2024 is off to a busy start!

Friends and neighbors,

The new year is well underway, and the Delaware General Assembly is back in session.

In Delaware, our regular legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. To watch Senate proceedings live or if you want to come back later to watch recordings of past proceedings, click here. To view daily Senate Agendas, click here. To view upcoming committee meetings, legislative session start times, and more, click here.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov , on Facebook , or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Legislative Updates

Every January 11, we take time to observe National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

My colleagues and I also unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 77, designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

As a legislative body, we have done so much over the last few years to prevent human trafficking — including the creation of the Department of Justice Human Trafficking Unit, the establishment of the Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council, and the permanent addition of two positions under the Criminal Justice Council. These changes have solidified our efforts to provide funding and infrastructure to the Council and to our state’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

House Concurrent Resolution 82

House Concurrent Resolution 82, sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown and me, recognizes January 21 – 27 as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Week in the State of Delaware.

CRNAs have a wide scope of practice, and can be found in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered – from traditional hospital surgical suites to Public Health Services.

Thank you so much to CRNA’s and all of our healthcare workers for putting our health and welfare first!

Community News & Resources

January is also National Blood Donor Month! This is a great opportunity for you to give back to your community and help save a life.

Over the weekend, I joined volunteers from Charity Crossing for a blood drive at the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

You can make an appointment here: delmarvablood.org.

Access to funding is something that most startup and early-stage small businesses say is one of the most critical needs they have.

The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is helping many overcome this hurdle through its Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Program.

To be eligible to apply for the EDGE competition, your small business must have been in operation for less than seven years and have 10 or fewer full-time employees (calculations exist for part-time employees). As you get started, you are encouraged to connect with a Regional Business Manager in your county for guidance and feedback on your application.

DSB will being accepting EDGE applications for the first round of 2024 on February 1. To learn more, visit de.gov/EDGE.

The Delaware Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy is now accepting nominees for this year’s class of Delaware’s Women’s Hall of Fame and the She’s On Her Way Award!

The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 1981 to recognize the achievements of outstanding Delaware women and their contributions to communities across the state. Members represent a variety of backgrounds and fields including artists, athletes, community advocates, public servants, military personnel, and scientists. There is no minimum age requirement, but nominees must have made an important and lasting impact on the lives of Delawareans, and must have resided in Delaware for at least 10 years during their lifetime. A complete list of inductees is available at http://tinyurl.com/muybd643.

The She’s On her Way Award celebrates the achievements and contributions of talented young women leaders making a difference in Delaware. All nominees must be between the ages of 18 and 40 by June 30, 2024. Nominees must also be native-born Delawareans or have resided in Delaware for at least five years. Nominees must show that they have made a positive impact upon the lives of Delawareans and have exhibited characteristics of good character, promise and hope; as well as have information and or examples that illustrate the nominee’s positive reputation and or leadership among her peers, and or her community.

You can help celebrate and recognize the achievements of Delaware women by submitting nominations. Nomination forms are available online at de.gov/women. The deadline for nominations is midnight on March 28, 2024.

Health & Safety Announcements

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind Delawareans that home fires occur more in the winter months than any other season throughout the year. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, & February. Nationwide, heating equipment is involved in 1 out of every 6 home fires and 1 in every 5 fire deaths. Please follow these winter fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe this winter season.

Heating

  • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters.
  • Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (ex. space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
  • Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container. Keep it outside at least 10 ft from your home and any nearby buildings.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.

Carbon Monoxide

  • Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely.
  • In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.
  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
  • Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
  • Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for.
  • Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home.
  • Only use gas or charcoal grills outside, as they can produce CO.

Portable Generators

  • It’s important to know that portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous, deadly gas.
  • Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas at least 20 ft from all doors, windows, and vent openings.
  • Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
  • Place generators so that exhaust fumes are directed away from the building.
  • Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling.
  • Never refuel a generator while it is hot.

Other Reminders

  • Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year.
  • During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
  • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

State and local law enforcement is cracking down on distracted driving and people who refuse to wear their seatbelts.

Distracted driving remains one of the primary causes of crashes in the United States, and puts the safety of pedestrians, passengers, and drivers at risk.

