July 2023 Newsletter – Senator Poore Legislative Recap

Friends and neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying all that summer has to offer!

The first leg of the 152nd General Assembly concluded on June 30. I’m writing to let you know about some of the legislative we passed, as well as share some community news.

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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

I’m pleased to report that several of my bills passed this year — and a number of them have already been signed into law by Governor Carney!

In my experience as a caregiver, I have seen firsthand the importance of supporting our medical professionals as well as patients and their families. That’s why I am proud to have sponsored Senate Bill 98, which expands the Health Provider Loan Repayment Program to include dental workers and behavioral health professionals, and Senate Bill 55, which establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council. These two bills will help improve the overall landscape of our health care system, which will benefit Delawareans seeking care.

Our unions have long been the driving force behind competitive wages, good benefits, and protections for everyday workers. Unions provide a clear pathway for young workers to not just find a job, but to get started on a meaningful career. That’s why I was proud to bring forward Senate Bill 72 this year. This bill reinstates a tax deduction for anyone paying annual union dues up to the amount of $500 per year.

I also introduced Senate Bill 189, which is an issue that was first brought forward by Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. Earlier this year, the State. Department ordered the emergency classification of xylazine, also known as “Tranq”— a non-opioid drug used primarily in veterinary medicine — in Schedule III of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the emergence of xylazine across the United States appears to be following the same path as fentanyl — starting in the Northeast and then spreading to the South and working its way into drug markets westward, and the low cost of xylazine contributes to xylazine’s increased presence in the nation’s illegal drug supply.

SB 189 passed both chambers and heads to Governor Carney’s desk.

This year, my colleagues Rep. Krista Griffith, Sen. Stephanie Hansen and I passed a package of bills targeting the intrinsic link between animal cruelty and domestic violence so that we can keep Delaware families safer from abuse. I want to thank Judge Jennifer Ranji (pictured above at the bill signing) for working with us to create and pass Senate Bill 70, Senate Bill 71 and House Bill 95 this year.

Community Updates

June 2023 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

The legislature is just a few weeks away from our summer break. That means that this is a busy time of year throughout Legislative Hall! My colleagues and I are working hard to lift up the issues that matter most to the people of Delaware.

In Dover, 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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Legislative News

One of my callings as a legislator is to lift up our differently-abled and chronically ill Delawareans and their families. Delaware families facing a rare disease experience incredible challenges, often starting with simply getting a correct diagnosis and ranging from finding specialists, therapies and medication to connecting with support groups who can provide them with the emotional encouragement that comes from people going through the same experience.

Senate Bill 55, which just passed the Senate, would establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council. This council will help identify and address barriers to the treatment and care of those suffering from one of the approximately 7,000 known rare diseases.

Earlier this week, I was honored to participate alongside some of my colleagues in a panel discussion at Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long’s first Mental and Behavioral Health Summit. On this panel, we highlighted the progress we have made for mental health and behavioral health access in this State, while also emphasizing there is so much more that can be done.

Community Updates

Infrastructure Investments in the 12th Senate District

Friends and neighbors,

I want to give you an update on several job-creating transportation projects underway in the 12th Senate District, thanks to the $1.4 billion Bond Bill passed by the Delaware General Assembly in 2022 – the largest infrastructure improvement and jobs creation act in Delaware history.

Below is a list of just some of the major Delaware Department of Transportation projects occurring in the 12th Senate District.

Be sure to click on the blue links for more information about each project.

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

DelDOT Project Update

Dragon Run Tide Gates Replacement

Project Description: This project will replace the existing tide gates, which have deteriorated and are no longer functioning properly, causing upstream flooding and negative environmental impacts to the marsh wetlands.

Project Phase: Design and Planning

Projected Construction Start Date: Fall 2025

Projected Construction Completion: 2026

Project Update: Design is complete. However, the project is on hold due to other projects in the area, in particular the Army Corp of Engineer’s work proposed for the St. George’s Bridge.

Lorewood Grove Road, Jamison Corner Road to Del. Route 1

Project Description: The area of New Castle County just below the C & D Canal is expected to experience added congestion and safety issues. This project will improve Lorewood Grove Road to add shoulders and a multi-use path on one side of the roadway from Jamison Corner Road to Del. 1.

Project Phase: Design and Planning

Projected Construction Start Date: 2026

Projected Construction Completion: 2027

Project Update: Design work is currently on hold as traffic projections related to the Southern New Castle County Transportation Improvement District are re-evaluated as part of a regular update. Design is progressing on an interim project to provide an improved pedestrian crossing between the communities of Canal View at Crossland and Crossland at the Canal, which is planned to be implemented in 2023.

