Legislative Priority

Session’s Over But Our Work Continues

BY TYLER MICIK

THE FIRST LEG of the 152nd session of the General Assembly has come to an end. The State Chamber would like to thank members of the General Assembly for working with us to find meaningful solutions that balance the interests of all Delawareans.

Topics the State Chamber weighed in on included issues such as the permitting process, data privacy, personal income taxes, child care, and environment and energy, among others. The State Chamber supported legislation like House Bills 101, 102, 103, and 104, which aimed to improve Delaware’s permitting process for economic development projects and, in turn, help create good paying jobs and opportunities for Delawareans.

We also supported House Bill 171, which extends the Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program annual fees for facilities in Delaware. The fees expire every three years and must be reauthorized by the General Assembly. Members of the State Chamber’s Environmental Committee worked with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to provide feedback which was incorporated into the legislation.

Additionally, Delaware became the 22nd state to legalize recreational marijuana through the passage of House Bills 1 and 2. HB1 legalizes the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and HB2 establishes and regulates the recreational marijuana industry in Delaware. The State Chamber worked with the sponsor to incorporate language into the bill that gives employers the flexibility to keep and maintain their policies regarding drugs and alcohol.

Although the General Assembly has adjourned for the year, it’s important to note that any pending legislation, not defeated or enacted, will be carried over to next year. This offseason is the perfect time for business and community leaders to meet with members of the General Assembly. Invite them to your business to show them around, discuss the challenges you’re facing, and talk about policy issues that matter to you. The team at the State Chamber can help you arrange and prepare for these meetings through their Member-to-Member program.

In his State of the State address, Governor Carney said “our success as a state must start with building a strong and growing economy. We know that a good job solves a lot of problems.” The State Chamber strongly agrees with this sentiment. We all want a brighter future for Delaware with good jobs, a strong economy, and a healthy environment—in way that supports businesses while recognizing the needs of their employees, customers, and all Delawareans. To achieve this, we must harmoniously work together. The State Chamber looks forward to working with policymakers this offseason to engage on issues. We encourage our members to do so similarly by attending State Chamber events like the Government Affairs Retreat and Developing Delaware this fall or participating on a policy committee. Session may be over, but the work of the business community carries on. There are a multitude of opportunities to get involved. Contact me at tmicik@dscc.com to get started.

Tyler Micik is the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s director of public policy and government relations.