Whip Count

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.