New law allows 2,000 more state employees to collectively bargain for higher wages

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed legislation – Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 8 – that protects public sector unions and allows more state employees to collectively bargain for higher wages.

“State employees protect our communities, teach our children, clear our streets, and provide critical services for Delaware families,” said Governor Carney. “They ought to be paid what they’re worth. Investing in state employees, and our state workplaces, will help us attract and retain quality state employees, and deliver state services more effectively. I was proud to stand alongside union leaders and members of the General Assembly in signing this legislation into law.”

The new law will allow 2,000 additional state employees to collectively bargain for higher wages.

“Allowing more state workers to collectively bargain for better wages is a critical step toward improving the lives of all Delaware families,” said Senator Jack Walsh, the prime sponsor of the legislation. “As the state’s largest employer, we have led the way time and again when it comes to caring for our workers. From paid parental leave and loan forgiveness for public school teachers to cost-of-living wage hikes and stronger labor unions, we are creating a stronger workforce and a brighter future for thousands of our residents.”

“This is a proud moment for our Unions that represent our state workers,” said James Maravelias, President of the Delaware State AFL-CIO. “This shows our constant commitment to their livelihood and our ever-present representation.”

“I want to thank Governor Carney for signing this important legislation,” said Michael Begatto, Executive Director of AFSCME, Council 81. “Without his support, this would not have gotten done.”

“The signing of this legislation marks the beginning of a new way in which the Department of Human Resources operates as it relates to collective bargaining and negotiations,” said Saundra Ross Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “We look forward to working with the bargaining units to make certain that together, we are providing fair and equitable opportunities for our current employees and those seeking employment.”

###

Click here to view photos.

Senate Bill 200 and Senate Bill 207 will prohibit and prevent offshore drilling in Delaware’s coastal waters

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed Senate Bill 200 and Senate Bill 207, two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Delaware’s coasts from offshore drilling. These pieces of legislation will help maintain high-quality coastline waters and protect thousands of jobs supported by Delaware’s coastal tourism industry. Coast-related activities contribute almost $7 billion to Delaware’s economy.

Senate Bill 200 prohibits drilling for oil and natural gas in Delaware’s coastal zone and territorial waters, and precludes DNREC from issuing any permits in connection with the development of offshore drilling infrastructure. Senate Bill 207 opposes drilling off Delaware’s coast and directs certain state officials and agencies to enforce Delaware’s rights relating to offshore drilling under federal and state environmental laws.

“We have a responsibility to care for our coasts, and in turn, protect our state’s environment and economy,” said Governor Carney. “Offshore drilling presents a threat to the health of our coastal communities that we can’t ignore, and these two pieces of legislation will help prevent drilling in our waters. A large part of Delaware’s tourism industry depends on clean coasts, and Delawareans and visitors alike will benefit from these protections signed into law today. Thank you to members of the General Assembly for this bipartisan effort and to advocates for their tireless work to protect Delaware’s coasts, environment and economy.”

“Promoting clean alternative energy development in the Atlantic region, along with the continued conservation of our marine and estuarine habitats, and the success of our coastal economy are of the utmost importance to the citizens of Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.

“The state’s beaches are a treasure, which the National Resource Defense Council has consistently rated as the cleanest on the East Coast,” said Liz Keller, Delaware Tourism Director. “They are important for the tourism industry in the state, and it is essential to maintain their good health.”

“Standing against offshore drilling is a no-brainer for Delaware,” said Senator Stephanie Hansen. “Washington, D.C. may have forgotten disasters like those in the Gulf, Alaska and Santa Barbara – but I haven’t, and neither have bipartisan leaders across our state. Delaware’s beaches are some of the cleanest in the country, are home to a unique marine ecosystem, and are vital to our state’s crucial tourism industry. It takes just one accident to change all of that overnight. Our economy, our budget, and our environment can’t afford that mistake.”

“I am proud to be a prime sponsor of this important bipartisan effort,” said Senator Ernesto “Ernie” Lopez. “Defending our beautiful beaches and our unique coastal environment from the potential negative impact of off-shore drilling is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue: It is a Delaware issue and has been of the highest priority for the people of the 6th District and to me as their State Senator.”