To avoid distracted driving, drivers can put their phones on “Do Not Disturb,” keep their phones in a place where they won’t be tempted to look at it, and pull over if they do need to use their phone.

July 2023 Newsletter – Senator Poore Legislative Recap

Friends and neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying all that summer has to offer!

The first leg of the 152nd General Assembly concluded on June 30. I’m writing to let you know about some of the legislative we passed, as well as share some community news.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

I’m pleased to report that several of my bills passed this year — and a number of them have already been signed into law by Governor Carney!

In my experience as a caregiver, I have seen firsthand the importance of supporting our medical professionals as well as patients and their families. That’s why I am proud to have sponsored Senate Bill 98, which expands the Health Provider Loan Repayment Program to include dental workers and behavioral health professionals, and Senate Bill 55, which establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council. These two bills will help improve the overall landscape of our health care system, which will benefit Delawareans seeking care.

Our unions have long been the driving force behind competitive wages, good benefits, and protections for everyday workers. Unions provide a clear pathway for young workers to not just find a job, but to get started on a meaningful career. That’s why I was proud to bring forward Senate Bill 72 this year. This bill reinstates a tax deduction for anyone paying annual union dues up to the amount of $500 per year.

I also introduced Senate Bill 189, which is an issue that was first brought forward by Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. Earlier this year, the State. Department ordered the emergency classification of xylazine, also known as “Tranq”— a non-opioid drug used primarily in veterinary medicine — in Schedule III of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the emergence of xylazine across the United States appears to be following the same path as fentanyl — starting in the Northeast and then spreading to the South and working its way into drug markets westward, and the low cost of xylazine contributes to xylazine’s increased presence in the nation’s illegal drug supply.

SB 189 passed both chambers and heads to Governor Carney’s desk.

This year, my colleagues Rep. Krista Griffith, Sen. Stephanie Hansen and I passed a package of bills targeting the intrinsic link between animal cruelty and domestic violence so that we can keep Delaware families safer from abuse. I want to thank Judge Jennifer Ranji (pictured above at the bill signing) for working with us to create and pass Senate Bill 70, Senate Bill 71 and House Bill 95 this year.

Community Updates

June 2023 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

The legislature is just a few weeks away from our summer break. That means that this is a busy time of year throughout Legislative Hall! My colleagues and I are working hard to lift up the issues that matter most to the people of Delaware.

In Dover, our regular legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. To watch Senate proceedings live or if you want to come back later to watch recordings of past proceedings, click here. To view daily Senate Agendas, click here. To view upcoming committee meetings, legislative session start times, and more, click here.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Legislative News

One of my callings as a legislator is to lift up our differently-abled and chronically ill Delawareans and their families. Delaware families facing a rare disease experience incredible challenges, often starting with simply getting a correct diagnosis and ranging from finding specialists, therapies and medication to connecting with support groups who can provide them with the emotional encouragement that comes from people going through the same experience.

Senate Bill 55, which just passed the Senate, would establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council. This council will help identify and address barriers to the treatment and care of those suffering from one of the approximately 7,000 known rare diseases.

Earlier this week, I was honored to participate alongside some of my colleagues in a panel discussion at Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long’s first Mental and Behavioral Health Summit. On this panel, we highlighted the progress we have made for mental health and behavioral health access in this State, while also emphasizing there is so much more that can be done.

Community Updates

Increasing Access to Mental Health Services

Friends and neighbors,

The need for accessible mental health care has never been greater.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated issues our state and nation were already experiencing: increased psychiatric-related ER visits, a lack of resources for our children and young adults, and a complex system for parents to navigate.

That’s why I am so proud and honored to have championed House Bill 303 in the Senate in support of the tireless leadership of Representative Valerie Longhurst in the House. With strong bi-partisan support, House Bill 303 along with House Bill 300 and House Bill 301 were recently signed by Governor John Carney at Sean’s House, a mental health safe haven for young adults.

Much like our health care plans allow us to see our primary care physician for an annual check-up, House Bill 303 will ensure insurance companies also cover an annual mental health wellness check for all Delawareans.

