LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY
Election to Choose Next Governor and General Assembly is Important
PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS
BY JAMES DECHENE
THE 148TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY ended on June 30, 2016 having passed budget, bond, and grants-in-aid bills, expanded R&D tax credits for Delaware companies, allowed crowd funding for startups and changed the way corporate income tax is calculated. They also attempted to raise the minimum wage, implement competition killing “union only agreements” on state funded work, and mandate certain industries provide guaranteed 30 hour work weeks. In addition, they avoided any discussion on economic development opportunities like modernizing the Coastal Zone Act, changing the funding mechanism for water infrastructure projects or implementing Governor Markell’s proposal to curtail out of control state health care costs by having state employees contribute a bit more to their insurance plans. Looking ahead to next year, the challenges facing the new Governor and General Assembly are piling up. A revenue and spending system inadequate for long-term sustainability, uncertainty surrounding the state’s lucrative – yet found to be largely flawed – unclaimed property program, infrastructure needs outpacing traditional funding sources, and in general a growing inimical attitude towards the business community that has echoes from the national political scene where excoriating businesses to “pay their fair share” amongst charges of treating employees unfairly is a growing clarion call. Delaware State Chamber of Commerce members, and the business community at large, should find these trends worrisome. They DELAWARE BUSINESS
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Se pt e m be r/ Oct o be r 2016
should also, in turn, educate themselves on who represents them in Dover in the House and Senate and verify if their voice is being heard on important legislation impacting business. As of this writing, 6 of the 11 Senators up for election this year will face a general election opponent, and in the House 18 of 41 will. Other seats will be decided in the September primary where outcomes are generated by a small percentage of party faithful. Four members of the Senate are running unopposed along with 21 House members. The outcomes of this election will dictate the direction taken in Dover for the 149th General Assembly. Whether focus will be placed on bringing economic development opportunities to entice businesses to expand or relocate here, or if another wave of job killing legislation like minimum wage increases, increased regulatory mandates placed on businesses, along with tax increases will be our path. In this issue of Delaware Business, you will see pending issues important to the business community outlined by your peers. From tax policy, to workforce development, to economic development, these represent the Chamber’s advocacy focus for the coming years. You will also read interviews from the Democrat and Republican Party chairmen on their views of issues facing the state and the solutions their party is focused on. We need your voices to be heard in Dover to help shape positive outcomes for business, and this election is the first step. Educate yourself and be sure to vote. 3