“We welcome millions of visitors to Rehoboth and Dewey every year. They come here for our award-winning, pristine beaches and clean air. They contribute billions to our local economy. All of that could be jeopardized by offshore drilling,” said House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf. “Delawareans have to stand together against something that could do so much damage to our community and our state, and that’s exactly what the General Assembly did by overwhelmingly passing these bills.”

“The risks involved with offshore drilling are greater than many people realize. There have been 44 major oil spills off the United States coast since 1969, several with catastrophic effects on the environment and local economy,” said Representative Debra Heffernan. “We can’t allow that to happen to Delaware, and we have to take whatever steps we can to protect our environment.”

“I am thrilled that Delaware is taking this important step, and I am proud to have been a co-sponsor of this bipartisan bill,” said Senate Minority Whip Greg Lavelle. “Our coastline is a critical natural resource, and the risk of damaging our waterways through a drilling accident far outweighs the benefit of any oil that could be extracted.”

“It means a lot to see and hear leadership at the state level,” said Rehoboth Beach Mayor Paul Kuhns. “It validates our concerns and efforts to maintain a clean and healthy coast that is vital to our economy and families who come to enjoy our beautiful beaches. In publicly opposing offshore drilling activities, Governor Carney is standing with our coastal communities, who have the most to lose and who have overwhelmingly opposed these efforts.”

“The City of Lewes is very pleased that Governor Carney is signing SB 200 and SB 207,” said Lewes Mayor Ted Becker. “Lewes was the first city to adopt a resolution opposing seismic testing – a precursor to offshore drilling – in November 2015. Since then the six other coastal communities, all members of the Association of Coastal Towns (ACT), have adopted similar resolutions as a demonstration of our collective serious concern regarding the potentially devastating impact offshore drilling could have on marine mammals and the extremely important economic contribution of tourism to the economy of our state.”

“The Delaware Coast and its estuaries form essential marine habitat for over 32 species of marine mammals and sea turtles,” said Suzanne Thurman, MERR Institute Executive Director. “Many of these species are endangered, and three large whale species are experiencing an Unusual Mortality Event. These magnificent creatures need to be protected from the devastation of harmful oil and gas drilling, which even in its daily operation will contaminate the marine ecosystem, and in the event of a spill would be catastrophic. MERR is very pleased to see these important bills signed into law today, and for the far reaching protection they will provide for our coastal waters and the welfare of marine species.”

###

New law establishes a School Safety and Security Fund with $5 million appropriation

GEORGES, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday signed the Delaware School Safety and Security Fund into law – a bipartisan piece of school safety legislation that was passed unanimously by members of the General Assembly. This legislation, funded with $5 million in the state’s capital budget, establishes a School Safety and Security Fund to provide resources for projects intended to increase security in Delaware public schools. Governor Carney signed the legislation on Monday at St. George’s Technical High School.

“All Delaware students and educators deserve to feel safe when they go to school in the morning,” said Governor Carney. “We work with school districts and charter schools each year to update and test school safety plans statewide. But we should take all appropriate steps to create a safe climate at school. That’s why this legislation, and this new school safety fund, is so important. I want to thank members of the General Assembly from both sides of the aisle for stepping up and leading on this extremely important issue.”

Watch and share a replay of Monday’s signing ceremony here.

View and share photos from Monday’s signing ceremony here.

“Today, we took a positive step toward helping to make our schools safer,” said House Minority Leader Danny Short. “This legislation will allow necessary improvements to be done to our traditional public and charter schools to protect students, teachers, and staff from intruders.”

“Giving schools the support to invest in safety infrastructure is a matter of common sense,” said Senator Stephanie Hansen. “It’s also important to give schools the flexibility to tailor those investments to their needs. It’s important that we follow up with proactive steps like counseling resources, but HB 335 provides local schools with those resources at a time when the safety of our schools, students, and faculty is on everyone’s mind. I’m glad to have supported this legislation in the Senate and am grateful to Governor Carney for signing it.”

“Five percent of the Delaware high school students surveyed in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported that in an average month they did not go to school for as many as six days due to fear of being unsafe in school,” said Brian Moore, School Climate and Discipline Program Manager at the Delaware Department of Education. “Our job is to make sure that every public school student in Delaware can learn in a safe, secure and supportive classroom.”

