General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thursday, January 18, 2024

John Carney’s State Of The State Address takes place today.  Right around the time of my brief daily afternoon nap.  Kismet.  I’ll cut-and-paste the address (or the press release hailing it) when it’s released.  Sure beats listening to it.  I wonder if BHL will preen from the podium.

Here is yesterday’s Session Activity Report.  Of particular note, and enjoyment to me, are two bills inspired by Bethany Hall-Long’s campaign financial le(d)gerdemain.  Check out HB 291 and HB 292, both sponsored by Rep. Morrison.  Three guesses as to which committee Our PAL Val has assigned it to–that’s right, the offshoot of BHL’s campaign known as the House Administration Committee.  Unethical politicos always stick together.  Because it’s either that or rat each other out.  It’s a disgrace.  Just one more reason why Longhurst and her minions need to be defeated in September.

The House will not consider an agenda today.  Although–keep your eyes out for a particularly noxious Ramone Rethug bill designed to, wait for it, reduce tax liability for Delaware’s wealthiest.  It’ll be in committee next week.  It’s unbelievable.  Reduces the top rate from 6.6% to 5%.  When fully implemented, it would reduce State revenues by almost half a billion dollars annually.  Did I mention that Frank Burns is challenging Ramone again?  Silly me.  Here ya go.

I see nothing controversial on today’s Senate Agenda.  The most notable bill, and it’s a good one, is SB 197 (Hansen), which ‘require(s) that beginning January 1, 2026, state agencies under Chapter 69 of Title 29 must purchase only native plants, including cultivars and hybrids of native plants, in the development of new landscaped areas and in the rehabilitation of exiting landscaped areas’.  As someone who lives in a community overgrown with lesser celandine and English Ivy,  this is long overdue.

Back later to perhaps discuss Carney’s address with y’all.