenges and opportunities of AI. We also got a firsthand look at the amazing technology that will be used by the TSA as we prepare for the World Cup this summer. There’s no question about it: Some of the world’s “coolest things” are made right here in Delaware. A New Generation of Leaders Leadership Delaware has led the charge in developing a strong and diverse leadership pipeline within the state. I was honored to join the current class of fellows for their May session to share my career journey and the lessons in leadership that I’ve learned over the years. They are truly an inspiring class! Thank you to the current class of Leadership Delaware for having me. I look forward to seeing your continued service to our state. Bright, Hope-Filled Futures The Boys & Girls Club of Delaware has been a pillar of our community for over 90 years and is often celebrated for its ability to create “bright, hope-filled futures.” Its mission and services are well aligned with my goal to spread “Bright Hope” across the state. During my recent visit to the club, I had a full circle moment while touring its new Fraim Fitness Center. This expansion serves Delaware teens (and seniors from the local senior center), and it was supported by $650,000 that I advocated for during my time in the House. I’m so proud to see this project completed, creating a safe space and a positive outlet for our youth as they gain skills and focus on health and fitness. It was great to visit the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware and see the new Fraim Fitness Center finally come to life. A New World at Sussex Central It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Educators are a pillar of our community and have a lasting impact on our students. Just one interaction can open a world of new opportunities. And a new world is opening up for the students, teachers, and staff at Sussex Central High School. This week, I visited the Golden Knights’ new state-of-the-art campus. It features a science wing, black box theater, career and technical education, expanded gym and farm — just to name a few. But the most inspiring part of the visit was the people. During my visit, I sat down with students for a frank conversation about what I do, how I got to this place, and what their place is in this changing world. I’m sure it won’t be long before a few of them have offices with me (or mine) in D.C. I was truly inspired by tomorrow’s leaders at Sussex Central High. In this week’s How May We Serve You , I want to highlight the money that my team and I have recovered for Delawareans. We’re committed to helping you cut through red tape, so you can get the assistance you are owed. Especially as we deal with higher costs at the gas pump and the grocery store, every dollar counts. Last week alone, our team helped recover more than $70,000 for constituents. This came from overdue retirement benefits and IRS refunds that some individuals had waited years to receive. So far this year, we have recovered $879,057 — bringing the total to $1.4 million since I became a Senator. Never hesitate to reach out to my office for help. CLICK HERE to learn more. This week’s Constituent Corner honors Jennifer McEntire, owner of Bayside Athletics in Milford. She was recently named Delaware’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year as part of National Small Business Week (May 3-9). Jennifer opened Bayside Athletics in 2021, creating a space where children of all ages and skill levels can grow through gymnastics, martial arts, cheerleading, and more. Since then, it has become not only a thriving business but also a true hub for families — showing how small businesses enrich our communities and our economy. Congratulations, Jennifer! Do you know of a Delawarean doing exceptional things? Click here to tell us who we should honor in next week’s edition of Let Me Be Blunt. Capitol Conversations with LBR My Washington office will host our next Capitol Conversations on Tuesday, May 12, at 8 am . If you find yourself in the D.C. area, drop by to connect with me and my team. CLICK HERE to RSVP. Passport Acceptance and Global Entry Event My office will be hosting our annual Passport Acceptance and Global Entry Event on Saturday, June 6 at the Route 9 Library. Certified passport agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will be on-site to process applications for new passports and renewals, as well as conduct Global Entry interviews. The passport event is full, but CLICK HERE to RSVP for the Global Entry event. Service Academy Are you a young person interested in serving our country? Every year, I have the honor of nominating exceptional students to one of our U.S. Service Academies. The 2026 application process is now open through October 15. CLICK HERE to learn more. Please visit my website’s Resources for Delawareans page for information about lowering your energy costs, scheduling passport appointments, finding emergency housing, accessing food assistance, paying for prescription drugs, connecting with mental health resources, and more. CLICK HERE FOR MY RESOURCES PAGE.