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