The daily Session Activity Report consists of newly-introduced legislation and committee assignments for the legislation.
So. We have two bills that somebody wants fast-tracked in January:
HB 240 (Longhurst) ‘establishes the Statewide Afterschool Initiative Learning Program. The Program will provide grants to public schools, that qualify as Title I schools, to develop afterschool engagement of students that will provide extended learning, homework assistance, enrichment, and nutrition.’ Sounds good. There is, however, no funding mechanism mentioned in the bill. Nor does the bill, for reasons I cannot understand, require a fiscal note. So, how are they gonna pay for the program? Will it be paid for from the Mortgage Settlement Funds? If not, what are you defunding in order to fund this? We may or may not find out sooner rather than later. Bill’s scheduled to be considered during today’s House Education Committee. BTW, here’s my uninformed guess as to what’s happening here: Sponsors can claim that this is merely ‘enabling’ legislation and that the funding mechanism will be determined by JFC. Which, of course, is totally disingenuous. You don’t need enabling legislation if the JFC funds such a program and establishes the criteria in the epilog language. But that would bypass touchy-feely brochure fluff. Someone, please prove me wrong.
HB 235 (Longhurst), the ‘Delaware Competes Act‘, allegedly ‘reforms Delaware’s business tax code to incentivize job creation and investment in Delaware, to make Delaware’s tax structure more competitive with other states, and to support small businesses by making tax compliance less burdensome. The principal change in the Act is to remove disincentives for companies to create Delaware jobs and invest in Delaware property that currently exists in how income is apportioned to Delaware for purposes of the corporate income tax’. In other words, tweaking the formula to remove inequities that create disincentives to job creation. Fine. Here’s what they didn’t tell you. This is not some revenue-neutral tweaking. Nope. There is a fiscal note attached to this bill, and here are the projected costs to the state’s coffers:
Fiscal Year 2017 $ 8,200,000
Fiscal Year 2018 $17,600,000
Fiscal Year 2019 $22,900,000
So, let’s be honest here. It’s yet another sop to business with not even a projection as to how many jobs will be created due to the removal of alleged disincentives. And this is annual revenue loss. Can someone in a position of authority project with any degree of accuracy as to what the rewards to the state and its workers will be? Not to mention that, if Delaware does this, so will other states, leaving us right where we started. But at least the Honorables will get pats on the head and campaign checks. Meaning: Mission Accomplished. Nice name, too. ‘Delaware Competes’. As if we haven’t already sold our collective souls to whatever the Chamber says is needed.
(Parenthetical Aside, which explains the parentheses…don’t worry, yes I easily have enough anger in reserve to at least get me through June.)
Today’s Senate Committee Meetings.
The Senate Education Committee considers HB 186 (K. Williams), which adds charter schools to the list of entities for audits through the Auditor of Accounts. The bill passed the House primarily on a party line vote, with Reps. Jaques and Speaker Pete the only D no’s along with all the Rethugs. Makes me think it’s a good bill.
The Senate Banking and Business Committee considers a ban on ivory and rhino horns.
Today’s House Committee Meetings. (You can click on the committee of interest to see the agenda.) Highlights, other than what was already covered:
The House Administration Committee considers a Joint Resolution apologizing for Delaware’s role in slavery. Not surprised that B. Short and B. Townsend are among the co-sponsors. No Bethany Hall-Long, though…
The Business Lapdog Committee considers legislation requiring that ‘health insurance offered in this state provide coverage for in vitro fertilization for persons who, along with their partner, are genetic carriers for spinal muscular atrophy or cystic fibrosis’. The purpose of the bill is to enable carriers to have healthy offspring.
Coming tomorrow: John Kowalko goes for the Veto Override of HB 50 in the House.