Managing mental health means being proactive and taking preventative measures. While you may not have a history of anxiety, depression, or any of the many mental health conditions that can affect us daily, life has a way of throwing unexpected situations at us, and we, as a state, need to have the resources available to help get our neighbors through those difficult situations.

Mental health conditions aren’t a sign of weakness. They can happen to anyone, at any stage of life. Getting an annual wellness check from someone who can evaluate your mental health should be a normal part of everyone’s healthcare.

Thank you to Representative Longhurst for introducing this package of bills to make Delaware a leader in mental healthcare.

While there is no quick fix for ending this mental health crisis, we are moving in the right direction with House Bill 303.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Legislative recap from the 151st General Assembly

Friends and neighbors,

The 151st General Assembly wrapped up just after midnight on June 30. It was a productive legislative session, with many major accomplishments for the people of the 12th District and for the entire state of Delaware!

Below, I will share with you a little more about what bills were passed down in Dover this session, as well as some important community updates.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Legislative Update

We secured some major wins for working families during the 151st General Assembly:

We focused on infrastructure, mental health, family health and protection of our children. Proudly, we passed SS2 for Senate Bill 1, which creates a 12-week paid family and medical leave insurance program.

Here’s a closer look at some of the legislation I championed during this session:

  • Chaired the Joint Capital Improvement Committee, which allocates over $1B annually to infrastructure and community projects, including over $2M for projects in the 12th District
  • Passed a package of legislation aimed at protecting our children against abuse, grooming, and sexual extortion
  • Increased access to mental health wellness checks and expanded mental health services in our schools
  • Championed the Delaware EARNS bill in the Senate, creating a public retirement savings plan
  • Tackled gun violence by supporting common sense gun laws

One of my biggest legislative priorities was the S.A.F.E. (Safety and Accountability for Everyone) package, which enhances measures to prevent child abuse from happening in schools and during after-school activities:

  • Senate Bill 289 expands the state’s sexual extortion law
  • Senate Bill 290 requires that prevention-focused training for school staff and education for students include discussions about “grooming”
  • Senate Bill 291 requires each school district and charter school to adopt a policy regarding appropriate and inappropriate relationships between students and school employees
  • Senate Bill 307 empowers the State to stop a predator who engages in certain conduct with the intent to entice, persuade, induce, or coerce a child into participating in a sexual act with the perpetrator

As the Chair of the Joint Capital Improvement Committee, I am pleased to report that we passed a record-setting $1.4 billion Capital Budget this June!

Every single project funded through the Capital Budget will help create good-paying jobs that will put Delawareans back work building new schools, new libraries and upgrading our world-class parks, while also providing clean drinking water, preserving farmland and open space, and supporting the towns and non-profits who provide the services our most vulnerable neighbors depend on.

Earlier this year, I was delighted to visit the DelTech campus in Wilmington alongside former State Senator Harris McDowell. The school has made some major renovations and now has a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Wilmington!

College is getting increasingly expensive for Delaware families. That’s why the SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship program was started in 2005 by Sen. McDowell. This free-tuition program for Delaware graduates attending DelTech was expanded last year by my bill, Senate Bill 12, to include Delawareans of all ages who would like to pursue an academic degree or a workforce training certificate.

The SEED scholarship can be applied to an associate degree, diploma, credit certificate, bachelor’s degree, or workforce training program at DelTech. I encourage you to look into this as an option for you or a loved one to go back to school and earn a degree!

Community Updates

Please remember that as of July 1, plastic bags will no longer be provided at Delaware grocery stores. Be sure to remember your reusable bags when you go shopping!

Save the Date!
Dining in the Street
Thursday, September 8, 2022
6:00-9:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the Annual “Dining in the Street” event on Thursday, September 8, 2022 in Old New Castle. This event benefits the New Castle Senior Center, and the rain date is scheduled for Thursday, September 15th.

COVID-19 Update

Despite loosened restrictions, COVID-19 is still prevalent in our communities. Protect yourselves and your families by getting vaccinated and exercising caution.

Children 6 months and older are now eligible to be vaccinated. The Division of Public Health recommends parents contact their child’s pediatrician or family doctor or health care provider to find out if they are administering COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 6 months through 5 years. Visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/ for more information.