Senator Coons honors Public Service Recognition Week

In honor of our public servants, Senator Coons was proud to cosponsor a Senate Resolution designating this week as Public Service Recognition Week, and he commends all of our public servants for their hard work all year to improve our country. The resolution, which was introduced by Senator Jon Tester of Montana and was passed by the Senate, had five additional cosponsors.

“Public servants are the backbone of the United States government, as well as our state and local governments,” Chris said. “The work they do every day is what makes our national spirit of service great.  I would like to thank all public servants and especially those from Delaware for their contributions to society.”

Public Service Recognition Week is an annual event to honor the men and women who serve at all levels of government.  Millions of Americans are public servants and work hard every day to ensure that we continue to provide services and meet the needs of our citizens all across America and abroad.  During this week, which runs from May 5 to 11, officials from Cabinet secretaries to local officials are encouraged to proclaim appreciation and hold events for all public servants.

A number of events will be held this week, including the Public Employees Roundtable’s first annual Public Service 5K run/walk in Washington, D.C.  Other events include a public service town hall meeting with Cabinet secretaries, and a Congressional breakfast to announce the finalists of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, which honor members of the federal workforce.  This year’s theme is “Why I Serve,” which is aimed at highlighting the stories behind why agency leaders and elected officials answered the call to serve and what accomplishments they are most proud.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: May 6 to May 11

Wednesday, May 8 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with labor leaders. The discussion will focus on job creation, workers’ rights, and immigration reform. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee business meeting. 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Wednesday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting.  S.744, Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (immigration reform), will be considered during the business meeting. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. 

Thursday, May 9 at 12:00 p.m. — The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at a forum on college savings accounts. The event, A Foot in the Door to the American Dream, is being hosted by CFED & Opportunity Nation. Senator Coons will announce the reintroduction of his bipartisan American Dream Accounts Act, which would authorize the Department of Education to award three-year competitive grants to support innovative and comprehensive partnerships that support low-income students in preparation for a college education. SVC-215, Capitol Visitors Center, U.S. Capitol, Washington D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, May 9 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s 25th annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars. The dinner will mark the 25th occasion in which more than 2,000 local, state and national leaders assemble together and hear from the nation’s highest-ranking political leaders. Washington Hilton, Washington, D.C.

Friday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend the unveiling of a portrait of Judge Jane Roth. Ceremonial Courtroom, Federal Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Saturday, May 11 at 2:30 p.m. — The Senator will attend the Jubilee Landing at Fort Christina. Ceremony at Fort Christina National Historic Landmark in the presence of their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden and the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, Mr. Eero Heinäluoma, and his wife, Ms Satu Siitonen-Heinäluoma will be in attendance. Fort Christina National Historic Landmark, E 7^th Street, Wilmington, DE

Saturday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the 375^th Anniversary event for the Kalmar Nyckel. The event commemorates the 375^th Anniversary of the landing of Swedes and Finns in the Delaware Valley. His Excellency King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden will also attend the event.  Chase Center, Wilmington, DE

Senator Coons fighting for Delaware’s Children’s Advocacy Centers

DOVER, Del. — Senator Coons visited the Children’s Advocacy Center in Dover on Friday, pledging to fight to restore federal funding for the nonprofit centers.

The Associated Press elaborates:

President Barack Obama’s proposed budget for 2014 includes no money for the Victims of Child Abuse Act program, which provides federal funds for some 750 Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide, including three in Delaware.

Obama’s proposed budget for the current year also included no funding for the centers, but Congress nevertheless appropriated the money.

“I was very angry that a $20 million line item for this program was eliminated in 2013,” Coons, D-Del., said Friday during a visit to the Children’s Advocacy Center in Dover. The similar lack of funding in Obama’s proposed budget for fiscal 2014 was disappointing and represented a “disconnect,” he said.

The News Journal explained why the Children’s Advocacy Centers are so important:

The offices, including one in Wilmington, are where trained staff from the center conduct interviews with child victims that are analyzed by a team of legal experts and mental health professionals and used to prosecute abusers. Last fiscal year the center conducted 1,478 such interviews, three-quarters of which were related to sexual abuse cases.