“This grant is a perfect example of how in Delaware our schools, state agencies, families and elected officials can come together quickly and efficiently to focus on finding solutions to challenges — in this case, collaborating to discover ways to make our classrooms safer and more secure so that our children can maximize learning opportunities,” said Susan Bunting, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education.

“While NCC Vo-Tech is honored to host the bill signing at St. Georges Technical High School, school districts and charter schools across the state collectively appreciate HB 335,” said Vicki Gehrt, Superintendent of New Castle County Vocational Technical School District. “This is an outstanding start in recognizing the need and then appropriating funds to ensure the safety and security of our students.  We especially thank Governor Carney, State Representatives Hensley, Jacques, and Short, and State Senator Hansen for making this legislation a priority.”

Learn more about Delaware’s role in school safety.

 
###

Senate Bill 230 addresses first recommendation of Behavioral Health Consortium’s Action Plan

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 230 beside members of the General Assembly, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Behavioral Health Consortium, and other mental health and addiction advocates.

“I am proud to sign this bill into law, a concrete step to assist Delawareans dealing every day with mental illness and drug and alcohol dependency,” said Governor John Carney. “This legislation recognizes that mental health and drug or alcohol dependency benefits should be treated the same as medical benefits. Thank you to Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long for her leadership on this issue with the Behavioral Health Consortium, and to all of the advocates who helped with this legislation.”

Senate Bill 230, also known as Mental Health Parity, is a critical step to eliminating coverage discrimination in Delaware and mandating certain reporting requirements that will allow the state to determine if health insurance carriers and Medicaid managed care organizations are applying treatment limitations which may prevent someone from accessing care for their addiction or mental illness. The legislation will help ensure compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, passed by United States Congress in 2008, in order to ensure fair access to behavioral health treatment and making sure that those who need help can receive it.

“For far too long, people struggling with addiction and mental illness have not been treated fairly when it comes to getting the quality health care they need and deserve,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “That ends now. This legislation is an important step to knocking down the barriers to treatment and eliminating stigma. I am thrilled we are enacting the first recommendation of the Behavioral Health Consortium’s Three Year Action Plan today.”

Lt. Governor Hall-Long, and members of the consortium, worked closely with former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy on this legislation.

“I applaud Governor Carney for signing Senate Bill 230, which represents a major step forward in ending coverage discrimination against those with mental health and addiction challenges in Delaware,” said Patrick Kennedy, Founder of the Kennedy Forum. “Make no mistake: This new law will save lives. By forcing health plans to submit proof of their compliance with parity laws, Senate Bill 230 shifts the burden back to insurance companies and away from families in crisis. I would particularly like to thank Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long, whom I worked closely with on this bill, for her outstanding leadership, as well as Representative Bentz, Senator Townsend, and Senator Henry for helping to expand access to treatment.”

Senate Bill 230 requires health insurance issuers to complete an initial analysis, and submit a report to the Department of Insurance and the Delaware Health Information Network.

“Mental health and substance abuse disorders are among the greatest public health challenges that our country and our state face,” said Senator Bryan Townsend, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 230. “It’s important for our entire health care system, from public policy to commercial insurance, to respond to that challenge by demonstrating that we value mental health just as much as physical health and that parity is a standard we take seriously in Delaware. I’m thankful to the Lt. Governor for her advocacy on this issue and to Gov. Carney for signing this bill into law.”

“The Behavioral Health Consortium gives us the opportunity to take a deep dive into Delaware’s challenges as they relate to behavioral and mental health. I thank Lt. Gov Hall-Long for her leadership on these issues,” said Representative David Bentz. “Senate Bill 230 was a collaborative effort that increases reporting of insurance coverage for mental and behavioral health in an effort to help us get a clear picture of the care in our state. Addiction is a disease – like cancer or heart disease – and we should be doing what we can to combat it and help those who struggle.”

Stakeholders, such as the Ability Network of Delaware and NAMI Delaware, were also heavily involved in the passage of this legislation.

“Ultimately, real parity breaks down the final barrier to stigma,” said Carolyn Petrak, Associate Executive Director of the Ability Network of Delaware.  “When insurers cover mental health and substance use disorders in an unbiased measure and those seeking treatment need not weigh the cost maybe then, the barriers that stigma creates start to crumble.”

