Whip Count

Delaware's Paid-Leave Proposal

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. 

Childcare and Campaign Funds

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 for 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. 
 
 

Delaware EARNS: Closing the Retirement Savings Gap

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. 

Police Body Camera Legislation

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.

Delaware Telehealth Services: Doctor's Visits From Home

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. 

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

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.

Environmental Policy: Solutions for a Safer and More Sustainable Delaware

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.

Legalization: The Delaware Marijuana Control Act Explained

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 

The CROWN Act: Hair discrimination, impact and advocacy

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. 

House Bill 100: Providing Mental Health Resources for Elementary School Students

Elementary schoolchildren carry trauma and life experiences with them that immensely impact their school and home situations, and without access to mental health resources, these issues can spiral into full-blown crises.
 
In Delaware, one school counselor may be responsible for 500 children, stretching their time incredibly thin and almost guaranteeing some children fall through the cracks.
Lawmakers and advocates are fighting to ensure students in elementary schools have access to the resources they need with House Bill 100, which provides sustained funding for school-based mental health professionals such as School Counselors, School Psychologists and School Social Workers.
 
In this episode, we talked with the sponsors of this bill, Rep. Valerie Longhurst and Sen. Marie Pinkney. We also heard from school-based mental health professionals Emily Klein, Brandon Townsend, and Dawn Hall, and a parent, Chris Locke, who discussed the very real need for increased mental health funding in our schools.