The one-on-one interviews, which take place in the absence of family members who could interfere with a child’s testimony, are aimed at getting a full, single account of the evidence a child victim has to offer.

“Prior to the centers you had children interviewed multiple times, you had children interviewed in police lock-ups and hospital emergency rooms,” Williams said. “Telling their story over and over again, they were being re-traumatized, re-victimized, by the system that was really supposed to help them.”

The State News covered the scope of the Centers’ work:

Last fiscal year, 1478 interviews were conducted in Delaware centers. About 75 percent were sexual abuse cases — the average age of the child interviewed was nine.

In 2012, Lewes pediatrician Early Bradley was convicted through evidence gathered at the centers, in what Mr. Williams said is the worst reported instance of mass victimization of children.

“Valuable and important programs are being cut in almost every department,” Sen. Coons said.

“Who’s willing to stand up and fight for something? If nobody fights for it, it gets cut,” he said.

WBOC explained the importance of the federal funding:

Overall, federal funding, including money from the federal Victims of Crime Act, accounts for about 25 percent of the Delaware CAC’s $1.3 million budget, Williams said. VOCA funds, which come from criminal fines and penalties and help pay for a forensic interviewer and three mental health specialists in Delaware, are not at issue. But Williams said money from the child abuse act helps pay for office leases in Dover and Georgetown and staffing at the Dover center. And he added a cut in funding could mean a cut in services.

“We don’t want to close a center, but that’s on the table. We don’t want to lay off staff, but that’s on the table.”

“I won’t rest on this issue until I see it appropriated,” Senator Coons said, announcing a letter he and 30 other senators sent to the Appropriations Committee on Friday.

In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last month, Senator Coons urged Attorney General Eric Holder to restore funding for the centers in the President’s FY14 budget.

76ers bringing minor league team to Delaware

NEWARK, Del. — The Philadelphia 76ers are bringing a minor-league team to Delaware!

The team, which will be known as the Delaware 87ers, will begin playing at the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center this November. The 87ers — known colloquially as the “Sevens” — will play 24 games on campus each season in the NBA’s Developmental League.

“Sixers games have long been a great source of fun for so many Delaware families, including mine, so this really is exciting news,” Senator Coons said. “Delaware loves the Sixers and will undoubtedly love the Sevens. This news is a sign of the 76ers’ appreciation for their Delaware fans and of their commitment to this community. I look forward to bringing my kids to Sevens games this fall, and to further strengthening the ties between our state and this historic franchise.”

Senator Coons was on hand for the announcement at the Bob on Saturday at the invitation of Sixers CEO Adam Aron. Aron said the organization had looked at dozens of communities in seven states, crediting Senator Coons with suggesting Newark and aggressively advocating on its behalf.

The team name “87ers” was selected in recognition of Delaware’s place in United States history, as it was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. The 87ers name also is immediately evocative of the parent “76ers,” a name similarly derived from Philadelphia’s place in U.S. history with the Declaration of Independence being signed there in 1776. The 87ers team will also be nicknamed the “Sevens,” a nod to the way the parent club’s official name is often shortened to the “Sixers.”

“The creation of the Delaware 87ers is an important milestone in our quest to ensure that the Philadelphia 76ers are viewed in all respects to be a world-class and cutting-edge NBA franchise. We believe that the ability to own and operate our own NBA D-League affiliate will strengthen our player development and other team initiatives, and be a tremendous asset to the entire Sixers organization,” said Sixers Managing Owner Josh Harris. He continued, “We are particularly excited that we can situate the team in the welcoming, nearby state of Delaware, especially since there are so many Delawareans who already are avid 76ers fans.”

Senator Coons leads fight to restore funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers

Senator Coons and 30 of his colleagues wrote to the Appropriations Committee Friday urging a restoration of funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers. Their letter is below:

Senator Coons stresses importance of rural economy at summit in Washington

Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, participated in a half-day summit on Thursday on issues of importance to rural communities across our nation. The event was hosted by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee and featured two moderated panels focused on rural economics, infrastructure, and access to critical services.