Del. Route 1 widening, Del. 273 to the Roth Bridge

Project Description: Existing and future conditions in the area require DelDOT to address peak hour and seasonal traffic congestion, system connectivity, local access for residential developments, safety and emergency access. This project will identify and prioritize cost-effective short, mid-and long-term transportation infrastructure improvements along Del. 1 from the Roth Bridge to south of I-95 that reduce congestion and travel times and improve safety, while minimizing environmental impacts.

Project Phase: Design and Planning

Projected Construction Start Date: TBD

Projected Construction Completion: TBD

Project Update: Planning for the widening of Route 1, including various interchange improvements, has been ongoing. A project of this magnitude takes many years of planning, environmental approvals, public outreach, design, and ultimately construction. Fortunately, DelDOT has been able to implement several smaller-scale upgrades while the larger project continues through the process. A virtual public workshop was held on October 27, 2021 to present the recommended preferred alternative and updates to the noise study and other environmental efforts.

Del. 72 widening, McCoy Road to Del. 71

Project Description: This project will widen Del. 72 to four lanes, with bike lanes and sidewalks, and provide a center turn lane. These pedestrian improvements will enhance multi-modal transportation along the Del. 72 roadway by providing safety and operational improvements in the area.

Project Phase: Construction

Construction Start Date: March 2019

Projected Construction Completion: 2024

Project Update: Construction for the widening project is ongoing. The contractor is currently working in Phase 1 with all traffic pushed to the south while widening the future Route 72 northbound lanes . Additional information is available at SR72improvements.com.

School Lane Pathway

Project Description: The project proposes a 2,150-foot bike trail from Frenchtown Pike to School Lane within the city limits of New Castle. The path will act as a connector route to the Jack Markell Trail.

Project Phase: Design and Planning

Projected Construction Start Date: 2023

Projected Construction Completion: 2023

Project Update: Design is underway.

Port Penn Road Update

Friends and Neighbors,

In recent weeks, many of you have reached out to me to express your frustrations over the sudden surge in traffic – and illegal U-turns – we are seeing on Port Penn Road ever since St. Georges Bridge was closed for repair in early April.

I share your concerns, and I am committed to working on a safe solution.

This week, I brought numerous officials from the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware State Police to Port Penn Road to see the problem for themselves.

At that meeting, they promised to:

  • Continue on-site traffic enforcement that began on April 17;
  • Add a radar speed sign on Port Penn Road;
  • Add even more traffic drums along the centerline of Port Penn Road to prevent illegal U-turns;
  • Conduct a review of traffic behavior over the next few weeks to determine additional next steps.

A message board currently located on U.S. 13 also will remain in place to warn motorists against making illegal traffic maneuvers to avoid the St. Georges Bridge closure.

To date, 30 people have been ticketed for illegal U-turns and more than a handful of warnings have been issued during the 28.5 patrol hours invested in the Port Penn Road area.

Rest assured, I will continue working with DelDOT and Delaware State Police throughout the St. George Bridge closure to make sure we are solving these issues.

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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore

Senator, 12th District

May 2023 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

Just dropping in to provide you with some updates from Legislative Hall and around the community before we head into the weekend.

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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Legislative News

May is always a busy month in Legislative Hall — and this year is no exception! I have already introduced several pieces of legislation, dealing with a range of issues. For example, I am the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 70, which addresses the link between animal abuse and domestic violence. This bill, in partnership with Sen. Hansen’s Senate Bill 71, help the Division of Families Services to report animal abuse as a precursor to domestic violence, and allow family pets to be covered under PFAs (protection from abuse orders.)

I’m also glad to report that my bill, Senate Bill 98, passed the Senate this week!

In 2021, we passed House Bill 48 that established a health care provider loan repayment program for primary care providers. Under this program, the Health Care Commission was granted authority to award education loan repayment grants of up to $50,000 a year for new primary care providers.

Under my legislation, Senate Bill 98, this program will be expanded to include behavioral health and dental professionals. This bill also extends eligibility for applicants to apply up to two years after graduation — whereas the program requires current graduates to apply within six months.

Community Updates

As Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I was deeply honored to join U.S. Senator Chris Coons, General Frank Vavala and distinguished leaders from the Delaware Military Academy for this year’s Change of Command ceremony earlier this week.

