You Answered, we listened

by Mark DiMaio

In 2017, we invited Chamber members to participate in a survey to gauge their view of Delaware's economic health, and provide input on policy priorities. Listed below are the top four, along with ways the Chamber is addressing them.
​
1. Economic Development
The Chamber is dedicated to promoting an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state.

• The State Chamber is working with DNREC to update Delaware’s Coastal Zone regulations, following the passage of HB 190 (Coastal Zone Modernization Act). We believe this will make Delaware more competitive and attractive for redevelopment, bringing with it more jobs and a boost to the local economy.
• The Chamber supported passage of HB 226 to create the new Delaware Prosperity Partnership, a public-private partnership to aid in the stimulation of Delaware's economic growth.
• Please join us for an important panel conversation about economic development in Delaware: “Building Delaware’s New Frontier."
• We support HB 170 “Angel Investor Job Creation and Innovation Act for Small Technology Companies” – This legislation creates an incentive for qualified angel investors to invest capital in qualified Delaware small technology companies.

2. Cost of Health Care
The Chamber recognizes the growing problem surrounding health care costs.

• We will continue to follow plans to create a health care benchmark, and what that means for providers, insurance companies and patients.
• Next month, Dr. Janice Nevin, MD., MPH, President and CEO of Christiana Care Health System, will provide an important update the DSCC Board of Governors on the future of health care.
• Join us and the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health on May 21, for the Delaware Employer Summit - details to follow.

3. Government Spending
We will continue to advocate for structural changes to Delaware’s budget. Delaware needs fiscal policies that foster business growth and advance the state’s long-term economic future.

• We support HB 160 that aims to establish metrics for grant-in-aid funding to nonprofits. 
• The Chamber will support efforts to create and maintain sustainable revenue within the State's budget.  

4. Education Reform (K-12)
Improving education outcomes is a key factor in developing a skilled workforce and attracting new business to Delaware.  

• The Chamber supports the efforts of the task force created by HCR 39. This task force will make recommendations regarding the impact of consolidating school districts in the state.
• ​The Chamber supports Governor Carney and the Delaware Department of Education efforts to develop a Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the Delaware Department of Education and the Christina School District, thus creating partnerships that will advance the academic growth and success of students in Priority Schools. 
• We are actively engaged, along with many of our members, with the Pathways to Prosperity program.

2017 Survey Results (PDF)