Delaware workers either struggle to balance work, family and health care needs because they don’t have access to unpaid leave. Saving vacation and sick time to make sure a paycheck isn’t missed is also a common reality for some families. The Healthy Delaware Families Act, a paid-leave policy would allow workers in the state to have 12 weeks off for qualifying life events including emergencies that arise. Sponsored by Sen. Sarah McBride and Rep. Debra Heffernan, SB 1 would change the state’s busi...
Jun 07, 2021•26 min•Ep. 50
When it comes to campaigning, it's a job that isn't family friendly for candidates. In Delaware, people who are interested in running for a political seat can not legally draw from their funds to take care of child care expenses. HB 90 would change that, acting as an incentive for young mothers and fathers who are committed to making a difference in their communities. This topic hits too close to home for Rep. Sean Lynn, Rep. Rae Moore and Sen. Kyle Evans Gay who came together to help explain th...
Jun 01, 2021•30 min•Ep. 49
Saving for retirement is becoming an increasingly difficult dilemma for workers. In Delaware, as many as 200,000 employees lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. To address this growing issue, Rep. Larry Lambert has worked with our State Treasurer to introduce the Delaware EARNS program. This act would create a state-sponsored savings plan, funded by employees, empowered by employers, and overseen by the State. On this episode, Rep. Lambert and State Treasurer Colleen Davis descri...
May 24, 2021•20 min•Ep. 48
Delaware lawmakers consider legislation that would implement a statewide body-worn camera program. Sponsored by Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, HB 195 would require police officers to wear a body-worn camera. The mandate would also require some employees of the Department of Correction and Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families to use body cameras. Tune in and get up close with Rep. Dorsey Walker, Haneef Salaam of the ACLU and University of Delaware Police Chief Pat Ogden as t...
May 17, 2021•30 min•Ep. 47
Rep. David Bentz joins leaders from Christiana Care Health System to discuss expanding telehealth services for Delawareans through House Bill 160. According to those who support the proposed piece of legislation, all Delawareans deserve high-quality, affordable health care. Find out if health care professionals will still be able to meet the needs of patients who don't have access to internet, and how the demand for telehealth services exploded during the pandemic.
Apr 19, 2021•32 min•Ep. 46
Last week, the House passed Rep. Paul Baumbach's House Bill 16, providing low-income individuals financial relief on their income taxes. House Bill 16 reforms the earned-income tax credit in Delaware so families can receive a few more dollars to help with the everyday financial pressures, from daycare to mortgage payments. Tax legislation can be as complicated as it is tedious, so to help explain the Earned Income Tax Credit and its benefits for thousands of Delawareans, we’ll hear from bill spo...
Mar 29, 2021•13 min•Ep. 45
Environmental issues affect our lives every day, whether it's flooding on our roadways or the energy used to power our homes. We’re only a few months into the 2021 session, and lawmakers have already introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing issues such as sustainable development and pollution, making it clear that addressing environmental challenges is a priority for the 151st General Assembly. On this episode, Dustyn Thompson of the Delaware Sierra Club, House Natural Resour...
Mar 22, 2021•31 min•Ep. 44
Lawmakers in Delaware have introduced legislation that would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adult users, a measure supported by 60% of Delawareans. The Delaware Marijuana Control Act would authorize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana, while establishing a new industry with good-paying jobs in the First State. On this episode of Whip Count, lead bill sponsor Rep. Ed Osienski, attorney Adam Windett, and activist Zoe Patchell address the concerns and economic benefi...
Mar 19, 2021•25 min•Ep. 43
Legislation designed to legally protect all people from hair discrimination could become law if the Delaware House advances SB 32. Rep. Kendra Johnson, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, and Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha came together to discuss the CROWN Act as well as the pressure to alter natural hair textures or change hairstyles in the African American community. Adjoa B. Asamoah, a political strategist leading advocacy efforts across the country also joined the conversation. Learn more about the CROWN Act...
Mar 15, 2021•37 min•Ep. 42
Elementary schoolchildren carry trauma and life experiences with them that immensely impact their school and home situations, and without access to mental health resources, these issues can spiral into full-blown crises. In Delaware, one school counselor may be responsible for 500 children, stretching their time incredibly thin and almost guaranteeing some children fall through the cracks. Lawmakers and advocates are fighting to ensure students in elementary schools have access to the resources ...
