Paid Leave Bill Advances

Issue 8.10

March 11, 2022

There is no question that a healthy economy requires a strong workforce. A skilled and educated workforce draws businesses to Delaware and encourages existing businesses to stay and expand here. Whether college-bound or preparing for a technical or trade job, individuals need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Superstars in Education and Training seeks to celebrate innovative programs that contribute to developing the state’s workforce—of today and tomorrow. Read the full announcement >

MEET OUR 2022 WINNERS:

FOOD BANK OF DELAWARE

Independent Training / Certificate Provider

The Food Bank of Delaware’s job skills training programs—The Culinary School and LOGIC—

serve unemployed and under-employed adults

with barriers to employment.

YEAR UP WILMINGTON

Higher Education

Year Up Wilmington

works to close the opportunity divide by empowering young

adults with the skills, experiences, and support

to reach their potential

and have living wage careers.

HODGSON VO-TECH HIGH SCHOOL

High School

The ACE mentoring program introduces students to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in the fields of architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry.

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us on Monday, May 9th for the Superstars in Education & Training

Awards Ceremony at Wilmington University in New Castle. Register >

One Bill, Two Views

HEALTHY FAMILIES MEAN A HEALTH ECONOMY

By Sen. Sarah McBride

The COVID-19 pandemic has

underscored a simple truth:

we can’t keep our economy going

when we force workers to choose

between their job and their family’s health. While eventually conquering

this pandemic will bring some workers back into the fold—even before

COVID-19—the United States had

already fallen behind other countries

in workforce participation among

critical populations, especially

women. Without smarter, long-term reforms, we will fall further behind.

THE UNINTENDED SIDE EFFECT

OF PAID LEAVE

By Jacqueline Poquette

Opponents of government-mandated

paid family leave point to two reasons: inflexibility and costs imposed on employers. Even if employers do not have to fund the leave, they could face indirect costs from the need to hire replacement workers, coordinate employee schedules, or reassign work tasks. Additionally, a paid-leave mandate could lead to an increase in employee requests for policy changes allotting additional paid time off for those not protected by family paid leave, and may make less money available for pay raises, health insurance, and hiring

more workers. Read more >

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE

HEALTHY DELAWARE FAMILIES ACT

When the first iteration of the Healthy Delaware Families Act—or Senate Bill 1—was introduced in 2021, we were concerned about the major impacts it would have on the business community, particularly on Delaware’s small businesses. Over the last year, we engaged many key partners to receive feedback, which led to conversations with the bill’s sponsor to address these concerns.

The current version more closely reflects the Federal Medical Leave Act. It provides clearer definitions and more time for employers to evaluate their current policies, react, and plan for the future.

As we continue to look at the bill, we are pleased that it is increasingly closer to a policy that allows both employers and employees to appropriately deal with life events while recognizing the economic realities of running a business.

— Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Delaware Business Roundtable

On March 8, the Delaware Senate approved Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 1. It now moves to the House for consideration.

CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!

We look forward to bringing everyone together in person on Monday, April 4. For the health and safety of all attendees, guests will be seated at larger tables than in previous years. With this floor plan, a maximum of 1,000 people can comfortably fit in the room at the Chase Center. To be placed on the waiting list, contact Kelly Basile. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible. Thank you for your support!

Join the waiting list >

Information on the 185th Annual Dinner >

President's Message

A lot has been said about workforce training and development and how in-demand skills or higher-level job proficiency can lead to a higher income and better standard of living. So, I was fascinated while listening to a video of The Ramsey Show where the hosts discussed professions that led to “millionaire” status. The show conducted research on over 10,000 millionaires and found that the top career fields were engineers, accountants, teachers, managers, attorneys, and sixth was medical doctors. Read more >