“Already there is significant stigma about mental health conditions. Only about half of the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental illness seek treatment each year,” said Anne Slease, Director of Advocacy & Education for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Delaware. “Overcoming the stigma is a big obstacle. Paying the bill shouldn’t have to be.”

Click HERE for photos from the bill signing.

 

###

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29, Governor Carney will sign 29 pieces of legislation from the 149^th General Assembly into law surrounded by members of the General Assembly and advocates from across the state. A recap of this year’s Legislative Session can be found at de.gov/recap. Bill signing times have been updated for Tuesday, August 28 at the Delaware Public Archives. A full schedule can be found below.

Media planning to attend the signings please RSVP to Emily David (emily.david@delaware.gov) for additional information.

 

TUESDAY: Bill Signing Ceremonies

Bill Signing Ceremony for House Bill 425 and House Bill 441

WHAT:        Governor Carney will sign House Bill 425 and House Bill 441, pieces of legislation related to prescription drugs.

WHO:           Governor Carney

Representative Andria Bennett

Representative William Carson

Erik Mabus, Owner, Bayard Pharmacy

WHEN:        Tuesday, August 28, 2018

9:30 a.m.

WHERE:      Bayard Pharmacy

202 W. Loockerman Street

Dover, DE 19904

 

 

*UPDATED* Bill Signings at Delaware Public Archives

WHAT:          Governor Carney will sign the following legislation. Please note all times are approximate and subject to change. Prime sponsors are listed in parentheses:

11:00 a.m. –  House Bill 437 (Representative David Wilson)

11:15 a.m. –  House Bill 298 (Representative Charles Postles)

11:45 a.m. –  Senate Bill 266 (Senator Anthony Delcollo)

12:00 p.m. –  House Bill 374 (Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf)

12:15 p.m. –  House Bill 380 (Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf)

12:30 p.m. –  House Bill 476 (Representative Trey Paradee)

12:45 p.m. –  House Bill 426 (Representative Trey Paradee)

WHO:            Governor Carney

Members of the General Assembly

Advocates

WHEN:          Tuesday, August 28, 2018

11:00 a.m.

WHERE:       Delaware Public Archives

121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd North

Dover, Delaware 19901

 

 

WEDNESDAY: Bill Signing Ceremonies

Bill Signings at the Carvel Building Auditorium

WHAT:          Governor Carney will sign the following legislation. Please note all times are approximate and subject to change. Prime sponsors are listed in parentheses.

9:30 a.m. – House Bill 332 (Representative Stephanie T. Bolden)

9:45 a.m. – Senate Bill 172 (Senator David Sokola)

10:00 a.m. – Senate Bill 169 (Senator Nicole Poore)

10:15 a.m. – Senate Bill 212 (Senator Nicole Poore)

10:30 a.m. – House Bill 368 (Representative John Viola)

11:00 a.m. – Senate Bill 227 (Senator Bryan Townsend)

11:15 a.m. – Senate Bill 157 (Senator Bryan Townsend)

11:30 a.m. – Senate Bill 197 (Senator Gregory Lavelle)

1:30 p.m. – House Bill 292 (Representative Earl Jaques)

1:45 p.m. – House Bill 456 (Representative Earl Jaques)

2:00 p.m. – Senate Bill 11 & Senate Bill 7 (Senator Harris McDowell)

2:15 p.m. – House Bill 360 (Representative Helene Keeley)

2:30 p.m. – House Bill 386 (Representative Paul Baumbach)

2:45 p.m. – House Bill 401 (Representative Debra Heffernan)

3:00 p.m. – Senate Bill 113 (Senator Harris McDowell)

3:30 p.m. – House Bill 412 (Representative Bryon Short)

3:45 p.m. – House Bill 438 (Representative Charles Potter Jr.)

4:00 p.m. – Senate Bill 230 (Senator Bryan Townsend)

WHO:            Governor Carney

Members of the General Assembly

Advocates

WHEN:          Wednesday, August 29, 2018

9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Break between 12:00 and 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:       Carvel Building Auditorium, 2^nd Floor

820 North French Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801