DSCC Legislative Agenda
One of the things that set a state chamber of commerce apart from local chambers is a commitment to legislative advocacy. Since its inception in 1837 as the Wilmington Board of Trade, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has provided a voice in the halls of government for businesses of all sizes.

The Chamber has defined key areas of legislative focus. They are:

Workers compensation reform: Workers compensation reform is the top legislative priority of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. We were one of the best in the nation, but we’ve slipped in the past few years, thanks to annual double-digit rate increases, rising medical costs and lack of change to our system. As a consequence, businesses are struggling to remain competitive. For the past five years, the business community has pushed for changes to our system. Despite our efforts, the situation continues to worsen. Changes must be made. Click here to read more about workers compensation in an article that appeared in the March/April 2006 issue of Delaware Business. Click here to read a position paper about the need to pass workers comp reform in the current legislative session.

Financial Stability: The business community is keenly aware of the financial challenges Delaware may face in the second half of the decade. The rising cost of energy, along with the increased costs of workers compensation, health care and borrowing money, are on the minds of every business owner. In addition, the state is facing a fiscal challenge on the transportation and gambling fronts. The ability to maintain economic and financial stability has earned our state the reputation as a good place to live and do business. We must be cautious about spending and proactive about developing creative solutions to bolster Delaware’s fiscal stability. Click here to read more about financial stability in an article that appeared in the January/February 2006 issue of Delaware Business.

Electricity Costs: Skyrocketing energy costs are a cause of major concern for Delaware businesses of all sizes. With electricity deregulation in effect, companies have seen their rates increase by 50 percent to more than 100 percent. While large and medium-sized companies have some options, such as aggregation and pooling, smaller companies are left to absorb increased costs on their own. Small businesses need legislative and educational support to help them face this unexpected increase in the cost of doing business. Click here to read more about energy costs in an article that appeared in the May/June 2006 issue of Delaware Business.

Health care: The rising cost of health care is having a negative affect on employers' bottom line as they struggle to provide a basic need for their workers. This problem is not limited to Delaware: it's nationwide. This financial burden is reflected in a business' balance sheet, the employees' paychecks and the consumer price tag. Click here  to read more in an article that appeared in the March/April 2005 issue of Delaware Business.

Education: Without adequate education, today's students will be an ineffective work force for tomorrow's businesses. Delaware needs an educated work force that has the skills and knowledge to make our businesses superior. And we need first-class schools to attract and retain first-class companies and employees. Click here to read more about education in an article that appeared in the May/June 2005 issue of Delaware Business.

The Environment: Sweeping and burdensome requirements have been imposed on some businesses, despite the fact that industrial emitters have made major improvements and are continuing these efforts. Click here to read more about the environment in an article that appeared in the July/August 2005 issue of Delaware Business.

For answers to questions or additional information, please contact A. Richard Heffron, Senior VP for Government Affairs, at (302) 576-6563, or by e-mail at rheffron@dscc.com. We look forward to a productive year.

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
1201 N. Orange Street, PO Box 671
Wilmington, DE 19899-0671
(302) 655-7221