“Where’s the money” is still the question d’annee, and timely answers do not appear forthcoming. The Governor’s office has subtly, perhaps too subtly, stressed the need to come up with a comprehensive solution, but so far the announced compromises have only served to widen the projected deficit, not narrow it. ‘Bulo will resist runaway train analogies, except to say that you can’t spell locomotive without ‘loco’. The General Assembly could well be surveying some twisted wreckage come June 30.
On to today’s action in Dover.
Bob Venables appears to be trying to give truckers a break with SB 130, which would end the ban on Jake Breaks, which are apparently very noisy, but less costly for truckers.
Rep. Daryl Scott has his Peach Pie as the State Dessert bill on the agenda. The bill’s topic notwithstanding, ‘bulo does not expect forces to be ‘pitted’ against each other on this one.
Rep. Schooley and Sen. Sokola have commonsense legislation eliminating the stupid ‘no discretion’ disciplinary policy that has led to laughable expulsions from public schools.
Dave McBride has SB 49, which permits the installation of solar panels by exempting installation from restrictive covenants. He also has the “Terry Spence Memorial Swimming Pool” legislation which caused the 2008 late-session bitter dust-up between Spence and Cathcart, and ultimately led Spence to sever some long-time friendships. It ain’t goin’ anywhere, and McBride probably knows it. Consider it a favor to an old friend.
Bryon Short’s HB 185 would restrict those late-in-the-campaign robocalls calling the opponent all kinds of names, but misleading the receiver of the call as to who is paying for the call. Admirable, but since when is it news when elected officials pass things that have the effect of protecting themselves?
Both Sen. McDowell’s Net-Metering bill, which was previously praised by several people on DL, and Bill Oberle’s bill banning the use of covenants to restrict wind-farm development, are scheduled for floor debate.
One of Delaware’s best legislators, Terry Schooley, has legislation giving local school districts more spending discretion while requiring greater transparency. Like the select few who stand out in Dover, Schooley works year-round on issues near and dear to her: In her case, children’s issues and educational policy. Proof that you can accomplish a lot w/o needing a battery of microphones in front of you.
That’s it for today. Come back tomorrow to see what’s cookin’ (Peach Pie?) on the floor and in committees.