Friends and neighbors,

Hope you’re having a great start to spring! I’m enjoying the warmer weather and looking forward to seeing Delaware in full bloom.

Below are a few updates on what I’ve been doing in the district and around the state recently as well as information on recent and upcoming legislation.

Over the past few weeks, we celebrated the passing of HB38, announced a comprehensive bundle of criminal justice reform bills, and raised awareness during National Developmental Disabilities Month. 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

Recent & Upcoming Legislation

Early Voting

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.

Human Trafficking

I recently introduced Senate Bill 60 to protect juvenile victims of human trafficking from facing punishment. Many people don’t realize that these children are often faced with criminal charges for the crime of being trafficked/used for prostitution. That is just plain wrong. The focus must be shifted to their well being, safety, and growth if we are going to make meaningful steps toward ending human trafficking and protect our children. I look forward to passing this bill as quickly as possible and I am grateful to my colleagues and supporters for helping to get this bill on the agenda this year.

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

Last month, we recognized March 25 as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, part of an entire month dedicated to raising awareness for the most common of all childhood motor disabilities.

As many of you know, every day of my life has been focused on cerebral palsy for the last 20 years. My son Nicholas is one of the estimated 764,000 Americans who have CP. He was one of the roughly 10,000 babies who was diagnosed, along with another 1,500 children who reach school age before being receiving this diagnosis.

Yes, we face our share of challenges, just like so many other families. It is in those times that I draw great comfort from the support of so many of my friends, neighbors and colleagues. Regardless of whether someone in your family or just someone you know is affected by a disability, we are all linked and we are all going to get through this together.

That’s why it is so important to me – and I know it’s so important to all of you – that we stand as one to ensure we are providing the best quality of life for ALL of our children, but especially those who need us the most.

NCLL Opening Day

It was on honor to be back on the mound and throwing out the first pitch for opening day of the New Castle Little League. It feels like yesterday that I was on this field as a player and team member of the Little Rascals.

Bear Babe Ruth: Tribute to Kent Wannamaker

Mary Campbell Center

Since 1976, The Mary Campbell Center has provided residency, respite care, and day programs to help young adults and adults with disabilities achieve personal goals and increased independence.

The work that these people do deserves more praise and publication than I can offer, but know this: the support networks in this state – the ones that support Delawareans young and old, rich and poor – depend on a small army of dedicated nurses, administrators, caseworkers, and staff. These people do jobs that are rarely glamorous and almost never bring fame or fortune. But the love that they bring to work for patients, residents, and their families filters up through all of our communities and has an immensely positive impact on our state.

You may not see places like The Mary Campbell Center very often or ever at all, but you should know that the work they do is vital to building the kind of society that we all want to live in.

World Down Syndrome Day

On March 21st we celebrated the talents and gifts of people with Down syndrome and honored the contributions they make in our community in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.

Delawareans with Down syndrome attend school, go to work, participate in decisions that affect their lives and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

Thank you to those who joined me on the Senate floor as I sponsored HCR14 to recognize our celebration, and thank you to the families in attendance for the signing of the governor’s proclamation. It was great to see so many smiling faces, rock star parents and mismatching socks!

Brain Injury Awareness

Brain injuries are a serious public health concern. The devastating initial and long-term impacts affect patients, their families and the community. Every day, 153 people in the United States die due to traumatic brain and related injuries. It is vital for all Delawareans to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury and the necessary precautions to prevent brain injuries.

Last month, I was joined by advocates to recognize March as Brain Injury Awareness Month in our state with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 22.

Criminal Justice Reform

I joined Rep. Valerie Longhurst, Attorney General Kathy Jennings, and a slew of colleagues from the House and Senate to announce a 19 bill package of legislation geared towards modernizing and improving Delaware’s criminal justice laws.

By making these commonsense changes, we can reduce recidivism, heal communities, and level the playing field for all Delawareans. I look forward to fulfilling those goals this year and to building a stronger, fairer Delaware for many years to come.

Home Health Care

Last month Representative Valerie Longhurst and I talked about the importance of home health care nurses. I know personally that home health care nurses are the key to success for families caring for loved ones at home. They allow our family members to receive the care that they need in their homes, where they can feel comfortable and secure.

Home health nurses not only provide medical care, they provide essential support for families during what can be some of the most difficult times in their lives. They have been there for my son and for my grandmother’s sister. They have been my saving grace during some of my families’ toughest times. I know firsthand how difficult it is to be a caregiver—juggling work and family life with the demands of caring for a loved one. It can be incredibly taxing. Home health care nurses step in and help families face these often-overwhelming demands, improving quality of life not only for their patients but also for entire families. In helping families, they take on a lot. The work that they do is extremely demanding—both physically and psychologically.

Easter Seals Volleyball Challenge

Last weekend I joined my colleagues in a volleyball challenge to raise money for adults and children with disabilities. The money raised will fund physical, speech and occupational therapy for children, day programs for adults with physical disabilities, assertive technology services and respite services for caregivers. The 13th Annual Legislative Challenge was a success and I was extremely proud to be apart of the leading fundraising team!

DelawareCAN

DelawarenCAN’s Youth Advocacy Council welcomed me for the second time to visit with a group of engaged, outstanding young people to discuss my personal journey into politics, my role as the Senate Majority Leader, the legislative process, current education policy, and proposed legislation.

The Council is made up high school students committed to ten months, and over 30 hours of training. The program teaches students about education policy and effective advocacy skills. Students also have the opportunity to meet with Delaware’s leaders.

For more information on DelawareCAN, click here.