Mike's Notebook

  • Delaware Works! A Career, Skills, and Networking Expo
    Feb 9, 2010  -  Please join me on Thursday, February 18, at the second Delaware Works!, a career, skills, and networking expo that will bring together a wide array of local employers and representatives from job training programs, to help Delawareans understand what job, career building, workforce training, and networking opportunities are available throughout the State in this challenging economy

    When:
    Thursday, February 18, 2010
    10:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Where:
    Delaware State University
    Martin Luther King Multipurpose Room
    1200 North DuPont Highway
    Dover, DE 19901

    Who:
    Delaware Employers
    Career Professionals and Job Seekers
    Local Job Training Programs
    Resume Writing and Social Networking Professionals
    Professional attire is suggested. Bring plenty of resumes.

    More details to come. To get involved, contact Todd Perkins at todd.perkins@mail.house.gov or (302) 428-1902.
  • Information on Nationwide Toyota Recall
    Feb 1, 2010  - Recently, Toyota announced that it will recall over two million vehicles built with defective accelerators, and suspend sales of any new vehicles currently affected by the recall, so the company can begin replacing the faulty part at Toyota dealerships throughout the country, including those in Delaware.

    Toyota models affected by the recall include:
    • Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
    • Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
    • 2009-2010 Matrix
    • 2005-2010 Avalon
    • Certain 2007-2010 Camry
    • Certain 2010 Highlander
    • 2007-2010 Tundra
    • 2008-2010 Sequoia

    No other Toyota models, or any Lexus or Scion brand cars owned and produced by Toyota, are affected by this recall. Additionally, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by this recall.

    There are several Toyota dealerships throughout Delaware, with at least one dealership located in each of the state's three counties. If you have any questions about the recall, or if you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, please contact your Delaware Toyota dealer.  To locate your Toyota dealership, please visit http://www.toyota.com/recall.

    Toyota's recall results from the accelerator pedal in the affected vehicles sticking to the floor, or taking a prolonged amount of time to return to its original position.  Should you encounter this problem, Toyota recommends you apply steady pressure to the brake, making sure not to "pump" the brake, pull over when possible, and get in touch with your local Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

    To find more information about the recall or to locate your Toyota Dealership, please visit http://www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
  • SAVE THE DATE! Congressman Castle to Host 3rd Annual Financial Aid Fair
    Jan 14, 2010  - Please join me at my third annual Financial Aid Fair that will bring together institutions of higher learning, representatives from Delaware and U.S. Departments of Education, and a variety of student lending organizations to help Delawareans understand what tools are available for financing postsecondary and job training opportunities. Also, you will be able to obtain assistance for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form required to receive federal student financial assistance.

    An advanced education is valuable in today's economy and I want to provide potential students and their families with the tools necessary to navigate and access financial assistance for postsecondary and job training opportunities.

    When:    Monday, January 25, 2010
                       4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    Where:   Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown
                       Banquet Hall
                       27 West Green Street
                       Middletown, DE 19709
                       (Google Map)

    For more information, check back often or call Todd Perkins at 302-428-1902
  • This Week is National Influenza Vaccination Week
    Jan 11, 2010  - National Influenza Vaccination Week runs from January 10-16 and is a national observance established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond

    While reported cases of the seasonal and H1N1 flu strands have declined in recent weeks, experts have predicted that the flu season could last a few more months.  Anyone falling in a high risk category for contracting the flu should make sure to contact their health care provider about vaccinations.  The high risk demographics described by the CDC includes pregnant women; people who work or live with infants under 6 months, children ages 6 to 24, people aged 25 to 65 who suffer from chronic diseases and health care providers.

    Preventative measures, including washing your hands, coughing/sneezing into your elbow and staying away from others if you are exhibiting any of flu-like symptoms remain vitally important.

    The Department of Health and Human Services has established a website for National Influenza Vaccination Week, which can be accessed at www.flu.gov/getvaccinated.  For more information about the flu, please contact your health care provider or visit the Delaware Department of Public Health at www.flu.delaware.gov or ww.flu.gov. Also, check out Google's new Flu Shot Finder, www.google.com/flushot, to find a flu vaccine location in your area.  

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has designated this week, January 10-16, as National Influenza Vaccination Week.
  • IRS Issues Updated Guide to Help with Tax Preparation
    Dec 16, 2009  - Tax season will soon be upon us.  To help Americans through the tax preparation process, the IRS recently released an updated version of its Publication 17 -- a guide to help taxpayers fill out their returns.  This online guide provides over 6,000 links to answer taxpayer questions about filing annual income taxes.

    The 2009 version of Publication 17 also includes a comprehensive listing of all tax breaks and tax credits that are available, including, the first-time homebuyer tax credit, energy credits for homeowners going green, sales or excise tax deductions for first-time car buyers, the expanded child tax credit, and the earned income tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers.

    Publication 17 can be found online at: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/index.html. To obtain a printed copy, available in January 2010, please call 1-800-TAX-FORM (829-3676).