So many bright young Delawareans have chosen to pursue a career in one of our five branches of the military — and we could not be more proud of their dedication.

Congratulations to the following students who will each attend one of them service academies next year:

  • Giada MacNamara, USNA
  • Maria Puka, USNA
  • Danny Williams, USCGA
  • Jackson Dorsey, USCGA
  • Robert Pistoria, USCGA

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and this year, we passed a resolution designating May 5, 2023 as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day in Delaware.

DelDOT Notice

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has announced some overnight closures of the I-95 SB to Rt 896 NB ramp each night from Sunday, May 14th through Thursday, May 18th to perform drainage work.

Additionally, daily lane closures will be implemented on I-95 southbound (night) and I-95 northbound (day) during the following times:

Sunday, May 14 through Thursday, May 18:

  • SB I-95 right lane closure (8PM to 6AM)
  • SB Rt 896 left lane closure between I-95 overpass and Old Baltimore Pike (8PM to 6AM)
  • Overnight Ramp Closure each night, SB I-95 to NB Rt 896 (10PM to 6AM). Detour will be posted and can be seen below.

Sunday, May 14 through Tuesday, May 16:

  • Overnight lane shift/shoulder closure on ramp from southbound Rt 896 to SB I-95 (8PM to 6AM). Ramp remains open.

Monday, May 15 through Friday, May 19:

  • Daytime single left lane closure on I-95 NB (9AM to 8PM).

Hyetts Corner Road Improvements

Friends and Neighbors,

Over the years, we have seen far too many crashes and near misses at the intersection of Hyett’s Corner Road and U.S. 13.
After working with the Delaware Department of Transportation to get a traffic signal installed at that intersection and add delineators to the turn lanes on Route 13, Rep. Kevin Hensley and I are pleased to announce we have helped to secure two additional upgrades to make this intersection even safer.

First, new street lighting will be added to the intersection in early June to give motorists a clearer view of what’s ahead as they approach the intersection at night and in inclement weather.

Second, a new right-turn lane will soon be added on the southwest corner of the intersection to help vehicles better negotiate the merge from Hyetts Corner Road onto southbound Route 13.

Our work doesn’t stop here.

Please reach out to me if you have suggestions for additional safety improvements at this intersection, or any concerns about roadway safety elsewhere in the 12th Senate District. You can email me directly at nicole.poore@delaweare.gov or leave me a message at (302) 744-4164.
Sincerely,
Nicole PooreSenator, 12th District

March 2023 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

My colleagues and I are busy at work now that the 152nd General Assembly is underway! Down in Dover, we are working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Delawareans.

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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

I had the honor of speaking at Caesar Rodney High School’s inaugural International Women’s Day celebration last week alongside several powerful Delaware women.

Community Updates

City of New Castle Local Elections
Saturday, April 15, 2023
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Calling all City of New Castle residents — the election for City of New Castle Mayor and City Council are held on the second Saturday in April every other year. Learn more about how to vote here: https://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/elections/

Easter Parade
Sunday, April 9, 2023
1 p.m. on The Green

The New Castle Hundred Lions will once again hold their annual Easter Parade on the Green. Don’t miss the candy, fun and prizes! This New Castle tradition is sponsored by the New Castle Hundred Lions Club.

As you are working on filing your taxes this year, please remember that all $300 checks issued by the Delaware Rebate Relief Program will NOT need to be reported on your 2022 tax filings.

In January, we passed House Bill 25, which ensured that the payments disbursed to Delawareans would not be taxable. The IRS recently released guidelines reaffirming this, which you can read yourself here.

Arasapha May Market
Friday, May 5 & Saturday, May 6, 2023

Market Square – Behind New Castle Town Hall
201 Delaware Street, New Castle DE

Looking for the perfect plant for your garden? A special herb for your kitchen or a unique bargain for your home? How about a Mother’s Day gift? You’ll find all this and more at May Market, a New Castle tradition celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2022.

Proceeds benefit the gardens of New Castle’s historic Amstel and Dutch Houses and support Arasapha programs. To learn more, visit www.arasapha.org/may-market.

Facebook
Delaware State Senate Democratic Caucus | 411 Legislative Avenue, Dover, DE 19901
Unsubscribe skendus@writersblockservices.com
Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Sent by nicole.poore@delaware.gov powered by
Trusted Email from Constant Contact – Try it FREE today.
Try email marketing for free today!

Senator Nicole Poore via auth.ccsend.com
2:15 PM (5 hours ago)
to me

Friends and neighbors,

My colleagues and I are busy at work now that the 152nd General Assembly is underway! Down in Dover, we are working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Delawareans.

