Submitted pursuant to House Bill 175, 147th General Assembly

DOVER, Del. – This afternoon, Lt. Governor Denn, Chair of Delaware’s Workers’ Compensation Task Force, and business and legislative leaders made recommendations to Governor Markell and the General Assembly to stop the large workers compensation rate increases that are burdening Delaware businesses.

Governor Markell said of today’s report and recommendations, “I applaud the Lt. Governor’s work on this extremely important issue for Delaware’s business community. His leadership ensured that the task force acted swiftly and effectively to address the high rates that have burdened our employers. The bipartisan reform package outlined today represents the culmination of a great deal of work, commitment and compromise by everyone involved with the task force.”

The Workers’ Compensation Task Force was created on January 30, 2013 by the Delaware General Assembly and the Governor, and charged with an expedited review of Delaware law relating to workers’ compensation, the impact that the 2007 amendments to that law had upon workers’ compensation premiums, the reasons for recent increases in workers’ compensation premiums, and whether any additional changes to statutes, regulations, or practices are required to control growth in premiums. As detailed in the task force’s prior report, Delaware’s workers’ compensation premiums had risen by calendar year 2006 to be the third most expensive in the country. The primary reason for Delaware’s high premiums was generally agreed to be medical costs – the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau (DCRB) indicated that in 2006, medical costs were 60% of total workers compensation system costs in Delaware, as compared to 40% in surrounding states.

The task force delivered its first set of recommendations in May 2013, and those recommendations were consolidated into House Bill 175 which passed the Delaware House of Representatives and Delaware State Senate unanimously. Among the provisions of House Bill 175 was one that continued the existence of this task force through June 30, 2014.

The task force’s recommendations fall into three areas:

1. Heightened Oversight of Insurance Carriers. These recommendations include consolidating the Data Collection Committee and the Health Care Advisory Panel into a single committee and a Ratepayer Advocate to be hired and overseen by the Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel, with staff support to be provided by the Department of Labor.

2. Stricter Control on Medical Costs. These recommendations include directing the Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel to create a new medical fee schedule, using multipliers of medical codes used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which results in a 33% savings from all providers (to be phased in over a three year period) and recommending that the General Assembly (through the Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel) monitor both the rate impact of these recommendations and their impact upon providers as the recommendations are phased in, and make statutory adjustments in the fee schedule if appropriate.

3. Consideration of New Rating Organization. The task force recommends that DOI undertake a formal assessment of whether there should be a change in the rating organization used by Delaware insurance carriers, and include members of the task force who have expressed concerns about the current situation in that formal assessment.

“Lt. Gov. Denn deserves much of the credit for this proposal, without his expertise and leadership we might still be struggling with this issue,” said Senate President Pro Tem Patricia Blevins, D-Elsmere. “It is our hope that this proposal will result in real savings to businesses that have been struggling with ever-skyrocketing workers’ compensation rate increases.”

State Representative Ruth Briggs King (R-Georgetown), a member of the task force, said, “This bill is the result of months of work with employers, health care providers and insurers. I believe a great deal of thought and consideration went into crafting this legislation, which I believe will help reduce the uncertainty and escalating premiums for Delaware’s small businesses.”

“I think we had an excellent group of task force members, committed to helping the business community, and I can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work,” said Senator Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View), both a panel member and the owner of several Sussex County businesses. “It turned out to be a great idea to keep this task force together for another year, and I think the legislation that comes out of this effort is going to provide significant cost savings to the employers of the state of Delaware.”

“The members of the Worker’s Compensation Task Force have taken on the task of improving critical elements to Delaware’s competitiveness when it comes to job creation and business expansion,” said Rep. Bryon Short, D-Brandywine Hundred. “Through great effort, we have tackled one of the most important factors driving up workers compensation costs for Delaware’s employers. I believe the adoption of a relative value units-based fee schedule will have a meaningful impact on the premiums paid in Delaware. Our work is not done. Other important areas resulting in high premiums for Delaware businesses need to be examined in the coming year, and we will continue to look out for businesses and the workers they employ.”

“It was not easy to get to this point in making changes to the workers compensation payment system,” said Rich Heffron, President of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. “Through the dedication and hard work of my fellow Task Force members – along with Lt. Governor Denn’s leadership – today we are able to propose changes that can be expected to lower Delaware’s workers compensation rates. We still need to determine why Delaware’s cases take longer to settle, and how insurance companies calculate their reserves, but that is for a future Task Force to examine.”

