On Monday May 23^rd I attended the last meeting of the Wilmington Port Expansion Task Force in Wilmington, and later that day had a conference call with Compassion and Choices about my Medical Aid in Dying draft bill.  On Tuesday the 24^th I spent the day in Washington DC at a summit of elected officials from across the country, to explore how to reduce gun violence in our states and our country.  On Wednesday the 25^th I had a meeting with the founders of Radio Newark, and that evening attended a meeting of the Newark chapter of the NAACP to discuss improving relations with and opportunities at the University of Delaware with African Americans.  On Friday the 26^th I met with the Governor in Wilmington to discuss several issues, but primarily the proposed high-deductible healthcare plan (HSA) which he has proposed be mandated for new state employees.  On Saturday I door knocked the Abbottsford community, and later in the day attended the 50^th anniversary of the Fairfield-Fairfield-Crest Swim Club.

On Monday (Memorial Day) I attended the dedication of the Reserves/National Guard building to the memory of Beau Biden.  On Tuesday I met with House leadership to discuss priorities and the coming four weeks, and I had another call with Compassion and Choices.  On Wednesday I held my monthly coffee at Caffe’ Gelato, attended a meeting I had called on bike policy with community members, Newark Police, and city staff, and ended the day at the Progressive Democrats for Delaware meeting where Bethany Hall Long and the three Democratic candidates for Insurance Commissioner spoke.  On Thursday the 2^nd I had a conference call about HB 381, prior authorization, and a conference call with owners of manufactured homes regarding draft legislation I am about to introduce, and ended the day in Wilmington at a fundraiser to assist delegates to this summer’s Democratic National Convention.  On Friday I joined a conference call on the Delaware Pathways program, and a bill to establish a Steering Committee for it.  On Saturday I door knocked the Cherry Hill community.

Emails

There were many emails about legislation that I am finalizing, a Medical Aid in Dying bill, a manufactured housing bill, a bill to extend medical marijuana to those with a terminal illness, and an amendment to HB 381, the prior authorization bill.

For a resident I discovered what colored markers in Chapel Hill indicated (upcoming sewer work).

I helped arrange an upcoming visit to Legislative Hall for a UD program hosting leaders from Africa.

I responded to many constituent concerns with three top issues—the significant changes to the deferred compensation plan for state employees, whether school nurses and drivers education financial assistance would continue to be supported by the state budget, and HB 283 which would change how the state’s construction contracts would be executed.

I have continued to monitor not only my midwifery legislation (HB 315, which is on Tuesday’s Senate Agenda), but also the regulations that are out for public comment.

I completed my efforts to get an assurance from DNREC that the upcoming Tri-Valley Trail through the White Clay Creek State Park would NOT be 10-12’ in width, but would be eight feet wide.

I forwarded a constituent’s suggestion that a grocery chain coming to Cecil County be approached by the owners of the Fairfield Shopping enter.  I have had some discussions with DelDOT regarding the Elkton Road/Christina Parkway project.

I have been in discussion with DelDOT about the termination of a portion of a bus route which serves the western and northern portion of Newark, to see if we can better coordinate this removal of service with an increase in service to this area by the city and University’s buses.  I have setup a meeting to explore this further.

I have been in discussion with JFC members, regarding their work these past two weeks to close a $75 million hole in the state budget.