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

Fall 2021 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

The second leg of the 151st General Assembly is only a few short months away! In the meantime, I want to share a few legislative and community updates with you.

In this email, you’ll find updates on legislation I sponsored, local DelDOT projects, and two historic events that acknowledge and celebrate Delaware’s women’s suffragists.

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.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District

Legislative Updates

In Delaware, our regular legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. To watch recordings of past proceedings, click here.

SB 12 Signed by the Governor

SB12 will expand the SEED scholarship program to working adults looking to develop new skills through Delaware Tech’s non-credit workforce development programs or its academic credential courses.

SB 123 Signed by the Governor

SB 123 expands the death benefit to all surviving spouses of persons killed in the course and scope of employment in order to ensure that all surviving spouses, including those who decide to remarry, are treated equally under Delaware’s Workers’ Compensation laws.

HB 125 Signed by the Governor

HB 125 adds Delaware to a growing list of states banning “ghost guns”, firearms made at home with kits or 3D printers to avoid background checks.

HB 122 Signed by the Governor

HB 122, also known as the Jamie Wolf Employment Act, ends the unfair practice of paying people with disabilities at a lower rate than Delaware’s minimum wage.

DelDOT Update

All Way Stop Control Pilot – Delaware Street and Sixth Street

Project Description: The existing traffic signal is being evaluated for removal and the traffic signal will be converted to an all-way stop control as part of a one-year pilot study.

Project Justification: In 2016, a traffic engineering study concluded that the existing traffic signal was not warranted based on traffic volumes and crash trends. The study also found that all-way stop control operations should satisfy safety concerns, operational expectations, and field condition considerations.

Project Timeline: Scheduled to begin on November 5, 2021.

Project Update: New stop signs, warning signs, and pavement markings will be installed along both Delaware Street and Sixth Street. Motorists should expect delays leading up to the conversion date, due to the presence of flaggers for the installation of signing and pavement markings.

Lane Closures on St. Georges Bridge for Deck Repairs

Deck repairs will be made to both directions of the St. Georges Bridge.

Project Timeline: The northbound lane closure will begin on Monday, November 8 from 7 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude by midnight on Wednesday, November 24, pending weather. The southbound lane closure will begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 29 and is scheduled to conclude by midnight on Friday, December 24, pending weather.

Message boards will be posted and detour signage will be posted for motorists.

Click here for more info

Dedication of the Equal Suffrage Study Club Historical Marker in Delaware City

The Equal Suffrage Study Club was founded in 1914 by and for Black women advocating for women’s voting rights and the inclusion of Black women in the suffrage movement. Earlier this month, we celebrated the Club’s ties to the 12th District.

As one of the most active suffrage organizations in the state, the Club led many lobbying efforts, marches, and community outreach initiatives. On April 13, 1920, with the encouragement of two Delaware suffragettes, Florence Bayard Hilles and Alice Dunbar-Nelson, a verbal resolution in support of the 19th Amendment was passed by the Club right here in the 12th District, at a colored schoolhouse formerly located near the site of a newly erected historical marker along the Michael N. Castle Trail.

It was an honor to join Rep. Longhurst, Jackie Griffith, and Dick Carter to recognize the work and leadership of the Equal Suffrage Study Club, Mrs. Bayarad Hilles, and Mrs. Dunbar-Nelson, to secure our right to vote, advance women’s equality, and make our state a better place for all women.

Where to find the marker: South of Kathy’s Crab House along the Mike Castle Bike Trail in Delaware City.

Unveiling the Delaware Women’s Suffrage Centennial Monument at Legislative Hall

Looking back 101 years, the ratification of the 19th Amendment seems so obvious to us now. But like all rights won by women, our right to vote did not come without a fight.

Brave women, strong women, like Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, Blanche Stubbs, Ethel Black and so many others whose names we know and whose names have been forgotten to time fought and fought hard to have their voices heard.

They were shunned. They were arrested. They took up legal action again and again and were told to sit down and shut up.

Nevertheless, they persisted.

Earlier this month, we celebrated their determination and their legacy that has allowed women not only to be empowered, but in power, with the dedication of a monument at Legislative Hall.

SB 57

This Act makes clear that a retail licensee may only purchase authorized product from an importer, also known as wholesaler, except that a retail licensee may purchase up to 20 gallons a day from a premises licensed to sell for off-premises consumption. This Act also clarifies that off-premises licensees may sell untapped kegs for off-premises consumption.

Co-Prime Sponsor: Poore; Status: Signed

SB 56

This Act modernizes the process and requirements for issuance of liquor licenses for off premises consumption. The current process and requirements do not consider population growth. Minimum distance requirements are enhanced while increases in population growth will now be considered to arrive at a safety and convenience balance. This Act also grandfathers existing licensees into the current process.

