Credit where credit’s due: In a building where anybody with access to knowledge is a prospective leaker, the stealth veto overrides by the Senate was a masterstroke. The bleatings of Eric Buckson tell us that the Senate Rethugs weren’t clued in, not that it mattered. I suspect, though, that the secrecy was aimed more at keeping the Governor’s people out of the loop. Regardless of the merits of the bills that were overridden, I’m really impressed with the skill with which this operation was carried out. From the linked Spotlight Delaware article:
The State Senate voted to override Gov. Matt Meyer’s two vetoes issued on bills last year – one that would close what advocates call a wage theft loophole, and another that would limit where marijuana shops can be located. The House later sealed the override on the labor bill, but has not yet voted on the marijuana override.
Senate Republicans lambasted their Democratic colleagues before each override vote, particularly for introducing the measures without giving the minority party advance notice. According to the Senate rules, giving advance notice across party lines – or even putting veto override votes on the Senate’s publicly accessible agenda – is not required.
“I’m amazed – dumbfounded – at the fact that we’re even here right now.” State Sen Eric Buckson (R-Dover) said. “This was thrown at me at this time. At this particular minute. And this, to me, is not process. A simple heads up would have been more than fair.”
But Democrats pushed back against Republican objections, saying they were simply following the chamber’s rules, and that last week’s winter storm had caused delays and miscommunications between the leadership of each party. (Translation: No, Rethug senators can’t have their manhood back.)
Besides, not providing a heads-up was an essential part of the plan. When I worked in the Senate, it was well-known within the caucus that there would be at least two D senators racing up to the Governor’s office to tell them something that had been discussed in caucus in strict confidence. While I won’t share their names, one of them is still skulking around the Controller General’s office. Had either of those two senators been in the current caucus, the secret would not have been kept.
On the marijuana bill, I had anticipated that the override attempt would take place. Why? Allow me to quote from Sen. Paradee following the unexpected veto:
“If you give someone your word and you later back out or do not deliver as you promised, you will irreparably tarnish your name and reputation,” he said at the time. “Once that happens, no one will trust you or want to work with you again.”
Meyer did give his word on that bill, and he went back on it. He created the atmosphere for yesterday’s action. It’s on him.
Here is yesterday’s Session Activity Report.
Oh, before I get any further, I just can’t resist this. HB 251 (Morrison), which enables New Castle County Council to elect their own Council President, easily made it out of committee. One, and only one, person spoke in opposition. Monique Johns (-Williams?). Her argument, and this was her argument, being that if this was taken away from voters, no person of color would ever be able to hold the position. I ,um, suspect the argument carried little weight in a political body where both the Speaker and Majority Leader are Black (granted, the wrong Black leaders, which, come to think of it, describes Monique).
But, I digress.
Today’s Senate Agenda mirrors yesterday’s Senate Agenda, since they didn’t get to the planned Agenda due to the overrides. Does anybody know the answer to this question I raised–is the final provision in the Mini Bond Bill a shot at the Governor? This, to be precise:
…amend Delaware Code to require the Diamond State Port Corporation Executive Director to be selected by majority vote of the Board.
At least one inquiring mind want to know.
The bills on today’s House Agenda reflect those priorities that legislators established, and which have already passed the Senate.
I’m disappointed that the General Assembly didn’t take up changes to the Special Elections process (because you never know when a special election will pop up) and that the Senate punted on legislation that would have challenged the ability of Delaware River & Bay to give out contracts to ICE co-conspirators. Were I a cynic, I’d think that the prime sponsor(s) just wanted brochure material without actually giving two shits about the issue.
Following today’s session, the General Assembly is scheduled to be off for six weeks for Joint Finance Committee hearings. In the past, that meant that the Governor would submit his proposed budget for JFC consideration by today. I see no mention of the imminent budget introduction on the Governor’s official homepage. Anybody have more info?
Over and out until mid-March.