Mar 08, 2021•39 min•Ep. 41
The Delaware legislature typically convenes for session about 45 days a year, however, the job of local legislators goes far beyond passing legislation. Our local “part-time” lawmakers stay busy 365 days a year as they help constituents, meet with organizations and state agencies, and volunteer in their communities. Currently, the legislature is taking a short break from session while the Joint Finance Committee works on our state’s 2022 budget. This week we caught up with Rep. Larry Lambert, Re...
Mar 01, 2021•38 min•Ep. 40
Black History Month may kick off in February but it doesn't end there. It's an opportunity to commemorate the achievements of African Americans and learn about men and women who have made great contributions across the world. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha share personal reflections on Black History Month, highlighting local people including establishments that are close to their hearts.
Feb 14, 2021•28 min•Ep. 39
Heart disease continues to be one of the greatest health threats to men and women across the globe. This information is highlighted annually during February, American Heart Month to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles. In Delaware, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, a nurse and educator shared risk factors, tips, and debunked a popular myth. Also, Delaware's Dr. Velma Scantlebury, the first African American female Transplant Surgeon in the United States echoed why it's important to commit to a...
Feb 08, 2021•40 min•Ep. 38
In the last several years, House Democrats have proposed pieces of legislation aimed at addressing education issues such as lack of mental health resources in schools, inadequate special education funding, and teacher retention. This week, we’ll hear from a few of the lawmakers leading the charge on education equity and fighting to ensure each student gets the education they deserve. Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, Rep. Valerie Longhurst, Rep. Kim Williams, and Rep. Rae Moore discuss a few of the propos...
Feb 01, 2021•43 min•Ep. 37
Enjoy this bonus episode of Whip Count with the full audio of Governor John Carney's 2021 State of the State Address!
Jan 29, 2021•23 min•Ep. 36
To honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we're highlighting Holocaust survivor Ann Jaffe's story. In 2020, as Delaware lawmakers prepared to vote on a measure that would mandate Holocaust education for students in grades 6-12, Ann Jaffe addressed the General Assembly. Ann spoke about her experience surviving under the Nazi regime and highlighted the importance of ensuring all young people are educated on the horrors of the Holocaust and other genocides. This episode features her entire ...
Jan 27, 2021•13 min•Ep. 35
In 2020, the Delaware General Assembly passed legislation that requires schools to implement a curriculum on the Holocaust and genocide for students in grades 6-12, making Delaware the 15th state to enact such legislation. This legislation comes not a moment too soon, as a 2020 national survey assessing student's knowledge of the Holocaust ranked Delaware 41st when it comes to Holocaust education. In this episode, two individuals who were instrumental in passing Holocaust education legislation, ...
Jan 25, 2021•29 min•Ep. 34
Every year, people around the country recognize the accomplishments and impact Dr. Martin Luther King had on our society. King’s messages had an enormous effect on race relations in Delaware and across the United States; throughout and beyond the civil rights era. In this episode of Whip Count, Delaware legislators such as Rep. Kendra Johnson, Rep Sherry Dorsey Walker, Rep. Rae Moore and Rep. Larry Lambert talk about Dr. King’s activism and share excerpts of his speeches that keep them motivated...
Jan 17, 2021•42 min•Ep. 33
Everyday residents can play an important role in public policy. Advocacy work can be done as an individual or through a team of people with one goal in mind. In this episode of Whip Count, Rep. Debra Heffernan and Rep. Paul Baumbach shared how often they engage constituents. The two legislators also talked about proposed bills that started as an idea from people they represent. The legislative process has certainly caught the attention of Samtra Devard who advocated for more speech therapists in...
Jan 11, 2021•33 min•Ep. 32
When news of Covid-19 hit and restrictions were put in place to stop the spread of the virus, many people anticipated things would be back to normal by 2021. However, that's not the case. Delaware's 151st General Assembly decided to go virtual in the New Year and legislators such as Rep. Krista Griffith, Rep. Franklin Cooke, and Rep. Melissa Minor Brown have learned to not only adapt to the new normal but stay connected with constituents. In fact, they all share how the pandemic gave them a deep...