Co-Prime Sponsor: Poore; Status: Signed

SB 98

This Act amends the Municipal Charter of the City of Delaware City by allowing the Mayor and Council to impose a lodging tax of no more than 3%.

Prime Sponsor: Poore; Status: Signed

HB 180

This Act creates the Professional Athlete Funding Act which authorizes and establishes regulations pertaining to player brand agreements. A player brand agreement is an agreement between a professional athlete and an investor whereby in exchange for payment to the professional athlete, the athlete commits to pay a specified percentage of the athlete’s future income or earnings. The purpose of this Act is to protect the professional athlete from unscrupulous investors by codifying best practices. Such practices include setting forth requirements that must be satisfied in order that a player brand agreement is valid, binding and enforceable including: (1) the agreement being written in the athlete’s native language; (2) specifying the percentage of income or earning the athlete will have to pay; (3) identifying the income or earnings used to calculate the obligation; (3) not requiring the athlete to pay more than 30% of his or her future income; (4) requiring that the shared percentage lasts no more than 30 years; and (5) identifying specific criteria for the signing and executing of the agreement. This Act also authorizes the Division of Consumer Protection of the Department of Justice to enforce such agreements and to investigate and prosecute violations.

Co-Prime Sponsor: Poore; Status: Passed

Fall Updates from the 12th Senate District

Friends,

Hope you’re having a great start to fall!

I’m enjoying the cooler weather and looking forward to the holiday season and, eventually, the beginning of the 150th General Assembly in January.

Below are a few updates on where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing in the district and around the state recently, starting with some great news about a new employer moving into the area. Read up and, as always, don’t hesitate to email me back or reach out to me on Facebook with any questions or comments on local events and issues.

Sincerely,
 
Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District

Dot Foods bringing 200+ jobs to Bear area

I could not be more excited to announce that Dot Foods is coming to Delaware and putting down roots right in our district!

If there is one issue that comes before all others for state legislators, it’s jobs. We know that each new job generated in our state puts food on the table and a roof over the heads of another family here.

The Tracy family knows that more than most. They’ve taken their family business from the back of a station wagon in Illinois to a $6 billion nationwide food distributor. Along the way, they’ve built a reputation for treating employees like family too. 10% of their drivers in Maryland make six figure salaries and employee interviews point to exactly the kind of corporate citizen we want in Delaware: family oriented, focused on the community, and tirelessly committed to the kind of teamwork that makes the economy work for everyone.

This is a huge deal for this area: we’re talking about 200+ good jobs in the next two years: drivers, warehouse, administration, the whole nine. They’ll need drivers hired and ready to go before the warehouse even opens, so if you have your CDL or are looking to get into the field, you should check drivefordot.com and Dot Foods Careers regularly.

We broke ground on the new facility this week, but we also marked the beginning of what I am convinced will be a long and fruitful relationship between this employer and the state of Delaware.

I am so thankful to have been a part of Wednesday’s ceremony and I can’t wait to come back when things are ready to get rolling.

Cat Bill Signing with Gov. Carney and Rep. Mulrooney

It was bittersweet to mark Rep. Mike Mulrooney’s final bill signing, but I’m glad that I got to be a part of this special day and on a bill that will help spay and neuter cats around DE to keep feral populations under control.

DFRC presents BLUEGOLDBASH

Join the DFRC for an evening of cocktails (three cheers for open bar!), hors d’oeuvres from local eateries, a silent auction, and more to benefit one of Delaware’s most beloved traditions: The DFRC Blue-Gold All?Star Game!

The DFRC Blue Gold Bash is the main funding source for the DFRC Blue-Gold All?Star Game that takes place every June. The game is life-changing for the players and participants, but dwindling support is jeopardizing this AMAZING Delaware Tradition. Help us keep the 63-year old game alive with your support!

Tickets are only $50.00 and can be purchased here.

When: Saturday, November 3rd, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Where: Hockessin Athletic Club (100 Fitness Way, Hockessin, DE 19707)

Photos from recent events and Special Session

SB-206

Some significant legislation sponsored or co-sponsored by Senator Poore during the 2014 session.

Establishes a state version of the federal Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act, empowering the Justice Department to enforce protections from default judgments, foreclosures and certain penalties, fines and fees while on a deployment. It extends those protections to members of the National Guard who are deployed on active duty for longer than 30 days.

SB-124

SB-124 – An Act to Amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to the Division of the Public Advocate

Sponsor[s]: Poore

Co-Sponsor[s]: Sokola, Townsend

Synopsis: Refocuses the Consumers Counsel’s primary representation duties to small businesses and residential customers

Status: Signed