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Today wraps up the first week back for the General Assembly from Joint Finance Committee break. Several bills which the State Chamber is engaged on saw movement. Of note, SS 1 for SB 21 passed the Senate and now moves to the House for consideration. The bill updates Delaware’s corporate law. The Delaware State Chamber and Delaware Business Roundtable released the following joint statement: “Delaware has been the incorporating jurisdiction of choice for businesses seeking balance and predictability in matters of corporate law for generations. In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, changes to Delaware’s corporate law are inevitable. As a result, it is essential that adjustments are carefully and collaboratively considered. We applaud Governor Meyer and the General Assembly for their leadership in addressing Delaware’s corporate franchise in the face of competition from other states that do not have the distinctive advantages of Delaware corporate law, including its expert judges on the Court of Chancery, talented corporate bar, rich caseload of decisions, and the willingness of its elected leaders to ensure that Delaware remains the gold standard for corporate law. Accordingly, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Business Roundtable support Senate Bill 21. Delaware’s business community has always been committed to supporting policies that are in the best interest of our state. The State’s reliance on substantial sums coming from outside of the state to fuel state government spending demonstrates the need for pro-growth policies and diversification of the Delaware economy.” Other bills that saw movement included SB 59, 60, and 61 related to public utilities. All were released from the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee and placed on the Senate Ready List. The State Chamber testified in opposition to SB 60 and 61. Other bills introduced and awaiting consideration:
Please let me know if any of these bills impact your business. Lastly, our 2025-2026 Legislative Roster is now available in both print and electronic formats! If you’d like to place a Roster order, please complete this form and return it to me at [email protected].
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The General Assembly returns to session next week following a five-week break for Joint Finance Committee (JFC) hearings. Prior to the break, several business-related bills and resolutions were introduced and saw movement, such as SB 46, HB 13, and SCR 12.
Of note, SCR 12 establishes a Retail Crime Prevention Task Force, on which the State Chamber has a seat. The group will examine and recommend courses of legislative, regulatory, operational, and judicial action that consider or address retail crime broadly. The co-chairs of the task force are directed to compile a report containing a summary of its work regarding the issues assigned to it, including any findings and recommendations, no later than Feb. 1, 2026. The State Chamber looks forward to serving on the task force and is grateful for the opportunity to help provide meaningful solutions to combat organized retail crime—which is a top priority of the Delaware Retail Council, an affiliate of the State Chamber and the National Retail Federation. Governor Meyer also issued a couple of key executive orders that the State Chamber supports, including Executive Order (EO) #1 and Executive Order #4. EO #1 establishes a statewide working group tasked with developing proposed processes and policies to expand youth apprenticeships and workforce development across the state. EO #4 establishes a working group to develop a plan to create a “one-stop shop” for projects in all three counties to streamline permits and licenses. While the actions above are good news for businesses, challenges lie ahead. ... This, combined with the uncertainty around what’s happening nationally regarding tariffs, federal funding freezes, and statements of intent from a few notable CEOs to reincorporate their companies outside Delaware, is raising feelings of uncertainty among businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike. I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: We’re in a time of uncertain and uncharted economic territory. In good economic times, policy decisions can afford to be “roughly right,” but in times like the present, policy decisions must be more accurate than ever before. This includes decisions like the ones mentioned above, as well as the state’s budget. Over the next few months, the State Chamber looks forward to working with policymakers to support our members. It’s our goal to support policies that solve businesses’ needs and provide them with the predictability they are looking for so that Delaware can thrive and remain a competitive place to do business. To stay up to date on what’s happening in Dover or join one of our policy committees, contact me at [email protected]. Next week, the General Assembly will go on Joint Finance Committee break and return to session on Tuesday, March 11. Here’s an overview of what has happened this month:
EXECUTIVE ORDERS
The State Chamber supports these orders and applauds Governor Meyer on prioritizing apprenticeships and streamlining Delaware’s housing permit process. Both issues are top priorities in our 2025 Competitiveness Agenda. GOVERNOR'S CABINET The Senate confirmed Governor Meyer’s 16 cabinet nominees. Their names are listed below. The State Chamber congratulates these Cabinet members on their confirmation and looks forward to working with them to improve Delaware's business community.
