by James DeChene

The General Assembly was back in session this week, returning from the Joint Finance Committee. This week in Dover, we saw two bills related to taxes tabled in committee. The first proposed a reduction to the realty transfer tax by 1% and the second would have allowed for itemized deductions in Delaware. Both are on hold for now.
 
Also a bill on the National Popular Vote passed in the Senate. The bill is now headed to the House, and if passed there, it would enter Delaware into an interstate compact that would change how Delaware would award its Electoral College delegates.
 
A new federal court ruling could require companies over 100 to report pay by gender starting as soon as May 31, 2019.  For more info on the issue and the ruling, click here.

by James DeChene

The bills that passed this week in Dover included an Equal Rights Amendment to Delaware’s constitution. The first leg of the amendment passed last year, in the 149th General Assembly, and the language contained in the amendment bars discrimination on the basis of sex. The House passed a measure allowing alcohol sales at the new 76’ers stadium, and the Senate passed a mini-bond bill providing more funds for capital improvements across the state. Each bill crosses the chamber to be heard next week.

Also of note this week was Governor Carney’s State of the State address. The speech is used to review policies and initiatives this administration has put in place, and also serves as a blueprint for what will be this session’s priorities.  

The overview included a review of Chamber supported and implemented measures like the investment at the Port of Wilmington, passing the Angel Investor tax credit, the creation of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, modernizing the Coastal Zone Act, and establishing Opportunity Zones all across the state to bring new jobs in places like Seaford, Newark, Dover, Milford and Claymont.

New priorities outlined by Governor Carney included continuing to invest in broadband in Kent and Sussex counties, creating a new Transportation Infrastructure Investment fund to bolster economic development projects, and investing $60 million in education targeted a low income and English Language Learners and ensuring that all 3rd graders are proficient in reading at grade level.

More to come as Governor Carney will release his recommended budget next week.

by James DeChene

​This week was the opening of the 150th General Assembly. Members new and returning were sworn in on Tuesday, and in the Senate committee assignments were officially released. 

Items of note included a bill heard in the House Economic Development committee that would allow the new stadium being built in Wilmington permission to sell alcohol. The bill was released from committee where it awaits a full House vote. The House passed HB1, the Equal Rights Amendment. The bill is the second leg of a constitutional amendment that now heads to the Senate to be heard in Senate Executive Committee next week.

Also announced this week, with absolute positive reception, was the Senate Pro Tempore David McBride saying the Senate had seen their last sunrise on July 1. Historically the House and Senate work through the night on July 30 and into the wee hours of July 1 (last year the session ended at 8:30 AM). Under the new rules if the Senate has not completed all its work, it will recess at 1 AM and will reconvene at 4 PM later that day on July 1. Lather, rinse, repeat until all work is completed. A very welcome change by the staff, lobbyists and general public forced to make a bleary eyed treks home in prior years.

Next week the Governor gives his State of the State address on Thursday.

I also want to share the US Chamber of Commerce State of American Business address from their president Tom Donohue, highlighting how businesses are faring, and what priorities the organization is focusing on. The speech is worth a listen: https://www.uschamber.com/

by James DeChene

​Next Tuesday, the day after the State Chamber’s Annual Dinner (see you there), the 150th General Assembly will gavel into session, with roughly 20% new members between the House and Senate. Other changes include a new Senate Secretary (best of luck, Joy), some new staff faces, new seating charts, and new committee assignments and offices for members. Some things, though, remain the same, including the “Delaware Blue” paint scheme that the lobby core will be staring at for the next six months.

For some members, Tuesday will represent the first time they will vote “Yes” or “No,” and if history holds, they will do so a few hundred times over the next two years. The variety of items facing their votes will be numerous, and based on the pre-filed legislation so far, we know of a few specifics. Two new top tax brackets for high earners, an Equal Rights Amendment that when passed will become a Delaware constitutional amendment, and changing the polling hours for school board elections. Another stack of pre-filed bills will be released today, and certainly more will come as session continues.

Items to watch include legislation to legalize recreational marijuana, more changes to Delaware’s minimum wage, proposed changes to Delaware’s LLC regulations, predictive scheduling, and a host of unknown, but important, issues that will face the business community.

As legislation is introduced that impacts your business we and your elected officials need to hear from you. Share with us how new proposed legislation will impact your employees or force other changes to your business; or how it could change your plans for investment, expansion, or your ability to stay in business. These stories are critical to be heard, and we will have measures in place to make it as easy as possible for you to comment without taking time away from focusing on your operations. Your voice matters and the State Chamber works to make it heard.