Whip Count

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. 

Meet the Freshmen: New House members begin 2023 session

Who are the new members in the House? On this episode of Whip Count we introduce you to Representatives Kerri Evelyn Harris, DeShanna Neal, Sophie Phillips, Cyndie Romer, and Stell Parker Selby. The newcomers  were recently sworn in at the state capitol, as the 152nd Delaware General Assembly launched its new session. 
 
For these incoming lawmakers, it’s the beginning of a brand new road to rebuilding their communities, and working on critical issues that impact the entire state. 
 
What can you expect? Tune in now to hear what everyone had to say including their answers to some fun questions. 

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.

Direct Payments for Delawareans: The 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate and Other Economic Empowerment Legislation Explained

This week on Whip Count: The 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate explained, economic policies to help Delawareans become more resilient to inflation, and maintaining a strong and fair economy in the First State
House Majority leader Valerie Longhurst provides listeners with an in-depth explanation of the 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate and gives us a look into the bipartisan brainstorming sessions that lead to HB 360, historic legislation that would enable one-time direct payments of $300 to Delaware resident taxpayers.
Rep. Paul Baumbach and Rep. Ed Osienski also joined us this week to discuss policies they’ve championed over the years that aim to economically empower the most vulnerable in our society and ensure every Delawarean has a fair shot at earning a decent living.

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.