News from State Senator
Gerald Hocker
Serving the 20th Senatorial District
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Law Enforcement Appreciation Day - January 9th |
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I wish to offer my sincere gratitude and thanks to the men and women in law enforcement. The sacrifices you and your families make should never be forgotten, and I thank you for your service to our communities. - Gerald |
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Governor Carney Updates COVID-19 Restrictions |
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Stay-at-Home advisory, universal indoor mask mandate remain in effect; 10 p.m. curfew expires at restaurants and bars; sports may resume with restrictions
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday signed the fifth revision to the omnibus emergency order, continuing the restrictions, including the Stay-at-Home advisory and universal indoor mask mandate, to combat the increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Delaware.
Beginning today, the 10 p.m. curfew at Delaware restaurants and bars will be lifted, but establishments still must have signage prominently displayed on the table stating that parties must be from the same household and share messaging on masking compliance.
The modification also allows all games, matches, and competitions to resume, provided that the maximum occupancy is thirty percent, which includes athletes, coaches, and other employees or staff. One person may accompany an athlete and are not included in the thirty percent capacity limit, however, additional spectators are not permitted to attend.
Click here to view the entire release from Governor Carney.
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Delaware 10-Digit Dialing |
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2021 is going to bring about many changes; but one of the changes that will affect all of us in our daily lives has barely begun to be made public.
Beginning April 24, 2021, telephone users in Delaware with Delaware phone numbers (area code 302) will begin to dial local numbers using the full 10-digit phone numbers. Beginning October 24, 2021 ALL local calls must be dialed using the full 10-digit telephone number.
Why the change?
On July 16, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an order approving 988 as the 3-digit abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022. Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the Lifeline until that date.
The Order requires all telephone carriers to make any changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. For 988 to work in the 302 area code, 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented.
Why is 10-digit dialing going to be required in Delaware?
The FCC ordered that any area code that has the 988 prefix and has 7-digit local dialing be transitioned to 10-digit local dialing to ensure everyone is able to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline using the 3-digit 988 code. Delaware currently has a (302) 988 exchange, based out of Selbyville, which is used by AT&T landline and mobile customers.
What other areas are going to be affected by this?
This change is having ramifications nationwide. Sixteen states and territories under the FCC’s jurisdiction will have to transition to 10-digit dialing in 2021.
What do I need to do?
If you have numbers stored in your home, mobile, or company phones, you will have to ensure that they are programmed to use the full 10 digit phone number during the “permissive dialing” period beginning April 24, 2021. Businesses that have on-site phone systems may have to change dialing rules in those systems. These changes must be completed prior to the mandatory 10-digit dialing implementation date of October 24, 2021.
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Delaware Agriculture Week |
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The 2021 Delaware Agriculture Week will be held via live, virtual sessions throughout the month of January. Opportunities to earn credits for pest management, nutrient management, and CCA credits will be made available during these sessions.
For more information including the schedule and links to each session, please click here.
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DE Relief Grants Application Portal to Reopen on Jan. 19 |
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The Division of Small Business has announced that its DE Relief Grants portal will begin accepting new applications on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.
Small businesses and non-profits that did not apply in the previous round will now have the opportunity to do so. The Division notes that they are continuing to process applications for those that have already been submitted.
For more information and to learn how to apply, please click here.
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The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will soon be implementing new evening hours, beginning on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.
Effective Wednesdays only, the operating hours of the DMV will be 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. This is a shift from the previously established Wednesday extended hours of 12:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m.
In March 2020, these hours reverted to 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. in response to rising public health risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reinstating extended hours will accomplish increased flexibility for Delaware residents to access DMV services.
To enter the DMV, all visitors must wear a face mask or covering, take a health screening, and socially distance when feasible. Reduced building capacity of 30% is still in effect.
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Lane Closures at RT54 and Hudson Road Intersection |
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The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will convert the intersection of Route 54/Lighthouse Road and Hudson Road to an All-Way Stop control to improve intersection safety.
WHEN: 9 AM until 3 PM (weekdays) starting on January 14, 2021 and ending February 23, 2021, pending weather.
WHERE: Route 54/Lighthouse Road and Hudson Road, Selbyville
New stop signs, warning signs, "stop ahead" pavement markings, and flashing beacons will be installed along Route 54. The safety enhancements will now require motorists along both directions of Route 54 to stop at the intersection with Hudson Road.
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411 Legislative Avenue, Dover, DE 19903
Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus
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