The panel highlighted the economic conditions facing rural communities and the agriculture industry, and what role the federal government can play in ensuring long-term support for the communities. Issues discussed during the summit include the importance of investing in the health of farmland, natural resources, and infrastructure. Another topic of discussion was connecting our farmers and ranchers with consumers, including individuals, schools, hospitals, and businesses.

“Our rural communities are central to our identity, our economy, and our values,” Chris said. “Between our agriculture sector, environmental conservation, and tourism, it’s no surprise that Delaware’s rural communities are thriving. It’s important that we continue to facilitate an open dialogue between our rural communities and our elected officials to ensure we aren’t hindering their growth and development. I thank the members of the University of Delaware for attending today’s event and sharing their views on how we can strengthen our state’s rural areas.”

More than 200 rural development advocates attended the summit, including Mark Reiger, Dean of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Delaware; Michelle Rodgers, Cooperative Extension Director, University of Delaware; and Melanie Allen, student, University of Delaware.

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and community leaders from across the nation. The Steering Committee hosts regular meetings each year with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Democratic agenda in the Senate.

Video: Senator Coons discusses impact of climate change on Delaware

Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, on Monday afternoon spoke on the Senate floor calling for action to address the adverse effects of climate change in Delaware. The speech was given on Earth Day.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: April 22 to April 28

Monday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Congressional Badge of Bravery Ceremony honoring fallen New Castle County Lt. Joseph Szczerba. The Congressional delegation will be joined by Delaware U.S. Attorney Charles M. Oberly, III, in presenting fallen New Castle County Police Officer Joseph L. Szczerba with the Congressional Badge of Bravery Award.  The award was created by Congress in 2008 to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have distinguished themselves for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. Paul J. Sweeney New Castle County Public Safety Building, 3601 N. DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE.

Monday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on “Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation.” The hearing, which will begin at 10 a.m., will feature 20 witnesses divided across four panels (agriculture, business and tax, families and faith, and security) and is expected to run into the evening. 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Monday, April 22 at 8:00 p.m. — The Senator will speak at an Israel U event at the University of Delaware. The purpose of the Israel U initiative is to bring the different faiths from a dividing issue of Israel to a unifying agenda. Students of the University of Delaware will gain a better perspective on diversity in Israel and will become active advocates in their own communities inside and outside the University. 100 Kirkbride Lecture Hall, Newark, DE – Open to press.

Tuesday, April 23, at 10:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Energy Committee hearing to consider energy efficiency and hydropower bills. The purpose of this hearing is to consider testimony on the following measures: S. 306, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act; S. 545, the Hydropower Improvement Act of 2013 and H.R. 267, the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013; and, a bill to promote energy savings in residential and commercial buildings and industry, and for other purposes. 306 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC – Open to press.

Wednesday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m. — The Senator will attend a Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting on rising sea levels and changing oceans.  The meeting will highlight the economic impacts facing local industries and communities due to rising sea levels, challenges of acidification, and extreme weather. U.S. Capitol, Washington DC – Closed to press.

Wednesday, April 24 at 10:15 a.m. — The Senator will announce the reintroduction of his bill to level the playing field for clean energy technologies. Details will be announced on Tuesday.

Wednesday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee’s annual rural summit. The meeting provides senators the opportunity to meet with rural leaders and agricultural from across the nation and gain their perspective on how critical issues before the U.S. Senate uniquely impact rural Americans.  Discussion topics include the rural economy, infrastructure investments, and access to critical services. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, April 25 at 4:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 5:00 p.m.  Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Friday, April 26 at 10:45 a.m. — The Senator will visit the Child Advocacy Center in Dover and hold a media availability. Federal funding for Delaware’s Child Advocacy Centers, which protect child victims of physical and sexual abuse by providing a safe and effective place for trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews, is in jeopardy. Senator Coons is leading the fight in Washington to restore funding for the centers, and will tour the Center in Dover before talking to reporters about the importance of saving them. The tour and the press avail are open to press. Child Advocacy Center, 611 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Open to press.

