I am the prime Senate sponsor of House Bill 38, which would allow Delawareans to vote early, in-person, in the ten days prior to an election day, including on the weekend. Early voting has been shown to improve voter access, turnout, and satisfaction as well as ease stress for poll workers and create shorter lines. Across our country, 35 other states already allow early voting. HB38 has passed in both the Senate and the House and is now headed to the governor for signature.
HB -1 – Equal Rights Amendment
This is an incredibly historic moment for our state and it is a a unique honor to be able to vote yes on HB 1 today. From the 126th GA to the 150th, the fight for an Equal Rights Amendment has been long and at times difficult. But for my daughter, and for the many women that will call this state home in future generations, I will forever be proud of the work we have done to raise gender equality to the highest law of the land in Delaware.”
Thank you to the primary sponsors of HB1, Sen. Hansen and Rep. Longhurst.
For more information on the ERA, please see our special edition newsletter: https://conta.cc/ 2FH7Vi5
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
Making suicide prevention a priority in our schools
I am thrilled that House Bill 90, which will require annual suicide prevention training for public school employees, passed in the Senate on Wednesday, May 13.
I worked hard with House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst to get this critically important legislation to Gov. Markell’s desk.
The legislation strengthens the safety net for at-risk youth by requiring educators and administrators to learn how to identify warning signs. It also requires schools to establish suicide prevention and response committees, as well as craft suicide prevention policies that include procedures for confidential and anonymous reporting of at-risk behaviors. Those components must be in place by the time the 2016 school year begins.
The legislation was announced last month at a press conference at the Delaware City Community Center, which has a mentorship program for at-risk teenagers in the Police Athletic League’s Suicide and Violence Education (SAVE) program.
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among youth between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A survey of American high school students found that 16 percent had considered suicide in the last year, 13 percent made plans to end their own lives and 8 percent attempted to do so.
We owe it to our kids to make sure the right people and processes are in place in our schools, so it’s more likely our kids get the help they need, when they need it.
SB-182
Some significant legislation sponsored or co-sponsored by Senator Poore during the 2014 session.
Creates an income tax check box for the Protecting Delaware’s Children Fund. Money will be used by the Delaware Community Foundation for public awareness campaigns that promote reporting child abuse cases.
HB-163
HB-163 – An Act to Amend Titles 10 and 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Senate Sponsor[s]: Poore
Senate Co-sponsor[s]: Ennis, Sokola, Townsend
Synopsis: Requires the Kids’ Department to create and maintain a developmentally appropriate program fully integrating independent living services for foster children between the ages of 14 and 21 to help them make a successful transition to the adult world.
Status: Awaiting Signature (as of 9/17/2013)
HB-105
HB-105 – An Act to Amend Title 15 of the Delaware Code Relating to Elections
Senate Sponsor[s]: Henry
Senate Co-sponsor[s]: Peterson, Poore, Sokola, Townsend
Synopsis: Allows Election Day voter registration in primary, special and general elections. It also allows for Election Day processing of address or name changes by registered voters.
Status: House Ready List (as of 9/17/2013)
HB-75
HB-75 – An Act to Amend Title 13 of the Delaware Code Relating to Domestic Relations to Provide for Same-Gender Civil Marriage and to Convert Existing Civil Unions to Civil Marriages
Senate Sponsor[s]: Sokola, Blevins
Senate Co-sponsor[s]: McDowell, Peterson, Poore, Townsend
Synopsis: Repeals the state’s version of the Defense of Marriage Act and allows same-sex couples to legally marry. It eliminates civil unions and allows people in civil unions to convert the union to a marriage and confers all legal benefits available to married couples. It does not force clergy or churches to host same-sex marriage services, if such unions conflict with their beliefs.
Status: Signed
SB-97
SB-97 – An Act to Amend Titles 6, 9, 11, 18, 19, 25, and 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to Hate Crimes and Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity
Sponsor[s]: Henry, Blevins
Co-sponsor[s]: McDowell, Peterson, Poore, Sokola, Townsend
Synopsis: Extends protections under Delaware’s anti-discrimination and hate crime laws to the transgendered. As amended, the bill calls on but does not mandate facilities where a transgendered person might disrobe to offer reasonable accommodations.
Status: Signed