Wilmington, Del.— This week, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester continued her statewide “Delivering for Delaware” tour with a series of conversations spotlighting the intersection of workforce development, community empowerment, and civic engagement. The discussions underscored her commitment to protecting democracy, promoting economic opportunity and building the middle class, and ensuring that every Delawarean’s voice is heard in the Senate.
The day began with a visit to L.E.E.P. Inc., a non-profit organization in Wilmington dedicated to “bridging the gap between community and organized labor.”
“I’m the granddaughter of steelworkers. My grandmother would go to work during the day while my grandfather slept, and then they would switch shifts […]. And, when I think about unions and how they create a better life for people, that’s part of what this conversation is about,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Our Senate platform [will focus] on building the middle class and making sure we have a strong economy that works for everyone — not just some people. And part of […] our goal is to make sure that every [Delawarean] can be successful and build a stable life for their families and themselves, but also create generational wealth — be able to buy a house, something that you could leave to your family […]. That’s really important.”
The Congresswoman met with Program Chairman John Blyden and Bishop Dr. George Gibson, State Rep. Larry Lambert, recent program graduates, and union leaders from Laborers Local 199, Teamsters, and Eastern Regional Carpenters Union. During the visit, the Congresswoman emphasized key legislation she introduced during her tenure in Congress, including her Jobs Agenda, a package designed to strengthen Delaware’s workforce, address workforce shortages, and build the middle class. She also highlighted how labor unions and programs like L.E.E.P are central to creating upward mobility for working Delaware families.
[Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, State Rep. Larry Lambert, L.E.E.P. Chairman John Blyden and Bishop Dr. George Gibson, program graduates, and union and business leaders.]
Following the vocational training and entrepreneurship conversation, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester joined Congressman Gregory Meeks for a Barbershop Conversation series with Black barbers and community leaders. The event, held at Phat Cuts in Wilmington, was a candid conversation about the issues affecting Black men, including economic disparities, public safety, and voter engagement.
“We all know that the stakes are really high in this election, everything from voting rights to making sure we have access to economic opportunity to making sure [we have safe communities],” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “This conversation is really important to me because there are a lot of things that are said about what Black men think and feel. I don’t want to know what people [say] — I want to hear from [them] what is important. That’s really what this conversation is about. And how can we make sure as we move into this election cycle and season, [Black men are] represented properly.”
[Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester with Congressman Gregory Meeks and Craig “Skilz” McLaurin, owner of Phat Cuts Hairstyling.]
Both tour stops are part of Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester’s “Delivering for Delaware” statewide tour aimed at engaging directly with Delawareans about the issues that matter most, highlighting her achievements in Congress, and what she hopes to accomplish in the Senate for the First State.