In October, many people wear purple for domestic violence victims and survivors. As advocates come together to raise awareness and educate people on red flags, trauma, and the paralyzing fear that mental or physical abuse can have on a person, it’s also important to highlight resources and efforts put in place to help.  On this episode of Whip Count, Rep. Krista Griffith and Lori Sitler of Child, Inc. share what options are available in Delaware as well as discuss legislation that would help individuals in abusive, controlling, or violent situations.  Take a listen and visit https://dvcc.delaware.gov/24-hour-hotline-numbers/ for a list of numbers to call if you are seeking refuge or know someone who needs assistance. 

Whip Count

Domestic Violence Awareness

A quality education lays the foundation of a successful future, giving kids the tools and resources they need to reach their goals. On this week’s episode of Whip Count, House Education Committee Chair Rep. Kim Williams and Vice-Chair Nnamdi Chukwuocha, discuss policy solutions for improving Delaware’s schools and creating a better and more equitable education system for all students, from kindergarteners to adults looking to develop new professional skills. Tune in to learn more about the many education-related bills passed by the 151st General Assembly and their tangible effects on students, parents, and educators.

Investing in Our Students: Legislation for a Better and More Effective Education System

Weeks ago, Hurricane Ida brought record-breaking and catastrophic flooding to our region, causing millions of dollars in damages.  As so-called 100-year weather events like Ida become more and more commonplace in Delaware, the lowest-lying state in the nation, lawmakers are working to mitigate the effects of climate change and keep communities healthy by enacting common-sense environmental policies and investing in critical infrastructure. In this episode, Rep. Eric Morrison and Natural Resources Committee Chair Rep. Debra Heffernan reflect on a few key environmental bills passed by the 151st General Assembly and discuss strategies for addressing environmental concerns in Delaware. 

”We Have To Be Bold”: Policies to Tackle Delaware‘s Mounting Environmental Concerns

Rep. Kendra Johnson and Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker reflect on historic advances to tackle systemic racial injustice in Delaware.  In June 2020, the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus unveiled an agenda, packed with bills, addressing police accountability and transparency as well as equal rights and protections. A year later, lawmakers made great strides and accomplished a lot, from requiring police to use body-worn cameras to prohibiting the publication of juvenile mugshots.  Tune in and learn more about important legislation that will protect and improve the quality of life for people statewide.   

The Justice for All Agenda

On Thursday, June 17, lawmakers and advocates came together for a Pride Month rally to announce an historic constitutional amendment that would protect the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ and disability communities. HB 199 from House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst and Sen. Sarah McBride would make it clear that all Delawareans are equal regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or disabilities.  The rally was the perfect place of support where people shared powerful stories that you can hear exclusively on this week’s episode of Whip Count. Take a listen.

Protecting LGBTQ+ and disability communities

Delaware’s landmark SEED and INSPIRE scholarship programs have allowed thousands of residents to further their education and develop important skills without the financial burden that often accompanies higher education. Under new legislation proposed by Democratic lawmakers, these programs could be expanded further, making certain Delaware colleges tuition-free for eligible students. Senate Bill 12 sponsored by Sen Nicole Poore and Rep. Longhurst would expand Delaware’s landmark Student Excellence Equals Degree program, or SEED, which provides scholarship funding to recent high school graduates attending Delaware Tech. Under this new legislation, adults and others previously excluded from this program would be included in the SEED. SB 95, sponsored by Sen Paradee and Rep. Bolden, would increase Delaware’s INSPIRE program, which provides scholarship funding to Delaware State students meeting certain criteria. With this expansion, their full tuition would be covered.  On this episode, we’ll hear more about these scholarships and what they mean for Delaware’s workforce and residents from INSPIRE sponsor Stephanie Bolden and Del Tech President Mark Brainard. 

Tuition-Free College in Delaware

Delaware workers either struggle to balance work, family and health care needs because they don’t have access to unpaid leave. Saving vacation and sick time to make sure a paycheck isn’t missed is also a common reality for some families.  The Healthy Delaware Families Act, a paid-leave policy would allow workers in the state to have 12 weeks off for qualifying life events including emergencies that arise.  Sponsored by Sen. Sarah McBride and Rep. Debra Heffernan, SB 1 would change the state’s business landscape. Learn more about the bill as well as hear from a local teacher who shared a personal story about her support.  That’s the big topic on this episode of Whip Count. 

