• State of the State Response
• DAV National VSO Event
• Funding Available for Delaware Communities Seeking to Improve Tree Canopy

State of the State Response

Thursday afternoon, Governor Carney addressed the General Assembly and delivered the annual State of the State. As is the case each year, there was very little to disagree with. However, as we have also seen each year, the speech lacked specifics and substance.

Delaware is facing yet another greater-than-$1 billion surplus, yet there was no plan to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and families facing financial hardship due to inflation and rising fuel prices. There was no mention of reigning in or limiting the number of extra requirements educators are tasked with that are taking them out of the classroom. There was no plan to address the low recruitment and retention rate within our state’s law enforcement community.

These issues, and more, are what I had hoped would have been focal points of the State of the State as they are topics that affect every Delawarean. Unfortunately, we heard more applause lines than solutions.

DAV National VSO Event

DAV National VSOs will be hosting two national seminars on

Wednesday, February 8th from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.

The seminars will be held at 109 W. Pine St Georgetown, DE 19947.

For any additional questions please contact Kari Sinclair at [email protected] or call The Vet Center at 302-225-9110.

Funding Available for Delaware Communities Seeking to Improve Tree Canopy

Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is still accepting applications for up to $5,000 in matching grants for tree planting and management projects on public land and community open space. Urban and community grants are open to all Delaware municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits, including schools and churches. There are also grant opportunities specifically for areas within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The urban forestry grant program helps communities harness the numerous natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, energy savings, increased property values, civic pride, and reduced storm water runoff and flooding. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and state funds.

Complete guidelines on all grant programs are at de.gov/treegrants. The deadline is March 3, 2023, and all submissions must be via online application.

“The Urban and Community Forestry Program’s primary goal is to increase tree canopy throughout the First State,” said Kesha Braunskill, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator. “We want to provide funding to assist communities with tree planting and tree inventory projects. This year our program is hoping to receive applications that meet the requirements, and new communities are encouraged to apply.”