A copy of the report is included, as are separate statements from the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau, Medical Society of Delaware, and the Delaware Department of Insurance, included at their request.

Liberty Insurance Corp. and LMI Insurance Corp. Target 2014

Medical Society of Delaware’s May 9, 2014 Workers’ Comp Task Force Statement

Lt. Governor Denn’s DOI Workers’ Compensation Task Force Letter from May 12, 2014

DCRB Comments to May 14, 2014 Task Force Report

Workers Comp Report Presented May 15, 2014

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 14 special events during the month of August 2014 at the museums of the state of Delaware. A full schedule is included below. With the exception of DeBraak tours, all programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the state of Delaware’s six museums—the New Castle Court House Museum, the John Dickinson Plantation, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through displays, exhibits and special programs, the museums explore how the state’s distinctive physical environment, in combination with the people who came to live there, gave Delaware an identity that is different from any other place.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, August 2014

Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014
“Agriculture and Forestry in Delaware.” Presentation by Austin Short, deputy secretary, Delaware Department of Agriculture, who will discuss the influence of agriculture and forestry on Delaware’s economy dating back to the state’s founding when it was known as the nation’s bread basket. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014
“Play That Old-Time Country Music.” Guided tours explore Victor Records’ early recordings of “hillbilly music,” which later became known as country music, played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014
“An Illegal Activity.” Utilizing the exhibit “An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware” as a backdrop, guided tours will explore Delaware’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad and on two Delaware leaders who aided in this “freedom enterprise.” First Saturday in the First State program. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Tours at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Mondays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2014
Lecture/tour of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak. Explore the history of the DeBraak which was capsized and lost off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798. Program includes a trip to the hull facility in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park for a tour of the surviving section of the ship’s hull. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 in advance by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Wednesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2014
“Weaving Wednesdays.” Indoor, staff-led program in which visitors will learn how to weave a blanket or rag rug. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014
“Raiding the Mansion—Plundering the House of all its Provisions.” Learn about the Tory raid on the plantation’s mansion house through a special tour, and through examination of letters and primary documents. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Monday, Aug. 25, 2014
“Who was Black Anthony? Slavery and Race in New Sweden.” Lecture by Timothy Hack, associate professor of social and political science, Salem Community College. Sponsored by the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 6:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Exhibits and displays, August 2014
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is presenting the following exhibits and displays:

Thru Dec. 7, 2014 Thru July 31, 2014
“An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit explores the First State’s role in the Underground Railroad by showcasing Thomas Garrett and Samuel D. Burris and the actions they took in following their consciences rather than the law. Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055. Note change in closing date.

Ongoing
“Delaware and the War of 1812.” Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United States. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Dress for Success: The Edwardian Gentlemen’s Wardrobe and Accessories.” Display of objects of adornment, fashion and accessories for male grooming from the time period depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

Ongoing
“Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798 to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Simple Machines.” Exhibit demonstrating the six “simple machines”—incline ramp, screw, wedge, pulley, lever and wheel —that constitute the elementary building blocks of which all complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Display of original Edwardian and roaring 20s fashions that reflect the spirit of the liberated “modern” woman as depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

 -End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone:  302-736-7413
E-mail:  Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web:   http://history.delaware.gov

DOVER (May 14, 2014) – In an effort to better meet the needs of Delaware’s criminal justice system, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Rita Landgraf and Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary (DSHS) Lewis Schiliro proposed to reorganize the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as the Division of Forensic Science and move it from DHSS to DSHS.

Appearing before a joint committee hearing Wednesday of the Senate Public Safety and the House Safety & Homeland Security committees, the two Cabinet secretaries also proposed creating the Forensic Science Commission to provide oversight and support to the work of the Division of Forensic Science. The Commission would be located in the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and include representatives of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Social Services, the criminal justice community, law enforcement, academic experts on forensic science, and legislators.

The Commission would have oversight of the Division of Forensic Science, including review of its operations, staffing and resource needs, quality assurance, evidence protocols, responsiveness to the criminal justice community, accreditation and audit needs, and maintenance of the professional independence of its expert staff.  The Commission would also consider whether additional changes in the structure or the organization of forensic sciences in Delaware would be more efficient or make the office more effective.

