issues | Dew Rd10

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

This year was one of the busiest in recent memory, with the General Assembly taking up numerous issues to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans and help move our state forward. I was proud to sponsor or support the following bills:

increase the minimum wage

SB6

I co-sponsored this legislation to give minimum wage workers a much needed $1 per hour increase to $8.25/hour.

marriage equality

HB75

I co-sponsored this bill to establish civil marriage equality for all Delaware families by allowing same-sex couples to marry

update Port of Wilmington board

HS1/HB231 sponsor

This bill strengthened and diversified the Port Board. The Port is one of the areas largest employers and generators of tax revenue. We need to ensure the Port's economic viability.

dangerous dogs

HS1/HB297

I wrote this legislation to help protect commuinities from dangerous dogs that chase or attack people. It was previously very difficult to have a dog declared cangerous, which alloced these dogs to attack muptiple people or animals before something could be done. The new law corrects that.

tanning beds

SB94

I sponsored this bill to prohibit all minors from using tanning devices in tanning facilities and to mandate warning signs and statements in tanning facilities. This new law will help save lives, taking away access from minors these devices, which have been shown to be a contributor to developing melenoma.

firearm background checks

HB35

I supported legislation expanding background checks for firearm purchases to at gun shows and private sales.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

responsible business practices

HB 271

Requires State agencies to coordinate and report a person who might be practicing a profession without a business or occupational license. This was one of a package of bills to promote responsible business practices across the business and construction communities that we passed this year.

worker's compensation reform

I co-sponsored legislation to help drive down the rising cost of workers' compensation premiums

marijuana decriminalization

Although it did not come up for a vote this year, I co-sponsored legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana

repeal of the death penalty

SB19

While this bill repealing Delaware's death penalty did not make it to the House floor for a vote, I am a co-sponsor of the measure and will vote for it if it is introduced again in 2015.

gender identity

HB97

I co-sponsored this bill, protecting transgendered people from discrimination based on their gender identity.

reporting lost/stolen firearms HB16

I voted for this bill, which requires owners of lost or stolen handguns to report such loss or theft within one week after discovering the loss or theft