FRESHMAN LEGISLATORS AND LEADERSHIP CHANGES
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
By Tyler Micik
Today wraps up an eventful week. On Tuesday, Matt Meyer was sworn in as Delaware’s 76th governor at Delaware State University, officially marking the beginning of a new administration. Following his swearing-in ceremony, Governor Meyer signed Executive Order No. 1. The order “establishes a statewide working group consisting of at least 15 members from across labor, educational, and nongovernmental sectors, with the ultimate goal of developing proposed processes and policies to expand youth apprenticeships and workforce development across the state.” You can view the order here. The Senate Executive Committee held hearings on several of Governor Meyer’s cabinet nominations this week and more are scheduled for next week. Also, Senate Bill 46 was heard in the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee. It was released from Committee and has been placed on the Senate Ready List. The proposal would require a human observer to be physically present in all autonomous vehicles that require a Class A commercial driver license without an O restriction—meaning tractor-trailers or trucks transporting large loads. The State Chamber testified in opposition stating: “Autonomous Vehicles (AV’s) could help augment the workforce and solve supply chain issues and workforce shortages. According to the American Trucking Association, there’s a nationwide shortage of nearly 80,000 truck drivers and that’s set to double by 2031. Delaware needs truck drivers and AVs. Delaware should be supporting AV operations and reducing barriers to the deployment of AV’s. No other state requires a human observer to be present in the vehicle. If passed, this will make Delaware an outlier and could forestall AV investment, development, and operations in the state.” The General Assembly returns to session on Tuesday and will then go on Joint Finance Commtitee break through March 6th. By Tyler Micik
The 153rd General Assembly gaveled into session on Tuesday, signaling the start of a new legislative year. This week was mostly ceremonial – legislators were sworn into office, and they took care of some housekeeping items. In the Delaware House of Representatives, six freshman legislators were sworn into office: • Claire Snyder-Hall (D) – Representative District 14 • Frank Burns (D) – Representative District 21 • Josue Ortega (D) – Representative District 3 • Kamela Smith (D) - Representative District 15 • Mara Gorman (D) – Representative District 23 • Melanie Ross Levin (D) – Representative District 10 Additionally, the House confirmed new leadership. Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown was sworn in as Speaker of the House, making her Delaware’s first Black Speaker. Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris and Rep. Ed Osienski moved up in their roles as Majority Leader and Majority Whip, respectively. Rep. Tim Dukes stepped into the Minority Leader role and Rep. Jeff Spiegelman became Minority Whip. Business should return to normal next week. The General Assembly will be in session through January 30, at which point they’ll go on Joint Finance Committee (JFC) break and return on March 11. This year, we expect to see some bills reintroduced that did not make it through the legislative process last year, like paid sick and safety leave, in addition to newer ones like a potential increase in the minimum wage, among others. Governor-elect Matt Meyer will be sworn into office next week on Tuesday, January 21. Please note the location for his swearing in ceremony has been moved from Legislative Mall to the William B. DeLauder Education and Humanities Theatre at Delaware State University due to the frigid weather forecast. You can find out more and register here.  By Tyler Micik
Delaware’s general election results are in! Matt Meyer (D) won the Governor’s race, beating Mike Ramone (R). Kyle Evans Gay (D) secured the Lt. Governor’s seat, defeating Ruth Briggs King (R). In the federal races Lisa Blunt Rochester (D) will succeed Tom Carper as Delaware's next U.S. Senator and Sarah McBride (D) will serve as our next lone representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. There were several key seats in the Delaware General Assembly up for grabs. The results of those races are:
The results in districts with open seats are:
So, what do these results mean? The Delaware State Senate will largely look the same next year aside from the departure of Senators McBride and Gay. A special election will have to be held to fill their seats. If those two districts elect a Democrat, the balance of power in the Senate will remain 15 to 6 in favor of the Democrats. In the House, all the incumbents won their races, but the Democrats picked up one seat with Frank Burns’ win over Brenda Mennella in the 21st district, bringing their total to 27 and thereby increasing their decision-making power. In the weeks leading up to the 153rd General Assembly convening on January 14, House leadership positions will be announced and committee assignments will take place—giving us a better understanding of what’s in store for next year. Similarly, we’ll know who Matt Meyer appoints to serve on his cabinet. These decisions, like the elections, will influence the future of our state. We will keep you updated as things move forward, and we look forward to working with all those elected