I think most Delawareans have remained largely unconcerned about the ongoing closure of the General Assembly. Safety first.
However, the challenges facing the state that will need to be addressed by the General Assembly now face the normal June 30 deadline. Sure, it’s possible that the General Assembly can meet post-July 1, especially since it’s unlikely that the legislators will scatter all over for vacation. However, in the absence of any guidance whatsoever from legislative leadership, I think it’s time for us to call for the leaders to exercise some, you know, leadership. Daily public relations updates from the caucus of your choice just ain’t gonna cut it any more.
I’m well aware of the challenges of maintaining social distancing. I know it’s not easy. But the General Assembly needs to get back to business, even if it’s only the bare-bones business of trying to craft the money bills and to provide assistance to all Delawareans who need such assistance. The leaders have now had about two months to plan for an eventual (and perhaps virtual) reopening.
At the very least, it is time for legislative leaders to publicly announce how they plan to proceed. The time for empty PR is at an end. Time to legislate.