Friends and neighbors,
Spring is finally here, which means things are getting busier in Legislative Hall and across the 12th District.
In Delaware, our legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. To watch Senate proceedings live or recordings of previous votes, click here. To view daily Senate Agendas, click here. To view upcoming committee meetings, legislative session start times, and more, click here.
In this email, you’ll find information on legislation I sponsored, community news, and local resources.
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
Protecting Delawareans from Sexual Predators
This month, I introduced the Safety & Accountability for Everyone (SAFE) package, a collection of bills that will help us better protect young people from child predators and help law enforcement better protect victims from sexual exploitation. In addition to SCR 74, the SAFE package includes SB 289, SB 290, and SB 291, with more to come soon.
Following several recent cases of sexual misconduct involving Delaware educators, this package could not be more timely.
Our communities rightfully expect schools to be sanctuaries where their children can learn and grow, safe from some of the most vile horrors that the world has to offer.
We can, and we must, do more to protect our children by preventing predators from being placed in positions of trust and making sure our school communities are able to intervene before it’s too late.
I want to thank my colleagues in the Delaware Senate for voting unanimously to pass all three bills I sponsored with Rep. Kim Williams and Rep. Krista Griffith. I also want to thank Attorney General Kathy Jennings, the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children and Rep. Valerie Longhurst for working with me to pass these important public safety measures.
SB 289, SB 290, and SB 291 are now awaiting consideration in the House.
Around the 12th District
Kalmar Nyckel
The Kalmar Nyckel will be sailing through Historic New Castle this summer!
Founded in 1989, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is a non-profit educational organization that built, owns, and operates the Tall Ship of Delaware as a cultural and maritime heritage resource. The ship and foundation serve as catalysts for educational and community development in Delaware and beyond.
Local residents can embark on a 2.5 sail from the New Castle Pier on June 1-2 and select dates July 14-24. Schedules are weather dependent and are subject to change.
Click here for more information: https://www.kalmarnyckel.org/sail-and-explore.
Separation Day Festival
Separation Day is the annual celebration of Delaware’s independence from Pennsylvania and the British Crown. 2022 marks the 246th anniversary of arguably one of the longest running traditions in the state. This year, the Separation Day Festival will be from June 10-11 in Historic New Castle.
Friday night festivities includes music, food and drink in the center of town. Saturday kicks off with a Colonial-inspired parade. The middle of the day is filled with children’s rides, a vintage market, live music, beer garden and foods prepared by community groups. The day culminates with fireworks over the Delaware River.
Click here for more information: https://www.separationdayde.com.
Vet Fest 2022
The mission of Vet Fest is to provide an uplifting and educational day, bringing the military and civilian communities together to benefit our active duty and military families.
Vet Fest is a time to celebrate our family, friends, and neighbors in the military with a day filled with great music, laughter, and fun. This includes providing peer-to-peer networking, outreach from mental health groups, a showcase for military pride, and a display of gratitude. It also serves as a fundraising event for Stop Soldier Suicide.
Virtual Component: Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25
Live Event: Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Town of Whitehall, 801 Mapleton Ave., Middletown, DE 19709
Click here for more information: https://whitehallde.com/events/vet-fest/.
DelDOT Update
Cox Neck Road Repairs
The right-turn lane at the corner of Cox Neck Road and Route 13 in New Castle was in poor condition for too long, and became increasingly bumpy for drivers.
This month, DelDOT repaired the right-turn lane by paving this portion of the road.
Thank you to DelDOT for repairing this road quickly and for allowing drivers the ability to make a smoother and safer turn.
Roth Bridge (SR 1) Deck Repairs
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District has stated replacing the concrete deck overlay on the Senator William V. Roth Jr. Bridge (SR-1) in Delaware. The repair work will require lane restrictions and changing traffic patterns, as well as single and double lane closures.
From June through September, northbound lanes will be closed nightly Monday through Friday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Southbound lane closures will occur daily from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.