Whip Count

Delaware Reflections and Connections to Joe Biden

Delaware may be a small state but it is big on Vice President Joe Biden. Many people have encountered "Joe" and shared personal stories that they hold close to their hearts. Some moments have even shaped their lives. 
On this special episode of Whip Count, we continue with stories about "Biden Moments" from Rep. Gerald Brady, Margaret Aitken, and Brian McGlinchey.   

The Impact of Joe Biden's Political Career

Delaware leaders share stories of inspiration and memorable moments about Vice President Joe Biden who made a great impact on their lives. 
Rep. Krista Griffith talks about three encounters with Biden, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf details a campaign experience with the Vice President, and Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, Dr. Tony Allen of Delaware State University, Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, and more join the conversation as well. 

Delaware Officials discuss Vote-by-Mail Process

State Election Commissioner Anthony Albence, Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, and Rep. David Bentz all set the record straight about vote-by-mail, legislation to modernized the voting process in Delaware and voter education. 
The November General Election is fast approaching and voters still have the option to vote-by-mail. 
 

Back to School During the COVID-19 Crisis: The Challenges Ahead for Teachers, Students, and Parents

The back to school season is never without its stresses- but this year those stresses are exasperated by a global health crisis. Delaware schools have been permitted to resume in a hybrid setting, with a mix of online and in-person instruction, but each school district was tasked with creating their own re-opening plan. 
In this episode, we spoke to Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown and Rep. Kim Williams of the House Education Committee, as well as Delaware State Education Association Vice President Kerry Stahl to get their perspective on the challenges facing students, parents, and educators as families across Delaware begin to navigate remote learning.  
 
Rep. Williams also discusses her Emmy nominated PSA, "Don't Rush the Red", which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77QIjKvO2o8

Labor's Successes and Challenges Ahead

Labor Day unofficially marks the end of the summer season for some Americans but for others, it takes on a whole new meaning.
In honor of Labor Day, Delaware Secretary of Labor Cerron Cade, Representative Edward Osienski, and James Maravelias, who leads one of the largest trade unions in the state all share their individual perspectives.  The Delaware leaders also highlight social and economic achievements, and raise awareness about challenges ahead in the labor movement.

Reflections on Women's Suffrage: Delaware Honors Voting Rights Movement

Get up close and personal with women including Delaware House Rep. Valerie Longhurst and Rep. Kendra Johnson as they reflect on the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment. To further educate the public, Delaware legislators also played a key role in forming the Women's Suffrage Centennial Committee to honor women's constitutional right to vote. Although celebrations were planned for this year, events to honor those involved in making history will spill into 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.   

Justice For All: In Conversation With the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus

Since the killing of George Floyd, the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus has stepped into a leading role in the General Assembly. Last week they held a press conference announcing their "Justice for All Agenda" - a start down the road of reforming police and fighting back against institutionalized racism in Delaware. We spoke to three members of the Black Caucus in surprising, illuminating and emotional interviews about this initiative, their perspectives on policing and racism, and Black leadership in Delaware.

Making History From Home: Delaware's First Virtual Session

In March, the leadership of the General Assembly made a hard decision: to postpone part of Delaware's legislative session. When they reconvened on Tuesday, 39 of its 41 members weren't in the chamber like normal. Instead, this meeting made history as Delaware's first ever virtual session. We spoke to Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Representative Stephanie T. Bolden about their impressions of this unprecedented change to the way Delaware's legislative branch operates.

Delaware's Response to COVID-19 Part 2: The Daily Work of State Legislators in Lockdown

In March, Delaware's General Assembly decided to postpone legislative session and begin working from home to keep legislators and staff safe and limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. During that time, state legislators have found new ways to communicate with constituents, serve the needs of their district, and work with the executive branch as Delaware locked down. In this episode, 4 representatives talk about their unique perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic and the work they've been doing over the last two months.

Delaware's Response to COVID-19: Public health, unemployment and small businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our state and our world in a profound way. Today, almost two months into a state of emergency in Delaware, there are still many myths and misconceptions about this virus and how our government is responding to it. In this episode we speak with DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of Labor Cerron Cade and Division of Small Business Director Damian DeStefano to gain a better understanding of the actions our state is taking to fight back against COVID-19. Important links:
Visit https://de.gov/coronavirus for daily updates.
Visit https://uics.delawareworks.com/Forms/Form_WL1 to apply for unemployment.
Visit https://business.delaware.gov/coronavirus/ for small business resources.