For a small state, we face many issues every day.
Jobs & the Economy
Agriculture
The Environment
Strengthening the Middle Class
Education
Criminal Justice
Below are some of the issues that are generating the most common emails, phone calls and questions during the 2023-2024 session
Firearm legislation
While the natural instinct following some of the tragedies that have occurred across the country is to blame the instrument that was used in carrying out these horrific acts, good public policy is built upon careful deliberation of the issues and underlying facts surrounding them in an impartial manner. Legislation passed should also pass constitutional muster; both relating to the United States Constitution (and the most current U.S. Supreme Court rulings), as well as the Delaware State Constitution’s provision in our Bill of Rights relating to Delawarean’s rights to keep and bear arms.
It is clear that we are failing in fostering values – including the value of human life – in our society. Of all of the proposals that may come before us in the senate, I am most supportive of those which pursue the root cause of these violent acts; some of which focus on individuals that have mental health needs and are committing those horrific acts.
I was a cosponsor of a measure that will direct adoption of the CDC recommendations on urban firearm violence. In 2015, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention published Elevated Rates of Urban Firearm Violence and Opportunities for Prevention – Wilmington, Delaware. This report made two major recommendations: The creation and adoption of a robust risk assessment tool, and an integrated, statewide data collection system. In over three years, there has been no meaningful action taken place at the state or local level to implement these recommendations. The bill will direct the pertinent state agencies to implement the recommendations.
I was a cosponsor and supported the passage last year of the FTAP program, shifting background checks for firearm purchases away from the federal NICS system, to a system that merges both federal NICS data and state information for more thorough background information on individuals who wish to purchase firearms.
Public Safety
Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day. It’s frustrating to them that, when a serious offender is arrested, they are often released the same day with little or no bail (and that bail is often unsecured). Working across the aisle with the Senate Majority Caucus, I sponsored SB 7, which updated Delaware’s bail statute to be explicit to the judges who set bail in cases of serious crimes including gun offenses, domestic violence offenses, rape, sexual abuse of children, and re-offending while out on bond – that the presumption shall be that only secured cash bail will be required for the individual to be released.
I am also cosponsor of a constitutional amendment that will allow preventative detention (no bail) for individuals where the crime is serious, proof is positive or the presumption great, and the proof is clear and convincing that no condition or combination of conditions other than detention will reasonably assure the person’s appearance when required, reasonably assure the safety of any person or the community, or prevent the person from obstructing or attempting to obstruct justice.
Public Education
I am a firm believer in public education in Delaware. I also believe that curriculum in our schools should be aligned to the expectation of our communities so that graduates can move directly into the workforce or higher education. Part of the equation is either decoupling tying standardized tests to school and educator performance, or revising the standardized tests to accurately reflect the real-world scenarios that our workforce requires. The current system leads to “teaching to the test”, which is great; if the tests were asking the right questions. In talking to business leaders, many graduates are unable to perform basic business functions that are required. In speaking to leaders in higher education, we find that a large amount of students are requiring remedial math and/or English courses upon entering college. We have to be sure the alignment is present to ensure student success!
We also are in a battle with every other state in the nation to attract the best educators. I cosponsored the bill establishing and was named to the Public Education Compensation Committee which is charged with reviewing Delaware’s educator compensation structure and its ability to compete with regional school districts.
Workforce Training
I have sponsored SB 65, the Focus on Alternative Skills Training program. Please visit the FAST website for details on this bipartisan legislation that is changing the career potential of our young adults leaving High School.
Agriculture
Having come from an agricultural family, the future success and viability of our number one industry is extremely important. I am a prime sponsor of SB 136, which protects Delaware farmers and ranchers from nuisance lawsuits. I am also a strong proponent of Delaware’s Farmland Preservation program which has permanently protected, to date, more than 143,000 acres of farmland in Delaware.
The Environment
My strong support for and family ties to agriculture go hand-in-hand with my support for reasonable environmental policies in Delaware. It’s often said that “Farmers were the first environmentalists”. This oft-stated phrase is a result of the undeniable link between the health of the environment and the success of agricultural operations. Smart programs to manage nutrient run-off, mitigate flooding and improve drainage, support soil health, and preserve aglands and open space are just a small part of my support for our environment. I support market-based approaches (versus regulatory-mandated) to alternative energy production, holding environmental violators accountable for pollution; both current and historic, and improving Delaware’s air quality for all Delawareans.
I am also strongly supportive, and a cosponsor of Delaware’s new Clean Water for Delaware Act, which sets about a new framework for drinking and surface water improvement in Delaware; without imposing new taxes on individuals or businesses.
