FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 19, 2018
Delaware State Senate Majority Caucus
Contact: Scott Goss (302) 744-4180, or
Dylan McDowell (302) 744-4282
Delaware State Senate Majority Caucus
Contact: Scott Goss (302) 744-4180, or
Dylan McDowell (302) 744-4282
Senate Pro Tem announces move to weekly agendas
DOVER – Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride announced Friday that, for the first time, the state Senate will release a three-day legislative agenda to the public on the Friday preceding each session week.
Historically, legislative agendas have made available to the public one day at a time – but President Pro Tempore David McBride, D-Hawk’s Nest, says the change will help improve transparency, efficiency, and public participation in the legislature.
“This is, first and foremost, for the public interest,” said Sen. McBride. “Everyone who takes time out of their schedule to come to Legislative Hall to visit, work, or advocate deserves as much notice and opportunity to plan as possible. All of our constituents will be better served when legislators and their staff can prepare for debates and the legislative process.”
“Public participation and access is a proud tradition in Delaware, which is the only state in the Union that invites members of the public onto the Senate floor. It’s my hope that by being more proactive and transparent with our agenda, we can make it as easy as possible for people to take advantage of that opportunity.”
The Senate agenda is distributed electronically and throughout Legislative Hall by the Secretary of the Senate. It is also available online at www.legis.delaware.gov. McBride says the three-day agenda will be subject to minor adjustments, when necessary, but expects that the reform will be a major step forward for operational efficiency and public access to the legislative process.
Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilmington, said the change was good for advocates and members of the public.
“Keeping up-to-date with what is happening in Legislative Hall is easier than many people realize,” said Sen. Henry. “But we also know that, for many Delawareans, coming to Dover to make their voice heard means taking time off work, getting somebody to watch their kids, or scheduling transportation. That’s tough to do when the agenda is a moving target.”
Senate Majority Whip Nicole Poore, D-New Castle, says the additional time to prepare is helpful for the public and legislators alike.
“A single bill requires months of research, drafting, input, debate, negotiation, and compromise,” said Sen. Poore. “Having an extra day or two’s notice about a floor debate gives us time to fully prepare for debate and ensure that the constituents and experts who make change possible can be there to help and observe. And on the whole, that helps us write better policy and be more responsive as a government.”
Republican senators say they’re happy with the extra transparency.
"I think it's a good idea to make our business a little more transparent to the public, so they can prepare or comment on it," said Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson, R-Milford. "That's not to say you couldn't bring something else up that isn't in that period, but overall, it's a good idea.”
“We are pleased to learn about the change in policy as it relates to making the Senate agenda public ahead of session day,” said Senate Minority Whip Greg Lavelle, R-Sharpley. “This will not only be good for and benefit the public, but it will help all the Senators as well as we consider the legislation that will come before us. We have heard from the public, and it is a sentiment we share, how frustrating it is to not know what bills are coming up for a vote before we arrive in Dover. A three day window into the agenda will be a welcome change for all. We really look forward to this policy extending into the last few days of the legislative session, especially June 30 and the wee hours of July 1.”
The new agenda system will be implemented beginning on the legislative week of January 23 – 25.
Historically, legislative agendas have made available to the public one day at a time – but President Pro Tempore David McBride, D-Hawk’s Nest, says the change will help improve transparency, efficiency, and public participation in the legislature.
“This is, first and foremost, for the public interest,” said Sen. McBride. “Everyone who takes time out of their schedule to come to Legislative Hall to visit, work, or advocate deserves as much notice and opportunity to plan as possible. All of our constituents will be better served when legislators and their staff can prepare for debates and the legislative process.”
“Public participation and access is a proud tradition in Delaware, which is the only state in the Union that invites members of the public onto the Senate floor. It’s my hope that by being more proactive and transparent with our agenda, we can make it as easy as possible for people to take advantage of that opportunity.”
The Senate agenda is distributed electronically and throughout Legislative Hall by the Secretary of the Senate. It is also available online at www.legis.delaware.gov. McBride says the three-day agenda will be subject to minor adjustments, when necessary, but expects that the reform will be a major step forward for operational efficiency and public access to the legislative process.
Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilmington, said the change was good for advocates and members of the public.
“Keeping up-to-date with what is happening in Legislative Hall is easier than many people realize,” said Sen. Henry. “But we also know that, for many Delawareans, coming to Dover to make their voice heard means taking time off work, getting somebody to watch their kids, or scheduling transportation. That’s tough to do when the agenda is a moving target.”
Senate Majority Whip Nicole Poore, D-New Castle, says the additional time to prepare is helpful for the public and legislators alike.
“A single bill requires months of research, drafting, input, debate, negotiation, and compromise,” said Sen. Poore. “Having an extra day or two’s notice about a floor debate gives us time to fully prepare for debate and ensure that the constituents and experts who make change possible can be there to help and observe. And on the whole, that helps us write better policy and be more responsive as a government.”
Republican senators say they’re happy with the extra transparency.
"I think it's a good idea to make our business a little more transparent to the public, so they can prepare or comment on it," said Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson, R-Milford. "That's not to say you couldn't bring something else up that isn't in that period, but overall, it's a good idea.”
“We are pleased to learn about the change in policy as it relates to making the Senate agenda public ahead of session day,” said Senate Minority Whip Greg Lavelle, R-Sharpley. “This will not only be good for and benefit the public, but it will help all the Senators as well as we consider the legislation that will come before us. We have heard from the public, and it is a sentiment we share, how frustrating it is to not know what bills are coming up for a vote before we arrive in Dover. A three day window into the agenda will be a welcome change for all. We really look forward to this policy extending into the last few days of the legislative session, especially June 30 and the wee hours of July 1.”
The new agenda system will be implemented beginning on the legislative week of January 23 – 25.
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- Press Contacts
Scott Goss
Communications Director
(302) 744-4180
scott.goss@delaware.gov
Dylan McDowell
Communications Assistant
(302) 744-4282
dylan.mcdowell@delaware.gov