A Path Forward: Revising the Registry to Help Young Offenders Lead Productive Lives
On this episode of Whip Count, Rep. Cyndie Romer joins us to explain her HB 186, a measure that would reduce the number of children placed on the sex offender registry by empowering judges, in consultation with child psychologists and case workers, to decide whether a child should be included on the Registry.
Wilmington resident Anthony Gibbs, who understands firsthand the harsh reality of being on the sexual offender registry as a youth, also joined us to discuss the negative unintended consequences that follow many of these kids into adulthood.
The Delaware Climate Solutions Act
On this episode of Whip Count, we’re joined by Rep. Debra Heffernan, Rep. Sophie Phillips and Emily Knearl from the Nature Conservancy to talk about the Delaware Climate Solutions Act, a bold step toward tackling Climate Change here in the First State.
The Case for Regular Property Reassessments: House Bill 62 Explained
On this episode, Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton joins us to discuss her HB 62, legislation requiring properties to be assessed every five years. This would allow the state to be fairer in its taxation structure, ensuring that property owners finally have parity.
You can find additional reassessment resources here:
New Castle County: https://bit.ly/3Irf7yn
Kent County: https://bit.ly/43ivB3Q
Sussex County: https://bit.ly/3OqTkeh
Spending Less & Saving More: Policies to Ease the Tax Burden on Working Delawareans
On this episode of Whip Count, Rep. Paul Baumbach discusses measures that would put money in the pockets of working Delawareans by increasing the standard deduction and refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.
The Matthew D. Klosowski Act: Creating Safer Recovery Homes for Delawareans
Recovery housing is an integral part of the recovery journey, providing transitional homes in a substance-free, supportive environment. However, here in Delaware, the lack of standards and regulations for these homes has created difficult and sometimes dangerous situations for individuals recovering from addiction and their families.
On this episode of Whip Count, we talked to Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris about her new bill, the Matthew D. Klosowski Act, which would create standards for recovery homes to become certified. Matthew's mother, Marybeth Cichocki also joined us to discuss her firsthand and tragic experience with an unregulated recovery home and how that experience led her to advocate for change.
Commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day
Just before we gaveled out for the February Joint Finance Committee break, the House commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day with a resolution and an address from special guest David Meluskey of the World Jewish Congress.
This episode of Whip Count features audio from that address as well as a conversation with all three Jewish members of the House, Rep. Debra Heffernan, Rep. Sophie Phillips, and Rep. Jeff Spiegelman as they reflect on what Holocaust Remembrance Day means to them.
Criminal Justice Reform: Tracking Inmates
Delaware legislators continue work on criminal justice reform through legislation that would ensure clear and concise quarterly reports of an inmate's behavior.
Under Rep. Larry Lambert’s HB 394, the Delaware Department of Correction would be required to provide copies of quarterly reports of good time credit earned or forfeited.
Tune in to hear from the person who inspired the bill and legislators who support it.
2022 Delaware Momnibus
Recognizing the ongoing challenges facing mothers and newborns, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown introduces us to the 2022 Delaware Momnibus, a series of several bills, addressing issues impacting pregnant and postpartum persons and decreasing infant mortality.
Minor-Brown explains how lawmakers and organizations are working together to tackle child and maternal mortality. She also talks about support for doulas, help for incarcerated pregnant persons, and incentives for new parents.
Collectively, support as well as the series of bills would improve healthy outcomes for all families and infants throughout Delaware.
Tune in now.
Mental Health Education
Delaware kids are dealing with an unprecedented mental health crisis, and to address it, Rep. Valerie Longhurst is encouraging more people to normalize conversations around mental illness so more students understand they are never alone.
Annie Slease of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Delaware is committed to helping students as well by gaining access to the mental health resources they need to succeed.
Learn how you can be a part of the mental health awareness effort and support legislation such as House Bill 301, which would establish a statewide mental health educational curriculum for K-12 students.
The Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus
In February, lawmakers announced the formation of the Delaware Legislative Women's Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of legislators focused on advancing the shared interests of women.
In this episode of Whip Count, the co-chairs of the caucus, Rep. Valerie Longhurst and Sen. Marie Pinkney, discuss the importance of coming together to advocate for change and the caucus's plan to address gender inequities in all facets of our society.
The Cover All Delaware Children Act
Approximately 5,000 Delaware children lack access to medical coverage due to their immigration status. For these children, a simple trip to the doctor for an illness or to get vaccinated is not a financially viable option.
In this episode, Rep. Krista Griffith, Sen. Sarah McBride, and Yvette Santiago of Nemours discuss a new proposal that would ensure all Delaware children have access to the medical care they need when they need it.
The Cover All Delaware Children Act would establish a state-run medical coverage program for children who are not otherwise covered, including children who are not documented.
Criminal Justice Reform: Second Chances
People who have been incarcerated often encounter challenges that are very difficult to overcome, which makes it hard for them to build a stable future.
Unfortunately, there is no “quick-fix” solution to employment, education, and entrepreneurship for formerly incarcerated people. However, legislation could help reduce a person’s chances of relapsing into criminal behavior through Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown’s Second Chances proposal.
Haneef Salaam of the ACLU also weighed in with his personal experiences in the criminal justice system to highlight the importance of second chances for all.
Tune in now.
State of the State: Highlights and Reaction
In Gov. John Carney ‘s 2022 State of the State address, he expressed commitment to invest in schools, jobs, economic development, broadband access, and more.
Carney also highlighted some challenges during the pandemic but remained hopeful along with Rep. Krista Griffith, Rep. Deb Hefferenan, Rep. Ed Osienski, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, and Sen. Sarah McBride who all reacted to the governor's speech.
Tune in now to listen to reaction and speech highlights.
Environmental Justice and Green Energy Investments
Representative Larry Lambert is committed to educating people about the federal Justice 40 Initiative, which ensures 40 percent of federal infrastructure funds around climate change, green energy and economic development go toward disadvantaged communities statewide.
Learn how the initiative would help propel Delaware toward environmental justice and how you can get involved, addressing the need to have fair treatment where you live, work, and play.
Martin Luther King Day: Service, Reflection, and Education
The historical memories of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Justice hit too close home for Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden who shares personal reflections and what community members can continue to do, creating more hope and opportunity rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream.
MLK Day allows all people, as individuals and in organizations, to reflect on how they live out the values that our nation honors.
Dr. King’s struggle for justice and the dangers it entailed, serves as a reminder that the work of public servants always required courage and strength to move a dream forward.
