Friends and neighbors,
Spring is almost here, which means things are getting busier in Legislative Hall and across the Ninth District.
In Delaware, our regular legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. To watch Senate proceedings live or if you want to come back later to watch recordings of past proceedings, click here. To view daily Senate Agendas, click here. To view upcoming committee meetings, legislative session start times, and more, click here.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at john.walsh@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4163.
Sincerely,
Jack Walsh
Senator, District 9
Legislative Update
Earlier this year, my bill SB208 was released from the labor committee. This legislation will help return unpaid wages to employees who leave their job for a variety of reasons.
I was proud to join my colleagues in supporting SB1, The Healthy Delaware Families Act. This bill guarantees 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to Delaware workers.
This legislation, alongside raising the minimum wage to $15, are some of the many things we must do to lift up working families across our state.
I am also working on the following legislation:
- Senate Bill 228, which allows licensed veterinary technicians, as well as licensed veterinarians, to administer rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, and ferrets
- Senate Bill 201, which broadens the scope of the Delaware Public Employment Relations Act and increases transparency around its procedures
- A bill that I have not yet introduced that will address wage theft
- Labor legislation that regulates warehouse distribution companies that use employee quota
Around the 9th District
Mobile Food Pantry
On Friday, March 18 starting at 10 a.m., Food Bank of Delaware will be hosting a drive-thru mobile food pantry at the DelTech Stanton Campus. Please pre-register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-new-castle-county-drive-thru-distribution-tickets-290099725087
Grant Opportunities and Helpful Resources
AARP Delaware invites local nonprofit organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 22, 2022.
AARP Community Challenge grants can be used to support:
- Permanent physical improvements in the community
- Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change
- New, innovative programming or services
The Delaware Division of Small Business “Encouraging Development, Growth & Expansion” grant cycle is open all month long. Eligible businesses can be awarded up to $100,000 in funding.
Don’t wait to apply — applications are due at 5 p.m. on March 31.
To learn more, visit business.delaware.gov/edge.
The deadline for organizations to submit applications for the FY23 Community Reinvestment Fund is May 15, 2022.
Eligible applicants include county and local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and private sector nonprofit organizations.
Please direct any questions to the Office of the Controller General at 302-744-4200 or send an email to Bond_Public_Comment@delaware.gov.
COVID-19 Update
Delaware is currently facing a winter surge that has led to a record-breaking number of positive COVID cases and hospitalizations, as well as an overwhelming increase in the demand placed on COVID testing sites. Our healthcare system, local businesses, and even testing sites are facing staffing shortages as the Delta and Omicron variants spread at increased rates.
All Delawareans — regardless of vaccination status — are encouraged to avoid social gatherings and mask up when you’re around others outside of your household.
If you have not done so already, please sign up now to get fully vaccinated and boosted. Click here to find a list of vaccination sites. Individuals over the age of 16 who received their second shot over 6 months ago are encouraged to get their booster shot. Click here to find out where to get your booster.
To access a comprehensive collection of resources, including updated guidance and other tools to fight the spread of COVID-19, visit de.gov/coronavirus
DelDOT Update
I-95 and SR 896 Interchange
Interchange improvements to improve safety and reduce congestion.
Project Phase: Design
Projected Construction Completion: 2025
Project Update: Design is underway. In June 2020, DelDOT received a federal grant for $56.8 million that will allow this project schedule to be moved forward approximately two years sooner than originally anticipated. A virtual public workshop was held on February 16, 2021. Workshop displays have been updated on the project website.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022.
Hazard Elimination Program — NCC, SR2 Capitol Trail at Darwin Drive Intersection Improvements
Project Phase: Design
Projected Construction Completion: 2022
The project is in design.
New Castle County Transit Center
Construct a new DART transit facility, including a park & ride, near the Christiana Mall. The project will include roadway connections from Center Boulevard to Churchmans Road. All new infrastructure will also provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Project Phase: Design
Projected Construction Completion: TBD
Project Update: Concept design is underway.
SR 2/Red Mill Road Intersection Improvements
Provide safety and capacity improvements at the intersection.
Project Phase: Design
Projected Construction Completion: 2024
Project Update: Right-of-way acquisition is underway. Design is progressing. Advanced utility work is expected to begin in early 2022.
SR 273 / Chapman Road Intersection Improvements
This project includes widening the westbound SR 273 to northbound I-95 Ramp to include an additional lane to the inside. The two left turn lanes from northbound Chapman Road will be restriped to turn into the ramp lane and a choice lane. Along the I-95 ramp, the two lanes will merge as a zipper merge.
Project Phase: Design
Projected Construction Completion: Winter 2022/2023
Project Update: Design is underway. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2022, following the construction of the current I-95/SR 273 construction project.