Sen. Karen Peterson is Retiring

Sen. Karen Peterson is Retiring

28 Comments
I just got word from a source that State Senator Karen Peterson has announced her retirement on the floor of the Senate. This is devastating news for progressives in this state. Clearly, from the reaction, and from my sources, this announcement was unexpected. I wonder if Peterson tabling Senate Bill 190, which is the first leg of an amendment to the Delaware Constitution to provide for equal protection under the law to all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, had anything to do with it. The filing deadline is July 12. There are no state representatives residing in her district. Literally none.
Delaware General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., June 14, 2016.

Delaware General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., June 14, 2016.

3 Comments
Today's House Agenda leads off with a bill that increases penalties for talking or texting on a hand-held device while driving.  I support the bill, although I question the assertion that 'novice drivers' are most likely to ignore the law. Based on my observations, virtually everybody ignores the law. The bill also adds points for a second offense and thereafter. Good. The agenda is highlighted by two anti-discrimination bills.  HB 316 (Heffernan)  'makes it clear that an employer is expressly prohibited from taking adverse employment action against an individual based on his or her reproductive health care decisions.  HB 317 (Rep. K. Williams) 'prohibits discrimination in employment based upon an individual’s caregiving responsibilities'.  HB 400 (Baumbach)  incrementally, and I mean incrementally, expands the use of marijuana oils for minors.  This time,  by 'by classifying pain, anxiety, or depression, if related to a terminal illness, as a qualifying condition in the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act for patients under the age 18, who will still be restricted to using CBD and oil products.'  The only thing objectionable about this bill is that it accepts the notion that any minor who could incidentally 'get high' via governmental imprimatur must be prevented at all costs.