to advocate for Delaware’s business community. By Helana Rodriguez Each year, Delaware Principal for a Day (PFAD) brings together local business leaders and schools to foster understanding and create meaningful connections between education and the workforce. Designed to provide business leaders with a firsthand look at the educational landscape, PFAD gives them a chance to understand the needs and strengths of today’s students and explore ways to support their journey toward career readiness. This year, 47 high schools were paired with more than 70 business leaders from 53 different businesses and organizations. Through classroom visits, hands-on activities, and in-depth discussions, participants gained insights into the diverse pathways offered by Delaware schools and discovered opportunities for collaboration. At John Dickinson High School, for example, students learned about engineering and trades careers from M. Davis & Sons, who further extended the experience by inviting students to tour their fabrication facility, giving them a real-world view of career opportunities in construction and engineering. Experiences like these allow students to envision their futures beyond the classroom and help educators and industry leaders identify specific ways to support work-based learning and mentorships. Many schools are now exploring similar collaborations, particularly in STEM, healthcare, banking, and skilled trades, with the hope of creating ongoing connections with Delaware’s business community. One principal reflected on the impact of PFAD, saying, “Our Principal for a Day brought such energy and insight. It’s clear that building these partnerships enriches the educational experience and inspires students in powerful ways.” The PFAD program underscores the value of these transformative partnerships, offering both students and educators a deeper understanding of career possibilities and essential skills for today’s and tomorrow's workforce. We thank everyone who participated this year! Those involved are helping strengthen Delaware’s educational and business communities alike, paving the way for a more connected and prepared workforce that will build a brighter future for the state.  The Delaware State Chamber is excited to welcome our newest team member, Danielle Blake, who will serve as our vice president of member engagement. She joins us with over 10 years of chamber of commerce experience, most recently working with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
Danielle is just shy of $1 million in career membership sales and has won the 2024 "Excellence in Membership and Development" award from the National Association of State Chambers of Commerce. She also won two awards in 2022 from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives: First Place in Total New Sales and Second Place in Total Dollar Value in the National Sales Winner (500k-2M Category). A native of Joliet, Illinois (think Blues Brothers), Danielle has a 5-year-old daughter, Megan, with her husband Mark, and an 11-year-old King Charles Cavalier named Payton, named after the legendary Walter Payton. A few fun facts about Danielle:
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) has endorsed the following candidates for the 153rd General Assembly ahead of Delaware’s general election on November 5:
The Delaware State Chamber urges all Delawareans to play a role in shaping the First State’s future by voting on November 5. Early voting is open from October 25 to November 3 at designated sites in each county. Polls are open on Election Day from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. View a full list of candidates and races > Find your polling place > General election information > By Tyler Micik The General Election is on Tuesday, November 5th. Below is an overview of the statewide and State House and Senate races, which you’ll see on the ballot. All Delaware’s statewide races have two or more candidates running for office. As for the State House and Senate races, only two Senate Districts (2 and 6), are ones in which the incumbents have an opponent. They are Democratic Senators Brown and Huxtable. In the House there are 21 seats up for grabs. Six incumbent Republicans are facing a Democrat opponent, twelve incumbent Democrats are facing a Republican opponent, and there’s three open seats (10, 14, and 21). It’s important to note that if all incumbents in the House of Representatives, on both sides of the aisle, hold onto their seats and Democrats pick up the three open seats, that would bring their total to 27. This would be an increase in one seat from their current count of 26. Therefore, this increases their decision-making power, which is important for bills or actions that require a specific number of votes. For example, a 3/5 bill requires 25 votes. Those bills include things like overriding a Governor’s veto and imposing or increasing a tax. A 2/3 bill requires 28 votes and includes actions like amending the Constitution or enacting corporation law and municipal charters. A 3/4 bill requires 31 votes and usually includes things like creating debts and appropriations outside the government. Seats marked with an asterisk represent an open seat. Seats up for grabs are marked in red. STATEWIDE
STATE SENATE
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
NEW CASTLE COUNTY New Castle County Executive*
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