Whip Count

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.

Domestic Violence Awareness

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. 

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

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.

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

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. 

The Justice for All Agenda

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. 
 

Protecting LGBTQ+ and disability communities

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.

Tuition-Free College in Delaware

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.