Delaware House of Representatives To Consider Minimum Wage in 2014?

Delaware House of Representatives To Consider Minimum Wage in 2014?

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Sure looks that way. Rep. Bryon Short, chair of the House Lapdog Committee (aka the House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance/Commerce) wrote in today's News-Journal that he now supports legislation to increase Delaware's minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 an hour:
I voted against releasing the legislation from committee at both hearings. In addition to my votes, I have stated I understood the role of minimum wage, supported minimum wage as sound public policy, and that I looked forward to the right time in our economic recovery to vote in support of the bill. I believe now is the right time to support and pass a minimum wage increase for Delaware workers.
Yet More Suckitude From John Carney

Yet More Suckitude From John Carney

40 Comments
He is terrible. Today, our 'Honorable' voted with the Rethugs and 35 other phony D's to "exempt many private equity fund advisers from a provision in the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform law which required advisers with more than $150 million in assets under management to register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission." What earthly public purpose could be served by such an exemption? None, none at least that makes sense from a progressive perspective.
Now Accepting 2013 MVP Nominees!

Now Accepting 2013 MVP Nominees!

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Yes, the 2013 MVP (Most Valuable to the Progressive Cause in Delaware) list is coming soon. As soon as I write it, in fact. This Top Ten list reflects those Delawareans who most contributed to the advancement of progressive causes in the year-gone-by. Those on the list don't even have to be progressives (Tony DeLuca and John Sigler have made it, and that doesn't even include the 2010 winner...) , but they have to have made at least one signature contribution to the cause. Once again, I seek your nominees. Several of your suggestions have made it onto previous lists.
Time To Level With Us, Beau

Time To Level With Us, Beau

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Beau Biden apparently wants to have it both ways. According to this article at WDEL.com,   Biden states that he plans to run for reelection in 2014, but refuses to give any update on his health. Although the '...long, curving scar stretching from his left ear to the top of his head' provides a clue. However, Biden "is still refusing to discuss details about a recent health scare that sent him to a Texas cancer center." This in the same interview where he says he'll run for reelection.
The 62 Project: #’s 24 & 38

The 62 Project: #’s 24 & 38

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Kim Williams is among three newcomers who have displayed extraordinary promise during the 2013 legislative session. Consider the number 24 as merely a placeholder as it reflects her lack of time in Dover. She's moving higher. Not only does she have the right profile for a citizen-legislator, she has demonstrated that conscience and effectiveness are not mutually exclusive. Trey Paradee has been the single greatest disappointment to progressives among the 2012 newcomers. Despite expressing support for equal rights for same sex couples back in 2008, Paradee voted against marriage equality. He largely opposed most gun control measures. He has helped to bury a minimum wage increase in the House Business Lapdog Committee. Now, while he technically did not 'go back on his word' on gay marriage (the initial comments dealing with civil unions), he diligently 'worked the refs' to create at least a sense of good will from progressives, including me. He convinced me that this district was not the stereotypical Kent County district of 20 years ago, and then voted as if it was. Fool me once...
The 62 Project: #’s 25 & 37

The 62 Project: #’s 25 & 37

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Mike Mulrooney is a salt-of-the-earth legislator, and I mean that as a compliment. While he doesn't make splashes as a prime sponsor on much legislation, he is a quietly-effective supporter of (mostly) progressive legislation. He meandered from the fold on one gun bill, but that's about it. Rep. Don Blakey is a mild disappointment to me. He is a largely-moderate African-American who could be a bit more like Mike Ramonewithout harming his electoral position, IMHO.  Especially within the R House caucus. While he doesn't vote in lockstep with leadership, he does so far too much to warrant a higher ranking.  For example, why would he stand with the obstructionist elements in his caucus in not supporting 'no-excuses absentee balloting'? There's, um, no excuse for that. All it does is help disenfranchise many of his constituents, some of whom work at the Dover Air Force Base. Why did he vote against gay marriage? Why does he oppose criminal background checks for private weapons purchases?
The 62 Project: #’s 26 and 36

The 62 Project: #’s 26 and 36

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We have the Representatives Short up today. Bryon the the North. Daniel to the South. One is the House Minority Leader. And one is a Democrat in the Brandywine Hundred. Bryon Short combines some of the best and some of the most disappointing elements that I look for in a D legislator in a safe district. He is not just good, but great, on social issues. Not just a reliable supporter of equal rights for all, but a prime House sponsor on legislation ensuring rights for the transgender community.  He has successfully sponsored legislation extending health benefits to dependent children.  He is also a strong supporter of gun control, is someone who pays attention to his district, basically someone who you'd like as your rep. He's even successfully pushed legislation on behalf of animal rights. How can you not like someone who will protect your puppies? The problem, and it's a big one, is that he is in thrall to the Carper/Carney wing of the Party. And business interests uber alles.
John Bleeping Carney

John Bleeping Carney

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John Bleeping Carney. One of 30 'Democrats' to vote to enable 'financial advisors' to continue to rip you off. Worse than useless. Check out this article from Daily Kos:
The Labor Department proposal, known as the “fiduciary rule,” would change the ethical standards by which employer-based retirement products like 401(k)’s and IRAs are marketed and sold. The rule has not been updated since 1975, before 401(k)’s and IRAs even existed. The Labor Department wants to broaden the definition of a “fiduciary” to cover all financial advisers who offer individual investment advice for a fee. Under the rule, they would be legally required to work in the best interest of their clients. For example, a fiduciary would not be able to push investment products on customers in which they have a financial stake.
The 62 Project: #’s 27 & 35

The 62 Project: #’s 27 & 35

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Rebecca Walker has, on paper, the kind of background I look for in a legislator--demonstrated accomplishment in arenas other than politics. She's both a nurse and an attorney, and has practiced in each field. Ernie Lopez first ran for office in New Castle County. I voted for him. Why? Because he was clearly the better candidate when he ran against the ghastly Paul Clark for County Council President in 2004.
The 62 Project: #’s 28 & 34

The 62 Project: #’s 28 & 34

6 Comments
Proof that people can change. Or at least evolve. Today's legislators both moved up the list notably this year, and the change appears to be permanent. Unless, of course, it's not. I think both liberated themselves from barriers of their own making, and it's refreshing to see.