Exactly one year after the House Democratic Caucus elected a historic all-female leadership team, House Speaker Valerie Longhurst, House Majority Leader Melissa Minor-Brown, and House Majority Whip Kerri Evelyn Harris issued the following statement on the accomplishments and progress made during that time:
“We share many of the same goals and values a majority of Delawareans hold, and this legislative session the General Assembly has passed or advanced many of the key initiatives we pledged to take on. “Healthcare costs significantly strain the budgets of many working families and small businesses and in recent years, these costs have become unsustainable. In response, the legislature took a major step to address this by creating the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board to help rein in prices and enhance transparency in healthcare.
“The General Assembly also passed several bills to increase access to life-saving screenings for several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer. The General Assembly also voted to protect a federal drug discount program, known as 340B, which is crucial for reducing the costs of prescription medications for underinsured and medically vulnerable Delawareans.
“Building on our previous efforts to protect and expand access to safe and accessible reproductive healthcare, the GA passed legislation that would protect access to fertility treatments by codifying legal protections for providers and further expand access to abortion care in Delaware by requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage for abortion related services.
“The legislature also passed legislation allowing terminally ill individuals in Delaware the right to choose the manner and timing of their own passing.
“In the realm of education, the legislature has passed several important bills aimed at enhancing the well-being and support for students and educators alike. We have continued to bolster mental health resources by increasing the number of school-based mental health professionals in Delaware high schools, ensuring students have access to the support they need. We have required that all public schools provide free breakfasts and lunches to students who are currently eligible for meals at reduced prices, promoting equity and making sure that no child goes hungry. For the second year in a row, the General Assembly approved meaningful raises for educators.
“We understand that the lack of affordable housing is an issue that touches Delawareans in every corner of our state. In addition to passing many of the measures in the Senate Housing Agenda, we created the Affordable Housing Production Task Force to investigate and make findings and recommendations on how the State and local governments can increase the production of affordable rental units and homes in Delaware.
“The General Assembly also passed measures to protect residents living in manufactured houses and increase oversight of manufactured home community owners.
“Public safety, including firearm safety, has been a focus for House Democrats this year. We added Delaware to a growing list of states that require residents to complete a firearm training course and obtain a permit before purchasing a handgun – the weapon most often used in Delaware gun deaths. We’ve also worked to keep firearms from ending up in the wrong hands by passing legislation that requires firearms left unattended in vehicles be securely stored.
“The GA also passed several bills aimed at guiding the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and addressing emerging threats from developing technology.
“During our first year as a leadership team, we have tackled numerous issues, well beyond a handful of high-profile priorities. The strides we’ve made are historic, and we are energized by this progress. Looking ahead to 2025, we are ready for an even more productive legislative session.”