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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

I had the honor of speaking at Caesar Rodney High School’s inaugural International Women’s Day celebration last week alongside several powerful Delaware women.

Community Updates

City of New Castle Local Elections

Saturday, April 15, 2023

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Calling all City of New Castle residents — the election for City of New Castle Mayor and City Council are held on the second Saturday in April every other year. Learn more about how to vote here: https://newcastlecity.delaware.gov/elections/

Easter Parade

Sunday, April 9, 2023

1 p.m. on The Green

The New Castle Hundred Lions will once again hold their annual Easter Parade on the Green. Don’t miss the candy, fun and prizes! This New Castle tradition is sponsored by the New Castle Hundred Lions Club.

As you are working on filing your taxes this year, please remember that all $300 checks issued by the Delaware Rebate Relief Program will NOT need to be reported on your 2022 tax filings.

In January, we passed House Bill 25, which ensured that the payments disbursed to Delawareans would not be taxable. The IRS recently released guidelines reaffirming this, which you can read yourself here.

Arasapha May Market

Friday, May 5 & Saturday, May 6, 2023

Market Square – Behind New Castle Town Hall

201 Delaware Street, New Castle DE

Looking for the perfect plant for your garden? A special herb for your kitchen or a unique bargain for your home? How about a Mother’s Day gift? You’ll find all this and more at May Market, a New Castle tradition celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2022.

Proceeds benefit the gardens of New Castle’s historic Amstel and Dutch Houses and support Arasapha programs. To learn more, visit www.arasapha.org/may-market.

December 2022 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the holiday season.

As for me, I am feeling grateful to the people of the 12th District for re-electing me and for all your support over the years. With the election behind us, we are now gearing up to start the 152nd General Assembly next month! I am excited to welcome three new Senate colleagues, Senator Kyra Hoffner and Senator Russ Huxtable into the Democratic caucus, and Senator Eric Buckson to the Republican caucus.

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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Around the 12th District and Beyond

Take a look at this list of upcoming holiday happenings in our area:

If you are still in need of some holiday shopping, I encourage you to support our local small businesses! I visited a number of them in the 12th District during Small Business Saturday a few weeks back:

Artworth Creations, Delaware City
The Saltbox, Delaware City
All Good Things, New Castle

Veteran Indicator

Veterans are now able to add a new Veteran Indicator to their driver license or identification card, thus eliminating the need for veterans to carry a separate card or official discharge forms in order to prove their service.

The Veteran Indicator designation is available to any Delaware veteran that served in the U.S. military and was honorably discharged. To obtain the Veteran Indicator, you must have a valid Delaware driver license or identification card and provide proof of military service by presenting a military ID, NGB-22, DD-214, honorable discharge certificate, or valid out-of-state driver license with veteran designation.

For more information click here: news.delaware.gov/2022/11/10/dmv-announces-new-veteran-indicator-for-driver-license-or-identification-card/.

2023 Delaware State Park Annual Passes are now available!

Annual passes give Delawareans access to all seventeen of our state parks throughout the year, for only $35.

There are a number of discounts that you may be eligible for:

  • If you are 62 or older, you will receive a discounted rate ($18 for residents and $35 for non-residents.)
  • A $65 lifetime pass is available for Delawareans 65 and older
  • The Delaware Military Pass is available for $17.50
  • Reduced rates are also offered to Delawareans who receive public assistance, or who are active-duty military or veterans.
  • And finally, active duty military personnel with an out-of-state license plate can purchase an annual pass at the in-state rate.

To learn more or purchase your 2023 pass, visit: https://www.destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees.

Community Health Update

With the holidays just around the corner, please do everything you can to protect the ones you love.

While COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have been on the decline for months, our worst surges in 2020 and 2021 occurred just after Thanksgiving. Delaware is also seeing a large number of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases this year. Taken together, these three viruses are already straining our hospitals and health care systems.

To stay safe and healthy this season, be sure to:

Public Safety Forum Thursday 10/13

Friends and neighbors,

I am writing to inform you about an upcoming public safety town hall in the 12th District.

Please join me on Thursday, October 13th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. for a Public Safety Town Hall at the New Castle Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5.

This town hall will feature Representative Valerie Longhurst, New Castle County Councilman David Tackett, Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police & Behavioral Health Unit, Delaware City Fire Company, and myself.

I hope that you can join us.

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 nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District