Finally, Secretary Landgraf and Secretary Schiliro proposed reforms to the leadership structure of the office.  Reflecting the broad set of responsibilities in the office, the secretaries proposed to replace the requirement that the office be led by a certified pathologist with a requirement that the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security appoint a division director with expertise in the forensic sciences.  The role of the Chief Medical Examiner would be preserved within the division, but it would no longer have a 10-year term and both the Division Director and Chief Medical Examiner would be exempt positions.

“There is no doubt that expert forensic science is at the core of our work in the criminal justice system,” Governor Jack Markell said. “The proposal today from Secretary Landgraf and Secretary Schiliro is a significant reform that will not only help address concerns with the office today, but will create a structure that will keep us on the forefront in the future.”

“This reorganization is done around the core mission of the Medical Examiner’s Office, which is to provide forensic services in the support of the criminal justice system,” Secretary Landgraf said. “It makes sense to move those services completely within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, where greater coordination and efficiency can be obtained.”

“These reforms are going to help ensure that the important work done by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is fully integrated within the criminal justice community,” Secretary Schiliro said.  “The Department already manages other areas that support our criminal justice efforts, such as the Council on Police Training, and emergency communications, and other forensic resources located in law enforcement. Today’s proposed reforms will improve the coordination of our criminal investigations, and oversight from the proposed Forensic Science Commission will make certain that the professional independence of the new division’s staff is maintained.”

Secretary Landgraf and Secretary Schiliro said if the changes are approved by the General Assembly, they hope the transition could begin as soon as the first quarter of the state’s new fiscal year, which begins July 1.

DOVER – Everyday across Delaware, thousands of police officers put their lives on the line to protect the citizens of the First State. In honor of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting us, in recognition of Police Week and in concurrence with an order from President Obama, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Thursday, May 15.

-Listing of museum events through September 2014 also included-

The adventure, romance, excitement and hardships experienced by 18th- and 19th-century seafarers will be brought to life at the third annual Zwaanendael Maritime Festival: “A Sailor’s Life for Me” that will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del. The festival will provide opportunities for adults as well as children to experience the everyday lives of sailors by scrubbing the deck, learning about shipboard food, playing “Crown and Anchor” and other Colonial-period games, exploring a vessel’s cargo and the merchants who shipped it, and serving on a block-and-tackle station where visitors will be drilled by a demanding mariner looking for new crew members.

In addition, the following organizations will be exhibiting at the festival: Archaeological Society of Delaware; Fort Miles Historical Association; Indian River Life Saving Station; Lewes Education Coalition; Lewes Historical Society; Lightship Overfalls; and the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR).

The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631. Designed by E. William Martin (architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover), the museum is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and features a stepped facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters.

Zwaanendael Museum exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history. Current exhibits include “A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World” which tells the story of His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798; and “Delaware and the War of 1812” which examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shape the development of the United States as a nation.

Following is a schedule of Zwaanendael-Museum-sponsored special events through September 2014. Unless otherwise noted, all programs take place at the Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, Del. Museum hours from April 1 to Oct. 31 are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. From Nov. 1 to March 31, museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. With the exception of DeBraak tours, all programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Zwaanendael Museum special events through September 2014

Saturday, May 24, 2014
Third Annual Zwaanendael Maritime Festival: “A Sailor’s Life for Me.” Maritime-themed activities, games, displays by local organizations and more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mondays, June 2, 9, 23 and 30; July 7, 14, 21 and 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29
Lecture/tours of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak. Explore the history of the DeBraak which was capsized and lost off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798. Program includes a trip to the hull facility in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park for a tour of the surviving section of the ship’s hull. Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 in advance by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website.

Sunday, June 15, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon and culminate at 7 p.m. when Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre portrays abolitionist and Union spy Harriet Tubman.

Monday, June 16, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon 1 p.m. and culminate at 7 p.m. when Patricia Troilo of the American Historical Theatre portrays Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross Clara Barton. Note time change.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Concert by blues band Dr. Harmonica & Rockett 88. Stango Park, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon 1 p.m. and culminate at 7 p.m. when Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays President Abraham Lincoln. Lewes Historical Society complex, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. 302-645-7670. Note time change.

Thursday, June 19, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon 1 p.m. and culminate at 7 p.m. when David Scott Taylor of the American Historical Theatre portrays poet and Civil War nurse Walt Whitman. Lewes Historical Society complex, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. 302-645-7670. Note time change.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014
Native-American-themed program. Speaker TBD. 2 p.m.

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone:  302-736-7413
E-mail:  Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web:   http://history.delaware.gov