As the President of New Castle County Council for the past eight years, I have been dedicated to ensuring our veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. My deep personal connection to the military—being a mother to a U.S. Marine and a descendant of veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War—drives my commitment to advocating for veterans' needs. Here's an overview of the services, programs, and benefits provided by New Castle County Government for our veterans, highlighting my contributions and future plans as your next County Executive.

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Legislative Achievements and Initiatives

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  1.  Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans:

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• Ordinance 18-018 (2018): This ordinance waived the durational residency requirement for property tax exemptions for veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability. This measure eases the financial burdens on our disabled veterans, recognizing their sacrifices.

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• Ordinance 22-043 (2022): Enacted to offer a full property tax exemption for qualifying veterans with a 100% disability rating. Additionally, it includes significant reductions in sewer fees and exemptions from EDU fees.

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  2.  Home Repairs and Support for Vulnerable Veterans:

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• Resolution 19-070 (2019): Celebrated the Delaware Housing Opportunity Fund Inc.'s fifteen years of service, which has been crucial in providing essential home repairs to vulnerable seniors, veterans, and low-income families.

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  3.  Affordable Housing for Homeless Veterans:

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• Resolution 22-196 (2022): Authorized a $5,000,000 contract with the Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans Inc. to develop affordable housing for homeless veterans, addressing the urgent needs of those facing housing insecurity.

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  4.  Affordable Rental Housing for Seniors and Veterans:

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• Resolution 23-175 (2023): Passed to authorize a $3,500,000 contract with the Delaware Valley Development Corporation to assist in constructing affordable rental housing units for seniors and veterans.

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Targeted Support Programs

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• Emergency Housing Voucher and HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Programs: These initiatives provide vital housing assistance and case management services to veterans in need, ensuring they have access to stable housing and support services.

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Community Programs

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• Horses for Heroes Program at Carousel Park and Equestrian Center: This program offers horseback riding lessons and empowering experiences for both able-bodied and injured veterans, serving as a small token of our gratitude for their immense sacrifices.

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Future Commitments

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As County Executive, I will continue to champion veterans' issues, building on the progress made during my tenure as Council President. I will:

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• Expand affordable housing initiatives to ensure no veteran faces homelessness.

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• Enhance property tax relief programs for disabled veterans.

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• Increase funding and support for veteran-focused community programs.

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• Strengthen partnerships with local organizations to provide comprehensive services to our veterans.

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Experience matters, and my track record demonstrates a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of our veterans. Together, we can make New Castle County a place where veterans are honored, supported, and celebrated for their service.