Friday, April 26 at 11:45 a.m. – The Senator will speak at a conference for early-childhood professionals in Dover. Making a Difference: A Conference for Early Childhood Professionals is a cross-sector early childhood conference for those who work with young children in early care and education centers, school age centers, family child care, Head Start, early intervention, and home visiting. Senator Coons will deliver remarks about efforts to protect federal support for those programs in a difficult budget environment. The conference is hosted by the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children and the Delaware Head Start Association. Delaware Technical & Community College, Terry Campus, Dover, DE

Friday, April 26 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will tour the Playtex Energizer Plant in Dover. During the tour, Senator Coons will see firsthand the advanced manufacturing techniques Playtex Energizer is using to remain a leader in personal care products. Chris will meet with company employees and discuss with company leadership about the current needs and concerns of the company. 804 Walker Road, Dover, DE – Closed to Press.

Saturday, April 27 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Autism Walk in Wilmington. The walk is Autism Delaware’s largest community fundraiser, drawing over 2,000 people over two days of events in support of people and families affected by autism. Bellevue Park, Wilmington, DE – Open to press.

Saturday, April 27 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will visit the Delaware Homebuyers Fair in Newark. Hosted by the Delaware State Housing Authority, Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, and Delaware Federation of Housing Counselors, Inc, the annual conference offers prospective homebuyers – including individuals who have not owned a home in the past three years – the opportunity to obtain the information they need to make their home-buying decision less daunting. Christiana Hilton, 100 Continental Drive, Newark, DE – Open to press.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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45 employers will be at Sussex County job fair on April 30th

Senators Coons, Carper, and Rep. Carney announced on Wednesday  that nearly 45 employers from around the region have already signed up for their Sussex County job fair on Tuesday, April 30th, but that there is still room for 15 more businesses who are looking for talented new employees. Combined, the employers are hiring for approximately 700 open positions across an array of skill sets.

The job fair will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center from 10 am to 3 pm. Employers already registered for the fair include:

Private Companies: American Registry of Pathology, APM Inc., AVON, Atlantic Refrigeration, BAYADA Home Care, Beasley Broadcast Group, Beebe Medical Center, Bloodbank of Delmarva, Bloom Energy, County Bank, CCLTAFNJDE (construction jobs), Dry Zone, Edward Jones, Food Lion, Goodwill Delaware, Griswold Home Care, Hollister, Johnny Janosik, Joshua Freeman Foundation, Kent-Sussex Industries, Massage & Reflexology of Delaware, Nanticoke Health System, Metro Merchant Services, MedTix, LLC, New Behavioral Network, New York Life, People’s Place, ResortQuest, Seawatch International, Starbucks Coffee Company, Telamon Corporation, UPS, Viridian Energy, Ind. Rep., and Wawa

Government Agencies: Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, New Castle County Government, New Castle County Police, State of Delaware, Small Business Administration, and Wilmington University

Additionally, the following organizations will have tables at the fair on their offerings for job seekers:

University of Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership, Department of Labor/Vocational Rehabilitation Division, Department of Labor/Employment Training, Hero to Hired, and Job Center at Delaware Libraries

Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Congressman Carney will host an additional job fair in Kent County in June.

For more information on how to participate as an employer or job seeker, please call 302-573-6345 or email workshop@coons.senate.gov.

Senator Coons urges support for wetland conservation

Senator Coons joined ten of his Senate colleagues Tuesday in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2017.  Since 1989, NAWCA has provided critical support for partnership efforts to protect habitat for waterfowl, fish, and wildlife.

NAWCA provides matching grants to organizations and individuals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects that benefit migratory birds and other wildlife. Over the last two decades, NAWCA has been highly successful in generating matching funding to protect millions of acres of habitat across North America.

NAWCA currently funds eight projects in Delaware that have conserved a total of 7,528 acres of wildlife habitat. The program has awarded more than $4 million in funds that stimulated partner contributions of more than $7.5 million. Delaware also benefits from three multi-state NAWCA projects that have conserved 45,500 acres of wildlife habitat on the Chesapeake Bay.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Chris has been a strong advocate for environmental conservation. He supports programs that help protect wildlife and habitat, water quality, and open space, including NAWCA, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Forest Legacy Program, the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program, and farm bill conservation programs.