Delaware's Paid-Leave Proposal

When it comes to campaigning, it's a job that isn't family friendly for candidates. In Delaware, people who are interested in running for a political seat can not legally draw from their funds to take care of child care expenses.  HB 90 would change that, acting as an incentive for young mothers and fathers who are committed to making a difference in their communities.  This topic hits too close to home to Rep. Sean Lynn, Rep. Rae Moore and Sen. Kyle Evans Gay who came together to help explain the bill and share their personal stories from the campaign trail.     

Childcare and Campaign Funds

Saving for retirement is becoming an increasingly difficult dilemma for workers. In Delaware, as many as 200,000 employees lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.   To address this growing issue, Rep. Larry Lambert has worked with our State Treasurer to introduce the Delaware EARNS program. This act would create a state-sponsored savings plan, funded by employees, empowered by employers, and overseen by the State.   On this episode, Rep. Lambert and State Treasurer Colleen Davis describe the Delaware EARNS Act and its benefits for employees and businesses alike. 

Delaware EARNS: Closing the Retirement Savings Gap

Delaware lawmakers consider legislation that would implement a statewide body-worn camera program. Sponsored by Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, HB 195 would require police officers to wear a body-worn camera. The mandate would also require some employees of the Department of Correction and Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families to use body cameras.  Tune in and get up close with Rep. Dorsey Walker, Haneef Salaam of the ACLU and University of Delaware Police Chief Pat Ogden as they discuss accountability, transparency and community trust. 

Police Body Camera Legislation

Rep. David Bentz joins leaders from Christiana Care Health System to discuss expanding telehealth services for Delawareans through House Bill 160. According to those who support the proposed piece of legislation, all Delawareans deserve high-quality, affordable health care. Find out if health care professionals will still be able to meet the needs of patients who don't have access to internet, and how the demand for telehealth services exploded during the pandemic. 

Delaware Telehealth Services

Last week, the House passed Rep. Paul Baumbach's House Bill 16, providing low-income individuals financial relief on their income taxes.    House Bill 16 reforms the earned-income tax credit in Delaware so families can receive a few more dollars to help with the everyday financial pressures, from daycare to mortgage payments.   Tax legislation can be as complicated as it is tedious, so to help explain the Earned Income Tax Credit and its benefits for thousands of Delawareans,  we’ll hear from bill sponsor Rep. Paul Baumbach and Janice Barlow of KIDS Count Delaware.

Financial Relief for Working Families: The Earned Income Tax Credit Explained

Environmental issues affect our lives every day, whether it's flooding on our roadways or the energy used to power our homes. We’re only a few months into the 2021 session, and lawmakers have already introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing issues such as sustainable development and pollution, making it clear that addressing environmental challenges is a priority for the 151st General Assembly.     On this episode, Dustyn Thompson of the Delaware Sierra Club, House Natural Resources Committee Chair Rep. Debra Heffernan, and Senate Environment and Energy Committee Chair Sen. Stephanie Hansen discuss environmental bills being considered in the 151st General Assembly and strategies for addressing environmental concerns in Delaware.

Environmental Policy: Solutions for a Safer and More Sustainable Delaware

Lawmakers in Delaware have introduced legislation that would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adult users, a measure supported by 60% of Delawareans. The Delaware Marijuana Control Act would authorize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana, while establishing a new industry with good-paying jobs in the First State.   On this episode of Whip Count, lead bill sponsor Rep. Ed Osienski, attorney Adam Windett, and activist Zoe Patchell address the concerns and economic benefits of legalizing marijuana, and discuss the social injustices tied to the prohibition of cannabis.   Read more about The Delaware Marijuana Control Act here: bit.ly/DEHB150 

Legalization: The Delaware Marijuana Control Act Explained

Legislation designed to legally protect all people from hair discrimination could become law if the Delaware House advances SB 32.  Rep. Kendra Johnson, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, and Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha came together to discuss the CROWN Act as well as the pressure to alter natural hair textures or change hairstyles in the African American community. Adjoa B. Asamoah, a political strategist leading advocacy efforts across the country also joined the conversation.  Learn more about the CROWN Act, what it means and how it will impact other races as well. 

The CROWN Act: Hair discrimination, impact and advocacy

The Delaware House Democratic Caucus presents Whip Count: a journey inside Legislative Hall in a blue state.

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Whip Count

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