The big news, which has already been discussed elsewhere on our site, is the passage of HB 35 in the Senate, which would mandate criminal background checks for most gun purchases in Delaware. I have little to add to the excellent discussion already taking place on our award-winning blog, other than to point out to the fine citizens of western Brandywine Hundred and Chateau Country that they are represented in the Senate by a cross between Rick Santorum and western Sussex County (cross reference intentional). Monsignor Greg Lavelle, who is his constituents’ cross to bear. He’s up for reelection in 2014. Just thought I’d point that out.
On the comedic front, phony patriot John Atkins’ desperate attempt to protect the American Flag from, I don’t know, Agenda 21, attracted 33 drones in the House. Here is the roll call.
Here is the entire session report for Thursday. I notice that SB 21(Henry) made it out of committee, no doubt to the great chagrin of Gov. Scott Walker, Jack Markell. Good.
One bill dominates the upcoming legislative week. Both because of its import and because of the relative dearth of other pieces of notable legislation.
HB 75(Smith) would legalize gay marriage in Delaware. The bill is on today’s House Agenda. I believe that the votes are there for House passage. The question is whether certain wavering legislators listen to their constituents and, in most cases, to their consciences. Or will they give in to the arguments of the religious absolutists? Here are some who were wavering. Please let me know if they’ve committed to support HB 75 since I first posted this:
Charles Potter, 1st RD: He has been a strong advocate for civil liberties, there are many marriage equality supporters in his north Wilmington district, but he has not yet taken a position;
Deborah Hudson, 12th RD: She has generally been a moderate on social issues and, again, there are many marriage equality proponents in her Chateau Country district;
John Mitchell, 13th RD: He was ‘almost’ Speaker, and he could wind up there someday…if he does the right thing;
Joe Miro, 22nd RD: This Pike Creek R has lots of marriage equality proponents in his district.
And if you support HB 75, but haven’t contacted your legislator, why not? BTW, major props to Reps. Mike Ramone and James ‘J. J.’ Johnson. Both have made clear that they support HB 75 since I posted my initial list last week, and that their votes are not in question. I’m putting the over/under at 24 yes votes. Ladeez and gentlemen, place your bets.
Here is today’s House Agenda. The only other substantive bill (as opposed to technical housekeeping stuff) is HB 42(Barbieri), which ‘adds adult aunts and uncles to the list of relatives who may act as a surrogate to make health care decisions for an adult patient if the patient lacks capacity and there is no agent or guardian…’.
Today’s Senate Agenda features HB 40(Keeley), which ‘extends the Automatic Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program and the Office of Foreclosure Prevention for four additional years beyond the current sunset date in January 2014’. A big priority for Attorney General Beau Biden.
That’s it. You can catch me on the Al Show today from 10 am to 12 noon on WDEL 1150-AM. We’ll talk background checks, marriage equality, and…taking the bite out of crime in New Castle County, Grimaldi-style.