I hope this message finds you well.

This month’s newsletter includes information on Newark Library Funding, Mental Health Bill Signing, Affordable Housing Bill Signing, Edge Grant Funding Information, Around the District Updates, Drainage Project Updates, School Climate Task Force Meetings and Community Meetings.

My next 1st Friday of the month constituent meeting will be held at the Newark Senior Center on September 6^th at 9 am.

As members of the State Capital and Infrastructure (Bond Bill) Committee, I, along with Senator Jack Walsh, were happy to support an increase of $3.5 million above the Governor’s budgeted $3 million to fund the remaining $6.5 million balance of the state’s share for the new Newark Free Library project. Now the demolition and construction can get started in 2025 to meet the expected opening date of November 2026.

See below photo and more information about the progress on the Library from the Newark Post, click here.

Last week, we took a critical step in ensuring the health and safety of our students by increasing access to mental health services in public schools.



I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues as Governor Carney signed two bipartisan bills. These measures from Rep. Longhurst will provide our schools and students with access to additional behavioral health professionals, addressing the real need for more mental health support for our young people.

You can read more about the measures here: bit.ly/MentalHealthHB

Delaware, like many other states, is facing a severe affordable housing crisis and this problem has only worsened in recent years. That is evident in every district, including the 24th.



This year, we took significant steps to address this challenge by passing several bills aimed at ensuring every Delawarean has a place they can call home. These measures, many of which come from Sen. Huxtable’s Housing Agenda, will incentivize both public and private investments in new construction, strengthen existing state programs, and establish new protections for our most vulnerable residents.

I was proud to support these bills and to be part of last week's bill signing ceremony. There is no quick fix to ending this housing crisis, but with the steps we are taking today, we are moving in the right direction.

Delaware Division of Small Business is opening their Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Program August 1.



EDGE is a competition for grant funding. Five STEM-based companies can each receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while five Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses can each receive up to $50,000.

Eligible businesses are those that have been in operation for less than seven years and have 10 or fewer full-time employees.

Visit de.gov/edge for more resources, templates and supporting materials.

Around the District Updates

I am happy to report the new additional left turn lane project from northbound Salem Church Road (SCR) to westbound SR4 has begun. This much needed improvement will help alleviate some of the traffic congestion on SCR. This project was the result of the Salem Church Road Planning Study along with a new lighting plan for the Salem Church Road corridor. I continue to work with Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) on the queuing and delays exiting Gender Road, constant mailbox strikes along southbound SCR and Gumspring Road, and pedestrian safety due to vehicle traffic using the shoulder of the road.

Drainage Project Updates

It has been one year since the severe storm came and caused damage throughout the Brookside and Cherokee Woods neighborhoods. After the severe storm last August 7th, Sen. Walsh and I reached out to the New Castle Conservation District regarding the storm debris. Even after the cleanup project with VOAD, United Way, NCCPD Recruits, DE State Police volunteers, and Civil Air Patrol, these areas still needed some work.



The project in Cherokee Woods concluded in March of 2024 and the scope of work to remove storm debris from the drainage ditch and the creek is now clear.  Here are some pictures that show the before and after of this work. 

The same August 7, 2023, storm did major damage and left a lot of debris in the Cool Run Creek that runs through Brookside. The project to clear that debris has started as seen from the pictures below. This will ensure storm water will flow unobstructed and not backup and cause flooding.

Student Behavior and School Climate Task Force Meetings

Community Meetings & Events

If any community would like me to attend their meeting or event, please feel free to reach out to my office. The listing found below shows the additional services that my office can assist you with.

State Representative Ed Osienski | 302.577.8476 | Edward.Osienski@delaware.gov

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