Jan 03, 2021•31 min•Ep. 31
In 2020, a record number of Americans turned out to cast their vote. This was in part due to expanded voting options, which were put in place by lawmakers temporarily as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Representative David Bentz and Representative Sherry Dorsey Walker talk about legislation they're working on which would permanently make voting in Delaware more accessible and convenient. Jennifer Hill, the former Policy Director at Common Cause Delaware, joins us to weigh in on t...
Dec 07, 2020•32 min•Ep. 30
The new members of Delaware's 151st General Assembly are ready to get to work and focus on community and statewide issues. They don't want to be known for breaking barriers, making headlines or history. In this episode, you'll hear from Sen. Sarah McBride, the nation's first ever transgender state senator, as well as Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, the state's first practicing Muslim to be elected into office. We also get up close and personal with Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, Sen. Marie Pinkney, Rep. Eric M...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 29
It's been a long journey for Delaware's own, Joseph R. Biden Jr. who formally ran as a Democratic candidate for president in 1988 and 2008. More than a decade later, Biden will be sworn into office as the 46th President of United States in January 2021. In fact, this episode includes a recap of local stories from some of Delaware's most influential people who believe Biden's experiences, and leadership skills exemplify what he was always destined to become. The right person to lead this country....
Nov 19, 2020•54 min•Ep. 28
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of the second most common cancer diagnosed among women. It's also a time to shine a light on survivors. In this episode, we'll hear from former First Lady of Delaware, Carla Markell, about her battle with breast cancer. Rep. Melissa Minor Brown shares a personal story about health inequity and provides tips on how women can advocate for themselves in the doctor's office. The Delaware Division of Public Health's Clini...
Oct 27, 2020•31 min•Ep. 27
Delaware may be a small state but it is big on Vice President Joe Biden. Many people have encountered "Joe" and shared personal stories that they hold close to their hearts. Some moments have even shaped their lives. On this special episode of Whip Count, we continue with stories about "Biden Moments" from Rep. Gerald Brady, Margaret Aitken, and Brian McGlinchey.
Oct 22, 2020•29 min•Ep. 26
Delaware leaders share stories of inspiration and memorable moments about Vice President Joe Biden who made a great impact on their lives. Rep. Krista Griffith talks about three encounters with Biden, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf details a campaign experience with the Vice President, and Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, Dr. Tony Allen of Delaware State University, Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, and more join the conversation as well.
Oct 11, 2020•44 min•Ep. 25
State Election Commissioner Anthony Albence, Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, and Rep. David Bentz all set the record straight about vote-by-mail, legislation to modernized the voting process in Delaware and voter education. The November General Election is fast approaching and voters still have the option to vote-by-mail.
Sep 27, 2020•36 min•Ep. 24
The back to school season is never without its stresses- but this year those stresses are exasperated by a global health crisis. Delaware schools have been permitted to resume in a hybrid setting, with a mix of online and in-person instruction, but each school district was tasked with creating their own re-opening plan. In this episode, we spoke to Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown and Rep. Kim Williams of the House Education Committee, as well as Delaware State Education Association Vice President Kerry...
Sep 15, 2020•24 min•Ep. 23
Labor Day unofficially marks the end of the summer season for some Americans but for others, it takes on a whole new meaning. In honor of Labor Day, Delaware Secretary of Labor Cerron Cade, Representative Edward Osienski, and James Maravelias, who leads one of the largest trade unions in the state all share their individual perspectives. The Delaware leaders also highlight social and economic achievements, and raise awareness about challenges ahead in the labor movement.
Sep 06, 2020•31 min•Ep. 22
Get up close and personal with women including Delaware House Rep. Valerie Longhurst and Rep. Kendra Johnson as they reflect on the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment. To further educate the public, Delaware legislators also played a key role in forming the Women's Suffrage Centennial Committee to honor women's constitutional right to vote. Although celebrations were planned for this year, events to honor those involved in making history will spill into 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemi...
Aug 28, 2020•31 min•Ep. 21
